The Dynasty of Cultivating Immortality

C34 – Competition

Ni Huibo’s attention settled on the two combatants. Yet, as soon as he realized they were merely at the first level, his interest waned.

He had reached the late period of the second level, and watching such a low-level battle was unlikely to offer him any new insights. He had already gleaned a wealth of knowledge from the old mayor’s book, which was so detailed that he sometimes wondered if it had been written specifically for him.

​His understanding of the Immortal Path was entirely derived from that book.

Despite his lack of enthusiasm for first-level battles, the competition was the center of everyone’s attention, so he reluctantly began to watch.

At the judge’s signal, the four pairs of opponents sprang into action.

Ni Huibo’s gaze shifted to Ni Shang. He had recently learned quite a bit about the Ni family and knew that Ni Shang’s talent was well-regarded by the elders.

Her movements were average, and her speed was not particularly fast, but she moved with a grace that reminded one of a ribbon dancing in the breeze. The wooden sword in her hand was a blur of motion.

​Watching them, Ni Huibo’s interest was rekindled.

Ni Shang might not have been swift, but her fluid movements made it difficult to predict her next strike. Ni Xiuying, her opponent, was clearly no pushover either.

​In contrast to Ni Shang’s grace, Ni Xiuying’s style was much more aggressive.

Ni Xiuying brandished her wooden sword, charging forward with a direct thrust that cut through the air.

The clash of their contrasting styles captured the attention of the spectators.

Now fully engaged, Ni Huibo watched the duel intently.

Ni Shang let out a fierce cry, and the wooden sword in her hand quickened, a surge of spiritual energy emanating from her.

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Most of the Ni family members were cultivators and could feel the ripple of energy. The more experienced among them immediately recognized Ni Shang’s level.

“She’s in the late period of the first level. It looks like she’s nearing perfection.”

“Not bad at all. Ni Shang isn’t just incredibly talented; she’s also extremely hardworking.”

Their conversation wasn’t whispered, and many of the younger generation nearby overheard, their eyes brimming with envy.

She had reached the late period of the first level, positioning her as one of the top five contenders.

As anticipated, when Ni Xiuying’s wooden sword clashed with Ni Shang’s, Ni Xiuying quickly found herself at a disadvantage.

Startled, Ni Xiuying steadied herself. With a slight thrust from her waist, she leaned back sharply, causing her wooden sword to fly from her grasp.

She then swiftly kicked out at Ni Shang’s sword-wielding wrist with her right foot.

Ni Shang let out a cold snort, showing no intention of dodging. With a quick twist of her wrist, she brought the hilt of her sword crashing down.

They collided once more.

Ni Huibo shook his head, diverting his attention.

Ni Shang was a notch above Ni Xiuying in terms of level, so in this head-to-head battle, she wouldn’t lose. Ni Xiuying’s only chance of victory lay in employing some unexpected tactics. However, she seemed to underestimate the gap between herself and Ni Shang.

Indeed, moments later, a sound echoed from the stage. When Ni Huibo looked back, Ni Xiuying had a wooden sword pressed against her neck.

“Ni Shang wins.”

In the first round, aside from Ni Shang’s group, the other three groups were evenly matched in strength. Despite their fierce competition, it failed to captivate the audience’s attention.

The victors, guided by their elders, retreated to a secluded rest area to recuperate and prepare for their upcoming matches, while the defeated found seats among the spectators.

The announcer scanned the crowd, signaling for silence before pulling out a booklet to read the numbers.

“For the second match, in Area 1, Ni Yaozhu versus Ni Qijian; in Area 2, Ni Nan versus Ni Cong; and in Area 3, Ni Zhenlin versus Ni Huibo.”

Upon hearing his name, Ni Huibo adjusted his attire and stepped into the arena.

“Dressed in those tattered clothes, you really think you’re something special?” jeered Ni Situo from the stands, his eyes fixed on Ni Huibo’s every move.

“That’s right. Let’s see if he can still be so composed after he’s been thoroughly beaten.”

“I think he’s just seeking attention. Even if he does have some skill, there’s no way he can beat Zhenlin.”

The two onlookers exchanged thoughts as they watched the events unfold.

Yet, Ni Situo’s expression remained grim.

He was well aware of Ni Huibo’s strength; he had likely reached the late period of the first level. Ni Zhenlin stood no chance against him.

“You’re lucky you’re not up against me. I hope your luck continues.”

“Brother, please be merciful.”

Ni Huibo approached the third area, gazing at the mature men before him. He bowed slightly, his expression earnest.

Ni Zhenlin held an average position within the Ni family. Lacking exceptional talent and powerful connections, he had nonetheless worked hard to reach the middle period of the first level, just one step shy of the late period.

Previously, he hadn’t taken much interest in Ni Huibo. He didn’t hate him, but he certainly looked down on him. It was only after Ni Huibo’s status in the Ni family began to rise that he started to pay attention.

Now, witnessing Ni Huibo’s courteous demeanor, Ni Zhenlin felt a flicker of respect for him and nodded in acknowledgment.

“Let the competition begin!”

At the center of the arena, the referee, seeing that the contestants were ready, called out to start the match.

Holding the wooden sword given to him by an elder, Ni Huibo fixed his gaze on Ni Zhenlin with solemn intensity. In the next instant, he charged forward.