C15 One Move to Settle You!

The next morning, Feng Yi arrived at the square bright and early, only to find it already teeming with people.

"Feng Yi is here!"

A voice rang out from the crowd. After his battle the previous day, Feng Yi's fame had soared; there wasn't a disciple in the Profound Heaven Sect who didn't know of him.

"I wonder if Feng Yi will break into the top three of the Outer Sect today."

"It seems unlikely. With so many skilled disciples in the Profound Heaven Sect, climbing into the top three of the Outer Sect is no small feat."

"True, but Feng Yi is exceptionally strong. It's doubtful anyone in the Outer Sect can rival him."

The crowd buzzed with conversation. Feng Yi's emergence as a formidable figure in the Outer Sect was surprising, yet it was a source of pride for the Outer Sect Disciples.

Moreover, Feng Yi had bested several Inner Sect Disciples in yesterday's battle, which further astounded the Outer Sect Disciples.

Despite this, the Profound Heaven Sect was home to numerous disciples and a wealth of strong contenders, leaving many skeptical about Feng Yi's chances of reaching the top three.

Atop the elevated platform, the five Chief Masters were present. Tian Yuzi scanned the crowd as if searching for something.

Upon spotting Feng Yi, his face brightened, and he turned to Qing Yuzi, "Junior Brother Qing Yuzi, what do you think? Will Feng Yi make it into the top three in today's contest?"

Qing Yuzi arched an eyebrow and let out a derisive snort, "Top three? Senior Brother Tian Yuzi, you must be dreaming. Do you really think our five sects' disciples are that weak?"

"Hahaha, we'll see. Junior Brother Qing Yuzi, how about we wager on it?"

Tian Yuzi burst into laughter, smacking his lips a few times in anticipation. He had finished the last of the Hundred Flowers Wine he'd won the day before, and the memory of its flavor had his mouth watering.

"The same stakes as yesterday?"

"Agreed, it's a deal!"

Tian Yuzi and Qing Yuzi quickly came to terms, placing their bets on Feng Yi once again.

Feng Yi was not favored by the crowd today. The disciples competing were the cream of the crop, and Feng Yi, merely at Level Seven of the Qi Condensation Stage, seemed hardly a match for those at the Great Perfection of the same stage.

"Today's first event: the Outer Sect Disciples will draw lots to determine the top hundred," Elder Xu announced, his voice booming. With a flourish of his hand, two hundred bamboo sticks materialized and fluttered in the air.

Feng Yi, along with the other top two hundred cultivators, reached out to snatch a stick from the swirling mass. Inspecting his own, Feng Yi noted the number 'Eighteen' etched into the bamboo – he was the eighteenth contender.

"Number one will face number two hundred, number two will face number one hundred ninety-nine, and so on. The top ten disciples, please ascend to the stage," Elder Xu called out once more. In a flash, those with the top ten numbers leaped onto the stage, all at the Great Perfection of the Qi Condensation Stage. Feng Yi, watching from below, furrowed his brow at the sight.

"Challengers, to the stage!" Elder Xu's command sent another ten figures vaulting into the arena. They faced off with grave expressions.

"The Grand Competition begins now!" Almost immediately, twenty disciples engaged in combat, their weapons clanging crisply. The sounds of battle and determined shouts echoed across the square, reaching the ears of the gathered disciples.

Within moments, victors emerged, their joy contrasting sharply with the sullen faces of the defeated. Feng Yi's focus, however, was solely on those who triumphed.

"Remarkable!" he thought to himself. The first to claim victory was a female disciple, her calm demeanor suggesting an unwavering belief in her own success.

Soon after, the outcomes on the remaining nine stages were decided. Aside from the female disciple who had first emerged victorious, the rest were male cultivators.

"Senior Sister Ning Shuang's prowess is undeniable. It looks like she's a shoo-in for today's top three," someone remarked.

"Indeed. Senior Sister Ning Shuang is this year's most likely candidate to advance to the Foundation Stage. If she doesn't make it into the top three, it would be a travesty of justice."

"Senior Brother Yun has won as well!"

The crowd buzzed with conversation. The defeated had lost their opportunity to make it into the top three, while the victors had to gear up for their next fight.

"Contestants eleven through twenty, take your positions on the stage."

Feng Yi, contestant number eighteen, leapt onto the eighth platform at Elder Xu's call.

"Feng Yi!"

As Feng Yi ascended the stage, a cheer erupted from the crowd.

"Give it your all to make it into the top three. If you do, drinks are on me!"

The one cheering was Fatty Hong, who had become known for claiming to be Feng Yi's brother, making himself a familiar face.

"Hmph!"

Just then, a cold snort reached Fatty Hong's ears, and a pair of icy eyes fixed on Feng Yi.

"Feng Yi will soon be defeated by me!"

"And who are you to claim such a thing? You think you can defeat Feng Yi without biting your tongue?"

Fatty Hong immediately bristled and retorted loudly.

But someone next to Fatty Hong tugged at his sleeve and whispered, "Fatty, don't mess with Senior Brother Tian Ji. He's the top expert below the Foundation Stage and the Sect Master's favored personal disciple."

Fatty Hong's eyes widened as he turned his attention to Tian Ji, a sense of foreboding rising within him.

"It seems Feng Yi is in for a rough time."

"Indeed. Of all people, he had to face Senior Brother Tian Ji, the God of Slaughter."

"Fatty, I'd advise you to have Feng Yi concede. Otherwise, he might end up bedridden for months."

"Nonsense!"

Fatty Hong let out an angry roar, his eyes flashing with defiance as he scanned the onlookers.

"It doesn't matter if it's Tian Ji or anyone else, Feng Yi is going to win."

"Ah..."

The crowd collectively sighed, their faces painted with resignation, none too hopeful for Feng Yi's chances.

Qing Yuzi, watching from the stage, couldn't hide his delight as he looked over at Tian Yuzi.

Tian Yuzi, however, was visibly upset, muttering under his breath, "This kid's luck is the worst. To face Tian Ji in the very first round..."

"Hahaha, Senior Brother Tian Yuzi, what are you going on about?"

Qing Yuzi's face was alight with laughter, causing Tian Yuzi's mouth to twitch involuntarily. Yet, he retorted with determination, "What about Tian Ji? Feng Yi isn't necessarily going to lose."

"Hahaha, you're like a duck that won't admit it's cooked. I'd still advise you to get that Foundation Building Pill ready."

"You—"

Tian Yuzi was at a loss for words, realizing just how challenging it would be for Feng Yi to win this bout.

"Challenger, take your position on the stage!"

Elder Xu's voice had barely faded when Tian Ji appeared opposite Feng Yi, smirking with disdain.

"Are you the one who defeated Senior Sister Jingyi?"

Feng Yi's brow furrowed as he glanced at Tian Ji, then respectfully bowed with a fist in palm and replied, "Senior Brother, indeed I was victorious over Senior Sister Jingyi yesterday."

"I am Tian Ji. Remember this name, as not just anyone can provoke me."

With those words, Tian Ji's presence, at the peak of the Qi Condensation Stage, burst forth. A surge of Qi spread outwards, causing Feng Yi's grey robe to billow dramatically.

"Feng Yi, I'll defeat you with a single move!"