Chapter 17 – Winner Winner Chicken Dinner!

Later that night, Ren met up with Bao Hua, who had been released by the healers. They found Mei Ling and went to celebrate her victory and discuss her next opponent. She would be facing Jian Feng for the semi-finals. Bao Hua gave her what details he could but there wasn’t much he could offer. Ren also spoke of Zhi Ping’s techniques and quirks in case she got the chance to face him at the finals.

After all the advice was dispensed, they settled in for some light meals and drinks. Hua was looking particularly dejected, so Ren tried to cheer him up.

“Out of all the hundreds of disciples, we made it to the best 16! Not to mention we weren’t even in the 6th layer. We should be proud to have gotten so far. And next time we’ll compete in the upper category and win there!”

Hua perked up at that. “That’s right! We did do great. And we’ll train hard and win next time for sure!”

“You know we’ll get some small awards for making it till here, right? That’s also something to celebrate. And when Mei Ling wins tomorrow she can treat us to a very nice meal.”

Hua jumped in saying “I’ve heard Ember Chickens have the most tender flavor!”

Mei Ling laughed at that. “I’ll avenge you both tomorrow. You can worship me in advance.”

“Oooh, I have eyes but failed to recognize Mount Tai! ” shouted Ren.

Hua piled on, claiming, “To face Mei Ling in battle is to court death! ”

Mei Ling looked at them both in surprise for a moment and then they all burst out laughing.

The atmosphere was even more charged the next day. Even more elders had arrived to witness the conclusion of the tournament. Those who had been competing yesterday were now all cheering for those who had bested them. The fights began but this time at the main arena with only one fight taking place at a time.

Ren and Hua had gathered others of their cohort to cheer for Mei Ling. As a strong cultivator and charming young lady, she had no shortage of admirers. The other young ladies aspired to be like her but were conflicted between her and the other who held a place in their hearts, Jian Feng. The young men who were green with envy at all the attention Jian Feng received, were spurred to cheer for Mei Ling even louder.

When it came to her turn, she began the fight by whirling the whip around her. The ghostvine whip’s usual ghastly echoes were muffled by the crowd but Ren knew that Jian Feng would definitely be able to hear it. He had clearly prepared to face her and pulled out a talisman and activated it. It released a large chunk of earth and launched it towards her. Ren winced, acknowledging it as a good tactic. The whip was light and agile but the large, clinging mass of earth would weigh it down.

Mei Ling reacted quickly and danced out of the way, but her weapon was grazed. Thick mud-like earth clung to her whip slowing it down. Undeterred, she kept on the move, simultaneously striking out with the whip. Jian Feng anticipated it and tried to move into range. Both were clearly experienced fighters and began trading blows furiously. Mei Ling trying to keep her distance and Jian Feng trying to fend off her whip with his blade and approach.

The crowd was going wild for this unexpectedly enjoyable fight. Jian Feng wasn’t getting frustrated. He seemed to be patiently playing the long game. He kept his movements small and often dodged blows by a hair’s breadth. Mei Ling, on the other hand, was forced to make elaborate moves to keep her distance and stay on the offense.

Eventually, Jian Feng took his chance and used a ranged technique. His blade emitted a blade of fire that was launched at Mei Ling. Taken by surprise, she reacted a breath slow. Instantly pressing his advantage, Jian Feng’s sword was a blur.

For all his arrogance, Ren had to admit he was skilled. Mei Ling slowly lost ground and was finally faced with a sword point. The crowd cheered its approval at a match well fought. Jian Feng was going to advance the final round.

Ren and Hua looked at each other and then started heading towards the exit to go cheer up Mei Ling. She hadn’t been injured, but she did look exhausted.

She started saying “Sorry I couldn’t… ” but was cut off by both of them saying “You fought well” and “You did your best”. Without any further words, they dragged her off to see the rest of the matches.

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