Chapter 171: Breaking into the Top Four
Chapter 171: Breaking into the Top Four
Fang Ruohua possessed a natural martial soul, granting her an extraordinary special physique and formidable strength.
Her first victory caused significant commotion, drawing newfound attention to Fallen God Ridge.
Previously quiet and unremarkable, Fallen God Ridge had been like stagnant water without ripples.
Though allocated only thirty-two disciples during Lou Ri City’s recruitment of eight hundred—the smallest number—it produced Cheng Lingyu, who rose to fame by overpowering Feixing Ridge’s genius in a single battle.
Now, after Fang Ruohua’s impressive debut, many wondered: could she become another Cheng Lingyu?
In the twenty-fourth match of the first round, Qu Wei faced an elder brother from Lou Ri Ridge.
The battle unfolded uniquely: Qu Wei endured relentless suppression during the initial hundred moves against her opponent’s ferocious assault.
But after those hundred exchanges, she launched a counterattack. Within twenty moves, her rival spat blood from grievous injuries and surrendered.
The arena’s collective gaze snapped to her, countless spectators stunned by this reversal.
Cheng Lingyu’s lips curled faintly as he recognized Qu Wei’s prowess exceeded his estimations.
The first round’s thirty-two matches spanned half a day, showcasing numerous talents beyond Fang Ruohua and Qu Wei.
For the second round’s opponent selection by draw, Fang Ruohua’s lot fell to a Feixing Ridge disciple—immediately electrifying the atmosphere.
Qu Wei drew a Xuanmoon Ridge opponent, attracting far less attention.
When Fang Ruohua reappeared for her second match, the crowd erupted.
Her beauty captivated, but greater tension came from this being another Feixing-Fallen God clash. Would history repeat yesterday’s brutality? All wondered.
Fang Ruohua’s icy expression held ruthless determination.
“Begin.”
She struck first with merciless, razor-sharp techniques.
The Feixing disciple attacked furiously, hatred burning in his eyes as he sought victory to shame Fallen God Ridge.
This confrontation reignited yesterday’s animosity—both combatants radiated hostile energy.
Fang Ruohua fought with masculine directness, confronting attacks head-on without evasion.
The Feixing disciple howled, activating eight cave heavens. Each manifested a martial soul that expanded mid-air, solidifying to radiate immense divine might.
Fang Ruohua answered by unleashing nine cave heavens, sparking a stir.
“Another nine-cave-heaven genius! Fallen God’s revival seems possible!”
“Not just caves—that giant eagle must be her Immortal Soul!”
A colossal eagle materialized behind Fang Ruohua, wings blotting the sky like an ancient ferocious beast, its chilling aura freezing the Nine Provinces.
The eagle’s piercing gaze shredded the void itself. Her Immortal Soul’s overwhelming presence crushed the eight rival martial souls—a single wingbeat annihilated the surrounding void.
Fang Ruohua then accelerated her assault. Her hands blurred like striking lightning, battering the Feixing disciple until he vomited blood, denied any chance to surrender until he collapsed motionless in crimson pools.
Around them, disciples watching the match cheered for Fang Ruohua, enthralled by her heroic demeanor.
Fang Ruohua sneered coldly, turning to stare pointedly at Feixing Ridge disciples with open mockery.
Mu Hua praised, “Fang junior sister truly shines.”
Cheng Lingyu observed flatly, “The next match won’t be so simple.”
Feixing Ridge disciples scowled darkly at the provocation, their faces tight with suppressed rage.
Humiliated by Cheng Lingyu yesterday and now Fang Ruohua today – how could Feixing Ridge tolerate this?
Qu Wei soon entered the arena, swiftly defeating her opponent to secure a top-sixteen position.
After two rounds, only sixteen disciples at the fifth level of soul martial transformation remained. Three more matches would determine the final contenders.
When Fang Ruohua drew another Feixing Ridge opponent during the third round’s draw, murmurs spread through the crowd – history repeating itself?
“Go, Fang junior sister!”
Fallen God Ridge’s elder brothers roared encouragement as she stepped forward.
“Don’t fret – I’ll make Feixing Ridge regret this!”
Arrogance sharpened Fang Ruohua’s features, lending her striking beauty an edge of danger.
She leapt onto the platform, frosty gaze assessing her opponent – a twenty-four-year-old man whose piercing eyes promised violence.
Fang Ruohua’s brows furrowed. This youth had reached the peak of fifth level soul martial transformation, far surpassing her own recent advancement into Shadow Transformation’s early stages.
Like Qu Wei, she’d only reached the Soul Martial Fifth Realm after entering Lou Ri City, her cultivation still unsteady. Observant spectators exchanged worried glances.
The battle commenced with Fang Ruohua’s signature ferocity, her relentless attacks refusing quarter.
Her adversary’s greater experience and higher Realm allowed nimble evasion.
As the proverb warns: initial vigor fades with repeated strikes.
Though Fang Ruohua’s opening onslaught blazed brightly, her aura dimmed after the first assault.
Seizing advantage, the Feixing Ridge disciple counterattacked viciously, leveraging superior Realm to press his advantage.
Fang Ruohua’s defiant cry split the air as the giant eagle behind her unfurled massive wings, their beating distorting the void itself.
Diving like a meteor, her techniques became primal and savage – a beast unleashed.
“Mindless aggression won’t save you!”
“We’ll see! Taste this – Eagle Dominates Heaven!”
Arms spread wide, Fang Ruohua blurred across the platform with time-defying speed, materializing at her opponent’s flank.
The giant eagle’s wings churned cyclonic winds behind her, coalescing into a spinning Blade of Light that rent the void.
Feixing Ridge disciples gasped as their comrade summoned a colossal bear manifestation, combat power flaring in desperate response.
Fifty brutal exchanges later, Fang Ruohua stood victorious – but blood stained her robes.
Fang Ruohua struggled due to her insufficient Realm, but through her nine cave heavens and Immortal Soul, she pushed through with fierce fighting spirit to defeat her opponent, though she sustained severe internal injuries.
The competition for the top eight proved grueling—achieving victory unscathed was nearly impossible.
Qu Wei’s performance appeared less flashy than Fang Ruohua’s, yet she secured her win without a single injury.
By the third round’s conclusion, the top eight emerged, with each branch represented except Yunjir Ridge.
Those who triumphed thrice consecutively were all exceptional talents, setting the stage for an even fiercer top four competition.
Fang Ruohua now faced a disciple from Mingmo Ridge instead of Feixing Ridge.
Qu Wei’s opponent hailed from Youxing Ridge, while Feixing Ridge clashed with Xingyun Ridge, and Xuanmoon Ridge confronted Lou Ri Ridge.
During the fourth round’s opening match between Anmoon and Youxing Ridges, the remaining six disciples focused on healing wounds.
Cheng Lingyu summoned Fang Ruohua, offering her a low-grade spiritual herb.
Fang Ruohua hesitated, “Elder Brother Cheng, this is precious…”
Cheng Lingyu laughed, “Consider it borrowed. Just repay me later.”
Touched, Fang Ruohua flashed a radiant smile and swallowed the herb.
With her third-round placement, Fang Ruohua’s healing time proved brief but sufficient.
Qu Wei’s battle dazzled the crowd—over two hundred exchanges culminated in her victory, securing the first top four spot.
The second match saw Feixing Ridge battling Xingyun Ridge, both fan favorites delivering an intense showdown.
Cheng Lingyu studied Feixing Ridge’s disciple, his frown deepening with concern.
Mu Hua muttered worriedly, “That man’s dangerous. Nine cave heavens, Immortal Soul, peak fifth level of soul martial transformation. Fang junior sister stands little chance against him.”
Spectators buzzed with awe at Feixing Ridge’s genius.
The outcome proved inevitable—Feixing Ridge’s disciple claimed victory, joining the top four.
Fang Ruohua’s subsequent match against Mingmo Ridge left her heavily injured despite her win.
The fourth match concluded with Lou Ri Ridge defeating Xuanmoon Ridge.
Thus the top four emerged: Lou Ri Ridge, Feixing Ridge, Anmoon Ridge, and Fallen God Ridge disciples.
Two men and two women stood onstage—all striking, though Fang Ruohua outshone them.
The women’s cultivation levels lingered in the early-mid fifth level of soul martial transformation, while both men reached Shadow Transformation’s peak.
Liu Haocun announced, “This round—choose your opponents freely.”
“Ladies first.”
Lou Ri Ridge’s Zhao Hua gestured courteously.
Feixing Ridge’s Xu Qianhong smirked silently at Fang Ruohua.
After exchanging glances, Fang Ruohua selected Xu Qianhong while Qu Wei chose Zhao Hua.
Cheers erupted as Fang Ruohua faced Xu Qianhong—history repeating Feixing and Fallen God Ridges’ rivalry.
Though weaker in cultivation, Fang Ruohua attacked fiercely, seizing initiative.
Arrogance radiating from Xu Qianhong, a massive blue ox manifested behind him—spiritual patterns swirling across its horns, ripples shaking the void.