The battles within the top eight grew more captivating, and the pace of combat also quickened.
Soon, after several rounds of matches, Ma Long ultimately qualified with the 8th position in the new recruit arena competition.
Concurrently, Tang Qin, who was stopped at the top eight, also had her result determined.
Precisely, she ranked tenth, becoming one of the only two Foundation Establishment early stage cultivators among the top ten in the new recruit arena competition, just like Ma Long.
Such achievements made them the pride of the entire new recruit camp.
Those who had witnessed their battles felt their results were well-deserved;
However, those who hadn't seen them fight believed it was purely a matter of luck.
Of course, they unhesitatingly retorted against such people.
Some were more tactful, merely saying that luck was also a form of strength;
Others were more direct, saying that those who couldn't achieve it themselves were just sour about others.
Naturally, such verbal spats had no effect on Ma Long and Tang Qin; they were more focused on the battles among the top four.
Tang Geng versus Sima Tuo;
Han Lang versus Zhao Wu!
"Brother Tang Geng, I've inquired thoroughly. This Sima Tuo you're facing is a genuine Golden Core early stage cultivator, and like you, he's also a sword cultivator. His martial skill, 'Ten Thousand Slashes of Splendor,' is a Earth-tier low-grade martial skill. His low-grade spirit weapon is the 'Crimson Feather Sword.' In comparison, apart from your cultivation being two levels lower than his, all other aspects are even slightly stronger. Under these circumstances, do you have confidence?"
Tang Geng's expression was solemn. He looked earnestly at the young man standing opposite him on the stage, also with a sword on his back.
Although they both appeared gentle and refined, the opponent's arrogance and confidence were clearly far superior to his.
"I don't really have much confidence. With such a vast disparity in strength, relying solely on Heaven-tier martial skills and a mid-grade spirit sword might not be able to compensate for much!"
Seeing Tang Geng's worried look, Han Lang couldn't help but step forward and pat his shoulder.
"It's alright! Have some faith in yourself. Even if you lose, fighting against a Golden Core cultivator is still a good opportunity to train yourself!"
Han Lang's words gave Tang Geng a bit more courage. He nodded vigorously and replied.
"Don't worry! I will do my best. Regardless, even if I lose, I will at least learn some of his tactics, which can provide some intelligence for your decisive battle against him later!"
"Hm?"
Before Han Lang could respond, Tang Qin involuntarily let out a questioning sound.
"Zhao Wu's strength isn't weak either. How can you be so sure Han Lang can defeat him? Moreover, they made a bet back then. Even if Zhao Wu were slightly disadvantaged, wouldn't he fight with his back against the wall in such a situation? How can the outcome be so certain?"
Tang Geng chuckled at this question.
"You wouldn't know this. I chatted with Brother Han Lang yesterday and learned that the grade of his Shen Nong Imperial Needle technique has almost reached the advanced Immortal tier. Under these circumstances, I believe I have no chance of winning. Therefore, Zhao Wu's chances of winning are likely not high either. This bet will likely be won by Brother Han Lang!"
Upon hearing this, Tang Qin was stunned.
The fact that the Shen Nong Imperial Needle technique was an advanced Immortal tier technique was something she had never expected.
Although she had guessed before, she thought that in this era of declining magic, even if martial skills were of a higher grade, they would at most be around advanced Heaven tier.
An existence like advanced Immortal tier was something other cultivators wouldn't even dare to imagine.
"No wonder you didn't take the Golden Core stage Sima Tuo seriously last time. So, the technique you cultivate yourself is a whole tier higher than ours! In that case, indeed, if Zhao Wu doesn't have some extraordinary means, he truly won't be your opponent!"
Han Lang smiled faintly.
"It's nothing. In fact, I just don't want to underestimate myself. Whether it's Zhao Wu or Sima Tuo, if we don't fight, who can know the outcome?"
Tang Qin was somewhat speechless. Han Lang's words made her feel like he wasn't bragging, yet not entirely humble either.
Just as she was about to tease Han Lang again, the referee on stage began to urge the combatants to take the stage.
Han Lang and Tang Geng did not hesitate and walked towards their respective battlegrounds!
The audience did not have much enthusiasm for the fight between Tang Geng and Sima Tuo.
However, for the battle between Han Lang and Zhao Wu, the audience's emotions were clearly more agitated.
The fundamental reason for this was the bet they had made after the closed-door cultivation period, which had piqued everyone's strong interest.
"These two look quite similar! Who do you think will win?"
"I think Zhao Wu has a higher chance of winning, after all, he's a genuine late-stage Foundation Establishment expert."
"That's not necessarily true! I heard that although Han Lang's cultivation is only mid-stage Foundation Establishment on the surface, he is also infinitely close to late-stage Foundation Establishment! Under these circumstances, the gap in their cultivation is comparable!"
"So what? What about spirit weapons? Martial skills and techniques? Does Han Lang have any chance against Zhao Wu?"
"Indeed, there's no comparison in spirit weapons! As far as I know, Zhao Wu wields a top-grade spirit weapon, while Han Lang only uses a few ordinary broken gold needles. There's no possibility of comparison!"
"It's even more so in terms of techniques! Zhao Wu cultivates an advanced Earth-tier technique, while the gold needles Han Lang uses are estimated to be only advanced Profound tier!"
"Then what's the suspense in this bet? Why would Han Lang proactively initiate a bet?"
"Who knows? Perhaps he's not very bright!"
For a time, the crowd below was in a frenzy of discussion, with Zhao Wu's support rate far exceeding Han Lang's for this bet.
Zhao Wu was somewhat smug at this moment. He looked at Han Lang opposite him with disdain and said.
"See? The eyes of the masses are discerning. If you don't want to humiliate yourself, why not surrender early!"
Han Lang chuckled slightly.
"Surrender? That's not my style! However, I also want to remind you that although our bet has no substantial stakes, whoever loses must call the other 'boss' from now on. If you want to regret it, perhaps it's still not too late!"
"Regret? Heh heh... For a rogue cultivator like you who doesn't know the immensity of heaven and earth, I'm very willing to teach you a good lesson!"
Han Lang no longer argued. He smiled faintly, made a gesture of invitation, and then said to Zhao Wu.
"Since that's the case, then, you go first!"