Chapter 13
Chapter 13
Although Li Mumin provided him with demon blood and a top-grade spiritual root, Zhang Chen was still at the fifth level of Qi cultivation.
This was mainly to conceal himself and avoid suspicion.
The blood essence that was cultivated was either stored or used as a consumption for practicing spells.
After half a year of cultivation, he had made some progress in several spells. The only thing he lacked was practical combat experience.
Therefore, he planned to observe the inner sect competition and learn from the techniques of other disciples.
People who practiced cultivation did not celebrate the New Year like ordinary people, but some sect activities were held on that day for the sake of festivity.
For example, the inner sect competition!
The inner sect competition was a way for the Blood God Sect to select inner sect disciples. Outer sect disciples at the seventh level of Qi cultivation could participate. Those who ranked in the top 100 could become inner sect disciples.
“The inner sect competition is about to begin. Let’s hurry over!”
Many disciples were rushing towards the square in groups of two or three or alone.
Zhang Chen followed the crowd and arrived at the square.
This place was already packed with people full of anticipation and excitement.
It was like a bustling marketplace, filled with noisy conversations.
Due to his late arrival, Zhang Chen could only stand a distance away from the arena. However, cultivators had sharp eyes and ears, so he could still see clearly.
He had too many secrets and had no intention of making friends. His gaze casually swept across the crowd and then he looked at the center of the square.
A magnificent and broad arena built entirely of blood jade came into view.
From time to time, the arena would flicker with light. It was obvious that it was enhanced by spells.
There was also an array outside the arena, similar to the beast garden, to prevent nearby spectators from being affected by the fighting.
Beyond the arena was a stand with a bloodwood chair with evil ghosts and fiendish celestials carved on it.
Coupled with the blood-red color of the bloodwood chair, these evil and demonic figures seemed to be struggling in a sea of blood. They were especially vivid.
10 direct disciples in red robes stood below the spectator stand, maintaining order.
Zhang Chen had never seen any of them before. They were not the ones from the previous sect assessment.
Right at this moment, the 10 direct disciples suddenly turned around and bowed to the empty seat.
“Welcome, Elder!”
The disciples suddenly quietened down and quickly bowed towards the spectator stand. “Greetings, Elder!”
Blood kept seeping out of the empty bloodwood chair like a blood spring. It was very terrifying.
The blood did not flow onto the ground. Instead, it condensed and squirmed as if it was alive.
Then, a person completely composed of blood appeared before everyone, with feet, body, arms, and head all made of blood.
Immediately after, the blood solidified and transformed into a skinny and hunchbacked old man with skin and bones.
However, no one dared to underestimate the old man because he was the Golden Core elder of the Blood God Sect, Patriarch Withered Blood.
Patriarch Withered Blood scanned the crowd and said with a dry and hoarse voice, “Let the inner sect competition begin.”
“Respected Elder, the inner sect competition begins!” The 10 direct disciples used their magic power to spread their voices throughout the sect.
“Dang, dang, dang…”
The loud sound of the bell rang out, signaling the official start of the inner sect competition.
A direct disciple lightly leapt onto the stage and said in a deep voice, “There are a total of 300 outer sect disciples who are at the seventh level of Qi cultivation or higher participating in this sect-wide competition.
“The top three winners will be rewarded with a bucket of blood essence as encouragement.
“The top 10 winners will be rewarded with a pot of blood essence as encouragement.
“The participants who rank within the top 100 will be promoted to inner sect disciples and rewarded with a bowl of blood essence as encouragement.
“The first match, Song Junfeng versus Lu Tianyu.”
With these words, two figures leaped onto the stage.
Zhang Chen realized that one of them was at the eighth level of Qi cultivation.
Actually, this was very common. Some people would participate after reaching the eighth level of Qi cultivation in order to ensure their success.
There were also some who had failed to advance in the past, but after some time, their cultivation had improved and they were able to participate again.
“Outer sect disciple Song Junfeng (Lu Tianyu) greets the elders and fellow disciples.” After the two of them went up to the stage, they bowed to the elders and the crowd.
From the tone of voice, Zhang Chen could tell that Lu Tianyu was the one at the eighth level of Qi cultivation.
“The competition officially begins!” After the direct disciple announced this, he left the arena and activated the array formation.
Without further ado, the two on the stage began to fight.
In an instant, blood splattered in all directions and a fierce wind arose.
Lu Tianyu condensed his blood into a long spear and charged at Song Junfeng at lightning speed.
With a shake of his spear, countless blood-red spear sparks flew out. The spear sparks were like poisonous dragons as they swept towards Song Junfeng.
The tip of the spear emitted a pungent smell of blood that made people nauseous.
This was a set of techniques called the ‘Blood Killing Spear’. When cultivated to the extreme, it could transform into a blood dragon that could devour everything.
“Ha!”
Song Junfeng roared, his blood enveloping his arms. He swung his palms, creating countless fist prints that turned into a dense cluster of palm shadows.
Their attacks collided, setting off tempestuous waves. Their Qi energy swept across, shattering the arena.
Song Junfeng was using the Blood Battle Eight Directions Fist. When practiced to a high level, it could condense numerous blood fists that could shatter mountains with a single punch.
“Bang!”
Lu Tianyu raised his long spear, and the blade of the spear swept towards Song Junfeng’s neck like a sharp knife.
This spear strike had a bloodthirsty aura. It was so fast that it was impossible to guard against. Moreover, it was extremely powerful.
Song Junfeng did not dare to take it head-on and quickly dodged.
But Lu Tianyu was not willing to give up. He continued to pursue Song Junfeng. The tip of his spear turned into afterimages and kept stabbing at Song Junfeng’s vital points, trying to severely injure him.
Song Junfeng retreated several steps, evading the attacks while also looking for an opportunity to deliver a fatal blow.
“Bang, bang, bang…”
The two of them moved extremely quickly. In the blink of an eye, they had exchanged more than 10 moves.
The tip of Lu Tianyu’s long spear glowed with blood, like a blood dragon circling and roaring. Its power was not to be underestimated.
Song Junfeng was not to be outdone. His fists and palms collided with the spear.
“Rumble…”
Explosions sounded one after another, and the entire arena shook, with dust flying everywhere.
Song Junfeng’s body trembled and he took several steps back. Blood flowed from the corner of his mouth.
Not to mention the strength of their techniques, his cultivation level was lower than the opponent’s, putting him at a disadvantage.
Lu Tianyu smiled arrogantly and took advantage of the situation to pursue him. His long spear pointed out, turning into a rain of blood that filled the sky, sweeping towards Song Junfeng as if to engulf him.
“Great!”
“Senior Brother Lu Tianyu is so powerful!”
“Senior Brother Song Junfeng is not bad either, but unfortunately, he met Senior Brother Lu Tianyu.”
The audience cheered loudly as they watched with excitement and admiration.
On the other hand, Song Junfeng’s expression changed drastically. He hurriedly displayed all his skills, punching out countless blood-colored shadows in an attempt to resist Lu Tianyu’s attacks.
But with one move, Lu Tianyu immediately followed up with two consecutive blood spear attacks.
The blood spear was like a rainbow, carrying a fierce force. It seemed to be able to penetrate the world, directly passing through the fist shadows.
“Thud…”
A muffled groan sounded. Song Junfeng’s shoulder was pierced through. Blood splattered and poured out like a waterfall.
A shocking wound appeared on his shoulder blade.
Blood gushed out of the wound like a fountain.
“Ah…”
Song Junfeng screamed in pain.
He was pale and trembling all over. His eyes were full of fear, and his body fell backwards uncontrollably.
Lu Tianyu’s attacks did not slow down. Instead, they became even more ferocious. The blood spear continued to pierce through Song Junfeng’s body.
“I concede, I concede!” Song Junfeng shouted in a panic. If this continued, he would undoubtedly die.
With Patriarch Withered Blood and many other disciples watching, Lu Tianyu did not dare to kill him. The blood spear softened and turned back into blood, returning to his body. He cupped his hands and said, “Junior Brother Song, thank you for your concession.”
Song Junfeng smiled bitterly. “Senior Brother Lu, your cultivation is profound and your skills are extraordinary. I am no match for you.”
“It’s nothing. Junior Brother Song, you flatter me too much.” Lu Tianyu sounded humble, but his face was full of pride.