Samsara Paradise: Dream Weaver of Connections.

Chapter 108 Battle against Hu Jie
The process of the draw ceremony was simple and clear, and it was carried out directly on the wide stage.

In order to prevent some extraordinary people from using their mental power to cheat, Zhang Zhiwei, Lu Jin and other top ten strong men were present on the scene.

The strong aura and strict surveillance discourage any alien who intends to cheat.

Zhang Zhiwei stood on the stage, looked around at the expectant crowd, and then slowly said: "Everyone, sorry for the long wait. Luotian Dajiao is not only our traditional sacrificial ceremony, but also a grand event for us Qi-refining practitioners to exchange martial arts. I understand everyone's desire to learn from each other and communicate, so let's get started now without further ado."

Zhang Zhiwei's words quickly dispelled the doubts of those foreigners who were still worried.

Everyone knows that the Luotian Grand Ceremony was held due to pressure from the alien world, and the true attitude of the Tianshi Mansion has always been a mystery.

Now seeing Zhang Zhiwei's friendly expression and not showing any displeasure, those originally hesitant people began to muster up their courage and signed up enthusiastically.

As Zhang Zhiwei finished speaking, a young Taoist priest walked slowly to the center of the stage holding a special lottery box.

This lottery box is not an ordinary paper box, but is carefully carved from a rare red stone.

For weapon refiners, this red stone is not unfamiliar. It has the property of isolating spiritual detection, which can effectively prevent any form of cheating and ensure the fairness of the draw.

The young Taoist priest carefully placed the lottery box on the table, then respectfully stepped aside.

Zhang Zhiwei then announced loudly: "Now, candidates please come forward one by one and randomly draw your own number from the box."

Hearing this, many contestants came forward one after another. With solemn expressions, they took turns to draw their numbered balls from the red lottery box.

Everyone is looking forward to drawing a good lot so that they can stand out and achieve excellent results in the fierce competition that will follow.

In the stands, Tian Jinzhong's eyes were always closely following Zhang Chulan in the team.

Although Zhang Chulan did not inherit Zhang Huaiyi's conspicuous big ears, his young face did resemble Zhang Huaiyi when he was young, which made Tian Jinzhong's thoughts involuntarily drift back to decades ago.

His heart was filled with sadness. If Zhang Huaiyi had not chosen to join the Thirty-Six Thieves, perhaps everything would have been different.

Under the protection of Master Zhang Tianshi, Zhang Chulan and Zhang Lingyu may become friends as close as brothers, practicing together and making progress together.

"Okay, don't think about the past anymore." Zhang Zhiwei noticed the fluctuations in Tian Jinzhong's emotions. He sighed softly, walked to Tian Jinzhong, and used his Qi to carefully help Tian Jinzhong regulate his body.

For Zhang Zhiwei, such care and attention has become a part of his daily life.

Ever since Tian Jinzhong became disabled, he has taken care of him like this every day. Otherwise, a disabled person like Tian Jinzhong might not have lived to this age.

Deep in Zhang Zhiwei's heart, he often felt regretful, wondering why he was not the one who went down the mountain that year, causing Tian Jinzhong to suffer such an unfortunate fate.

"Wu Zhuque." Lin Yi unfolded the paper in his hand and read out the result of the draw softly.

Zhuge Qing came over upon hearing the voice, took a curious look at the note in Lin Yi's hand, and then said with a smile: "Wu, it seems that we won't be able to meet in the first round."

The one he drew was Aoi, so if he wanted to fight against Lin Yi, he would have to wait for several rounds.

At this moment, Zhang Lingyu also walked over and joined their conversation, "Brother Zhuge, Sister Lu, it's been a long time since we last met."

"Master Lingyu, long time no see." Zhuge Qing and Lu Linglong responded in unison.

"Brother Zhuge, you are too polite. I am just a Taoist priest in the mountains. I am not worthy of the title of 'Master'." Zhang Lingyu still maintained his usual humility. Zhuge Qing crossed his arms, with a hint of provocation in his eyes. "Master Lingyu, it has been almost ten years since our last sparring match. I am very curious about how much your cultivation has improved over the years."

When he was a child, he had a sparring match with Zhang Lingyu, but ended up being severely "educated" by the other party.

This incident has always bothered him. His biggest wish for participating in this Luotian Grand Ceremony is to have another fight with Zhang Lingyu and regain their former glory.

After a brief reunion, the competition finally officially kicked off.

Lin Yi, Zhuge Qing and others also moved to the stands, ready to watch the upcoming fierce battle attentively.

However, when Lin Yi looked around the bustling surroundings, he keenly noticed that many unfamiliar new faces appeared in the audience and on the field.

"In the first game, Feng Baobao, Liu Fang, Zhang Cai and Guan Ling'er enter." Following the referee's loud voice, Feng Baobao and Tianjin Xiao Taoyuan all walked into the venue in high spirits, ready to start their game.

Lin Yi did not focus all his attention on the court.

He took out more micro-robots from his personal space and carefully dispersed them to various corners and scenic spots in Longhu Mountain.

These micro robots can collect intelligence silently, monitor changes in the surrounding environment in real time, and provide Lin Yi with first-hand information.

Under Lin Yi's precise control, these robots were like invisible scouts, roaming around and exploring every corner.

Not long after, Lin Yi noticed some unusual situations.

In some hidden corners of Longhu Mountain where few people go, the micro robot captured several fresh footprints.

These footprints obviously do not belong to Longhushan’s disciples or ordinary tourists, but were left by someone accidentally.

Lin Yi immediately became alert, realizing that Quan Xing’s people might have begun to quietly invade Longhu Mountain.

"Lin Yi, Hu Jie, Lei Long, and Wang Erdan enter." With the referee's loud call, a new round of competition officially began.

"Brother Lin, it's your turn." Zhuge Qing saw that Lin Yi seemed to be still in deep thought, so he nudged him lightly with his elbow and reminded him.

"Ah, I almost forgot something important." Lin Yi came back to his senses from his thoughts, smiled slightly, then jumped lightly from the stands and landed steadily on the field.

In the audience, people started talking about it: "Why would Hu Jie come to participate in the Luotian Grand Ceremony? It's really strange."

"Who said it wasn't? Didn't he hate this form of competition the most in the past?" someone immediately echoed.

Lin Yi stood in the field and looked at Hu Jie opposite him. He still had some impression of this person.

In the original novel, Hu Jie gradually embarked on the path of self-destruction because of his infatuation with Xia He, and even killed his own father in the end.

Hu Jie was in a very bad condition at this time. He had dark circles under his eyes and looked exhausted, as if he would collapse at any time.

He completely lacked the vitality and spirit that an extraordinary person should have, and instead looked more like an ordinary person who was addicted to smoking opium.

(End of this chapter)