Chen Mo's personal showcase earned him the approval of most disciples. Even the Elders' Council, which had previously been skeptical, now had a favorable impression of him.
Ultimately, Chen Mo's talent represented the future of the Yun Lan Sect in many ways.
Disciples with such talent wouldn't be deliberately suppressed by the Elders' Council because of past perceptions.
On the contrary, they would receive focused training, aiming for them to become the pillars of the Yun Lan Sect as soon as possible.
Therefore, in the match between Chen Mo and Mo Li, the Elders' Council did not engage in any behind-the-scenes manipulation.
"You seem to hold a great deal of animosity towards me?" Chen Mo said calmly.
Mo Li's eyes narrowed, and he smiled, "Junior Brother, you must be joking. Your earlier performance was quite surprising to me. Now that we're matched up, I must properly learn from you."
This slightly sarcastic tone made Chen Mo uncomfortable. From his experience with various TV shows in his previous life, those who spoke like this were usually smiling tigers.
Chen Mo casually adjusted his robe and said, "Then come on!"
"After you, Junior Brother." Mo Li maintained his gentlemanly persona.
As they spoke, the referee shouted, "Begin!"
Chen Mo did not hold back. His battle energy surged out, enveloping his body. With a loud burst, his body turned into a black shadow, rushing fiercely towards Mo Li.
"Random Strike."
Following the local custom, since he was in this world, he had to go with the flow, calling out the move name. Chen Mo's first move was a technique from his previous life.
"Random Strike? What kind of battle technique is that?"
Hearing Chen Mo's low shout, Mo Li was full of doubts. Watching the charging figure, he thought, "Why does this technique have so many flaws?"
Mo Li dared not be careless. Relying on his rich experience, he intended to counter this seemingly fierce yet flawed attack with soft force.
Spotting a flaw, he reached out with both hands, intending to grab Chen Mo's fist and pull it to the side.
Boom!
Fist met palm.
Chen Mo's first strike was easily blocked by Mo Li.
The plaza fell silent as if a flock of crows flew overhead. Everyone had the same expression on their faces.
That's it? That's it?
"Ahem." Chen Mo coughed dryly.
Damn, that was embarrassing.
But Chen Mo had no choice.
So far, Chen Mo had only learned one battle technique, the Underworld God's Spear, which he had specifically prepared to deal with Nalan Yanran.
Mo Li, too, was incredulous. This flaw was indeed a flaw.
Although Mo Li couldn't figure out why it was so easy to counter, he knew how to seize an opportunity.
Grabbing Chen Mo's wrist, he twisted it backward and pulled him close. His other hand formed a fist, heavily punching towards Chen Mo.
He didn't hold back with this punch. The full strength of a five-star Dou Shi was displayed, with battle energy swirling around his fist.
He wanted to knock Chen Mo down with one punch.
Around the plaza, people couldn't bear to watch. This punch, if it landed, would not only result in Chen Mo's defeat but also cause serious injury, disqualifying him from further matches.
Advancing from sixteen to eight, there were still two spots in the top ten.
Based on Chen Mo's performance in his personal showcase, he had a good chance of making the top ten. But if he got seriously injured now, there would be no hope for him later.
Mo Li wanted to ensure that Chen Mo didn't make it to the top ten.
"So ruthless," Yun Hai couldn't help but exclaim.
Chen Mo could keenly sense that Mo Li's punch was aimed directly at his lower abdomen and dantian. In front of everyone, Mo Li wouldn't destroy his dantian, but disrupting the battle energy within, making Chen Mo unable to compete further, was no problem.
As the fist got closer, a satisfied smile appeared on Mo Li's face.
However, in the next moment, his smile froze.
With a whoosh, a scorching purple flame erupted from Chen Mo's body, enveloping him instantly.
"So hot." Mo Li quickly released Chen Mo's wrist.
"What is this?" Mo Li's expression changed. Before he could feel the heat, Chen Mo had already launched a counterattack.
"Divine Skill, Low Blow."
Even though Mo Li had let go of his wrist, at such close range, Chen Mo couldn't dodge. He could only counterattack, swiftly kicking with a leg wrapped in purple flames, aiming at Mo Li's crotch.
If this kick landed, even if it didn't cripple him, the purple flames would cause serious damage.
This was an all-or-nothing move!
If you don't withdraw, I might get seriously injured, but you'll be crippled.
"Despicable!"
Mo Li's face twisted with horror. Gritting his teeth, he retracted his fist, enduring the backlash from his body, and used his agility to put some distance between them.
"Ugh!" Mo Li spat out a mouthful of blood, looking at Chen Mo with murderous intent.
Around the plaza, people were stunned.
"I thought Mo Li was ruthless, but Chen Mo is even worse."
"I don't know why, but I feel a chill between my legs."
"Chen Mo is so despicable. Mo Li, beat him up!"
"Mo Li is bleeding. How could Chen Mo do this?"
A wave of female disciples began to cheer for Mo Li.
"This guy," Yun Yun sighed, both pleased with Chen Mo's ability to turn the tables and frustrated by his methods.
"Is that a beast flame?" Mittel Tengshan wasn't entirely sure.
"No, that's not a beast flame. It looks like a powerful beast flame," Fa Ma said in surprise. He had noticed the purple flame during Chen Mo's personal showcase and now confirmed it.
For alchemists, even if it wasn't a beast flame, there was an innate fascination with such flames.
"Refining a beast flame is not as difficult as refining a beast flame, but it's still a complex process," said Alchemy King Gu He with a smile. "Interesting."
"This kid has some talent," Mu Chen muttered, then turned to Nalan Su. "Nalan Su, I think this kid is a good match for your girl."
Nalan Su smiled calmly, but his gaze was fixed on Nalan Yanran, who was intently watching Chen Mo.
"You've angered me."
Mo Li summoned a three-foot-long sword from his ring, a red light flashing. Embedded in the hilt was the magic core of a third-tier magical beast.
"Three Thousand Sword Rain."
Mo Li threw the sword into the air. Instead of falling, it hovered above.
With a buzzing sound, the sword trembled, splitting into two, then four, then eight...
A thousand swords hovered above Chen Mo.
"Mo Li's signature battle technique, Three Thousand Sword Rain."