“This round is quite relaxed for today.” A smile also appeared on the face of the Wu clan patriarch.
Although he did not dare to dream of winning the championship himself, he certainly wanted to advance as far as possible. Drawing a pushover naturally made him happy. If he had drawn a participant from the Dao Alliance or one of the six major forces, that would have been terrible luck.
Although only first place carried a reward, and no other ranking offered any, advancing to a respectable position in the peak competition could still make one’s name known.
That in itself was an achievement.
As the grandest and highest-level competition among the human race, the peak competition naturally held great prestige.
If he could break into the top thirty, he would gain the title of “having once reached the top thirty in the peak competition”. This added a layer of glory. Wherever he went, others would look upon him with greater respect, or even awe, because of this accolade.
This was why some Harmony Realm cultivators participated in the peak competition even when they knew they had no hope of winning the championship.
Achieving a strong ranking could greatly enhance their reputation.
The benefits were numerous. First, it was an honour. Second, they could use this title and aura to attract others to join their forces. Even in everyday contests for resources or opportunities, such a title could intimidate rivals.
Matches on the arena had resumed once more.
Lin Yun continued to watch the fights closely, but so far, he could not identify anyone particularly outstanding or with clear championship potential.
After all, in these first two rounds, true experts could win their matches easily without revealing much. Naturally, their full capabilities remained hidden.
Around ten o’clock in the morning, it was finally Lin Yun’s turn.
“The next match will be Bei Chen versus Wu Yuanguang.”
As the referee’s voice rang out on the arena, Lin Yun and the Wu clan patriarch ascended the stage together.
“I truly did not expect Brother Bei Chen to face Wu Yuanguang,” Dong Jian sighed.
“I hope Brother Bei Chen gives him a good beating,” Wu Chengtian said through gritted teeth, his eyes filled with hatred.
“Wu Yuanguang’s strength is considerable. I wonder if Friend Bei Chen can handle him,” Manor Lord Wu said with a trace of worry.
Manor Lord Wu certainly knew how formidable Wu Yuanguang was, but he had no clear idea of Lin Yun’s current strength.
“It should be fine,” Dong Jian replied.
…
After Lin Yun and the patriarch took the stage, waves of discussion rose from the crowd.
The Wu clan’s reputation far exceeded that of Falling Star Sect, whom Lin Yun had faced yesterday. Therefore, this match drew a fair amount of attention.
Falling Star Sect had only existed for a little over a hundred thousand years, whereas the Wu clan boasted a history of over a million years. Their foundation was quite solid.
“I did not expect Patriarch Wu Yuanguang to draw an unknown nobody. It seems his advancement to the next round is a foregone conclusion.”
“By the way, I recall that fellow called Bei Chen defeated the sect master of Falling Star Sect yesterday, and in a single move. I wonder if he has any chance against Wu Yuanguang.”
“Definitely impossible. The Wu clan’s foundation is right there. How could an unknown youngster possibly defeat him?”
…
On the arena.
“Young one, surrender now and spare yourself physical suffering,” the Wu patriarch said with hands clasped behind his back.
“Patriarch Wu, I find your son extremely displeasing. Therefore, I will not hold back against you,” Lin Yun replied, his gaze sharpening slightly.
Lin Yun knew of the grudge between the Wu clan and Manor Lord Wu. It was this very patriarch who had schemed years ago to force Manor Lord Wu out of the family.
Since he had now encountered the man, Lin Yun saw no reason not to teach him a lesson.
“You are young, yet your mouth is bold. You think you are qualified to dislike my son? The Wu clan is not something you can afford to offend. Today, this old man will teach you a lesson!”
“Myriad Flames Slash!”
Wu Yuanguang drew a Da Luo heavenly soldier-grade battle knife and slashed fiercely. The blade instantly transformed into towering waves of fire. His divine sense and physical power erupted in the same moment.
In an instant, Lin Yun could tell that the man’s physical realm was one and a half major stages below his own, while his divine sense lagged by two major stages. He was somewhat stronger than Lin Yun’s opponent from yesterday.
Moreover, the power of his knife technique was quite impressive, far surpassing that of his son Wu Jun.
“Your strength is indeed respectable among the Harmony Realm. Unfortunately, in my eyes, you remain utterly inadequate,” Lin Yun said, shaking his head with a faint smile.
