While Elder Lai Chang was getting depressed over his future circumstances, Elder Wu was excited for the coming years to see the rise of Hunt's top disciples. Though the average cultivation of Seventh Peak was lowest of all the peaks this time, the Top disciples were the cream of the crop among all the Outer Court Disciples in the Gracious Sword Sect.
This boosted his confidence as he thought soon he would be able to gloat over the old fogies of other peaks too over the talent of these disciples and keep his head high in the next Elder's Meeting.
While Elder Mu was the least surprised one of the Elder trio in the battle, and he became even more reassured over his choice of investing in Fang Chen. Steadying his thought, he came forward and announced the beginning of the next round, "Disciple Qin Shunyuan, do you wish to challenge any of the higher-ranked disciples?"
QIn Shunyuan, who was ranked tenth and was recuperating and stabilizing his breakthrough all this time, after a moment of thought, he stood up and declared, "Elders, my cultivation isn't stable yet, challenging anyone at this moment will have a detrimental effect on my future. I will abstain from this opportunity without wasting everyone's time. I do not wish to challenge anyone"
Elder Mu nodded, "As long as it's your conscious decision." He then turned towards the Seventh Ranked disciple, Tan Ru, who wasn't called out last time and asked him, "Disciple Tan Ru, do you wish to challenge anyone?"
"This disciple knows his limits, and won't give any futile challenges." Tan Ru too didn't wish to challenge any of the top disciples. With his cultivation at the 7th Level of Qi Refining, he knew what the outcome would be if he challenged anyone ranked higher than him.
Elder Mu shook his head and then turned towards the next disciples, "Disciple Zheng Xiang, do you wish to challenge anyone?"
Zheng Xiang stood up. And so did the anticipation among disciples. Zheng Xiang was the real dark horse of this Event. And in his previous battles, he had completely dominated his opponents. The disciples were excited to see one more match of him going against higher-ranked disciples and what they wanted most was a head-on confrontation between Zheng Xiang and Fang Chen as the finale of the Hunt.
However, Zheng Xiang had other plans. He jumped on the battle stage and declared his challenge, "Brother Ling Yun, please give me some pointers."
Ling Yun jumped on the stage and snarled, "Did you not notice that no one was challenging me? Do you really think just because you surprised everyone with your cultivation, you are worthy enough to challenge me?"
Zheng Xiang put on a serious face, "We will see if I am worthy or not."
Ling Yun was angered, "Let's see then." He then unsheathed his sword and struck.
Being an older and well-known disciple, Ling Yun had a fair share of experience in spars and even some life and death encounters on missions given by the Martial Mission Hall.
He had missed last time's Inner Court Entrance Hunt, but at that time he was only at the 4th Level of Qi Refining realm, and his chances to get into the Inner Court were almost nil even if he had taken part in the Hunt. But now, his cultivation has increased leaps and bounds, and he was confident to say that he was going to be in the top three if not the number one outer court disciple.
Swinging his sword, Ling Yun struck, aiming for the neck. Zheng Xiang didn't falter and immediately took out his sword to block the incoming attack. Both of them exchanged a few moves. As their cultivation auras spread out, it turned out to be equally matched at the 8th Level of Qi Refining.
However, in battles and spars, even if the cultivation of both sides was equally matched, it might not mean that both sides were equal in strength. Instinct, experience, technique, confidence, and practice become the main factors that decide the result. And in this battle, this seemed to be the case.
Zheng Xiang had an upper hand and was in full control of the battle. Ling Yun was thoroughly suppressed. Even though he was an older disciple, and should be the one in lead with his experience, it seemed they fell short in terms of Zheng Xiang's.
After clashing for more than a hundred moves, Zheng Xiang saw an opening and kicked Ling Yun in the abdomen. Ling Yun fell back, and before he could regain his balance, Zheng Xiang sent another blow towards him, thoroughly thwarting him off the stage.
The audience cheered as they were thrilled to see the match. Though most of them were expecting this outcome, they were still surprised by how one-sided this match was.
"This match, Zheng Xiang wins!" Elder Mu announced the result, creating another wave of cheering among the disciples.
Zheng Xiang was ranked last, and now he had become one of the Top Three. And due to him being at a lower rank earlier, many disciples supported and cheered for him.
Ling Yun slammed his fist on the ground and returned to the participants' seats, his frustration could be easily seen by his frustration.
Elder Wu had a gratified expression on his face, while the other two elders still had a solemn face.
Elder Mu didn't waste any more time and asked, "Disciple Mao Rong, do you wish to challenge anyone?"
Mao Rong stood straight and said, "This disciple doesn't wish to challenge anyone."
Elder Mu nodded and declared, "Alright. The Third Stage comes to an end with this and so does the Inner Court Entrance Hunt, we will now announce the results and handover the rewards!"