While Zhang Ergou was contemplating, the second round of the competition had already begun.
On the stage, two pairs of Foundation Establishment stage cultivators and Golden Core stage cultivators were already preparing to compete.
On the Foundation Establishment stage, there was a disciple from a small sect and a disciple from the Liuhai Sect.
The Liuhai Sect disciple was almost completely dominating the small sect disciple.
The disparity in foundation between the major sects and the small sects was evident in their exchanges.
Although the disciple from the small sect had luckily entered the second round, he was quickly at a disadvantage.
The Liuhai Sect disciple, on the other hand, was arrogant and his attacks were fierce.
He was on the verge of defeating the small sect disciple.
"That Liuhai Sect disciple is going to lose."
Zhang Ergou stared at the Foundation Establishment stage and said in a low voice.
"No way, Ergou. The Liuhai Sect disciple clearly has the upper hand. How could he possibly lose?"
Xiao Qingyu, holding two large iron hammers, sat beside Zhang Ergou and asked in confusion.
Lin Yichen squinted at the stage and remained silent.
Wang Teng, Lin Yueru, and Lu Xiaoyu also looked at Zhang Ergou with puzzlement.
The Liuhai Sect disciple clearly had the advantage, and the small sect disciple was unable to retaliate.
Why did Zhang Ergou say that the small sect disciple would win?
"Haven't you noticed that the Liuhai Sect disciple has been attacking with various spells almost as soon as they stepped onto the stage, while the Xingyao Sect disciple has been constantly dodging, rarely counter-attacking?"
Zhang Ergou's eyes were fixed on the stage as he slowly said.
Upon recalling, everyone found that Zhang Ergou was right. The Liuhai Sect disciple had unleashed a barrage of spells on the Xingyao Sect disciple the moment he stepped onto the stage, as if he had an inexhaustible supply.
In contrast, the Xingyao Sect disciple had been continuously evading, showing no sign of counter-attack.
Thus, the entire scene gave the impression that the Liuhai Sect disciple held the overwhelming advantage.
The Xingyao Sect disciple, on the other hand, seemed to be only capable of defending.
"With the Liuhai Sect disciple's attack pattern, how long do you think the spiritual energy of a late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator can last?"
Zhang Ergou asked with a slight smile.
Upon hearing this, Xiao Qingyu and the others immediately realized that although the Liuhai Sect disciple appeared to have the upper hand, the spiritual energy consumption rate would differ if the opponent was not completely defeated.
Their gazes towards the Xingyao Sect disciple changed. They hadn't expected him to be so shrewd. If Zhang Ergou hadn't pointed it out, they wouldn't have figured it out so quickly.
Furthermore, if the Xingyao Sect disciple won, one of them would likely face him in the next round.
Their attention to the stage became much more serious.
Indeed, as Zhang Ergou had predicted, just as the Liuhai Sect disciple was smugly confident of victory, an unexpected turn of events occurred. The Xingyao Sect disciple, who had been evading his attacks, launched a fierce counter-attack.
With incredible speed, the Xingyao Sect disciple darted behind the Liuhai Sect disciple.
Then, he delivered a solid palm strike to the Liuhai Sect disciple's back.
Before the Liuhai Sect disciple could react, he was sent flying off the stage. The Xingyao Sect disciple won this match.
The spectators on the stands erupted in a commotion, as no one had anticipated such a swift reversal.
Lin Yueru and the others looked at Zhang Ergou with a touch of admiration.
"Hey, hey, don't look at me like that!"
"Get lost!"
They all chuckled and turned their attention back to the stage. The competition on the Golden Core stage had also entered a heated phase.
On the Golden Core stage, a Liuhai Sect disciple was facing off against a disciple from the Misty Sect.
The disciple from the Misty Sect was none other than Leng Feng, who had previously mocked Zhang Ergou.
Leng Feng wielded a long sword, exuding an imposing aura, and held his own on the stage.
The combat on the Golden Core stage was far more thrilling than that on the Foundation Establishment stage.
Brilliant spells filled the air as the two Golden Core cultivators unleashed their most potent techniques, each eager to send the other off the stage.
Soon, the Liuhai Sect disciple began to falter. After being struck by a sword from Leng Feng, he was unable to dodge in time.
His abdomen was pierced, and blood gushed out. He was no longer able to fight back.
Leng Feng naturally secured victory in this bout.
The Misty Sect's supporters cheered loudly.
"Next, on the Golden Core stage, Leng Feng of the Misty Sect will face Ling Feng'er of the Liuhai Sect!"
As the Misty Sect celebrated, the voice of the presiding elder echoed from above the stage.
"What, Ling Feng'er? The Saintess of the Liuhai Sect?"
The people from the Misty Sect were astonished. Before they could even savor their joy, they were met with this news, and their expressions froze.
It looked incredibly comical.
"Haha, the Saintess is finally going to fight! Let's see if those Misty Sect people are still so arrogant!"
In contrast to the Misty Sect disciples' reaction, the Liuhai Sect was filled with cheers.
They had absolute confidence in their Saintess's strength, and when they heard she was about to enter the arena, everyone was beaming with joy.
"With the Saintess entering the arena, the Misty Sect people will surely weep. I can already picture their defeat."
"Exactly. That so-called Zhang Ergou, whoever he is, won't be able to last a single move against the Saintess. I really want to see them cry."
"You're so mean!"
Hahaha...
Loud laughter erupted from the Liuhai Sect, their amusement unconcealed.
Meanwhile, the Misty Sect disciples wore grim expressions. They hadn't expected the Liuhai Sect to be so shameless as to manipulate the competition even in the second round.
However, such were the rules of the sect grand competition, and they could only seethe in anger, unable to voice their protest.
"Ling Feng'er of the Liuhai Sect."
Ling Feng'er, dressed in a light blue dress, floated onto the stage and bowed to Leng Feng.
"Leng Feng of the Misty Sect."
Leng Feng returned the bow, her expression grave. She had naturally heard of Ling Feng'er's fame but had not expected to face the Liuhai Sect's Saintess.
It was too late to say anything now, so she could only brace herself for the challenge.
"Please guide me!" Ling Feng'er said expressionlessly.
"Please!"
As they spoke, the two began to move.
They quickly retreated, creating a seemingly safe distance. Leng Feng's expression was cautious and serious.
In contrast, Ling Feng'er remained expressionless, making it impossible to discern her thoughts.
As Zhang Ergou and the others intently watched the stage, the two exchanged blows.
Ling Feng'er unleashed a palm strike, and Leng Feng hastily responded, raising her hand to meet Ling Feng'er's palm imprint.
Bang!
After a loud impact, one figure rapidly plummeted backward, descending swiftly towards the edge of the stage...