Chapter 023

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‘ ‘ for thoughts.

“ “ for speech.

<> for non-verbal communication like telepathy

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Warning: May contain mature content (18+) of an adult nature. Read at your own risk.

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Note:

Although the full name mentioned here are Chinese style, (example: Fang Hao, surname Fang first then given name Hao), the names clubbed with descriptions are description and then given name instead of description and surname (example Fatty Hao and not Fatty Fang).

Btw, I read all your comments, but may not reply to each and every one separately.

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The next four matches for Fang Hao were a breeze. Although most of his opponents were in the 6th layer of Qi Gathering, they didn’t have too much technique. Fang Hao’s sturdy physique and his trusty club ended most matches in a minute or so. If he couldn’t find any opening to exploit, he would simply whack their weapons with his club. This exploited his superior strength to jar his opponents and disarm them easily. He then whacked their forehead for a KO, or their limbs to disable them in case they had quicker reflexes to dodge his strike.

Once disabled with broken limbs, most would give up. If they didn’t Fang Hao would sit on them and slap them silly till they did. A few dozen slaps and a couple of broken teeth later, even the most resolute would give up or faint in anguish. All in all it was smooth sailing, and he easily reached semifinals. His tactic of fighting gave him more time to recover as he tended to finish his fights quickly. Also his cultivation of Divine Vajra Body Scripture caused him to have a superior stamina and recovery rate than his peers. Fang Hao was more or less in his top condition after continuously winning 6 matches. He was in high spirits as he entered the stage for the 7th match which was the semifinals.

‘Looks like most outer disciples in the non-lethal brawling arena don’t focus on their fighting techniques. Kind of makes sense actually, if they are going to primarily cast shells while hiding behind Qi Shields from Qi Condensation stage…it is better to focus on training the Sublime Qi Manual and reaching the next realm as quickly as possible instead of devoting time and energy to train physical fighting techniques. I hope I don’t meet the swarthy turtle here…he is one of the few exceptions with superior technique.’

As soon as he saw his opponent, the self-satisfied grin on his face disappeared quickly. This was because his opponent in the semi-final was Yu Li, the irritating and tenacious swarthy turtle! ‘I was having too much of a smooth ride it seems. I won’t get hot headed and give my all. I will gauge him with a few blows and decide whether to give up or no. Beating him through sheer strength and endurance will be a bit too eye catching. While more xp is good, I don’t want those old monsters to pay attention to me.’

Fang Hao selected a staff like his last time against the swarthy turtle. He and his opponent exchanged polite greeting before they started fighting. The swarthy turtle, as usual had selected a spear, and was fighting conservatively. Fang Hao cautiously approached him and whacked his staff towards his arm. Unsurprisingly, his opponent nimbly flicked his wrist, redirecting most of the impact of the blow. ‘Damn it as skillful as ever. Fuck this shit, if I continue I might lose my composure. Better to give up now. I just hope next week I don’t encounter him as my opponent.’

“I give up.” Said Fang Hao and saw an expression of surprise on his opponent’s face. “Brother Hao, we haven’t even fought seriously.” Fang Hao politely replied. “Brother Li your technique is as good as I remember, possibly even better! If I go all out, I will not have much chance of winning…and it will exhaust both of us. Without my stamina, I would have no hope of winning the next match.’

The swarthy turtle looked a bit unconvinced and was about to object when the Referee declared him as the winner and instructed the participants to leave the stage. Fang Hao returned to the waiting room and collected his winnings of 32 Fasting Pills from an Outer Disciple. While he was waiting for his return transport, he met the swarthy turtle. Swarthy turtle had won the final match, but only because he could tire his opponent while conserving his stamina. He admitted that if he had any other weapon…He would have lost for sure.

“My opponent in the final had unnatural reflexes. It looked as if he could predict most of my attacks. After he successfully deflected and dodged my first few attacks, I concentrated completely on defense.” said the swarthy turtle.

Fang Hao had some angst and amusement in his heart as he replied chuckling, “Concentrate completely on defense?? I surely don’t want to fight you like that. Looks like tiring the enemy to death is a valid stratagem for you.”

The swarthy turtle had a sheepish grin as he said, “Brother Hao, there is nothing wrong with being defensive. Are we not cultivating to gain eternal life? No point in cultivating if you can’t live long enough…”

Fang Hao said admitting tone “That’s true Brother Li. But you also need to kill for treasures to advance! As I understand it, cultivating resources are limited and cultivators are too much! Maybe I should consider participating in the life and death arena after I save up for some second hand weapon and armor.”

“Brother Hao, I would strongly advise against it. My master forbids me to fight in the lethal arena at the Qi Gathering realm. Those who fight there are truly desperate. They use things like hidden weapons and poisoned bolts from sleeve crossbows to win. Remember, we can bring our own weapons and the rules don’t forbid the use of poison.”

Fang Hao visibly paled hearing this piece of information, ‘While my master did forbid me for fighting in the lethal arena for the time being, I always thought after getting more proficiency I would have pestered him for his permission. Looks like I was not informed fully about the situation in the lethal arena.’ Seeing the meatball’s pale expression the swarthy turtle continued.

“The rewards there are simply heavenly for Qi gathering realm disciple. Those seniors who have stayed s outer disciples as far too long and failed to advance or breakthrough despite the use of copious amounts of Qi Gathering pills fight there. After a certain point, the remnant pill toxicity in their bodies cannot be ignored and their resistance they build up to the fasting pills make them virtually useless. There only hope is to get higher tier pills or a spirit stone. So the fighting there is extremely vicious…more so than the lethal arena in the higher realm fights.”

Fang Hao nodded slowly as he said, “Makes sense. At the QI Condensation realm cultivators can have various protective treasures and at least a Qi Barrier to survive for a few breaths in most situations, when the situation becomes hopeless. At that time they can admit defeat and preserve their life! No such chance in the Qi Gathering Realm. Also congratulations brother Li, for having a master. How exactly did you get selected?”

Brother Li looked a proud and said. “My master is an elder in the body cultivation division of our sect. He liked my technique and inspected me. The heavens are kind, and my physique is suited to cultivate body refining, and he immediately asked whether I am interested to be his disciple. I of course accepted! So what about you brother Hao, did you plan on competing here till you catch an Elder’s eye?”

Fang Hao lazily replied, “Oh I am just competing for some fasting pills as I am a bit poor at the moment. And I already have a master.” The Swarthy Turtle looked shocked at this revelation, and looked at him with a strange expression. “Who and How?”

“You know Master Zhu already. He manages the assignment hall on our hill.”

The swarthy turtle had an ugly expression as he said, “Brother Hao, accepting a master in the sect is a serious matter. A large portion of your future achievements and resources depend on it. I am sure you the situation regarding those who manage the Assignment Halls for Outer Disciples. Why exactly did you accept him as master?”

“Well Master Zhu has some very good wine. And he promised me that if I accept him as my master, I will get to drink that wine regularly!” The swarthy Turtle was shocked as he only uttered, “You accepted a master for some wine?!! What the hell is wrong with you?” “Brother Li, let me tell you, the wine Master has is the good stuff; Totally Worth it!” The swarthy turtle was exasperated at the meatball’s reply and all he could do was face-palm...