Cultivation: Immunity to Negative Effects

"Impressive techniques. I am truly in awe!"

Although the old man was unwilling, he had no choice but to accept the result.

He had actually been keeping his distance from Zhang Chi, flying quickly the entire time.

This was to prevent Zhang Chi from abandoning his defense against the Silver Pearl to attack him instead.

But unfortunately, he had misjudged the moment Zhang Chi took out the Black Small Bell.

He had assumed the Black Small Bell was a Defensive Magical Treasure, but it turned out to be a Sound Wave Treasure capable of stunning Cultivators.

The treasure launched an area-of-effect attack, and since the arena was not large enough, he was caught completely off guard.

Moreover, the speed and strength Zhang Chi displayed afterward had also far exceeded his expectations.

In other words, Zhang Chi hadn’t even been using his full strength while fending off the Silver Pearl treasure.

"Fellow Daoist, you flatter me," Zhang Chi replied with a slight smile.

’I didn’t actually hide my Body Refining strength on purpose before,’ he thought. ’But at the end, I activated the Array inscribed on my Armor.’

’Specifically, the acceleration Array in the matching magical treasure boots.’

’Besides, this strategy was premeditated. My opponent was caught off guard, so it’s no wonder he was defeated.’

’Of course, in a normal battle, he could have kept fighting. But I also have many techniques I’ve yet to use.’

"Number Eighty-eight is victorious!"

At that moment, the Haoyue City Lord announced loudly.

Zhang Chi gave a slight, formal bow to his opponent before flying off the stage.

"Did Zhang Chi really just win?"

"I never expected him to be the victor!"

"But that Small Bell Treasure was truly formidable, and his strategy was brilliant!"

"True. The loss wasn’t undeserved for Fellow Daoist Number Two."

"Yeah, Fellow Daoist Number Two was too careless!"

"You can’t blame him. Who would have thought Fellow Daoist Number Eighty-eight’s small bell would be a Sound Wave Treasure!"

"That’s true!"

At that moment, most of the audience below, having just recovered from the sound waves, were gasping in amazement at the outcome.

"What a display from Number Eighty-eight!"

Even Number Sixty-seven had to admit he admired Zhang Chi’s courage and cunning.

"Elder, did we win? Is Qin Mountain Oasis ours? I must be dreaming, right?"

Shang Deyi was ecstatic, his face a mask of disbelief.

After all, just a moment before, Zhang Chi had been sent scrambling by that Silver Pearl treasure, dodging everywhere and looking like he was about to lose.

"Congratulations, Fellow Daoist Zhang!"

Cen Huayun and the other Golden Core Cultivators who had previously spoken with Zhang Chi all came forward to offer their congratulations.

Even a few Cultivators Zhang Chi didn’t know shamelessly sidled up.

"Thank you, everyone. But there’s still a challenge round to get through before it’s officially decided."

Zhang Chi responded with a smile, laughing and chatting with the crowd as he went back to watching the competition.

「Two months passed quickly, and the competition for the Spiritual Lands finally reached the challenge round.」

As it turned out, no one chose to challenge Zhang Chi.

Apparently, even those who thought Zhang Chi had only won because the old man had been careless had to admit that his Combat Power was formidable and his Magical Treasure was potent.

Therefore, no one was willing to take a bite out of a tough nut like Zhang Chi.

After all, the challenge round was their last chance. If they failed, they wouldn’t get any Spiritual Land at all.

Zhang Chi, seeing this, was unconcerned.

’Even if someone had challenged me, I was confident I would win. I still have plenty of tricks up my sleeve,’ he thought.

’Of course, avoiding more fighting is a good thing. It saves me from having to reveal more of my true strength.’

"This is wonderful! Congratulations, Elder!" Shang Deyi was ecstatic, his face flushed with excitement.

"Haha, the joy is mutual!" Zhang Chi couldn’t help but laugh at his expression.

"Fellow Daoist Zhang, this time, a true congratulations is in order!"

Cen Huayun and the others came over again to offer their congratulations. Compared to before, there were clearly far more unfamiliar Cultivators joining them this time.

Zhang Chi even received quite a few congratulatory gifts. While none were exceptionally valuable, they were of decent quality, and all together they represented a significant sum.

Zhang Chi did not refuse their good intentions. He made sure to ask for and remember their names and origins.

He even promised the Golden Core Cultivators he knew, like Cen Huayun, that he would treat them to drinks in a few days.

Cen Huayun and the others were delighted to hear this, thinking to themselves, ’Looks like our gifts weren’t given in vain.’

"Fellow Daoist Zhang, tonight the upper echelon of the top-ranking Immortal Cultivation Influences are gathering for a celebration. Afterward, there will be a transaction meet for Golden Core Cultivators. Would you be willing to grace us with your presence?"

"Oh, and I am Lang Shiyuan, the Great Elder of the Lang Family. I suppose you could say we wouldn’t have met if we hadn’t fought!"

Just then, the same old man from before, his opponent, approached with a smile and extended the invitation.

Although he had been defeated, he had quickly taken a Healing Elixir. Later, during the challenge round, he managed to snatch a high-ranking Spiritual Land for himself. As such, his loss to Zhang Chi hadn’t impacted him too severely.

In fact, the immense Combat Power Zhang Chi had displayed had made both him and the family he represented eager to form a connection.

"So you are Fellow Daoist Lang Shiyuan of the Lang Family. I have long heard of your name. Since Fellow Daoist Lang has extended the invitation, of course I must attend." Zhang Chi was momentarily taken aback but quickly accepted with a smile.

The powerful Golden Core influences under the jurisdiction of Haoyue Immortal City were all worth befriending.

He was particularly looking forward to the Golden Core transaction meet.

When Lang Shiyuan saw how readily Zhang Chi agreed, showing none of the arrogance typical of a young victor, he couldn’t help but breathe a sigh of relief. His opinion of Zhang Chi improved immensely, and he immediately struck up a pleasant conversation.

"Fellow Daoist Zhang, I am Shen Jianping. I had the good fortune of choosing the same micro-oasis as you and Elder Lang, so one might say this is fate. I will also be attending the celebration and the transaction meet later, so I hope you will look out for me!"

"Haha, Fellow Daoist Shen, you’re too modest. It is I who should be asking for your guidance. Your Swordsmanship is god-like. Just like Fellow Daoist Lang, you are a top-tier expert. If not for my good luck, I never could have won."

"Fellow Daoist Shen is indeed powerful, but Fellow Daoist Zhang, you need not be so self-deprecating. Your strength is greater still. I was completely and utterly convinced by my loss..."

At that moment, the Sword Cultivator, Number Sixty-seven, also drew near and joined their conversation.

Neither Zhang Chi nor Lang Shiyuan gave him the cold shoulder; they immediately welcomed him into the conversation.

Of course, Lang Shiyuan and Shen Jianping already knew each other. Both were Elders from Major Immortal Cultivation Clans.

And though Shen Jianping had been defeated earlier, he too had secured a decent Spiritual Land through the challenge round, which was why he was qualified to be here.

"Being powerful really changes things."

The three of them had a very pleasant conversation, and Shen and Lang soon introduced Zhang Chi to several other Golden Core Cultivators.

These Golden Core Cultivators were all at the Late Stage or even Peak level, and all were high-ranking members of major Golden Core influences.

Cen Huayun and the other Cultivators couldn’t help but feel a pang of envy watching this.

But they didn’t go forward.

They weren’t in the same circle. Their Cultivation was insufficient; they simply weren’t qualified.

Forcing their way in would only bring them humiliation, as that group wouldn’t give them the time of day.

This was true even for Cen Huayuan; despite being an Elder of the Golden Wind Sect, his personal strength was not enough.

As for Shang Deyi, he was completely ignored, left to quietly play the part of Zhang Chi’s attendant.

Those in the know recognized him as the Patriarch of the Shang Family, but those who weren’t simply assumed he was Zhang Chi’s junior or follower.

Even so, he was still incredibly thrilled.

After all, it was the first time in his life he had been this close to so many Golden Core Masters.