A Useless Person's Rise to Power

Chapter 5 Outer Sect Competition: A one-sided crushing victory shocks the entire audience.

Three days passed in the blink of an eye.

The outer sect martial arts arena of the Qingyun Sect was already packed with people, banners were waving, and drums were beating. The annual outer sect competition officially began today. The winners would not only receive a large amount of spirit stones and pills, but would also be directly promoted to the inner sect, achieving instant success.

On the high platform in the square, several outer sect elders sat solemnly. The surrounding stands were filled with disciples, their voices clamoring and their eyes fixed on the ten-foot-high blue stone arena in the center.

And among the people today, one name is being mentioned repeatedly—Qin Zhan.

Three days ago, he crippled Zhao Hu with a single punch in the Resource Hall, defeated two henchmen with a flick of his finger, and shattered Zhou Kun with a single kick. With his eighth-level Body Tempering cultivation, he swept aside all the challengers and reclaimed the resources he was entitled to. Overnight, he went from being the number one useless person in the outer sect to a ruthless man respected by everyone.

For the past three days, Qin Zhan has remained secluded, frantically absorbing resources. His cultivation has quietly stabilized at the peak of the ninth level of Body Tempering, with one foot already stepping into the threshold of the Qi Gathering Realm. The "Burning Heaven Battle Emperor Technique" continuously tempers his physical body, making his Chaotic Battle Soul increasingly refined, and his combat power far exceeding his apparent realm.

At this moment, Qin Zhan stood in a corner of the crowd, his gray outer sect uniform still simple, yet no one dared to underestimate him anymore. He stood with his hands behind his back, his gaze calmly fixed on the arena, a fighting spirit lurking deep in his eyes, yet without a trace of impatience.

Several disciples beside him secretly observed him, each with their own thoughts.

"That's Qin Zhan? I heard he crippled four outer sect experts in one go three days ago in the Resource Hall..."

"Ninth level of Body Tempering? He was just a useless third-level cultivator before. This rate of improvement is terrifying."

"However, the outer sect competition is full of hidden talents. Wang Teng and Li Hao are both at the peak of the ninth level of Body Tempering, and some even have one foot in the Qi Gathering Realm. He may not be able to win for sure."

"I think he's just a flash in the pan. When he meets a real master, he'll definitely be exposed for what he is."

These whispers, though not loud, all reached Qin Zhan's ears.

He sneered inwardly, but remained outwardly calm.

A group of frogs at the bottom of a well cannot know the ambition of a roc.

Today's outer sect competition is not only about winning first place, but also about establishing his authority and using this opportunity to intimidate others, so that even the inner sect members and elders will remember his name, Qin Zhan.

This is not recklessness, but a well-thought-out plan.

On the high platform, an elder in gray robes slowly rose and announced in a loud voice: "The outer sect competition officially begins! Matches will be drawn by lot; losers will be eliminated, and winners will advance to compete for the final championship!"

The drawing of lots begins.

Qin Zhan casually drew a cigarette, and his opponent was a disciple at the seventh level of Body Tempering.

When the man saw that his opponent was Qin Zhan, his face turned deathly pale, his legs went weak, and he had only one thought in his mind—it's over.

The fates of Zhao Hu and Zhou Kun are still fresh in our minds. What difference is there between him going up there and sending himself to his death?

Before the elder could announce the start, the disciple immediately cupped his hands and said in a trembling voice, "I...I concede!"

The moment the words were spoken, the entire room fell silent.

They didn't even dare to fight, they just surrendered?

An uproar erupted in the stands, and even the elders on the high platform glanced at them slightly.

An elder stroked his beard and thought to himself: This boy's power has reached the point of subduing the enemy without a fight. He is no ordinary man.

Qin Zhan remained calm, as if he had expected this all along.

That's exactly the effect he wanted—to seize the initiative, to intimidate the opponent before the battle even begins, and to psychologically secure victory.

In the second round, Qin Zhan's opponent was Zhang Meng, a disciple at the eighth level of Body Tempering, who was burly and reckless.

Seeing Qin Zhan advance so easily, Zhang Meng felt jealous and resentful, thinking to himself: He just got lucky and picked up a few easy targets. Does he really think he's invincible?

Upon stepping onto the stage, Zhang Meng, without a word, circulated his entire body's energy and roared as he charged forward, his fists whistling fiercely: "Qin Zhan, don't think you're so arrogant just because you beat a few trash. Today I'll shatter your illusions!"

The disciples in the stands started to clamor.

"Zhang Meng has made his move! This punch has the force of a thousand pounds!"

"Qin Zhan is doomed!"

An elder on the high platform, who had some acquaintance with Zhou Kun, sneered and thought to himself: "That ignorant fool is finally going to get his comeuppance."

Qin Zhan stood still, watching Zhang Meng rush towards him, a hint of disdain flashing in his eyes.

The opponent's qi and blood were weak and unstable, and his fist technique was full of flaws. Under the insight of his Chaos Battle Soul, every move was crystal clear.

This was his first move—to remain unchanged amidst all changes, lure the enemy into a strong attack, and expose his weaknesses.

Just as the fist was about to strike, Qin Zhan suddenly shifted his body to the side, effortlessly dodging the attack.

At the same time, his right hand, with fingers pointing like a sword, gathered a wisp of Heaven-Burning True Qi at the fingertips, and struck Zhang Meng's Jianjing acupoint with lightning speed.

"Ugh!"

Zhang Meng cried out in pain as his entire arm went numb and all his strength vanished.

Qin Zhan took the opportunity to lightly stomp his foot, seemingly without force, but precisely kicking the back of his knee.

"Thump!"

Zhang Meng knelt down and slammed his knees hard onto the bluestone arena. He was in excruciating pain but could not move.

One move to defeat the enemy.

The entire room fell silent.

Fast! Too fast!

Before anyone could even see how Qin Zhan made his move, the battle was over.

Zhang Meng was shocked, furious, and terrified. He roared, "You cheated!"

Qin Zhan looked down at him, his voice indifferent: "If you lack strength, you accuse your opponent of cheating? In the Lingxiao Continent, only victory and defeat matter, not excuses."

As soon as he finished speaking, he lightly kicked Zhang Meng off the stage.

Clean and neat.

A collective gasp rippled through the stands.

"One move...one move and he was defeated at the eighth level of Body Tempering?"

"Is he even human? Is his cultivation level really only at the ninth level of Body Tempering?"

The elders on the high platform exchanged glances, all seeing shock in each other's eyes.

This young man is not only incredibly strong in combat, but his attacks are also cunning and precise, targeting acupoints and weaknesses. He is clearly more intelligent than his peers, possessing both courage and strategy, and is by no means a brute who only knows brute force.

In the third round, Qin Zhan faced off against Li Hao, a veteran powerhouse from the outer sect.

Li Hao is at the peak of the ninth level of Body Tempering and cultivates a mid-level Yellow Rank technique. He is extremely famous in the outer sect and was originally a candidate for the inner sect.

Upon seeing that his opponent was Qin Zhan, Li Hao's expression turned serious, but he remained confident: "I have cultivated diligently for many years, and my foundation is solid. He is just a nouveau riche who suddenly rose to prominence; his foundation is definitely not as strong as mine. As long as I fight steadily and surely, I will be able to defeat him."

After Li Hao took the lead, he did not launch an offensive, but instead defended the battlefield impenetrably, trying to wear down Qin Zhan's patience.

Many disciples in the stands nodded in agreement: "Li Hao is smart; he doesn't confront Qin Zhan head-on."

"If this drags on, Qin Zhan will inevitably reveal a weakness."

Seeing this, Qin Zhan understood.

If the opponent wants to wage a war of attrition, then he will go with the flow and set up a second trap—to feign weakness and lure the enemy out.

Qin Zhan deliberately made his breathing slightly disordered and his moves slowed down, as if he was running out of energy.

Li Hao's eyes lit up, and he was overjoyed: As expected, the foundation was insufficient! The opportunity has arrived!

Without further hesitation, he channeled all his cultivation and unleashed his ultimate technique, launching a fierce and relentless attack on Qin Zhan.

"Prepare to die!"

Just as Li Hao unleashed his full power, exposing all his weaknesses, a cold glint flashed in Qin Zhan's eyes.

His feigned fatigue vanished, and he unleashed the full power of his Chaos Battle Soul, his Heaven-Burning Battle Intent erupting with a deafening roar.

"This is the moment I've been waiting for."

Qin Zhan's figure suddenly disappeared from the spot, so fast that he left behind an afterimage.

Li Hao felt a blur before his eyes, and then a hand gently pressed against his chest.

The seemingly gentle palm strike contained the power to shatter mountains and rocks.

"Bang!"

Li Haoru was struck hard, his body flew backward, spitting out a mouthful of blood in mid-air, and crashed heavily onto the stage, losing consciousness.

The reversal came too suddenly, and the entire audience fell silent.

First feign weakness, then lure the enemy, and finally deliver the decisive blow.

One thing leads to another, and there's a scheme within a scheme.

The elder on the high platform was completely moved:

"Deeply calculating and adept at knowing when to advance and retreat, this young man's intellect rivals that of a seasoned strategist!"

"Not only is his combat power extraordinary, but he is also extremely skilled in strategic planning; his future is limitless!"

After overcoming numerous obstacles, Qin Zhan easily advanced to the finals.

His opponent was none other than Wang Teng, the top expert in the outer sect.

Wang Teng comes from a prestigious outer sect family and has had abundant resources since childhood. His cultivation level is at the peak of the ninth level of Body Tempering, half a step into the Qi Gathering Realm. He cultivates advanced Yellow-rank techniques and is recognized as the number one in the minor competition. He has long been designated as the inner sect leader.

At this moment, Wang Teng stood on the arena, his face grim, staring intently at Qin Zhan, his heart surging with killing intent:

A lowly good-for-nothing dares to steal my thunder? In today's final, I will not only defeat you, but also cripple your cultivation, ensuring you never rise again!

The stands were filled with deafening cheers, with most people supporting Wang Teng.

"Senior Brother Wang Teng will definitely win!"

"No matter how strong Qin Zhan is, he can't possibly overcome the gap of being only half a step into the Qi Gathering Realm!"

Realm: First Level of Body Tempering Realm

Double Qi Gathering Realm

Triple Spirit Sea Realm

Four Realms of True Spirit

Fifth level of King Realm

Sixth level Emperor Realm

Seven Sacred Realms

Eighth Emperor Realm

Nine Heavens Venerable Realm

Ten Battles Supreme Realm (Peak)

Each realm is further divided into three stages: early, middle, and late, with vastly different levels of strength at each stage...

Wang Teng sneered and said arrogantly, "Qin Zhan, you've come this far, so you must have some skill. But the finals are your end. Kneel down, kowtow, and admit defeat, and I might spare your life."

Qin Zhan slowly walked onto the arena, his gaze calm: "Noisy."

Those three words completely enraged Wang Teng.

"court death!"

Wang Teng suddenly rose up, his body surrounded by spiritual energy. The pressure of a half-step Qi Gathering Realm cultivator swept across the entire arena. He unleashed his full power with a high-level Yellow Rank technique, his fist shadows like mountains, pressing down.

He wanted to crush Qin Zhan with absolute strength and reclaim the glory that belonged to him.

All the elders on the high platform watched intently.

This battle is the true showdown of the titans.

Qin Zhan's expression remained indifferent, but in his mind he was deducing the final layer of the overall situation—

First, withstand the attack and show resilience, then reveal your strength, and finally deliver the decisive blow. This will not only intimidate the disciples but also make the elders truly value you, paving the way for your future advancement into the inner sect and obtaining the qualification for the secret realm.

He neither dodged nor avoided the punch, taking it head-on from Wang Teng.

"Bang!"

The shockwave exploded, and cracks spread across the bluestone arena.

Qin Zhan took two steps back, seemingly at a disadvantage.

Seeing this, Wang Teng was overjoyed and intensified his attack: "Let's see how long you can hold out!"

Just when everyone thought Qin Zhan was about to be defeated, flames blazed in Qin Zhan's eyes.

"The performance is over."

The "Burning Heaven Battle Emperor Technique" was activated with a roar, and the blood and qi in his body surged like a great river, releasing an invincible battle intent from his chaotic battle soul.

Qin Zhan no longer held back, unleashing a punch that was surrounded by flames that burned everything in its path.

"A Heaven-Burning Strike!"

This punch embodied all his cultivation, and was a precise strike after seeing through the opponent's weakness.

Wang Teng's smug expression froze instantly, replaced by extreme fear.

He felt a force that could scorch mountains and boil seas rushing towards him, and his own attacks melted away instantly, like ice and snow meeting fire.

"No--!"

A scream.

Wang Teng flew backward like a kite with a broken string, crashing heavily onto the edge of the arena. The sound of his bones shattering was clearly audible, and his dantian trembled. He was almost crippled.

He lay on the ground, looking at Qin Zhan standing like a god of war on the arena, his heart filled with nothing but endless despair and resentment:

I actually... lost? Lost to someone who was a complete loser just three days ago?

The entire hall fell into a deathly silence.

Then, a deafening roar soared into the sky.

"We won! Qin Zhan won!"

"He defeated Wang Teng! He's now the top outer disciple!"

"Completely crushing all before them, never suffering a defeat—that's terrifying!"

The disciples' gazes toward Qin Zhan transformed into one of complete awe and reverence.

Those who had mocked him before were now blushing with embarrassment, filled with lingering fear.

Those who wanted to cause him trouble have long since given up on the idea and don't even dare to breathe loudly.

On the high platform, the leading elder suddenly stood up, his voice excited, echoing throughout the entire area:

"First place in this year's outer sect competition—Qin Zhan!"

The applause and cheers were deafening.

Qin Zhan stood atop the arena, facing the gazes of the crowd, his posture upright and his fighting spirit soaring to the heavens.

His expression was calm, without the slightest hint of arrogance.

Dominating the outer gates was merely the first stepping stone on his path to the top.

Today's strategic planning, patience, explosive power, and overwhelming victory have already left an indelible mark on everyone's hearts.

Especially the elders on the high platform, their gazes towards him had changed—

This young man possesses the bearing of a king and will surely become a pillar of the Qingyun Sect in the future.

Amidst the crowd, a graceful figure in white stood quietly, her gaze fixed on the young man on the arena, her eyes sparkling with admiration.

Su Qingyuan had arrived at the scene at some point and witnessed the entire battle.

From feigning weakness to luring the enemy, to concealing schemes within schemes, and finally delivering the decisive blow, Qin Zhan's bravery, wisdom, temperament, and shrewdness far surpass those of his contemporaries.

"Qin Zhan..."

Su Qingyuan softly uttered the name, her cool eyes filled with growing appreciation and anticipation.

She was certain that this young man, who rose from the dust, would eventually soar to great heights, unstoppable by anyone.

But their paths had only just begun.