The Legend of the Netherworld

Chapter 106 Lin Jiao vs. Li Qing

The headmaster announced in front of the elders' stand, "Today's battles are all over. All disciples must return home and carefully summarize what they saw and felt in the arena today."

His voice was as resonant as a bell, carrying an unquestionable pressure that inspired awe in people.

"Yes, we will listen carefully to the master's teachings." The disciples in the stands saluted in unison, their expressions full of respect and expectation.

"I'll just give you a preview of two important matches tomorrow. The first will be between Lin Jiao and Li Qing from Chan Yi Tang, and the last match will be between Lin Xiao and Zhang Ning from Tian Ji Pavilion." The sect leader's voice was like dropping a bombshell, instantly causing a commotion in the stands.

Before he finished speaking, the headmaster and the elders turned and left, flicking their sleeves as if everything was under control.

This news was like a stone dropped into a lake, instantly causing a thousand waves. The disciples discussed it excitedly and enthusiastically.

"Tomorrow's battle is a real feast!" someone shouted, the excitement on his face almost impossible to suppress.

"We should be able to see the true strength of Senior Sister Lin Jiao and Senior Brother Li Qing tomorrow. I'm a little excited just thinking about it." Another disciple's eyes were shining with anticipation, and his words were full of desire for the upcoming battle.

"Lin Xiao, just wait. You were lucky enough to defeat Senior Brothers Ma Mingyu and Gongsun Minghui, but tomorrow you will have to accept your fate." A mocking voice came from the crowd, and everyone turned their eyes to Lin Xiao at the same time.

When Li Qing and Zhang Ning heard the battle arrangement made by the leader, a hint of ruthlessness flashed in their eyes, the corners of their mouths rose, and they smiled at each other, as if all the arrangements were within their expectations.

The two of them left the stands gracefully, one in front and one behind, completely ignoring the heated discussions among the disciples around them.

At this moment, Liu Yi looked at Lin Jiao worriedly, his voice filled with concern: "Sister Lin Jiao, you will be fighting Li Qing tomorrow. He seems to be the most powerful among the disciples. Even Senior Brother Ye Xuan couldn't beat him."

Seeing this, Lin Jiao smiled slightly and comforted him, "Don't worry, as long as you give it your all, winning or losing is not important."

As she spoke, she reached out and gently touched Liu Yi's head. Her gentle gesture made Liu Yi relax a little.

"Yeah, Sister Lin Jiao, I still believe in you. Come on!" Liu Yi responded expectantly, with firm trust in his eyes.

Liu Yi then said goodbye to Lin Jiao, saying he, Wang Hao, and Yuan Hong would go to Xingchen Pavilion to ask Ming Hu for the remaining 100 immortal jades. "Sister Lin Jiao, Wang Hao and I are leaving first. We'll come back to you when we get the immortal jades."

"Okay." Lin Jiao nodded slightly with a smile on her face.

Senior Brother Lin Qing also came forward to say goodbye and made an appointment to meet tomorrow. He also reminded Lin Jiao: "Don't be too nervous, just treat it normally." His tone was full of concern and expectation, as if conveying encouragement.

Lin Jiao nodded seriously, waved goodbye, and then walked towards her own Zen temple alone, silently thinking about Li Qing's strength and her own goals.

However, Lin Xiao was still sitting cross-legged in a cave in the back mountains, absorbing the spiritual energy of heaven and earth in preparation for his final breakthrough to the Jiazi Ninth Realm. He was completely unaware of the battle arrangements for tomorrow. His expression was focused, as if time had stood still.

As the night deepened, light footsteps were heard outside the cave. The person coming was Lin Jiao.

She came to the cave in the back mountain, carrying a package containing twenty pieces of fairy jade, ready to tell Lin Xiao about tomorrow's battle. When she reached the thatched hut, she found that Lin Xiao was not there, and her heart sank slightly.

Lin Jiao immediately released all her strength, sensing the changes in the surrounding spiritual energy, and realized that the entrance of the cave was like a huge vortex, madly absorbing the spiritual energy of heaven and earth.

She whispered, "It seems he's not done yet. Why not spend the night in front of this thatched cottage? It's just the right time to protect Brother Lin Xiao."

After saying this, Lin Jiao put down the package in her hand, sat cross-legged quietly, closed her eyes, and practiced the "Calm Mind Concentration Method". Her heart was filled with concern for Lin Xiao and anticipation for the upcoming battle.

As time passed, Lin Xiao felt that the spiritual energy he absorbed from heaven and earth had reached its limit, so he changed his practice mantra, transforming the spiritual energy into his own strength and achieving a breakthrough in his realm.

His whole body was radiating heat, his blood was boiling like magma, his skin was constantly renewing itself, strengthening his body, as if making final preparations for a breakthrough in realm.

Until a beam of sunlight shone through the gap in the cave, like a warm hand caressing Lin Xiao's cheek, his body temperature gradually recovered, he slowly opened his eyes, felt the strong power in his body, and whispered: "It seems that the breakthrough was successful." His voice was particularly clear in the silent cave, with uncontrollable excitement and joy.

The corners of his mouth rose slightly, and with a light wave of his fingers, the sword and dagger suddenly flew out from his body, as if two lightning bolts intersected in the air, and a fierce fight quickly broke out. Sparks flew, illuminating the entire cave and reflecting the excitement on his face.

Lin Jiao, who was meditating outside the thatched hut, heard the sound of metal clashing coming from the cave. Her heart tightened and she whispered, "Oh no! Someone is attacking Brother Lin Xiao."

Her heart beat faster, and she quickly stood up and used her skills to rush into the cave like a gust of wind. Only to see a fight between swords and daggers, with fire and shadows intertwined, forming a tense scene.

Seeing that it was Lin Jiao, Lin Xiao waved his sword and dagger, and they immediately disappeared. The surroundings instantly returned to peace. He smiled and said, "Lin Jiao, you're here."

Lin Jiao nodded gently, concern evident in her eyes. "Wang Hao sent me the remaining fairy jade last night, and I thought I'd bring it up to you and check on your cultivation progress. Seeing that you were still making breakthroughs, I didn't disturb you. I only hurried in when I heard the fighting just now."

"You're so thoughtful. Actually, no one in Feng Shui Academy would dare to do anything to me, but thank you anyway."

Lin Xiao hurriedly stood up and walked towards Lin Jiao, a sunny smile on his face, "I have successfully broken through to the ninth level of Jiazi. It won't be long before I become a master of Jiayin. Then I can protect you."

Lin Jiao looked at Lin Xiao carefully, feeling the change in his strength. He was indeed stronger than before. A hint of pride flashed in her eyes: "Great, from now on, you will protect me."

Lin Jiao suddenly realized that time was running out. She looked up at the high sun and said hurriedly, "We have to rush to the arena. Today, my first match will be against Li Qing, and you will face Zhang Ning from Tianji Pavilion in the last match."

"It's a pity that we can only meet in the finals." Lin Xiao raised the corners of his mouth slightly and said jokingly, his tone full of ease.

At this time, Lin Jiao had already pulled Lin Xiao towards the ring. Lin Xiao hurriedly picked up the fairy jade beside him and followed closely. The two of them used their skills to jump lightly on the treetops. The leaves under their feet were gently crushed, making a slight sound.

"If this is the arrangement, the place in Tianshu Academy will definitely be given to one of us two." Lin Xiao's voice was full of arrogance and confidence, and his eyes flashed with fighting spirit.

"Don't think too easily. They are at the seventh level of Jiayin and Dingmao. Their strength is above mine and even above yours. I may not be able to defeat Li Qing." Lin Jiao spoke calmly, with a hint of seriousness in her voice and her eyes revealing caution before the battle.

"Don't worry, if you lose to Li Qing, I will definitely help you win it back." Lin Xiao said firmly, his tone full of trust and support, as if he had already regarded everything as inevitable.

While chatting and laughing, the two came to the stands and instantly became the focus of the whole audience. The disciples around them stopped discussing and focused their eyes on them. The atmosphere became restless and excited whispers rose and fell.

As soon as Lin Xiao stepped onto the stage, he discovered that Zhang Ning in the opposite stand was staring at him fiercely, his eyes full of hostility and challenge.

Lin Xiao didn't tolerate him. He stopped and his eyes pierced Zhang Ning's eyes like two sharp swords. It seemed that they were engaged in a silent contest. The air around them became tense because of this confrontation.

It was not until Zhang Ning finally shifted his gaze that Lin Xiao walked to Lin Jiao with satisfaction, secretly looking forward to the next battle. The smile on his face was still on his face, as if everything was under his control.

After Lin Xiao broke through the Jiazi Ninth Realm, the surge of power within him gave him a surge of confidence. At this moment, Wang Hao, standing beside him, expressed a hint of concern: "Lin Xiao, congratulations on reaching the Jiazi Ninth Realm. But Sister Lin Jiao should have already told you that your match today won't be easy. Zhang Ning is at the Dingmao Seventh Realm, and his strength should not be underestimated."

Lin Xiao smiled lightly, his eyes revealing a sense of pride: "What's the big deal? Dingmao Seventh Realm is nothing more than this."

His tone was calm, as if he had everything under control. He then picked up the package of fairy jade that Lin Jiao had sent him last night, handed it to Wang Hao, and whispered, "Take these fairy jades first. I'll tell you something later."

As he spoke, a hint of cunning flashed across Lin Xiao's eyes, as if he was brewing some plan.

At the same time, Minghu, the banker, opened a handicap backstage, and the odds were a tie, making it impossible to tell which side had a higher chance of winning.

The 50-50 odds made the disciples who were originally interested in the bet hesitant. Only some loyal supporters were betting on Lin Xiao and Zhang Ning, looking forward to this fierce contest.

Around the ring, the disciples were rubbing their hands in anticipation.

At this moment, the Sect Master and the elders successively ascended the viewing platform. The disciples saluted one after another. The Sect Master gently waved his hand, motioning for the disciples to sit down. He then said calmly, "The competition begins. The first match is between Lin Jiao and Li Qing from the Chan Yi Hall."

As soon as he finished speaking, Li Qing jumped up and directly jumped to the center of the ring.

This time he was different from the previous matches. He was only wearing a pair of leggings, revealing his muscular upper body. His muscles were as hard as steel, and his aura was like a dormant beast.

The disciples below couldn't help but hold their breath, with fear and admiration in their eyes.

Lin Jiao stood quietly in the audience, ready to leap into the ring, when she heard a familiar voice. Turning around, she saw it was Senior Sister Ye Xuan! Ye Xuan had come out of retreat early just to watch her fight with Li Qing.

He walked up to Lin Jiao, smiled slightly, and said softly: "He can't beat you."

Lin Jiao felt the rock-solid trust in Ye Xuan, and her heart warmed. She nodded, with a bit more determination in her eyes, and then jumped onto the ring. Ye Xuan also returned to Lin Xiao's side and watched the fight quietly.

On the ring, Lin Jiao and Li Qing locked eyes, the atmosphere suddenly tense. Li Qing's expression was grim, and he murmured sarcastically, "Your Senior Brother Ye Xuan has also come to see how I defeat you?"

Lin Jiao's eyes were as cold as ice, and she said coldly: "He came to see how desperate you are." Before she finished speaking, the two of them suddenly distanced themselves from each other, and a battle without smoke of gunpowder began.

A gleam of light flashed in Li Qing's eyes, and he immediately used the "Phantom Body Technique", turning into a residual shadow and instantly circling behind Lin Jiao. He attacked with the astonishingly powerful "Wind and Thunder Fist". The left and right fists condensed the wind and thunder respectively, erupting with terrifying destructive power.

The surrounding disciples were in an uproar. They were stunned by the astonishing speed, their eyes filled with shock and admiration.

Lin Jiao sensed Li Qing's approaching breath, and a water shield and flaming wings quickly appeared around her body. With the double defense, she flapped her wings and soared into the sky, blocking Li Qing's attack below, appearing calm and unhurried.

Lin Jiao raised her hand slightly, and then, with the energy condensed from the flames, formed a blazing circle of fire around Li Qing, trapping him inside. The flames leaped, pressing down on him like a fiery cage.

At the same time, a huge "flaming spear" condensed above Lin Jiao's head and smashed towards Li Qing like a meteor, bringing up a violent gust of air.

"Senior Sister Lin Jiao can actually perform the secret technique without forming any hand seals. She is indeed worthy of being the best of the new generation!" The disciples were dazzled and marveled at Lin Jiao's fighting ability.

Li Qing did not show any fear at all. His eyes were cold, and the spear in his hand suddenly appeared. The tip of the spear flashed with a sharp cold light. He quickly used the "Cloud Dragon Sea Exploring Spear". The spear turned into a sharp cloud dragon and rushed straight towards the fire spear.

In an instant, the gun shadow and the fire spear clashed fiercely in the air. The long spear penetrated the obstruction of the "Spear of Blazing Flame" in the firelight and continued to stab towards Lin Jiao.

Lin Jiao's heart trembled, and she quickly unleashed her Fire Escape technique, creating a double defense. However, Li Qing's spear power didn't weaken, but instead grew stronger and stronger. With a furious shout, he said, "Break it!"

The spear roared like a dragon, and the powerful impact broke the water shield and the fire shield at the same time. The spear pointed directly at Lin Jiao!

At the critical moment, Lin Jiao suddenly condensed a flint in her hand, swung it forward, and faced Li Qing's spear head-on.

However, the huge impact force directly knocked her away, and her body involuntarily crashed into the barrier of the arena.

The violent collision sent a low roar through the barrier, causing the disciples to gasp.

When Lin Xiao saw Lin Jiao being bullied, his expression suddenly tightened, his fists clenched, anger rose in his heart, and he almost couldn't help but want to rush onto the ring to fight Li Qing.

Just as he was about to stand up, Ye Xuan glanced at him calmly and said calmly, "Don't worry, the real battle has just begun."