NOVEL NEXT Chapter 31: Chapter 30: After the Battle
When Zhang Hao opened his eyes again, his vision gradually cleared from blur to sharp. He found himself lying in a tranquil room, with the faint light from outside casting dappled shadows on the walls. As his consciousness returned, memories flooded back, the heart-wrenching pain and the fierce battle on the arena vivid in his mind.
He tried to sit up, only to find his body unusually heavy, as if every muscle was protesting. Yet, a newfound clarity filled his heart, the spiritual energy that had unexpectedly awakened during the battle leaving an indelible mark within him.
The door to the room gently swung open, revealing Li Bao and Lin Yue at the threshold, their faces etched with worry. Seeing Zhang Hao awake, their eyes flickered with relief and joy.
"Zhang Hao, you're finally awake!" Lin Yue's voice was choked with emotion as she hurried to his side, tenderly supporting his shoulders.
"How do you feel? The elders have examined you and said that aside from needing rest, you're fine," Li Bao's voice carried a hint of reprimand, but mostly the relief of a weight lifted.
Zhang Hao nodded, feeling their concern and worry. He tried to speak but found his throat dry and his voice hoarse: "I… I'm fine, just a bit weak."
Lin Yue handed him a cup of water, which he accepted and drank deeply, the cool liquid soothing his parched throat. Looking around, he noticed the simple yet cozy room, clearly prepared for his care.
"How is Zhao Gang?" Zhang Hao's voice held a note of concern; despite their life-or-death struggle on the arena, he didn't wish irreversible harm on his opponent.
Li Bao smiled, a glint of admiration in his eyes: "Although Senior Zhao Gang lost the match, he's not badly off. He just needs some time to recover. He's too ashamed to show his face, so he shouldn't bother you anymore."
Zhang Hao offered a faint smile, closing his eyes to feel the faint spiritual energy within.
At that moment, a robust man with defined muscles and short hair appeared at the door—Chen Feng, the eighth-ranked outer sect disciple who had spoken with Wang Yao yesterday. He entered the room, his gaze settling on Zhang Hao.
"I'm Chen Feng, ranked eighth in the outer sect. I watched your fight yesterday, and your Phantom Steps left a deep impression on me," his voice was deep and powerful.
Zhang Hao was surprised; he hadn't expected a top disciple of the outer sect to seek him out. He coughed lightly, trying to sit up straight, and said, "Senior Chen Feng, you also watched my match? It was just a stroke of luck."
Chen Feng snorted, a hint of disdain in his eyes: "Luck? That was skill! I've seen many matches among the outer sect disciples, and your speed and agility are top-notch. I, Chen Feng, only respect the strong. I look forward to battling you at the Outer Sect Assembly."
Li Bao and Lin Yue exchanged glances, well aware of Chen Feng's ranking and the significance of his recognition.
Lin Yue worriedly said, "Senior Chen Feng, the opponents at the Outer Sect Assembly are much tougher than us inner sect disciples. Zhang Hao has only just shown a bit of his strength; he still needs more tempering."
Chen Feng's gaze swept over Lin Yue, a flicker of approval in his eyes before returning to sternness: "I know you're concerned for Zhang Hao, but on the path of cultivation, only the strong survive. Zhang Hao's strength has earned my recognition; he will face many strong foes at the Outer Sect Assembly and will need more tempering."
Standing by Zhang Hao's bedside, Chen Feng's gaze shifted from him to scan the room before resting on Li Bao and Lin Yue, his presence commanding respect.
Chen Feng paused, then continued, "Take Wang Yao, for instance, her strength is unparalleled among the outer sect disciples."
When he mentioned Wang Yao, a flicker of respect crossed his eyes. Wang Yao, the aloof outer sect disciple, with skin as fair as snow and eyes as deep as water under her willow-like brows, was strikingly beautiful, especially the tight fit of her Daoist trousers over her hips and buttocks, showcasing a startling resilience.
"Wang Yao's cultivation is unfathomable, and her swordsmanship is swift and lethal," Chen Feng's eyes revealed anticipation
"I look forward to seeing a splendid duel between you and her at the Outer Sect Assembly."
Li Bao and Lin Yue exchanged glances, both aware of Wang Yao's name and her prowess. Li Bao's brows furrowed, knowing that although Zhang Hao had performed well in this match, standing out at the Outer Sect Assembly would be far from simple.
Chen Feng left, leaving Zhang Hao with Li Bao and Lin Yue. They excitedly said, "Zhang Hao, your strength has earned the recognition of the top ten outer sect disciples; otherwise, he wouldn't have come to you without reason."
"Zhang Hao, rest well; we'll be outside, keeping watch," Lin Yue softly said as she and Li Bao gently closed the door, leaving Zhang Hao alone in the room.
Lying in bed, Zhang Hao's heart swelled with anticipation for the future and a thirst for cultivation. He knew this battle was just the beginning, and more challenges and opponents awaited him. But he was confident that no matter how difficult the road ahead, he would forge ahead.
"What caused the heart's sharp pain? Why did the spiritual energy perceived during the battle converge in the heart?" Zhang Hao wasn't complacent with the temporary victory. He pondered the events that had transpired.
Zhang Hao's match with Zhao Gang was a private challenge and thus did not count as an official competition.
Zhang Hao was well aware that if he wished to join the inner sect soon, his only chance was the upcoming Outer Sect Assembly next month.