Chapter 1199 – Mutual Probing
When he detected this, Zhao Hai couldn't help but stare. But he immediately concentrated his spiritual force and explored the surrounding area. Soon, he was able to discover something abnormal in the tornado.
Zhao Hai knew that in this tornado filled with ice blades, there were 360 ice blades altogether. These ice blades were coordinated with each other, forming a large net inside the tornado. All those who enter would be shredded.
But when Zhao Hai's spiritual force searched inside the tornado, he actually felt that there were 361 ice blades inside. What made it 361 was precisely Li Chuchen's skyfrost sword. The attacking method of the skyfrost sword was actually very strange. It could even enter Zhao Hai's magic and become part of it.
With the skyfrost sword becoming one with the ice blades, it was akin to a fish returning to its school. It advanced alongside the tornado and didn't resist. This wouldn't only make it undetectable to Zhao Hai, it could also hide its aura using the tornado as a cover.
Li Chuchen's previous two attacks were very overbearing. But the attack this time was actually as supple as running water. However, Zhao Hai didn't dare to underestimate this attack. If Li Chuchen's last two attacks were sword and spear meant for clashing, then this third attacking was simply meant to kill.
The skyfrost sword was now akin to a silent assassin. Only when it was the opportune time would it reveal itself and make a sudden attack. This was very dangerous.
If Zhao Hai's spiritual force wasn't formidable, then it would be impossible for him to discover the hidden sword. And even if he knew about it, it was still very difficult to deal with this attack.
Zhao Hai was well aware that having the skyfrost sword this close to him was too dangerous. Even if the skyfrost sword had integrated itself into the tornado, there was still a trace of Li Chuchen's soul inside it. If Zhao Hai used any means other than magic, then Li Chuchen would certainly find out.
With this thought in mind, Zhao Hai's eyes couldn't help but flash a cold light. Then he waved his hands and cast a 50-layer formation from each one. Once these formations materialized, they immediately became ice dragons. These ice dragons shook their bodies before charging towards the wind blade filled tornado.
When the skyfrost sword detected the approaching ice dragons, Li Chuchen knew that his plan was most likely discovered by Zhao Hai. In an instant, the skyfrost sword exploded with incomparably powerful might. One ice blade sprang out from the tornado as it headed towards Zhao Hai.
However, this action didn't seem like an attack. It was like a stream of water that arced towards its target. This time, the attack was more complex and unpredictable. Moreover, its speed was anything but slow.
Zhao Hai's expression turned heavy. He lifted his mage staff as he whispered some incantations. A 100-layer formation appeared in front of him and soon formed a huge hammer. Once this metallic hammer appeared, it immediately locked into the skyfrost sword. With the might that could destroy the heavens and the earth, the hammer pounded towards the incoming attack.
As the trajectory of the skyfrost sword changed, the hammer did as well. Since the sword was locked into him, there was no need for Zhao Hai to purposefully command his hammer.
It didn't take long before the hammer and the sword came in contact. Boom! A loud sound was heard as Zhao Hai's large hammer vanished. However, the skyfrost sword didn't slow down, instead it became faster as it stabbed towards Zhao Hai.
Zhao Hai felt his heartbeat going quicker, he didn't expect the skyfrost sword to use the strength of the explosion to propel itself forward. It truly was very difficult to deal with.
With this thought in mind, Zhao Hai waved his hand as huge magic formation appeared in front of him. Once this formation appeared, the ice and wind tornado vanished as it gathered around the magic formation. Even the white mist was being sucked by the formation. This allowed the spectators outside to have a clearer view of things.
The formation set rotated, and in the process of rotating, all magic formations slowly fused together forming a huge formation plate. This formation plate revolved around Zhao Hai before stopping in front of him, restricting the approaching skyfrost sword.
The skyfrost sword wanted to avoid the formation plate but was unsuccessful. If the skyfrost sword was a car, then the formation plate was a roadblock. However, the plate just rotated in place and didn't attack the skyfrost sword, it just guarded Zhao Hai.
The sword was at a deadlock. The spectators couldn't help but have their hearts stuck in their throats. But at this time, Li Chuchen's expression changed. This was because he knew that it wouldn't be good to drag on. He knew that there was no way for his attack to break Zhao Hai's magic formation.
Zhao Hai's magic formation was strange. Although it was just a 100-layer formation set, it could actually absorb the surrounding energy to strengthen itself. This caused the formation to be more and more solid and increasingly hard. At this point, it was impossible to break through this formation using the skyfrost sword.
This isn’t to say that Li Chuchen couldn't break this formation, but it was impossible for his third attack to do so. His third sword was akin to flowing water that changes its direction silently as it approached the enemy before making a sudden attack.
Although this attack was very hard to defend against and was the best for killing, there was no denying that the power of this attack was much worse than the last two attacks.
This was an attack that sacrificed offensive strength in exchange for unpredictability. And if the skyfrost sword was met by another attack, then it could use that to strengthen itself.
Zhao Hai discovered this characteristic back when he sent his hammer out. Because of this, he changed his tactic and instead used the rotating formation disc. Moreover, he controlled it in a way where it wasn't attacking. Instead, the magic was used to protect. This way, the skyfrost sword wouldn't be able to make use of it.
Zhao Hai was dragging on since he knew he could. However, Li Chuchen wasn't in the same situation. His identity didn't allow him to make a compromise. Either he withdraws his sword or continues on with his attack.
Receiving his sword meant that Zhao Hai blocked his three attacks. And with his arrogance, Li Chuchen would no longer attack Zhao Hai, which meant that Zhao Hai had passed his test.
Also, Zhao Hai had the confidence to block Li Chuchen's attack. This meant that Zhao Hai had won since he could block Li Chuchen's third sword if even Li Chuchen decided to continue on with his attack.
Naturally, Li Chuchen taking his sword back held a different meaning compared to him continuing with his attack. These choices would show Li Chuchen's character. If Li Chuchen receives his sword, then this meant that he knew that he had failed, and has decided to give up. This would show that he was a very dangerous person. Those who had the patience to retreat were dangerous enemies.
If Li Chuchen carried on with his attack, then this meant that he was a person who couldn't accept losing. He would insist on doing what was impossible just to save face. Such person was equally dangerous since he might become a villain that would take any opportunity for revenge.
It wasn't late for a gentleman to take revenge after ten years, while a villain would be a threat from morning to night. This didn't mean that a gentleman wouldn't retaliate. On the contrary, a gentleman's revenge would be calmer. He waited for ten years for an opportunity. So when this opportunity arrives, he would make sure that the enemy would never recover.
A villain's revenge lacked the patience to endure patiently and calmly. He would retaliate from dawn to dusk and would use all means to achieve his goal. This would make him very annoying. But in the end, it was still difficult to know which of the two had a more effective method.
Zhao Hai was now waiting for what Li Chuchen would do next. He wanted to see what kind of person Li Chuchen was.
Li Chuchen looked at the stalemate with a cold expression. He knew that continuing would be futile. Although he was reluctant, he needed to make a decision.
Li Chuchen turned his head to Zhao Hai who was controlling his formation disc and couldn't help but give a cold snort. His three attacks were meant to test Zhao Hai's strength. The first sword tested his ability to respond. That sword wasn't easy to deal with, yet Zhao Hai was able to block it.
The second sword was to test Zhao Hai's offensive capability. Not only was the sword so simple. It also represented Li Chuchen's confidence. And once again, Zhao Hai passed the test.
As for the third sword, it was meant to test Zhao Hai ability for magic. Magic control wasn't an easy matter. The move 'flowing clouds' wasn't a simple move. This sword required an intense amount of concentration. In order to block this strike, Zhao Hai would need a similar level of control over his spells. Although it seems like he made a bit of an effort, Zhao Hai still blocked it regardless.
Li Chuchen knew that he didn't have the means to kill Zhao Hai in three swords. Therefore, he coldly snorted and then took his skyfrost sword back. He knew that he was in the Machine Field, and that it wouldn’t be good to continue fighting with Zhao Hai. If he wanted to deal with Zhao Hai, then he needed to do it in the Six Realm Beginner Competition.
Upon taking his skyfrost sword back, Li Chuchen looked at Zhao Hai and said, "Very good. Zhao Hai, you're quite strong. I'll be seeing you in the Six Realm Beginner Competition." Then he turned his head towards Ba Dong for a moment before flying away. He didn't even spare a word towards the Water Temple Bishop.
Seeing Lu Chuchen fly away, the environment became alive once more as applause began to break out. Almost every single person present were smiling. The Machine Field has been suppressed by the Cultivation Realm all these years. In one-on-one battles, there was almost no way for the Machine Field to win. But now that Zhao Hai managed to block three swords from Li Chuchen, they couldn't help but feel that it was a victory for the Machine Field.
There was only one person present who had a very ugly expression, and it was Ba Dong! Ba Dong didn't expect Zhao Hai to be able to block Li Chuchen's three swords. Now, he was someone who tried to steal a chicken only to lose the rice used to lure it. Everyone knew that he brought Li Chuchen to deal with Zhao Hai. This meant that he would no longer be received well in the Machine Field.
At this time, Cadjo's voice sounded out from beside Ba Dong, "Bishop Ba Dong, I apologize for the Ashley Family's poor treatment of your companion. Please accept a glass of wine from me as an apology." Cadjo's words didn't have any shred of sincerity in it and it even held a bit of chill.
Chapter 1200 – Instant Fame
Cadjo's expression showed his current mood very well. He was both cheerful and murderous. He was happy because Zhao Hai was alright, but he felt like he wanted to kill Ba Dong on the spot.
When Ba Dong heard Cadjo's words, he couldn't help but look at Cadjo. The Ashley Family Manager was looking at him with a cold stare. Ba Dong's heart turned cold, then he said, "I'm afraid I can't. I've already disturbed you for long enough. I'll be taking my leave." Then after he said that, he turned around and went to his car before it sped away.
Seeing Ba Dong vanishing in the distance, Cadjo couldn't help but coldly snort. He will remember this and make sure that Ba Dong wouldn't have any good days to come. Being called the Smiling Demon wasn’t' a joke.
At this time, Zhao Hai flew back from the forest. Then he received his magic staff before looking at Cadjo and said, "I've been unfair to General Manager. I caused the family to lose money by destroying the Incense Tree forest."
When Cadjo said this, he couldn't help but laugh. Then he patted Zhao Hai's shoulder and said, "Alright, alright. I'll ask the higher authorities to excuse you."
Zhao Hai smiled faintly and didn't say anything. At this time, people from the party went to talk to Zhao Hai and Cadjo. The two stayed there and handled the courtesies.
However, this time, people's attention weren't on Cadjo. Instead, they were more interested in talking with Zhao Hai. He just managed to block three swords from Li Chuchen, this was enough evidence that he had true strength.
Looking at these people, Zhao Hai couldn't help but feel a bit of sorrow. The Machine Field and the Cultivation Realm was supposed to be on equal grounds. He was the first place in the realm qualifier while Li Chuchen was tenth. Yet these people see it as a miracle that he was able to block Li Chuchen's three swords. This showed how pitiful Ascenders were in the Machine Field.
Naturally, Zhao Hai wouldn't show his emotion at this time. He just smiled as he talked with the people who approached him. Zhao Hai not being arrogant made everyone feel very good about him.
Xiong Li and the others weren't able to squeeze in, but they didn't seem to care. They just stood aside and looked at the smiling people surrounding Zhao Hai. Xiong Li even said, "How famous do you reckon Little Hai would be? I think the entire realm will know about this by tomorrow."
Sun Fei's face showed his excitement as he looked at Zhao Hai and said, "Too strong, Brother Hai is too strong. He's my idol."
Li Kuangren laughed and said, "Very good, very good. But this way, he'll have to treat us for drinking tomorrow. Hahaha, that Cultivator fellow had an ugly face when he left."
Xiong Li smiled and said, "I think Ba Dong had the ugliest expression. When he left, he almost seemed like he was running away. He plotted against Little Hai but failed. Now, Little Hai will be seen by the Machine Field as a hero while he would be seen as a traitor. I wonder how he'll fix his reputation now."
Margaret, who didn't join the crowd, smiled and added, "He'll have a very hard time doing that. Don't forget that Uncle Cadjo is also known as the Smiling Demon by the Machine Field. He would only plot against another person if provoked. And now that Ba Dong offended him, he wouldn't be able to leave it at that. Ba Dong will surely have a hard time."
Upon hearing Margaret, everyone present unconsciously nodded. It has been a few years since Xiong Li and the others ascended, so they were familiar with Cadjo's title of Smiling Demon. They also knew what this name entailed. Therefore, they agreed to Margaret's words.
Dongfang Yu looked at Margaret and asked, "Sister-in-law, why are you here instead of being beside Little Hai?"
Margaret smiled faintly and said, "I don't like dealing with such crowds. Actually, Brother Hai dislikes it as well. However, he has no choice but to face them now. If he wasn't thinking about the Ashley Family, then he would've already went drinking with you. He said that it's very exhausting dealing with such people."
Dongfang Yu and the others laughed. They had some understanding of Zhao Hai, and he did indeed dislike such crowds.
If any other Ascender were placed in Zhao Hai's position, then they would have already been shining with joy. Being able to gain connections with such famous and influential people was something that was very important for Ascenders. Therefore, most ascenders would definitely flatter these people if they were in Zhao Hai's shoes.
Dongfang Yu and the others couldn't help but think about what would happen if they were in Zhao Hai's position. They wondered if they were still able to be as calm as Zhao Hai. But after inspecting themselves, they knew that they couldn't be sure.
Cadjo's party was held not so late. So when people found out about what happened, they immediately drove over to the party in order to inquire about the situation. In the end, the party had to extend beyond its schedule.
The party finally ended very late into the night. When everyone had gone back to take a rest, Margaret and Zhao Hai returned to the Space. Zhao Hai didn't feel anything when he was fighting against Li Chuchen. However, he found himself to be very exhausted when dealing with the crowd. After going to the hot spring with Margaret, he returned to his room and slept.
What Zhao Hai didn't know was that when he was asleep, the entire Machine Field erupted. Video of his fight with Li Chuchen had spread. Nobody knew who spread it around but it didn't take long before it reached all corners of the realm. This caused a stir in the Machine Field.
The Machine Field had always been at a disadvantage when it comes to one-on-one. Not to say about the same levels, even those who were a level or two above their Cultivation realm counterparts wouldn't dare challenge cultivators.
Yet now, Zhao Hai who was a level 4 Mage managed to block three swords from a tenth place beginner Cultivator. He didn't even look frazzled after receiving the three swords. Zhao Hai was already famous for being a dark horse, and this event made him even more well-known.
Countless people faced their computers that night, watching a recording of Zhao Hai and Li Chuchen's battle on repeat. They were unable to restrain themselves from feeling excited, they were unable to sleep.
The fight was too beautiful. The attacks were splendid and even more so Zhao Hai's defence. From the video, Zhao Hai's defense was flawless. He didn't even press wind one time, no distress was seen on his face.
Beautiful, it was too beautiful. This was the most beautiful battle between a Mage from the Machine Field and a Cultivator. Zhao Hai's popularity sharply increased.
Zhao Hai wasn't aware of any of these since he was sleeping inside the Space. He had a very good sleep. He was aware that Li Chuchen was a Cultivator at Foundation Establishment stage. His fight with Li Chuchen made him realize how strong he was in relation to his peers. Being able to fight with Li Chuchen like that without exerting much effort gave Zhao Hai a boost of confidence. Zhao Hai knew that Li Chuchen didn't use all of his strength. However, this was natural. Li Chuchen had a lot of magical artifacts that he didn't use, but Zhao Hai was in the same position. He still had his astral qi but he didn't use it. This was because he was afraid that Li Chuchen would find out about it.
The Cultivation Realm's people were very sensitive when it came to special qi. Astral qi was one with very overbearing strength. If Li Chuchen felt even a hint of astral qi in Zhao Hai, then Zhao Hai would certainly have bad days ahead.
After resting the entire night, Zhao Hai ate his breakfast the next morning before leaving the Space along with Margaret. Then the two returned to their room in the Ashley Family building.
Just as they returned, Cadjo sent for someone to call them over. Upon entering Cadjo's office, the two couldn't help but stare. There were only three other people inside, Cadjo, Luke, and Desbarres. However, their eyes were very red. They looked like they hadn't slept since last night.
Zhao Hai looked at the appearance of the three as he confusedly asked, "General Manager, Camp Lord, what happened? You didn't sleep last night?"
Cadjo looked at Zhao Hai, then he suddenly laughed as he said, "Little Hai, sit, sit. Hahaha. You really did great this time. Hahaha. You're famous now. There's nobody in the Machine Field who doesn't know your name."
Zhao Hai looked puzzled at what Cadjo said, he couldn't understand what was going on. From the time he slept last night up until now, he didn't access the internet, the same was true for Laura and the others. Because of this, he didn't know anything that happened online.
After Cadjo had Zhao Hai sit down, he said, "Last night, someone uploaded a video of your battle with Li Chuchen to the internet. This caused a sensation online. Everyone is talking about you saying that you are a hero of the Machine Field."
Zhao Hai smiled bitterly and said, "They're exaggerating. I just blocked three swords from Li Chuchen. Cultivators have far more means than we can imagine. If we really fought each other, then I can't guarantee if I can win against him."
Cadjo waved his hand and said, "It's useless. The moment you blocked Li Chuchen's three swords and won the duel, you've already become a hero. Besides you, nobody can do something like that at the same level. Not to say all three swords, they wouldn't even be able to block one."
Zhao Hai smiled bitterly and said, "I know, but I can't get anything out of this fame. Being famous isn't that big of a deal."
Cadjo looked at Zhao Hai as he shook his head and said, "You idiot. This doesn't benefit you directly. But this is a huge advantage for the Ashley Family. You're now like a living billboard of the family."
Zhao Hai smiled bitterly, then he waved his hand and said, "Alright. But I don't want to participate in those parties anymore. If anyone wants to invite me to a party, please tell them that I'm busy. I'll leave everything else to the family."
Cadjo looked at Zhao Hai and couldn't help but shake his head and smile bitterly. He didn't know what else to say. However, Desbarres smiled and said, "Alright, you also need to show yourself less. People would surely come over to challenge you so that they could elevate their own fame. So before the Six Realm Beginner Competition begins, you need to be in seclusion."
Zhao Hai knit his brows and said, "Camp Lord, didn't you say that other participants aren't allowed to challenge anyone before the Six Realm Beginner Competition? Then why would I need to close up?"
Desbarres smiled faintly and said, "Of course, no other participant would want to challenge you. However, this news wouldn't only spread in the Machine Field. What if some Cultivators come here and challenge you? What do you do now? It's better for you to close up immediately."
Zhao Hai nodded and said, "Alright, then I'll close up. But I already promised Brother Xiong Li and the others to drink. If they come to see me, just have them go to my room." Desbarres nodded and said, "Alright, I'll take care of it. Don't worry." Zhao Hai nodded before leading Margaret back to his room.
When the two returned to their room, Margaret immediately opened up her computer and went to a video website. And just as she opened the site, she saw the huge headline, "Newly crowned Machine Field Champion Zhao Hai fighting against the Cultivation Realm's Top Ten!" The headline linked to the video. Margaret went to the link and then saw a video viewed billions of times, and that number was still going up.
Margaret couldn't help but giggle as she turned to Zhao Hai and said, "Brother Hai, it seems like you're very famous now."
Zhao Hai just smiled faintly as he watched the video. The footage was clearly taken by someone who attended the party. The quality of the video wasn't good, but it was because of this that it was more authentic.
And even if the quality wasn't good, it had shown everything that happened. It even managed to record every word they spoke.
Zhao Hai looked further down on the page and saw that there were comments below.
First comment: Beautiful, fantastic! Our Machine Field finally managed to face a Cultivator and win. Support! Supporting Zhao Hai! The pride of the Machine Field!
Second comment: I support the first comment! Support Zhao Hai! The pride of the Machine Field!
Third comment: I didn't expect our Mages to face a Cultivator. Powerful, too powerful. Why didn't anybody do this before? It's too strange!
Fourth comment: The commenter above isn't a Mage, so he doesn't know that Zhao Hai is far more powerful than most level 4 Mages. In the machine field, as long as one could use 100-layer formations, then they would be level 4. Casting 100-layer formations instantaneously is something that cannot be done by any other Mage. Zhao Hai is just too powerful!
Fifth comment: Don't get your hopes up. Zhao Hai only managed to block against the enemy's three attacks. Moreover, Cultivators have a lot of magic treasures. Those three swords isn't their only means to attack. Moreover, Zhao Hai is going full defense. It isn't unusual for him to block three swords.
Sixth comment: The fifth comment is talking fart. Even a plant could see everything clearly. Although Zhao Hai is on the defensive, it's clear that he wasn't in distress. His clothes aren't even ruffled nor did he take a step back. This shows that Zhao Hai still has more strength than this. His strength should be on par with Li Chuchen. Fifth comment, if you don't know anything, then keep your mouth shut!
