Su Yu, from Cyan Lotus Daoist Palace, furrowed her brow slightly. Earlier, she hadn’t noticed how this woman named "Qingqing" seemed so much like someone from the Demon Sect.

It’s not just the divine techniques Qingqing displayed—it’s more about her demeanor before and after "killing" someone. Disciples from the righteous path, even in an unsettled state of mind, seldom show such a cruel expression.

Su Yu secretly decided to remind Chu Xuan about this afterwards.

...

The battle on the field continued; it was supposed to be about enlightenment, but unexpectedly, it turned into a fight.

This also has to do with the nature of the Immortal Demon Crystal; it was born in the Ancient Battlefield Ruins, naturally inclined towards conflict.

The victors of the previous slaughter seemed to have gained more insights, whether their opponents fled or were saved while dying, it made the strong become stronger and the weak weaker.

It’s worth mentioning that Nangong Meng hadn’t been eliminated yet. Although defeated by Gu Haitang, she managed to "fight" another person and effectively enhanced her strength.

The technique [Asura Blood Battle] can absorb the opponent’s vitality for one’s own use, essentially a natural combat method.

After a fight, Nangong Meng’s injuries were mostly healed, even her right hand grew back.

In just one round of elimination, the twelve quickly reduced to eight.

Moreover, the winners of the battles seemed to have effectively enhanced their "vision," as if Gu Haitang and Qingqing had already "seen" each other, yet they couldn’t recognize each other.

The two cautiously circled around each other, sensing the difficulty in confronting each other, eventually separating to seek easier targets.

As for Chu Xuan, he remained as he was, sitting motionlessly in place.

Honestly, this behavior seemed far from his reputation as an "Innate Dao Body." Those who originally thought he could take first place were now completely unsure.

Some even shook their heads repeatedly, saying, "I think Chu Xuan took too long earlier; others have already gained insights and started fighting, while he is still stuck in place, slow at first, slow all the way."

"But with his aptitude, shouldn’t he have entered the Immortal Demon Crystal much earlier?"

"Or maybe, he’s overrated? The Innate Dao Body isn’t as powerful as we’ve imagined."

Listening to the guests start whispering, Xu Xiaoxiao worriedly said to her master:

"If this continues, Senior Brother won’t hunt others to strengthen himself. When others find him, won’t he be doomed?"

Su Yu remained quite calm, "Just watch."

In reality, she was also unsure; the veterans present were no different. After all, they could only observe externally and couldn’t use divine sense to interact with the Immortal Demon Crystal, hence really couldn’t understand what was happening with Chu Xuan.

...

Outside the valley, at Dieyi Workshop, a private betting pool had started. Wuyou Valley discovered it and strictly prohibited it!

Then... they themselves set up a pool and urged everyone not to trust scammers, as private bets offered no guarantee; one should seek out a major platform.

Originally, many placed bets on Chu Xuan, even claiming, "Isn’t it obvious? Chu Xuan and the hosts are in league, and his first-place win has been prearranged."

They dared not slander Primordial Monarch Taixu, but otherwise, they’d even shout "Chu Xuan is the personal disciple of the Monarch."

But now, those folks started wailing, with Zhao Daniu among them, having placed a large bet, now wishing he could chop off his own hand.

Overall, be it inside or outside the valley, spectators favored Qingqing, Gu Haitang, and Lin Xiaoxi to take the top three places.

Lin Xiaoxi is quite an anomaly among the participants, possessing the ability to draw others into her dreams. Those encountering her have to dream with her. Outsiders cannot see their dreams but only see Monarch intervening to save people. 𝑓𝘳𝑒𝑒𝓌𝘦𝘣𝘯ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝑚

Yan Zhili excels at subduing enemies with pure moral force, advancing with a scroll in hand, accompanied by resounding book recitations, showing some vigor.

Xin Yin mastered numerous Buddhist divine techniques, especially adept at "liberation," with opponents surrendering to Buddhism without Monarch’s intervention.

Dugu Aoren is unparalleled in swordsmanship, killing gods and slaying Buddha, embodying the essence of the sword cultivator lineage.

The remaining seven women encountered each other while moving around, avoiding contact or engaging in combat.

The first to fall was Yan Zhili from Minglun Confucian Sect, taken down by the aggressive Qingqing, who gained a new divine technique, summoning an increasingly powerful demon dragon capable of spewing [Great Annihilation Demon Light].

Then Xin Yin met Dugu Aoren, unable to "convert" the latter with Buddhist technique, narrowly avoiding decapitation thanks to Monarch’s intervention.

Gu Haitang faced Lin Xiaoxi, resulting in a shared dream, leaving both intact, evidently at a draw.

Rather than fight again, they chose to withdraw, whereupon Nangong Meng inexplicably emerged and suddenly attacked Lin Xiaoxi!

And then... she fell asleep.

Gu Haitang intended to seize the chance to eliminate both, but Lin Xiaoxi, dreaming, suddenly opened an eye to stare at her.

Haitang hesitated and suppressed her greed and intent to kill, choosing to retreat.

Thus, only Qingqing, Gu Haitang, Lin Xiaoxi, and Dugu Aoren remained.

Spectators felt these four were formidable, apart from the mysterious Qingqing. The other three women hailed from the top three orthodox sects, proving disciples from righteous sects are indeed stronger than other cultivators.

The four moved around, encountering each other but avoiding another reckless battle, instead targeting the last easy prey.

Indeed, it was the seemingly "lucky winner" Chu Xuan.

He hadn’t done anything, just meditating in place, dauntingly advancing into the top five.

This also related to Chu Xuan’s relatively remote location, with remaining four women spending ages finding this lone survivor.