Planet Pulverizer: A Mortal's Ascent

Chapter 77: Competition

There was no better way to familiarize with a breakthrough in martial arts than by having a match with an equally strong opponent.

The next day, Li Pin and Fang Lingjue arrived early at the Jiang Province Martial Society. The place was still as flooded as ever.

The ordinary citizens viewed the Jiang Province Martial Competition as the grandest event in the entire region. They would never imagine the dark secrets and undercurrent swirling beneath this grand spectacle.

At ten o'clock, Li Pin arrived promptly at the second training area.

After waiting for less than half an hour, he stepped into the center of the arena. Following his arrival, a middle-aged man emerged from the crowd and slowly approached the stage.

Li Pin had already gained considerable fame due to the incident involving Zhang Chiyan. His appearance caused quite a commotion among the spectators.

The people in the crowd already even started to question Li Pin's matches' arrangement.

"I remember that Master Li has fought several matches in the past few days. Each martial artist usually needs to go through six to eight matches depending on the number of participants before reaching the Round-Robin stage.

"But aren't these matches supposed to be spread over ten days? It's only the third day, and Master Li has already competed in four matches. Isn't the schedule a bit too packed?'"

"I've noticed that too! Did you guys realize? All of Master Li's opponents are Core Formation martial artists! How unlucky is he to face martial artists of this level in four consecutive matches?"

"Once could be luck, twice might be excessive, but three times is too much. Facing four Core Formation experts in a row, that can't be explained simply by luck."

The crowd discussed fervently.

However, as the incident had not yet escalated, only a minority of people had noticed it. It had yet to gain public attention or become a topic of discussion. Some reporters, however, had taken note of this unusual situation.

They vaguely sensed that this had the potential to be breaking news.

Of course, whether this breaking news could eventually be reported was uncertain to them. After all, if their speculations turned out to be true, the issues involved would be substantial.

In today's age, the title of "uncrowned king" for journalists was no longer what it once was. The number of journalists who disappeared without a trace after exposing truths wasn't low. While the enterprises they exposed often continued to thrive. It could be said that if these enterprises were just forced at the end to make superficial gestures of sincerity, it would be considered a win for the public opinion.

Therefore, they simply documented these anomalies, leaving the decision of whether to publish to higher authorities.

"Zanglong, Li Pin," Li Pin said.

"Luochuan, Jing Feng," replied the man, hands cupped.

He continued, "Master Li, circumstances leave me no choice but to face you in this match. I hope you'll take it easy on me."

"Once you've chosen to stand here, you have only one option: give it your all and show everything you've learned along your journey. This is how you honor martial arts," Li Pin affirmed.

Jing Feng's expression turned grim, his eyes flashing with cold determination. "I'm just being polite, Li Pin. Do you really think I'm afraid of you? Others might fear your power, but not me! Today, I'll show you the true strength of Luochuan's Jing Feng!"

***

After half a minute.

"I surrender!"

Having been sent flying backward with a punch, Jing Feng, who hadn't even landed yet, screamed in terror, "I surrender!"

Li Pin had been advancing in large strides to pursue him when he heard that, and he came to an immediate stop. He tilted his head and looked at Jing Feng in disbelief.

This Core Formation martial artist could still erupt his Blood Core and unleash a desperate, explosive final attack. And yet... he chose to just give up?!

After being flung backward and crashing heavily onto the arena's floor, the excruciating pain Jing Feng felt made it nearly impossible for him to catch his breath. Li Pin's unleashed Core Force coursed through him, leaving his entire body aching and drained of strength.

Nevertheless, it didn't stop him from yelling out, "Master Li, your skills are truly formidable! I admit defeat!"

With that declaration, he swiftly signaled to the officiating personnel.

According to the rules of the martial competition, if one side surrendered, the match had to end immediately.

Thus, the referee had no choice but to announce loudly, "The winner is Li Pin."

Li Pin glanced at Jing Feng, making no move to pursue further.

"A martial artist's strength isn't solely determined by cultivation and physique. Combat experience, physical condition, fighting spirit, and mental toughness are all equally crucial."

Luochuan Jing Feng did not lack combat experience or physical condition. What he truly fell short of were mental toughness and fighting spirit. Of all the Core Formation martial artists he had encountered, Jing Feng was likely the weakest.

Li Pin had originally thought that defeating Wang Daoyi and Demonic Sand would mark the beginning of a series of battles against Core Formation experts. However, it turned out... that that was not the case. The start seemingly was the peak. [1]

At least until now, he hadn't encountered any Core Formation martial artist on the same level as Demonic Sand. Not only had Demonic Sand honed his physique to the limit of the Core Formation level, but he had also mastered a Martial Saint technique that could evoke the "Fist intent."

***

Having finished his first fight, Li Pin headed to the fourth training area where Fang Lingjue was fighting. His opponent was another Core Formation martial artist, making him a perfect match for Fang Lingjue to hone his newly understood and not-yet-mastered Aura Force.

The two battled for several minutes. Eventually, having already unleashed two Core Force strikes, the opponent realized that he had no chance to clinch victory and willingly surrendered. Perhaps he could have summoned another couple of Core Force strikes by activating his qi and blood, but the cost would be substantial, likely depleting his vital energy and risking foundational damage.

Considering it was only the third round and not yet the final rounds for the top ten spots, such an intense battle seemed unwarranted.

After Fang Lingjue emerged victorious, he and Li Pin proceeded together to the fifth training area.

This was where Wang Zuocai would face the seeded competitor, Gu Haoran. The outcome was practically a foregone conclusion. Gu Haoran was a practitioner of Aura Force, having mastered it. This was unlike Fang Lingjue, who had only managed to unleash it once.

While Gu Haoran couldn't manifest Aura Force with every move like a true External Aura Grandmaster and had to rely on secret arts and ultimate techniques to do so, he was still significantly stronger compared to Wang Zuocai, the injured Core Formation Practitioner.

He seized upon Wang Zuocai's injury, gathered his strength, and exploited the opportunity to unleash his Aura Force, decisively ending the match. The explosive power of Aura Force echoed like thunder, stirring the spectators into a frenzy. Reporters, who had been poised around the training area, quickly snapped photos, capturing Gu Haoran's display of power over Wang Zuocai.

There was no need to guess. It was already clear that Gu Haoran's defeat of Wang Zuocai with Aura Force would dominate today's headlines in Jiang Province.

"He's putting on a show," remarked Li Pin, observing the spectacle where Wang Zuocai served as a mere backdrop for Gu Haoran to showcase his abilities.

Whoosh-whoosh!

Under the spotlight, Gu Haoran commanded everyone's attention. Meanwhile, Wang Zuocai quietly exited the stage with his friends and team members, heading toward the nearby emergency medical unit.

Taking in the scene, Fang Lingjue remarked, "Wang Zuocai's injuries look serious. Let's hope there won't be any underlying issues."

Li Pin nodded in agreement, acknowledging his concern.

At that moment, Gu Haoran, basking in the limelight, seemed to notice Li Pin. He glanced over and raised his eyebrows proudly.

"Aura Force.... That would qualify someone for the Senior title and even earn them the esteemed title of grandmaster," Fang Lingjue remarked, catching Gu Haoran's gaze. He turned to Li Pin and said, "If you aim to win first place in Jiang Province, he will be your greatest rival."

"I know," Li Pin responded. "Let's hope he maintains this form and doesn't falter when it counts."

With that said, the two left the martial arts competition to have a meal.

In the afternoon, Li Pin once again took the stage at the first training area.

Li Pin stood calmly at the center of the arena. "Black Sword Yun Yi, a well-known figure, son of the hall master of the Four Pillars Martial Hall and its future leader. Hopefully, he won't disappoint."

Having already witnessed the Core Formation battle earlier in the morning, the spectators were already stirred with excitement, and their discussions became more fervorous.

Li Pin remained cool as he quietly awaited his opponent's arrival.

However, to everyone's surprise, Black Sword Yun Yi did not show up....

Instead, a Core Formation martial artist who looked somewhat confused stepped onto the stage.

1. Emphasizes someone achieved their greatest success at the beginning of their journey. ☜