Chapter 495 - 284: Meeting an Old Friend in a Foreign Land, Thanks for the Game!

As soon as the thought arose, Su Mu made an estimation in his heart.

The final estimation result is...

"Only less than twenty percent of combat power. At present, my offensive side should enter the ranks of Fourth-Grade cultivators, but the defense against Fourth-Grade cultivators may still be insufficient..."

For offense, Su Mu doesn’t worry too much. The Fifth-Grade top-tier Dharma Artifact, the Golden Jiao Spear, Profound Demon Five Transformations Limit Break, Fifth Refining Force’s Gang Force, the Divine Power honed through cross-training martial arts, Fist Momentum, and many other techniques are sufficient to support Su Mu in unleashing a killing power that surpasses a large realm.

In terms of defense, with his cross-training martial arts, Su Mu assumes that facing opponents of the same level, or even transcending a large realm to challenge Fifth-Grade cultivators, he has nothing to fear from anyone.

It’s just that when facing higher realm Fourth-Grade cultivators, perhaps it will appear inadequate.

When Su Mu thinks things over, he has a habit of thinking through the worst-case scenario for his situation.

Integrating various cross-training martial arts learned in the Land of Cyan Clouds, Su Mu created the Molten Fire Golden Body as a Sixth-Grade Horizontal Training Method, yet the Three-Turn Dragon Elephant Skill, though its third turn is comparable to a Fourth-Grade cultivator, Su Mu has only completed the first turn thus far.

Su Mu has to consider the issue of deficiencies in defense.

"If a deadly battle is inevitable, I must trade life for life from the beginning... Otherwise, it’s best to avoid the battle altogether and use the Fire Sparrow Wings to swiftly escape."

"However..."

Su Mu’s eyes flickered, "If I break through to the Fifth-Grade realm on the spot, seize today’s opportunity, employ the Yin-Yang Breathing Technique and Dragon Power, utilizing all means, if the opponent is careless, perhaps I can create a chance to suppress and kill Fourth-Grade cultivators."

On the way, Su Mu believed there were many shortcomings in confronting Fourth-Grade cultivators. Now, after gaining the opportunity at Bai Jiao Mountain, he feels somewhat confident.

All confidence comes from his own strength.

With this confidence, Su Mu pays no mind to certain provoking glances from two clowns, and immediately sits back down on the chair, closing his eyes to relax.

Yet Su Mu does not waste any time; behind those closed eyes, small dark shadows constantly deduce the use of the Yin-Yang Breathing Technique and Dragon Power.

Migration from stagnation, unfamiliarity to familiarity, Su Mu rapidly digests the chance obtained recently from Bai Jiao Mountain. His strength quickly improves right under everyone’s noses, yet no one notices.

At this moment, the young generation of cultivators on the mountaintop square are all eager and ready, preparing to welcome the start of the Donglai competition.

For many of the younger generation, the goal is to compete with peers in the upcoming competition, sharpen their cultivation path to enhance their foundation and vision, aiming to breakthrough to higher realms, after all, cultivation cannot happen behind closed doors.

Furthermore, these people also aim to stand out in the upcoming competition, hoping to gain fame in Donglai.

The bustling world is full of profit seekers, and the clamoring world is full of fame seekers!

Regardless of whether ordinary folk or Jianghu cultivators, fame and fortune are eternal pursuits.

At a certain moment.

A voice, amplified by Spiritual Qi, resonated throughout the venue, even as the mountain wind howled, it was clearly heard by everyone present, not only clear but also carrying an air of authority from someone who has long held a high position.

Everyone focused their attention, seeing at the center of the VIP seats in the Martial Arts Arena, a man with a square face in a green robe, his robe sleeves blowing in the wind, his voice like a resounding bell.

"Today, Donglai talents gather, Jiao Mountain shines."

"This place once had the White Jiao attempting to transform into a dragon and falling; today, many of you also seek to break realms and ascend. The path of cultivation is inherently going against the heavens, competing against oneself, against fate."

"As the Governor of Donglai County for nearly twenty years, I’ve witnessed great changes, and I wish for Donglai’s prodigies to be renowned throughout Great Yan. Here at Bai Jiao Mountain, regardless of background, only strength is judged."

"Winners should recognize there are mountains beyond mountains; losers shouldn’t be discouraged, they should strive to catch up."

"Let’s see who can seize the victory today, showcasing the spirit of Donglai cultivators... I hereby declare the Donglai competition officially begins!"

After speaking, Song Yuanshan handed over the speech’s continuation to the white-haired elder beside him, Gu Dongcheng. Gu Dongcheng is not only a deputy professor at the county school but also a renowned scholar in Donglai County, respected and known for his fairness.

The competition is hosted by Song Yuanshan and Gu Dongcheng, backed by the Great Yan’s official endorsement, leaving no one in disagreement. Gu Dongcheng then spoke loudly.

"Regarding the rules of the competition, I won’t elaborate much here."

"Now, all participants in this small arena competition please come up to draw lots for grouping."

The Donglai competition has small and large arenas; the small arena limits participants to under twenty-five years old, the large arena under fifty years old and below the Upper Three Grades.

After speaking, the forces around the square started to move.

The Donglai competition was initially a large competition organized by the Donglai Noble Families; the small arena has a total of one hundred participants, with the four major families taking the lead, each having fifteen slots, twenty slots belong solely to the county mansion, and the remaining twenty slots are designated for county talents within Donglai County.

Other major forces in Donglai can temporarily join the Noble Families or the county mansion as ’tributes’ to participate in the competition.

According to Li Yao, fifteen names are on the list for the small arena; ten are from the Li Family, and the remaining five are affiliate forces or participants invited by the Li Family.

In Donglai County, there are many young cultivators under twenty-five years old, counting in tens of thousands to millions. Although those participating today might not represent all talents in Donglai County, any individual present might be one chosen out of a thousand, or even ten thousand among peers.

Looking around, the children of Noble Families and county children are distinctly separated; one can easily recognize them at a glance.