Chapter 2218: Chapter 1578: Astonishment
The development of the Sect tournament proceeded as expected. Xu Benlei and Jiang Yong, two Individual Immortal True Inheritors, swept through the rounds, quickly amassing points and soon securing the first and second spots, with a significant lead over the third place.
"It seems that the first and second ranking will come down to these two brothers, but it’s still uncertain who will ultimately win."
"I think Brother Jiang Yong is more formidable; his physical prowess is frighteningly powerful, capable of breaking through the defenses of a Magical Treasure with raw strength alone."
"Brother Xu Benlei’s formations are indeed profound. Once trapped in his formations, there’s almost no chance to resist."
"Speaking of which, haven’t these two brothers met in the earlier matches?" a disciple suddenly asked.
"That’s true! It looks like the Sect intends to save such a thrilling encounter for the final round."
They don’t find any issue with the Sect subtly arranging the matches, as indeed, none among the other disciples could stand against these two.
However, just as everyone thought the tournament would continue this way, an unexpected turn occurred!
An Inner Sect Disciple of the Individual Immortal Realm, in a match against Xu Benlei, showcased combat power equal to his!
This scene left everyone in shock; they hadn’t expected such an occurrence.
"Does anyone know who this brother is?"
"I think his name is Ding Hui."
Someone uncertainly said, "I seem to have seen Brother Ding a few times; he is quite solitary and does not usually interact with us."
"But never imagined that Brother Ding’s strength would be so formidable!"
Finally, his words were filled with admiration.
Everyone’s gaze was fixed on the arena, watching the fierce clash between Ding Hui and Xu Benlei; one wielding a Mystic Iron Long Sword, exuding deadly precision, each move designed to kill; the other holding an Array Plate, with Spirit Light flickering, Array Patterns spread across the arena.
Their victory depended on who could defeat the other before the crucial Killing Move.
If Ding Hui’s Sword Qi approached Xu Benlei’s body, victory would be his, but if not, once Xu Benlei’s formation was set up, losing the advantage of location, no matter how long he held out, he eventually wouldn’t stand a chance.
"Ha!"
Suddenly, Ding Hui’s technique changed, a Sword Light emitting fierce cold cutting through the sky, instantly appearing before Xu Benlei.
Crack —
With a sound of shattering, Xu Benlei’s Defensive Treasure dimmed completely, yet luckily, successfully blocked the Sword Qi.
"You lost!"
Yet, in the next moment, Ding Hui’s words rang out, leaving Xu Benlei momentarily stunned, then a piercing cold sensation emanated from the back of his neck, making him shudder in fright.
"How could this be..."
He was reluctant to accept this outcome, but reality was as it stood; denying it would only leave him with no face, better to retain his dignity.
With a deep breath, he slightly bowed, speaking with difficulty, "Brother Ding, your strength is exceptional, I am inferior, and I admire you!"
"Brother Xu, you are too humble, I merely won by a fluke." Though solitary, Ding Hui was no fool, fully understanding the ways of the world.
Xu Benlei’s smile carried slight bitterness, saying no more, he directly turned and walked off the stage, his silhouette seeming surprisingly desolate.
This was an outcome he had not anticipated!
Prior, Xu Benlei had always believed his opponent would only be Jiang Yong, a fellow True Inheritor, and he would clash fiercely, deciding the victor.
Yet who could have imagined, suddenly emerging was the unsung Ding Hui, defeating him.
Though Ding Hui claimed victory was mere luck, as one who personally experienced the battle, Xu Benlei knew, Ding Hui hadn’t unleashed his full power.
Especially with Ding Hui being a Sword Cultivator, constrained by the rules of the match, likely unable to show some of his powerful Killing Moves.
’Who on earth is this person, why had I never heard of such a figure in the Sect before?’
With such strong power, he couldn’t possibly be a person without any renown!
Xu Benlei wanted to explore Ding Hui’s past, but the Sect tournament was more crucial, already losing once, he couldn’t lose again, so he suppressed his curiosity and doubts, taking time to recover.
In contrast to Xu Benlei, the disciples watching were even more shocked, and surprised, finding it hard to believe their eyes.
A True Disciple was defeated by an Inner Sect Disciple! And defeated by an unknown figure at that.
"Brother Ding won? Did I see that right?" a cultivator asked, dazed.
"No doubt, he indeed won..."
Boom—
A moment of silence followed, then erupted in a roar of astonishment.
"Incredible!"
"Do you think Brother Ding could defeat Brother Jiang? If he wins again, then wouldn’t that mean he’s the Sect’s strongest disciple?"
If this were true, then as Inner Sect disciples, they were not necessarily inferior to the True Disciples; with hard cultivation, there’s a chance to surpass and defeat them!
"Brother Ding, you are truly formidable!"
Seeing Ding Hui step down from the stage, they couldn’t suppress the cheering and applause, as waves of praise, like endless drizzle, echoed continuously.
