Chapter 347: She Won?
Kang Ya-Ting was conflicted. As he watched his granddaughter compete against a feted genius of the Poison Claw Sect, he definitely wanted to see her win. Obviously. It would be good for her confidence.
But…
Tan Long had earned his reputation. There was little chance of him losing. It was the expected result, and sometimes, events following a predictable pattern was exactly what everyone needed.
If Kang Lin did somehow pull out a victory, more resources would be devoted to her, and her influence would increase. Doors that had previously been locked would open. In a sect, success led to being given the opportunity for even more success.
Not all would be positive, however. The scrutiny on her would become intense. Finishing in the top eight had already put her in view of the sect higher ups. If she made the top four, every elder would have her investigated. They’d learn about her refusal to marry one of the heirs of the Rising Tide Sect.
Questions would be asked. Every move she made would be evaluated. Her freedom would be curtailed.
A year ago, Kang Ya-Ting wouldn’t have thought his granddaughter worth that kind of effort. She was a middling talent with a good head on her shoulders destined for, at best, a role as one of the administrative elders.
Six months ago, he thought she had changed her destiny. Greatness lay in front of her. The Rising Tide Sect would ascend, and she would ride the wave of that success as the wife of one of its primary members. Her name would be mentioned in the history books.
That day, watching her enter the arena to face Tan Long, Kang Ya-Ting despaired for what was to come of her. A failed disciple didn’t have much of a future, even one who reached the final eight. Especially when she’d reached that high solely due to a dubious forfeit.
As the match started, Kang Ya-Ting found himself surprised by his granddaughter’s tactics and skill. Her decision to rely on qi efficiency was smart and not one a lot of the more hotheaded young cultivators would have made.
She executed her plan well. The speed of her Qi Gathering realm movement technique combined with the superiority of her spear skill and shield gave the favored Tan Long fits. He surely hadn’t expected such a battle.
As the fight went on, Kang Ya-Ting kept expecting the young man’s talent to pull through, for him to find some way to turn the fight around, but Kang Lin wouldn’t let him rest. She kept the pressure up.