Chapter Thirty-One: The Fortune Slip

Everyone gathered around for two reasons: first, to see who their opponent in the first round would be, so they could make some preparations. Even if the time was short, a little preparation was better than none. Second, they wanted to see who the lucky one was—the person who would get a bye in the first round.

The number of disciples crowding in grew steadily, their whispers buzzing all around.

“Wow, whoever drew number two is incredibly lucky—getting a bye in the first round!”

“Ah, what a pity it’s not me. I’d love to rest during the first round.”

“Wait, the name for number two sounds familiar. Li Sibai? Isn't that…?”

“Haha, you think so too? That’s the outer sect good-for-nothing!”

“No way, how could someone like that make it through the first round? I heard he’s never even tried for the inner sect before.”

“Maybe he cheated this time. I heard the proctor who supervised him is quite close to him. Who knows…”

Li Sibai heard all of this. His face darkened as he was about to lose his temper, but just then someone gently tugged his arm. Turning, he saw it was Mo Yun.

Mo Yun gave him a meaningful look, and Li Sibai’s anger faded considerably. Mo Yun greeted He Tianshu, then quickly led Li Sibai out of the drawing hall.

Once outside, Li Sibai grabbed Mo Yun and asked, “Senior, why did you disappear after you left last time? I thought you wouldn’t make it back to watch me take the exam.”

Mo Yun smiled warmly, patted Li Sibai’s shoulder, and replied, “How could that be? The Sect Master sent me on a task at the last minute, but I made it back in time to see you. Xiaobai, I heard you were in danger yesterday. What happened?”

Li Sibai gave an embarrassed laugh and recounted the previous day’s events in brief.

Though Mo Yun hadn’t witnessed it, just hearing the story made his fists clench, the bones in his hands cracking audibly.

“Xiaobai, you were lucky this time. Don’t be so careless again.”

Seeing Mo Yun’s anxious expression, Li Sibai wanted to laugh but held back. He nodded, saying, “Alright, Senior. Once I’m in the inner sect, I’ll train harder so you won’t have to worry about me.”

Mo Yun chuckled. “Have you prepared for the second round of the inner sect exam? You have a bye today, right?”

Li Sibai nodded.

“That’s perfect. I’ve got a few Xuantian Jade Purity Pills, earned from this last mission. After watching today’s matches, take them and cultivate—you might even reach a new level. I can see your true energy is nearly brimming over.” As he spoke, Mo Yun took out a brocade pouch and handed it to Li Sibai.

Li Sibai accepted it without ceremony. “Senior, I won’t stand on ceremony. I’ll repay you once I’m in the inner sect.”

Mo Yun laughed. “Silly boy, no need for that. Go on.”

Li Sibai nodded, tucked the pouch into his robe, and hurried toward the martial arena. He didn’t want to miss the first day’s matches.

Over at the outer sect’s martial arena, the two competition platforms were already packed tightly with people.

Today was the first day of the second round—the round of sixteen. The matches hadn’t yet begun. Most of the crowd were outer sect disciples, eager to witness the strength of their peers, compare themselves, and figure out what they needed to improve to try for the exam next year.

The elders seemed less interested today. The Sect Master and the three great elders were absent; only a few younger elders had stayed behind to oversee things.

Both arenas were completely surrounded. The disciples grew ever more restless as they awaited the fighters. The competition area below featured a large Bagua diagram, with yin and yang represented, and a platform atop each. Now, two pairs of contestants had already stepped onto the stages.

Li Sibai was positioned outside the yang platform. On it stood a tall, lanky man and a short, chubby one—neither of whom he recognized. They were introducing themselves, ready to begin.

They were numbers one and sixteen. The tall man was Guang Tai; the short, chubby one was Tao Ze.

Unable to squeeze through the crowd, Li Sibai watched from afar. The winner of this match would be his next opponent, so he studied them intently.

After they’d exchanged names, the strike of a gong signaled the start of the match. The two immediately clashed.

Despite his stocky build, the chubby one moved with surprising agility and flowing steps. In an instant, he blurred, making the tall man’s vision swim. Before Guang Tai could react, Tao Ze appeared at his left.

Spinning, Tao Ze landed a kick squarely on the tall man’s body.

The force sent the tall man flying from the stage!

He hit the ground hard, gritting his teeth in pain.

But just as he tried to rise, the chubby fighter was already upon him again.

Another kick crashed into his chest, producing a dull thud as his body scraped a white mark across the ground.

“Bravo!” the crowd erupted in applause. That series of kicks had them boiling with excitement, cheering for the chubby fighter.

Some jeered at the tall man, while others muttered that the chubby one was being excessive.

Most assumed the match was as good as over, and the victor would soon be decided.

Yet, to everyone’s surprise, the tall man slowly hauled himself back to his feet.

Though his clothes were torn, his breathing was steady, and his face betrayed little pain.

“Well, well—you can still get up after taking two of my kicks?” Tao Ze grinned at him.

Guang Tai ignored him, his eyes darting as he searched for an opening.

Having just landed several blows, Tao Ze grew overconfident. He strode boldly toward Guang Tai and swung a punch at his face.

Perhaps it was arrogance, or perhaps he underestimated his opponent, but this time Tao Ze left himself wide open, stepping right into the tall man’s range.

Seeing such a golden opportunity, Guang Tai didn’t hesitate. He took the punch head-on—then suddenly bear-hugged Tao Ze, charging forward and slamming him to the ground. Tao Ze was stunned, never expecting such a move. He tried to break free, but Guang Tai pinned him down firmly.