The gap between the fourth and third layers was not something that could be bridged simply by emotion! Otherwise, so many people wouldn't be stuck on the third layer, with some unable to break through to the Spirit Body stage!
This meant that unless a miracle occurred, there would be no one from the third layer or below left in the擂台赛 (defense contest) from now on!
It could be said that Yu Hui's sudden move not only stunned the other cultivators at the fourth layer but also ignited the anger of many at the third layer.
"Damn it, Yu Hui, didn't you see we haven't gone up yet! Are you in a hurry to get back to cook for your wife?"
Among cultivators, it was generally their own self that was prioritized, both externally and internally. They had to maintain their sense of self. It was hard to say whether this was good or bad, because for the cultivator themselves, this mindset was conducive to enlightenment and cultivation.
However, for their own families, it could appear somewhat overbearing.
Therefore, the phrase "hurrying back to cook for your wife" was considered a mockery in the cultivator circles.
Of course, it was the same for female cultivators.
Yu Hui's face also turned gloomy in an instant.
"Hmph, if you're not convinced, come up and fight me! I've given you opportunities long ago. Dawdling here like a woman!"
The man who shouted was instantly silenced by the retort, as he truly did not dare to challenge. Although he considered himself a genius, his third-layer strength was not enough to fight across four layers.
With their leader acting like this, the others at the third layer were even more so. For a moment, they were all red-faced, filled with indignation but not knowing where to vent it!
Among the people who were also at the third layer, only Xiao Liu, who was facing Yu Hui, felt surprise.
Wouldn't his ranking be among the top of the third layer?
If this were truly the case, he would have brought honor to his family upon his return!
Uncle Quan, however, did not express much and directly announced the start of the match.
Just as Yu Hui was about to make a move, Xiao Liu very sensibly shouted, "I forfeit! I give up defending the擂台!"
These words were not spoken with any shame but were faintly tinged with excitement. After all, the thought of distinguishing himself among the elites of the third layer made him unable to help but smile.
It was truly heaven-sent!
Even Li Chonglou, watching from the stands, shook his head. Such luck was unparalleled.
However, after Xiao Liu stepped down, he suddenly realized that the gazes directed at him were not of envy.
Instead, they were chilling!
"Damn it, isn't this fire going to burn me?"
Xiao Liu immediately sensed that something was amiss. The joy that had just arisen was extinguished as if a bucket of ice water had been poured over him from head to toe.
It was over. If they were all going to vent their anger on him, it would be a net loss!
Just as Xiao Liu was regretting it, some cultivators at the fourth layer could no longer stand it and directly stepped onto the擂台 to face Yu Hui.
As soon as the match began, Li Chonglou's attention also focused on it. Both were using secret techniques, but those at the fourth layer were more easily able to discern the intricacies.
After a few probing moves, the two immediately unleashed their ultimate skills. The fight above was fierce, and Li Chonglou below watched with great interest.
The people in the Soul Bottle were also experimenting through temporary windows, with Old Lin and Cai Hong being the most diligent, as they could conduct experiments immediately.
To conserve energy, both finished their battles as quickly as possible. However, the result was somewhat unexpected, with Yu Hui being the last one remaining on the擂台.
However, his aura had clearly become rougher. Although it was a clash of internal energy, internal energy would also affect physical stamina.
When the next challenger appeared, Yu Hui could no longer hold on. At a critical moment, he gave up the direct confrontation and voluntarily surrendered.
At this point, surrendering only meant losing the qualification to defend the擂台. However, if one lost the qualification to fight, they would have no hope of gaining any points.
The擂台 therefore officially entered the duels of the fourth layer.
Li Chonglou also began to seriously consider his timing. There were not many people at the fourth layer, and even if they took turns, it wouldn't be many matches. The longer he delayed, the higher the quality of the subsequent matches would be, and there might even be a situation where no one dared to step onto the擂台.
As he thought about it, after the third match concluded, Li Chonglou could not help but take the initiative to step onto the擂台.
"It's this guy again!"
"He's finally impatient to step onto the擂台!"
The crowd below immediately adopted a spectator's attitude, especially those at the third layer. Since they had no chance to step onto the擂台 themselves, they naturally wanted to see some excitement.
Li Chonglou's presence had long since annoyed many people.
If he had come from a legitimate lineage, they would naturally admire him, and perhaps even have devoted followers. But Li Chonglou's background was unknown, and there was no mention of any special status from beginning to end. Therefore, to them, Li Chonglou was an outsider.
And to be surpassed by an outsider when they themselves came from extraordinary backgrounds, how could they be happy about it!
Yu Hui gritted his teeth even harder: "I've finally waited for you! This time, I must wash away the shame!"
When he fought Li Chonglou, he felt that he hadn't exerted his true strength at all! Recalling that Li Chonglou had won solely through speed, he already had no less than three methods to counter him!
As he thought about this, Yu Hui secretly squeezed to the edge of the擂台.
On the擂台, the defending contestant was also a cautious individual. The only match where Li Chonglou had displayed his strength was against the Hong family, and the power of his Shadow Steps was deeply ingrained in everyone's minds. He did not dare to underestimate him in the slightest.
However, when he truly faced him, he was still a bit bewildered.
Li Chonglou's original plan was to fight two matches for each of his three combat styles. But since Wu Long said three matches would suffice, he naturally had no reason to hold back.
One match using Shadow Steps, one using a special technique, and one winning through speed. This way, he could perfectly conceal his true strength. Therefore, as soon as Uncle Quan spoke, Li Chonglou disappeared from the man's sight.
Although the speed was fast, it could still be vaguely perceived. However, after he reacted, Li Chonglou's figure completely vanished.
It was truly a complete disappearance!
Undoubtedly, it was the Shadow Steps. The man's heart suddenly leaped into his throat.
"Is it to the left or to the right?"
No matter how fast he was, he couldn't suddenly appear behind him. Although he only needed to react to three directions, the man had no experience fighting against Shadow Steps. He had only seen it once from the stands and could not grasp its charging path at all.
It was only when Li Chonglou suddenly appeared on the left and knocked him away with a punch that he finally understood.
"It's on the left! He appeared on the left the first time too!"
The man understood. No matter how powerful a technique was, it would have its weaknesses. Since he had appeared on the left twice, everyone present was a chosen one, how could they not understand!
It was just a pity that it was already too late, because he was already in mid-air, outside the擂台.
"Li Chonglou wins."
Uncle Quan directly announced the result, followed by Li Chonglou's擂台 time.
Yu Hui immediately leaped onto the擂台.