When Life Runs Out, the Fun Begins-Chapter 34 – The true excitement of the tournament is yet to come!

On the fourth day of the Yunqi Peak Grand Tournament, as the melodious morning bell once again echoed over Lan Yun Terrace, it heralded the start of a new round of fierce battles.
"Dong—Dong—Dong—"
The bell tolled three times, marking the official start of the Inner Sect disciples' matches!
Compared to the Outer Sect disciples' rawness and impulsiveness from the previous day, the Inner Sect disciples' battles were undoubtedly more structured and perilous. With cultivation bases at the eighth and ninth levels of Qi Refining, they could unleash more powerful spells and exquisite martial skills. The collision of spiritual energy was more intense, and a slight misstep could lead to serious injury and defeat.
"The first match, Leng Yunjian from Heaven Vault Pavilion versus Sima Yun from the Law Enforcement Hall!"
As the referee elder's voice fell, a figure in icy blue drifted onto the arena like a phantom—it was Leng Yunjian.
"Hmph! Leng Yunjian, today I will show you that the authority of the Law Enforcement Hall cannot be challenged!" Sima Yun shouted fiercely as he stepped onto the stage, lightning flashing from his palms, his aura three times more imposing than Leng Yunjian's!
The audience erupted in an uproar!
"Sima Yun, the top of the Law Enforcement Hall's Inner Sect? The Law Enforcement Hall is trying to regain face!"
"Zhang Cheng lost so badly yesterday, and today they're sending their strongest?"
"Judging by his aura, does he have some trump card?"
Leng Yunjian remained the picture of an ice-cold beauty, ignoring Sima Yun's provocation. She slowly drew her slender ice crystal dagger, and the surrounding temperature dropped as a chill spread.
"Begin the match!"
Before the referee's words had fully landed, Sima Yun had already made his move!
"Thunder Palm!"
With a furious roar, he thrust both palms forward, sending two thick, solid arcs of purple lightning roaring towards Leng Yunjian like raging thunder dragons! This strike was the most powerful he could muster!
On the viewing platform, Chen Xuanfeng sneered repeatedly, while Liang Yichen nodded slightly, clearly approving of the strike.
However, in the face of this violent thunder, Leng Yunjian's reaction remained eerily calm. She didn't even assume a defensive stance; instead, just as the purple thunder dragon was about to hit, her figure flickered slightly!
"Swish!"
A nearly imperceptible afterimage was left in place, while her true form appeared beside Sima Yun as if she had teleported!
So fast!
This was the only thought in everyone's mind!
Leng Yunjian's speed was absurdly fast! It was unlike anything a Qi Refining stage cultivator should possess!
Sima Yun was utterly shocked! His full-force strike missed, his old strength spent, and new strength not yet born, while his opponent had already appeared in his blind spot!
Before he could react, a bone-chilling coldness touched his waist!
"Thud!"
With a soft thud, the ice crystal dagger easily pierced through his hastily gathered protective spiritual energy, stabbing into the vital acupoint at his waist!
"Argh—!"
Sima Yun let out a heartrending scream, feeling an indescribable icy force invade his marrow, halting the flow of his spiritual energy. He fell stiffly like an ice sculpture, a thin layer of frost quickly covering his body!
Instant defeat!
Another clean and swift instant defeat!
The entire arena fell into a deathly silence once more!
If Leng Yunjian's victory the previous day could be attributed to Zhang Cheng's carelessness, today's overwhelming display undoubtedly shattered everyone's understanding!
This was not a battle on the same level!
"This... how is this possible?!" Chen Xuanfeng sprang to his feet, exclaiming in disbelief, his face of smugness turning to shock!
Liang Yichen's pupils contracted sharply, his expression darkening to the point of dripping water!
Ye Qingyu was filled with surprise and delight; she hadn't expected Leng Yunjian's strength to have increased to such a terrifying degree!
Mu Xiaochuan continued savoring a spirit fruit, seemingly indifferent to the stunning victory, but the slight upward curve of his lips and the notification sound in his mind betrayed his current joy.
"Ding! Congratulations to the host for witnessing your disciple crush the opponent and slap the provocateur, making you feel extremely satisfied, earning 15 Thrill Points."
This was certainly not the effect of an ordinary mid-grade Qi-Gathering Pill. The reward Mu Xiaochuan had given Leng Yunjian during their training was actually a special mid-grade Qi-Gathering Pill, which not only surpassed ordinary elixirs in grade but also had speed attributes tailored to Leng Yunjian's martial arts characteristics. This kind of pill, exchanged from the system shop, could significantly enhance the user's strength.
With Leng Yunjian's stunning opening victory, the disciples from Heaven Vault Pavilion who followed were even more invigorated!
Xiao Yunhe faced a talented disciple from the Main Hall. That disciple's swordsmanship was exquisite, and his spiritual power was deep, forcing Xiao Yunhe to defend with all his might. However, Xiao Yunhe relied on his seemingly unbreakable black iron shield, enduring until his opponent's spiritual power waned, then seized the opportunity to strike with a powerful "Mountain Shaking Axe," sending his opponent flying out of the arena! Though the victory was hard-won, it showcased his incredible defense and resilience!
Ma Mingyu faced a disciple from the Artifact Refining Hall known for his strength. The two engaged in a pure clash of power, each punch resounding through the arena! Ultimately, Ma Mingyu's purer and more explosive strength shattered his opponent's arms, securing victory!
Lin Yushang faced a female disciple from the Elixir Hall, who excelled in using various poisons and mists. However, Lin Yushang's sonic cultivation technique seemed to naturally counter these tricks, dispersing the poison and breaking the mist. Ultimately, a calming and soothing melody caused her opponent to lose focus and concede.
Zhao Qingshuang's swordsmanship became increasingly agile and graceful, like a celestial maiden dancing under the moon. Each strike was perfectly timed, narrowly defeating a formidable opponent.
Mu Tiezhu, Wang Yuyan, and Sun Tieshan each displayed their prowess. Mu Tiezhu easily defeated his opponent, Wang Yuyan faced a peak Qi Refining stage expert and, after a long struggle, lost due to exhaustion. Sun Tieshan faced a master from the Spiritual Herb Garden and, recalling Tie Meng's glee after losing a match, was "carelessly" defeated as well.
The first round of Inner Sect disciples' matches concluded!
Out of the eight disciples from Heaven Vault Pavilion, six successfully advanced!
Six advanced to the Inner Sect's top twenty!
This achievement was even more astonishing and shocking than the Outer Sect disciples' performance the previous day!
If yesterday was surprising, today, Heaven Vault Pavilion's performance could only be described as "terrifying"!
The crowd below Lan Yun Terrace erupted!
"Six! Six of them advanced! Heaven Vault Pavilion is defying the heavens!"
"So strong! Leng Yunjian and Xiao Yunhe's strength is almost comparable to the early Foundation Establishment stage!"
"Ma Mingyu's power, Lin Yushang's sonic waves, Zhao Qingshuang's sword... they've all improved by leaps and bounds!"
"This is definitely not something ordinary elixirs can achieve! What is Elder Mu's true background?!"
"Do you even need to ask? Following Elder Mu, it's not just about eating meat, it's practically ascending!"
On the viewing platform, a dead silence prevailed.
Apart from Ye Qingyu and Liu Ruyan's barely contained excitement, the other elders' expressions varied, filled with suspicion; Yun Wange was a mix of excitement and confusion, while Liang Yichen's face was as dark as a stormy sky!
Liang Yichen stared daggers at Mu Xiaochuan, his teeth grinding audibly, never having felt such intense frustration and murderous intent!
Mu Xiaochuan felt the piercing gaze on his back, slowly turned to face Liang Yichen, and curled his lips into a signature smile, a blend of mockery and provocation.
As if to say: This is just the beginning. Heaven Vault Pavilion's brilliance is only starting to show!
"Ding! Congratulations to the host for your disciples once again shining brightly, igniting the entire scene, making you feel ecstatic, earning 30 Thrill Points."
The pleasant notification in his mind, coupled with Liang Yichen's fiery gaze, elevated Mu Xiaochuan's mood to cloud nine! He even raised his teacup towards Liang Yichen, making a "please" gesture, nearly causing Liang Yichen to lose his composure on the spot!
Liang Yichen roared internally, his gaze turning sinister. Mu Xiaochuan! And you, Heaven Vault Pavilion! Just you wait!
Both thought in unison, the true excitement of the tournament was yet to come!