Planet Pulverizer: A Mortal's Ascent

Chapter 63: Ranking

Xiao Yunfeng turned his gaze toward the middle-aged man and inquired, "And who might this be?"

"I understand that your goal is to compete for the title of Martial Saint, but even if you qualify for the national competition, simply gaining entry won't be enough without demonstrating sufficient strength, and if you go all out in combat...." The middle-aged man chuckled. "The mortality rate in the adult category is much higher than in the intermediate category."

"What are you trying to say?"

"The national competition is the riskiest option to attain the Martial Saint title," said the man.

He smiled as he glanced at Qiu Chufeng, Shu Shaoyan, and Liu Tiandao. "If I'm not mistaken, none of you earned your titles through the national competition, am I right? "

Hearing that, their expressions turned slightly unnatural.

At this moment, the well-informed Liu Tiandao remembered something and asked, 'What is your relationship with Wang Yuanjing, the Martial Saint on the judging committee?'

"That's my father, " The middle-aged man said with a slight smile.

Hearing this, Xiao Yunfeng, Zhao Shenyan, and the other Martial Saints were shocked.

"Grandmaster Wang Pengju had been wandering outside for many years. It was only last year that he finally reunited with his father, Commissioner Wang," Lin Yuzhi explained with a smile.

Everyone immediately understood the implication; Wang Pengju was his illegitimate son.

Similarly, most of them would also hide one or two heirs outside to safeguard against unforeseen events that could kill them and endanger their lineage. If Wang Pengju was truly Wang Yuanjing's son, becoming part of his circle would be a significant step toward becoming a Martial Saint.

This was because the committee responsible for selecting Martial Saints within the Martial Association usually consisted of seven to nine members. While this number might seem small, individuals of this caliber often had their own extensive networks.

"Grandmaster Zhao, if you could relinquish first place for me, and Grandmaster Xiao, if you could convince your junior martial brother to do the same and help me eliminate some competitors... I can’t speak for the other commissioners, but I can guarantee my father's vote will be secured in your favor," Wang Pengju said.

Both Zhao Shenyan and Xiao Yunfeng found the proposal highly enticing. As Lin Yuzhi mentioned, the difference between first, second, and third place in Jiang Province wasn't significant beyond the prestige it conferred. It mainly served to provide extra benefits to the factions supporting them without much additional meaning to it.

"I can promise you on behalf of my junior martial brother," Xiao Yunfeng declared.

"No problem, I'll help you fend off some of the competitors in the round-robin competition," said Zhao Shenyan too. He then turned his gaze toward Lin Yuzhi. " Who are the grandmasters among this year's registrants?"

Lin Yuzhi listed thirteen names on the spot.

"There are two from Zanglong City? They're coming in hard," Xiao Yunfeng remarked, somewhat surprised.

"Apparently, there are four Core Formation experts taking part in the intermediate category as well," Qiu Chufeng added.

Lin Yuzhi nodded slightly and listed, "Yes. Li Pin, Wang Zuocai, Fang Lingjue, and Zhang Chuge."

He then continued, "Twenty-four of the registered participants have achieved Core Formation, while eighty-six have had records of successfully unleashing Core Force.

"We've had a lot of strong contenders in the past competitions. Given the consistently high caliber of past competitions, coupled with several dark horses waiting in the wings to make a stunning debut, this year's event is shaping up to be the most challenging yet."

"Do you need the Solar Vermillion Sect to help you eliminate some of the competitors?" Qiu Chufeng asked Gu Haoran.

Since he had relinquished his claim to the top position, he was willing to do Gu Haoran a favor. After all, Gu Haoran had achieved Aura Force at the tender age of twenty-nine, his ascension to Martial Saint seemed all but guaranteed with the help of his influential family.

"Hmph. Just because I left the capital for Jiang Province doesn't mean I'm weak. If I wasn't playing it safe, neither Jiang Zhenhai nor Zhou Yuanfei would stand a chance against me," Gu Haoran said.

Qiu Chufeng and Shu Shaoyan both frowned slightly but said nothing. Gu Haoran had played by the rules and informed them in advance through Lin Yuzhi. Moreover, the Gu family was immensely influential, commanding respect even from the Solar Vermillion Sect and Cloud Crest Martial Hall. Had it been any other external faction, it wouldn't have mattered even if they developed the Aura Force.

The preliminary rounds would see three to five Core Formation experts take turns challenging opponents. After these Core Formation experts were defeated, formidable foes like Jiang Zhenhai and Zhou Yuanfei would await. Such a grueling path would deplete anyone's strength, making it difficult to reach the finals, much less claim the championship.

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"Alright, let's move on to the rankings from fourth to tenth," said Lin Yuzhi. He then asked, "Does anyone have anything to add?"

"I want a spot in the youth category."

"The Solar Vermillion Sect will take one spot in the youth category and three in the intermediate category."

"Being the top martial arts influence in Jiang Province, Cloud Crest Martial Hall is entitled to at least two youth spots and three intermediate ones. Surely that's not too much to ask."

One by one, the Martial Saints voiced their demands.

In no time, nearly all the spots in the youth and intermediate categories were taken, leaving only the adult category. Given the numerous uncertainties in the adult category, they could only make a rough estimate of the available spots.

"This won't work. You're asking for eleven spots out of a total of seven. We need to make room for other cities to compete," Lin Yuzhi remarked.

"The Solar Vermillion Sect has been boasting about 'dominating the Jiang Province' since the beginning. Certainly, the other competitors should have anticipated this outcome," Qiu Chufeng insisted.

"Let's be reasonable. You'll need to give up some spots. We have to make room for the youth and intermediate categories. Two spots for each," said Lin Yuzhi.

Seeing this, the others had no choice but to discuss it again.

The youth category was more accommodating. With many uncertainties and smaller potential rewards, they readily gave up two spots.

The intermediate category, however, was more contentious. Despite lengthy negotiations, only one spot was relinquished. The top three factions, the Guardian Hall, the local council, and the Martial Societies, were all eager to get involved.

After all, securing a top-ten spot could significantly enhance their faction's reputation. With effective promotion, they could potentially reap hundreds of millions in profits. Such substantial gains would make anyone reluctant to give up their claim.

Seeing the group argue, Lin Yuzhi became irritated. "Fine, station your people to guard the spots."

He immediately divided the twenty-four Core Formation experts into groups. Unlike Jiang Zhenhai and Zhou Yuanfei's smooth journey clear of Core Formation experts, each of these participants would need to face at least five Core Force and Core Formation experts just to reach the top ten.

Furthermore, to make it into the top ten, they would inevitably have to face off against competitors from the Solar Vermillion Sect, Cloud Crest Martial Hall, and Cosmic Gem Sect.

Qiu Chufeng approved of the idea. "Alright, let's do that."

Even though they would get half a day of rest after each battle, he doubted that these individuals would still have much fighting strength left after consecutively facing Core Formation and Core Force experts.

"According to the intelligence we have gathered, there are a total of six significant threats among the Core Formation experts in the intermediate category. They are ranked as follows: Xu Zilong, Li Pin..." Lin Yuzhi unfolded the profiles of the six individuals.

Li Pin's profile included information about his victory over Demonic Sand and Wang Daoyi as well as about him slaying the Demonic Cat.

Liu Tiandao was somewhat astonished when he saw Li Pin's age. "Whose disciple is this? He's already achieved so much at just twenty-two! Even if he started training as soon as he hit puberty at twelve, that's still only a decade of practice!"

"We've investigated him. He's a prodigy. But the Five Elements Sect got to him first," Lin Yuzhi remarked.

"The Five Elements Sect?"

The Five Elements Sect might be the undisputable top martial arts influence in Zanglong City, but if it were to be put up against the formidable factions in Jiang Province, it would remain questionable whether they could secure a spot even in the top ten.

"Not going to recruit him?" Liu Tiandao asked.

"We, Solar Vermillion Sect, have been keeping an eye on Li Pin. However, we plan to assess him first before making any moves for recruitment."

As Qiu Chufeng was speaking, he glanced at Liu Tiandao. "Martial Saint Liu, I trust you have no intention of competing with us for his recruitment, do you?"

"Heh... Seeing is believing. Let's observe his performance first," Liu Tiandao responded.[1]

As Martial Saints, they had seen countless individuals who sought fame and reputation through dishonest means. Even among their own generation of Martial Saints, few across the Tianyuan Federations would be able to recognize them.

Things like fame and battle records often carry too much ambiguity.

Lin Yuzhi waved his hand, redirecting everyone back to the main topic. "I'll leave it to you to station the gatekeepers. If they can't get past even the gatekeepers, they'll have no one to blame but themselves losing out on the top ten spots."

Qiu Chufeng, Shu Shaoyan, and Xiao Yunfeng nodded in agreement.

The Martial Competition wasn't only highly regarded in the Taibai Kingdom but also throughout the entire Tianyuan Federation. While there might be some subtle maneuvering behind the scenes regarding the scheduling of matches, no one would dare openly disrupt the order of the competition.

The consequences of such actions would be severe. If a scandal of this magnitude were to occur, not even the Martial Saints, the chairmen of martial societies, or the chairman of the Taibai Association would be able to contain the fallout.

In such a case, the Tianyuan Federation would undoubtedly send people to investigate the matter.

"The Cloud Crest Martial Hall will send Gao Liushui."

"Solar Vermillion Sect will send Han Li."

"The Cosmic Gem Sect will send Jiang Qushan."

One by one, they offered their choices.

Soon, everyone had settled on a decision.

Seeing they had reached an agreement, Lin Yuzhi nodded.

The major factions had quickly and meticulously allocated the spots for the youth, intermediate, and most of the adult categories.

As the most influential martial arts influence in Jiang Province and direct descendants of the Martial Saints legacies, their decisions essentially predetermined the outcome of the competition.

Many were already aware of this, but it was undeniable that the disciples these factions nurtured were exceptionally powerful. At the same time, the collective influence these factions wielded was insurmountable for any single entity to challenge. Given these circumstances, it was evident that no individual could hope to change the outcome.

Eventually, the strong only grew stronger, forcing other factions to accept their dominance. They gave up their dreams of claiming the top three spots and focused instead on securing a place within the top ten.

This was clear in conversations among Jiang Qingyue, Cao Tianyou, Li Pin, and their peers. They always talked about making a name for themselves and achieving good rankings, never mentioning becoming the champion of Jiang Province.

***

Li Pin gazed out at the bustling crowd, a sense of awe washing over him. "We truly live in a golden age of martial arts."

"The youth compete for fame, those in the intermediate category compete for immediate gains, and adults contend for social advancements. The martial competition is a grand spectacle for warriors.

"Anyone who gains fame from it becomes an instant celebrity for the next half, one, or even three years, attracting a massive following. Despite the risks involved, which include sustaining injuries or even dying, countless martial artists still participate every time the competition rolls around."

As Fang Lingjue spoke, he and Li Pin arrived in front of a service window.

After handing over their identity cards, the two swiftly received their respective numbers.

"Our numbers are 471 and 498," Fang Lingjue reminded Li Pin. "Keep an eye on the big screen to find out which arena you're assigned to. Remember to leave your phone numbers so the organizers can send you a reminder message an hour before your match. Given our numbers, I think we'll be fighting in the afternoon."

Li Pin nodded.

"Even if we fight at night, the local Martial Society will have a pretty good idea of who the top contenders are by tomorrow based on their performance," Fang Lingjue commented. "You can check the betting odds to get a sense of each competitor's strength."

Li Pin was a bit surprised. "Betting is allowed?"

"Of course, there are even a few legal bookmakers, but you can only bet on yourself," Fang Lingjue said, glancing at Li Pin. "You may not have taken the Associate Senior Exam, but your fight with the Demonic Sand has made you quite famous. You'll definitely be on the list."

Li Pin smiled, "Well then, what are we waiting for? Let's head over there now. Who is the largest dealer?"

"That would of course have to be the Jiang Province Gambling Center. It has official backing."

Soon, Fang Lingjue led Li Pin toward a large hall outside the martial competition venue that occupied three storefronts. The hall was abuzz with excitement as martial artists and ordinary people alike waved their cash to bet on their favored fighters, resembling a scene straight out of boxing gambling.

Li Pin watched these people jostle their way in to bet. He didn't think a scene like this made him akin to a monkey on display. To him, a nation's enthusiastic participation was a catalyst for a flourishing martial arts era.

The three large screens in the hall displayed each participant's odds in the youth, intermediate, and adult categories.

After waiting for a moment, Li Pin saw himself.

"Your odds of making it into the top ten are 1.6. It seems the dealers really have faith in you. For the exact ranking, if you place a bet on fourth place, it's five to one. Put in 10 million yuan, and you could walk away with 50 million," Fang Lingjue said with a grin.

"50 million? What good would that do compared to 200 million yuan?" Li Pin smiled and stepped forward to the window. "Ten million on Li Pin to win first place in Jiang Province."

He would've bet more if he could, but the maximum was ten million.

The staff was stunned.

The people around turned their gazes toward him, some of whom even recognized him.

"First place in Jiang Province!? Li Pin actually had the nerve to bet on himself winning first place!"

"Has he lost his mind!? This year's competition is a clash of the titans! There are even several experts from the capital city. Does he really think that he is stronger than the experts the Martial Saints in the capital city trained? He's practically throwing his money away!"

"Ten million!? Is he trying to turn a bicycle into a motorbike?"[2]

Murmurs of discussions arose from the surrounding crowd.

"First place?! Li Pin! Don't be reckless!" Fang Lingjue hurriedly said. "That's ten million you're betting!"

"The most important thing for a martial artist is to have confidence in himself," Li Pin said calmly. "This is also a way for me to push myself."

Fang Lingjue was hit with a headache when he recalled that Li Pin had fought and killed a Demonic Cat and that he had also gone up against Wang Daoyi and his comrade.

Li Pin... does he enjoy this sort of adrenaline?

Li Pin looked at the employee. "You can't accept my bet?"

The employee was a bit hesitant.

At this moment, a voice rang out from upstairs. "Of course we can."

Immediately after, a middle-aged man with a commanding presence came walking down.

The employee quickly called out to the man, "Manager Sun."

"Master Li, since you have so much confidence in yourself, the Jiang Province Gambling Center is naturally willing to take up the challenge," Manager Sun stated.

Li Pin took out his bank card. "Alright."

Manager Sun personally stepped forward to assist Li Pin with the card swipe. After that, he handed over the bank card and the betting slip to Li Pin. "Master Li, we wish you a successful victory."

"If I win, you guys will have to pay me 200 million," Li Pin responded.

"Haha, what is a mere 200 million yuan compared to the privilege of witnessing your legendary ascent to the pinnacle in an epic battle?" Manager Sun exclaimed with a hearty laugh.

The gambling center not only had official backing, but also had shares secretly held by Lin Yuzhi, the chairman of the Martial Society. These shares were, however, controlled by Lin Family proxies.

The chairman had personally scrutinized the odds before their release. With his access to insider information, he was very confident of Li Pin's inability to snatch first place.

——————

(Two chapters combined together)

1. means knowing someone by reputation will never be accurate until meeting them in person. ☜

2. It means trying to hit the jackpot. ☜