Chapter 13: Inner Gate Competition, Goodbye Treasure Hunter Ye Chen

“Elder, I'm here to sign up for the Inner Sect Grand Competition.”

After leaving the Outer Sect Grand Competition arena, Zhou Chen quickly arrived at the Inner Sect Disciple arena area.

“You’re too late. The registration period has passed. You needed to register one day in advance.”

The Elder looked at Zhou Chen’s Outer Sect Disciple attire and replied indifferently.

“Let him participate.”

A voice came from afar.

“Rules are rules…”

The Elder was startled when he saw the newcomer, then immediately changed his tone.

“Rules are dead, but people are alive. The rules of our Wenxian Sect can be flexibly adjusted within a reasonable range.”

Zhou Chen turned to look back and found that the newcomer was Liu Qianru.

“Thank you, Senior Sister Liu, for your righteous assistance.”

Zhou Chen cupped his hands. Liu Qianru waved her hand and flew towards the spectator center of the arena.

“Little brother, why didn’t you say earlier that you know a Core Disciple? This is truly a case of a flood washing away the Dragon King’s temple! This is your participation token; you can enter the competition directly.”

The Elder said with a fawning smile.

“Thank you, Elder.”

Zhou Chen took the identity token and left, not wanting to deal with such people too much.

There were ten competition arenas for Inner Sect Disciples.

The first place would be decided on each arena, and successfully defending the arena would qualify one for the top ten Inner Sect Disciples.

Participating Disciples could choose any arena to compete on. After the top ten were determined, there would be a ranking battle among the Inner Sect Disciples to determine the final rankings.

Only the first-place Inner Sect Disciple could become a Core Disciple candidate.

Due to the limited resources of the Sect, the total number of Core Disciples in the entire Sect would not exceed one hundred, and most of them had become Disciples of the various Peak Masters.

After becoming a Core Disciple candidate, one would be eligible to challenge any official Core Disciple.

Only by successfully challenging them could one become an official Core Disciple of the Sect.

Zhou Chen walked to an arena.

He recognized the arena defender, Zhang Lei, who was Zhang Xiaoxin’s cousin and Zhang Xiaoxin’s protector within the Inner Sect.

It was precisely because Zhang Lei backed him in the Inner Sect that many Disciples bullied by Zhang Xiaoxin dared not speak out in anger.

Since he had already offended the Zhang family, he might as well go all out and knock down the Zhang family’s ranking in the Inner Sect.

“Fellow Senior and Junior Brothers, I will take this arena. Thank you all for your support.”

Zhang Lei cupped his hands towards the surrounding Inner Sect Disciples.

Currently, no one was challenging Zhang Lei, as his Qi Refining Seventh Layer strength was evident.

Last year’s Inner Sect ninth place, he was certainly among the top ten Inner Sect Disciples this year.

“Senior Brother Zhang is truly amazing! He’ll definitely make it into the top ten in this Inner Sect Grand Competition!”

“Isn’t that right? I think Senior Brother Zhang will definitely make it into the top five this year!”

“Ah, what you’re saying isn’t right. I think he’ll at least make it into the top three!”

The Disciples below the arena discussed animatedly.

At this moment, Zhou Chen’s untimely voice sounded.

“I’m here to challenge you.”

The voices of the surrounding Disciples suddenly stopped, and they all looked at Zhou Chen.

“Who is this? He looks so unfamiliar!”

“Could it be that he just got promoted to Inner Sect Disciple? I see his clothes are still Outer Sect Disciple attire!”

“Truly a newborn calf not fearing a tiger. I wonder if it’s arrogance or ignorance.”

“I know him! He was the former Outer Sect number one, the Disciple whose cultivation regressed after being poisoned by demon boiling powder when he failed to challenge Senior Brother Ye Chen!”

Suddenly, a Disciple shouted.

Whoa!

The Inner Sect Disciples were in an uproar, clearly, they all knew Zhou Chen.

What they couldn’t believe, however, was that Zhou Chen had actually returned.

Three months ago, his cultivation had regressed, his Foundation was damaged, and he couldn’t even Cultivate. Now, he had actually advanced to an Inner Sect Disciple?

How embarrassing for the Disciples who had worked so hard for years to advance from the Outer Sect to the Inner Sect after Cultivating for so long.

“This Junior Brother is a new face, huh? Alright, come up and have some fun.”

Zhang Lei spoke politely, but his face was full of disdain.

Not only Zhang Lei, but many Disciples below the arena also didn’t believe Zhou Chen could win. After all, Zhang Lei had been famous in the Inner Sect for a long time.

Even if Zhou Chen’s cultivation recovered and he entered the Inner Sect, his strength would at most not exceed Qi Refining Second Layer.

They would never have guessed that Zhou Chen’s true cultivation was Qi Refining Tenth Layer.

“Alright, I also wanted to learn from Senior Brother Zhang.”

Zhou Chen leaped onto the arena.

At the same time, Liu Qianru’s gaze also turned over with interest.

“Ru’er, in this Sect Grand Competition, do you have any promising talents you’re looking at?”

A deep voice sounded in Liu Qianru’s ear, it was none other than Liu Qingtian, the Sect Master of Wenxian Sect.

“I think that Zhou Chen on Arena Number Ten is good.”

Liu Qianru replied.

“Oh? I can’t see through this kid’s cultivation. It seems he has some Opportunity. But I’m more optimistic about Ye Chen on Arena Number One. This kid’s cultivation is already at Qi Refining Ninth Layer.”

Liu Qianru couldn’t help but glance in Ye Chen’s direction with surprise.

“He is indeed good, but I’m more interested in Zhou Chen.”

Afterward, Liu Qianru said nothing more.

“Junior Brother Zhou, you are a newly promoted Inner Sect Disciple. I’ll let you have three moves. After three moves, don’t blame Senior Brother for not giving you a chance.”

Zhang Lei stood with his arms crossed, looking at Zhou Chen arrogantly.

“That’s great, Senior Brother, you’re so kind! But I might not be able to control my strength, and I’m worried I might hurt you.”

Zhou Chen then showed a brilliant smile.

“Hahaha, don’t worry, just go all out. I, Zhang Lei, am not a narrow-minded person.” A hint of ruthlessness flashed in Zhang Lei’s eyes.

Of course, he knew Zhou Chen. He was naturally aware of Zhang Xiaoxin’s actions in the Outer Sect before, but after all, that was his cousin, and he wouldn't blame him for anything.

However, his cousin had mysteriously disappeared from the outside, which puzzled him greatly. Connecting it to Zhou Chen’s current cultivation, he vaguely had a guess.

This arena match was an excellent Opportunity. After all, swords have no eyes. Regardless of whether Zhou Chen killed Zhang Xiaoxin or not, he had to pay a huge price.

If Zhou Chen was unlucky enough to die, he could only blame himself for overestimating his abilities, Zhang Lei thought to himself.

“Thank you, Senior Brother. As expected of Senior Brother Zhang, truly magnanimous. Please enlighten me, Senior Brother!”

Zhou Chen immediately circulated his Spiritual Qi, gathering it in his hand, and then punched out.

Zhang Lei was still standing with his arms crossed, but as soon as he heard the piercing sonic boom from Zhou Chen’s fist in the air, his face instantly changed dramatically.

Zhou Chen’s seemingly ordinary punch, though appearing slow, was actually fast, constantly enlarging in Zhang Lei’s pupils.

“Not good, this is not an ordinary fist technique.”

Zhang Lei’s heart sank. He quickly gathered all his Spiritual Qi and unleashed a powerful punch.

With a punch, wind and thunder roared, it was Zhang Lei’s fully unleashed Major Achievement Thunderclap Fist!

Bang!

Their fists collided, and a huge cloud of dust exploded in the center of the arena.

Before Zhang Lei could react, Zhou Chen’s other fist had already slammed into him, heading straight for Zhang Lei’s Dantian.

Boom!

Zhang Lei was sent flying by a punch, and with a cracking sound, the sound of his Dantian shattering also came out.

As the smoke cleared, Zhang Lei was seen unconscious, slumped on the ground, his right arm hanging limply, blood flowing freely.

Zhang Lei’s cultivation aura also dropped to Qi Refining First Layer, with more air going out than coming in.

The entire venue fell silent.

Everyone looked at the scene in the center of the arena in shock, unable to believe it.

Zhang Lei, last year’s top ten Outer Sect Disciple, an Inner Sect Disciple at Qi Refining Seventh Layer, was defeated by a single punch?

From afar, Liu Qianru’s beautiful face also showed a hint of surprise.

“Quick, someone! Who can save Senior Brother Zhang? He just said he’d let me have three moves, and I didn’t expect Senior Brother Zhang to concede to this extent! I’m sorry, Senior Brother Zhang!”

Zhou Chen immediately shouted, his righteous demeanor making it difficult for anyone to doubt him.

Then, several Disciples responsible for rescue got onto the arena, quickly stopped the bleeding of the unconscious Zhang Lei, and then swiftly carried him off the arena on a makeshift stretcher.

“When your Senior Brother Zhang wakes up, be sure to tell him that I, Zhou Chen, thank Senior Brother Zhang for his mercy! I’ll come to apologize after my competition is over!”

Zhou Chen looked at Zhang Lei being carried away and shouted to the few Disciples.

Killing the heart!

The few Disciples stumbled after hearing that, almost shaking Zhang Lei off the stretcher.

The surrounding Disciples remained silent, quietly watching this comical scene.

The referee Elder was also dumbfounded, he took a deep look at Zhou Chen, remembering his appearance, thinking that such a Disciple should be avoided offending in the future.

“Challenge successful, the winner is Zhou Chen!”

Seeing Zhou Chen’s gaze turn to him, he immediately announced.

Whoa!

“Zhou Chen actually won! A one-hit kill! He’s too strong, isn’t he?”

“Did Senior Brother Zhang Lei really go easy?”

“What nonsense are you talking about? Didn’t you see Senior Brother Zhang Lei used his famous ultimate skill, ‘Thunderclap Fist’?!”

“Senior Brother Zhou Chen is mighty!”

“Am I dreaming? This is a top ten Inner Sect Disciple!”

“Senior Brother Zhou is so inspiring! From Outer Sect number one to having his cultivation regress, and now to being a top ten Inner Sect Disciple, Senior Brother Zhou Chen is a role model!”

The Disciples below the stage recovered from their shock and discussed animatedly.

“Not bad, it seems his cultivation is no lower than Qi Refining Seventh Layer, he’s just a bit too lively.”

Liu Qingtian, the Sect Master of Wenxian Sect, looked at Zhou Chen with a strange expression and said to Liu Qianru.

Liu Qianru also looked speechless.

“Senior Brother Zhou, you’re too strong! How did you manage to recover your cultivation after being poisoned by demon boiling powder?!” A Disciple shouted at Zhou Chen.

“I was lucky. I found a Marrow Cleansing Pill and cleared the poison.”

Zhou Chen replied with a smile. It was necessary to explain this matter, otherwise, it would attract the covetousness of those with ulterior motives.

However, he would not say that it was the Dragon-Phoenix Marrow Cleansing Pill that could cleanse one’s marrow and tendons. Such a treasure, even if he jumped into the Yellow River of the Heavenly Profound Continent, he wouldn’t be able to explain it clearly.

“It was actually a Marrow Cleansing Pill! His Luck is too good! I’m going to go find one too.”

The surrounding Disciples looked at this person with the eyes of an idiot. One should know the rarity of Marrow Cleansing Pills; it was unlikely that Wenxian Sect even had a few.

On the other side, Arena Number One.

Ye Chen’s battle also concluded. Because the arenas were far apart, he could only hear the distant commotion and didn’t understand what was happening.

“Master, I’ve defended the arena. In this Inner Sect Grand Competition, I want to take first place!”

Ye Chen thought to himself.

“Not bad. Your Physique is very compatible with the ‘Flame Mantra’. Your Cultivation speed is extremely fast. It might be some kind of unawakened Spirit Body. Later, I will study it and let you Cultivate even faster.”

A voice sounded in Ye Chen’s mind.

“Thanks to Master for imparting the Cultivation Technique to me!”

Ye Chen said gratefully.

Soon, people who successfully defended the arena appeared on each arena.

During this time, several Disciples tried to challenge Zhou Chen, but they were all sent flying by Zhou Chen’s single punch.

However, they only suffered minor injuries, and their fates were not as tragic as Zhang Lei’s. After that, no one else challenged him.

“Time’s up.”

The Inner Sect Elder announced the end of the arena defense competition.

“Those who successfully defended the arena will advance to the top ten of the Inner Sect. Next, the ranking battle will begin.”

“The rules for the ranking battle are: in the first round, it will be a one-on-one draw. The five winners will compete for the top five, and the losers will compete for the bottom ten.”

“In the second round, one person will have a bye, and the remaining four will compete in pairs. The winners will compete for the top three.”

The Inner Sect Elder continued to explain the rules.

“First round of competition, begin.”

The drawing of lots began.

Each Inner Sect Disciple came down from their arena and went to the main Sect arena to draw lots.

At this moment, Ye Chen saw Zhou Chen and found him increasingly familiar.

He suddenly remembered that this was his former defeated opponent, and a strange feeling arose in his heart.

“Master, it seems to be Zhou Chen, my former defeated opponent. I didn’t expect him to be in the top ten Inner Sect Disciples now!”

Ye Chen thought to himself.

“Disciple, this child probably has a secret. I can’t see through his current cultivation for now. Be extra careful if you encounter him.”

Upon receiving the reply in his mind, Ye Chen also secretly heightened his vigilance towards Zhou Chen.

Zhou Chen felt Ye Chen’s gaze and gave him a slight smile.

We meet again, treasure-hunting rat Ye Chen.

Zhou Chen immediately read Ye Chen’s panel.

[Name: Ye Chen.] (Bindable)

[Realm: Qi Refining Stage Ninth Layer]

[Destiny: Child of Luck, Immortal Dao Talent, Turning Misfortune into Fortune, Opportunity Overlord, Fire Spirit Body (Unawakened)]

[Fate: Stops at Saint Realm Fifth Layer, becomes the Holy Master of Blazing Fire Holy Land, Dao name Crimson Flame Saint Venerable. Successfully Cultivates ‘Flame Mantra’, absorbs exotic flames, challenges a hostile force’s Saint Realm Ninth Layer at Saint Realm Sixth Layer, battles the opponent for seven days and seven nights, runs out of Spiritual Qi, and self-detonates to protect the Holy Land.]

It seems that the previous plundering of Ye Chen’s Opportunity by Zhou Chen worked, from Saint Realm Seventh Layer at his Peak to Sixth Layer.

Don’t underestimate this one-layer difference; the gap in strength is also very obvious.

Before, Ye Chen could fight a Half-Emperor at Seventh Layer. Now, he can only fight a Saint Realm Ninth Layer, no need for a Half-Emperor to make a move.

Zhou Chen first bound Ye Chen, lest he accidentally gain another Opportunity and Breakthrough.

It seems the Heavenly Dao is truly biased. Even though he stole Ye Chen’s Cultivation Technique, it still gave him a growth-type Cultivation Technique, the ‘Flame Mantra’. Zhou Chen was speechless.

Zhou Chen continued to browse Ye Chen’s Opportunity panel.

[Recent Opportunity 1: Inner Sect Disciple ranking competition, first round, encounters immense pressure, breaks through to Qi Refining Tenth Layer during the challenge.]

[Recent Opportunity 2: Three days later, the Sect Secret Realm opens, obtains a Foundation Establishment Pill within the Secret Realm. Cultivation breaks through to Foundation Establishment Stage First Layer.]

[Recent Opportunity 3: Four days later, within the Sect Secret Realm, obtains a Saint Rank High Grade Cultivation Technique ‘Great Wilderness Finger’ in front of a certain stone statue.]

[Recent Opportunity 4: Seven days later, within the central palace of the Sect Secret Realm, obtains a mysterious finger bone.]

[Recent Opportunity 5: Seven days later, within the central palace of the Sect Secret Realm, obtains a bottle of ‘Spirit Ascension Pill’, cultivation breaks through to Foundation Establishment Stage Second Layer after consuming one pill.]

[Recent Opportunity 6: Seven days later, within the central palace of the Sect Secret Realm, obtains a Profound Rank High Grade Spiritual Artifact ‘Profound Immortal Sword’ in an abandoned Artifact Refining Room.]

[Recent Opportunity 7: Ten days later, at the deepest part of the Sect Secret Realm, in front of a mysterious tomb, picks up a Profound Rank High Grade Spiritual Artifact protective inner armor.]

…

Tsk tsk.

These dense Opportunity entries made Zhou Chen speechless again.

As expected of the Heavenly Dao’s favored son!

However, Zhou Chen was even more excited about the Secret Realm. Ye Chen’s Opportunities in the Secret Realm were very good.

“Hehehe, they’re all mine!”

Zhou Chen felt secretly pleased in his heart.