Chapter 1891 - 1892: Advancement
Lin Chen also quite admired Qin Hao, who liked to improve himself through battles and was forthright in his actions. Besides, his strength made entering the top two hundred hardly difficult.
However, upon hearing this, Qin Hao shook his head and said with a smile:
"Brother Lin Chen, thank you for your kindness! You are a formidable opponent, but I will continue to train and challenge you again next time. Whether I enter the top two hundred or not doesn't matter. I wish you success!"
Seeing this, Lin Chen could only say:
"Alright then, I'll take your good wishes. You are also a worthy opponent to respect!"
"Hahaha! Brother Lin Chen, come to my Red Flame Sect next time, and I'll host a drink for you!"
"Absolutely, absolutely!"
Soon after, Qin Hao jumped off the arena, and Lin Chen inwardly sighed. Truly exceptional talents like Qin Hao, who are dedicated to martial arts and battle, are rare geniuses; just unlucky. If he had the same opportunities as Lin Chen, Lin Chen didn't think his strength would be worse.
However, Lin Chen merely pondered this briefly. Opportunities cannot be sought; from another perspective, gaining an opportunity is also part of one's strength. In this world, as long as one's strength is formidable, one holds power — others don't care where your strength comes from.
Shaking his head to dismiss random thoughts, Lin Chen turned his gaze back to the arena.
At this time, due to the battle between Lin Chen and Qin Hao, disciples who were originally close to him voluntarily moved farther away, occasionally looking at Lin Chen as if afraid he'd attack them.
Even those with a cultivation level comparable to Qin Hao's or slightly stronger also looked at Lin Chen with caution. After all, it was clear Lin Chen didn't use all his strength to defeat Qin Hao, leaving Lin Chen's true power an unknown factor.
On the arena, everyone wished to enter the top two hundred to advance, so none wanted to risk fighting Lin Chen. It was fine if they won, but if they lost, they'd be disqualified. They dared not gamble.
Lin Chen, meanwhile, searched for Mo Wan'er and Li Ping's positions, confirmed both were safe, and then directed his attention elsewhere on the arena.
By now, the number of people on the arena was visibly decreasing, with many eliminated already. Those with the strength like Mo Wan'er and Li Ping remaining on the arena were few.
Meanwhile, the top-tier experts were yet to act, and no one dared provoke them, which would be akin to seeking death. Thus, disciples from the external sects like the top five of the Heavenly Sword Pavilion merely closed their eyes to meditate while the others fought fiercely.
Currently, the fighting on stage involved disciples with relatively lower strength. As time passed, the battles became increasingly intense; the person next to you could suddenly attack you. At this moment, few friends could be trusted, and only oneself was reliable.
As the fight continued, the number of people in the square dwindled. Some, who hadn't seen Lin Chen and Qin Hao's battle previously, made moves against Lin Chen. These challengers mostly ranged between levels four and five, making it no surprise they were easily dealt with by Lin Chen.
After several consecutive attempts, finally, no one dared challenge Lin Chen again. Those with higher cultivation wouldn't waste their time challenging him.
During these challenges, Mo Wan'er was also challenged and was eliminated after a brief resistance.
Lin Chen felt somewhat helpless about this but understood there was nothing he could do as Mo Wan'er's strength was rather low. Li Ping, on the other hand, persisted, and later Lin Chen helped him once to get through difficult times.
Although the rules didn't prohibit helping others, most couldn't even guarantee their own safety, let alone assist others.
As time ticked away bit by bit, fewer people remained on the arena.
Just as Lin Chen defeated another level five challenger, the voice of the Sword Bone elder suddenly rang out from above:
"Alright, everyone, cease fighting!"
Even those engaged in fighting stopped their actions and looked up at the Sword Bone.
"Now, congratulations to everyone still on the arena; you've not been eliminated and have advanced to the next stage of the contest."
Upon hearing this, many on the arena breathed a sigh of relief, even Lin Chen felt relaxed, no longer needing to be wary of sudden challenges.
Seeing everyone showing signs of joy, Sword Bone continued:
"You've advanced and can participate in the upcoming battles. The next fights will truly test your strength! But it's late today, so everyone please return and rest. Tomorrow morning, same place, we'll continue the battles. As for those eliminated, you can choose to return to the sect to train or stay to watch the fights!"
"Alright, today's contest ends here. Let's all disperse. Remember to gather here again tomorrow morning!"
After speaking, Sword Bone left, and the sect leaders had already departed halfway through the competition.
To them, the external sect's strength was evenly matched, and each sect's advancement numbers were similar, so there was no need to watch further. Indeed, their expectations proved accurate, with around forty members advancing from each of the five sects.
Now, the vast arena was left with spectators and contest participants.
The eliminated either sighed with disappointment or grumbled about the unfairness of the competition before leaving, whereas the victors, brimming with pride, departed with their heads held high.
Looking at the rapidly dwindling number of people on the arena, Lin Chen quickly found Mo Wan'er and Li Ping.
Mo Wan'er hung her head, appearing quite forlorn. Li Ping, beside her, spoke up:
"Wan'er, sister, don't be disheartened. It's just one competition and doesn't prove anything."
"I understand, but being eliminated is still disappointing!"
Hearing this, Lin Chen chuckled slightly and said:
"On the path of cultivation, there's no shortcut. Only by improving one's strength can one face all sorts of challenges calmly!"