The entire martial arts training ground fell silent for a full ten seconds.
Chu Xinghe's words were like heavy hammers, striking hard at everyone's hearts.
Especially those disciples of the Grand Sky Sect who had just called for another battle. Now, each of them lowered their heads.
They hadn't thought much earlier, only wishing for Junior Sister Wan Lin to fight again and win.
But hearing Junior Brother Xinghe's words made them realize that Wan Lin had already lost. If she could fight again after a breakthrough, then couldn't the opponent do the same if they lost? How would they ever determine a winner if this cycle continued?
Isn't this exactly what Junior Brother Xinghe meant by being unable to accept defeat?
The Grand Sky Sect is the number one sect in the world. It's not that the Grand Sky Sect has never lost, but it has never been unable to accept defeat.
Losing and being unable to accept defeat are two different concepts.
The Grand Sky Sect can lose, but it absolutely cannot be said to be unable to accept defeat!
At this moment, all the elders looked at Chu Xinghe with solemn expressions. Just a moment ago, when Wan Lin had a breakthrough, many of them had thought about having another battle.
But now they realized they had been caught up in the moment!
This was a competition between two sects, not a private duel. A loss is a loss, and a win is a win. Losing and then gaining insight to fight again is just nonsense, isn't it?
The Great Elder's eyes were filled with immense approval.
Today, the Grand Sky Sect lost the first battle to Martial Emperor City. Of course, he felt uncomfortable about it, but Wan Lin's breakthrough and her understanding of the Staff Intent made up for the first loss.
What made the Great Elder even more gratified was that when Xiao Ling requested another battle and countless disciples shouted for Wan Lin to fight again, Chu Xinghe was the most clear-headed person on the field.
If Wan Lin had really fought again today and won, what would the outcome be?
If it counted as a win for the Grand Sky Sect, how would people outside perceive the Grand Sky Sect?
Look at that... the Grand Sky Sect just can't accept defeat. After losing, a disciple breaks through and continues to fight until they win...
If that were the case, what face would the Grand Sky Sect have left? What reputation would it have?
Sect Master Gu Mingchao looked at Chu Xinghe with eyes full of warmth.
Xinghe, what a good child!
When Xiao Ling requested another battle, he was also considering whether it was appropriate to fight again. But Xinghe had thought it through before him.
He knew that even if they won another battle, it wouldn't bring any benefit to the Grand Sky Sect. Instead, it would cause the sect to lose face.
He stood up in time to stop it. Despite his young age, he was able to think so clearly and consider the pros and cons so thoroughly. This child is truly a pleasant surprise!
Although Cheng Xiaotian always wore a smile, the hint of disappointment on his face was caught by Gu Mingchao.
Actually, Cheng Xiaotian had been the most hopeful for another battle... Whether Wan Lin won or lost, it would have been a huge blow to the Grand Sky Sect.
If word got out, it would be said that the Grand Sky Sect couldn't accept defeat.
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Cheng Xiaotian had thought that the young and impulsive Wan Lin would agree without hesitation, but he never expected that Chu Xinghe would consider things so comprehensively, leaving no opportunity at all.
Looking at Chu Xinghe standing there, Cheng Xiaotian couldn't help but shake his head... What a good kid... It's a pity... Why isn't he part of our Martial Emperor City...
"The first battle, Martial Emperor City wins!"
The Great Elder directly announced the result of the first competition, which also meant that Xiao Ling's request for another battle was completely ignored by the Great Elder.
Wan Lin, although a bit disappointed, had her inner demons swept away by her understanding of the Staff Intent during the battle. She knew that she couldn't defeat Xiao Ling today not because she wasn't strong enough, but because of the sect's reputation. In the face of greater good, she chose to endure. But Wan Lin believed that one day, she would definitely defeat Xiao Ling with her staff!
Hearing the Great Elder announce the defeat, Chu Xinghe finally let out a long sigh of relief...
It was so difficult... just a little bit more...
After a short break, the second competition arrived as scheduled.
Ma Liang faced off against the Great Rhino, Zheng Bo.
How to describe this battle? In Chu Xinghe's words, it was damn long and tedious!
Ma Liang was strong, definitely outstanding among this generation of disciples, but the Great Rhino opposite him was a monster.
Facing Ma Liang's saber, this guy didn't dodge or evade, taking every hit with his body.
To everyone's dismay, Ma Liang's full-strength saber couldn't even leave a white mark on the guy's skin.
What kind of defense is this?
But soon, they learned from the Great Elder about the terrifying nature of the Ancient Dragon Rhino bloodline.
Known as the world's strongest defensive innate bloodline, combined with Martial Emperor City's unique Elephant Armor Technique, this combination made the Great Rhino's defense reach an almost perverse level.
However, every advantage has its drawbacks. The Dragon Rhino bloodline is strong, but those who possess it have a common trait: low intelligence.
This Great Rhino wasn't just not smart; he was downright foolish.
So, while he had defense, his attack was a complete mess. Besides charging around the field chasing Ma Liang, he had no organized offense at all.
In the first half, Ma Liang tried various attacks to find the Great Rhino's weakness. After failing, Ma Liang began to use his speed to dodge the Great Rhino.
The battle dragged on for half a day until Gu Mingchao finally spoke up.
"Brother Xiaotian... in my opinion, how about ending this competition in a draw?"
"Brother Mingchao, I completely agree. Neither side can do anything to the other, so a draw is appropriate."
With both big shots speaking, the Great Elder, who was already on the verge of spitting blood from watching, immediately announced the draw.
Even after the Great Elder's announcement, the Great Rhino continued chasing Ma Liang, until Zheng Yu went up and pulled the Great Rhino back.
This Great Rhino ignored everyone else but listened to his brother Zheng Yu. When his brother said to stop fighting, he obediently returned to eat.
Ma Liang walked off the stage somewhat dejected, clearly unsatisfied with not securing a victory.
"The Ancient Dragon Rhino bloodline... Even if you were at the same level as him, or even one or two levels higher, you might not be able to break through his defense. You've done very well." The Great Elder personally comforted Ma Liang, which helped Ma Liang regain his confidence.
After a short rest, by evening, the much-anticipated third battle arrived.
Chu Xinghe of the Grand Sky Sect versus Zheng Yu of Martial Emperor City.
For this battle, the Great Elder didn't give any instructions like he did for the previous two. He believed that Xinghe was different from the others and didn't need any guidance.
As Chu Xinghe stepped onto the stage, a wave of cheers erupted like a tidal wave.
Opposite him, Zheng Yu frowned, looking around at the Grand Sky Sect disciples cheering fervently for Chu Xinghe. Zheng Yu found it hard to understand how Chu Xinghe managed to do it.
It's understandable for one person to be outstanding; Zheng Yu himself was outstanding.
But for one person to be liked by the entire sect was somewhat hard to accept.
Even as outstanding as Zheng Yu was, there were still many fellow disciples in Martial Emperor City who didn't like him and often tried to trip him up in private.
But looking at Chu Xinghe, all the Grand Sky Sect disciples cheering for him wore sincere expressions, not because of the sect competition, but from the heart.
During his time at the Grand Sky Sect, Zheng Yu secretly learned that not a single person in the entire sect spoke ill of Chu Xinghe behind his back. How was this possible?
Fortunately, Chu Xinghe couldn't hear Zheng Yu's inner thoughts. Otherwise, he would have told him, "You're looking in the wrong place. Go to the outer sect and find someone named Chu Cheng. He definitely won't disappoint you."
With the Great Elder's signal to begin, the third battle commenced.
Zheng Yu's entire body erupted in a crimson flame.
The first color of the Seven-Colored Glazed Body: Crimson Flame!
As the Crimson Flame ignited, a divine image of Zhu Rong formed behind Zheng Yu!
"The Seven-Colored Glazed Body, seven ancient divine spirits! The rumors are true, Zheng Yu is extraordinary!"
"Four hundred years ago, Martial Emperor City swept the world with the Seven-Colored Glazed Body, an invincible existence of that era. It was only because the Seven-Colored Glazed Body's inheritance was cut off that our Grand Sky Sect surpassed Martial Emperor City. Now that Zheng Yu has inherited the Seven-Colored Glazed Body, Martial Emperor City is unwilling to remain second and wants to reclaim the top spot!"
"Seven colors, seven gods. Zheng Yu has harmonized with the inheritance of seven ancient gods, gaining the Seven-Colored Glazed Body. I wonder if Xinghe can win!"
"Zheng Yu has the Seven-Colored Glazed Body, but Xinghe has the Grand Sky Sword Box. It's not four hundred years ago anymore!"
Countless elders watched the martial arts stage intently.
The flames transformed Zheng Yu into a giant of fire, with the divine image of Zhu Rong descending from the heavens to merge perfectly with him.
"Fire God Descends!"
With a divine sound, the entire martial arts stage was engulfed in flames, turning into a sea of fire!
"Junior Brother Xinghe, be careful!"
Countless spectators were shocked as the fiery storm swept across the stage, but it was too late. The flames spread too quickly, and in an instant, Chu Xinghe was swallowed by them.
Just as everyone worried that Chu Xinghe might be reduced to ashes, a cry of the Rosefinch echoed from within the flames.
A pair of enormous fiery wings spread open on the stage, and a Rosefinch, burning with divine fire, emerged from the flames. Chu Xinghe stood amidst the sea of fire, his body surrounded by white spiritual energy transformed into Grand Sky Battle Intent, forming a white spiritual energy whirlwind around him like a storm.
With the Rosefinch above and Grand Sky Battle Intent fully unleashed, Zhu Rong's divine fire couldn't harm Chu Xinghe in the slightest.
The Great Elder chuckled lightly. Zhu Rong's divine fire was strong, but the Rosefinch Spirit Flame was no joke either. Zheng Yu couldn't defeat Chu Xinghe with Zhu Rong's divine fire alone.
Zheng Yu clearly realized this problem as well. Suddenly, an orange glow swirled around him, and a divine image shining with starlight appeared behind Zheng Yu.
"Mystic God Enters the Abyss!"
As the second divine image descended, Zheng Yu's body split into two, then four, becoming four identical Zheng Yus, making it impossible to tell which was real.
Such a bizarre scene left everyone, including the Great Elder, stunned.
As Zheng Yu split into four within the sea of fire, a yellow light broke through the flames and soared into the sky!
"Grand Sky Sword Box! Flying Locust!"