Overlord of the Wilderness

The fourth day.

The top thirty-two had been decided. Today, the Zhaang Family would determine the top sixteen.

As Zhaang Ye walked through the competition grounds, everyone who saw him had a look of awe and respect in their eyes.

In the Barbaric World, strength was paramount. Having consecutively defeated experts of the Martial Arts Third Layer, no one in the Zhaang Family dared to look down on Zhaang Ye anymore, let alone call him a good-for-nothing.

As before, the competition began with a drawing of lots. This time, Zhaang Ye’s opponent was a youth named Zhaang Lang, who possessed the strength of the Peak of Martial Arts Second Layer.

Zhaang Lang was slightly older than Zhaang Ye, likely around thirteen as well. When he saw that his opponent was Zhaang Ye, he hesitated for a moment. Concluding that he was no match for him, he decisively forfeited.

Just like that, Zhaang Ye effortlessly advanced into the top sixteen. The other Martial Arts Third Layer experts—Zhaang Qing, Zhaang Que, Zhaang Fang, and Zhaang Shu—also advanced.

Beyond those five, to everyone’s surprise, a youth named Zhaang River had an epiphany during yesterday’s matches and broke through to the Martial Arts Third Layer. This brought the number of Martial Arts Third Layer experts in the top sixteen to a total of six.

Among this group of youths, Zhaang Que, Zhaang Qing, and Zhaang River were all sixteen. Zhaang Shu and Zhaang Fang were just over fourteen, not yet fifteen. The youngest of all was Zhaang Ye, at only thirteen years old. In an instant, he became the center of everyone’s attention.

”This Zhaang Ye is incredible. Reaching the Martial Arts Third Layer at thirteen... it’s been a long time since our Zhaang Family of Three Rivers Town has seen such a talent.” The Second Elder sighed in admiration as he watched Zhaang Ye’s retreating figure.

In the eyes of a Martial Artist, thirteen was a critical age. A youth of this age had not yet had their qi, blood, muscles, and bones fully settled. If they could complete the tempering of their body and advance to the Martial Arts Third Layer within that year, their future potential would far surpass that of others.

Zhaang Ye’s advancement to the Martial Arts Third Layer at thirteen meant his potential was greater than anyone else present. The Zhaang Family had always called Zhaang Shu and Zhaang Fang geniuses, but now it seemed Zhaang Ye was a cut above even them. This revelation caused the Second Elder to sigh in admiration once more.

Hearing the Second Elder praise Zhaang Ye, the Fourth Elder at his side snorted. ”In the end, he only advanced by relying on the luck of some elixir. Even if he reached the Third Layer of Martial Arts at thirteen, his potential can’t be that great.”

”That’s not necessarily true,” the Second Elder said, shaking his head. ”From his last two matches, it’s clear Zhaang Ye’s foundation is very solid. He has cultivated both his Iron Bridge Stopping River Formation and Basic Saber Technique to the Great Success Realm, something no one in our Zhaang Family has achieved to date. Furthermore, his Startled Swan Step is also approaching the Great Success Realm, which is quite remarkable. With such a solid foundation, even if he advanced by relying on an elixir, his potential cannot be underestimated.”

The Sixth Elder interjected, ”I still have more faith in Zhaang Fang and Zhaang Shu. Although they also used the Power of Elixir, they relied more on their own arduous Cultivation. They were already fourteen when they advanced to the Third Layer, but they still have great potential. They’re far superior to someone like Zhaang Ye, who just popped pills to advance.”

The Fourth Elder nodded in agreement. ”I see it the same way. Zhaang Ye went from the Martial Arts First Layer to the Martial Arts Third Layer in just one year. That’s a classic case of pulling the seedling to help it grow. His early Cultivation progress was rapid, but it will slow down later on. He might even remain at his current Realm for the rest of his life, unable to ever break through again.”

The Fifth Elder said, ”Whether Zhaang Ye has potential or not is still hard to say. But among the younger generation, Zhaang Qing has immense potential. His personality may not be suited to be the Patriarch, but it’s perfect for Cultivation. He spends most of his day cultivating. He can go for days without eating or drinking just to master a single Martial Art. A true Cultivator should be just like him.”

The Second Elder smiled faintly. ”Zhaang Qing is excellent, but I have higher hopes for Zhaang Ye. There’s no point in us debating further. Why don’t we simply watch his growth together and see just how far he can go.”

While the Elders in their seats were discussing Zhaang Ye, he stepped onto the Martial Arts Arena for the third time. His opponent this round was a youth named Zhaang Zhong. Zhaang Zhong’s Cultivation was at the Peak of Martial Arts Second Layer. He was about fourteen or fifteen, and his entire body was covered in a suit of Light Armor. His weapons were a blood-red Long Whip and a Short Sword. The tip of the whip was covered in dense barbs, looking utterly terrifying, while the Short Sword glinted with a chilling light, clearly no ordinary blade.

”Zhaang Ye! Many people say you’re the number one of the younger generation. Today, I’ll see for myself if you live up to your name!” Seeing Zhaang Ye take the stage, Zhaang Zhong showed no fear. Instead, his fighting spirit surged.

Zhaang Zhong’s parents were wealthy. To ensure their son could distinguish himself in this competition, they had spent a fortune to have a set of equipment forged for him. This set included the Light Armor, the Long Whip, and the Short Sword.

It was precisely by relying on these items that Zhaang Zhong had defeated his opponents one after another to reach the top sixteen.

This string of victories had filled Zhaang Zhong with confidence. Even knowing Zhaang Ye was powerful, he dared to issue a direct challenge. He planned to use his equipment to knock Zhaang Ye off the stage in one go, using him as a stepping stone to build his own prestige.

Zhaang Ye naturally understood what Zhaang Zhong was thinking. However, he couldn’t be bothered to waste words on him and simply closed his eyes to rest.

”You...” Zhaang Zhong was infuriated by Zhaang Ye’s dismissive attitude. He growled, ”Don’t think you’re so great just because you’re stronger than me! You’ll find out how you’re gonna die in a minute!”

At that moment, the Grand Elder had the two take their positions, then gave a sharp cry, ”Begin!”

With that command, Zhaang Ye suddenly took a step forward. His figure drifted toward Zhaang Zhong like a wisp of smoke as he chopped out with one hand.

Zhaang Zhong never imagined Zhaang Ye could be so fast. He had just started to execute a move with his Short Sword when Zhaang Ye’s Hand Blade had already struck his shoulder.

”BANG!” The force behind Zhaang Ye’s Hand Blade was immense. The single strike sent Zhaang Zhong flying twenty feet, nearly knocking him off the Martial Arts Arena.

”Haha, it’s useless!” Zhaang Zhong took the Hand Blade strike but was completely unharmed. He steadied himself and sneered, ”This Light Armor I’m wearing cost over fifty thousand taels of Gold! Not even ordinary swords or spears can pierce it! Your Palm Power is decent, but it’s absolutely no match for me!”

Seeing Zhaang Zhong’s arrogant expression, Zhaang Ye didn’t get angry. He simply smiled faintly. ”Is that so?”

Just as Zhaang Zhong was about to retort, he saw Zhaang Ye’s figure flash and instantly close the distance. Even though he was mentally prepared, his heart still leaped at Zhaang Ye’s astonishing speed, and he reflexively slashed out with his Short Sword.

”CLANG!” Zhaang Ye blocked the Short Sword with one hand.

Zhaang Zhong’s Long Whip snaked around, about to entangle Zhaang Ye, when he suddenly felt his feet go light. In the same instant that Zhaang Ye had blocked the sword, he had also hooked a foot around Zhaang Zhong’s ankle, tripping him.

Seeing Zhaang Zhong lose his balance, a faint smile touched Zhaang Ye’s lips. He swung his leg and kicked Zhaang Zhong in the stomach, sending him flying far off the competition grounds, where he crashed to the earth like a sack of garbage.

”HSSS—” Seeing such a violent kick, the crowd let out a collective gasp, gaining a more direct understanding of Zhaang Ye’s power.