Free Web NovelChapter 168: Chapter 168: Top 10
"Of course I made it through!" Luo Linlang excitedly recounted to Lu Sangjiu, "It’s a real shame you didn’t come. This round was a free-for-all, and it was spectacular."
To put it simply, they put all the Golden Core contestants in the same arena. The last ten standing became the final top ten and would advance to the semifinals.
Lu Sangjiu hadn’t gone, so she didn’t know the rules. She couldn’t help but ask curiously, "In that case, wouldn’t the contestants who stood out too much in the earlier matches get ganged up on?"
Luo Linlang nodded. "Yeah, the prodigies from the Major Sects were definitely singled out. One poor guy got ganged up on and eliminated right at the start."
"Luckily, Feng Dao You, Mr. Chi, and I teamed up. Plus, we weren’t considered especially outstanding, so we weren’t targeted. The fight wasn’t too brutal for us."
"But later, Mr. Chi was eliminated while protecting me and Feng Lin."
At this, Luo Linlang sounded clearly disappointed. "As for Ye Zhiyao, she spent the last few days making connections. In the end, she was basically protected all the way into the top ten."
Lu Sangjiu wasn’t surprised by this at all. "Mhm, I figured."
’She’s the heroine, after all. If her strength isn’t enough, luck will make up the difference. Forget the top ten, it’s highly likely she’ll even make it into the final three.’
’Of course, even if she didn’t make it, that so-called ’lucky prize’ would surely fall into her lap. The Heavenly Dao itself arranged for her to be here; how could she possibly fail to even enter the Sword Tomb?’
After a moment’s thought, Lu Sangjiu advised Luo Linlang, "Linlang, in the upcoming matches, if you run into Ye Zhiyao, don’t force a fight if you know you can’t win. Your well-being is more important."
Then, she told Luo Linlang about how the Gold and Silver Gate had come to discuss compensation with her earlier that day.
Luo Linlang, of course, focused on the one hundred top-grade spirit stones. She clicked her tongue. "You really had the guts to ask for that much. Will they actually agree?"
Lu Sangjiu nodded with absolute certainty. "They will."
Luo Linlang didn’t press the issue. ’Her Little Junior Sister was always clever; if she said something, it was almost certainly true.’
"Anyway, the Gold and Silver Gate will give me a spot to enter the Sword Tomb, and I plan to give that spot to you."
Luo Linlang was stunned. "Why?" she asked, completely surprised. "What about you?"
"I... I have my own reasons for needing to win my way to the very end. If I don’t get into the Sword Tomb through my own efforts, it’ll be meaningless to me."
’Lu Sangjiu had thought it through from the very beginning. If she wanted to take the Domination Map Blade and escape unscathed, she needed more than just someone to speak up for her. She herself needed to have enough leverage to make others admire and accommodate her.’
’She had to win her way to the end, to show everyone this "genius" contestant who had appeared out of nowhere. Combined with her background from the Seven Emotions Sect, others would be far more cautious when dealing with her.’
’But she couldn’t win in too dominating a fashion. Otherwise, a genius like her also wielding a Demon Artifact would surely make people wary and fearful.’
’The best outcome would be to take second place. That way, there would be someone who could keep her in check, but people would also see her talent. That would be the most advantageous position for her.’
’In short, only by doing this would she have a real chance to obtain the Domination Map Blade. If she entered using the "compensation" spot, no one would take her seriously if trouble arose. She was afraid that even if someone spoke up for her, the situation would become dire.’
Lu Sangjiu couldn’t explain the finer details to Luo Linlang, so Luo Linlang simply assumed she wanted to use this opportunity to make a name for herself.
’That was understandable. Young people were always ambitious, after all.’
"You’re so determined, Little Junior Sister. How could I hide behind you and enjoy the fruits of your compensation?"
"No matter what, I have to give it my all. Even if I get injured, I have to show them the pride of our Red Peak!"
Seeing Luo Linlang so full of fighting spirit, Lu Sangjiu opened her mouth to speak, then hesitated. In the end, she said nothing more.
’It wasn’t that she looked down on Luo Linlang that she’d suggested she forfeit. It was just that there were too many uncertainties surrounding Ye Zhiyao. She was worried that Luo Linlang, in a fit of stubbornness, would refuse to back down and end up seriously injured.’
’But saying something like that now would probably crush Luo Linlang’s morale and might even create a misunderstanding or a rift between them.’
So Lu Sangjiu didn’t press her further, just nodding. "In any case, Linlang, just remember that I have a spot saved for you. As long as you keep that in mind, you’ll be fine."
Luo Linlang looked touched. "Little Junior Sister, you’re the best to me! Don’t worry, I understand!"
After this round of the free-for-all, the contestants were given a day to rest.
And on that same day, Lu Sangjiu received a definitive reply from the Gold and Silver Gate.
It was Zhang Luo again. He directly presented her with a single-use token for entry into the Gold and Silver Gate’s Sword Tomb and one hundred top-grade spirit stones.
"My master asked me to inform Lu Fairy that we have provided the Spirit Stones without any trouble. We hope that Lu Fairy, for the sake of the Gold and Silver Gate, can also keep this matter strictly confidential."
Lu Sangjiu’s spirits lifted at the sight of the Spirit Stones. She beamed and nodded. "But of course! You can rest assured, Brother Zhang. My lips are sealed!"
Zhang Luo: "..."
’The other day she said she couldn’t keep a secret, but now that she’s got her Spirit Stones, suddenly her lips are sealed. That’s her, all right.’
Though Zhang Luo was grumbling internally, on the surface he remained polite, clasping his hands in a salute. "Then I thank you, Lu Fairy."
"Furthermore, regarding Lu Fairy’s place in the tournament, the current top ten are already paired off for their matches, so it wouldn’t be right to force you in at this stage."
"However, when it’s time for the semifinals, adding you will make a total of six people, which works out perfectly."
"At that time, Lu Fairy’s match will directly determine whether you can win a spot to enter the Sword Tomb. I wish you good luck."
All of Lu Sangjiu’s demands had been met. She was very satisfied with the outcome.
After two straight days of rest, her injuries had mostly healed. The following day was Luo Linlang’s qualifying match for the semifinals, so she went along to watch.
The match-ups were decided by a drawing on the spot. Fortunately, Luo Linlang and Feng Lin weren’t pitted against each other.
Unfortunately... Luo Linlang actually drew Ye Zhiyao!
Lu Sangjiu’s heart sank instantly. ’Is this a coincidence? Or is fate now targeting the people around me with its malice?’
’She was incredibly worried for Luo Linlang, but she knew Linlang would never agree to forfeit. Since things had come to this, all she could do was pray that nothing terrible would happen.’
The matches for the top ten were held one by one, following the order of the drawing.
The first match was between Feng Lin and Jiang Haotian of the Lingjian Sect. Within the Lingjian Sect, his reputation was second only to Gu Jue’s, making him an incredibly powerful opponent.
Although Feng Lin was strong and her Suona had wondrous effects, she was still only at the Golden Core Early Stage. If she hadn’t grouped up with Luo Linlang and Chi Yan during the free-for-all, she might not have made it this far.
Now, facing a Sword Cultivator who excelled at combat right off the bat, she was ultimately defeated even after using every trick up her sleeve.
Fortunately, Jiang Haotian showed mercy and did not injure her.
Though it was a shame, Feng Lin had long expected that she wouldn’t make it to the very end, so she wasn’t particularly disappointed or upset.
She simply met Lu Sangjiu and the others’ words of comfort with a calm smile. "I gave it my all. It was a fair loss, so there’s nothing to be upset about. You don’t need to console me."
"Luo Dao You, it’s all up to you now."
Luo Linlang clenched her fists, her fighting spirit blazing. "Ye Zhiyao and I are both at the Golden Core Early Stage. I have a good chance of winning!"
