Winds Stir Beyond the Seas: The Challenge (Part 2)

Chapter 375: Winds Stir Beyond the Seas – The Challenge (Part 2)

“What’s so funny? I was merely showing mercy, not wanting to harm anyone!” The opposing Immortal Master, incensed by Han Li’s unconcerned expression, further assumed his air of superiority.

“Nothing. I just think this match seems easier than I imagined,” Han Li said carelessly, tapping the solid ground beneath his feet with his toe.

“What? How dare you look down on me!” The middle-aged cultivator’s face flushed crimson. He raised his hand, revealing a glittering object. But before he could unleash it, a shadow flickered before his eyes. His vision went dark, and he collapsed limply to the ground, unconscious.

…

Moments later, Han Li emerged from within, dragging the unconscious middle-aged cultivator behind him with one hand, his expression as calm as ever.

The other cultivators in the hall were stunned at the sight.

They had all clearly perceived the disparity in cultivation between Han Li and his opponent. Yet, it was Han Li who had emerged victorious. This was utterly unexpected.

But not everyone was shocked. The perpetually stern-faced old man revealed a peculiar, complex expression.

He cast a deep, meaningful glance at Han Li but said nothing, though he seemed to have grasped the details of Han Li’s strike.

Han Li gave a soft “Heh.” Unperturbed, he placed the two numbered bamboo slips before the old man, set his unconscious opponent on the ground, and returned to the group of victorious cultivators.

The old man looked down at the unconscious middle-aged man at his feet, slightly shook his head, and wore an ambiguous, almost-smiling expression.

“Number Eight.”

…

When the final victor had been decided, the old man glanced at the other ten cultivators who had yet to compete. He cleared his throat and spoke coolly:

“Now, begin the challenges in numerical order. If you feel your mana is severely depleted, you may rest first and challenge later. However, all challenges must be completed today, or you will be disqualified. Furthermore, challengers are not permitted to challenge those who have already fought. As for the extra Number Eleven, they will issue a single challenge among the final ten victors.”

“Alright, begin.”

As soon as the old man finished, the Number One challenger eagerly selected an opponent who appeared to have the lowest cultivation base among the ten. They entered the platform together.

That challenger was only at the sixth layer, while Number One was at the seventh layer. His chances certainly seemed high.

But after the time it takes to brew a cup of tea, it was the sixth-layer cultivator who emerged first from the white light. Number One followed shortly after, battered and bruised.

His face full of shame, he fled the hall without a word.

Seeing this, the remaining challengers’ expressions shifted. The sixth-layer cultivator, however, rejoined his group of ten without a care.

“Next,” the old man called out, showing no surprise, as if the cultivator’s victory was a foregone conclusion.

“Senior, my mana hasn’t recovered yet. Could I wait a bit?” the Number Two challenger said, his face slightly flushed.

“Number Three,” the old man said directly, ignoring whether the man was genuinely depleted or simply afraid to fight.

The next cultivator frowned slightly, then also declined the challenge.

Number Four, unable to swallow his pride, gritted his teeth, chose an opponent, and entered the platform.

The result was the same.

Looking at the heavily injured Number Four, the remaining challengers all revealed looks of shock.

Under these circumstances, the two subsequent challengers also delayed their turns. In their view, it was wiser to let others test the waters first.

“Number Seven,” the old man called out slowly, his expression shifting slightly.

Han Li stepped forward silently. Pointing a finger, he selected a sixth-layer opponent.

The opponent was a burly man. Seeing that Han Li had not retreated but had chosen him, he let out a ferocious grin and strode toward the platform.

Han Li, in contrast, walked slowly, as if pondering a strategy.

As their figures vanished into the white light, everyone focused their gaze on the platform.

The Foundation Establishment elder closed his eyes, seemingly resting.

But a moment later, a slight twitch crossed his face. Then, an expression of surprise appeared. He opened his eyes with some bemusement.

A figure appeared on the platform in the white light.

The cultivators strained to look. As the light faded, the figure was Han Li. He was completely uninjured, but with one hand he was dragging his opponent, who was scorched and unconscious. He walked out leisurely, looking utterly relaxed.

The sight stunned not only the fellow challengers but also the remaining unchallenged cultivators, who wore expressions of disbelief.

As for the scribe Wen behind the old man, his mouth was hanging wide open, seemingly unable to close.

Han Li placed his still-breathing opponent before the old man, then, bearing the weight of all the astonished gazes, returned leisurely to his original spot.

The other challengers involuntarily made way, revealing traces of awe.

Seeing this, Han Li sneered inwardly.

It seems that wherever you go, strength is what speaks loudest.

Perhaps Han Li’s unexpected victory had given the remaining challengers confidence. The ones behind him did not shy away, directly choosing opponents for a great battle.

But every single one of them was left severely injured.

Seeing this, the earlier challengers were terrified and completely extinguished their competitive spirit. After a quick discussion, they all forfeited.

After all, knowing you couldn’t win and still forcing a fight? They weren’t fools.

And so it was done. The old man announced that only Han Li had obtained the qualification for large-island trade on behalf of the Gu Family.

He then handed a blue jade slip to Han Li, telling him to deliver it to the Gu family.

Immediately after, the old man unceremoniously issued a dismissal order. All the cultivators were rudely ushered out of the hall.

…

In the corridor, when Han Li handed the blue jade slip to Master Gu, the man’s expression was a flurry of emotions.

First disbelief, then astonishment, and finally, delirious joy!

“Immortal Master Han, I have no need for words of gratitude. Rest assured, the Gu family will absolutely fulfill the conditions promised to you.”

Han Li, Master Gu, and Wang Changqing were already riding in a beast-drawn carriage on their way back to the Gu Estate.

Master Gu spoke with a face full of gratitude, but his hands were clutching the jade slip as if it might fly away. It was a rather amusing sight.

“I trust that you, Master Gu, would not do something as treacherous as crossing a bridge after crossing a river. Especially to a cultivator,” Han Li said, leaning back against the carriage wall, offering a faint smile.

At this seemingly veiled warning, Master Gu and Wang Changqing’s faces paled, and they repeatedly claimed they would not dare.

Soon after, Han Li returned to his wooden hut on the hill. Qu Hun was obediently waiting there.

Han Li cultivated his qi for only three more days before Wang Changqing came looking for him again.

This time, he had come to inform Han Li that he could go to the Ascending Immortal Pavilion on the spirit mountain to process the qualifications for permanent residence on Kuixing Island. He was also to have Han Li’s cultivation site determined.

After all, every cultivator on the island was entitled to their own cave dwelling.

Although, because he hadn’t participated in the Spirit Land Competition, the place he received would certainly have thinner spiritual qi, it at least provided a place to cultivate.

Carrying the signed guarantee from the Gu family, Han Li flew directly toward the center of Kuixing Island. Qu Hun, of course, remained behind to guard the hut.

Along the way, Han Li flew over seven or eight cities and dozens of towns before finally glimpsing the “Spirit Mountain” Wang Changqing had mentioned.

It was a massive, azure mountain, half of its height piercing the clouds. Three towering peaks thrust into the sky, appearing majestic and awe-inspiring.

Countless smaller peaks spread out from its base, far too many to count.

With a single glance, Han Li couldn’t even fathom the mountain’s breadth.

He stared dumbly at the so-called “Spirit Mountain,” somewhat dazed.

“Eh, isn’t this Fellow Daoist Han?” A voice suddenly called out from behind him.

Startled, Han Li found the voice familiar. He quickly turned to look.

Not far behind him, the scholarly and refined Wen was smiling at him, standing on a wheel-like flying artifact.

“Ah, so it’s Fellow Daoist Wen. What a coincidence,” Han Li said with a perfunctory laugh, taken aback.

“Hehe. Indeed, I didn’t expect to run into you here! I’m truly amazed that you could defeat a cultivator from the Guard Force!”

“Guard Force?” Han Li was genuinely stunned at this.