Chapter 80: Chapter 80: The Zither Sounds, the Man Arrives
The Annual Gathering officially began.
The moment Xue Wuhen’s voice fell, figures shot out and onto the surface of the lake.
To walk on water and fight on the lake’s surface required not only a formidable Body Technique and Lightweight Skill, but also profound Cultivation to support it.
The choice of Star Moon Lake as the venue raised the barrier to entry for this year’s Annual Gathering considerably higher than in the past.
"They’re starting right off with a battle between two candidates for the Ten Great. I’d say anyone whose Cultivation hasn’t reached the Peak of Postnatal isn’t even qualified to get on stage this year."
"That’s to be expected. Too many big shots are paying attention this year. It’s the grandest Annual Gathering ever held. In such a solemn occasion, even Postnatal Late Stage Martial Artists would be too embarrassed to compete."
As the first battle erupted, the crowd burst into discussion.
In past Annual Gatherings, Postnatal Late Stage Martial Artists could fight and make a name for themselves.
But this year, not even Postnatal Late Stage Martial Artists dared to step up. The very first match was between two candidates for the Ten Great.
On the high platform.
The Ten Great each sat in their own chairs, overlooking the entire scene.
They were the true main characters of today’s gathering.
"I wonder how many rising stars we’ll see this year?"
Xue Wuhen said lightly. Dressed in white and holding a fan, he was handsome, the very picture of a refined young master.
"In previous years, someone was always pulled down from their horse. This year, one of us is destined to be trampled underfoot as well. Be careful, everyone," said the slender Xu Tengfei from the side.
"Hmph. In the biggest upset of the past, only three were unseated. It’ll be a surprise if even two are replaced this year." The one who replied was Hong Tai. He was tall, built like an iron tower, and his voice was as deep as a great bell.
"I see only a few threats this year. Wang Tao of the Wang Family, Liu Yun of the Liu Family, Zhang Yao of the Zhang Family, and Gao Jin. Those four have all stepped into the Innate Realm. The rest are nothing to fear."
"Everyone, don’t forget one person: Ning Jiang of the White Head Sword Sect." Bai Qi’s eyes opened and closed, carrying a strange, piercing power that made it difficult for others to meet his gaze.
When the name "Ning Jiang" was spoken, the expressions on the faces of the others couldn’t help but shift.
They had to admit that the main reason this year’s Annual Gathering was so spectacular was largely because of Ning Jiang.
"Hmph, just a buffoon. If he dares to show up, I’ll make sure he dies by my blade."
Zhou Wenhao sat there imperiously, his aura so powerful that it made the other members of the Ten Great look grave.
"Heh, in the end, he’s only at the Postnatal Realm in his Cultivation. No matter how strong his Sword Technique is, a Realm is a Realm. How could he possibly be our opponent?" Wang Ziming added.
He had been forced to bow his head to Ning Jiang at Bamboo Sea Manor that day, a humiliation he had nursed ever since.
"Xue Wuhen, what are your thoughts on him?"
A woman asked. This was Lin Qiuye, the second female member of the Ten Great besides Liu Xianyu.
"If we were to wait a few more years for him to step into the Innate Realm, perhaps then he could pose a threat to us," Xue Wuhen gave his assessment.
His words made it clear he didn’t think much of Ning Jiang either.
"What’s the use of jumping to conclusions? We’ll see for ourselves what Mr. Ning’s strength is like when he arrives," Liu Xianyu said calmly.
Among the Ten Great, only she, who was quite familiar with Ning Jiang, had faith in him.
Upon hearing this, some of the others just smiled, while some revealed looks of disdain.
On Star Moon Lake, battle after battle concluded.
Every single one was a duel between Peak Postnatal Martial Artists. The fights were intense, drawing frequent cheers from the crowd.
When the fifteenth match arrived, a main event finally began.
Zhang Yao was challenging one of the Ten Great: Wang Chen.
Wang Chen was one of the two members of the Ten Great from the Wang Family, but he was a notch below Wang Ziming. Wang Ziming’s powerful Sword Technique, utilizing Body Sword Control, ranked him in the top three of the Ten Great.
Wang Chen, on the other hand, was at the bottom of the ten.
"That Zhang Yao is a true heroine. She despises evil, has an upright character, and like Wang Chen, she cultivates a Fist Technique. It’s only logical that she would challenge him."
Under the watchful eyes of countless people, Zhang Yao, with her short hair and heroic, valiant air, walked to the center of Star Moon Lake.
After taking the Bodhi Pill from Ning Jiang and undergoing a period of secluded Cultivation, she had smoothly broken through to the Innate Realm.
"Even if you are a woman, I won’t go easy on you for daring to challenge me." As the first to be challenged, Wang Chen’s expression was a bit gloomy.
Soon, the battle began.
This fight, attracting immense attention, could be described as a battle between a dragon and a tiger.
"Bursting Fist!"
On the surface of the lake, Wang Chen attacked with his full power. His fist’s momentum was overwhelming. He threw a punch, and his tyrannical Innate Gang Qi slammed into the lake, blasting a hundred-foot-high wave of water into the air.
At first, Zhang Yao was completely suppressed by Wang Chen, forced onto the defensive and unable to attack.
But she remained steady and advanced cautiously. Later, with a sudden long cry, she seized an opportunity and launched a counterattack.
"War Elephant Fist!"
At that moment, Zhang Yao was like an ancient giant elephant. The sound of a trumpeting elephant echoed from her fist as she threw an incredibly ferocious punch that forced Wang Chen back.
This Martial Technique, obtained from the cave in the Demon Mist Mountain Range, was extraordinarily powerful.
Having gained the upper hand with one move, Zhang Yao gave no quarter. She pressed her advantage, beating Wang Chen so badly he couldn’t recover. After several hundred moves, she won a hard-fought victory against him.
Becoming famous in a single battle, Zhang Yao became one of the new Ten Great!
This scene deeply inspired the many young people present. To them, being one of the Ten Great was the ultimate honor.
Afterward, many others challenged the Ten Great, including Liu Yun of the Liu Family, but all were defeated. Although Liu Yun had advanced to the Innate Realm, he still lacked some foundation.
