Chapter 605: Challenge Fist Technique

As they ascended the stage, Master Hong announced the contestants for the remaining three platforms. The master teachers who drew numbers B1, C1, and D1 also moved to their respective positions. With both sides present, they proceeded to negotiate the content of their matches. These details were not decided by Master Hong.

Soon, the selections were complete. Of the four platforms, two chose 'teaching and nurturing,' one chose 'mindset calibration,' and only one chose 'combat.' Master teachers possess numerous abilities, including auxiliary professions, mindset calibration, Teacher's Directive, and teaching and nurturing. Naturally, unlike martial artists, their superiority isn't determined by pure force. If it were that simple, there would be no need to organize such a grand competition. Therefore, although they were on platforms, very few actually chose to decide victory with their fists.

“This is the true Grand Master Teacher Competition!” Zhang Xuan remarked with feeling. What he had experienced before were merely selections; this was the true contest and competition among master teachers.

He looked up and noticed an old acquaintance among the participants on the four platforms: Song Chao! Although the previous elimination rounds were dangerous, his performance seemed quite good; he had overcome all challenges and advanced. His opponent was also a disciple from a sect, with similar strength, but whose performance in the elimination rounds was far inferior. Knowing that his chances of winning in other categories were even slimmer, he proposed a combat match.

“Let the match begin!” As the gong for the match sounded, the disciple gritted his teeth and charged straight at Song Chao. Their strengths were nearly identical; as soon as they engaged, the air whistled, and the entire platform resounded with their movements. Although these platforms were not large, they were equipped with formations that prevented them from being damaged by the two contestants' strength. They could fight to their hearts' content without worrying about anything else.

“It seems... Song Chao can advance another rank!” After watching for a while, Zhang Xuan knew that Song Chao should have no trouble defeating his opponent. Although their strengths were similar, Song Chao was clearly more agile in his movements, patiently waiting for an opportune moment. If his opponent showed any sign of impatience, Song Chao could easily counter-attack successfully and decide the match.

Knowing the likely outcome, he stopped watching and turned his attention to another platform where a 'teaching and nurturing' competition was taking place. Compared to the scene of whistling qi and punching, this one appeared much more refined. The two contestants casually recruited twenty guards of varying cultivation levels from the plaza, each selecting ten to form two groups. Once divided, they gave instructions via voice transmission, so as not to interfere with each other. After the duration of one incense stick, the effectiveness and results of their teaching were evaluated. The one with better results won, while the one with less significant improvement lost. This type of competition was much more elegant than a combat match and better suited the demeanor of a teacher.

Realizing that this match would also take a considerable amount of time to conclude, he looked towards the other competition involving mindset calibration. Both used mid-grade mind-calibrating stones, which quickly displayed numbers: one was 14.7, and the other 14.9. The latter won. This one was the simplest, fastest, and required no further consideration. However, mindset calibration is a master teacher's foundation and asset, and many are unwilling to reveal it. To witness such a direct comparison was likely a rare stroke of luck.

Soon, the first round of matches concluded. Just as Zhang Xuan had predicted, Song Chao won. The two platforms featuring 'teaching and nurturing' also yielded results. On one, the best performer caused a cultivator to break through on the spot within the duration of an incense stick, securing victory. The other contestant also successfully advanced based on overall evaluation.

“For the second round, contestants who drew numbers A3, B3, C3, and D2, please step onto your respective platforms…” With the first round concluded, some rejoiced while others fretted. Master Hong paid them no mind and announced the second round of matches. Among them, B2 and C2 had byes.

Hearing it was his turn, Zhang Xuan wasted no time and walked straight towards the platform marked 'D.'

“Master Zhang... drew D2? Why am I so unlucky?” Seeing him emerge from the crowd, a young man's face changed, and he nearly burst into tears. Clearly, he had also drawn this number and was set to face the 'destructive maniac' in the first round.

“To face him in the very first round is indeed quite unlucky…” A companion beside him also twitched his lips. This Master Zhang had swept through the elimination rounds, destroying all the treasures and employing inconceivable methods. Among everyone present, he was undoubtedly the person no one wanted to compete against the most. His current reputation was even greater than Luo Xuan's. To encounter him right at the start was truly bad luck.

“What should I do? Should I concede? Otherwise, I'm afraid… if I go up there, he'll dismantle me…” The young man said, his face contorted in a grimace. Given his notorious habit of dismantling everything he encounters, would he also be torn limb from limb if he went up? He was just participating in a grand competition; he didn't want to end up in pieces…

“Cough, cough, he probably wouldn't dismantle a person!” his companion tried to reassure him.

“I also thought he wouldn't dismantle the Heavenly Star Chess set just now…” the young man replied.

“This…” his companion was immediately silenced, unsure how to respond. This guy was truly terrifying. If they had to face him again, they would probably choose the Otherworldly Demonic Tribe over him. In other words, the pressure of competing against him exceeded that of directly facing the Otherworldly Demonic Tribe.

“You've come this far; conceding is definitely not an option. Don't worry, even if Master Zhang is formidable, he may not be truly invincible!” His companion continued to reassure him: “Anyway, the Myriad Kingdoms Alliance's performance in the last competition was inferior to our sect's. You can propose a category that you excel in, and have him compete in that. Perhaps you can win. Once successful, with that momentum, not to mention reaching the top sixteen, even the top eight would be effortless!”

“This… is true!” The young man paused, then nodded. Everyone would certainly be watching his match against Zhang Xuan. If he could win, his confidence and other aspects would significantly improve, and he might even use this to charge into the top ten in one go. In master teacher duels, confidence is crucial.

“Alright, I'll go for it!” Understanding this, the young man gritted his teeth. As a four-star master teacher, even with fear, he could quickly adjust himself.

“Then let's first analyze Master Zhang's weaknesses…” Seeing that he wasn't planning to give up, his companion nodded in satisfaction and said, “In the first assessment, Master Zhang destroyed the Illusionary Demonic City, indicating that the Qimen Dunjia formations within had no effect on him. While his mental fortitude is excellent, his eyesight must also be exceptional!”

“Mm!” The young man nodded. The Illusionary Demonic City was incredibly dark, filled with spiritual energy everywhere. Without exceptional eyesight, one wouldn't even be able to discern directions inside, let alone destroy it!

“You certainly can't do that, so… don't compete with him in terms of eyesight, or anything related to it.”

“Right! Anything related to eyesight would involve identifying cultivation errors and offering guidance on cultivation!” the young man quickly interjected.

“Alright, in the second round, his claim of causing an Otherworldly Demonic Tribe member to commit suicide indicates an extremely strong mindset calibration and terrifying mastery of the Teacher's Directive… So, don't compete in mindset calibration or… teaching and nurturing!” His companion continued to analyze. Just by speaking, he caused an Otherworldly Demonic Tribe member to commit suicide, which shows not only immense mindset calibration but also an extremely high level of Teacher's Directive. Competing with him in these aspects would likely lead to repeating the Otherworldly Demonic Tribe member's fate.

“The third round involved reciting books, and the fourth, an aptitude assessment… While these didn't reveal much, high aptitude and intelligence naturally imply a deep understanding of cultivation. Therefore… all things considered, I think you should directly challenge him in cultivation level!” After reviewing, his companion delivered his conclusion.

“Excellent, I'll directly challenge his strength! He's only at the peak of the Yin-Yang realm, while I'm at the mid-stage of the fourth level of the Turbid-Clear realm. Defeating him should be simple.” The young man's eyes lit up. Other master teachers' methods couldn't compare to his. Since that was the case, they would go for the simplest and most direct approach… a combat match! His strength was clearly superior to his opponent's, giving him a significant advantage.

“However… this is a good idea, but he… has one chance to refuse. What if he refuses?” After a moment of delight, the young man shook his head again. Although the Myriad Kingdoms Alliance finished last in the previous Grand Competition and lacked the ability to choose the competition category, they still had the right to refuse once. What if he proposed a combat match and the other party disagreed? Wouldn't he still be forced into those problematic categories?

“Are you foolish? 'Combat' is a general term. You can directly ask him to compete in fist techniques. Once he refuses, then propose sword techniques. This way, after one refusal, he won't be able to refuse a second time! If it truly comes down to sword techniques, with your sect's top-tier swordsmanship, I don't believe he can surpass you!” His companion chuckled.

“You're right!” His eyes lit up, and the young man regained his confidence, looking pleased with himself: “Thank you for your advice! Once I defeat him and enter the top ten, I'll definitely reward you handsomely. Just wait for news of my victory!” With that, he walked happily towards platform D.

“I am Wu Tianhao from Flying Cloud Sect. Master Zhang, I request your guidance!” Standing firm on the platform, the young man cupped his fists.

“Zhang Xuan, Myriad Kingdoms Alliance!” Zhang Xuan also nodded, looking at him. “Master Wu, what kind of competition do you wish to choose?”

“I'd like to challenge your fist techniques!” Wu Tianhao said, a smirk playing on his lips, following his companion's suggestion.

“Fist techniques?” Zhang Xuan nodded. “Alright!”

“What? You disagree? If you disagree, then we can compete in… huh?” Just as he was excitedly about to continue, Wu Tianhao suddenly realized something and froze: “You said… you agree?”

“Yes, it's just a fist technique match. Let's begin!” Zhang Xuan nodded. He could easily guess his opponent's intentions, but to him… it didn't matter!

“…” Wu Tianhao's body swayed. Why aren't you playing by the book? I proposed a fist technique match; shouldn't you have refused immediately, so we could eventually compete in sword techniques? How could you agree so readily? He had originally planned to defeat Zhang Xuan using his extraordinary sword techniques, but now, it seemed there was no chance…

Never mind. Even if his fist techniques weren't as good as his sword art, they weren't too weak. At worst, he would unleash his full power from the start, overcoming complexity with brute force. He wondered if Zhang Xuan could break through that! His opponent was a full two minor levels below him, and this also involved the transition between the Yuan Qi and Turbid-Clear realms. He didn't believe Zhang Xuan could possibly overcome such a difference.

“Since you agree, let's begin!” Having made up his mind, Wu Tianhao gritted his teeth. His aura surged instantly, and he lunged forward, resembling a tiger emerging from the forest, his fists clenched tight.