Chapter 142: Bai Feiyu Concedes

This time, including Bai Feiyu, there were nine participants at the fourth level of the Shackles Realm. At this stage, such cultivation is rarely found in ordinary sects. Even if a sect possesses such talent, they would likely have already participated in the sect grand tournament and become core disciples, making their presence here unnecessary. Consequently, the number of participants was very small. Bai Feiyu’s appearance here was purely an accident, driven primarily by his formidable combat prowess.

Looking at the other fourth-level Shackles Realm disciples around him, Bai Feiyu felt a sense of poignancy. Each of these individuals was likely the elite of the elite, a standout among geniuses. Their methods would surely be extraordinary, and he realized that winning the ultimate championship would be nearly impossible. Nevertheless, Bai Feiyu did not feel intimidated. He wanted to test for himself just how powerful the fourth level of the Shackles Realm truly was and whether it was a peak beyond his reach.

In the first round, Bai Feiyu was the first to take the stage. It seemed that even the organizers of the tournament no longer expected him to maintain his streak of brilliance, hence his early placement. Upon entering the arena, Bai Feiyu discovered that his opponent was none other than Gu Tianxun, the leader of the Eagle Alliance. He had not expected to be pitted against someone from his own sect. Yet, he reasoned this was likely to save face for the Guixu Sect; after all, losing to one of their own was far better than being defeated by an outsider.

Once on the stage, Gu Tianxun narrowed his eyes at Bai Feiyu and said, "I truly never expected you to make it this far, to stand against me in the end. I finally understand your arrogance a little; it is no wonder you looked down on our Eagle Alliance. If you continue to grow at this rate, I fear that even I will not be your match in time."

Bai Feiyu smiled calmly. The leader of the Eagle Alliance was different from his subordinates and, relatively speaking, easier to converse with. Bai Feiyu replied indifferently, "My apologies. I have consistently turned down the Eagle Alliance because my heart craves freedom and I cannot bear to be bound. I am sorry."

Watching their exchange, the audience was confused, as only those from the Guixu Sect understood the context. It had become an open secret that the Eagle Alliance had repeatedly invited Bai Feiyu, only to be rejected. Those present, being the top disciples of the Guixu Sect, were naturally aware of this.

This time, none of the Guixu Sect disciples, including those from the Eagle Alliance, chose to place a bet. It was a difficult situation; one side was the spiritual leader of the sect’s disciples, and the other was Bai Feiyu, who had helped them win significant sums of money. Even the general audience refrained from betting. Firstly, most had run out of money, and secondly, Bai Feiyu had cast a long shadow of doubt over them. Many were now afraid of him; he always appeared to be the weakest and seemed on the verge of defeat, only to stage a miraculous comeback every time. They no longer dared to bet lightly.

"Come then, let me see how powerful the leader of the Eagle Alliance truly is!" Bai Feiyu smiled and drew his War God Spear, ready for a decisive battle. He knew the leader would not resort to the underhanded torture used by the Jin-Guang Sect, so he was at ease. It was time to settle things with the Eagle Alliance; otherwise, they would likely continue to pester him upon his return to the sect. He was truly exhausted by the matter.

Gu Tianxun nodded and drew his own Fangtian Halberd. The battle began. This time, Bai Feiyu fought with all his might, and the gap between them was not as wide as one might think; he was certainly capable of contending with his opponent. After more than an hour of intense combat, both stood on the stage, gasping for air. To end the fight definitively would take time, and Bai Feiyu estimated that to win, he would need to continuously use his system to scavenge attributes for recovery, which might even lead to a breakthrough in his cultivation.

Exposing the system was not something he desired. After weighing his options, Bai Feiyu conceded in front of everyone: "I admit defeat!"

The arena fell into a deathly silence. Even the disciples of the Guixu Sect stared in disbelief. Given Bai Feiyu’s performance, he clearly had the strength to keep fighting. Why would he surrender at such a critical juncture? It defied logic. After all, who wouldn't want to exert their full strength to test their own limits?

For geniuses at this level, who lacked a competitive spirit? Yet, Bai Feiyu had set aside his pride and chosen to concede, leaving everyone bewildered.

"You are conceding?" Gu Tianxun was still stunned, unable to grasp why Bai Feiyu would give up. But as he watched Bai Feiyu walk off the stage with an air of nonchalance, he could only heave a long sigh and let him go. The result was set: Bai Feiyu had surrendered and handed the victory to Gu Tianxun.

Some in the crowd speculated that the concession was ordered by the Guixu Sect. After all, though Bai Feiyu had just broken through to the Shackles Realm, he still lacked the seasoning of a veteran expert like Gu Tianxun. Perhaps the sect wanted Gu Tianxun to proceed and defeat the other opponents. However, the members of the Guixu Sect were just as confused as the rest. Only Bai Feiyu knew the truth, and he cared little for the rumors, returning to his seat to watch the subsequent matches.

"What is the meaning of this?" the sect master asked, approaching Bai Feiyu with a puzzled expression. While sect honor was important, the master did not wish for Bai Feiyu to sacrifice himself for the sake of the sect, as the sect could not restrict a disciple forever.

"I am tired. I have been brilliant enough; I no longer wish to pursue the first-place title," Bai Feiyu explained. "Let this opportunity go to Gu Tianxun; he is a bit stronger than me."

Upon hearing this, the surrounding Guixu Sect disciples looked at Bai Feiyu with newfound awe. They were deeply impressed by his willingness to set aside his own competitive drive for the greater honor of the sect.