Zhang Yiyi didn't think there was anything wrong with having a Peak Qi Condensation Stage opponent in the elimination round against an eighth-level Qi practitioner like herself. After all, the purpose of the elimination round is to eliminate the weaker participants.

However, since her senior sister was so concerned about her, she was naturally more critical. Given the chaotic situation in yesterday's arena, it was normal to have such doubts today. In reality, for Zhang Yiyi, all Qi Condensation disciples participating in the competition were opponents she needed to defeat. Thus, it didn't matter whom she faced first or if it was a coincidence or deliberate arrangement; everything was the same.

It has always been common for outer sect disciples to suppress their cultivation level in the Qi Condensation stage to be selected by a powerful master after entering the inner sect, rather than merely being listed under some peak as a nominal inner sect disciple. Those with skill and confidence often wait to make a name for themselves during the sect competition rather than rushing to the Foundation Establishment Stage prematurely.

Such practices are quite common. For instance, among the Qi Condensation group of disciples participating in this year's sect competition, there are no less than ten at the Great Perfection of the Qi Condensation Stage. Apart from a few who simply followed their natural progression, the vast majority have deliberately suppressed their cultivation.

Zhang Yiyi's opponent, Brother Xie, was a typical example of the latter. Despite being able to reach the Foundation Establishment Stage several years ago, he intentionally suppressed his cultivation for four to five years in anticipation of this sect competition opportunity.

"Even if there really is a ghost, it's no matter. Sooner or later, I'd have to face it," Zhang Yiyi said calmly, shaking her head. She didn't care who her first opponent was. She was determined to become the top disciple of the competition. Unless her opponent was at a level lower than the Qi Condensation Stage, there was no difference between facing someone at the first layer or the Great Perfection of the Qi Condensation Stage.

"Outer Nine Peaks' Zhang Yiyi!"

"Outer Three Peaks' Xie Lin!"

As they took the stage, the two exchanged their names, and the match between a Qi Condensation Stage eighth layer cultivator and a Great Perfection Qi Condensation cultivator was about to begin.

The crowd gathered around the arena noticed the significant difference in cultivation levels between the two contestants and immediately felt that the outcome was already decided.

"Tsk, tsk, that little junior sister really has bad luck. She faces a Great Perfection senior brother in her first match. She'll probably be eliminated right here."

"What's the big deal? She's only at the eighth layer of Qi Condensation. Sooner or later, she'd be eliminated. No matter how good her luck, she won't make it into the top twenty."

The top twenty would receive Foundation Establishment Pills as rewards, and making it into the top ten would mean entering the inner sect. To them, Zhang Yiyi, who was only at the eighth layer of Qi Condensation, was no match for the many Great Perfection cultivators this year, not to mention the numerous at the tenth layer of Qi Condensation.

"Hey, why does that junior sister look a bit familiar?"

"Really? I haven't seen her before."

......

Regardless of the spectators' comments, Zhang Yiyi and Xie Lin on the stage were unaffected. In a moment, they had started their battle.

Though Xie Lin was confident, he was not careless. He drew a lower-grade magic bow and, after preparing, shot an arrow directly at Zhang Yiyi. Although it was a test shot and not his full strength, the power of the magic weapon in Xie Lin's hands was impressive, and the force was far beyond what a Qi Condensation Stage eighth layer cultivator could withstand.

The strength displayed by this attack was formidable. Zhang Yiyi naturally did not underestimate it. With a flip of her hand, she immediately drew her middle-grade magic sword, which had already been bound to her. The first form of the Qingping Sword Technique was executed, its plain yet unusual sword intent meeting Xie Lin's arrow head-on.

The two forces collided in mid-air, unexpectedly creating a deadlock rather than the one-sided outcome everyone anticipated. This unexpected twist added freshness and attention to the match, with more spectators gathering, quietly calculating how long the Qi Condensation eighth layer junior sister could withstand the Great Perfection Qi Condensation senior brother's attacks. After about seven or eight breaths, with a "bang," the two forces exploded simultaneously. To everyone's surprise, Zhang Yiyi only took a single step back before regaining her footing without any injury.

The spectators below the stage were shocked, and even Xie Lin, who had been prepared, had his expression change slightly. He was aware of the effort he put into that attack, but Zhang Yiyi managed to receive it well, showing she had some skill and was indeed worthy of his attention. Only Pan Yuexin was ecstatic, feeling that her Junior Sister was indeed formidable, even if only at the Qi Condensation eighth layer, far surpassing ordinary people, and demonstrating a powerful ability to challenge beyond her level.

With this, Xie Lin naturally held nothing back and soon had another sharp arrow in hand. Without a word, he drew his bow and shot, the killing intent pressing directly towards Zhang Yiyi. The arrow used all of his cultivation, and its enormous power created a strong aura that suppressed many spectators below.

Tsk, tsk, the true strength of the Great Perfection Qi Condensation is indeed extraordinary. This time, the Qi Condensation eighth layer junior sister definitely cannot withstand it and will have to concede defeat.

On the stage, Zhang Yiyi was determined not to concede but her face did become serious. Instead of directly countering with her sword, she quickly activated the ancient divine blood in her body, using the fourth stage of body tempering power to form the most solid defense, blocking the powerful aura of Xie Lin's arrow from within two meters.

After breaking free from the suppression, Zhang Yiyi's spiritual power surged. She flipped her sword and used the Qingping Sword Technique once more, continuously fending off the incoming arrows with unwavering determination.

The spectators below were stunned. They had never seen the Qingping Sword Technique, a basic sect technique, used so skillfully and yet not inferior in a fight against a Great Perfection cultivator.

Is this person really at the Qi Condensation eighth layer? Could she be concealing her true level?

While others were astonished, Xie Lin quickly fired two more arrows, creating a siege from three different directions, overwhelming Zhang Yiyi's defense.

The three arrows were not just a simple triple power addition but effectively constrained Zhang Yiyi, leaving her no place to dodge. The situation rapidly shifted, and Zhang Yiyi was left with only the strength to barely block the attacks. The mismatch in cultivation levels led to rapid and substantial depletion of her spiritual power, putting her in unprecedented danger. She could only last for a few more breaths at most.

With no way to retreat, she decided to advance. Moreover, she had had enough of only passively taking hits from the start.

Zhang Yiyi acted decisively. She slapped her storage bag with her left hand, sending a pile of low-grade talismans flying toward the nearest arrow. Meanwhile, with her right hand, she threw the middle-grade magic sword with a fierce and vigorous sword intent to intercept Xie Lin's second arrow.

In the next moment, Zhang Yiyi, with empty hands, transformed into a streak of light, using the fourth stage of body tempering to its limits. She used her fists as weapons, striking the final arrow with explosive speed and power.