Chapter 373: Challenge (Part 2)

Volume Four: Winds Rise Overseas

"What's so funny? I was merely being benevolent; I didn't want to harm anyone!" The immortal master opposite Han Li, seeing Han Li's indifferent expression, became indignant and adopted an even more condescending demeanor.

"Nothing! I just find this match to be a bit easier than I expected!" Han Li said carelessly, tapping the solid ground beneath his feet with his toe.

"What? You dare to underestimate me so much!" The middle-aged cultivator's face instantly flushed crimson. He raised a hand, and a gleaming object appeared, but before he could unleash it, his vision suddenly blurred, then went black, and he collapsed limply to the ground, unconscious. Han Li, meanwhile, emerged from the platform with a normal expression.

The other cultivators in the hall were greatly astonished by this sight.

They had clearly seen the disparity in cultivation between Han Li and his opponent. Yet, for Han Li to emerge victorious was truly astonishing.

However, not all cultivators were completely taken aback. The old man, who had kept a stern expression throughout, revealed a profoundly peculiar look.

He cast a meaningful glance at Han Li; though he said nothing, he seemed to understand the details of Han Li's move.

Han Li let out a quiet chuckle, then calmly placed two bamboo slips in front of the old man. He then gently laid his unconscious opponent on the ground and returned to the group of victorious cultivators.

The old man looked down at the middle-aged cultivator who was still unconscious at his feet, shook his head lightly, and revealed a faint, enigmatic smile.

"Number Eight," the old man, surveyed the ten other cultivators who had not yet entered the arena, cleared his throat softly, and spoke indifferently:

"Next, challenges will commence in numerical order. Those who feel their magic power is severely depleted may rest and challenge later. However, all challenges must be completed by the end of today, or it will be considered a forfeit. Furthermore, challengers are not permitted to challenge anyone who has already competed. As for the extra contestant, Number Eleven, they will challenge one of the ten final victors."

"Alright, let's begin!"

As soon as the old man finished speaking, the cultivator ranked first eagerly chose an opponent who appeared to have the lowest cultivation level among the ten cultivators. They both entered the platform.

The challenged opponent had a cultivation level of only six, while he was a seventh-level cultivator, so his chances of victory certainly seemed significant!

However, after the time it takes to brew a cup of tea, the six-level cultivator was the first to emerge from the white light. As for the number one cultivator, he appeared shortly after, covered in wounds.

A look of shame on his face, he rushed out of the hall without a single word.

Seeing this scene, the expressions of the other challengers changed. The victorious cultivator, meanwhile, returned to the group of ten with an air of complete indifference.

"Next!" the old man called out, without a trace of surprise, as if the cultivator's victory was merely a matter of course.

"Senior, my magic power has not yet recovered; please wait a moment!" the Number Two cultivator said, his face slightly flushed.

The old man, "Number Three," paid no mind to whether the cultivator's magic power was genuinely unrecovered or if he was simply intimidated. He directly called the next number.

The next cultivator frowned slightly, then likewise opted to avoid the fight.

The Number Four cultivator, however, found himself unable to back down, so he reluctantly chose an opponent and entered the platform.

The outcome was the same: the identical scene unfolded once more.

Gazing at the visibly injured Number Four cultivator, the remaining challengers were all struck with alarm.

Under these circumstances, the next two cultivators also postponed their challenges. In their view, it was a wise decision to let others test the waters first.

"Number Seven," the old man's expression subtly shifted before he slowly called out Han Li's number.

Han Li stepped forward in silence, extended a finger, and indicated a six-level cultivator as his opponent.

That cultivator was a brawny man. Seeing that Han Li didn't flinch and had chosen him, he instantly bared a savage grin and strode purposefully toward the platform.

Han Li, in contrast, walked slowly, as if deep in thought, devising a strategy.

As the burly man and Han Li's figures vanished within the white light, everyone's gaze was fixed on the platform.

The old man, who was a Foundation Establishment cultivator, closed his eyes, seemingly resting.

After a short while, however, his expression subtly shifted, and a hint of surprise flickered across his face. He then opened his eyes, visibly astonished.

Shortly after, a figure emerged onto the platform from within the white light.

The cultivators hastily focused their gaze, and as the white light dissipated, they saw that the person was indeed Han Li. He appeared completely unharmed, yet he casually dragged his charred opponent by one hand, strolling out with an incredibly relaxed demeanor.

Witnessing this sight, not only were the fellow challengers stunned, but the remaining challenged cultivators displayed expressions of utter disbelief.

As for Wen Qiang, who stood behind the old man, his mouth hung wide open, seemingly unable to close.

Han Li placed his still-breathing opponent in front of the old man, then leisurely returned to his original spot, amidst a barrage of astonished gazes.

Upon witnessing this, the other challengers involuntarily moved back a step, revealing a trace of awe.

Observing this situation, Han Li sneered inwardly.

It seemed that no matter the place, strength was always the most effective language.

Perhaps Han Li's unexpected and decisive victory instilled confidence in the remaining contestants. As a result, the next few individuals did not shy away from combat, directly choosing opponents and engaging in fierce battles.

However, every one of them ended up severely injured.

Upon witnessing this, the previous few challengers, struck with horror, completely abandoned their competitive spirit. After a final deliberation, they all chose to forfeit.

After all, they weren't insane to stubbornly persist when they knew they couldn't win!

Consequently, the old man immediately announced that only Han Li had successfully secured the qualification for the Gu family to conduct trade with the large island.

The old man then handed a blue jade slip to Han Li, instructing him simply to deliver it to the Gu family.

The old man then unceremoniously issued an eviction order. All cultivators were brusquely ushered out of the hall.

In the corridor, when Han Li handed the blue jade slip to Master Gu, the expression on Master Gu's face was truly a sight to behold.

It shifted from initial disbelief to surprise, and finally, to overwhelming ecstasy!

"Immortal Master Han, I, Master Gu, will not dwell on my gratitude. Rest assured, the Gu family will absolutely fulfill all the conditions promised to you."

As he spoke, Han Li, Master Gu, and Wang Changqing were already seated in a beast carriage, en route back to Gu Family Manor.

Though his face expressed profound gratitude as he spoke, his hands clutched the jade slip tightly, as if he feared it might fly away. His appearance was, in truth, rather comical.

"I trust you, Mr. Gu, not to burn bridges," Han Li said with a slight smile, leaning against the carriage wall. "Especially not with a cultivator."

Hearing Han Li's subtly veiled warning, both Master Gu and Wang Changqing blanched, repeatedly murmuring that they wouldn't dare.

Not long after, Han Li returned to his wooden house on the hill, where Qu Hun was dutifully keeping watch.

Han Li had only cultivated Qi in his house for three more days when Wang Changqing sought him out once more.

This time, he came to inform Han Li that he could proceed to the Ascension Pavilion on Immortal Mountain to apply for permanent residency on Kui Xing Island. He also needed to finalize a cultivation place for Han Li.

After all, every cultivator on the island was entitled to their own cave dwelling.

Although the spiritual energy in the location he would receive would undoubtedly be thinner, as he hadn't participated in the spiritual land competition, at least he would finally have a place to cultivate.

Han Li, clutching the signed guarantee document provided by the Gu family, flew directly towards the center of Kui Xing Island using his spirit tool. Qu Hun, naturally, remained behind to guard the hut.

Along the way, Han Li flew over seven or eight cities and dozens of small towns, finally spotting the Immortal Mountain that Wang Changqing had described.

It was a colossal green mountain, half of which rose directly into the clouds, with three towering peaks piercing the sky, appearing truly majestic and awe-inspiring.

Below the colossal peaks, countless smaller mountain peaks stretched as far as the eye could see.

With a single glance, Han Li had no idea how truly vast the mountain range was.

Han Li stared blankly at the so-called "Immortal Mountain," a little dazed.

"Oh, isn't that Fellow Daoist Han?" a voice suddenly hailed from behind Han Li.

Han Li was slightly startled, finding the voice somewhat familiar. He quickly turned to look.

Not far behind him, the refined-looking Wen Qiang was smiling at him, standing on a wheel-shaped flying magic tool.

"Ah, it's Fellow Daoist Wen, what a coincidence!" Han Li said with a chuckle, after a moment of surprise.

"Hehe! Yes, I didn't expect to run into you either! I'm truly impressed that you were able to defeat the cultivators from the Guard Team!"

"The Guard Team?" Han Li was genuinely taken aback upon hearing this.