Chapter 255 - 123: Jun Wu Wins! [Second Update]
On the stage, Mu Chen and Jun Wu were locked in a fierce battle, spiritual power bursting out in all directions, their figures almost invisible to the naked eye, only leaving afterimages. Both Mu Chen and Jun Wu wore serious expressions, indicating the importance they placed on this match.
This was the first time since the third competition that Jun Wu took a match so seriously, not only because Mu Chen was Gu Qingqing’s senior brother but also because of Mu Chen’s own strength.
Although Mu Chen was a Medicine Cultivator, his combat abilities were in no way inferior to those of a Sword Cultivator. The Red Flame Spear in his hands was wielded with extraordinary skill, making it hard to realize he was actually a Medicine Cultivator, most adept in alchemy.
Jun Wu never underestimated any of Gu Qingqing’s five senior brothers, especially as he got to know them more deeply, realizing they’re not to be taken lightly. Despite being labeled a prodigy himself, it’s evident that he’s not the only one with such talent.
Si Lin and the others became famous earlier than him, and one could say, they were the targets of their generation, as well as Jun Wu’s goal. Thus, being able to seriously compete with Mu Chen made Jun Wu very excited and attentive.
The same went for Mu Chen.
Jun Wu was younger than Mu Chen and the others, but as the Saint Heir of Yunlan Sacred Land, Jun Wu had been renowned since childhood. Everyone knew Jun Wu’s talent was exceptional, and his physique was perfect for cultivation, progressing by leaps and bounds in his training, which was verified when they encountered him as kids.
Due to their respective statuses, they had never formally competed. Even when they previously caused trouble for Jun Wu over Gu Qingqing, it was mostly playful, never a serious duel like now, making Mu Chen equally focused on this match with Jun Wu.
With both of them taking it very seriously, the match on the stage was even more spectacular.
Mu Chen swung the Red Flame Spear, leaving trails of fire on the stage, while Jun Wu’s scimitar left icy marks. Neither side gave an inch, and their clashes left the stage potholed.
It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that there’s hardly a complete piece of ground left on the stage for anyone to stand on, so most of their duel took place in the air.
A line of fire rushed towards Jun Wu, only to be neutralized by Jun Wu’s sword radiance. Then, with a flick of his hand, the silver scimitar spun towards Mu Chen’s shoulder, which Mu Chen blocked with his flaming spear, forcefully deflecting it back towards Jun Wu.
Jun Wu caught the scimitar and soared up, his figure flashing and appearing before Mu Chen. He kicked towards Mu Chen, who raised the Red Flame Spear to block it. Jun Wu’s kick landed on the spear with Mu Chen’s force sending Jun Wu flying back, stabilizing mid-air before swinging the scimitar with intense force, sending a compelling sword radiance towards Mu Chen.
Rather than retreating, Mu Chen advanced, thrusting the Red Flame Spear forward, sending a line of fire to meet Jun Wu’s incoming sword radiance. The two collided midway, neutralizing each other, leaving another crater on the stage below.
At this moment, Jun Wu suddenly appeared behind Mu Chen, delivering a palm strike to his back. Realizing this, Mu Chen hurriedly turned around, raising his palm to meet Jun Wu’s.
Using half their power in this exchange, both staggered back a few steps, each spitting a mouthful of blood, clutching their chests while gazing at each other.
After catching their breaths, the two plunged into battle once more.
"Old Fourth being a Medicine Cultivator usually gives him an advantage over others, but against a prodigy like Jun Wu, it’s challenging; he’ll lose this match." Rong Ye, having advanced to the Half-step Immortal Rank, had developed a broader perspective. Although it seemed Jun Wu and Mu Chen were evenly matched, he had discerned Mu Chen’s weaknesses and predicted the outcome.
Gu Qingqing turned to him, surprised, "Really? I can’t tell."
She truly couldn’t see it. As the two spat blood, she was worried for them.
"You’ll see in a while." Rong Ye knew this was due to the disparity in their cultivation levels and said no more, exuding calm assurance.
Gu Qingqing glanced at him, then turned back, continuing to intently watch the stage, unconsciously clenching her hands with worry.
The situation on stage indeed unfolded as Rong Ye predicted, with a shift in dynamics. Mu Chen couldn’t match Jun Wu in the end. Their spiritual power was comparable, but Mu Chen’s physical strength lagged behind, resulting in Jun Wu’s scimitar at his throat.
"I lost." Mu Chen looked at Jun Wu, then at the blade at his neck, smiled and said.
"Brother Mu, thanks for letting me win." Jun Wu, after being declared the winner, retracted his blade, and cupped his hands to Mu Chen.
Mu Chen shook his head, touched his neck. It had been a long time since anyone had held a blade to his neck; it felt novel, and he seemed to gain some insight, but it was fleeting, slipping away before he could grasp it. Shaking his head, he set it aside and hopped off the stage to find Gu Qingqing.
In the four matches, Yue Zhao, Nan Hua, Jun Wu, and Shen Qing were victorious, while Shui Qianxi, Bai Shenghua, Mu Chen, and Wang Chuanfeng were defeated.
Next, Yue Zhao and the others drew lots to decide their next-round opponents.
This time Yue Zhao drew Shen Qing, while Nan Hua drew Jun Wu.
"Ha, I was just wondering when I’d get a chance to spar with that kid Jun Wu, didn’t think the opportunity would arise so soon, wonderful." Nan Hua shook his fan, looking quite pleased.
"I also wish to learn from Senior Brother Nan; I hope Senior Brother Nan won’t hold back during the match." Jun Wu, equally pleased, responded.
"Naturally, naturally." Nan Hua placed a hand on Jun Wu’s shoulder, speaking without any modesty.
Gu Qingqing watched the two, then turned her attention to Mu Chen.
"Fourth Senior Brother, are you okay?" Just a moment ago on stage, Mu Chen had spat blood; now his face was even paler than usual, prompting Gu Qingqing to ask in concern.
"I’m fine. You shouldn’t worry about your Fourth Senior Brother’s medical skills. One elixir and I’ll recover quickly." Mu Chen smiled, reassuringly.
Thinking about it, Gu Qingqing felt relieved.
With the match over, Yue Zhao and the others had a night to rest, so they returned to their accommodations and turned in early.
The next day, bright and early, they arrived at the Cloud Ascension Platform.
Unlike before, this time the two matches wouldn’t be held simultaneously but one after the other, which delighted Gu Qingqing, freeing her from the dilemma of choosing whose match to watch.
Yue Zhao and Shen Qing’s match was first. Yue Zhao’s sound attack had improved significantly recently, creating a substantial influence on Shen Qing, whose mentality eventually collapsed, succumbing entirely to Yue Zhao’s music and directly jumping off the stage, allowing Yue Zhao to win the match.