Mu Xue's words were like ice beads falling onto a jade plate, clearly echoing through the suddenly quiet arena. "Mysterious Ice Soul" especially made cultivators knowing of it change expression slightly. That was an extremely powerful inheritance power of Crimson Star Sacred Land. It's said to contain a trace of innate ice-source qi, with overwhelming power. Only core true disciples could cultivate it, and it couldn't be used lightly.
Xiaoqi's heart instantly tensed. Spiritual energy in his body accelerated. The Red Flame Sword crossed before him. Guardian Sword Intent condensed without releasing. The Swimming Dragon Nine Turns movement technique also (was in) ready-to-launch state. He deeply knew if Mu Xue deployed such a trump card, the following battle would be extremely dangerous. Victory and defeat would be uncertain, possibly even affecting his Dao foundation. He must give his all. Perhaps even that wok yet to display true power and deeper trump cards would have to be exposed prematurely.
However, the anticipated earth-shaking assault didn't arrive.
The terrifying cold around Mu Xue, having reached a certain peak, actually receded like a tide. She still stood there. Her moon-white Taoist robe dust-free. Her cold gaze fell on Xiaoqi, carrying an indescribable complex look—examination, probing, a trace of (unsatisfied) regret, and more... understanding?
Above and below the arena, dead silence. Everyone held their breath, awaiting the next moment's eruption.
Xiaoqi also tensed alertly, not daring the slightest relaxation. He could sense Mu Xue wasn't bluffing. She truly possessed stronger power unused. The hundreds of intense exchanges just now, seemingly fierce, actually both sides maintained a tacit understanding—probing, verifying, not truly fighting with lives.
In this tense silence, Xiaoqi's mind flashed through several thoughts.
Mu Xue's strength was profound and unfathomable. Even if he used all trump cards, victory was only fifty-fifty, possibly even lower. More importantly, he clearly remembered that in the "Small Cave Heaven" realm—if Mu Xue hadn't timely intervened, forcibly separating him from Yan Feng and others' deadly fight—he might have won, but would certainly have been a (pyrrhic victory), possibly even affecting his Dao foundation. That helping hand, he always remembered.
At this moment, Mu Xue clearly could have used stronger means yet voluntarily restrained her aura. What was her intention? Was it that even using "Mysterious Ice Soul" would hardly take him easily, unwilling to cause mutual harm? Or... did she have other considerations?
Xiaoqi's gaze met Mu Xue's cold eyes. It was as if trying to see, from beneath that ice-frozen lake's surface, some clue. He saw the complex flash in her eyes, also the battle intent not fully dispersed, but more was a calm beyond worldly things.
In that instant, Xiaoqi made his decision.
He slowly exhaled turbid breath. The sword intent and spiritual energy around him quietly dispersed like spring wind and rain. The Red Flame Sword let out a low hum as he reversely sheathed it behind his back. He stepped forward. Toward Mu Xue's direction, he cupped hands and bowed. His voice, clear and calm, spread across the entire plaza:
"Immortal Mu Xue's Dao techniques are profound and unfathomable, strength deep and unpredictable. I am convinced. This battle... I concede."
Concede?!
These two words exploded like thunder in the quiet plaza!
Everyone froze. Faces full of disbelief.
"Concede? Tang Xiaoqi actually conceded?"
"Why? They hadn't even determined victory or defeat!"
"Yes! Though Immortal Mu Xue is strong, Tang Xiaoqi definitely had a chance!"
"He still has that mysterious wok unused! Why concede?"
Below arena instantly erupted. Discussions, doubts, regrets rang in chorus. Zhao Tiezhu especially jumped anxiously: "Little Seven brother! Why concede! Fight her! I believe you can definitely win!"
Even elders on the high platform showed startled expressions, exchanging glances.
Mu Xue looked at the conceding Xiaoqi. In her cold eyes, that complex look finally dissolved. Instead came a trace of almost unnoticeable appreciation. She naturally understood Xiaoqi's reason for conceding. Not cowardice, but gratitude repayment, also elegance. When (clearly) still having a fighting chance, even possibly drawing out more of her trump cards, choosing to concede voluntarily, preserving both sides' strength and dignity—this mindset and judgment was far more valuable than one victory or defeat.
He repaid her realm assistance favor, also gave both an elegant step down. This favor, she remembered.
Mu Xue slightly nodded. Her cold voice sounded again, yet with a trace of indefinable gentleness: "Daoist Tang is too modest. I've witnessed your strength. I look forward to future opportunities for sparring."
She didn't falsely decline nor act overbearing. She just calmly accepted the result and expressed future anticipation. This response was equally magnanimous.
The presiding elder, though somewhat surprised, seeing both parties acquiesced, announced loudly: "Tang Xiaoqi voluntarily concedes! Winner—Crimson Star Sacred Land, Mu Xue! Advances to the four finals!"
The result announced. Below arena discussions still flew, yet many's gazes at Xiaoqi had shifted from shock and doubt to understanding and admiration.
"I understand now... Tang Xiaoqi was grateful for Immortal Mu Xue's help in the realm!"
"Not only that, he also didn't want mutual destruction, right? There are ranking battles afterward."
"This broad-mindedness and magnanimity is truly admirable! Losing also loses beautifully!"
"Yes, compared to those who use any means to win, how much better!"
Xiaoqi straightened. He offered a composed smile to the below arena discussions. He didn't care about temporary victory or defeat. The cultivation path was long. Being considerate to others, being considerate to oneself, preserving a useful body, pursuing higher Dao—this was fundamental. Moreover, this battle with Mu Xue, he had gained much. His understanding of sword intent and movement technique had new enlightenment. This was far more important than a top four hollow name.
He turned, calmly descending the arena. Though stopping at the eight finals, his voluntary concession displaying elegance and wisdom earned him the audience's full respect. His reputation not only didn't suffer, but became even more renowned.
Mu Xue watched his back. Her cold gaze slightly flickered, then she also turned to leave. This unfinished "gentlemen's battle," and Xiaoqi's choice to concede voluntarily at the end, undoubtedly left a rather profound impression on her.