C11 Outer Sect Large Competition

Barely an hour had passed since Hua Hsing emerged from his seclusion when Jiang He and Hsu Feng sought him out, both beaming with the clear signs of recent success.

"Hua Hsing," they greeted him in unison.

"Have you two made a breakthrough?" Hua Hsing inquired, eyeing them curiously.

"Hua Hsing, we owe you big time for those Barrier Breaking Pills you gave us. Without them, who knows when Jiang He and I would've managed to advance to the third level of the Qi Refining Stage," Hsu Feng said, his voice tinged with excitement.

With the Outer Sect Competition fast approaching, standing out required at least the strength of the third level of the Qi Refining Stage. A disciple at the second level stood no chance; the true elite of the Outer Sect were those at the third level, with some even peaking at the summit of that stage.

"The Outer Sect Competition is tomorrow. Hua Hsing, why don't we take a stroll?" Jiang He proposed.

After all, with just one day remaining and no further room for advancement through cultivation, a walk seemed like a good diversion. Hua Hsing agreed, and the trio left their private courtyard, stepping into the lively Outer Sect Plaza.

The air was electric with anticipation as the competition drew near. Disciples everywhere were gearing up, eager to distinguish themselves in the upcoming challenge.

"Have you heard? Three days ago, Senior Sister Jiaang Xue broke through to the fourth level of the Qi Refining Stage. She's been admitted to the Inner Sect and has become one of its disciples," buzzed the excited chatter.

"And that's not all. They say that her breakthrough to the fourth level caught the attention of an Inner Sect elder, who took her on as a direct disciple right away."

"Senior Sister Jiaang Xue is incredibly strong. Despite being overshadowed by Senior Brother Re Yunzheng in the Outer Sect, it's unbelievable that she reached the fourth level of the Qi Refining Stage before him."

As they strolled across the plaza, the buzz about Jiaang Xue's admission to the Inner Sect was inescapable, causing concern for Jiang He and Hsu Feng.

"Hua Hsing..."

Jiang He began, but Hua Hsing cut him off, already aware of what his friend was about to say.

"It's fine," Hua Hsing stated calmly.

In the midst of their conversation, the square erupted into commotion as martial artists parted to create a clear path.

A figure in white robes, Re Yunzheng, emerged, radiating an aura far more formidable than before.

"Has Senior Brother Re left his seclusion?"

"Did Senior Brother Re advance to the Qi Refining Stage Level Four?"

"If Senior Brother Re had reached Qi Refining Stage Level Four, he wouldn't be here now."

The disciples murmured among themselves while Re Yunzheng made a beeline for Hua Hsing.

Stopping before Hua Hsing, Re Yunzheng's face twisted into a chilling grin.

"Hua Hsing, Junior Sister Jiaang Xue told me something when she joined the Inner Sect," he began.

Hua Hsing gave Re Yunzheng a glance but remained silent.

"Jiaang Xue claimed that if I could disable you—or even kill you—during the Outer Sect Competition, she would accept my advances," Re Yunzheng said with a sinister look. "Therefore, tomorrow's contest will be your final act in the Azure Edge Sword Sect."

With a loud laugh, Re Yunzheng strode away from the plaza, leaving a trail of bewildered disciples.

Once he was gone, Jiang He and Hsu Feng spoke up in anger. "Hua Hsing, Jiaang Xue has gone too far."

"She's truly ruthless."

Hua Hsing shook his head slightly, a flicker of murderous intent passing through his eyes before he departed from the plaza.

The next morning, the Outer Sect was alive with activity. The Martial Arena was teeming with Outer Sect disciples.

At the heart of the expansive Martial Arena stood the stage, with a prominent platform set before it.

As time progressed, the dais gradually filled with the upper echelons of the Azure Edge Sword Sect.

The Outer Sect Competition was a significant event within the sect, with most attendees being Inner Sect Elders.

They watched the matches intently, scouting for suitable disciples to recruit.

To the left of the dais sat a white-haired elder, with a striking young woman at his side.

"Jiaang Xue, having recently joined us from the Outer Sect, do you see any prodigies among them this time?" the elder inquired.

"Master, Re Yunzheng, the top contender of the Outer Sect, is quite impressive. The rest don't quite measure up," Jiaang Xue replied, her gaze briefly settling on the distant Hua Hsing.

Regrettably, Hua Hsing was meditating with his eyes closed, oblivious to Jiaang Xue's attention.

"Let's hope some promising disciples emerge this time," the elder mused.

Meanwhile, the Martial Arena buzzed with the excited chatter of numerous disciples.

"Will the Outer Sect's number one spot change hands this time?"

"No way. Senior Brother Re Yunzheng has reached the pinnacle of the Qi Refining Stage Level Three. He's unbeatable."

"Agreed. Senior Brother Re Yunzheng is the one to watch. The others don't stand a chance."

"Hua Hsing's progress has been rapid lately. I wonder how far he's come," someone pondered.

"Hua Hsing, that failure? Despite his improvements, his Qi Refining Stage Level Two abilities won't get him into the top thirty."

"Exactly. A failure will always be just that. His recent progress is too little, too late."

"If Hua Hsing makes it into the top thirty, I'll eat my hat."

Naturally, Re Yunzheng was the center of everyone's discussions.

But Hua Hsing? No one believed he'd be the underdog who turned the tables, except perhaps for Hsu Feng and Jiang He.

At that moment, Hsu Feng and Jiang He were gearing up, eager to make their mark in the competition.

With Hua Hsing's assistance, they had both advanced to the third level of the Qi Refining Stage, and they were confident about breaking into the Outer Sect's top thirty this time.

"Hua Hsing, what's your target ranking for this competition?" Jiang He queried.

"Hua Hsing, what's your goal? Jiang He and I would be thrilled just to make it into the top thirty," Hsu Feng said with a wide grin.

Hua Hsing, who had been meditating with his eyes closed, cracked a slight smile at the words of Jiang He and Hsu Feng but remained silent.

As time ticked by, the much-anticipated Outer Sect Competition of the Azure Edge Sword Sect was ready to commence, with all eyes fixed on the event.

Atop the main stage, a white-bearded elder surveyed the crowd before gesturing for silence. "Today marks the day of our Azure Edge Sword Sect's Outer Sect Competition. I will now outline the rules, and I trust you'll all aim for the best possible results," he announced.

The elder quickly went through the competition rules. The first rule was clear: lethal force was forbidden unless it was impossible to pull back. The second rule established an elimination format, with each contestant drawing a number and competing in that order. After each round, the next would begin, continuing until the final winners emerged. The top three finalists would receive special honors from the Azure Edge Sword Sect.

With the rules laid out, the crowd was buzzing with anticipation, eager to vie for the unknown rewards and high rankings.

Numbers were soon distributed among the two hundred Outer Sect disciples, and with that, the competition was set to start.

"Let the competition begin," declared the white-bearded elder.

No sooner had he spoken than a martial artist clad in grey ascended the Martial Arena, facing off against an opponent in white. The battle was swift, and a victor emerged quickly, reflecting the stark disparities in strength during the initial round.

Roughly half an hour later, it was Hua Hsing's turn. His opponent, a martial artist at the Qi Refining Stage Level Two, wore a complex look upon laying eyes on Hua Hsing.

Ultimately, the martial artist declared in a loud voice, "I concede."

The referee cast a puzzled glance at the pair before proclaiming Hua Hsing the winner.

Hua Hsing's effortless victory in the opening match came as no surprise. Having easily bested Feng Gan, it was clear his prowess had soared to the peak of Qi Refining Stage Level Two.

Yet unbeknownst to many, Hua Hsing had already ascended to the third level of the Qi Refining Stage.

Warriors clashed one after another in a relentless succession of duels.

A grueling three hours passed before the hundred battles concluded.

With the first round over, a hundred disciples were ousted, leaving another hundred to advance.

Both Hsu Feng and Hsu He made it through to the second round.

The competition continued with head-to-head matches in the second round.

The opening bout featured Jiang He.

"Jiang He's up against Jin Kun. He's bound to lose."

"True, Jiang He is formidable, but Jin Kun is equally impressive."

"Jin Kun has reached the third level of the Qi Refining Stage. Jiang He doesn't stand a chance."

Amidst the murmurs of the disciples, Jin Kun ascended the Martial Arena.

Passing by Re Yunzheng, he caught a chilling command: "Go all out and take down Jiang He."

Perched on the Martial Arena, Jin Kun's eyes gleamed with a menacing grin.

"Jiang He, you're no match for me," he boasted arrogantly.

"Jin Kun, the victor isn't decided yet," Jiang He retorted.

"Jiang He, prepare to experience my skills," Jin Kun declared, and the battle was on.

In the stands, Hsu Feng wore a look of concern. "Hua Hsing, do you think Jiang He can pull off a win?"

"Jin Kun doesn't stand a chance against him."

Pondering Hua Hsing's assurance, Hsu Feng watched intently.

As predicted, after a fierce quarter-hour on the Martial Arena, Jiang He unleashed his full might and vanquished Jin Kun.

"What? Jin Kun defeated? Jiang He's reached the third level of the Qi Refining Stage?"

"Damn, Jiang He's actually at the third level?"

"Jin Kun is beaten."

The buzz of shocked and awed voices filled the air.

"Worthless," Re Yunzheng muttered under his breath, seething at Jin Kun's defeat.

Atop the dais, the old man with the white beard watched Jiang He with a grin.

"Quite fascinating, an Outer Sect disciple managing to secure a Barrier Breaking Pill."