Chương 365: Chapter 311: Valiant

~~~ Unlike her cousin, Ding Yan of the Endlessly Raging Valley effortlessly claims victory over her opponent. Three matches later, Su Daji also secures her advancement to the next round, winning without needing to reveal her cultivation. The girl smiles and waves to the audience before returning to the waiting room of the Endlessly Raging Valley.

"Hmph, you are quite daring to show your face around here after spending all that time cavorting with the Emperor of the Storm Dragon Empire." Su Daji aims an unimpressed look at Ruan Leji but does not wish to dignify his words with a response. Ding Yan has no such issue.

"Shut up," she says, rolling her eyes at him.

"You Ruans are so fond of running your mouths, but you never manage to say anything worthwhile."

"But cousin!" Ding Wenzhe, Ding Yan's distant cousin, cries out from the side of the room, "He does bring up a valid-""Losers who brought shame to the clan should stay silent," Ding Yan says, mercilessly silencing her relative and making him look away in shame.

"Anything Su Daji does is with the blessings of the Wandering Wind. Is there anyone here who thinks they know better than the Wandering Wind? Well?" She looks around, seeking to meet each gaze in the room, daring them to step forward. No one does. Ding Yan scoffs.

"Pathetic." She turns around but finds that Su Daji is no longer there. The purple-haired girl has gone to sit in a secluded corner of the room.

"Hey!" she says, going over to her.

"Don't leave when I'm in the middle of defending you!"

"I never asked you to," Su Daji replies, but there is a small smile on her face. The part of her that is Su An finds it amusing to be on the opposite side of this type of interaction for once.

"But thanks."

"Naturally," Ding Yan says.

"Lessers need to understand their place." After a moment of silence, she quickly looks around to make sure everyone is paying more attention to the transmission crystal before leaning in.

"So?" Su Daji blinks.

"The Emperor!" Ding Yan whispers urgently.

"What did you do with him? Are he and the Wandering Wind planning something?" Su Daji blinks in confusion but does not get the chance to answer. The announcer's voice cuts through the room.

"Chen Guo of the Infinite Mountain Sect Vs. Pan Qiu of the Eternal Flame Clan!"

"That poor bastard," Ding Yan says.

"He was too unlucky." Su Daji is not inclined to disagree, and judging by the nervous way in which Pan Qiu steps into the arena, the man knows it, too. Chen Guo has accomplished several impressive deeds during the past decade, which have earned him an impressive reputation despite his age. Without a doubt, he is one of the strongest competitors in the tournament, and he's certainly the strongest member of the Infinite Mountain Sect. A random disciple of the Eternal Flame Clan is not his match.

~~~ Pan Qiu hates this. He lifts his head to the Heavens and looks upon them in silent suffering. A mere twelve feet away from him stands one of the finest jewels produced by the Infinite Mountain Sect. As Young Master Feng Zhi is to the Eternal Flame Clan, Chen Guo is to the Infinite Mountain Sect, though perhaps comparing him to the likes of Feng Zhuo is more accurate. Either way, the issue remains the same. Whether physically or spiritually, Chen Guo towers over him.

There is not a single person in the entire city who will say otherwise. As far as everyone is concerned, this match is already over.

"You are not my match," Chen Guo says after a few breaths have passed. He has yet to attack because he does not need to seize the initiative.

"You should have realized this when we fought in the forest. Your abilities are impressive, and there is no doubt you shall continue to grow stronger. Seeking to battle me here is foolishness. I ask that you surrender." Pan Qiu bursts out laughing. The sight must be confusing for Chen Guo and the audience. Some must think he has broken under pressure. It is not exactly far from the truth.

"You…You really are a kind person," Pan Qiu says. His voice is low enough that only Chen Guo hears him. An unkind person would have already defeated him. By allowing him to surrender, Chen Guo is trying to spare him from what would be a humiliating loss. It would allow him to save some face.

"That's why you don't understand a damn thing!" Pan Qiu's Qi rises. His bracelet breaks. Earth Realm, Level 4. Surrendering? What face is he going to save by surrendering? Is meekly bowing in front of his opponent supposed to make him look good? Impress the audience by showing them how prudent he is? A dog that knows his place. Yes, that will certainly go over well. No, that sort of sensible thinking is far too dangerous for the likes of him!

From the moment he was chosen to participate in the tournament, Pan Qiu was burdened by expectations and responsibilities. The disciples of the Eternal Flame Clan must not shame the Eternal Flame Clan. Surrendering in front of Chen Guo means shaming Lord Feng Gui, Lord Feng Shang, and Elder Xue, all of whom are watching him right now. Pan Qiu is nowhere near brave enough to do that!

"You are making a mistake," Chen Guo tells him. Nevertheless, he assumes a stance and prepares. His Qi is still hidden. As expected, Chen Guo does not see him as someone worth using his full power on.

"Wrong," Pan Qiu says.

"There is no mistake in this. I am not here to attempt to do something so asinine as winning." Chen Guo's face is inscrutable, yet Pan Qiu almost feels a glimmer of confusion in the man. Shaking his head, Pan Qiu manages to smile.

"You really have no concept of proper cowardice," Pan Qiu says. He attacks before he has finished his sentence. [Empyrean Feathers] Pan Qiu brings his hands together and shoots blue flames shaped like the feathers of a peacock from them. The feathers crash into Chen Guo's body, creating powerful blue explosions that fill the arena with smoke of the same color. The display is both pretty and powerful, but what surprises the audience most is Pan Qiu's willingness to attack Chen Guo.

Perhaps none is more surprised than Chen Guo, who walks through the blue smoke without a single injury on his body. It is exactly what Pan Qiu expected. He takes a deep breath and prepares his next attack. [Empyrean Sm—] The technique is cut short as Chen Guo lunges forward, needing far fewer steps to cover the distance between the two than Pan Qiu expected him to. Chen Guo's massive fist slams into Pan Qiu's stomach.

The force from the blow spreads through Pan Qiu's entire body and pushes through his back, actually tearing a hole in the shape of Chen Guo's fist on the back of Pan Qiu's robes. This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author's work. Pan Qiu hacks and coughs as he backs away, barely managing to remain on his feet. Only sheer willpower keeps him from throwing up. One punch. That was just one punch.

"I knew it," he says.

"I knew it'd be like this."

"If you did, then surrender," Chen Guo tells him.

"I do not mean to offend when I say this, but I do not wish to bully you." And a fight between them cannot be anything but. Despite that, Pan Qiu smiles once more.

"That's not what I meant," he says. A trickle of blood flows from his mouth. His vision is already swaying. Really, this is not fair at all.

"When I learned I was fighting you, I cursed the Heavens. However, the more I thought about it, the more I realized it could have been much worse." Chen Guo's face does not change, but once more, he feels confusion coming from the man. It's only natural. There has probably not been a single person who's ever been glad to face him.

"You," Pan Qiu says, pointing at him, "are way too kind." If he was facing the girl from the Divine Frozen Palace, he'd already be in a block of ice. If he was facing Lu Mei, his clothes would be in ashes, and the world would be laughing at his nakedness. If he was facing Qing Jin… Pan Qiu does not even want to imagine that. However, he's facing Chen Guo. The man could have beaten him with that punch, but he hadn't. [Empyrean Smiting] A massive orb of flame manifests above their heads like a blue sun.

Pan Qiu brings his hand down and sends the orb crashing down on top of Chen Guo's head. The disciple of the Infinite Mountain Sect looks perplexed for a moment before bringing his fist up. The flames scatter with that single powerful punch. Three steps take Chen Guo right in front of Pan Qiu, his fist already drawn back. Blue flames ignite in Pan Qiu's feet as he dashes away, dodging Chen Guo's attack and letting it resonate throughout the barrier. Pan Qiu grins.

"Compared to facing you, the outside world is a much scarier place." ~~~ Up in the Divine Frozen Palace's box, Bai Wen blinks.

"Did you notice?" Bai Lianshi asks her disciple.

"I am not entirely sure," Bai Wen says, frowning and pursing her lips as she studies the fight with more interest than she expected. Chen Guo has not suffered any injuries, but despite having gone on the offensive, he has yet to land a single clear hit after the first one.

"Is it a movement technique?" Bai Wen wonders.

"That's not it, Little Wen," Meng Yue says.

"Look closely." ~~~"Are you certain? I thought I noticed something odd in their previous fights, but most were over so quickly I couldn't be sure."

"I am entirely certain," replies Elder Chen over at the Infinite Mountain Sect's box.

"There is no doubt in my mind about it." ~~~"His natural speed is too high for his level," Ruan Chenshu realizes over in the Endlessly Raging Valley's box.

"But that would mean…"

"They figured out a way to lessen the effects of the Earth Realm," the Wandering Wind finishes for him before yawning.

"What's surprising about that?" ~~~"Look! They're noticing! They're noticing!" Lord Feng Gui says, laughing maniacally in his seat and basking in the intensity of the stares aimed at him from the other boxes.

"Brother, please," Lord Feng Shang says. His expression is one of habitual long-suffering.

"Contain yourself a little."

"I do not see why he should, brother-in-law," Lady Ling says, smiling as she holds her husband's hand.

"The Patriarch of the Eternal Flame Clan is free to express his joy however he sees fit."

"Future Patriarch," counters Lady Feng.

"And it might be best if you abstained from interfering in conversations between brothers."

"Oh, it's fine! It's fine! My wife can say whatever she likes! My brother can do the same! You as well, dearest sister-in-law," Lord Feng Gui says, taking a moment to drink from his wine.

"Today is a good day!"

"It's heartening to see you happy, Uncle," Feng Zhuo says with a bright smile.

"Of course, I am happy, nephew. Every single one of them is realizing what we have on our hands," Lord Feng Gui replies.

"Do you suppose Bai Lianshi is glaring at us right now, brother?" Lady Feng clears her throat. Loudly. Lady Ling smiles. Feng Hao blinks in confusion.

"I would not know," Lord Feng Shang replies. His voice manages to be completely without emotion.

"I imagine the other Sects are curious," Feng Zhuo says."It is not every day that someone achieves a way of defeating the Earth Realm. It is an excellent achievement, Uncle." Lord Feng Gui recognizes the flattery for what it is, an attempt to steer the conversation elsewhere. However, he's in a good mood.

"Naturally," he says.

"However, I cannot claim credit. It is the work of Elder Xue and the Apothecary."

"Likewise, I'd be rude if I claimed the work as my own. It was through the efforts of the disciples of my division that the elixir was born," Elder Xue says.

"Created with the feathers of a Black-Winged Imperial Eagle, it maximizes the effects of the Spring of Enduring Valour, empowering the body in a way that allows them to better handle the pull of the Earth Realm. To put it simply…" She gestures at the fight happening in the arena.

"It makes one faster."

"If it's like that," Feng Hao begins somewhat hesitantly. The child shuffles awkwardly as everyone's eyes turn to him, "Shouldn't it be given to all our disciples?"

"Absolutely not," Lord Feng Gui says.

"Putting aside the cost of such an endeavor, the Earth Realm has a purpose. Surely, your tutors have taught you that?" Feng Hao nods.

"The curse of the Earth Realm prepares our body for the rigors of Heaven," Feng Hao recites from memory.

"Nicely said, Young Master," Elder Xue congratulates him.

"The lessons of the Earth Realm cannot be ignored, so attempts to lessen its burdens must be handled carefully. It is not a concern if you do not attempt to overcome the Earth, but that is not the standard we hold our disciples to. After testing, we have concluded that it is safest to give the procedure to those who have at least reached the Third Level of the Earth Realm, a great boon to our delegation."

"And a great boon to us," Lord Feng Gui says.

"Everyone watching this battle now realizes we have an advantage over them. They will not rest until they figure out how we did it." Lord Feng Shang sighs.

"You are planning on selling the recipe." Lord Feng Gui grins.

"If I try to keep the process hidden, they will get their hands on it within a decade. Besides, Emperor Qing Jin knows about it as well, so it is not exclusive to us. We might as well make a profit while we can," he explains.

"Black-Winged Imperial Eagles are such rare animals, and we have acquired so many eggs over the past three years. Wouldn't it be nice if there was a sudden demand for them?" ~~~ Pan Qiu is already tired. His blue flames roar across the ring as he desperately tries to keep one step ahead of Chen Guo. Pan Qiu's speed is higher, yet there is something about the way Chen Guo is moving that allows him to cover distances far too efficiently.

Sometimes, those giant fists of his will come entirely too close to Pan Qiu's face. The moment Pan Qiu fails to dodge, the fight will be over. The disciple of the Infinite Mountain Sect will not hold back a second time. The stress of always needing to be one step ahead of such a foe is maddening. And yet, being in the ring with Chen Guo's fist is the safest place for him. Outside, there are Emperors. Outside, there are monsters. Outside, there are expectations.

Chen Guo might be a mountain, but how can a mountain hope to compare to the cruelty of the entire world? It is impossible. A coward like Pan Qiu understands that well. It is not something as trite as determination that guides Pan Qiu to fight. It is fear. Is there any man that can run faster than one fleeing in terror? Pan Qiu does not think so. Pan Qiu grits his teeth and brings his fist forward, unleashing a steady stream of blue flames. A backhand from Chen Guo knocks the fire away as he advances on him.

The distance shrinks to nothing. Chen Guo's fist comes down on Pan Qiu's head, but fire blooms on Pan Qiu's feet as he slides out of the way just in time. However, he does not try to put much distance between himself and Chen Guo. Instead, he keeps himself less than a foot away from the taller man, just at a different angle. Pan Qiu strikes. [Empyrean Flame] His attack lands. Chen Guo grunts as the fire hits him, but that's all the reaction he gets. It does not matter.

Even as Chen Guo turns to hit him, Pan Qiu just moves to a different angle. He understands now. He cannot do things halfway. He has already decided it is safest near the mountain, so he must commit to it. What follows is almost like a dance. Pan Qiu stays within a foot's radius of Chen Guo, moving around the larger man's body to dodge his attacks and countering with his own. It is a dangerous gamble where a single mistake would mean the end, yet Pan Qiu does not dare try anything else.

He repeats the process again and again with an unerring precision, marveling the crowd. Alas, all things come to an end. Chen Guo's Qi rises. Something shatters, and for the first time, Pan Qiu feels his opponent's Qi. Earth Realm. Level Nine.

"You are a very annoying man," Chen Guo says, stopping Pan Qiu's fist with one hand. It feels like he could break it by just squeezing, "However, you have given me an important lesson, and for that, I must thank you." The blow comes less than a second later. Pan Qiu is not conscious to hear Chen Guo declared the winner. Nevertheless…

"As expected! That guy was never Chen Guo's match!"

"Even so, he put up a valiant fight!"

"I can't believe someone in the Fourth Level of the Earth Realm could force Chen Guo to reveal his cultivation! What a tenacious man!" Pan Qiu leaves the ring having accomplished everything he wanted. ~~~