Chapter 292  : Chapter 292  : Duel Situation

Thump!

Thump!

When the oppressive pressure climbed again, two more people fell to the ground one after another.

One was a youth from the Li Family, the other was Prince Yang Jianfeng. Both of them couldn’t bear this level of pressure and fell, indicating their defeat.

The radiance flickered as both of them were consecutively sent out of the array. Yang Jianfeng, his face pale, carried an expression of regret. The youth from the Li Family, on the other hand, wore a look of utter frustration.

Thus, only four people remained within the array, and Fang Lin was among them.

At this point, everyone realized the pretense. Apparently, Fang Lin’s initial struggle was nothing but a charade.

The Li family members were annoyed. They had been completely deceived by Fang Lin. They had assumed that Fang Lin would fail early, but, unexpectedly, Fang Lin managed to persevere until now.

The royal family members present also commended Fang Lin. His performance was beyond their expectations. Both princes had been eliminated consecutively, yet Fang Lin, a pill refiner, stood unyielding, his strength unquestionable.

Fang Lin didn’t put up a front anymore. Standing straight, his demeanor was nonchalant, his posture reflecting the poise of an upright pine tree.

Compared to the others, Fang Lin seemed the most at ease. His prior struggles seemed nonexistent.

The remaining three individuals in the array were secretly shocked. They too had been fooled by Fang Lin. They didn’t anticipate his hidden strength, that he could maintain such composure under this frightening pressure.

Fang Lin, in a calm and composed manner, even casually lifted his hand to scratch his head, appearing unruffled. This sight further astonished the onlookers.

“Has this kid eaten some pill?”

“Very likely. How can he, a mere pill refiner, withstand until now?”

“I don’t think there’s a rule against consuming pills during this selection.”

“I simply refuse to believe that he can withstand this with his own strength.”

Many voiced their speculations, guessing that Fang Lin had consumed a particular pill to sustain until now.

Their suspicions intensified. After all, in their view, Fang Lin was just a gifted pill refiner. Pill refiners were known for their weak physical strength and certainly couldn’t compete with martial artists.

Yet here Fang Lin was, persisting within the array for such a long time, the only plausible explanation being him consuming a pill.

Regardless, even if Fang Lin had consumed a pill, no one would object. After all, pill consumption was permitted, even in the grand competition between the three nations.

Moreover, Fang Lin was a pill refiner. Pills were a part of his strength, and his consumption of them was justified.

However, they couldn’t have guessed that Fang Lin didn’t consume any pill. His endurance was purely dependant on his extraordinary personal abilities.

The oppressive force of the array might be strong, but Fang Lin had experienced the horrifying demon Qi in the Ten Thousand Beast Graveyard. Compared to that, the oppression from the array didn’t seem much.

Also, Fang Lin had refined a drop of Immortal Essence Blood, which enhanced his physical strength to compete with the Demon Beast, significantly stronger than an average human. If the pressure were to increase by a factor, Fang Lin would still remain unfazed.

His physical strength was unrivaled among his peers unless competing against a martial artist who trained their body exclusively.

The hour finally ended.

The terrifying pressure disappeared in an instant. Everyone within the array, including Fang Lin and the other three, felt their bodies lighten.

Apart from Fang Lin, the others released a long sigh. If the duration had lasted any longer, they would’ve likely couldn’t persist.

The oppressive force escalated over time, and without Fang Lin’s formidable physique, they naturally struggled to endure for a prolonged period.

With that, the first round of selection eliminated five individuals, leaving only four behind.

There remained two from the Li Family, one from the royal family, and a single entry from Purple Mist Sect was Fang Lin all along.

As the four stepped out of the array, both the Li Family youths and Prince Yang Wanshan were profoundly shocked by Fang Lin.

The least expected individual was the one who stood until the end, serving an embarrassing reality for everyone else.

The four approached and bowed deeply to the Emperor of Daqian.

Yang Jianye wore a smile. “The four of you persevered, proving your strength. Rest for a bit before we begin the second round of selection.”

The four complied and returned to their positions. They utilized this time to rejuvenate their energy and prepare for the second round of selection.

There was only one open spot for the substitute, and only four remained. It was natural to select the person amongst the four.

Each had a chance. However, overall, the Li Family had a higher probability.

The Li Family had two representatives left whereas the royal family and the Purple Mist Sect had one each, tipping the odds in favor of the Li Family.

However, no one could claim who had the best chance. Seemingly, the Li Family had the edge with two representatives, but both Prince Yang Wanshan and Fang Lin from the Purple Mist Sect gave off the impression of concealing their true strength. It wouldn’t be easy for the Li Family to defeat these two.

After an hour of rest, the four stood before the crowd again.

Yang Jianye addressed them. “From now on, it will be trial by combat. Pair up amongst you. The victor will proceed to the final trial. The ultimate victor secures the substitute position.”

Nobody opposed. The first round of selection was general, whereas the upcoming round would undoubtedly judge the strongest amongst the four.

“Let me arrange. Li Shengming against Yang Wanshan, and Li Tong against Fang Lin. Does anyone object?” After finishing, Yang Jianye turned his gaze towards Han Luoyun and Li Zhendong.

Han Luoyun nodded subtly, expressing no objection.

Meanwhile, Li Zhendong voiced his displeasure. “I find this arrangement inadequate. It should be decided by drawing lots.”

From Li Zhendong’s perspective, the ideal outcome would be an internal conflict within the Li Family and a duel between Fang Lin and Yang Wanshan. In that case, the Li Family could assure **********, making it a safer bet.

However, if they were to fight against Yang Wanshan and Fang Lin separately, the chance of dual defeat loomed over them.

Li Zhendong wasn’t distrustful of his kinsmen, rather it was the lack of security in such a situation.

Yang Jianye glanced at Han Luoyun and chuckled, “What do you think of Head Li’s proposal, Brother Han?”

Han Luoyun lightly smiled, “If we are to draw lots, then let’s draw.”

Yang Jianye agreed and subsequently arranged for drawing lots.

Li Zhendong heaved a sigh of relief when he saw the drawing results. It was indeed the situation he deemed most favorable, an internal conflict within the Li Family and a fight between Yang Wanshan and Fang Lin.