Translator: Cinder Translations
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The next morning.
A group of people marched towards the venue.
Various sects emerged one after another, and Li Tong glanced at Chen Feng, somewhat puzzled.
"Did you not sleep well last night?"
Upon closer inspection, Chen Feng's complexion appeared slightly haggard, and the brightness in his eyes was dimmer than usual.
"A bit."
Nodding lightly, Chen Feng accepted the other's reasoning.
In reality, it was due to the excessive consumption from summoning the Shield Golem in his dream, akin to the principles of injury and death.
However, it was manageable and did not significantly affect his strength.
Moreover,
His gaze fell on the panel displaying real-time notifications.
In his mind, the words "Extreme Combat" emerged, which was the true intent he had been searching for for a long time.
He had thought he would have to continue banging his head against the wall in a stroke of luck, but the result was—
Shaking his head inwardly, Chen Feng focused on the panel before him.
[Extreme Combat Fist: Entry Level (1%) +]
This high-level technique within the extraordinary martial arts had finally reached the entry level.
Even if he had not yet reached the Meteor Realm, its effects were still extremely powerful, allowing him to condense his strength in a short time and unleash several strikes comparable to miniature missiles.
Its power was even thirty percent stronger than the Flame Pillar that released strength, and it did not require any buildup.
His gaze shifted downward.
[Extreme Martial Arts: 4]
Four portions of Extreme Martial Arts might allow the Extreme Combat Fist to break through to the Meteor Realm.
However,
His gaze moved down again, looking at the skills section.
[Crimson Tiger Force: Burning Mountain (66%) +]
If he were to fully decompose this, he would definitely break through to the Crimson Tiger Force level and enter the realm of true intent.
At once, his eyes flickered.
Chen Feng hesitated.
No matter which option he chose, he would not lose out.
But precisely because of this, he found it difficult to decide.
"Naturally, with the competition approaching, it's normal to feel a bit nervous."
Unaware of his thoughts, Li Tong, walking along, did not blame him but instead smiled and offered some comforting words: "When I first participated in the Martial Arts Conference, I felt the same way."
"Just perform normally when the time comes. With you in the Inner Strength competition, I'm very reassured."
Upon hearing this, Zhao Jushan and Lin Xiaoyun both nodded in agreement, not refuting him.
The battle yesterday had made them fully understand one principle.
Their own direct disciple, born with a dominating spirit, was already among the top in the Inner Strength realm, ranking among the best in the southern martial arts community.
With the other party backing them, they felt confident in the Martial Arts Conference, even daring to challenge the Flying Dragon Sect.
Seeing this, Chen Feng fell silent for a moment.
He was already clear about the rules of the competition.
The main focus was on battles at the Inner Strength and true intent levels, with opponents drawn randomly through a lottery.
Winners would earn points, while losers would lose points, determining the final rankings.
The competition would last several days, starting with Inner Strength battles followed by true intent.
So...
"I understand."
Nodding in response, Chen Feng seemed to accept the expectations of his master and the two true disciples.
But in reality, he had made a decision.
Rather than seeking uncertain outcomes, it was better to stick to his original goal.
That was to break through to true intent!
However...
His gaze flickered, recalling the earlier conversation, and Chen Feng devised a better plan.
Since he had decided to break through to true intent, he needed to maximize this opportunity.
The Heart of Glory still needed upgrading, and winning the Inner Strength competition would also affect the ranking of the Flame Tiger Sect in the martial arts community.
Thus, it would be wise to first participate in the Inner Strength competition to help the sect earn points.
Afterward, he could privately break through and join his master in dealing with other true intent level battles.
As for the training of the Extreme Combat Fist, it could wait until he continued to collect Extreme Martial Arts light orbs in his dreams; it was not too late.
Instantly, his thoughts became clear, and he no longer hesitated.
Chen Feng's pace gradually slowed, and his emotions became increasingly calm.
Step by step!
The five of them entered the venue.
Buzz!
"I didn't expect the Golden Flying Eagle Sect to arrive so early."
"How is this seating arranged? Why are we in the third row?"
"Tsk tsk, I just saw a few people from the Heart Ape Sect; they are really dwindling."
Suddenly, a cacophony of voices filled the air, with various discussions reaching his ears.
Upon focusing, he saw that the internal space of the venue was vast, spanning thousands of square meters.
In the center, there were nine white-gray arenas, with seating arranged in a circular pattern on both sides, extending for dozens of rows.
Above was a huge transparent glass dome, currently half-open due to the clear weather.
Each seating area had corresponding sect nameplates, arranged according to the rankings from the last Martial Arts Conference, extending from left to right and then backward.
At this moment, nearly a thousand people were present in the venue, some sitting, some standing.
Almost a hundred sects were represented, clearly more than those seen last night in the restaurant.
They came from several provinces in the south, and according to the requirements of the Martial Arts Conference, even the weakest had Inner Strength masters in attendance.
"Hey, Old Li, you're here?"
Halfway through, someone greeted them.
An old man with gray hair, of medium build, wore a loose robe embroidered with the words "Myriad Refinements."
Behind him stood several disciples, including the senior brother Qin Tao, whom Chen Feng had met yesterday.
"I heard you were ambushed by someone from the Flying Dragon Sect yesterday."
"Is that true?"
The old man leaned closer, curious, while Li Tong smiled and glanced at him.
"What's this, are you going to help me get revenge?"
The visitor was momentarily taken aback, speechless.
Li Tong chuckled, not teasing him further, and quickly gestured to Chen Feng and the others behind him.
"These are my two disciples, Chen Feng and Xu Tingxiao."
"Senior Lu from the Myriad Tempering Sect in Luohe City, just call him Elder Lu."
Upon hearing this, Chen Feng and Xu Tingxiao clasped their fists in greeting, while Zhao Jushan and the others were already familiar with him.
"Your two disciples are quite good."
With a chuckle, Elder Lu focused on Chen Feng for a moment.
His eyes brightened, and he nodded kindly before walking with Li Tong towards their seats.
The Flame Tiger Sect ranked sixteenth last time, sitting in the second row.
The Myriad Tempering Sect ranked in the thirties, but due to the fan-shaped seating arrangement extending backward, their positions were quite close, one in front and one behind.
The disciples naturally walked together, during which Chen Feng sensed some malicious intent.
Turning his head, he noticed the Pine Crane Sect, also seated in the second row.
The white-haired elder of true intent, Yang Chengyuan, sat among them, exuding an intimidating aura as he cast several glances at him.
The disciples behind him wore similarly cold expressions.
In addition, several sects that had blocked his path yesterday were also visible again.
Some were in the second row, others in the third.
The One Fist Sect, Eight Trigrams Palm Sect, Giant Bear Sect, Flying Bird Sect—
Looking over, he saw that most of them had unfamiliar faces, but their expressions were similar to those of the Pine Crane Sect, filled with coldness and malice.
Including the two true intent masters who had blocked his way, one fat and one thin, who also reappeared.
"It seems you've offended quite a few people."
"Have you thought about how to handle it when the time comes?"
Elder Lu from the Myriad Tempering Sect asked in a low voice, having also sensed the malicious gazes.
Li Tong nodded slightly but did not speak.
It wasn't that no one had advised him to withdraw from this competition.
Everyone understood the saying, "As long as the green mountains remain, one need not worry about firewood."
However, some matters pertained to the final dignity of the sect, which he could not retreat from.
Seeing this, Elder Lu sighed and said no more.
The group then stepped forward and took their seats in the second and third rows.
Hundreds of sects continued to arrive, and the noise of discussions grew louder.
Until finally, there was a commotion at the entrance of the venue.
Chen Feng lowered his gaze and saw a dozen figures arriving last.
Dressed mostly in white robes, with a few in blue.
The only commonality was that above their robes, there was a pattern of a flying dragon, soaring and clawing.
"They're here."
Zhao Jushan spoke solemnly.
Not just him, nearly a hundred sects, totaling thousands of people, all turned their attention towards them.
Their breaths steady, their faces flushed.
From the Organ Training to the Entry Level, there were even two True Intent Masters leading the way.
Without any pretense, the people from the Flying Dragon Sect directly took the main seats in the center of the first row.
"This Flying Dragon Sect is acting a bit high and mighty, isn't it?"
"I've never seen them participate in the Martial Arts Conference before, and they have no ranking; why do they take the prime seat now?"
"Look at the Golden Flying Eagle Sect; their faces are all dark."
Voices of discontent echoed, mostly expressing dissatisfaction.
Whoosh!
Then, a true intent expert from the Flying Dragon Sect leaped onto the central white-gray arena.
Ignoring the frowns of the other sects, he spoke loudly.
"Flying Dragon Sect, Jiang Yunshan, greetings to all fellow practitioners."
His voice was deep and resonant, clear enough to reach everyone's ears without the aid of a microphone.
A faint flying dragon phantom could be seen emerging behind him, circling around him.
He appeared to be in his forties, but his true intent aura was exceptionally pure, rivaling that of any sect leader present.
With just this display, the noise in the venue quieted significantly.
"We, the Flying Dragon Sect, have not participated in the Martial Arts Conference for thirty years; I believe many of you have forgotten us."
His tone calm, the true intent middle-aged man named Jiang Yunshan surveyed the crowd and slowly said, "But that's alright."
"Because in this Martial Arts Conference, everyone will surely remember us."
"Remember, we are the Flying Dragon Sect."
Roar!!
As if a dragon's roar echoed, the true intent phantom behind him soared into the sky, flying around the entire venue.
Such a spectacle left many from smaller sects astonished, including true intent experts from the top five sects like the Giant Elephant Sect, who frowned in seriousness.
"Hmm?"
Suddenly, sensing a shift, Chen Feng turned his gaze towards the Flying Dragon Sect's seating.
"They don't seem that impressive."
"This is our sect's former rival? To be honest, they seem quite weak."
"I'm really afraid we might end up killing them."
Dozens of eyes exchanged glances, indifferent, curious, disdainful, and provocative.
Chen Feng could sense some unabashed malice, especially from a few true disciples in blue robes.
"Senior Brother."
Xu Tingxiao, sitting beside him, looked displeased.
He could also feel the provocative stares from the Flying Dragon Sect, pointing and whispering, igniting a surge of anger within him.
"Junior Brother Xu, stay calm."
Zhao Jushan patted his shoulder, offering some comfort.
The Martial Arts Conference was like this; it concerned sect rankings and the division of territories.
Few would show goodwill.
Moreover, the Flying Dragon Sect had some grievances with them.
In contrast, Chen Feng remained calm, silently watching the true intent middle-aged man on stage finish his speech and announce the start of the competition.
"It seems it's still the old rules."
Lin Xiaoyun remarked, noticing that people were gradually stepping out from the seating area, mostly younger disciples at the Organ Training level.
Although the focus of the competition was on Inner Strength and true intent,
To allow some younger disciples to gain experience and practice, the event would typically provide an hour or two beforehand for those below Inner Strength to challenge each other on stage.
Step by step!
Amidst the mixed discussions, figures flickered on the arena, and soon some disciples from mid-ranking sects took to the stage.
"I, the Qingyun Palm, challenge the Moon Shadow Sect!"
"Flying Bird Sect, dare to fight!"
"One Fist Sect, get down here!"
Similar voices rang out continuously, and the challenged disciples from various sects did not back down, leaping onto the stage to duel.
Some experts from the Flying Dragon Sect took the stage as judges, and the sounds of fighting echoed one after another.
In just a few minutes, victories and defeats were revealed, with some disciples from smaller sects being beaten to the point of spitting blood and flying off.
During this time, Chen Feng observed.
From one of the lower arenas, he spotted a familiar figure.
Dressed in a green robe with a black monkey character embroidered on it.
Slim and short-haired, it was none other than Sun Fei, a disciple from the Heart Ape Sect who had previously come to apologize.
He had now reached the peak of the Organ Training level, with white light energy almost covering his arms.
With swift strikes and agile movements, he quickly defeated a disciple from a smaller sect after a brief entanglement.
"Thank you for the lesson."
Sun Fei clasped his fists in salute, while his opponent, clutching his chest, reluctantly exited the stage.
Elder Liu Fangming in the stands felt greatly relieved and was very satisfied with his disciple's performance.
Although this would not earn points or improve the Heart Ape Sect's ranking, it was beneficial for the disciple to gain experience and truly practice on stage.
For the future of the Heart Ape Sect, it was more beneficial than harmful.
Observing all this, Chen Feng began to wait silently.
The Flame Tiger Sect had only those at the Inner Strength and true intent; there were no disciples of lower realms.
For over an hour, they merely acted as spectators, watching the exchanges and duels between various sects.
Finally, just as this warm-up session was about to conclude,
The previously inactive Flying Dragon Sect sent nine white-robed disciples to the stage one after another.
Swish, swish, swish!
Figures moved, and white light energy quickly enveloped their palms.
"Nine at the peak of Organ Training?"
Lin Xiaoyun narrowed her eyes, her expression serious.
From a small glimpse, it was clear that the Flying Dragon Sect was finally beginning to showcase their strength and foundation.
Bang, bang, bang!
In the eyes of many, the nine white-robed disciples wasted no time and directly attacked.
In just a few breaths, all opponents on the arena were defeated.
"Is there anyone else willing to fight?"
In a calm tone, one of the nine disciples spoke, deliberately looking towards the front row of seats.
There sat the top ten sects from the last Martial Arts Conference.
This action surprised everyone, and disciples from major sects like the Giant Elephant Sect and the Sea-Swallowing Whale Sect darkened their expressions, feeling provoked.
"I'll take you on!"
Someone stepped onto the stage, launching a fierce attack.
But soon,
With the sounds of fighting landing, the atmosphere in the arena gradually fell silent.
Defeat!
Defeat!
Defeat!
Aside from the Giant Elephant Sect, Golden Flying Eagle Sect, and Sea-Swallowing Whale Sect, which ended in a draw,
The remaining six major sects, including the Golden Blade Sect and Lion Heart Sect, were all completely defeated.
In an instant, the sound of a pin dropping could be heard, and even Chen Feng and the others frowned.
"These disciples are probably on the verge of breaking through to Inner Strength."
Zhao Jushan spoke in a low tone, his expression not looking good.
Although they had anticipated that the Flying Dragon Sect was strong, the scene before them was still somewhat unexpected.
Inner Strength practitioners were not common; some could even serve as sect leaders in smaller sects.
Even in their Flame Tiger Sect, counting all the true disciples and a few reclusive elders, there were only a dozen or so.
Other sects wore similar expressions, until finally, the true intent middle-aged man from the Flying Dragon Sect stepped onto the stage and laughed heartily.
"These juniors' sparring is not worth mentioning. Now, shall we begin the Inner Strength competition?"
No one objected, or rather, everyone had already sensed something was off.
The atmosphere became tense, and the entire scene in the venue was quietly projected onto a distant quiet room.
"Elder, it seems they already have their answer in mind."
The old man in a robe chuckled, glancing at the eight figures in the quiet room.
Most were aged, but the one sitting at the head was a middle-aged man with a square face.
Calm and indifferent, he spoke softly.
"It's time to wake them up."
"The southern martial arts community has been divided for too long; without our Flying Dragon Sect leading, it will be hard to achieve great things."
Everyone nodded in agreement, most echoing his sentiments.
As the atmosphere became lively, the previously speaking elder pondered for a moment before speaking again.
"Elder, what about the Divine Martial Alliance?"
"I have already promised them."
The middle-aged man said calmly, and the others frowned slightly.
No one dared to refute, even if there were some doubts.
"That person exchanged blows with me; he is not weaker than a master."
"Continuing to fight would be of no benefit to us."
Seeing their thoughts, the middle-aged man provided an explanation.
Upon hearing this, everyone's expressions tightened, and then they heard something even more important.
"Additionally, Vice President Luo of the Provincial Federation has informed me of the news."
"The higher-ups have made a decision. War is likely to begin."
(End of the Chapter)
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