Ch. 44 - An Unexpected Turn

Cultivators rule this world. Titans who shift mountains, split seas, crack the sky with a flick.

At the lowest level, Qi Refining fights aren’t much stronger than normal street fights—just a few wind blades or fireballs.

To most of the crowd, that’s kind of boring. They came to see new disciples give it their all.

Talent matters, sure—but what people really love is seeing someone with heart. Finding a hidden gem in the rough makes watching worth it.

Su Yan relaxed in the stands, enjoying the match.

Even though he was at the Foundation Establishment stage, he still wasn’t great at fighting. But watching? He loved it.

Next up—his Junior Sister. Time to cheer her on.

“Next match: Lin Qingyue from Tian Shui Peak, Late Qi Refining stage!”

The crowd stirred—people noticed not just her beauty but her background.

“Tian Shui Peak? That’s one of the five great peaks! She’s a core disciple?”

“Yeah, but she’s still at Qi Refining level. Anyone at that stage can enter. Basic rules.”

“You’re missing the big point—she’s only been here for three months, right?”

Gasp!

Shocked reactions spread.

Most of them had been here a whole year and were still stuck at Early Qi Refining.

Reaching the Late stage in just three months? Unbelievable.

The female disciples stared in disbelief.

“Late Qi Refining and from a core peak? We’re finished. Might as well quit now.”

“Don’t give up yet. The difference between stages in Qi Refining isn’t huge. We might still win. And it’s all luck—maybe we won’t even face her.”

“Too late. Look at her opponent.”

“Wait—is that Senior Sister Chen Lu? She’s almost at Foundation stage! Lin’s done for.”

Chen Lu?

Su Yan’s chest tightened with worry.

He looked over—Chen Lu walked into the ring confidently, wearing blue robes.

She looked cool and calm, clearly experienced.

And Lin Qingyue? Still so young. What chance did she have?

But Lin stood firm, face serious.

Everyone thought Chen had the upper hand.

Still, Lin didn’t plan to give up.

Su Yan had once told her that cultivation isn’t just about talent. Without courage, even the best skills are useless.

Clang!

She pulled out her sword.

“Match start!”

The referee shouted, and Lin attacked first.

Chen stayed calm, filled her blade with spiritual energy, and blocked.

Ding!

Their swords clashed, the force sending a cold wind across the stage.

They exchanged dozens of blows—and Lin kept up.

“Yes! That’s it!” Su Yan cheered.

Su Yan finally relaxed a bit.

He’d been nervous after all the hype, but now? The skill gap didn’t seem so big. Maybe, with some main-character luck, Lin could actually win.

That thought didn’t last.

At first, Chen Lu didn’t take the fight seriously. But one sword clash changed her mind—she felt the power in Lin’s strike.

“Not bad,” she muttered.

She’d underestimated her. Lin wasn’t just lucky—she had real skill.

Time to stop playing.

Chen powered up, pushed forward, and knocked Lin back hard.

“Ugh!”

Lin groaned from the hit. Before she could recover, a flash of sword light came at her.

Too fast!

She couldn’t dodge.

Slash!

Blood sprayed from her shoulder.

Her shield took most of the damage, but it still hurt.

The crowd started talking.

“Told you she couldn’t beat Chen.”

“She’s got no real fighting skill. How can she win?”

“Yeah, we know who’s winning.”

Lin ignored them all.

One hand held her sword. The other pressed her wound.

She remembered bragging to Senior Brother… Lose in the first round? How could she face him after that?

“Junior Sister Lin,” Chen said calmly, “you can’t win. Give up.”

Chen didn’t want trouble—especially not from Su Yan.

He was from Tian Shui Peak too. If she hurt his junior too badly, things could get messy.

Still, if Lin gave up, maybe she could earn a little respect, get noticed by an elder, and slowly climb.

But Lin Isn't quitting.

Her eyes searched the crowd—then found Su Yan’s.

“Junior Sister, are you okay?” he called.

“I’m fine!”

She took a deep breath.

Her body shook—not from pain, but from something rising inside her.

“He’s watching… With him here, I feel as strong as a hundred people!”

Chen frowned.

What just changed? Something was different.

But she wasn’t going to wait around. The match needed to move.

...

Spiritual energy sparked. Lin’s sword glowed bright.

Su Yan, seeing her get hurt, couldn’t bear to watch anymore.

This wasn’t how it was supposed to go!

She had protagonist luck—why was she losing this badly?

Her first opponent was already this strong? Was she cursed?

He almost gave up hope. She was bleeding, and the match looked lost.

Chen hadn’t even used her full power yet. Just getting out alive would be lucky now.

Then…suddenly:

“WHOA—WHOA—WHOA!”

The crowd roared.

Su Yan looked up, shocked.

People were yelling, laughing, and even crying.

“Haha! I won! Ten-to-one odds! I’m rich!”

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