Chapter 859: Immovable

Editor: Dragon Boat Translation

In the first round, there were byes due to uncertainty about who would participate in this contest.

However, by the second round, byes were no longer allowed.

Once on the stage, if no one challenged within half an hour, The Celestial Treasure would directly draw a participant of the same rank from those who had passed the first round or from the Monster Kings.

How one chose to appear became crucial when facing Sacred Land prodigies or Monster Kings with divine monster bloodlines.

Those willing to participate in the selection had already prepared for a three- way battle, aiming to secure a spot among the final twenty.

“Who among you was willing to enlighten me?”

A figure stepped onto the stage of the late Fourth Rank, and as this person appeared, shadows emerged on the other three stages as well.

Almost instantly, several figures rushed toward the four stages.

At this moment, those guarding the stages were not disciples of the Sacred Land or possessors of divine monster bloodlines, making them relatively favorable choices.

Those willing to participate in the selection were all strong contenders at the same level, with no easy targets in sight.

Without that confidence and strength, many had already been defeated in the first round.

Many people didn’t want to face disciples from the Sacred Land and Monster Kings with divine monster bloodlines. Most of the time, they wanted to observe a few more matches to better gauge the situation.

Knowing oneself and the opponent could sometimes neutralize a slight disadvantage.

After passing the selection, there was a one-month period for rapid improvement. By then, one might be able to make up for deficiencies and further enhance their strength.

For non-disciples of the Sacred Land, this was undoubtedly more effective.

After all, disciples of the Sacred Land usually had resources far superior to those of other factions, and what they could improve had already been improved.

It was often people from other factions who, due to a lack of precious resources, showed more shortcomings.

Chen Fei and others were observing the matches on the stage when Fei Jiaxing, who had just sold information, unexpectedly approached again.

“Apologies for the interruption!”

Fei Jiaxing nodded towards Chen Fei and the others, then took out a jade slip from his sleeve and got straight to the point:

“I saw earlier that Brother Chen had already passed the first round. Here are detailed data on all mid-stage fourth-tier participants for the second round, both from the Mountain Sea Realm and Monster Kings. Would you like a copy?”

Fei Jiaxing grinned widely, his eyes narrowing to slits once again.

Chen Fei looked at Fei Jiaxing with some surprise; this businessman’s mind indeed turned quickly.

Watching Fei Jiaxing, Chen Fei couldn’t help but recall the first time he met Chi Defeng in Pingyin County—it seemed similar.

Whenever money was involved, Chi Defeng could react quickly.

Of course, Chi Defeng’s cultivation realm was far behind Fei Jiaxing’s.

Fei Jiaxing was a strong figure in the Mountain Sea Realm, while with Chen Fei’s help, Chi Defeng had managed to break through to the Aperture Tempering realm and live for two hundred years.

But barring any unexpected circumstances, the Aperture Tempering realm was likely Chi Defeng’s limit.

Chi Defeng was quite content with this.

Two hundred years—two to three times the lifespan of an ordinary person— was something many dreamed of. Without Chen Fei’s help, Chi Defeng would never have broken through to the Aperture Tempering realm.

“No need, thanks!”

Chen Fei stopped Tang Shouchang and the others for a moment, smiling as he spoke to Fei Jiaxing.

“The information seems comprehensive, but let me tell you, my eyes can still see a thing or two.”

Fei Jiaxing’s eyes shimmered with a hint of pride.

Without a strong foundation, one wouldn’t dare to handle delicate matters!

Fei Jiaxing believed that the information recorded in his jade slip held considerable value.

However, seeing Chen Fei’s unwavering expression, Fei Jiaxing muttered to himself, no longer pushing forcefully, and quickly moved on to the next potential customer.

In this business, timing is crucial—a slight delay could mean losing a client.

Zhao Ruizheng and the others watched Fei Jiaxing’s departing figure, then glanced at Chen Fei.

If it were them, they might still spend some money to buy information.

But now that Chen Fei was participating in the selection, they naturally couldn’t impose.

Chen Fei’s gaze scanned between the four stages, focusing more on the late Fourth Rank and the peak Fourth Rank stages.

By the second round, everyone’s strength had reached a fairly close level.

Being of the same rank, their spiritual treasures were also on par, and any differences were often found in the details.

Therefore, compared to the first round, the fighting time on each stage in the second round began to lengthen.

Achieving complete dominance had become exceedingly difficult.

As Chen Fei observed the platforms of the late Fourth Rank and peak Fourth Rank, he often immersed himself in their positions, envisioning the potential outcomes.

If he had unleashed his full combat power against the two individuals on the late Fourth Rank platform at that moment, in a one-on-one scenario, he could have defeated them with just a few moves.

Although these two had cultivated eight Divine Palaces within their bodies, they were only a step away from breaking through to the peak Fourth Rank.

But sometimes, that slight difference became glaringly apparent.

Moreover, with the Seven Star Illumination Technique, adding two more Divine Palaces allowed Chen Fei to sustain prolonged combat. Essentially, he could be seen as approaching the late stage of the Mountain Sea Realm.

After observing the late Fourth Rank platform for a moment, Chen Fei shifted his focus to the peak Fourth Rank platform.

As peak Fourth Rank cultivators, the two individuals on this platform had already comprehended their respective techniques to the utmost. Without reaching this level of mastery, they wouldn’t have been able to condense nine Divine Palaces.

Furthermore, their inherited techniques were outstanding, and the power they unleashed with every move and gesture required Chen Fei to approach them with utmost caution, even if he had unleashed his full combat capabilities.

Chen Fei found it difficult to achieve victory in battle; more often than not, it would end in a draw, or he might even be slightly inferior.

After all, the seamless connection of nine Divine Palaces and the complete unity of spirit and soul endowed him with such formidable strength.

If it weren’t for Chen Fei’s exceptional talent and extraordinary lineage, other mid-stage Mountain Sea Realm cultivators would be flattened with a single palm.

Even for late-stage Mountain Sea Realm cultivators, they could only withstand a few more moves against peak-stage opponents.

It was precisely because of this strength that factions with peak-stage Mountain Sea Realm cultivators could be considered top-tier forces, ranking just below the Sacred Land.

Under suitable conditions, a peak-stage Mountain Sea Realm cultivator could completely massacre a faction with late-stage Mountain Sea Realm cultivators, unless the faction activated their sect’s formation immediately to avoid such a fate.

But as the saying goes, it’s easier to commit a crime for a thousand days than to guard against it for a thousand days.

If one truly offended a peak-stage Mountain Sea Realm powerhouse, the demise of their sect would almost become inevitable.

On the four platforms, whether human or Monster Kings, they rotated quickly. By now, more than half of the second round had passed, with even disciples from the Sacred Land and Monster Kings with divine monster bloodlines participating multiple times.

Zhao Ruizheng and his companions grew increasingly anxious as Chen Fei continued to watch the peak Fourth Rank platform without stepping onto any of the stages.

“If he doesn’t go up soon, he’ll be facing tougher opponents next.”

Even if victorious, injuries were inevitable.

Although there were many healing elixirs by the platforms, recovery still required some time.

To truly secure a spot among the final twenty, it was best not to get injured or minimize injuries in the earlier rounds.

“Brother Chen, aren’t you going up yet? If you wait any longer, you’ll be up against disciples from the Sacred Land.”

Fei Jiaxing appeared nearby at some point, smiling persuasively at Chen Fei.

Those willing to buy jade slips had already done so; Fei Jiaxing had made a round and coincidentally returned here. Seeing Chen Fei still not on stage, he casually reminded him.

After all, Chen Fei had bought a jade slip earlier, making him a customer.

“You make a good point,” Chen Fei smiled faintly, withdrawing his gaze.

Just then, someone appeared on the mid-stage fourth platform. Chen Fei’s figure flickered, and he swiftly ascended the stage.

“Oh no, not this one!”

Fei Jiaxing exclaimed as he saw Chen Fei charge onto the stage, momentarily stunned, then furrowing his brow.

“Did I not explain clearly enough earlier?” Fei Jiaxing tugged at his goatee, his gaze fixed on the platform ahead.

Standing before Chen Fei was an exceptionally muscular figure, towering over him by at least a head in height.

Despite years of cultivation, Chen Fei was not short, yet this opponent was significantly taller.

Zhao Ruizheng and his companions grew solemn, and most around the central hall turned their attention to the mid-stage fourth platform.

Because standing opposite Chen Fei now was a disciple from the Sacred Land.

Chen Fei was among the few challengers who actively sought out disciples from the Sacred Land among the earlier qualifiers.

Facing Chen Fei was Zhan Xidong, renowned for his formidable strength and titled as the quasi-son of the Qingyan Sacred Land.

As his cultivation continued to advance, he was destined to become the son of the Qingyan Sacred Land.

“I thought The Celestial Treasure would automatically select opponents later. You, you’re quite something!”

Zhan Xidong’s gaze locked onto Chen Fei, emanating a pressure like a mountain collapsing, making it feel as though he wasn’t facing a person but a towering sacred peak.

“There’s always a fight to be had,” Chen Fei smiled faintly, seemingly unaffected by the overwhelming pressure from Zhan Xidong.

“Hahaha, well said! There’s always a fight to be had. Sooner or later, you’ll get beaten up either way!”

Zhan Xidong laughed loudly at Chen Fei’s calm demeanor, swinging his Lock Dragon Sword, resembling a door panel, and swiftly positioning himself in front ofChen Fei.

“Zhan Xidong was born with extraordinary strength, and Qingyan Sacred Land’s foundational martial arts lean towards physical prowess. To defeat him, one must maneuver skillfully to stand a chance,” Fei Jiaxing whispered softly.

In truth, Fei Jiaxing’s explanation wasn’t necessary. The moment Zhan Xidong moved, his earth-shattering aura permeated in all directions.

The cultivators at the Mountain Sea Realm facing Zhan Xidong directly ahead looked extremely serious, while those below the Mountain Sea Realm had already turned pale, clearly overwhelmed.

During the first round, Zhan Xidong had a bye, but now everyone could tangibly feel his formidable power.

“Boom!”

A thunderous roar erupted from the stage, elemental energies of heaven and earth surged, and ripples spread outward.

Behind the Concealment Sword, Chen Fei firmly withstood Zhan Xidong’s strike.

Zhan Xidong’s eyebrows lifted slightly, his arm exerting more force in an attempt to overpower Chen Fei. Yet, no matter how hard Zhan Xidong pushed, the Concealment Sword remained immovable.