Planet Pulverizer: A Mortal's Ascent

Chapter 211: Final Battle

In another heavily guarded estate, Zhang Songbai, who was from the Central Dynasty, was reviewing the profiles of the adult category competitors.

Behind him stood Zhang Jiuwu, a special commissioner from the same dynasty, along with Yue Gaofeng, the tactical instructor of Yan Hongtu and a top-tier Martial Saint.

Zhang Jiuwu said, "If nothing unexpected happens, this year's intermediate category world champion will likely be decided between Li Pin and Zhao Yushi. And... if Zhao Yushi doesn't have any unique secret art or ultimate move, Li Pin will probably be taking first place.

"I heard that Song Wuya has regained consciousness after his treatment. Surprisingly, his Saber Intent didn't suffer any backlash. In fact, since he had gained the upper hand over Li Pin during their swordfight, this battle has sharpened his Saber Intent and made it even stronger.

"Now, Li Pin has become the mountain he aims to surpass. The stronger Li Pin becomes, the stronger Song Wuya's Saber Intent will grow. One day, when he finally defeats Li Pin, his Saber Intent will reach perfection. With this supreme power, he will ascend to the path of Astral Cultivation, meditate on the Astral God, and become an Astral Cultivator."

Zhang Songbai was a bit surprised. "So... Song Wuya has bounced back even stronger?"

"Indeed, and if he were to face Li Pin in battle once more..." Zhang Jiuwu's voice trailed off.

However, as of now, it would be rather pointless to have another match between Song Wuya and Li Pin. Li Pin's transcendent-like technique was simply too powerful—so powerful that it seemed almost unfair.

It was precisely after witnessing Li Pin's almost transcendent state that Zhang Jiuwu confidently declared Zhao Yushi would inevitably lose during Li Pin’s last showdown unless she had something up her sleeve.

"Li Pin is simply too powerful, and he's only twenty-three. Whereas, Wang Liancheng is already twenty-nine and personally groomed by several top-tier figures in the Federation. With such talent, Li Pin will undoubtedly secure one of the Dragon Prince spots, regardless of the outcome of his battle with Zhao Yushi," Zhang Jiuwu remarked.

Yue Gaofeng and Zhang Songbai nodded in agreement.

"We have missed out on the top three of the adult category, and it's clear that we're going to miss out on the top three in the intermediate category as well. Among Li Pin, Zhao Yushi, Song Wuya, and the Great Sun Chosen One, who could Yan Hongtu possibly defeat?" Yue Gaofeng asked.

Zhang Jiuwu glanced at Yue Gaofeng. "And don't forget Cheng Yufeng."

None of the four Dragon Prince spots in either the intermediate or adult category would go to the Dragon Gate Hall. It was simply... absurd.

Yue Gaofeng felt somewhat helpless. "I never thought the competition in this year's World's Top Martial Arts Competition would be so intense. Considering Yan Hongtu's exceptional Martial Will, he could have easily secured a top-three finish in the previous years, couldn't he?"

The contestants' performance had been disappointing, and there was little he could do about it.

Zhang Jiuwu, clearly aware of this, turned to Zhang Songbai. "With eight more Dragon Prince spots available, the pressure on our Dragon Gate Hall has increased significantly. Perhaps we should reconsider our training methods and the benefits we offer to the Dragon Princes?"

"Absolutely not!" Zhang Songbai immediately rejected the proposal. "The status of the Dragon Princes cannot be compromised. It is the very foundation of our Dragon Gate Hall."

Zhang Songbai declared firmly, "If we hadn't always adhered to the principles of fairness and justice, how could the Dragon Gate Hall have possibly safeguarded that legendary astral equipment? Without it, how could we have reached our current standing?

"Don't forget, decades ago, there were at least eighty or even a hundred factions of the same level as the Dragon Gate Hall within the Tianyuan border.

“If not for the previous Hall Master's exceptional foresight and his unwavering neutrality in contributing the legendary astral equipment, how could the Dragon Gate Hall have risen to prominence and become an institution on par with the Tianyuan Royal Academy?"

"But to give up eight Dragon Prince spots this time, securing none for ourselves....” Zhang Jiuwu sighed. "If this trend continues, the Dragon Gate Hall will become nothing more than a selfless organization training prodigies for other nations."

Zhang Songbai was equally troubled by this matter.

The Dragon Gate Hall had official disciples, core disciples, and the most prestigious Dragon Princes.

The official and core statuses were typically given as favors or as a means to generate additional income. While the Dragon Gate Hall invested heavily in their training, the standards they achieved were not exceptional. Throughout the Tianyuan border, there were numerous factions, if not dozens or hundreds, that could match their training standards.

The Dragon Princes, on the other hand, were the Dragon Gate Hall's real trump card. Over eighty percent of the Martial Saints transitioned Astral Cultivators were Dragon Princes.

The remaining twenty percent were largely fortunate or naturally gifted, capable of transition even without the help of the Dragon Gate Hall.

Each Martial Saint the Dragon Gate Hall cultivated into an Astral Cultivator represented a significant part of its vast network and connections. However, even the most extensive network couldn't compare to the geniuses nurtured within the Dragon Gate Hall itself.

As the saying went, "Real power comes from within."

Otherwise, the Dragon Gate Hall would remain perpetually neutral.

As the legendary astral equipment's lifespan dwindled and approached its end, the Dragon Gate Hall could foresee its own decline.

Before that, Dragon Gate Hall needed a sufficient number of its own Top-Tier Astral Cultivators to support their status once the legendary astral equipment was damaged. Only then could they become a major faction with substantial influence within the Tianyuan Federation.

Zhang Jiuwu's tone was filled with discontent. "The Dragon Princes' privileges far exceed those of official and core disciples. Apart from the opportunities to use the legendary astral equipment, they have almost unrestricted access to the sacred cultivation grounds, like the Thousand Sword Peak, Infinity Lake, and Raging Tide Cliff. If this continues, Dragon Gate Hall might spend the next few years doing futile work for others."

"The treatment of the Dragon Princes is the cornerstone of Dragon Gate Hall's appeal, attracting countless individuals willing to pay exorbitant fees to join. Under no circumstances can we compromise on this, not even by accelerating the ranking competition," Zhang Songbai remarked.

"Then we have only one option," Zhang Jiuwu said solemnly. "We should use the recent disturbances at the Degenerate Temple of Nanli as a pretext to mobilize our members for a comprehensive exploration of the surrounding perilous regions.

“While reconnaissance is our stated purpose, the real objective is to demonstrate the Dragon Gate Hall's benevolence. We'll offer double—no! Triple the usual points for this mission!"

"Triple points!?"

The points system was widely used within the Tianyuan Federation, and Dragon Gate Hall was no exception.

Zhang Jiuwu's proposal for tripling the points would be game-changing....

"Doesn't that mean a single mission could potentially yield tens of thousands, even hundreds of thousands of points?" Yue Gaofeng was shocked and worried. "Wouldn't this cause a frenzy as everyone scrambles to exchange their points for cultivation resources and access to sacred cultivation grounds?"

"We'll impose a deadline for using these points. Let's say... within a year. As for your concern about everyone rushing to redeem cultivation resources and sacred grounds..." Zhang Jiuwu smiled. "Just imagine, once this decision is announced, won't Dragon Gate Hall be showered with praise?"

"Definitely!" Zhang Songbai had already grasped Zhang Jiuwu's strategy. "Compared to ordinary and core disciples, Dragon Princes enjoy a significant advantage when it comes to using sacred cultivation grounds, almost for free.

"But once everyone has an abundance of points and no longer faces shortages, using these sacred cultivation grounds will become almost like getting a fifty percent or even seventy percent discount for them. This will encourage everyone to actively apply for the use of the sacred grounds and astral equipment, indirectly diminishing the special treatment accorded to Dragon Princes."

Zhang Jiuwu nodded. "Exactly. Moreover, we are benefiting all the members while presenting it as a righteous mission to scout ferocious beasts. Even if the Dragon Princes suspect something and are displeased, they won't dare to openly oppose us for fear of antagonizing the powerful factions that support the thousands of disciples."

Zhang Songbai smirked. "By the time these disciples have consumed the resources earned from their tripled rewards, the biannual ranking competition will be upon us. At that point, some of the Dragon Princes will undoubtedly lose their privileged status....”

Even if people figured it out, it wouldn't have any adverse effects, especially since they were acting under the banner of great justice. This was a well-calculated plan, executed with integrity.

It was perfectly reasonable to incentivize Dragon Gate Hall's Martial Saints to gather intelligence on ferocious beasts by offering substantial rewards.

Even if there were some casualties, it was of little consequence. They would always be individuals eager to join the Dragon Gate Hall and soar to new heights.

Zhang Songbai made his decision. "I'll inform the Hall Master about this matter immediately."

***

The decision to triple the points, driven by discontent among the members of Dragon Gate Hall, was kept a closely guarded secret.

Meanwhile, Li Pin had dedicated the past two days to deep meditation. He was nourishing his mental spirit and replenishing his depleted primordial qi with the Innate Qi-Refining Technique, which he had exhausted through his repeated use of the Blood-Seething and Great Sun Infinite Secret Arts.

Despite the brief period, Li Pin's meticulous control over his condition allowed for a swift recovery.

By the time the third round of the World's Top Martial Competition commenced, he appeared fully rejuvenated, showing no signs of his previous exertions.

***

As Li Pin stepped into the World's Top Martial Competition venue through the competitor's passage, the crowd erupted in thunderous cheers.

Everyone was shouting the names "Li Pin" and "Zhao Yushi."

Even the ordinary spectators understood that the battle between Li Pin and Zhao Yushi today would likely determine the world champion of the intermediate category.

If Li Pin won, he would rightfully claim the title of world champion.

If Zhao Yushi won... she would still need to face formidable opponents like the Great Sun Chosen One and Song Wuya. Nevertheless, as long as she didn’t suffer two defeats, the title would be hers to keep.

Given that Li Pin had already defeated the Great Sun Chosen One and Song Wuya, a victory over Li Pin would elevate Zhao Yushi's standing above them.

Understanding this, what would have been a relatively uneventful third round of the competition saw tickets sell out almost immediately. The unprecedented demand stemmed from the public's eagerness to witness what was destined to be a historic martial competition.

Amidst this feverish anticipation, all eyes were instinctively drawn to Li Pin and Zhao Yushi.n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om