Amid the crowd’s chatter, matches proceeded and concluded one after another.
As the rounds progressed, battles ended startlingly fast. When top fighters acted, some settled their opponents in ten moves.
Others resolved fights in just one or two moves.
Some even surrendered upon taking the stage.
Of course, such outcomes occurred when the strength gap was significant, roughly a third of all matches.
Most battles required over a hundred moves to determine a winner, as many competitors were closely matched.
After watching Po Qianjun and Feng Moting’s match, Ling Xiao turned to focus on the fights of those he cared about.
Lan Yuer was steady. So far, only one opponent, a top-twenty finalist from the last Martial Arts Festival, lasted over twenty moves against her.
No one else survived twenty moves.
Like a refined moon goddess, when the image of the Yuehua Heavenly Maiden appeared behind her, opponents were overwhelmed by a tidal wave of attacks.
Each move carried the charm of moonlight on water, making foes retreat before even fighting.
Even fiercer was Long Chen. No one had lasted ten moves against him.
Like a valiant iron-blooded warrior, his attacks were heavy and powerful, each move imbued with the majesty and strength of the dragon clan.
Standing before him was like facing a colossal divine dragon, intimidated by its aura. Just standing firm was a feat.
Initially, many refused to accept defeat, eager to challenge them. But as the matches deepened, their fearsome prowess became clear.
In their groups, some began forfeiting against Lan Yuer and Long Chen.
There was no point clashing with such opponents. It brought no gain and could affect later matches.
Fighting Lan Yuer left one’s muscles feeling frozen, impacting performance for several matches after.
Fighting Long Chen was worse.
Every bout ended with broken bones or torn tendons, leaving the body battered with internal injuries, even more debilitating.
In contrast, both remained calm and unruffled, fighting with apparent ease.
By comparison, Dai Yuling and Leng Hao’s matches were less smooth.
Still, as young geniuses with unique martial souls, Dai Yuling had only lost once, to a top-ten finalist from the previous festival.
Leng Hao was less fortunate, losing twice, but to formidable foes: one ranked ninth, the other tenth from last time.
Recovering quickly after losses was already impressive for him.
If the strength gap wasn’t large, even against higher cultivation, they could win. That was a genius’s quality.
Currently, Yuehua Sect, judging by the festival finals, had surpassed the southern and eastern three sects.
Yuehua Sect had four finalists.
Jianwang Sect had only Jian Wuji.
Beast King Palace had only Ying Wuya.
As for the southern three sects, Gu King Sect had three, Poison King Sect one, and Tang Sect two, fewer than Yuehua.
Moreover, the southern sects’ core disciples Tang Jiu, Bei Duanchang, and Li Youdao were taken out by Ling Xiao, so despite decent numbers, most would likely be eliminated in the first round.
The truly dominant were Tianwang Sect, Bishui Divine Palace, and Xuanhuo Sect.
Together, these three accounted for over half the participants, with the western three sects taking most of the rest.
“This festival’s finals, though our eastern three sects have fewer participants, the quality is high,” eastern sect warriors discussed below.
“Indeed, Jian Wuji, one of the Sacred Dynasty’s six young masters, wins in one move or by forfeit. Ying Wuya’s also strong, winning four matches easily.”
“And Yuehua Sect’s group, all performing well. Long Chen, from our eastern sect’s Divine Sword Sect, is especially eye-catching!”
On the stands, Tianyan Tianzun and Jinguang Tianzun discussed the matches.
“It seems our Yuehua Sect must carry the eastern three sects’ banner,” Jinguang Tianzun said with emotion. “For years, Yuehua Sect has never been so prominent.”
Tianyan Tianzun nodded, smiling. “Indeed, Lan Yuer, Dai Yuling, Leng Hao, and Ling Xiao, our genius. Yuehua Sect has multiple safeguards, entering a rare golden age. After this festival, we’ll surely be a pivotal sect among the twelve.”
“Tianyan, do you think all four can advance?” Jinguang Tianzun asked.
“Certainly. Our four reaching the top hundred and earning the ‘Hero’ title is no issue. But for the top fifty, Ling Xiao and Lan Yuer are the safest bets. The other two depend on luck and performance,” Tianyan Tianzun replied after thinking.
“I agree. Four disciples in the top hundred, becoming Heroes, is a miracle already. Even one step further is a new beginning,” Jinguang Tianzun nodded.
“Enough talk, Ling Xiao’s match is starting again, against that Yan Liehuo from the prelims,” Tianyan Tianzun said suddenly.
Jinguang Tianzun nodded, and all eyes turned to Ling Xiao’s arena.
To let spectators see all ten arenas, the finals’ venue was cleverly designed, allowing clear views from any angle.
Likely the work of an array master.
In the tenth group’s arena, Ling Xiao and Yan Liehuo stood ten meters apart.
“Ling Xiao, your progress surprises me, but today, I’ve fully mastered the Red Flame Spear, enhancing my Demon Spear soul. Beating me won’t be easy,” Yan Liehuo said.
As a Xuanhuo Sect disciple, he didn’t want to lose easily to Ling Xiao, as that would be too humiliating.
He clearly feared Ling Xiao. Against others, he fought without words, winning easily.
But with Ling Xiao, he tried psychological tactics.
He wanted Ling Xiao to fear his Demon Spear soul, hoping it’d give him a chance.
Sadly, his mind games targeted the wrong person. Besides Shengzi, none of the Sacred Dynasty’s six young masters fazed Ling Xiao.
But he had no choice. Lacking confidence to beat Ling Xiao, he resorted to such tricks.
