C28 Master

Before long, the group stage was drawing to a close with only a few matches remaining.

In the final bout, Zhao Yu secured his victory as he had done consistently throughout the competition.

"He's nothing but a brute," many disciples muttered under their breath as they watched from the sidelines.

Zhao Yu's total score placed him second, just behind Sun Mingyu, propelling him into the top eight.

However, the crowd's focus quickly shifted when an unexpected turn of events unfolded on the third arena.

Zhang Xuemeng's triumph over Wu Caiyue, achieving an undefeated record in the group stage, propelled her into the top eight, stunning everyone in attendance.

The match was brief, lasting only a few rounds before Zhang Xuemeng unleashed an extraordinary movement technique that swiftly ousted Wu Caiyue from the competition.

The crowd was astounded by the display, and even the elders observing from the stands couldn't conceal their surprise.

They had been aware of Zhang Xuemeng's concealed prowess, but her effortless victory over Wu Caiyue was still beyond belief.

Inner sect disciples like Zhou Yun and Liu Feng grew increasingly solemn at the sight.

Zhao Yu felt a chill in his heart. He hadn't anticipated Zhang Xuemeng's formidable strength, which had caught him completely off guard.

Her enigmatic movement technique was particularly mesmerizing, its unpredictability leaving onlookers dazzled.

This technique was clearly not a martial skill from the Sky Profound Sect; it exceeded the capabilities of what inner sect disciples were expected to master.

It was more than just Wu Caiyue losing to Zhang Xuemeng; it was a decisive defeat in martial prowess.

The technique likely had ties to the Pill Sect.

With the group stage concluded, Sun Mingyu, Chen Lin, Wu Caiyue, and Qin Zhong, four favored contenders, advanced without question. Two more inner sect disciples, both solidly at Layer Four of Qi Refining, also made it to the top eight.

Lastly, Zhao Yu and Zhang Xuemeng's advancement to the top eight was an outcome few had foreseen.

Zhang Xuemeng had proven her might with a convincing victory over Wu Caiyue.

Zhao Yu's win, on the other hand, was less compelling. He had scraped by, relying solely on brute force and a stroke of luck.

The inner sect disciples who were defeated by Zhao Yu weren't the only ones who begrudgingly accepted their loss; even disciples from other groups were convinced they could take him down. But, as always, the rules were the rules.

Once the Head Elder had declared the top eight finalists, he gave the disciples a two-hour respite. The group stage battles had been grueling, and many were in dire need of a break to recharge.

During the downtime, Sun Mingyu trailed behind Zhang Daoming to his quarters. No sooner had the door shut than he blurted out, "Master, Zhao Yu is too sly. I finally got grouped with him, and he just surrenders, denying me any chance to take him out. He's likely to be the first one out in the quarterfinals with his level of skill. If I can't face him, my plan's ruined. What am I to do?"

There was no deep-seated enmity between him and Zhao Yu, but Sun Mingyu was intent on fulfilling his master's command to the letter.

His envy of Zhao Yu ran deep, too. It wasn't just about Zhang Xuemeng; it was the fact that Zhao Yu was hailed as the top prodigy of the Sky Profound Sect's Inner Sect, a title he himself did not hold.

If he were to kill Zhao Yu, guilt would be the last thing on his mind; he'd feel nothing but exhilaration.

"Do you honestly believe Zhao Yu will be that easily knocked out of the competition?" Zhang Daoming retorted with a cold snort.

Sun Mingyu's brow creased. "Isn't it obvious? He's just been muscling through the group matches with sheer luck. He's hardly a threat."

Zhang Daoming shot him a piercing look. "You think he's been winning by mere luck?"

Caught off guard, Sun Mingyu's face grew solemn. He hesitated before saying, "Could it be that Zhao Yu, like Junior Sister Xuemeng, has been concealing his true power?"

"Exactly. And he's done an exceptional job at it," Zhang Daoming confirmed with another cold snort. "Xuemeng's strength was somewhat apparent to all of you, especially after Wu Caiyue pushed her to reveal it in their last bout. But as for Zhao Yu, I doubt anyone aside from myself and the Head Elder, not even the other elders watching, could discern that he's been holding back his true capabilities."

"Zhao Yu has managed to keep his power hidden so well? Could it be that he's actually very strong?" These words left Sun Mingyu reeling in shock.

Despite having deliberately provoked Zhao Yu before, deep down, Sun Mingyu had always looked down on him.

He was envious of Zhao Yu's superior martial arts talent, yet he also believed that Zhao Yu, having joined the sect later, was merely a junior whose abilities were no match for his own.

Sun Mingyu was known for his arrogance and extremism. He prided himself on being the top disciple of the inner sect and had always dismissed others. The thought of Zhao Yu outshining him was unbearable.

Hearing Zhang Daoming's comments now made him extremely uneasy. It felt as though Zhao Yu, the very person he had always underestimated, had outsmarted him.

"I haven't been able to gauge his full strength, but he's certainly not someone who'll be easily knocked out of the competition."

Zhang Daoming continued, "And how could any disciple who makes it to the top eight be weak? If you underestimate your opponent, you're just handing them an opportunity."

"Yes, Master, I realize my mistake," Sun Mingyu said, now composed, offering his apology.

"It's best that you've grasped this," Zhang Daoming replied. "I'm telling you this to remind you never to underestimate anyone. Underestimating an opponent is a martial artist's greatest folly! With your Qi Refining Layer Five abilities, combined with the Fire Spirit Slash, I'm confident that even if Zhao Yu is concealing his true power, you could easily defeat him."

"I understand," Sun Mingyu responded, his voice tinged with remorse.

Zhang Daoming nodded, then added, "Also, remember to take a fall to Xuemeng in the finals. Let her have the first place in the Inner Sect Assessment for now. You've already had your turn at the Martial Meeting of Seven Sects, and there will be other chances for you."

He paused, then explained, "My request isn't just because Xuemeng is my daughter. It's Hsiao Fengyun's wish for her to compete in the Martial Meeting of Seven Sects. Do you understand?"

"I understand," Sun Mingyu replied, his head bowed, his voice heavy with a touch of gloom.

Zhang Daoming sighed, "Mingyu, I know this is hard on you, especially asking you to secretly take out Zhao Yu. I'm in a difficult position. Despite being the Sect Master, I don't have free rein in the Sky Profound Sect. Besides you and Xuemeng, who else can I truly rely on? Xuemeng is my daughter, and you are my most senior direct disciple. In truth, I've always seen you as my own son."

"Master, you mustn't speak like that. You've raised me since I was a child. Without you, I'd likely have perished in the wilderness long ago. To me, you are as a second parent. I would never dare to complain, no matter your request."

Sun Mingyu knelt earnestly on the ground.

Zhang Daoming smiled contentedly. "Mingyu, knowing that you appreciate my efforts brings me great satisfaction. I've been grooming you as my successor. You must realize that Xuemeng and Hsiao Fengyun will eventually depart. The Sky Profound Sect is too modest to contain their ambitions. Rest assured, I will do everything in my power to ensure you become the next Sect Master of the Sky Profound Sect."

"Master, I will undoubtedly repay your kindness," Sun Mingyu said, moved nearly to tears, as he bowed deeply three times.

"Enough now, go and rest. There's a contest coming up, and remember, you mustn't let anyone suspect you're intentionally trying to kill Zhao Yu," Zhang Daoming instructed, gesturing dismissively.

Sun Mingyu rose and departed with respect.

Once the door closed, Zhang Daoming let out a sigh. "Truth be told, I had hoped to groom Zhao Yu as my successor, but alas, not everything goes according to plan."

Time flew, and soon two hours had passed.

The square, which once held four arenas, now had only one remaining.

With the quarterfinals ahead, the simultaneous battles were a thing of the past.

Zhao Yu and the others, having rested for two hours, were now revitalized. They stood at the edge of the stage, eager and ready for the upcoming quarterfinals.

An elder with white hair and a mole at the right corner of his mouth stepped onto the stage to serve as the referee. He declared, "The first match of the quarterfinals: Zhou Yun versus Zheng Daming."

Upon hearing their names, Zhou Yun and a robust inner sect disciple exchanged glances before leaping onto the arena.

At the referee elder's signal, they charged at each other, engaging in intense combat.

None who had made it to the quarterfinals were weak.

Despite facing Zhou Yun, Zheng Daming showed no signs of intimidation, launching an aggressive offense.

Zhou Yun, taking no chances, met the assault with his full strength.

The disciples watching from below were inspired by the clash of these two formidable opponents.

After half an hour of combat, Zheng Daming ultimately proved to be no match for Zhou Yun's superior skills.