Chapter 10, Challenging Beyond the Level
Chen Zining just mentioned that he would wait for the next round, and then decided to challenge. As soon as he stood up, he noticed that a girl in white at the main table had also stood up almost simultaneously. Chen Zining was taken aback, smiled at her, and raised his hand to signal her to take the stage, but unexpectedly, the girl simply sat back down.
Having just displayed remarkable prowess by defeating a peer with seven moves, he was unexpectedly challenged by a fifteen or sixteen-year-old youth, and what was more, it was a challenge from a higher level. This was indeed quite strange. However, he was resolute in spirit and quickly calmed himself. Regardless of whether the opponent came to embarrass himself or to create a miracle, he would give it his all.
In just a moment, the voice rang out again: "Alright, this friend named Chang Sheng is about to take the stage for the competition. His number is 83, and he has the same eighth level of cultivation. The odds are 1 to 3, while the odds for Iron Hand are 1 to 2. Friends who wish to place bets, please do so quickly."
With a flourish of his brush, Chen Zining heard the slightly plump host loudly announcing: "Ladies and gentlemen, the main event is about to begin. A young man with the surname Chen will challenge Mr. Kou Zhun, who is at the eighth level of cultivation, in a match that exceeds his rank. How formidable is Mr. Kou Zhun? You have just witnessed it; he has already defeated opponents of equal rank in seven rounds, sending them off the stage. Can this brave young man create a miracle and defeat him? Let us wait and see. Now, the odds are out: Mr. Kou Zhun is at 1.5 to 1, while the young man with the surname Chen is at 6 to 1. The difference is quite significant. If there are any friends who wish to bet on the dark horse, please act quickly."
This duel ended rather quickly, with the challenger named Kou Zhun emerging victorious. According to custom, if Kou Zhun wishes, he may accept challenges from others on the stage. The winner receives a prize, and if he achieves two consecutive victories, the prize is doubled; if he achieves three consecutive victories, the prize is tripled, and so on.
Chen Zining smiled, unfastened the short knife at his waist, and took out ten gold coins, saying: "Use these to buy my victory"
Chen Zining summoned the shop assistant to inquire about the details of the competition. It was then revealed that there were many rules involved. For instance, if the defender is at the eighth level of martial arts, and a challenger of the same level wins, there is a prize of approximately twenty gold coins. If a challenger at the seventh level successfully challenges and wins, the prize doubles. If a challenger at the sixth level succeeds, the prize quadruples. However, if a challenger at the ninth level participates, even with the defender's consent, there is no prize for winning. If a challenger at the seventh level successfully challenges and wins, the prize doubles. If a challenger at the sixth level succeeds, the prize quadruples. However, if a challenger at the ninth level participates, even with the defender's consent, there is no prize for winning.
Chen Zining gently moved his body and glanced at Kou Zhun. This man appeared to be in his thirties, with a slender figure. In the recent duel, he did not employ any extraordinary skills but relied on his robust and profound true energy to firmly suppress his opponent. It was evident that he had reached the pinnacle of the martial artist realm, with one foot already stepping into the warrior realm.
After about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, with a shout of "Start!", the two individuals on stage took their positions. The martial artist known as "Iron Hand" indeed displayed remarkable skill, with his hands exhibiting pronounced muscles, larger than those of an average person, his fingers curled into claws, fierce and formidable.
The short man named Chang Sheng moved with agile and clever steps, launching attacks that were strange and spicy, exceptionally cunning, and his momentum was not inferior to that of his opponent
This duel was indeed a match of equals, with both sides displaying exceptional skill. The two engaged in a fierce struggle for quite some time, but ultimately, Iron Hand resolved to defeat his opponent, even at the cost of his own injury. On the other hand, Chang Sheng seemed to have reservations, unwilling to risk injury for a mere twenty gold coins. With a slight contact, he took the opportunity to leap down from the arena.
Chen Zining looked down and said, "No rush, let's wait for the next round."
After the dishes were served, the duel on the stage also came to an end. Immediately, the host Hong's loud voice resonated: "Esteemed guests, next up to defend the arena is Iron Hand No. 45, a martial artist of the eighth level of cultivation, with a record of seven wins and two losses this month. Anyone willing to step onto the stage, please come to me to register. The winner will receive a prize of twenty gold coins."
Everyone thinks about it, the eighth level of a martial artist is two tiers above the first level of a warrior. These two tiers are not comparable to the differences between the sixth and eighth levels or the seventh and ninth levels within the same rank; it can be said that they are worlds apart. To dare to step onto the stage and challenge across levels is already a display of courage
The surname is Chen
At this moment, several beautiful young women were inquiring at each table whether the guests wished to place bets. The individual designated as number 45 was presumably a professional fighter who frequently participated in matches, while the challenger named Chang Sheng was clearly making his debut, making it difficult to ascertain his true strength. Nevertheless, the majority of people placed their bets. Chen Zining extended his spiritual awareness and sensed that the true energy levels of the two were indeed quite similar, although the experience in dueling was likely to favor the seasoned Iron Hand. Consequently, the odds for the two were different.
Cultivation ... sigh. You are only at the eighth level. Are you attempting a challenge beyond your rank? Well, young man, you have good courage. The prize this time is 25 gold coins, and if you succeed in the challenge beyond your rank, it will be 50 gold coins. Young man, I wish you good luck. Now, please sign this life-and-death contract.
The applause resonated all around, indicating that the audience who had bet on Chang Sheng Ying had little complaint about his defeat. Anyone with a discerning eye could see that both competitors had indeed elevated their skills in technique and agility to an exceptionally high level.
On the opposite side, Kou Zhun was somewhat perplexed. He had been at the peak of the martial artist realm for over a year, yet he had not been able to take that final step forward. Thus, he decided to take a break to clear his mind. As he passed by the Zunwu Restaurant, a sudden idea struck him; perhaps the insights gained from his duels could help him break through his bottleneck.
Chen Zitao said: "Zining, I have confidence in you. Not a single adult in the clan can do anything to you. When the time comes, we will all bet on your victory and make a fortune."
At this moment, the duel on the arena had begun, and all seven individuals were intently watching, not wanting to miss this rare spectacle
Chen Zining observed for a while, nodding to himself. Noticing that the six classmates beside him were all eager to try, he couldn't help but make a comparison in his mind. The martial arts practiced in Chenjia Village were derived from techniques passed down within the army of the Tang Dynasty, having undergone countless studies and improvements. The youths in the clan, having established their foundations at the age of seven or eight, devoted themselves wholeheartedly to martial arts, undistracted by other pursuits. For nearly ten years, they had engaged in relentless and rigorous training, solidifying their foundational skills to an extraordinary degree, surpassing those who practiced in the city. However, they were still young and could not compare to these seasoned adult martial artists who had experienced numerous real battles. Even though they practiced daily, their sparring with clan members was often cautious, making it difficult to unleash their full potential. To surpass these veterans, a miracle would need to occur.
"Do we still have to wait for the next match? It seems that the next one will probably be at the warrior level. Are you confident?" Chen Zikang said in surprise
The next event is the challenge match for the Ninth Level of Martial Arts. Chen Zikang said: "Zining, didn't you say you wanted to compete? Now is the perfect time. It's a pity that those at the Sixth and Seventh Levels have already taken their turns; otherwise, we could have gone up to show our faces."
After speaking, he gracefully leaped over the railing and landed on the arena. As soon as he touched the ground, someone led him to an elderly man with white hair. The old man held a brush in one hand and asked, "What is your esteemed name, sir?"
Seven people were eating while looking down. On the arena stood two individuals who were moving their bodies. One was wearing a tight-fitting outfit, tall in stature, with a badge marked 45 at the waist. The other was slightly shorter, dressed in a blue robe, and also had a badge marked 83 hanging from the waist.
Chen Zining smiled and said: "It’s nothing, a warrior is just a warrior. If one cannot win, then one should admit defeat; after all, it is not shameful."