Watching the other matches, Wang Hao learned a great deal. Most Qi Refinement cultivators possessed only a handful of techniques and relied on basic moves. Many won simply by overpowering lower-level opponents, ending the fight quickly. Only bouts between cultivators of similar level lasted longer.
Of course, some might be holding back their best techniques for later rounds.
An hour later, the first round concluded with 61 victors. After a fresh drawing, Wang Hao was fortunate to draw a blank ticket—automatically advancing him into the 31 remaining contestants.
In the third round, Wang Hao drew number three and faced a Lei family cultivator at Advanced Qi Refinement—one level above him.
"You are not my opponent," the Lei cultivator declared, clad in a sky-blue Taoist robe and brimming with arrogance.
"How do you know unless you try?" Wang Hao shot back, momentarily lost for words. Why were these young people so smooth-tongued?
"Then I shall grant your wish." Feeling provoked, the Lei cultivator unleashed five Flying Swords—an entire complement of magic artifacts.
Wang Hao quickly threw up five Earth-Wall Talismans in front of him to block the blades, then, as a precaution, activated his Wood Shield Technique, forming a protective barrier.
The five Flying Swords shredded through the earthen walls but lacked the power to penetrate the wooden shield.
Relaxed by this display, Wang Hao remarked,
"That's it? What gave you the nerve to speak so boldly? Now it's my turn."
He adopted his previous tactic—launching thirty Fireball Talismans at once. The Lei cultivator turned pale. He had not watched Wang Hao's first-round victory and had merely lucked out in the second. Though he'd heard rumors of Wang Hao's talisman style, he hadn't believed the other would expend so many talismans just to win a match.
Reality hit him like a brick.
Still, the Lei cultivator was more skilled than the Li family daughter Wang Hao had defeated earlier. He invoked a sky-blue shield that unfurled like a sail—clearly a Superior First-Order defensive artifact.
"Boom!" A volley of explosions rocked the arena. Though the Lei cultivator stood, his robes tattered and his shield cracked, he suffered no serious injury—but his damaged artifact left him furious.
Wang Hao smiled and drew another bundle of talismans, counting them out for all to see.
"I—I concede!" the Lei cultivator gasped, frustration etched across his face—even as he spat rancor at Wang Hao.
Lei Liheng frowned and said,
"Master Wang, your son's tactics are… rather unfair!"
Though Wang Yanzhao privately shared that disapproval, he defended his son:
"They're within the rules—what's the problem?"
To prevent conflict, Li Yaozu interjected with a gracious smile:
"Now, let's not quibble over trivialities. Winning and losing are mere details—after all, they're just Fireballs. Against more seasoned foes, these tricks wouldn't work!"
In the fourth round, Wang Hao faced an Eighth-Level wandering cultivator. Having witnessed Wang Hao's previous matches, his opponent began by unfurling a yellow banner that summoned a thick Sand Barrier.
Seeing this defensive posture, Wang Hao first tested with ten Fireball Talismans—only to have the fiery projectiles disintegrated by the swirling sand before they could reach him.
The wandering cultivator sneered:
"Go ahead and use whatever you have. If all you know is talismans, you'd best give up now."
Wang Hao merely smiled, then formed a massive Great Master–level Fireball—at least ten times larger than any talisman fireball.
"Fire!"
The sphere swelled to five meters in diameter, radiating intense heat.
Boom! A red mushroom cloud erupted, drawing everyone's attention.
The sand barrier fluttered apart.
"A Great Master–level Fireball Technique!" someone exclaimed from the crowd.
"Who is this guy? First a barrage of talismans, now a Great Master Fireball—does he have that much spare time?"
"Mastering a spell to Great Master level grants instantaneous casting and greater power. Everyone knows the benefits, but who has that patience? Easier to work and buy talismans off the shelf!"
"They say he's Wang Hao, of the Wang clan—must be a core disciple!"
"If I had a clan bankrolling me, I'd do the same in a year!"
"You? A Fourth-Level cultivator? Keep dreaming!"
Wang Hao launched another volley of giant fireballs, each delivering devastating impact. The opponent shrieked as he was engulfed in flame.
"Wang Hao wins!" the referee called swiftly, dispelling the blaze and hauling out the defeated cultivator.
"Unbelievable! A Sixth-Level cultivator defeating an Eighth-Level! That Wang clan disciple is a monster!"
"Impressive! Does the Wang clan accept son-in-laws?"
Even the Foundation cultivators were stunned. Wang Yanzhao couldn't hide his proud grin:
"Master Lei, pleased with my son's performance? Your clan's disciple lost rather unfairly!"
Lei Liheng grumbled:
"Hmph—that was just an offensive technique. If the wanderer had struck first, the level gap would've shown!"
"But a win is a win, and a loss a loss—there are no 'ifs'!" Wang Yanzhao retorted victoriously.
Wang Hao had now reached the Top 8, fulfilling Old Wang's challenge. From here on out, he planned to fight when he could and surrender when necessary. He had already spent over 500 spirit stones on talismans and was nearly broke—yet he still aimed for the Top 3. So far he'd only used Fireball; he still had five Master-level spells up his sleeve!
The 8 finalists were set: one wandering cultivator, two from the Wang clan, two from the Li clan, and one from each of the other three Great Families.
The other Wang clan finalist was Wang Yanping—of the Yan generation, around thirty years old, an Eighth-Level Qi Refinement cultivator famed for his combat prowess.
The Li clan's representatives were Li Derong and Li Deda, a man and a woman. He appeared just over thirty; she seemed around twenty—though actual age was uncertain.
Li Derong carried a grave presence, his round face and small dimples betraying his serious posture. Wang Hao noted her quietly—no ulterior motive.
He saw she was dangerous: Ninth-Level Qi Refinement, wielding a yellow sash to constrict opponents almost to unconsciousness. Wang Hao definitely did not want to face her!