The audience below was still buzzing with discussion when Jiang Bai’s voice from the Governor Mansion rang out across the martial arena once again.
"Second match: Huang Miaoyin from Holy Pill Sect versus Zhu Juhu from Mad Saber Sect."
The powerful voice reignited everyone’s anticipation.
"Brother Gu, I lost again!"
Walking down from the martial arena, Lin Miaomiao approached Gu Sheng, feeling somewhat ashamed. After all, Gu Sheng had guided her, even helping her improve her Water-Piercing Sword Skill by incorporating techniques from the Dugu Nine Swords.
"Winning and losing are commonplace in martial contests—it’s just a match. No big deal. The key is to improve, and next time, you can reclaim it!"
Gu Sheng analyzed further, saying, "Do you know why you lost this time?"
"Why did I lose?"
"You lost because of your weapon!"
Gu Sheng confidently explained, "Your opponent’s weapon was a Low Grade Mystical Level Treasure, while yours was only a Top-grade Yellow Level weapon, which is an entire realm apart!"
As he spoke, Gu Sheng’s Storage Ring gleamed, and he took out a treasured sword. "This sword is called Lingyuan; it’s a Low Grade Mystical Level weapon."
He handed the sword to Lin Miaomiao.
"Thank you, Brother Gu!"
Lin Miaomiao’s face was full of gratitude, and the crowd watching also looked on with envy.
"Brother Gu is so generous."
"It’s really awesome to have a brother like him!"
"Brother Gu gained a lot of treasures during his last trial!"
The disciples from various sects whispered among themselves.
Gu Sheng continued, "With such a sword, the next time you meet an opponent like Lu Biluo, you won’t lose. At least, you won’t lose just because your weapon is inferior!"
Gu Sheng added, "But remember, weapons are ultimately external objects. What truly matters is personal strength—you must continue to cultivate diligently!"
"You’re absolutely right, Brother," Lin Miaomiao replied.
By now, Lin Miaomiao had completely transformed into Gu Sheng’s admirer, even though technically, her position was that of an elder sister in the sect.
While the two were speaking, the martial arena had already become a battlefield.
"Bang, bang, bang..."
Clang!
The sound of clashing metal rang out in the arena, accompanied by bursts of sparks as wind and thunder collided, and sonic waves roared like crashing cymbals and tinkling jade.
In the spectator seats, disciples from various sects and families were having lively discussions, their gaze fixed on the two contenders in the field—Huang Miaoyin from Holy Pill Sect and Zhu Juhu from Mad Saber Sect.
"Huang Miaoyin, whose cultivation is at the initial phase of the Golden Bone Realm, actually dares to challenge Zhu Juhu, a mid-stage Golden Bone Realm expert. Her courage is commendable!"
A disciple from Giant Sword Sect remarked.
"Courage she has, but the gap in strength is obvious. Zhu Juhu’s Wind and Thunder Halberd isn’t something to scoff at,"
A female disciple from Thousand Poison Sect scoffed, clearly not optimistic about Huang Miaoyin.
Another disciple from Holy Pill Sect couldn’t help but praise her.
In the arena, Huang Miaoyin carefully put away her pipa, offering a graceful smile to the disciples seated in the audience. She turned her gaze toward Gu Sheng below, feeling a surge of excitement within as she said, "Thank you, Brother Gu!"
Gu Sheng responded with a gentle smile, encouraging Huang Miaoyin, who then made her way down from the stage.
It was Gu Sheng who had integrated the Illusion Spirit Divine Tune into the pipa and taught her, greatly amplifying the power of the Miao Yin Pipa and ultimately securing her victory.
Even though she had won this match, Huang Miaoyin did not let excitement get the better of her.
She understood that this victory was merely a small step on her path of cultivation—she still had a long way to go.
Meanwhile, Zhu Juhu sat on the ground, his eyes flickering with an unwillingness to admit defeat.
A few disciples from Mad Saber Sect stepped forward to help him off the field.
The martial tournament continued, with disciples from numerous sects and families exchanging their views and insights.
They eagerly anticipated the upcoming matches, hoping to witness even greater excitement and for more underdog contestants to emerge, bringing fresh thrill to the tournament.
"Next match: Chu Haoran from Holy Pill Sect versus Linghu Qingwan from Giant Sword Sect."
With the Governor’s voice announcing the next pair of contestants, the tournament pressed on. By this point, several matches had already concluded.
Once again, the disciples from various sects and families turned their attention to the martial arena. Among the competitors were some extraordinary individuals boasting immense strength and exceptional talent.
"Chu Haoran, whose cultivation is at the initial phase of the Golden Bone Realm, dares to challenge Linghu Qingwan, a mid-stage Golden Bone Realm expert. Truly fearless, like a calf unafraid of a tiger!"
Shaking his head, a disciple from Mad Saber Sect sighed.

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