Chapter 174 - A Prize for Courage (1/2)
Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
Lonemoon was about to ask further, but the emperors were already getting up to offer their congratulations.
“She is indeed the disciple of the Celestial Emperor. Her cultivation is outstanding.”
“As they say, good masters turn out skilled disciples. Celestial Emperor is really good at recognizing talent, that is why you brought her to the Upper Realm.”
“Celestial Emperor, why can’t we find disciples of such caliber like you.”
“You’re all too kind with your praises.” Chen Ge said laughingly, “It’s just that this disciple of mine is diligent with her practice.” However, Chen Ge had his doubts about his disciple too. By right, Hui Ling was no match for the body cultivators, the outcome today… However, he did not give this matter further thought; she was his disciple after all.
The other groups had also finished their matches. Once the various emperors had completed another round of mutual congratulations, Chen Ge formally announced the end of the competition. Waving his hand, he conjured a seal. The four platforms below instantly joined to become one platform which then slowly rose up.
Standing on the platform were the top three winners from the competing groups. Si Yu was first in the Golden Core group. Perhaps realizing what had befell the Earth Immortal’s group, she did not display any joyous expression; in fact, she bowed her head throughout the ceremony.
Lonemoon felt an explicable anger stir in his chest. His dislike of this green tea wretch intensified. Yi Qing was very sensitive to Immortal Qi. He could sense what others on the platform could not. And he just said that there was something suspicious with Hui Ling’s tactics. Lonemoon believed him. But he just could not put his finger on it.
Chen Ge praised the competitors and then started handing out the prizes, which were mostly immortal artifacts and elixirs. All the top ten winners in each group got a prize. Being a Celestial Emperor, he handed out all the artifacts without batting an eyelid.
Moreover, the top competitor in each group got to choose a top grade immortal artifact that suited them; their prizes were as good as custom-made. Lonemoon was still thinking about Hui Ling’s match and showed no interest in the prize ceremony. Anyway, all the immortal artifacts they had were all custom-made by Xun Shu.
“Master!” When it was Hui Ling’s turn to receive the prize, instead of telling Chen Ge what she wanted, she stepped forward and asked, “Can I refuse the immortal artifact?”
Chen Ge smiled at her; he was used to his disciple’s impulsive nature. So he asked dotingly, “Oh? You don’t want it?” His disciple naturally did not lack for immortal artifacts.
“I know that my cultivation is weak but I’m determined to follow the Dao. I entered the competition to test my limits and train my skills. But I never thought…” Sweeping her gaze towards the Invincible Sect, she continued in a slightly belligerent tone, “I never thought that I would emerge a winner. So… I don’t want anything other than to accumulate combat experience.”
Chen Ge nodded and asked, “Then what do you want?”
“I want…” Hui Ling trailed off and suddenly looked towards Shen Ying, who was sitting on the viewing platform. She answered loudly, “I would like to request a duel with the Invincible Sect Master!”
What?
(⊙_⊙)
Everyone fell silent at her words.
“…”
The rest of the crowd were shocked, but those from the Invincible Sect’s were…
“Hahaha, Hahaha…” A loud burst of laughter erupted. Before the members of Invincible Sect could respond, Xun Shu was pounding the table, laughing hysterically. He laughed until he almost collapsed on the table, attracting all eyes to him.
“Sorry… Sorry I couldn’t help it.” Xun Shu tried his best to hold back his laughter. Then turning to Chen Ge he said, “Celestial Emperor, this disciple of yours is… is really… Hahah.” He really could not help himself; it was too funny.
Lonemoon and Yi Qing were similarly bemused. They had both lived to such an age, yet they had never seen someone who was so eager to die. She actually wanted to fight against Shen Ying? Who was the person who gave her the courage? Was it Liang Jingru 1 ?
There was a complicated expression in their eyes as they gazed at Hui Ling.Could this person be… mentally challenged?
Actually, they could understand the reason for her request. It was all because she had felt humiliated at the palace yesterday and wanted to take the opportunity to regain her pride. She thought that, having won the match against the body cultivators, she could similarly beat Shen Ying, who was also an Earth Immortal.
It was only now that Lonemoon really felt that Hui Ling was a little— innocent!
Naturally, Chen Ge saw through his disciple’s real intention. His expression darkening, he chided her, “Little Ling, don’t be rude!” Sect Master Shen is the master of a sect, so by right she is your senior. How can she fight against such a junior like you.”
“Master, the Immortal Realm has always valued real skills above all else, Just because she’s a sect master doesn’t mean we can’t spar with each other.” Refusing to give in, Hui Ling said in a righteous tone, “Furthermore… this is only a duel, just take it like Sect Master is guiding a junior… unless … she’s afraid.”
“What insolence!” Chen Ge’s face darkened.
“Master…” Hui Ling looked aggrieved. Why was he always siding with Shen Ying?
Chen Ge felt annoyed. He wanted to be on good terms with this Invincible Sect, but Hui Ling’s comments were not unexpected given her impulsive nature. He was in a dilemma as to what to do. But he also had a secret desire to find out Shen Ying’s true strength.
“I’m sorry if my disciple has offended you.”
“Not at all, Celestial Emperor.” There was a gleam in Lonemoon’s eyes as he said, “Your disciple is right. Sparing between cultivators is common, moreover, she has emerged the winner. You should be happy that she’s so eager to improve her skills.”
“But…” Chen Ge could not make out Lonemoon’s intention. “She’s only a junior.”
“Yes. You’re… right!” Lonemoon nodded his head. “It might lead to injuries.”
“I’m not afraid!” Hui Ling suddenly raised her voice. “Sect Master Shen, let’s begin our duel. Whatever the injuries, I’ll not complain.”
“In that case… All right.” Lonemoon gave a sigh, but his eyes narrowed into a slit. Turning to face Shen Ying, he said, “Go on, Shen Ying!” Don’t need to give me face. Thrash her!
Shen Ying: “…”
Why did she feel that he was even more elated than her?
“That old fox.” Xun Shu scolded silently, rolling his eyes. Lonemoon clearly wanted to beat her up from the start, yet he went through this whole rigmarole and acted like he was forced to do so.
“Sect Master Shen, please!” Hui Ling walked towards the stage behind her, a picture of confidence.
At this stage, Chen Ge did not feel he should object any longer, so he returned to his seat. The Emperors seated around the stage all looked excited. They all held a grudge against Yi Qing so they were more than happy that someone was willing to take up the cudgel. Moreover, this person was the Celestial Emperor’s disciple. It was their fault for choosing such a sect master. Everyone was waiting to see the Invincible Sect being disgraced.
Everyone, except for Xun Shu and the Invincible Sect’s members, had a … retarded expression on their faces.
“Shen Ying, go quickly,” Lonemoon urged. He snatched the fruit from her hand and said, “Enough, stop eating. Get up to the stage.”
Shen Ying finally stood up and strolled to the stage. Hai, what a bother!
She walked leisurely and finally reached the center of the stage. All the array formations around lit up again, blocking off the audience.
Hui Ling took a look at the lethargic person in front of her. Giving a cold snort, she said confidently, “Sect Master Shen, please accept my apologies if I offend you later. Don’t worry, I’ll restrain myself, I won’t hurt you… too seriously!”
She deliberately emphasized the last three words as if she could see her opponent begging for mercy on her knees.
Shen Ying cocked her head, still looking lethargic. Her gaze fell on Hui Ling’s neck. “You’re sure you can win?”
“Of course!” Hui Ling laughed more cockily. “Didn’t I defeat your sect’s body cultivators?”
“Oh.” Shen Ying paused for a moment. There was a blur as her figure suddenly disappeared and reappeared in front of Hui Ling. “Is it because of this object?”
Before Hui Ling could react, she felt something cold on her neck. Before she knew what was happening, the familiar white necklace was already in her opponent’s hand. She subconsciously touched her chest; it was indeed gone.
“You…” Hui Ling face paled instantly. A feeling of intense fear rose in her heart. That was her trump card. How did she know about it? “Give it back!” She charged towards Shen Ying to retrieve her possession.
“Wait, You…” A voice rang out from her necklace.
However, Shen Ying clenched the object in her fist tightly.
There was a loud cracking sound…
“No!” Hui Ling cried out.
It was too late; the necklace was crushed to pieces.
“It’s gone,” Shen Ying said slowly.
Struck dumb, Hui Ling look at Shen Ying’s fist in disbelief. She… She actually…
Hui Ling looked up at Shen Ying, her eyes ablaze with anger. “You… You. I’ll kill you!”