Chapter 33: The Final Match

Looking from the elders of the Crimson Lotus Sect to those of the Clearwind Sect, uncertain glimmers flickered in their eyes before finally settling on Lin Hao. One elder spoke, "Although it was agreed that these duels were merely for friendly competition, it's inevitable that injuries may occur when swords are drawn. Let's not waste any more time—once the remaining matches are finished, we should promptly determine the rankings."

This elder came from a sect whose strength surpassed that of the Crimson Lotus Sect, so he spoke with confidence, unafraid of offending them. He had little patience for the intrigues between Clearwind and Crimson Lotus, caring only that his own time not be squandered.

His words stirred anger in Elder Hong, but facing the powerful elder, Hong dared not protest. After all, their sect's strength exceeded that of Crimson Lotus, and their voice carried weight.

Seeing this, Elder Hong could only turn to another elder. The Crimson Lotus Sect and this other faction were more or less on equal footing, though slightly weaker in comparison. That elder spoke, "I think this is a matter between your two sects. Perhaps you should resolve it privately?"

His tone echoed the first elder's sentiment, though more tactfully.

The Clearwind elder, having heard Elder Hong's appeal for opinions, felt uneasy, suspecting neither would side with Clearwind. Yet, while they did not side with Clearwind, they maintained neutrality. This, in itself, was advantageous; as long as they remained neutral, Crimson Lotus had no grounds to make trouble.

After all, the situation was clear to all—the Crimson Lotus disciple had acted first, and everyone heard what was said. Lin Hao merely defended himself. Crimson Lotus had no reason to demand their withdrawal from the mission.

At this moment, a female elder from Crimson Lotus stepped forward, standing beside Elder Hong. She spoke, "Indeed, it was our sect that behaved discourteously. Once this mission is complete, we will reach out to the Clearwind Sect privately. For now, as the elders have said, let us proceed with the matches."

Her sudden appearance startled everyone, as she had not been seen before. None knew what she had been up to.

The two neutral elders eyed her warily. As it happened, when the vessel was approaching Tianyu Mountain, this elder had gone off alone, unseen by the other sects. No one expected Crimson Lotus would send her. Her sudden arrival prompted suspicion—had she ventured alone to Tianyu Mountain and learned something? Her absence, perhaps, was due to some secret gain.

With these thoughts, the other two sects grew anxious, eager to conclude the competition and enter Tianyu Mountain before any advantage slipped away.

Elder Hong found himself unable to speak further, glancing at the beautiful woman beside him with a flash of fear in his eyes, lowering his head and stepping back.

Thus, the matter was set aside, though the Nine-Tooth Steel Rake had to be returned. Lin Hao did not protest; though the artifact was valuable, he had no intention of claiming it for himself before so many witnesses. He handed it back.

Elder Hong received the Nine-Tooth Steel Rake, glared at Lin Hao with hatred, and departed.

In the following matches, Lin Hao won easily. Gradually, the other two elders took notice of him. Watching his duels, they asked the Clearwind elder, "This young man's strength is impressive. What is his position in your sect?"

"He is a newly joined inner disciple this year," the Clearwind elder replied with pride.

Hearing this, the other elders exchanged glances. A disciple who only entered the inner ranks this year, yet possessed such power? Was the Clearwind Sect flourishing in ways they had not noticed?

They began to ponder quietly.

The beautiful woman, however, said nothing, her gaze fixed on the stage. The other two elders addressed her, "Fire Phoenix, when did you arrive? Why did you not come with your sect? Did you slip into Tianyu Mountain alone?"

The elder from the stronger sect asked directly.

She was, in fact, the Grand Elder of Crimson Lotus, known as Fire Phoenix.

Fire Phoenix replied calmly, "Not at all. I had personal business midway, which delayed my arrival. Please do not make baseless accusations."

"Are you sure?" the elder pressed.

"Of course. What else would you believe?" Fire Phoenix answered, her eyes shimmering as she looked at the two elders, her reply ambiguous.

The two elders, stunned by her gaze, cursed inwardly: what a temptress!

They ceased their questioning, knowing further inquiry would yield nothing.

In the subsequent matches, Lin Hao continued to win effortlessly, soon reaching the finals. Four sects, each sending one representative.

Lin Hao felt increasingly confident of claiming first place.

Yet he was unaware that during his duels, a member of the White Robe Sect had been observing him intently. As the final match approached, this person stepped forward.

He was the White Robe Sect's core inner disciple. He had overheard much—learning that Lin Hao had injured the Crimson Lotus Sect's core disciple. This White Robe youth had fought that same Crimson Lotus core disciple before, knowing their strengths were comparable. That Lin Hao had bested him piqued his curiosity.

He had watched Lin Hao closely, noting the unusual nature of his abilities. Though only at the third stage of Foundation Establishment, Lin Hao could suddenly erupt with power, seemingly unaffected by the pressure of crossing levels—a detail that intrigued the White Robe youth.

Thus, though another was originally slated to represent the sect, he volunteered to compete in the final.

At the outset, Lin Hao faced the Crimson Lotus representative. That disciple, fearful after witnessing his comrade’s defeat, dared not fight wholeheartedly, driven by cowardice.

By the fifth move, Lin Hao sent him flying, winning the match.

The White Robe core disciple also triumphed, leaving the two to face each other in the final duel.

This young man was a prodigy, barely past twenty yet already at the eighth stage of Foundation Establishment—a full five stages above Lin Hao. By ordinary standards, he could have crushed Lin Hao with a finger.

When Lin Hao took the stage, he sensed the aura of a formidable opponent, his gaze serious as he studied his adversary. The youth was refined and elegant, with a gentle smile and harmless appearance that would surely captivate many female cultivators.

He said calmly, "You are Lin Hao of Clearwind? Let us exchange pointers."

"Certainly, senior," Lin Hao replied, matching the other's politeness. "I look forward to your guidance. Please show mercy."

"Let us let our skills speak," the youth said.

He drew a fan and launched an attack. Lin Hao's eyes sharpened, and he unleashed a burst of strange flame to block it.

The youth reacted swiftly, swinging his fan to return the flame along its original path. Lin Hao nearly suffered from his own attack, but the intelligent Flame Lotus spared him.

Lin Hao was deeply shocked—this was the strongest opponent he had faced. Unlike the previous challenger, who relied on sacred artifacts, this one depended solely on his own strength.

Though Lin Hao could withstand some pressure thanks to his system, the aura of such a powerful adversary weighed heavily on him.

The audience doubted Lin Hao’s chances. Even the Clearwind elder was genuinely anxious, sensing the White Robe youth’s strength—he himself stood no chance against him. Lin Hao, though skilled, was young and lacked extensive battle experience, and the elder’s heart was in his throat.

Others in Clearwind watched Lin Hao with worried eyes.

This duel would decide the victor.

"The White Robe youth is so strong. I wonder if Lin Hao can withstand him," Wu Wen said anxiously.

Others echoed his concern. "Indeed, can Lin Hao win? We truly worry for him."

"Even if he loses, it will be an honorable defeat. The opponent's strength is overwhelming—so long as Lin Hao stays safe, that’s all that matters."