Chu Linfeng had become the focal point of this family competition, his performance today a topic of widespread discussion.
Many disciples in the third group harbored deep resentment, being ruthlessly eliminated even before the competition began, an unbearable reality to face.
If they were to blame anyone, it was only their bad luck to be assigned to the third group, the group with the anomaly, Chu Linfeng.
The competition continued intensely and fiercely, while disciples in other groups felt additional pressure because of Chu Linfeng.
Capable of defeating a master of the Ninth Layer of the Black Tortoise Realm, it was unquestionable that the first place was his for the taking.
However, Chu Linfeng was acutely aware of his current condition; if he faced Liu Lang now, his defeat would be certain.
The Seventh Form of the Wind Chasing Sword Technique was already unusable, and the Star Power within his body was nearly depleted, making him like a paper tiger, capable only of bluffing.
Soon, all group competitions concluded, leaving some elated and others despondent.
The competitions were inherently cruel; without absolute strength, elimination was the only destiny.
At this point, Sima Jingyi, the host of this family competition, stepped down from the VIP stand.
"Now that the competitions of each group have ended, the second elimination round will commence. Due to special reasons in the third group, Chu Linfeng will advance directly, while first places from other groups will continue."
Sima Jingyi's words effectively eliminated those numbered from three hundred to three hundred ninety-nine, except for number three hundred fifty-four, Chu Linfeng.
The first-place winners from the earlier groups were visibly dissatisfied, yet dared not express their anger openly, deepening their resentment towards Chu Linfeng.
Now, only ninety participants remained on the stage to compete, each first in their group, their strength more formidable and the competition increasingly captivating.
After stepping onto the stage, Chu Linfeng stepped down again, as the competition did not require his participation; in other words, his place in the top ten was already secured.
"Chu Linfeng, wait, I have something to ask you!" Sima Jingyi's voice suddenly called from behind Chu Linfeng.
"She's calling me? I wonder what it's about. Hopefully, it's not about my martial skills. If it is, how should I handle it?" Chu Linfeng's heart was filled with a vague worry.
Sima Jingyi was the City Lord's daughter and possessed the power of the First Level of Earth Martial Realm, someone Chu Linfeng dared not offend.
He stopped and turned around with a smile, "What does Beauty Sima wish to discuss with me?"
"Come with me to the City Lord's Mansion, I have something to ask you," Sima Jingyi instructed without revealing the nature of her inquiry.
Such words sounded suspicious to Chu Linfeng's ears; if she harbored ill intentions, coveting his martial skills, entering the City Lord's Mansion could mean no return.
Seeing Chu Linfeng's hesitance, Sima Jingyi smiled, "You're quite timid, aren't you? I harbor no malice towards you and have no interest in your martial skills. If I'm not mistaken, your martial skill should be a Mid-Grade Mystic Martial Skill."
"However, I can tell you that I practice a Mid Profound Tier Martial Skill. Does that clear things up for you?"
Chu Linfeng nodded, half-believing, "Please, Beauty Sima, lead the way!"
Although their conversation was not loud, those nearby could hear clearly.
A Mid Profound Tier Martial Skill was regarded as the pinnacle amongst Liuyun City's martial skills. It was unexpected that this young man had mastered such a skill.
Observing Sima Jingyi's attitude towards him, it was clear she intended to recruit him. Such a person was not to be offended.
Offending him equated to offending the City Lord's Mansion, and even a fool knew the consequences.
In an instant, those who bore a grudge against Chu Linfeng or desired to seize his martial skills had second thoughts, deciding it best not to provoke him.
Sima Jingyi walked ahead, her interest in the family competition waning, for the existence of an extraordinary talent like Chu Linfeng was enough.
Walking inside the City Lord's Mansion was like entering a labyrinth for Chu Linfeng, its size incomparable to his family's residence.
After walking for almost the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, Sima Jingyi stopped, "How do you feel?"
Her question, though unexpected, was spoken in a voice as soothing as a songbird's tune.
"It's large, larger than I imagined, and beautiful, more beautiful than I imagined!" Chu Linfeng replied expressionlessly.
"Haha! You speak amusingly. Are you truly at the Fifth Layer of the Black Tortoise Realm?" Sima Jingyi laughed, shifting to a serious inquiry.
Chu Linfeng realized Sima Jingyi was getting to her true intent. Glancing around and spotting a pavilion not far off, he suggested, "Let's sit in that pavilion to chat!"
When proposing this, an inexplicable impulse surged within him, a result of the Pure Yang Qi within his body acting up.
"Very well! I hope you speak truthfully!" Sima Jingyi maintained her smile, though the veil prevented Chu Linfeng from seeing her clearly.
Inside the pavilion was a stone table with a tea set; Chu Linfeng poured himself a cup, drinking it in one go.
"The tea is nice! Now, what's your real intention? I don't believe you brought me here just to admire the scenery of the City Lord's Mansion!"
Sima Jingyi watched his every move, casually pouring herself a cup, "Is your goal in entering the family competition to enroll in the Celestial Martial Academy?"
"Correct, it's the best way to make a name for oneself. If I guessed right, Beauty Sima is also a student of the Celestial Martial Academy?" An uncomfortable heat began rising in Chu Linfeng, his eyes unwittingly fixated on her ample bosom.
"I am an inner disciple, returned specifically to select entrants for the Celestial Dragon Academy, or rather, my disciples."
"What do you mean?" Chu Linfeng was perplexed; could she choose disciples as well?
"You haven't revealed your true realm yet."
"Fifth Layer of Black Tortoise Realm!" Chu Linfeng admitted without concealment, despite possessing a substantial Star Power, he had not broken through to the Sixth Layer.
Sima Jingyi looked at him in surprise; she had not paid him much attention when she first saw his record of being at the Fifth Layer of Black Tortoise Realm.
She only became interested when he could fight off nine opponents at once, among whom two were at the Fifth Layer.
To maneuver amidst their assault, killing several without sustaining injury piqued her curiosity.
During his bout with the judge, she keenly observed Chu Linfeng's true prowess.
If he could endure five moves from the judge, it would prove his eligibility for the Celestial Dragon Academy.
If the judge attempted to harm Chu Linfeng intentionally, she was prepared to intervene.
However, as the match grew enthralling, she forgot to intervene, and was astonished when he slew his opponent, leaving her speechless.
In the Celestial Dragon Academy, reaching the Earth Martial Realm meant one could recruit students; Sima Jingyi met this criterion, thus her inclination to favor Chu Linfeng.
Chu Linfeng was ignorant of her intentions, battling the rampant Pure Yang Qi within him, suppressing the intense heat growing within.
Sima Jingyi then noticed the prodigious talent opposite her had his gaze glued to her chest.
This brought about a mix of shyness and indignation; no one had dared look at her such before.
Unaware, Chu Linfeng began perspiring, his complexion worsening, as though on the verge of losing composure.
"Beauty Sima, please leave quickly, I'm losing control," he urged.
"What's happening?" Sima Jingyi hadn't finished her inquiry when Chu Linfeng's eyes turned crimson; he leapt up violently, akin to a beast in heat, lunging at the prey before him...
PS: Coming back from the hospital, my writing is a bit muddled, please forgive any shortcomings, dear readers!