Cultivation begins with ice harvesters

Chapter 74: Battle

"Scissors the willow leaves, and take them away."

The other cultivator, Liu Song, decisively summoned a mid-grade first-level scissor-shaped magic weapon before the conversation had even ended. The blades gleamed with layers of cold light as he aimed directly at the neck of a cultivator from the Chen family.

This cultivator was truly one who, once he struck, would deliver a thunderous blow to a vital point. If he succeeded, the Chen family cultivators on the other side would have no chance of escaping.

Furthermore, the willow-leaf scissors that were presented also had an unusual, oily sheen on them under the light, clearly indicating that they were used to poison someone.

"These rogue cultivators are truly petty and despicable, resorting to all sorts of underhanded and despicable tricks. They are utterly contemptible."

"Sixth brother, let's act quickly and defeat him, lest we prolong the time and become a laughingstock among our family brothers and elders."

Upon witnessing this scene, the second member of the Chen family was not worried about his brother's safety, but rather urged him to go all out and end the battle as quickly as possible.

"Ninth Brother, rest assured. Today, we will let these rogue cultivators witness the strength and foundation of the Chen family's cultivators. Flowing Light Sword, go!"

Facing the cultivators attacking with willow-leaf scissors, he appeared relaxed and at ease, as if he had never sensed the slightest threat during the battle.

As the sword light flashed from the storage pouch at his waist, four identical flying swords of the same size and shape shot out. One of them went straight for the willow leaf shears, while the other three transformed into streaks of light, shimmering with a cold gleam, and enveloped the willow pine tree.

The duel between the other two cultivators was equally intense. Liu Ting unleashed a first-grade mid-level hammer-shaped magic weapon, charging straight down at his opponent.

"Nine-Spirit Pig, go!"

The second cultivator from the Chen family patted the spirit beast pouch at his waist and released a large, ferocious-looking, first-tier mid-grade spirit beast, a wild boar with tusks.

The black mud that accumulates on the wild boar spirit beast's body over time forms an armor that provides natural defense against all kinds of attacks.

Its four hooves pounded the arena, and its massive body transformed into a streak of light, viciously crashing into Liu Ting. Such an attack from a spirit beast was naturally more lethal than an ordinary magical weapon.

At the same time, this cultivator from the Chen family summoned a mid-grade first-level shield and held it firmly in front of him. Despite being struck by the hammer-shaped magic weapon, it remained as solid as a mountain and did not budge in the slightest.

Clang!

Just then, the battle between the other two cultivators ended. Three flying swords were stuck in Liu Song's legs and left shoulder armor, respectively. Although they were not vital organs, blood gushed out incessantly, leaving a layer of bright red blood on the arena.

"My brother and I are completely defeated. We thank Fellow Daoist Chen for showing mercy."

Despite the excruciating pain, Liu Song clasped his hands in a salute, signifying his surrender in the battle. The fight ended in less than half an incense stick's time.

In fact, it can be seen from the battle that the brothers Liu Song and Liu Ting are not bad in terms of overall strength, but they were defeated so easily and decisively in the actual battle, which really brought a great shock and pressure to the cultivators who came to participate in the recruitment.

"Fellow Daoist Tong, the cultivators from the Chen family who are fighting today must have been carefully selected. If we want to win, I'm afraid it will be quite difficult."

Upon witnessing this scene, Liu Zong couldn't help but sigh. Clearly, this first contest, which was both demonstrative and decisively won, had successfully intimidated him.

"Fellow Daoist Liu, please calm down. Remember, our participation in this recruitment is not about defeating our opponents, but simply about holding out for the time it takes for an incense stick to burn. Besides, every cultivator who follows will be as outstanding as these two."

Faced with this decisive battle, Tong Bingfeng was indeed somewhat shocked, but he did not feel the slightest bit of fear. He remained rational and a competitive spirit rose within him, and he even felt an urgency to settle the score.

After all, if all the cultivators in the Chen family possessed such outstanding overall strength, this so-called recruitment would be completely meaningless.

"Fellow Daoist Tong is right; I was simply being stubborn."

Upon hearing this, Liu Zong's shock and slight fear subsided somewhat. He stood up straight, regaining his composure, seemingly wanting to gather more comprehensive and abundant information for the upcoming competition.

The second competition quickly began. Both sides were cultivators at the sixth level of Qi Refining. The two cultivators who came in response to the summons also decisively adopted different combat methods according to the actual situation. Two first-grade mid-level magic weapons, mainly for defense, firmly formed an effective defensive circle around their bodies.

Originally, this method of combat was quite effective, with both sides trading blows and creating a relatively stalemate. Although the Chen family cultivators had the upper hand and used all their methods, they could not achieve a quick victory, and half of the time it takes for an incense stick to burn had passed in the blink of an eye.

"Buzz"

Until one of the cultivators summoned a spirit beast, a swarm of hundreds of spirit bees. These little creatures were agile and specialized in ambushing through gaps in the defenses, directly breaking the barely maintained balance.

The two summoned cultivators, who were already at a disadvantage, immediately lost their balance under the corrosive effects of the spirit bee venom. They became flustered and had no choice but to surrender before their heads turned into pig heads, barely managing to save their lives.

"It's a pity that if these two fellow cultivators had continued to persevere, they might have been able to pass the test and become guardians of a resource point."

Tong Bingfeng was naturally quite disappointed, but under normal circumstances, without making comprehensive preparations in advance, facing the overwhelming swarm of spirit bees would be quite troublesome.

"Fellow Daoist Tong, it's our turn to step onto the stage. This competition cannot be a simple matter of defense or offense; both methods must be effectively combined."

At this moment, Liu Zong regained his composure and, while offering reminders, strode forward towards the arena.

"Fellow Daoist, this is a profound truth. As long as the two of us cooperate well, we can definitely hold out for the time it takes for an incense stick to burn. Although the Chen family cultivators are slightly stronger, they are not invincible. The most troublesome thing is the spirit beasts they keep in their spirit beast pouches."

"Once the spirit beasts appear, Fellow Daoist Liu will focus on fighting them. The two Chen clan cultivators will be temporarily held off by one of us. We must seize a resource point no matter what."

Tong Bingfeng's words were full of determination. For him, this resource point was the only option to embark on the formal journey of cultivation in the short term.

"Tong Bingfeng (Liu Zong) greets the two fellow Daoists of the Chen family. Our contest is not a fight to the death, so I humbly request that you two Daoists show mercy."

Tong Bingfeng and his companion bowed respectfully and gave a brief self-introduction. Their words were more humble than ever before, as they were trying their best to leave a good impression.

"This battle involves clan resource points, so we cannot easily give them up. You two should act accordingly."

One of the slightly older monks responded, his words equally resolute.