Chapter 577

Chapter 577: Challenging Qing Feng

The onlookers were at a loss for words, unsure whether to laugh or cry!

"These two fools schemed against each other endlessly, only to end up destroying themselves! How utterly ridiculous."

"I’ve seen fools before, but never at the Celestial Platform Competition! Are they here to pursue the Dao path or to be clowns?"

"Ha! I find this refreshing. In hundreds of Celestial Platform Competitions over millennia, such buffoonery is unprecedented—it’s quite the spectacle!"

"Well said!" The crowd roared with laughter.

Only members of the Blood River Sect and Great Snow Mountain burned with shame, wishing to vanish. Their Core Inner Gate Disciples had disgraced themselves—first cowering from challenging Mo Sect’s female disciple, then resorting to ambush tactics when forced to fight.

Demonic sect disciples cared little for honor, prioritizing victory at all costs.

But victory mattered! These two lost both dignity and lives, becoming laughingstocks. Their sects would endure mockery for centuries, their humiliation immortalized among major sects.

As the jeers faded, the fourth round began.

Originally five should’ve advanced, but Ming Jianzi of Great Snow Mountain and Xue Sha of Blood River Sect perished together, leaving four competitors for direct matches.

To everyone’s shock, the usually low-profile Mo Sect claimed half the final four spots. Mo Lanyun and Fang Lie—both considered underdogs—had shattered expectations.

Fang Lie had defeated Core Inner Gate Disciples from East Kunlun, Great Thunder Sound Temple, and Golden Crow Ancient Kingdom—three renowned talents expected to reach the top ten. His victories left the crowd stunned.

Yet Mo Lanyun inspired greater dread. Blessed with rare spiritual roots and an undying nature, she could now detonate her spiritual roots at will. Even a wisp of their Immortal Realm power dwarfed mortal-world divine skills, posing threats to Semi-Immortals.

This cheat-like ability rendered her invincible. After revealing it, no challenger dared face her. She advanced uncontested, achieving victory without fighting—subduing opponents through sheer intimidation. The Heavenly Dao favored children of rival sects lacked even the courage to confront her, cementing her status as the ultimate favorite.

For two such prodigies to emerge simultaneously from Mo Sect was extraordinary. Though wealthy, Mo Sect historically lacked top-tier combat strength—winning the Celestial Platform Competition once per hundred attempts versus other sects’ thirty. Their dominance now drew intense scrutiny.

The stubborn old men of dozens of sects turned covetous eyes toward Fang Lie. This youth had reshaped the world’s balance, empowering Mo Sect. Even Mo Lanyun’s dominance stemmed from his undying nature—now his trademark.

Revival divine skills existed across sects, but their costly side effects—like diminished talent—forced strict protection of Core Inner Gate Disciples. Such coddling denied disciples life-and-death trials, hindering their Dao cultivation. Many destined for Semi-Immortality stalled at late-stage Thunder Tribulation due to inadequate tempering.

If Fang Lie’s undying nature could be shared, disciples could risk fatal trials freely—revolutionizing their futures. Moreover, even Semi-Immortals coveted extra lives, vulnerable as they were in sect conflicts and Secret Realms.

Secretly, sect elders resolved to court Fang Lie post-competition, offering any price for his undying nature. Unaware he’d become the cultivation world’s most desired figure, Fang Lie brooded over his upcoming match.

In the fourth round, only Fang Lie, Mo Lanyun, Young Taoist Qing Feng, and Li Qingshi remained standing.

Fang Lie naturally didn’t want to confront Mo Lanyun. He solemnly declared, "Sect Leader, I’ll challenge Qing Feng later!"

Mo Qianxun had also been troubled by this matter. Logically, Mo Lanyun’s greater strength meant she should face the formidable challenge of Qing Feng, leaving Fang Lie to handle Li Qingshi.

Yet even sect leaders harbored selfish thoughts. Young Taoist Qing Feng carried a fearsome reputation, having slain a Thunder Tribulation Immortal – albeit the weakest tier – an achievement that shocked the cultivation world. Crucially, Qing Feng remained the most enigmatic chief disciple. Despite his unmatched fame and terrifying combat record, he’d only ever displayed the Carefree Wind divine skill. His cultivation methods, other techniques, powerful treasures, and even his mount remained complete mysteries.

Concealment didn’t imply absence. Though small in numbers, the Xuan Sect overflowed with wealth, its disciples enjoying outrageous privileges. As their chief disciple, Qing Feng’s resources undoubtedly dwarfed those of other sect leaders by tens or hundreds of times. Such a figure surely possessed hidden powerful treasures and mounts, reserved for crucial moments to reverse unfavorable situations.

In contrast, Mo Lanyun had revealed nearly all her capabilities. While her Self-detonating Spiritual Roots appeared fearsome, the prepared Xuan Sect disciple might counter it. Mo Qianxun held little confidence in Mo Lanyun’s chances.

Though wanting Fang Lie to confront the strongest opponent, Mo Qianxun couldn’t bring himself to voice this. Fortunately, Fang Lie proved himself a true man of honor, willingly facing the mightiest chief disciple despite the risks.

Mo Qianxun’s eyes brightened as he thrust his thumb upward. "Well said, Fang Lie! A true pillar of the Fang Family, steadfast enough to shoulder collapsing heavens! My greatest pride remains betrothing Lanyun to you against all opposition. Proceed with my blessing!"

This righteous path carried grave risks – defeat meant losing the Celestial Platform’s supreme opportunity, potentially crippling his Semi-Immortal aspirations. Yet Fang Lie shouldered this burden unflinchingly, earning Mo Qianxun’s deep respect. Cultivators defied heavens for their Dao, often abandoning familial bonds. Mo Qianxun doubted he’d make such a choice in Fang Lie’s place.

Mo Lanyun gazed gratefully but insisted, "Senior Brother, let me face Qing Feng. My Self-detonating Spiritual Roots can defeat him!"

Fang Lie chuckled softly. "When Fang men stand present, shall we hide behind women? Do you truly deem me inferior?"

"No, I merely-"

His raised hand silenced her. As Fang Lie leaped toward the platform, Li Qingshi of Penglai Sword Sect simultaneously sprang up, eyes gleaming as he prepared to shout.

Realization struck Fang Lie – this opportunist sought the weakest target, which would force Mo Lanyun to confront Qing Feng. Never would he endanger his fiancée!

"Qing Feng! To battle!" Fang Lie roared, magic power amplifying his voice.

Li Qingshi’s simultaneous challenge overlapped: "Fang Lie! Face me!"

Horror crossed Li Qingshi’s face – this left him against mighty Mo Lanyun. "I challenged first! By rules, you must accept!"

Fang Lie ignored the protest, smiling at Qing Feng. The young Taoist didn’t disappoint, laughing as he soared upward. "An honor to exchange pointers!"

Both combatants entered the Celestial Platform arena, bowing across hundred-mile separation. Neither granted Li Qingshi the slightest acknowledgment.