Chapter 147

Chapter 147: An Easy Competition

Why the Qiu Zhang Technique again? Why still the Qiu Zhang Technique? Why always the Qiu Zhang Technique?

Seriously, were there no other top-tier cultivation techniques in this world? Why did every supposedly elite technique turn out to be this one? You You and her companions struggled to contain their inner complaints.

Down below, Du Liang’s initial worries vanished as excitement lit up his face. What? The Qiu Zhang Technique!

Damn, he knew this one cold!

He could do this! He totally could…

Muscle memory took over. Du Liang instinctively shifted three inches back, effortlessly sidestepping the incoming sword move. Leaping upward, he launched a counterattack. At first, he held back slightly, trying to identify which version of the Qiu Zhang Technique his opponent used. But within two exchanges, he gaped in disbelief—this was the weakest 1.0 basic edition!

Even Master Qiu had stopped teaching this outdated version ages ago, relegating it to the Library archives. Were other sects really this slow at updating? Their cultivation technique homework must be a breeze! Du Liang felt an unexpected twinge of envy.

But this match was his to win!

Confidence surging, Du Liang abandoned all restraint once he recognized the sword move version. His blade fluidly transitioned into an upgraded variation, shattering his opponent’s offense. A follow-up kick sent the unprepared rival tumbling offstage.

Quick. Clean. Victorious. The opponent never got to leverage their higher cultivation level.

Du Liang won!

“Impossible!” The Tian Wu Sect’s celestial maiden shot to her feet. How could someone with such inferior cultivation instantly spot Wei Xiao’s sword technique flaws?

Before she could process this, another celestial maiden turned sharply. “Celestial Maiden Chen! Your disciple just used the Qiu Zhang Technique! How does your sect possess this?”

Gasps rippled through half the celestial maidens present as they exchanged uneasy glances.

“What do you imply? Does your sect have it too?”

“What?! You as well? Where’d you obtain it?”

“Our sect bought it at auction from the Treasure Pavilion!”

“One of our disciples received it from a wandering master!”

“We traded three high-tier techniques with a loose cultivator!”

“Wait—isn’t this sold for fifty thousand spirit stones at the market? Heard it’s discounted now…”

“…”

The celestial maidens paled as their information exchange revealed most immortal sects possessed this “exclusive” technique—all hoarding it as a precious secret for elite disciples.

You You and Feng Rong shared a guilty side-eye, sensing an impending exposure. Denial was crucial. Feigning innocence, You You raised her hand to join the discussion: “Yep! Bought mine at the market too—full fifty thousand spirit stones!” Play clueless enough, and no one spots the mole!

Emergency protocols: She needed Ling Qi to accelerate rolling out the Qiu Zhang Technique’s newer versions. Right now, competitors might miss the version differences, but once sects mass-practiced this…

The celestial maidens’ faces darkened into a grotesque palette—especially those who’d paid exorbitant prices. The hall plunged into stunned silence.

Wu Yue tugged You You’s sleeve, whispering pityingly, “Sister You… our disciples brought that technique too. Said it cost five thousand spirit stones. Looked cheap, so we didn’t bother.” Her eyes screamed sympathy: You overspent tenfold!

You You: “…”

Feng Rong: “…”

How to gently explain they weren’t the scammed ones here?

With the Qiu Zhang Technique exposed as common goods, the celestial maidens lost interest. Meanwhile, Du Liang kept facing Qiu Zhang Technique users—like battling in Zhen Yan Sect’s training yard.

Most opponents used outdated 1.0-3.0 versions. Though only at Qi Refinement 7 with basic training, Du Liang had drilled countless counters through monthly upgrades. Easy wins piled up.

But reality struck when savvy opponents switched techniques. Du Liang eventually fell to a peak Qi Refinement cultivator, taking third place with bittersweet pride.

You You glanced at the Tian Wu Sect’s livid celestial maiden. No taunts came—Du Liang’s loss to an equal-level rival only highlighted her disciple’s inferiority. Karma served cold.

Qi Refinement matches ended swiftly, while Foundation Building and Golden Core stages dragged. As Qi Refinement finals concluded, Foundation Building had just picked top five, Golden Core barely selecting top ten.

As predicted: Liu Qing and Yin Fan reached Foundation Building’s top five. Lin Feng and Shui Yan entered Golden Core’s top ten. Against top immortal sects, Zhen Yan Sect boasted most finalists—drawing every celestial maiden’s sidelong stare.

Unfazed, You You focused on Shui Yan’s upcoming match. Victory meant top five… but something felt off. Despite her rigid posture and icy glare, fatigue shadowed Shui Yan’s features.

Activating her messaging talisman pre-match, You You asked, “Shui Yan, what’s wrong? You look unwell.”

“Master!” Shui Yan’s weariness evaporated, eyes blazing as she glanced at the stands. “Just match fatigue. I’ll win this!”

For the master!