Surviving in a world of demons and monsters to achieve martial arts sainthood

The next morning, the Demon Suppression Division's training ground was bustling with activity.

Young demon-suppressing envoys from the seven counties and three prefectures of Qingzhou, as well as from Qingzhou Prefecture itself, gathered in the training ground. All of them wore brand-new flying fish robes, with long swords hanging at their waists, their expressions ranging from tense to excited to solemn.

As Shen Lian and his group of five followed Zhao Shan into the courtyard, they immediately felt several pairs of eyes sweeping over them.

There was scrutiny, disdain, and curiosity.

"Those are the people from Heishan County over there," Li Hu said in a low voice, gesturing to the left with his chin.

In Heishan County, a group of people, led by Zhou Yang, gathered together. When Zhou Yang's gaze swept over Shen Lian and the others, a cold smile appeared on his lips. He then turned to his companions and chatted and laughed about something.

Zhao Shan led the five men to the north side of the courtyard, where many county leaders had already gathered.

"Brother Shen." Chu Wen from Baiyun County greeted Shen Lian with a smile and a nod.

Shen Lian returned the greeting with clasped hands.

"So those are people from Qinghe County? They don't look like much."

"Their best result in recent years has been the second round, and this year it will probably be similar, without much breakthrough."

"Among them is one named Shen Lian, whose swordsmanship has reached a high level of mastery, but whether that's true or not is unknown."

Whispers drifted from all around, some friendly, some malicious. Shen Lian ignored them, his gaze sweeping across the training ground, memorizing the names of those with imposing auras.

The Dongping County contingent was the most conspicuous, led by a young man who was about eighteen or nineteen years old, with a handsome face, sword-like eyebrows and bright eyes; it was none other than Xiao Chen.

He stood there, and no one dared to approach within three feet of him. An invisible aura emanated from him, as if he were out of place with the surrounding space.

[Combat Strength]: 43~50

Shen Lian felt a chill run down his spine; he was indeed a powerful expert at the fifth level of the Body Tempering Realm.

On the other side, among the local Qingzhou Prefecture group, a young man in brocade robes stood with his hands behind his back; it was Chu Chunqiu. He had an arrogant expression, and his gaze swept over the crowd with scrutiny.

[Combat Strength]: 45~52

Beside Chu Chunqiu stood a young girl dressed in a light blue martial arts academy uniform. She had a beautiful face and a cool demeanor, and a sword was at her waist. It was Lin Qing'er.

[Combat Strength]: 41~48

Qin Lie stood in another corner of the Qingzhou Prefecture's group. He was a burly man with his crimson flying fish robe open, revealing his solid chest. He carried a thick-backed broadsword on his shoulder, and his eyes were as fierce as a beast.

[Combat Strength]: 40~47

Shen Lian's gaze continued to sweep across, taking in all the experts from various counties. Tang Shu from Xihe County, Zhao Ling from Nanshan County, Chen Yuan from Beichuan County…

Each of them has a combat power of over 35, making them formidable opponents.

"quiet!"

A deep shout rang out, and the training ground immediately fell silent.

Three middle-aged men dressed in purple flying fish robes walked out of the main hall. The one in the lead had a dignified face, bulging temples, and eyes like lightning, clearly a master.

"This is Lord Wei Tong, the deputy commander of the Qingzhou Demon Suppression Division," Zhao Shan said in a low voice. "The two beside him are Assistant Commanders, Lord Wang and Lord Li."

Wei Tong's gaze swept across the courtyard, his voice booming like a bell: "Today, the Qingzhou Prefecture 'New Talent Competition' officially begins. This year's participants number one hundred and twenty-eight, from the seven counties and three prefectures of Qingzhou, as well as the prefectural capital. The competition is divided into two stages: arena battles and demon-hunting trials."

"Today we will draw lots for the arena battles, and the official matches will begin tomorrow. The rules are as follows: single-elimination system, the winner advances, and the loser is eliminated. The matches will end when all attempts are completed, and intentional injury or death is prohibited. A player will be judged to have lost if they concede, fall off the ring, or lose their fighting ability."

"After the top 32 are determined in the arena battles, the 'Demon Hunting Trial' stage will begin. The top 32 will enter the Black Mist Forest to hunt demons and earn points. The top ten with the most points will enter the final battle to compete for the title of champion of this year's competition."

Wei Tong paused for a moment, then continued, "The drawing of lots for the arena battles will now begin. Team leaders, please come forward and draw numbers for your team's participants."

Zhao Shan and the county magistrates stepped forward and took turns drawing bamboo slips from the wooden box.

A moment later, the drawing of lots was completed.

Zhao Shan returned to the five men and distributed the five bamboo sticks to them.

Shen Lian took the bamboo stick, on which was engraved the number: forty-seven.

"I am number twenty-three," Li Hu said.

Chen Yun looked at it: "I'm number sixty-two."

Wang Lin: "Number 89."

Raymond Lam: "Number 105."

Zhao Shan said in a deep voice, "The match schedule will be posted soon. Remember, no matter who your opponent is, you must go all out."

"yes!"

Before long, the match schedule was posted, and everyone crowded around to take a look.

Shen Lian found his name:

Number 47, Shen Lian, versus number 48, Zhang Kui.

"Zhang Kui..."

Shen Lian quickly remembered this person. Zhang Kui was a member of the Demon Suppression Division of Xihe County. His combat strength was between 31 and 38, second only to Tang Shu in the Xihe County team.

"Brother Lian, your opponent is no pushover," Li Hu said, frowning.

Shen Lian nodded: "Xihe County is known for its fierce and powerful swordsmanship, so Zhang Kui must be following that style."

Chen Yun said softly, "I am number sixty-two, and my opponent is Liu Ming from Beichuan County."

Wang Lin looked at the match list: "I'm number 89, and my opponent is... Sun Hao from Baiyun County."

Lin Feng said coldly, "Number 105, his opponent is Zhao Hu from Heishan County."

Li Hu said with a bitter face, "I'm number 23, and my opponent is... Qin Lie from Qingzhou Prefecture!"

Everyone was taken aback by these words.

Zhao Shan frowned slightly: "Qin Lie? You encountered him in the first round?"

Li Hu nodded, looking somewhat dejected: "It's written in the match schedule."

Shen Lian patted Li Hu on the shoulder: "Although Qin Lie is strong, he is not necessarily invincible. His swordsmanship is known for its fierce and violent nature. If you can avoid his sharp edge and use skillful maneuvering, you might find an opportunity."

Li Hu took a deep breath and gritted his teeth, saying, "Brother Lian is right. Giving up before even fighting isn't my style! Even if I lose, I'll lose with honor!"

Zhao Shan nodded approvingly: "With this kind of ambition, you've already surpassed many others."

The group continued to check the match schedule and found that among the five people from Qinghe County, only Li Hu encountered a top expert in the first round. Although the opponents of the other four were not weak, they were at least capable of fighting.

"Looks like our luck isn't too bad," Wang Lin said. "As long as we get past the first round, we'll have a chance later."

Lin Feng scoffed, "Let's talk about it after the first round."

Just then, a figure walked towards them.

It was Zhou Yang from Heishan County.

Zhou Yang sneered as he glanced at the five people from Qinghe County: "I heard that one of you faced Qin Lie in the first round. You're really unlucky."

Li Hu's face darkened: "What's it to you?"

Zhou Yang shrugged: "It's none of my business. I just feel sorry for you guys. You finally made it to Qingzhou Prefecture, and now you have to go back home in the first round. It's really pitiful."

Lin Feng stared coldly at Zhou Yang: "You want to try?"

Zhou Yang felt the chill in Lin Feng's eyes and his heart skipped a beat, but he still retorted, "What's the rush? Let's talk about it after you get past the first round. Oh, by the way, I heard that your Shen Lian has mastered the sword technique? Don't let him get taken down by Zhang Kui from Xihe County in the first round, that would be a laughing stock."

Shen Lian calmly looked at Zhou Yang: "Winner or loser, let's see who's the best in the ring. What kind of skill is it to rely on words?"

Zhou Yang's face stiffened. He wanted to say something, but Shen Lian had already turned and left, ignoring him.

"Hmph, what's with the pretense of being high and mighty?" Zhou Yang left sullenly.

Back at his residence, Zhao Shan gathered the five of them together.

"The draw is complete. The first round of matches will begin tomorrow," Zhao Shan said in a deep voice. "Get a good rest tonight, adjust your condition, and prepare for tomorrow's battle. Li Hu, your opponent is the strongest. Just give it your all."

Li Hu nodded emphatically: "I understand, Commander."

Zhao Shan continued, "Shen Lian, Chen Yun, Wang Lin, and Lin Feng, your opponents are all strong, so don't underestimate them. Zhang Kui, Liu Ming, Sun Hao, and Zhao Hu are all considered top fighters in their respective teams."

Shen Lian asked, "Commander, what are the characteristics of the swordsmanship in Xihe County?"

Zhao Shan pondered and said, "Xihe County is located on the border, and its people are fierce. Their swordsmanship is mainly based on actual combat, with simple moves but great power."

Zhang Kui's technique should be the "Breaking Army Saber Technique" of the Demon Suppression Division of Xihe County. This saber technique only has three moves, but each move condenses the body's vital energy, resulting in astonishing explosive power.

Shen Lian nodded slightly: "I understand."

Zhao Shan waved to the group, "Alright, go back and rest. Be on time at the Demon Suppression Division's training ground tomorrow at Chenshi (7-9 AM)."