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CHAPTER 30

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— Into the Top Eight — "The next match: Tong Tong of Qiuye Peak versus Liu Ji of Tielin Peak, starting in one hour." The presiding elder took the list and announced it, then swept his sleeves and left to rest. The circle of junior disciples in white who had gathered to watch the spectacle also dispersed, but a few could be heard whispering among themselves: "Ah, I really misjudged that one. If only I had bet on Senior Sister Tong to win!" "Hah, who would have thought she'd be such a dark horse? Senior Sister Rong was at the mid-stage of Foundation Establishment! And she lost to Senior Sister Tong, who's only at the early stage. Tell me, who could have predicted that? It's not like we're grandmasters who can divine the heavens and earth with a flick of their fingers!" one person grumbled irritably. "Speaking of which, should we switch our bets to Senior Sister Tong for the next match?" another asked. "Are you stupid? Her nex...

CHAPTER 29

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— A Gentle Rub — "In this match, spiritual beasts are forbidden, talismans are forbidden. The focus is on mutual learning, camaraderie comes first, and the fight must end at the appropriate moment. No lives may be harmed. The one who first steps out of the arena loses..." Standing at the corner of the arena, which measured about fifty square meters and was paved with dark green granite, Tong Tong stared blankly as the brown-robed elder arbiter opened and closed his mouth, droning on and repeating the competition rules she had already heard several times—all while the "Granny Rong" across from her continuously bombarded her with seemingly gentle yet eerie smiles, a form of psychological warfare that drained her courage like air leaking from a balloon. Bit by bit, her resolve crumbled, as if she were under the influence of a slow-acting poison. Her limbs gradually grew numb, and even her mind became muddled... " Dang— " The arbiter struck a small golden be...

CHAPTER 28

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— Promotion Hanging in the Balance — Just as Tong Tong had finally managed to survive the last month under Su Yan's rigorous training—though she hadn't mastered any grand techniques, she could now pull off a few basic tricks to dazzle and impress the ignorant common folk—Ding Ding, who had shamelessly lingered on Lichen Peak under the pretense of "recovering from injuries" while actually taking advantage of the situation, also declared that his secluded cultivation had succeeded. Returning triumphantly to his old stomping grounds, he vowed to battle the self-proclaimed "reborn" and "unbeatable" heroine Tong Tong for three hundred rounds to settle their score and avenge that elbow strike! Seeing Ding Ding's smug, infuriating expression—clearly having benefited while pretending otherwise—and comparing it to her own three months of miserable "abu$e," Tong Tong's jealousy and resentment flared. Mimicking Su Yan's cold, skin-deep...

CHAPTER 27

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—The One in the Coffin — "Yan'er, what interesting things did you encounter at the market this time? Tell your master about them." Ye Zhiqiu took the Qiankun pouch Su Yan handed over and asked casually with a light smile. "Reporting to Master, I noticed the presence of the Qianyu Sect and Nichang Valley at the market this time. I found it unusual, so I deliberately provoked some friction, but neither side took the bait. It seems they have deeper plans." Su Yan replied with a grave expression, unaware of the interest in Ye Zhiqiu's eyes. —So, in your eyes, old master, these matters were all things you foresaw and even orchestrated with a mere wave of your hand? Yeah, right! If Ding Ding heard her say this, she'd be mercilessly teased for it. "Oh? I understand." Ye Zhiqiu took a sip of tea and spoke leisurely, her expression entirely unconcerned. "Also, this disciple discovered an alchemy shop in the town. The old alchemist there is deeply...