"Advance directly and wait for the final competition tomorrow," the elder in the red robe said lightly.

"Li Lin meets Yuan Ruolan."

Above the stands, a crowd of strong figures smirked. Li Lin facing Yuan Ruolan, a seven-star martial general with proficiency in four elements, seemed a foregone conclusion to them. Despite Li Lin's exceptional talents, the outcome was already decided in the hearts of many. If Li Lin could still win, it would truly be a sight to behold.

The members of the Yunyang Sect also frowned slightly, revealing a smile of resignation. Making it to the top three was already beyond their expectations; this competition was more about participation than winning.

"Master Yun, what do you think about this match?" Upon hearing that Li Lin would face Yuan Ruolan, Yin E, the sect master of the Myriad Beasts Sect, asked Yun XiaoTian.

"This, it's too early to say anything about the outcome," Yun XiaoTian replied lightly. Although he believed Li Lin didn't stand much of a chance, as a sect master, he couldn't demoralize his disciple.

"It seems Master Yun still has confidence. I suggest we make another bet with Master Yun. What do you all think?" Gu JianFeng, the head of the Heavenly Sword Sect, raised an eyebrow and looked at Yun XiaoTian.

"Master Gu, that's not necessary," Yun XiaoTian immediately responded, unwilling to be further entangled by these cunning old foxes. A bet now would surely mean a loss.

"Master Yun, you can't be like this. You've won two rounds and can't just walk away now. This round, you have to bet. Your disciple Li Lin has always overcome stronger opponents. There might still be a chance. We won't take advantage of you. If Li Lin wins, we'll give Yun Sect two sets of high-grade Xuan-level martial techniques. If Yuan Ruolan wins, Yun Sect just needs to give us one set. Either way, you're at an advantage," Gu JianFeng said.

"This..." Before Yun XiaoTian could finish, Gu JianFeng added: "Master Yun, you can't look down on your own disciples. If you're thinking of conceding, then just give us one set of high-grade Xuan-level martial techniques."

"I'll also bet," Yin E said, "Two sets of high-grade Xuan-level martial techniques against one. Master Yun, you're getting a good deal."

"I want in on the action too," Wei BangYan of the Guiyuan Sect said through clenched teeth.

...

The remaining sect leaders also joined, compelled by Li Lin's match against Yuan Ruolan. Although the stakes seemed unfair, the match itself was already uneven, with the outcome nearly certain.

The leaders wanted to win back a set of high-grade Xuan-level martial techniques after losing two sets. The thought of losing another two sets was unbearable, especially when they had hoped to win three sets from the Yunyang Sect. Losing four sets in exchange would be a huge loss.

Yun XiaoTian's face soured. This wasn't a bet; it was a clear attempt at robbery, and he couldn't refuse.

"Alright, Yun will take this bet with the sect masters," Yun XiaoTian said with a forced smile, cursing inwardly: "These foxes, let's just consider it a win for one round."

"Haha, Yunyang Sect, you seem a bit hesitant. No matter, perhaps your disciple Li Lin will surprise us all," Yin E laughed, confident in his assessment of Yun XiaoTian.

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The other sect masters also smiled secretly, content with winning back a set. They considered the match a sure win; anything else would be astonishing.

"Whoosh!"

A purple figure landed on the field, standing in front of Li Lin. It was Yuan Ruolan.

Li Lin's eyes sharpened as he observed the woman before him. Yuan Ruolan seemed to have dressed specially for the occasion, her purple dress accentuating her graceful figure. Her slightly made-up face added to her beauty, and her black hair was tied up with a rose-purple hairpin, highlighting her fair skin.

Though not as stunning as Yun HongLing or Li WuShuang, Yuan Ruolan was undeniably beautiful.

As Yuan Ruolan entered, the arena fell silent, followed by sighs of regret from the audience. Everyone had already anticipated the outcome.

"Li Lin, you are strong, but not enough for today. You can choose to concede," Yuan Ruolan said lightly, glancing at Li Lin.

"Really? I'm not one to concede without a fight," Li Lin replied calmly, his expression unflustered.

"You do have some backbone," Yuan Ruolan noted with a hint of surprise, then said, "You attack first. With your martial general level, you're no match for me."

"I never take advantage of women. Since you're a woman, you go first," Li Lin said, still appearing nonchalant.

"This guy, is he being polite or just arrogant?" Those watching were surprised by Li Lin's demeanor.

"This kid, unyielding but not losing grace, reminds me of myself," Yu YuQian, an elder, said with a slight smile, pleased with his disciple's performance.

Hearing Yu YuQian's words, the elders and protectors of the Yunyang Sect almost burst out laughing. Everyone knew Yu YuQian's demeanor had nothing to do with gracefulness, yet he spoke as if it did.

"Let's see how arrogant you can be," Zhao QingTian and Zhao QingHai, two brothers, watched Li Lin eagerly, enjoying his difficult position against Yuan Ruolan.

"This guy, really unlucky," Yun HongLing commented with a pout.

"HongLing sister, have some faith in the boss. His strength is not to be underestimated even against a seven-star martial general," Little dragon said, holding his head high.

In this moment of general pessimism, Li Lin could only smile wryly. Yuan Ruolan was strong, but the outcome of a real fight was yet to be decided. He had two sets of Xuan-level early-stage martial techniques yet to use, which could be combined with the Illusionary Spirit Mark.

With his current strength, if he went all out, not just a seven-star but even an eight-star martial general might find themselves in a difficult position against him. After all, he possessed the Vermilion Bird Art, which was powerful when used with his current strength. If necessary, he could also use the Soul Blade Slash, his last resort.

Of course, Li Lin wouldn't easily reveal his trump cards like the Soul Blade Slash and the Vermilion Bird Art unless absolutely necessary. Exposing these abilities would put his strength in full view of everyone, which wasn't safe.

"So be it, then I won't hold back," Yuan Ruolan said, her eyes darkening as she unleashed a surge of qi, her hands moving swiftly to launch a powerful palm strike at Li Lin. The strike, shining with a scorching light, was like a golden lightning bolt, shooting towards Li Lin at an incredible speed.

"Fast," Li Lin marveled internally at Yuan Ruolan's astonishing speed, which matched his own.

"Whoosh..." As an air vortex formed around him, Li Lin's figure vanished, leaving behind an afterimage as he donned the Qing Ling Armor for protection.

Facing a seven-star martial general, Li Lin knew he needed the Qing Ling Armor to stand a chance.

Yuan Ruolan pressed on, her palms fluttering as she launched another powerful strike towards Li Lin.

"Thousand Hand Crack Palm!"

In an instant, Li Lin's hands unleashed a mighty pale yellow energy that soared into the sky, forming a tangible palm strike that collided with Yuan Ruolan's, causing a loud explosion in the air.

Both figures were forced back by the impact, Yuan Ruolan taking a slight step back, while Li Lin was pushed back several steps.

"Strong," Li Lin was surprised, recognizing the vast gap between a first-star and a seven-star martial general. Without his Qing Ling Armor and innate strength, he wouldn't have been able to withstand her attack.

"This Li Lin is indeed extraordinary," the spectators remarked, surprised by the intense battle.

As the two fighters locked eyes again, they charged at each other, their attacks blending into a blur of speed and power. The constant explosions echoed across the arena, a testament to their fierce confrontation.

Most onlookers struggled to follow the rapid exchange, puzzled by Li Lin's strategy. Facing a much stronger opponent, why engage in a battle of attrition, which seemed disadvantageous for a first-star martial general against a seven-star?

"Flame Burst!"

"Earth Shield!"

"Windstorm Sweep!"

Li Lin's voice echoed as he maneuvered through the fierce energies, his attacks resonating nonstop throughout the arena.