Injuries to the body are easy to heal, but wounds to the spirit are not so easily mended.
The depletion of life potential has caused a severe blow to the spirit, leaving Bu in a state of complete unconsciousness, with a faint awareness and a flickering spirit like a candle in the wind, ready to extinguish at any moment.
Even though Sean Sterling has the power to heal, he cannot restore Bu's life energy damage with just a single Fourth-Level Magic spell, nor can he recover the lifespan that was taken by the Ethereal Thirteen Swords.
At this moment, Bu Mianrong appears aged, looking like someone in their forties, with half of his hair turned white, making it hard to recognize the youthful figure he once had at just twenty.
"What a tyrannical Forbidden Technique... What an eerie Ethereal Thirteen Swords..." Sean Sterling frowned as he looked at Bu lying on the ground, emanating an aura of impending death. He took a deep breath and found himself at a loss for what to do.
"What should we do? With him in this state, isn't he going to miss out on the Peak Showdown?" Elena glanced at the unconscious Bu and then at Sean Sterling, hesitating.
Upon hearing this, Sean Sterling shook his head and said solemnly, "The Peak Showdown will continue. We will keep his spot. If he can awaken... we will see what he plans to do. I believe he won't fall so easily."
"Well... okay..." Elena hesitated briefly before nodding in agreement.
Although she did not believe that Bu could wake up in time given his current injuries, nor did she think that he would have any ability left to compete for a top ten spot upon awakening, she ultimately agreed due to Sean Sterling's emotions and a twinge of pity for Bu's tragic situation.
"Now that this is settled, since this Fellow managed to take on Habea's attack by himself, according to our agreement, the grudge for killing his son is hereby resolved. Furthermore, when he awakens, he can make one reasonable request of Habea. However... considering the additional bets that may arise later, this Fellow can make up to ten requests of Habea."
This means that Habea must unconditionally agree to eleven reasonable requests made by this Fellow. I will witness and guarantee this matter; do either of you have any objections?"
Sean Sterling used Third-Level Magic to levitate Bu's body beside him. At this moment, the Gray-Clad Elder spoke up to Sean Sterling and Elena.
Habea III's expression was grim; he had lost both his son and the bet. However, given that the Gray-Clad Elder was vouching for them, he dared not go back on his word. The only thing that somewhat eased his heart was that although Bu had not died, using the Forbidden Technique to such an extent meant he wouldn't have many good days ahead.
After the Gray-Clad Elder finished speaking, Elena instinctively glanced at Sean Sterling. Seeing that he did not seem opposed, she said, "Since Elder is willing to personally vouch for this matter, we certainly have no objections. I will thank Elder on behalf of this child." With that, Elena slightly bowed in respect.
The Gray-Clad Elder stroked his beard and smiled. He looked again at Bu floating beside Sean Sterling and said, "With such incidents occurring during the Peak Showdown, I feel quite ashamed as the Guardian Martial Saint of Crook Duchy. How about this... for the upcoming duels and competitions, I will personally oversee them with my spiritual projection... After tomorrow's matches conclude, I will also provide some rewards as compensation."
Let’s consider rewards for the top ten participants in the final rankings... The higher their rank, the better the reward. For first place, I will offer an Intermediate Level combat technique as a prize. What do you both think?"
"An Intermediate Level combat technique...?" As soon as these words were spoken, everyone was astonished; all eyes were filled with fervent greed. Even Mu Yan, who usually maintained a cold demeanor, looked surprised as she gazed at the Gray-Clad Elder with astonishment.
Combat techniques are extraordinary; especially those of higher levels are extremely rare and worth their weight in gold.
An Intermediate Level combat technique holds value comparable to that of a Secret Technique of the same rank. Even at auctions in some mid-level dynasties, it can be considered a treasure, and one would need at least a thousand pieces of First-Grade Azure Jade to secure it.
A piece of First-Grade Azure Jade the size of a palm is worth a hundred gold coins. Therefore, the Intermediate Combat Technique, equivalent to a thousand pieces of First-Grade Azure Jade, is undoubtedly precious, which explains the astonishment of the crowd.
"The Elder's generosity has indeed brought good fortune to these Fellows. However, please rest assured, Elder. Since Brent did not die at your Majesty's hands, the situation is not as dire as it seems. Our Holy Light Academy will continue to maintain a friendly relationship with Crook Duchy and will not let this incident cause any rift," Elena said with a charming smile, which relieved the Gray-Clad Elder.
Although Holy Light Academy is merely one of the Major Forces within the Dysia Dynasty, its hidden power is extraordinary. The elite students who graduate from the academy each possess remarkable strength and noble status. The academy itself wields significant influence, and its president is nearly on the verge of transcending into a higher realm, making them one of the top combat forces in Fran Continent.
All these factors contribute to Holy Light Academy's transcendent status. Its profound foundation is unmatched by many mid-level dynasties, and many significant matters in Dysia Dynasty, including the ascension of the monarch, require consultation with Holy Light Academy. If Holy Light Academy expresses opposition, even the monarch of Dysia Dynasty must tread carefully.
In comparison to such a colossal entity, Crook Duchy seems insignificant. The Gray-Clad Elder's willingness to offer valuable treasures stems from necessity; he aims to ease tensions between the two parties to prevent dissatisfaction among judges like Elena that could place Crook Duchy in a disadvantageous position.
After all, Habea III has already caused enough trouble. Considering his son's death, the Gray-Clad Elder must give him some face and take charge to ensure he can regain his senses after that incident.
Now that Brent survived the ordeal and Habea III is bound by prior commitments and cannot stir up further chaos, this naturally leads to mutual relief. If the Gray-Clad Elder still does not know what to do next, then he has truly wasted his years.
The unexpected events during the Peak Showdown caught everyone off guard. Now that things have calmed down, everyone breathes a sigh of relief since their personal interests are at stake; no one can remain indifferent.
Brent's tragic fate evokes sympathy from many, while among the remaining contestants, several take pleasure in his misfortune. Everyone witnessed Brent's strength during this battle; losing such a formidable competitor brings some relief to certain participants.
With a High-Level Warrior like the Gray-Clad Elder overseeing things through Divine Consciousness Projection, order in the Peak Showdown quickly restored. Four Court Mages worked together again to set up a massive barrier that kept almost negligible drizzle at bay. With assistance from several powerful warriors, they repaired the arena's damaged ground back to its original state.
Finally, under Elena's announcement, the Peak Showdown continued with fervor.
By noon, nearly all groups of contestants had completed their matches. During this process, two more contestants met unfortunate ends. At this point, only seventeen contestants remain eligible for participation in the Peak Showdown, including Brent.
The contestants still standing in the arena are all exceptionally talented individuals at their level; none are easy opponents.
Especially notable are those selected as Final Four: Star-Moon Alliance's Mu Yan, Arthur Royal Gaia, Loret of the Piccolo Family, and Arno from the Mercenary World’s New Generation Talent.
Among this Final Four list, no one expected Loret from the Piccolo Family to make it through. Although this is only temporary, it brings immense joy to the Current Head of the Piccolo Family watching from outside; he beams with delight and continuously praises Brent for his good fortune.
After all, Loret was in the same group as Brent. Had it not been for that incident midway through their matches, Brent’s strength would undoubtedly have secured him first place in their group for a spot in the Final Four; there would have been no chance for Loret to occupy that position.
All the contestants are now eagerly eyeing Loret, hoping to dethrone him from his position in the Final Four and claim the ultimate glory for themselves. However, among these individuals, Reynold is not included.
After losing to Mu Yan, Reynold ranked second in the group stage and made it to the top eight. This defeat did not discourage him; instead, it ignited an even stronger fighting spirit within him.
During his recovery, Reynold felt that he would not fall so easily. This Fellow, who has repeatedly created miracles, has fought his way through Sparta City, achieving victory after victory. He even dared to confront Habea III head-on.
Reynold firmly believes that this Fellow will rise again and return to the stage that belongs to him, reclaiming the glory that is rightfully his.
Therefore, Reynold does not concern himself with Loret's position in the Final Four. In his mind, that spot has long been reserved for someone else, and the Fellow currently occupying it will eventually roll away in disgrace.
In the Inner City of Imperial City, in Sean Sterling's room within the castle, Bu lies quietly on the bed.
At this moment, his injuries have completely healed after Sean Sterling once again performed Withered Tree Blossoms in Spring. The only things that have not recovered are his half-white hair, his rough and aged face, the dwindling life force within him, and his nearly exhausted Mental Power.
This is also why he remains in a coma.
Having had his life potential drained three times, even with Bu's formidable Vampire Physique, any individual of comparable strength would undoubtedly perish after such an ordeal.
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