Chapter 473: 22: Unprecedented Battle!

Chapter 473: Chapter 22: Unprecedented Battle!

Qin Zhen and Kou Fa both had successfully made their breakthrough and become Martial Arts Masters!

One was thirty-one, and the other sixty-one, a thirty-year difference, so Qin Zhen’s prospects were definitely higher than Kou Fa’s.

Yet, Qin Zhen wasn’t as joyful as Kou Fa because he ultimately failed to ascend the Fengyun Leaderboard.

This challenge against Kou Fa, Qin Zhen hoped he could defeat his opponent before making his breakthrough, so that he might successfully claim a spot on the Fengyun Leaderboard.

Unfortunately, he fell short.

At the end of the battle, both knew that unless they fought to the death, it was hard to decide the winner, so they chose to make their breakthrough together.

Qin Zhen still couldn’t defeat those on the Fengyun Leaderboard and broke through to the next realm as a candidate, thus missing his chance to ever be on the Fengyun Leaderboard.

Moreover, there would no longer be a similar leaderboard for him to “strive for fame” on.

Because encounters between Martial Arts Masters and Great Grandmasters were rare, they lacked sufficient records to be ranked.

Moreover, even an intelligence organization like “Under Heaven” wouldn’t dare to list Martial Arts Masters and Great Grandmasters; it was too easy to offend people.

“Under Heaven” couldn’t afford to offend them!

Qin Zhen sighed inwardly and turned to leave the arena.

This scene left many in the audience puzzled.

Why did this man, who had successfully made his breakthrough and become a widely-admired Martial Arts Master, seem somewhat desolate?

“Principal Qi, congratulations.”

On the main stand, True Master Xuan Chen of Upper Pure Sect said to Tianqu University’s Principal Qi Zhou.

“Ha ha ha.”

Qi Zhou laughed heartily.

Having another Martial Arts Master in his university, anyone would laugh out loud.

The reporters present today would extensively cover this news after going back.

This martial arts exchange competition, where professors from two universities broke through to become Martial Arts Masters on the spot, would surely become a tale worth telling!

Coupled with Li Fei, a student from this university reaching the top four, contesting with top Sects like Daluo Sect, Upper Pure Sect, and Pudu Temple.

This martial arts competition put the university in a good light, both internally and externally, sufficient enough to answer to the court.

As the hosting institution, Tianqu University would naturally receive accolades, and next year it would have more resources and a wealthier budget.

“True Master seems confident; does Gan Jingcheng also have an ace up his sleeve?”

Qi Zhou glanced at True Master Xuan Chen and asked with a smile.

As the host, Tianqu University had achieved its goal, but Upper Pure Sect had not.

Their goal was to let the world know that Upper Pure Sect of the Taoist Three Sects was not inferior to Daluo Sect!

To shatter the stereotypical image that only Daluo Sect represented Taoist.

Although a single martial arts exchange competition certainly wasn’t enough, Upper Pure Sect needed a good start.

Thus, Upper Pure Sect’s only goal in this competition was to win!

After Ming Qi of Pudu Temple displayed astonishing combat power, True Master Xuan Chen still looked composed.

This meant Gan Jingcheng definitely had a trump card!

“Just a few tricks; not really a trump card.”

True Master Xuan Chen said indifferently.

Qi Zhou nodded, “Then let’s wait and see.”

He looked at Li Fei, who was getting up from his seat.

It seemed impossible for this legendary figure to create another miracle.

…

That evening, all major newspapers reported the news of the two new Martial Arts Masters.

Since the breakthroughs of the two were broadcast nationwide, Lanling City’s Sky Restaurant immediately updated the list displayed outside:

Due to Green-faced Ghost’s recent entry, Wenren Wenhu, the deputy leader of the Forbidden Army, returned to the tenth spot on the Fengyun Leaderboard.

Xue Fu, Hall Master of the Heavenly Mountain Sect’s Punishment Hall, and Lin New Heaven, the eldest legitimate grandson of the Lin Family in East Light Province.

These two entered the candidate list of the Fengyun Leaderboard.

Apart from the Buddhist and Taoist sects, the top Jianghu Sects were known as “One Tower, One Pavilion, Three Mountains, Four Sects, Seven Families.”

Among them, Heavenly Mountain Sect was one of the “Three Mountains,” and the East Light Lin Family was one of the “Seven Major Families.”

Xue Fu was exactly forty this year, and Lin New Heaven was thirty-three.

Their entering the Fengyun Leaderboard meant that Heavenly Mountain Sect and “East Light Lin Family” were not lacking in new talents.

This also meant that two more people from the Jianghu had appeared on the Fengyun Leaderboard and the candidate list.

In total twenty people, and now only six Tao Foundation Stage powerhouses belonging to the court remained.

This number was more or less the representation of the power balance between the court and the Jianghu in martial arts.

The court was strong as a collective, with the Imperial Camp Army and Iron Cavalry, and now with added artillery.

The Jianghu’s strength lay in individuals.

….

September 23.

9 a.m., the stands of Tianqu University’s arena were packed.

Cang Province Inspector Zhu Yue, who had only previously appeared during the opening ceremony on the first day, was once again present in the main stand.

“Semifinals, first match, Wu’an University’s Li Fei versus Upper Pure Sect’s Gan Jingcheng!”

Without any additional ceremonies, as soon as the match time arrived, the staff loudly announced the match list.

“Good luck!”

From the stands, Tian Yu said to Li Fei.

Li Fei smiled and nodded, getting up and walking down the stairs.

However, this time he wasn’t empty-handed; he was carrying a package.

Under the watchful eyes of thousands, Li Fei reached the edge of the arena and went through the pre-match check.

“You can choose the weapon you want now.”

The staff member said to Li Fei.

“Just a moment.”

While speaking, Li Fei began to unwrap the package, pulling out a medicine bottle.

“What is he doing?”

Li Fei’s actions immediately caught the attention of the audience, and everyone curiously looked over.

“It looks like… he’s taking medicine?”

“What kind of medicine is he taking?”