We made you practice martial arts, and you've mastered the Great Golden Body?

Chapter 167 The Undercurrents Beneath the Crowd (4k)

"Om~"

With a faint, almost imperceptible sound, the intermediate force field shield surrounding the arena dissipated, and Cheng Shangwu landed beside Shen Bailian, carefully enveloping him with his primal force.

Whoosh!
With Shen Bailian in his arms, Cheng Shangwu traversed hundreds of meters in the blink of an eye, as if by teleportation, and arrived in front of an already opened advanced medical pod, carefully placing Shen Bailian inside.

"The hatch is closed, and identity verification is underway. Identity confirmed, life support administered, patient's vital signs stabilized, internal injury assessment begins (1%, 2%)."

"Severe internal injuries detected. Treatment selection initiated. Injection of Tier 3 Longevity Fluid detected. Treatment plan changed."

As the red light on the hatch turned green, Shen Bailian's physical characteristics stabilized completely. With the intervention of the third-order longevity elixir, the cracks on his body surface, like those on porcelain, gradually closed up.

As one of the most advanced products of Great Xia, the advanced medical pod can heal almost any injury, and when combined with various therapeutic agents, nanobots...

Even for experts at the Opening Sea Realm, it has some effect, but only a limited effect.

However, due to the scarcity of some of the raw materials and the extremely high cost, the number of these advanced medical pods is not large, even in the entire Great Xia Dynasty.

It is precisely because of the importance of the Golden Cup League that we have a high-level medical pod in hibernation every fifty meters.

Generally, non-national competitions are not eligible to use advanced medical pods; they usually use low- or medium-level medical pods.

but.

This does not mean that martial artists at the Opening Sea Realm do not have safer and more realistic ways to spar.

"Whoo~"

Cheng Shangwu gazed at Shen Bailian, who had received treatment. His tense heart finally relaxed at this moment, and he breathed a long sigh of relief.

Although Shen Bailian's face was still a little pale, his breathing had returned to a steady rhythm, which made him feel extremely relieved. The huge weight on his heart finally lifted.

Cheng Shangwu understood that although Shen Bailian had not won the match, his potential as a top martial arts prodigy had been fully demonstrated.

A 17-year-old freshman martial arts student was able to fight a 21-year-old junior martial arts student to a standstill, and even gained the upper hand on several occasions.

The power of the final move far exceeded that of a Transcendent Realm martial artist. If Wang Qinian hadn't been on guard, and if Shen Bailian hadn't been somewhat exhausted, the attack would have been devastating.

Otherwise, even a martial artist at the early stage of the Sea Opening Realm would have found it difficult to withstand that earth-shattering punch.

However, it is clear that this special punch comes at a heavy price. If it were used in the wilderness, the result would be death from blood loss.

There are no advanced medical pods that are in operation in the wilderness.

Regardless of the circumstances, what just happened must have been witnessed by the higher-ups of the Heavenly Gang Academy through a remote live broadcast.

suddenly.

"Old Cheng, if this happens again, your Tiangang Academy's results for this year will be canceled."

Cheng Shangwu heard a serious yet familiar voice in his ear. He looked in the direction of the voice and saw Qi Xin, the referee for the 23rd round of the competition.

"Okay, there definitely won't be a next time."

The referee, Qi Xin, was not only Cheng Shangwu's senior but also a professional referee in the Great Xia government. Naturally, he nodded respectfully and bowed slightly with his fists clasped.

Moreover, when he rushed down to rescue Shen Bailian, Qi Xin had not yet officially announced the result of the competition, which already constituted a violation of the competition rules.

Qi Xin only gave him a warning, which was already considered quite lenient.

To some extent, Qi Xin was also considering Shen Bailian's reputation, or more accurately, he saw Shen Bailian's potential. If he continued to grow like this, he would surely become one of the top combat forces in Great Xia.

"Buzz~buzz~"

Speaking of Cao Cao, Cao Cao will arrive.

As soon as Cheng Shangwu turned his head, he suddenly felt the smart bracelet on his wrist vibrate violently. It was a message from Ji Chenghu.

He then glanced at Shen Bailian, who was receiving treatment, and seeing that she was still recovering, he walked over to the side and answered the phone.

"How is Xiao Shen doing now...? Does he need a fourth-tier longevity elixir? If so..."

As soon as Cheng Shangwu answered the phone, he was bombarded with questions. Ji Chenghu anxiously inquired about Shen Bailian's condition, and for a moment, he was somewhat flustered.

……

237 VIP Lounge.

"Sigh~"

Wang Haoran stared at the astonishing scene unfolding on the stage, straightening up abruptly, gasping, and muttering under his breath, "This, this...this..."

He wanted to say something, but he couldn't utter a word for a long time, as if he were stuttering.

Because the attack Shen Bailian just launched had exceeded his comprehension, or more precisely, the comprehension of a Transcendent Realm martial artist.

That's not a power that a Transcendent Realm martial artist could possess!

Lu Yingzi sat in the massage chair, her eyes flickering slightly as she fell into deep thought.

Her shock was no less than Wang Haoran's, and she was also wondering if she could have survived Shen Bailian's attack.

The answer is: even with Lu Yingzi's physical attributes at level 19.9, she wouldn't be 100% certain she would survive a direct confrontation.

However, no one would be foolish enough to take the hit head-on.

Those of them outside the ring could clearly see that Shen Bailian was in very poor condition when he threw his last punch.

Or rather, Shen Bailian had been driven to the brink of defeat. If he didn't unleash this punch, he would have no chance of winning. If he did, he would have a chance of victory.

Unfortunately, despite all their careful planning, they overlooked the fact that Wang Qinian was already on guard.

……

on the rostrum.

"A top-tier martial arts prodigy!"

"This Shen Bailian is too abnormal. He must be a top-level martial arts prodigy with a 90% probability of possessing a battle body and a 30% probability of possessing a saint body."

The representatives from various martial arts universities instantly erupted in excitement.

The Golden Cup League has only two requirements for registration: first, you must be a martial arts student currently enrolled in a school in the Great Xia Dynasty; second, your martial arts realm must be below the Transcendent Realm.

Why were these two rules established?
It's very simple; it's to select true martial arts prodigies. The most basic ability of a true martial arts prodigy is to fight beyond their level. For example, Zhan Taimingyue, although her physical attributes are only level 19.7, easily won first place in the first round of the elimination tournament.

Although they did not know Shen Bailian's specific physical fitness level, even a top martial arts prodigy in his first year of university would only have physical fitness at most at the mid-stage of the Transcendent Realm.

"Sigh~" Lei Zhentian looked at the boy who had already entered the advanced medical pod, shook his head helplessly, and sighed, "It's a pity this child didn't want to come to the Starry Sky Martial Hall, otherwise..."

The Great Xia is still a unified country, and the Tiangang Academy, as one of the six major academies, is not to be trifled with. Therefore, even as an elder of the Starry Sky Martial Hall, he did not have the right to recruit Shen Bailian into the Starry Sky Martial Hall's list without Shen Bailian's consent.

Li Mingxuan, Yu Linglong, Wei He, and other representatives from the other five universities felt inexplicably better when they saw Lei Zhentian sighing and complaining.

As the saying goes, you only know how fortunate you are when you compare yourself to others.

Li Mingxuan and his friends felt the same way. They had originally thought that Shen Bailian would agree to transfer schools, after all, it was the Starry Sky Martial Hall, the top power in Great Xia.

Once they return from their studies at the Starry Sky Martial Hall, it will be like ascending to the highest level, and becoming a Moon Embracing Realm martial artist will be a certainty.

But the boy refused without hesitation.

It's truly astonishing.

……

In the arena.

Qi Xin, the referee for the 23rd round of the preliminary competition, has not yet announced the results of the competition because he has sensed with his mental power that Wang Qinian still has the ability to move.

But just like in a boxing match, if Wang Qinian fails to stand up, the match can only be considered a draw at best, and the next one will be a virtual duel.

The audience and representatives from various martial arts universities, knowing the rules of the competition, held their breath and focused all their attention on the still-smoky, chaotic scene.

The most nervous people were undoubtedly the representatives of Qingcheng Martial Arts University, since the victory or defeat in this battle was crucial to the honor of Qingcheng Martial Arts University.

If Wang Qinian truly fails to stand up, not only will Wang Qinian be nailed to the pillar of shame, but Qingcheng Martial Arts University will also become a stepping stone for that young man.
"Rumble--"

With the sound of rubble rolling down, the place shrouded in dust finally stirred, and a blurry figure staggered out.

"Sigh~"

Wang Qinian's chest rose and fell slightly, his breathing became weak and rapid, and his once bright eyes had lost ninety percent of their luster. He turned his head listlessly to look at the trajectory of the fist wind beside him.

Was that attack just now really something a Transcendent Realm martial artist could unleash?

Wang Qinian asked himself, wanting to deny it, but in an instant, a self-deprecating look appeared on his lips. The truth was already presented before his eyes and on him.

Although he had long anticipated Shen Bailian's decision to discard his weapons and fight him with fists and feet, he was wary and had already dodged to the side when that powerful punch was thrown, avoiding about 50-60% of its force.

Even so, that powerful punch still caused Wang Qinian injuries that were difficult to recover from in a short time.

His injuries were shocking to behold; every inch of his skin was soaked in blood, and his face was covered with crisscrossing bloody streaks, wounds torn open by the sharp wind.

Furthermore, Wang Qinian's original outfit was now tattered, and where his right arm used to be, it was now empty, with drops of blood dripping onto the ground.

Given his current appearance, it wouldn't be an exaggeration to call him a destitute beggar.

Furthermore, if Wang Qinian hadn't taken out the Panlong Staff beforehand, that powerful punch would have been interrupted by the referee, who would have ruled that Shen Bailian deserved the victory.

If Shen Bailian were still standing on the arena, the outcome of this battle would be hard to predict, because Wang Qinian was only able to emerge from the ruins thanks to his own strong willpower.

Unfortunately, there are no "what ifs" in this world.

As soon as Wang Qinian emerged from the smoke and dust, he immediately felt that the air was much fresher. The sunlight shining in his face stung his eyes, but because of the blood mist in front of him, the sunlight did not seem glaring, but rather unusually welcoming.

"In the end, I still won."

After scanning the area with his remaining spiritual power and confirming that Shen Bailian had disappeared from the arena, Wang Qinian couldn't help but feel somewhat relieved.

The victor of this battle was him, Wang Qinian.

However, the consequences were severe. Undoubtedly, once the results of this battle were announced, Wang Qinian would become the backdrop for Shen Bailian's moment of glory.

However, there was some good news. Based on the outcome of this battle, Wang Qinian at least preserved the reputation of Qingcheng Martial Arts University.

"I hereby declare," referee Qi Xin roared, looking at Wang Qinian who stood trembling on the stage, "the winner of the 23rd round of the preliminary competition is Wang Qinian from Qingcheng Martial Arts University!"

In an instant, thunderous sounds spread out in all directions, reverberating throughout the entire North Wind Martial Arts Arena.

"Win! Win!"

"Wang Qinian! Top 32!!!"

"Wang Qinian! Top 32!!!" Many spectators in the stands erupted in excitement the moment Qi Xin announced the results.

Over the years, Wang Qinian, the martial arts prodigy of Qingcheng University, has established a certain reputation and accumulated a considerable number of fans in Qingcheng.

In addition, they had the home advantage, so the cheers were more intense and deafening than in any previous match.

In the audience, a white-haired man cheered enthusiastically along with the crowd around him, but upon closer inspection, it became clear that his gaze was not on Wang Qinian.

Instead, he looked menacingly in the direction of the medical pod where Shen Bailian was.

On the stands, which held hundreds of thousands of spectators, there were five or six people, both men and women, with different faces, doing the same thing as the white-haired man, but they all had one thing in common: a full head of white hair.

suddenly.

"Go and get some of that kid's hair or other bodily parts. Whoever does this well can join the glorious evolution."

"Lord Sheram!"

Upon hearing the voice in his mind, Xie Xun, the white-haired man, suddenly had a glint of light in his eyes. Then, amidst constant complaints, he immediately walked out from the crowded throng.

As mentioned earlier, among the human race, there are many traitors who betray humanity, or those favored by the gods. These people may have been born and hidden within the territory of the Great Xia.

Unless it is deliberately exposed, almost no instrument can detect it.

Since the last Battle of the First Line of Heaven, some of the gods within the Great Xia Dynasty have been eyeing Shen Bailian. In addition, his performance in the Golden Cup League has made some of the gods very interested in him.

but.

Among these divine favored beings hidden within the Great Xia territory, Ram is one of the three strongest divine favored beings. Her strength is unfathomable, and she has won the support of many traitors.

……

(End of this chapter)