A second-level Foundation Establishment against a peak Qi Refining stage should have been a completely one-sided match.
While that was indeed the case, the direction of the dominance seemed completely opposite to what the audience had predicted!
Yun Lang, at the peak of his Qi Refining stage, was the one who instantly killed his opponent!
"Beautiful fight!"
"Lin Lang, you're amazing!"
"Well fought! Teach that 'Crazy Wind' Sun a lesson!"
"I truly regret not betting on this kid at the start..."
"I think this kid is no ordinary talent, he's definitely this year's dark horse."
...
The audience fell silent for a moment before erupting into cheers. An overwhelming wave of applause surged towards the stage.
It was unbelievable how the same spectators who had been mocking and sneering moments ago had, after Yun Lang secured a victory, turned into weather vanes, siding completely with Yun Lang and becoming his staunchest supporters.
Yun Lang stood in the center of the arena, surrounded by spectators with excitedly reddened eyes.
As the victor, he was, surprisingly, the calmest person there.
This was because Yun Lang knew that the audience in this underground fighting ring only craved gore and excitement.
Though they seemed to be cheering for him now, in reality, these spectators were merely venting their emotions.
If Yun Lang lost his next match, these same spectators would, as usual, cheer for his opponent.
Therefore, the cheers from the stands did not move Yun Lang in the slightest. Without a moment's hesitation, he stepped off the stage.
Lin Ruxue, standing in the shadow of the spectator stands, took a sip of wine and silently nodded as she watched Yun Lang's composed demeanor.
An ordinary cultivator would easily lose themselves amidst such grand acclaim. Yet, for Yun Lang to be able to completely detach himself at such a young age was truly remarkable.
However, Lin Ruxue quickly remembered that this was her chosen disciple, and a smile of relief spread across her face.
Yun Lang was a newcomer. Even with Lin Ruxue's connections, he wouldn't have many fights scheduled on such short notice.
Therefore, after this match, Yun Lang would have nothing else to do.
Confirming that he had no more matches scheduled, Yun Lang left without any lingering attachment.
By the entrance of the fighting arena, Lin Ruxue was already waiting.
"Master," Yun Lang bowed.
Lin Ruxue didn't say much, appearing uninterested in Yun Lang's previous match. She led him to the next destination.
Yun Lang was surprised to find that their next stop was an inn!
"You'll be staying here for the next few days to focus on your matches. I've already paid for it, so don't worry!" Lin Ruxue said, then waved her sleeve and departed without taking anything with her.
Yun Lang was left alone, bewildered in the wind: "..."
His troublesome master was truly something. It seemed he wasn't even allowed back to the Taichu Sect until he reached the Silver Warrior level!
However, as an outsider, Yun Lang had no particular attachment to the Taichu Sect anyway.
These things were all just accommodations to Yun Lang; it made no difference where he stayed.
With the mindset of accepting his circumstances, Yun Lang entered the inn obediently.
A day passed in the blink of an eye. Yun Lang, as usual, donned his mask and proceeded to the underground fighting ring.
Although he had won a match yesterday, Yun Lang was still only a Bronze Warrior. To advance to Silver Warrior, he needed to win at least five more matches!
Yun Lang went to the backstage resting area as usual. Upon entering, he was met with several gazes.
However, these gazes were peculiar. More than curiosity or scrutiny, they conveyed pity!
Yun Lang found it strange but said nothing.
Soon, it was time for Yun Lang to take the stage. Upon seeing his opponent, Yun Lang finally understood the meaning behind those looks!
Today, his opponent was a cultivator at the fourth level of Foundation Establishment, named Lu Yantian!
Although Yun Lang had previously fought against Yue Changtian, who was at the fifth level of Foundation Establishment, the people in the fighting ring lived lives on the edge, with incredibly rich combat experience.
In terms of overall combat strength, Lu Yantian might not be weaker than Yue Changtian.
Yun Lang remained expressionless as usual. If he could agree to fight Yue Changtian, then Lu Yantian was nothing to worry about!
On the other hand, the spectators in the arena, who had supported Yun Lang yesterday, had now largely switched their allegiance to Lu Yantian's side.
Most comically, the insults they hurled were identical to those from yesterday.
"Where did this little brat come from? This is no place for you!"
"Who let such a kid in here?"
"A mere Qi Refining stage dares to stand on the same stage as Boss Lu?"
"Boss Lu, don't hold back later! Make sure you beat this kid until he's crying for his mommy!"
...
Amidst the torrent of mockery, Lu Yantian's expression towards Yun Lang was filled with disdain.
He wasn't unaware of the kid's recent exploits. However, Lu Yantian believed that Yun Lang's victory yesterday was simply because Yue Changtian was too weak!
He was two full cultivation levels stronger than Yue Changtian. No matter how strong Yun Lang was at the Qi Refining stage, he couldn't possibly defeat him.
"Kid, since you're here at our fighting ring, you should fight properly! Don't blame me if I'm not gentle later, brother!" Lu Yantian said with a sinister grin.
Yun Lang replied, "Sure, I'm just afraid you'll be too gentle!"
Lu Yantian was rendered speechless by this retort, finally managing to say, "Sharp-tongued! You'll have a hard time later!"
It had to be said, Lu Yantian was indeed a bit stronger than Yue Changtian from yesterday.
As soon as the match began, Yun Lang unleashed a palm strike as usual. However, Lu Yantian nimbly dodged it.
"Heh heh, I expected this move from you!" Lu Yantian chuckled and charged forward, his steps impossibly fast. In an instant, he was in front of Yun Lang.
Yun Lang's expression remained unchanged. He pushed his palm forward, striking Lu Yantian directly in the chest!
Taichu Palm Technique, executed to its absolute limit!
"Boom!"
Lu Yantian's body was sent flying out of the ring.
Compared to yesterday, how similar was this scene?
Except this time, Lu Yantian seemed to have delivered himself into Yun Lang's palm!
The audience was stunned for a moment, then began cheering for Yun Lang once more.
Yun Lang didn't even bother to glance at these fickle supporters cheering for him and turned to leave.
Today, Yun Lang only had one match as scheduled. As he turned to leave, he saw Chen Shengping, the manager of the fighting ring, the moment he stepped off the stage!
Chen Shengping seemed to have been waiting for Yun Lang. Seeing him descend, he first gave a thumbs-up: "Little brother, that was a beautiful fight!"
Yun Lang nodded, looking at Chen Shengping with a hint of curiosity.
Under Yun Lang's direct gaze, Chen Shengping awkwardly rubbed his nose and then said, "Little brother, I have a profitable business opportunity here. I wonder if you're interested!"