Ling Xiao used his gaze to ask Jin Guang Tianzun whether he should go easy on Leng Hao.
However, Jin Guang Tianzun’s telepathic message to him was, “Give that lad a proper wake-up call. His cultivation has advanced, and he’s become a bit too arrogant. We need to curb his pride.”
“Alright then.”
Ling Xiao gave a wry smile. Honestly, Jin Guang Tianzun, if you want to discipline your own disciple, why make me do it? Sigh.
Might as well give it a go.
The spectators were eagerly anticipating this battle, after all, Leng Hao was considered one of the two great geniuses alongside Ming Tian. Though his cultivation was slightly lacking, that was due to a weaker foundation to begin with.
When it came to cultivation speed, not only did he not lag behind Ming Tian, he was even slightly faster.
Whether Ling Xiao’s skills were genuine or not, this fight would make it clear.
To their disappointment, however, the battle ended far quicker than they had imagined.
In their view, even if Leng Hao couldn’t defeat Ling Xiao, he should at least hold his own for a hundred moves.
Yet Ling Xiao defeated Leng Hao in just one move!
Well, at least he used a technique!
Snow Lotus Sword Art, Flying Snow!
It was Ling Xiao’s most commonly used sword technique.
He wielded the same Ice Dragon Sword as always.
Nothing particularly special was employed.
This left the Supreme Leader greatly disappointed.
Yet with that single move, Leng Hao’s protective true essence was shattered, a bloody hole appeared in his shoulder, and he was sent flying by the strike.
Lying on the ground, Leng Hao could hardly believe the outcome.
He hadn’t even had the chance to use a technique, and he was already defeated!
Elder Jin and the Supreme Leader exchanged a glance, both seeing the shock in each other’s eyes.
Guang Han Tianzun and Yang Danlin, on the other hand, were beaming with joy.
As for Jin Guang Tianzun, he went straight to his disciple Leng Hao, whispering something in his ear, though no one knew what was said.
Leng Hao, who had been dejected, suddenly reignited with fighting spirit.
“Ling Xiao, from now on, Ming Tian is no longer my target. You will be the one I strive to surpass!”
With that, Leng Hao returned to Jin Guang Tianzun’s side, sat cross-legged, and began healing.
Ling Xiao hadn’t struck too harshly, so his injuries weren’t actually severe.
After this round of battles, more contestants were eliminated, leaving fifty remaining.
This Tower Ascension Ceremony had a total of fifty participants, but with ten seeded contestants, the qualification rounds were for forty spots.
Thus, ten more needed to be eliminated.
Another round of battles should just about do it.
Ling Xiao took a deep breath.
He had a bad feeling. The way the Supreme Leader was looking at him, it was as if he were some sort of test subject. Surely they weren’t planning to pit Bai Feifei against him?
He shook his head. So be it, let them fight. Who’s afraid of whom? As long as they’re not worried about losing face!
Ling Xiao gave a cold smirk, secretly even a bit excited.
Among those with the best records so far, it seemed everyone had a backer.
Bai Feifei represented the Supreme Leader.
Ming Tian represented Mo Yan Tianzun.
Wu Yang and Qin Wu were backed by Elder Jin.
Leng Hao represented Jin Guang Tianzun.
Ling Xiao, representing the entire outer sect, naturally had the support of the outer sect hall master, Wu Gou Tianzun.
Of course, he also had the backing of Yang Danlin and Guang Han Tianzun, but that was another matter.
At this stage of the competition, though the higher-ups weren’t fighting, they were secretly competing, each hoping their disciple or representative would achieve a resounding victory.
“Junior Brother Ling, as long as you don’t face my senior sister Bai Feifei, or Wu Yang and Qin Wu, you should be fine, right?”
Lan Yuer, though a disciple of the Supreme Leader, was clearly a bit overly concerned about Ling Xiao.
“That’s true.”
Ling Xiao smiled. Lan Yuer wasn’t wrong. He could defeat Wu Yang and Qin Wu, though he’d likely need to use some extraordinary measures.
As for defeating Bai Feifei, that would be even trickier.
“What a pity, senior sister. My opponent this round is none other than your senior sister, Bai Feifei!”
Ling Xiao shrugged helplessly, showing Lan Yuer the number he’d drawn.
“No way!”
Lan Yuer gave a wry smile, “Junior Brother Ling, you’re just too unlucky. Oh well, you haven’t lost a single match yet. Just concede when you face my senior sister. You’re no match for her.”
“I’d love to concede, but I’m afraid she won’t give me the chance.”
Ling Xiao smiled bitterly, “Your senior sister is so strong. If she forces me to fight, I’ll have no choice but to take a hit from her.”
“What do we do then?”
Lan Yuer asked worriedly.
“It’ll be fine. There’s always a way.”
Ling Xiao smiled.
The battles resumed.
Zhao Zhi’s final fight was extremely tough. Relying on the high-grade defensive treasure Ling Xiao had given him, he took a hit and narrowly defeated his opponent!
He likely knew this might be the final round, so he went all out.
Dai Yuling was less fortunate, facing Wu Yang. On Ling Xiao’s advice, she conceded immediately.
Thus, she had lost twice but wasn’t eliminated yet.
Shangguan Lei’s opponent was evenly matched, but with his defensive treasure, he managed to win in the end.
Both Zhao Zhi and Shangguan Lei’s victories were somewhat thanks to Ling Xiao.
As for Leng Hao, though he was crushed by Ling Xiao, he won decisively this round, defeating an opponent stronger than him. Clearly, his cultivation had broken through!
Qin Wu’s opponent conceded directly, so he won easily.
Ming Tian’s opponent didn’t concede but was still defeated in one move, utterly powerless.
“Ming Tian! Ming Tian!”
So far, Ming Tian maintained a perfect record, partly because he hadn’t faced Bai Feifei, Wu Yang, or Qin Wu, but it was still an impressive feat.
He had no shortage of fans among the spectators.
Yet Ming Tian seemed unsatisfied.
After his victory, his gaze locked onto Ling Xiao, his fighting spirit surging, startling many.
The crowd turned to Ling Xiao.
They expected him to at least acknowledge Ming Tian with respect or equal attention.
But no.
Ling Xiao, eyes closed, completely ignored Ming Tian.
To him, someone like Ming Tian, who betrayed his master and abandoned loyalty, wasn’t even worthy of being his opponent.
Even if Ming Tian were stronger, Ling Xiao wouldn’t bother paying him any mind.
“What’s with Ling Xiao’s attitude? Does he look down on the top genius?”
“Exactly, what’s he so smug about? He only beat Leng Hao. Can Leng Hao even compare to Ming Tian?”
“A bunch of idiots! Your vision is narrower than a frog in a well.”
Leng Hao scoffed disdainfully, “Ling Xiao’s strength is beyond your comprehension. Don’t believe me? Anyone want to bet?”
“Bet on what?”
“I bet Ling Xiao will beat Senior Sister Bai!”
Leng Hao’s words were shocking.
Even Jin Guang Tianzun thought his disciple had gone mad.
Ling Xiao, with a wry smile, thought, Mate, I was just thinking about it, and you’re already pushing me into the fire!
