Chapter 506 - 288: 15 Jin of Venison, White Flood Dragon Flipping River Map!

Dusk approached as the first round of the ranking battle concluded quickly, with the top five decided.

In the first match, from the Li Family, Wang Chan emerged victorious.

In the second match, from the Tao Family, Tao Xinglie claimed victory.

In the third match, from the Tao Family, Guo Zhen won.

In the fourth match, from the County Mansion, Song Jingyuan was victorious.

In the fifth match, from the Pill Cauldron Pavilion, Gu Xue’Er claimed victory.

Ever since Wang Chan defeated Zhou Hai with a punch, the first four matches lacked much suspense. Before the tournament, Tao Xinglie, Guo Zhen, and Song Jingyuan were all hot favorites to win, and they won effortlessly.

The only suspenseful match was the last one between the Cyan Fish Gang Leader’s daughter, Baili Hongtang, and Pill Cauldron Pavilion’s direct disciple, Gu Xue’Er.

"This woman... did not use her full strength."

Su Mu could see that neither Baili Hongtang nor Gu Xue’Er fought seriously in this battle, but it was clear that Baili Hongtang was holding back more.

This woman did not regard the Donglai tournament as important, as if something more significant than the ranking was on her mind.

"I concede."

Baili Hongtang cupped her hands in salute, her martial robe fluttering, ponytail whipping as she turned and left decisively.

Watching Baili Hongtang leave, Su Mu was momentarily stunned. Then he learned from Li Yao, Li Changshan, and others that today’s tournament had ended for the day.

The crucial battle to determine the top five in the ranking match would take place tomorrow.

A little thought made it clear that the delay was to better promote the tournament and expand its influence.

Tonight, the names of the top five were also to be broadcasted from Bai Jiao Mountain and thus spread throughout Donglai County City.

"Wang Chan... it’s up to you now!"

Li Changshan’s expression was both solemn and tinged with an indescribable sense of loss and shame. His luck was truly unfortunate, as he ended up facing Guo Zhen of the White Whale Gang in this round.

He had initially anticipated facing Tao Xinglie, Song Jingyuan, or Guo Zhen, the first two being Daoist cultivators, while Guo Zhen was a martial artist.

The contingency plan Li Changshan had required some preparation time, giving him a higher chance of victory against Tao Xinglie or Song Jingyuan, both being Daoist cultivators, but Guo Zhen’s hand-to-hand combat as a martial artist gave him no time at all.

Now, among the top five, there are two from the Tao Family, one from the County Mansion, one from the Li Family, and one from the Pill Cauldron Pavilion. If you consider their affiliations, the Tao Family should have one person from the White Whale Gang.

Wang Chan, an outsider, has now become the Li Family’s last hope.

"Wang Chan, do your best... If you face Gu Xue’Er first tomorrow or have a bye, there’s a good chance you can make it to the top three!"

Li Yao offered a word of encouragement, echoing the feelings of many in the Li Family. Up to this moment, they still hoped Su Mu would not face any of the three individuals directly tomorrow and could avoid them if possible.

"Alright."

In response to the encouragement from the Li Family, Su Mu simply nodded lightly.

As the sun set, the mist on Bai Jiao Mountain grew thicker. The temperature at the mountaintop was already low, and with the sun down, water condensed into snow, lightly blanketing Bai Jiao Mountain.

The crowd at the foot of the mountain left reluctantly, enjoying the spectacle. Though Bai Jiao Mountain is usually closed off, there are quite a few inns in the surrounding area.

As for those entering tomorrow’s ranking match, special arrangements were made, with residences built in the mountain. Only those major powers advancing to the second round of the ranking match are qualified to stay overnight.

The Li Family was in high spirits, as it had been several tournaments since a member of the Li Family was able to stay in the mountain following Li Qiu’s era.

As the Li Family’s hero in this tournament, Su Mu was assigned to a private courtyard in the mountain.

There are only ten such courtyards in the mountains, with each power receiving two.

The Li Family received two, one for the Patriarch and one for Su Mu.

After settling into their accommodations, Su Mu followed the Li Family to a restaurant in the mountains, where meals were provided by the four great families and the County Mansion, featuring extraordinary food—Demon Beast meat.

"This is Sixth-Grade Snow Deer meat, its flesh mild and nourishing, improving physique over time, beneficial for cultivation, especially nurturing martial artists’ Qi blood and physique."

"On the black market, a pound of Sixth-Grade Snow Deer meat would be worth one tael of gold... But it remains Demon Beast flesh; how much one can digest depends on the individual, moderation is key."

Li Changshan suitably explained.

Snow Deer meat?!

Su Mu’s eyes gleamed as he focused on the meat in his chopsticks, the texture like frosted crystal and exuding a fresh pine scent, cool and delicate upon tasting, with a vigorous texture.

After a few chews, it melted into a rush of warmth—a pure and vibrant flow of Qi blood circulating through his limbs and veins.

Su Mu sensed keenly that this deer meat was not simply cooked but included various spiritual materials. Su Mu, now a Seventh-Grade Alchemist capable of refining Qi and Blood Pills, could discern many medicinal ingredients even with a single taste.

The nourishment effects of this pound of deer meat for Qi blood were nearly equivalent to a third of a Qi and Blood Pill.

Consuming three pounds of this meat equaled a Qi and Blood Pill, and this method of cooking did not conflict with long-term consumption of demon beast meat and taking elixirs; both could be done concurrently.

Additionally...

Excessive use of elixirs leads to tolerance, reducing the efficacy of the medicinal power that can be absorbed and digested. Introducing an entirely new channel like this will greatly enhance the efficiency and speed of cultivation.

Consuming a pound of deer meat in just a few bites, Su Mu maintained a calm demeanor, showing no redness or excitement.

"If adequate reserves of such blood and meat were available at the start of cultivation, even a mediocre talent could advance rapidly... The heritage of great powers like the noble families and the County Mansion is indeed extraordinary."

"No wonder even if the noble family descendants practice Taoist dharma gates, their physiques are stronger than ordinary same-grade Daoist cultivators’. Tao Xinglie and the other two may be Daoist cultivators, but their physiques exceed those of ordinary Seventh-Grade Muscle-Enhancing Martial Artists."