CHAPTER 244: CHAPTER 201: [DUGU NINE SWORDS: INSPIRATION +9]

"Ah!"

"Ah!"

"Ah!"

"Ah!"

Four people immediately exclaimed in surprise, it was Zhong Le and the other three.

They all looked down simultaneously, only to see a bloody dot on their shoulders that appeared without them knowing. If the sword had moved a bit further, it would have pierced their scapulas, and if it had shifted, it could have pierced their throats.

All were killing blows!

It was obvious that Yan Chuan was showing mercy, not wanting to take lives.

The four understood, and feeling embarrassed to linger, quickly cupped their fists and said, "Thank you, Brother Yan, for sparing us. Zhong Le (Si Qian, Feng Ru, Gong Yu) is not as skilled, so we’ll withdraw!"

The four retreated from the stage.

Immediately, only Yan Chuan and Wang Zhengyi remained in the dense fog.

The thick fog engulfed them.

The surroundings were vast and misty.

Yan Chuan’s face was covered in a purple aura as he operated the ’Purple Mist Divine Skill’ to its extreme, wanting to find Wang Zhengyi’s whereabouts. However, Wang Zhengyi hid deeply, not leaving any trace.

Yan Chuan understood, "If I wait patiently, he will definitely make a move!"

Unless Wang Zhengyi was willing to accept a draw and enter the loser’s bracket with Yan Chuan.

Otherwise, he wouldn’t hide indefinitely.

That is to say, as long as Yan Chuan was patient and waited, it would be fine.

But there was no need.

"This round, Brother Wang wins!"

The purple aura on Yan Chuan’s face appeared for a moment and then vanished. He instantly reverted to a calm demeanor and shouted to Wang Zhengyi, then called out to the referee outside, "Referee, Yan Chuan concedes, Tai Liu Team concedes!"

As his words fell.

The thick fog cleared.

It turned out Wang Zhengyi was nearby to the right, about three steps away, frowning at Yan Chuan with a puzzled look.

Yan Chuan, however, smiled, "If we keep stalemating, it’s hard to determine a winner or loser. I want to train my teammates, so it’s just right to take a trip to the loser’s bracket and play a few more matches."

This was, of course, to fool others.

The truth was —

To win all rounds meant only playing ten matches.

But if he entered the loser’s bracket in the first three rounds, theoretically, as long as he wasn’t skipped over, Yan Chuan could play as many as seventeen matches, gaining a whole seven more.

With these seven extra matches, perhaps Yan Chuan could develop a Seventh Level Geng-level Divine Skill!

This was something to be grabbed for free!

Of course, Yan Chuan wanted to play!

Thus, in this match with Wang Zhengyi, regardless of how it eventually turned out, Yan Chuan would concede. However, since Wang Zhengyi ’cheated’ by creating a thick fog on the platform, Yan Chuan couldn’t ’teach,’ so there was no need to delay any longer, and he simply conceded.

Jian Province Competition!

First Round!

Match Forty-four!

Guang One Team VS Tai Liu Team!

Guang One Wins!

Yan Chuan, defeated!

...

"Phew!"

"Finally finished!"

In the observation seats of Taikang Academy, Hao Meng let out a long breath and heard many peers around also relax. He couldn’t help but smile, "There were so many previous matches, and I didn’t feel it, but this time, watching Professor Yan fight personally felt more exhausting than going up myself!"

Duan Hong also laughed, "How could it be the same! Before we listened to Professor Yan’s explanations of each battle, there was at least some space to breathe, and many times we couldn’t understand, so the brain could rest. But this time, Professor Yan was fighting himself, explaining while fighting, demonstrating while teaching, from ’Eight Diagram Palm,’ ’Baji Fist,’ ’Tai Chi Boxing,’ all the way to ’Basic Swordsmanship’ and ’Twelve Hand Rotten Silk Swordsmanship,’ so much, too full. Yet it was all presented clearly and simply, between being understandable and not. With a little effort, you could barely understand. I listened attentively for a whole session, over an hour, and my brain didn’t stop, you could touch my ears and face, they’re burning, it’s extremely mind-consuming!"

Hao Meng didn’t touch Duan Hong but touched his own face and ears and found them really hot.

Learned too much!

Brain overloaded!

No wonder it felt so tiring.

However, despite being tired, the gains were substantial—

"Professor Yan shared so many practical insights in boxing and swordsmanship, even though he didn’t talk about ’Buddha Han Fist,’ I gained a lot. Tonight, I’ll organize it, and my ’Buddha Han Fist’ will definitely improve another level!"

Hao Meng was tired but happy!

This time, Duan Hong also gained a lot, "Senior Brother Su practices the ’Four Gates Fist,’ and when Professor Yan guided him, I listened carefully to the ’Eight Diagram Palm,’ and it greatly improved my ’Four Gates Fist.’ I think, when we return to the academy, passing the entrance exam for research students won’t be difficult!"

Both of them gained something!

And not just them.

Not just the disciples of Taikang Academy!

Amidst over thirty thousand spectators, anyone practicing martial arts or studying swordsmanship, during this match with Yan Chuan, gained something to some extent.

Compared to other spectators and other academies.

The disciples of Taikang Academy, besides the joy of learning, were concerned about one thing—

"Will Professor Yan’s self-created Five Fists and Five Skills be taught in the academy?"

Five Fists and Five Skills!

Break the limit of Qi and Blood!

After this match, it will undoubtedly become renowned in Jian Province, who wouldn’t want to learn it?

...

Despite Yan Chuan’s debut, although it was Wang Zhengyi who ultimately came out on top, the topic throughout revolved around Yan Chuan.

This match.

Yan Chuan showcased too many new things, and all were shocking—

"Self-created Five Fists and Five Skills!"

"Helping others with Tiger and Leopard Thunder Sound!"

"Divine Power, a mere glimpse!"

That night, the day’s schedule ended, and Shao Yancong found Yan Chuan, "Give it to me straight, to what extent can you reach in this ’Jian Province Competition’?"

Shao Yancong, upon learning that combined, Guangling Academy and Taikang Academy had more than ten teams with all limit-breaking members, had already lost all hope for Taikang Academy achieving any good results in this session of the ’Jian Province Competition.’

It was a depressing three and a half days!

But!

There was a turn for the better!

Yan Chuan gave him a big surprise.

In today’s battle, Yan Chuan was overwhelmingly strong, anyone with insight could see that even though Wang Zhengyi used a treasure to create thick fog, as long as Yan Chuan remained fully guarded and persisted for the last half-hour, the outcome was uncertain, at worst a draw.

And the team led by Wang Zhengyi was almost the strongest team in this Jian Province Competition!

Even this team could be taken to such a level, Yan Chuan alone had a chance of winning.

Therefore.

It seemed.

"Winning the championship single-handedly isn’t impossible?"

Shao Yancong looked at Yan Chuan, full of expectations.

Upon hearing this, Yan Chuan smiled, "Elder Shao also saw it, Wang Zhengyi has treasures, and once the fog rises, I’m helpless. This is the treasure he’s already revealed, who knows if he has more powerful treasures hidden, not taken out until the last moment? It’s not just Wang Zhengyi; several other strong teams and individuals, who dares to guarantee that they don’t have strange treasures or surprise weapons?"

Yan Chuan shook his head, "The depth of the enemy is unknown, and my own foundation unclear. Though I possess courage and prowess, how dare I promise Elder Shao that I can fight to the end?"

These were honest words.

Today’s means by Wang Zhengyi, and that piece of treasure, truly exceeded Yan Chuan’s expectations, also making him more cautious of this ’Martial Arts Competition.’

The wonders of the world are countless.

Even in the depths of a ditch, one might overturn.

Yan Chuan must be prudent.

"That’s true." Shao Yancong nodded, agreeing with this point, but—

Wang Zhengyi has treasures, others might also have, but what about Yan Chuan?

Shao Yancong glanced at Yan Chuan, but he didn’t voice this question. However, his trust in Taikang Academy’s performance this time, mainly his trust in Yan Chuan, rose continually, increasing repeatedly.

Three days ago, upon learning about many all-limit-breaking teams, he no longer held hope for his academy’s qualification spots, just hoping not to be at the bottom among the nine academies.

But now, today’s performance by Yan Chuan reignited Shao Yancong’s confidence, even causing it to surge—

"Qualification?"

"Qualification is assured!"

"Championship?"

"Championship is not impossible!"

Shao Yancong was filled with passion; thoughts crossed his heart, unwilling to disturb Yan Chuan too much, "Rest now, don’t underestimate tomorrow’s loser’s bracket rematch!"

After a few reminders.

Shao Yancong left.

...

Watching Shao Yancong leave.

Yan Chuan understood Elder Shao’s thoughts; of course, he also wanted to win the championship, "The ’Jian Province Competition’ is a selection tournament for the ’Cang Mountain Sword Discussion,’ but the rewards are abundant, not only do team rankings relate to the distribution of resources within Jian Province among academies, but the team itself also receives generous rewards."

If they could win the championship—

"Ten thousand taels of silver!"

"Secret medicines valued at fifty thousand taels!"

"Surprise weapons valued at fifty thousand taels!"

"At least one Fifth Grade Martial Arts!"

Money!

Secret medicines!

Surprise weapons!

Secret manuals!

Total value exceeding one hundred thousand taels, heart-stirring!

This is a significant factor in why martial prodigies in Jian Province, including Wang Zhengyi, vie for the ’Jian Province Competition’ with full force.

Furthermore, it’s likely a big reason why leading academies like Guangling and Liyang could recruit many young limit-breaking external aids.

Yan Chuan also lacks money!

He also lacks resources!

Therefore, he undoubtedly wants to win the championship in the ’Jian Province Competition.’

"Although the opponents aren’t weak."

"But my chance is very high."

Yan Chuan had considerable confidence, his confidence came from the ’Purple Mist Palace,’ from ’Mutual Teaching and Learning’ and ’Derivation Skill’—

...

[Your ’Divine Movement Transformation (Complete Version)’ received an upgrade, Fifth Realm of Mastery → Sixth Realm Refining Fire.]

...

[Your ’Mixed Element Skill’ received an upgrade, Sixth Realm Refining Fire → Seventh Realm: Transcendent.]

[Your ’Purple Mist Divine Skill’ received an upgrade, Fourth Realm Slightly Accomplished → Fifth Realm of Mastery.]

...

[Your ’Eight Diagram Palm’ received an upgrade, Fifth Realm of Mastery → Sixth Realm Refining Fire.]

[Your ’Baji Fist’ received an upgrade, Fourth Realm Slightly Accomplished → Sixth Realm Refining Fire.]

[Your ’Tongbei Fist’ received an upgrade, Fourth Realm Slightly Accomplished → Sixth Realm Refining Fire.]

[Your ’pigua Palm’ received an upgrade, Third Realm: Entering the Hall → Sixth Realm Refining Fire.]

[Your ’Tai Chi Boxing’ received an upgrade, Second Realm: First Glimpse → Fifth Realm of Mastery.]

...

From Qinggong to Inner Strength and then Boxing.

After four days of competition, especially after today’s events, Yan Chuan’s improvement was tremendous, and his comprehensive strength elevated again and again, far beyond three to five times stronger than four days ago!

Sitting at four, looking at five, chasing six!

Originally, after consuming a massive amount of Monkey Wine, Yan Chuan was already comparable to a break limit Middle Grade Realm. This time, he took a significant step forward, with growing strength.

One set of martial arts after another—

Even the lowest level ’Mixed Element Skill’ and ’Divine Movement Transformation (Complete Version)’ are top-level Qinggong of Eighth Rank Xin Level One Star, with ’Purple Mist Divine Skill’ being a ’Xin Level Five Stars’ Divine Skill.

Additionally.

Each boxing style is of the Eighth Rank Xin Level, with ’Tai Chi Boxing (Inner Family Edition)’ and ’Purple Mist Divine Skill’ of the same grade as a Divine Skill.

Equipped with all these martial arts, with substantial skills.

Yan Chuan’s foundation is incredibly strong!

This is the present.

This is Yan Chuan’s now.

However, Yan Chuan is not limited to the ’present’ or ’now,’ his ’future’ is utterly bright—

...

[Task One: Yijinjing]

[Inspiration: 91]

...

[Task Two: Wave Riding Micro Steps]

[Inspiration: 5]

...

[Task Three: Eight-Nine Mysterious Skill]

[Inspiration: 0]

...

[Task Four: Dugu Nine Swords]

[Inspiration: 9]

...