Chapter 35: The Four Gates Perfected

In the valley, driven by Qin Jue’s actions, people began to move toward the vacant spots one after another. However, apart from the two individuals named Cui and Wu, the rest were seen by onlookers as destined for elimination sooner or later.

This was especially true for Qin Jue. Since he had earned the animosity of many, he was bound to face a flurry of challenges.

"A tree that stands above the forest will surely be leveled by the wind," Sun Dazhi remarked from his vantage point, his voice languid. Though it sounded like a mere observation, everyone with a sharp eye knew he was targeting Qin Jue.

"My men are not yours to critique," Wu Mi retorted immediately.

Sun Dazhi smiled but said nothing more. He did not care for Wu Mi’s attitude; what mattered to him was the stance of the Commander. Unfortunately, the Commander remained silent throughout, his thoughts inscrutable.

Meanwhile, a chorus of mockery rose from the field. Qin Jue, however, remained composed, turning a deaf ear to the jeers. The time allotted for planting the flags was half an hour; as long as no one challenged him, he would advance directly. While the crowd had held back for the moment, they would eventually strike.

Soon, a burly man strode toward Qin Jue’s position. Staring at him, he smiled, "Today, I shall use you to make a name for myself!"

Within the Vanguard Battalion, Qin Jue’s recent military achievements and rewards had made him the center of attention. Many sought to defeat him, using him as a stepping stone to fame. Now that the opportunity had arrived, the burly man would not let it slip away—especially since Qin Jue had just fought two consecutive battles, his stamina surely depleted.

The man assumed a stance, his inner energy surging. A second later, he struck, lunging forward with a punch that carried the force of a breaking bamboo. Qin Jue dodged with a sidestep and countered with a knee strike. The man reacted quickly, slapping his left palm down to block the blow, then leaping into the air to deliver a rapid series of kicks.

"Bang! Bang! Bang!"

Qin Jue raised his arms to block, retreating as he fought, appearing to be in great difficulty. Seeing this, many onlookers sneered. "Wang Er has specifically studied leg techniques; how could this Qin Jue possibly win?" a martial artist who knew the man laughed.

But his smile froze instantly. His eyes widened in shock as he stared at the field. The man who had been dominating suddenly suffered a reversal after taking a single punch from Qin Jue and was now being pressed on the defensive. Although he hadn't lost yet, the sight was deeply embarrassing for the martial artist who had just spoken. He prayed silently for the man to win, lest he become a laughingstock himself.

Unfortunately, after holding out for a few more rounds, the burly man was knocked out of his designated area by Qin Jue.

[Congratulations to the host for successfully defeating an opponent. You have gained 1 Victory Point!]

Challenge failed!

"Well done, Platoon Leader!" Xiao Wushan, standing on the perimeter and suppressing his anger, shouted in delight, his face beaming with pride. Chen Xi also revealed a smile of relief.

"Hmph, the first round isn't about winning a fight," the sharp-featured man from the neighboring unit said with disdain.

"You..." Xiao Wushan turned, glaring with fury. Despite his bruised face, his aura remained imposing.

"Hm?" At that moment, the Military Sentry nearby glanced at him "appropriately." A flickering fire burned in his eyes, and a gust of force rushed toward Xiao Wushan, stinging his face and causing his scabs to seep blood.

Suddenly, Chen Xi grabbed Xiao Wushan’s arm, pulling him behind him to face the pressure of the second-realm martial artist alone. He then looked at the sharp-featured man, his gaze burning, and declared loudly, "Do you want to make a bet with me? I bet my Platoon Leader can win three more consecutive matches!"

His voice was loud enough for both units to hear, and they all turned in unison. Seeing Chen Xi’s resolute and certain expression, many were taken aback. Xiao Wushan, in particular, was surprised; he didn't know much about this deputy, only that he had once had a falling out with the Platoon Leader. Why would he step up now?

"What’s the wager?" Under the gaze of so many, the sharp-featured man refused to back down.

"Six months of military pay," Chen Xi said firmly.

Gasps rippled through the crowd. In the army, pay was a soldier's most vital resource, the key to advancing on the path of martial arts. Losing six months of pay meant falling far behind others, potentially missing the chance to reach a higher realm unless they encountered war or other rewards. This was no small bet!

The sharp-featured man’s face paled. Meeting that resolute gaze, he felt a flicker of fear and stammered, "Who... who wants to bet with you?"

"Heh," Chen Xi smirked. "Fair enough. After all, every unit is different."

This pointed remark caused the Military Sentry’s eyes to turn cold. "Take the bet!" he commanded.

"Ah?" The sharp-featured man hesitated, but seeing his own leader had spoken, he gritted his teeth and said, "Fine, I’ll take your bet!"

Chen Xi chuckled and ignored him. The Military Sentry gave Chen Xi a piercing look, then turned his gaze toward Qin Jue, who was grappling with another opponent, and scoffed, "Three consecutive wins? Wishful thinking!"

As time passed, the martial artists on the field grew restless, and many who considered themselves powerful began to take their turns. Those who had only stepped up to show off were eliminated one by one. In the blink of an eye, everyone standing on a spot was at least an expert at the fourth-stage Great Completion level—except for Qin Jue.

Inevitably, he became the primary target for the remaining twenty-two people. In the eyes of the Military Sentry, Qin Jue might win one or two matches, but certainly not three. Even if he had some skill, he could not stop the depletion of his stamina.

And that was indeed the case. As Qin Jue faced his fourth opponent, he could clearly feel exhaustion washing over him. The acting itself was mentally draining. Without hesitation, he added a point to his Physique.

A gentle, warm current flowed through his body. His eyes grew bright; while the exhaustion didn't vanish entirely, it was no longer as heavy as before. Feeling refreshed, Qin Jue seized the opportunity, knocked his opponent to the ground with a punch, and immediately put on a panting, ragged performance.

The onlookers would not miss this chance. With few people left on the field, defeating this "soft persimmon" first would reduce the pressure when they eventually had to face others.

Several people stepped forward immediately, a scarred man at the fourth-stage Great Completion level taking the lead. Since everyone only had one chance to challenge, this man was determined to pick the weakest target. Charging onto the field, he exuded a fierce aura and said deeply, "Come!"

He was serious, showing no contempt, as he intended to finish the fight quickly to conserve his own strength. Others seeing the scarred man take the lead cried out in regret. In their eyes, Qin Jue’s spot was the easiest to claim, and the scarred man was certain to win. That made their chances of planting their own flags even slimmer.

On the perimeter, seeing a fourth-stage expert step up, Xiao Wushan instinctively looked at Chen Xi. He found that although Chen Xi was staring intensely at the field, there was not a trace of panic on his face, as if he were absolutely certain of Qin Jue’s victory.

"Haha, I’m about to earn six months of pay for nothing," the sharp-featured man laughed joyfully. He had learned that the one betting against him was only a Platoon Leader’s deputy; this pay was far higher than what he, a mere squad leader, received. And with a fourth-stage expert attacking, victory was surely in the bag!