Apotheosis Begins with Tai Chi

’At this rate, reaching the Eighth Pillar of Blood Qi will take at least another three months. Even with a sufficient supply of supplementary medicine on the level of the Three Treasures Nourishing Essence Pill, it would still take over two months. If I switch to tempering the Cloud Peng Leg Technique, it should be faster.’

However, Chen Cheng would have to try it to know exactly how much faster.

The fourth round of matches lasted significantly longer.

Because the combatants were now so evenly matched, a victor couldn’t be easily decided. Often, one had to resort to ruthless tactics and ultimate moves to definitively defeat their opponent.

In the end, Zhuang Zhen won her match, securing her Military Merit.

However, she had sustained multiple injuries. While not severe, they would require a period of quiet recuperation, making it impossible for her to contend for a higher rank.

And her situation was far from unique.

Of the ten who won this round, more than half were injured like her, unable to continue climbing the ranks.

One person who had barely scraped by with a victory fainted on the spot and was carried directly to a nearby clinic.

”Next up is the final round of this Martial Selection!”

The examiner announced again.

”First, I will announce the ten names not on the lists: Chen Cheng, Zhuang Zhen, Huang Tao...”

”The rule for this round is as follows: any of these ten individuals who wish to improve their standing may challenge someone on the Golden List or Silver List. If you win, you will take their place!”

”Of course, those already on the Golden and Silver Lists may also challenge those ranked higher! But remember, challenges in this round must stop once a victor is clear. Anyone who injures their opponent will be severely punished!”

At this declaration, almost all of the final twenty-two contestants remained silent.

Some waited to see what others would do, while some were already satisfied with their current rank. Of course, most simply knew their own strength and condition made it impossible to climb any higher, leaving them no choice but to stay silent.

Silence fell over the grounds.

Suddenly, a calm voice drifted unhurriedly from the back of the crowd.

”I wish to challenge Zhang Shan, sixth on the Silver List!”

All eyes turned in unison to see Chen Cheng stepping forward slowly.

After hearing what Zhuang Zhen had said earlier, he had already thought it through.

’If I don’t want to be sent to the front lines, I have to secure a rank on the Silver List. Challenging the top of the Silver List is too difficult, but if I challenge someone at the bottom, I can’t guarantee I won’t be challenged in turn even if I win. So I’ll choose a rank slightly past the middle of the Silver List: sixth place.’

The key was that this Zhang Shan, ranked sixth on the Silver List, was one of the two Secret Disciples from the Cloud Platform Upper Courtyard.

In Chen Cheng’s eyes, challenging this person gave him the highest chance of victory. Furthermore, it would settle things in one go; as long as he won, he wouldn’t have to worry about being challenged by anyone else.

Just then, from the other end of the arena, a voice devoid of ripple, almost indifferent, slowly reached everyone’s ears, instantly drawing all attention.

”I, Qin Zhao, challenge the Lin Kui, Pang Wanhe.”

The moment these words were spoken, the entire venue erupted.

Gasps, discussions, and excited shouts rose and fell in a ceaseless wave.

”Grandfather... this is trouble...”

Under the Pang Family’s canopy, the sharply-dressed young man’s expression had become extremely grave.

”...The Qin Family! Qin Zhao!”

Pang Shixun’s face was a mask of indifference, but he hissed inaudibly through clenched teeth, his ten fingers tightening on the armrests of his chair.

Outsiders might not know the inside story, but Pang Shixun knew it inside and out.

The Lin Kui of this Martial Selection would be directly appointed to a position of real power in an important office.

If that position fell into the Pang Family’s hands, they could leverage it to its fullest potential, allowing the Pang Family to ascend to a new level, or even several.

Now, with Qin Zhao interfering, Pang Shixun’s entire scheme was about to fall apart at the final hurdle.

At this moment, Pang Shixun was trying his best to suppress his emotions, but his molars were grinding with an audible CRUNCH. He gripped the armrests so hard he left finger indentations, and a nearly imperceptible killing intent flashed deep within his eyes.

In the neighboring canopy, worry reappeared on the face of the Li Family’s matriarch.

Shen Mi and the others also looked tense, their breathing seemingly coming to a complete halt.

”What is Cheng thinking? He could have challenged seventh or eighth place, so why challenge sixth...?”

Yu Feng couldn’t hold back any longer, his voice heavy.

”That Zhang Shan ranked sixth is a Secret Disciple of the Cloud Platform Upper Courtyard. I watched his last two matches, and he’s incredibly strong... Why on earth would Cheng choose him... Sigh...”

”Uncle, have faith in Cheng...”

Zhuang Zhen leaned back in her chair. Though her complexion was poor, a clear light shone from the depths of her beautiful eyes.

”Cheng is extremely steady. He would never do something he’s not confident about! He must have his reasons for this choice!”

”...Let’s hope so. I also hope Cheng is right.”

Yu Feng nodded, his gaze fixed completely on Chen Cheng.

”Grandfather! This is the potential I was talking about! This is why I wanted to support him with everything we have!”

Wu Ziyu gazed from afar at Chen Cheng’s figure ascending the platform, unable to hide her excitement.

”A sixteen-year-old at the Seven Blood Transforming Force! A non-disciple defeating a Secret Disciple! And that’s not all—now he’s even challenging one of the best among the Seven Blood Secret Disciples!”

”In my opinion, the significance of this match of his is far greater than Qin Zhao’s challenge for the Lin Kui! Much greater!”

”...Oh, you silly girl... sigh...”

Wu Shannan looked at Chen Cheng, then back at his own precious granddaughter. He started to smile, but the smile soon faded. ’His family’s pearl was truly about to belong to another.’

”Father...”

Song Yingzhi’s brows were tightly furrowed. She looked like she wanted to speak but held her tongue.

Song Che’s expression shifted multiple times. He opened and closed his mouth, holding it in for a long time before finally forcing out the words:

”The lowest-grade Root Bone has misled me! The lowest-grade Root Bone has misled the Song Family!”

On the two platforms, two matches began simultaneously.