ADAPTED FROM THE WEBCOMIC YI REN ZHI XIA
THIS IS A WORK OF FICTION
ALL ACTIONS AND ABILITIES PERFORMED SHOULD NOT BE IMITATED
NDT EXPRESS
They said they would see me off.
In the end, none of them turned up.
Let's go!
Chulan.
Xu San? Xu Si?
What's with all the luggage?
I thought you guys were seeing me off.
We applied for leave from the company.
We'll spectate you on Mount Longhu. We'll treat it as a vacation.
Tell the company not to worry.
I'll definitely be the champion.
You don't need to go.
Who said we were keeping you company?
It's not like you're the only one who's attending
the Outsider Martial Arts Contest.
Didn't they say
only a few people like me were able to attend it?
Who else is attending it?
The rules changed long ago.
Wait for me!
Ms. Bao is going too?
So I was just Ms. Bao's training partner all along?
You aren't good enough
to be my training partner.
Ms. Bao, since you're going, there's no point for me to go.
Don't worry.
Baobao is there to deal with difficult opponents on your behalf.
How?
You'll know by then.
All done.
Please raise your arms.
Higher.
What is this?
A toy.
What about this?
That's a toy too.
Security!
Remember to save me!
ZHANGXI PROVINCE
I won't say much.
You must keep a low profile when we arrive at Mount Longhu.
Most of the people who have heard about you
will try to plot against you.
Remember to always conceal your identity.
Hurry! It's him!
He's here!
Hurry!
Am I that popular now?
Did you even understand what I said just now?
Yes, I did. Keep a low profile, right?
I'll lay low.
-Zhuge Qing! -Zhuge Qing!
ZHUGE QING FROM THE ZHUGE FAMILY OF LUDONG
Come on! Hurry!
One, two, three!
-Zhuge Qing, my love! -Zhuge Qing, my love!
-I gave you my heart! -I gave you my heart!
-Love you! -Love you!
LOVE QING
So he's Zhuge Qing?
He can't act or fight at all.
Why is he popular?
It doesn't make sense at all!
Who's that?
Who do you think you are?
Xu Si, am I right?
Listen.
Zhuge Qing and I are the same.
We were born on the same day.
Didn't you know?
Zhuge Qing is here to attend the Outsider Martial Arts Contest.
He's an idol.
Why is he attending the contest?
As a spokesperson?
He did just become the spokesperson of a rum brand.
Don't belittle him.
He's the best successor of the Zhuge family.
He's also favored to win the championship.
That means
he's the biggest obstacle you'll face on your way to be the champion.
ZHUGE QING
Zhuge Qing's signature is so cool!
I want one too!
Here.
Zhuge Qing, sign here!
Love you!
Love you guys too.
What kind of stupid contest is this? I can't even bring my PA here.
Zhuge Bai, please look after me.
Zhuge Qing,
are you that popular?
Of course.
You see,
I would've been famous across the world
if it's not for the fact that I am a member of the Zhuge family
and that I have missions to accomplish as an Outsider.
I just don't know how long this stupid contest will take.
I have a new drama shoot starting next month.
Zhuge Qing, I'm sure there'll be plenty of experts this time.
Zhuge Bai, you're already an expert yourself.
I'm serious.
It's just that you haven't left the house for some time.
You don't know
how strong you are.
Let's forget about the seniors for now.
Among our peers,
we only need to be wary of Zhang Lingyu.
The rest
are not worth our attention.
I heard that there's a person called Zhang Chulan.
He's the successor of a certain apotheosis.
Maybe he's super strong.
No matter if it's Qi Apotheosis
or Infinite Heavenly Talisman,
my true goal for joining this contest
is to see what kinds of other techniques
are comparable to the secret technique of the Zhuge family.
Oh, no.
What's wrong?
I forgot to bring my sunscreen.
Zhuge Bai, it's sunscreen, you know?
Buy one for me online right now.
Buy me one with a strong SPF.
They do deliver it to Mount Longhu, right?
Mount Longhu is the best.
You can only see a landscape like this here.
It's much better than what I saw in the promotional film.
Of course, it's different when you come here personally.
After all, it's a blessed land that was passed down a millennium ago.
It's a place filled with talented individuals.
You should enjoy the view while you can.
You won't be in the mood once the contest starts.
Why are you going inside?
Have you bought your tickets?
I'm here to attend the Outsider Martial Arts Contest.
I don't care. You have to buy a ticket first.
To be honest,
Chief Celestial Taoist invited me here.
This is my invitation card.
I don't care!
Ms. Bao, how do we differentiate between Outsiders and ordinary people?
We have a gesture.
All Outsiders know about it.
What do you mean by that? Go and buy your tickets! Hurry!
I just want to see how silly you can be.
I bought the tickets long ago.
Is it 250 yuan per person?
Everyone is equal when it comes to entrance tickets.
By the way, don't go around by yourself when we reach there later.
Is there a toilet nearby?
I think it's over there.
Wait, Baobao is missing.
She was still here just now.
Where's the toilet?
I think it's over there.
Thank you.
I need to use the toilet.
Ms. Bao, what are you doing?
This mister over here is the 127th sect leader of Beggars' Gang.
He said he wanted to read my palm because of my unique constitution.
Beggars' Gang? And he knows how to read palms?
Young lady,
judging from what I've seen,
you have an affinity with Beggars' Gang.
Really?
You see, fate has led us to meet.
Today, I'll show you
the treasure of the sect.
This is a heavenly item
called the Red Spotted Glass Beads.
It's a treasure that the ex-ex-sect leader found here a few centuries ago.
When the sect leader was training here,
he encountered a 10,000-year-old fire dragon.
They fought for more than 80,000 rounds.
It was perilous and intense!
Listen! They were…
Young lady,
that's not the point.
The thing is, our sect leader made this
using the core he extracted from the dragon after killing it.
It's the Red Spotted Glass Beads!
I'm sure fate led us to each other today.
Listen. I'm not asking for 98,000 yuan
or 9,800 yuan.
I'm only asking for 998 yuan. Don't you think it's cheap?
It's so cheap. I'll buy it!
Baobao,
he came all the way here just so he could slay a dragon.
How could you believe that?
This was only made after 80,000 rounds of intense fighting.
I want it!
She's paying 998 yuan for nothing.
How much higher is her wage compared to mine?
You should go if you can't hold it in.
Don't break them.
WASHROOM
What's the matter?
It's nothing.
If so, why are you staring at me?
I was just looking around casually.
Do you call that casual?
I'll file a complaint
to your superior.
You must be Zhang Chulan.
Do you know me?
Are you an Outsider too?
Why are you attending the contest?
If you're an Outsider,
you should know about my story.
I heard that you were affiliated
with Mount Longhu somehow.
All of my secrets
are related to Mount Longhu.
So if I become the champion,
I can meet Chief Celestial Taoist and ask him about my secrets.
So you're attending it to see Chief Celestial Taoist, huh?
But you're wrong about one thing.
What is it?
It isn't that difficult
to see Chief Celestial Taoist.
What do you mean by that?
Follow me.
Chief Celestial Taoist, look here. Look here!
Chief Celestial Taoist, take one step forward.
Give me a cool pose.
Wait, he's Chief Celestial Taoist?
I told you already.
It isn't that difficult to see Chief Celestial Taoist in person.
Is Zhang Lingyu attending the contest too?
Of course.
He's Zhang Lingyu, you know?
Chief Celestial Taoist, can you answer a few more questions?
My master is tired.
If you guys have any questions, you guys may ask me.
Chief Celestial Taoist?
I'm Wang Ye from Wudang Sect.
Greetings, Chief Celestial Taoist.
He's so thick-skinned.
He called himself the King of Wudang?
Wang Ye?
How's your grandmaster doing?
So his name is Wang Ye?
He's as energetic as ever.
Chief Celestial Taoist, look.
Look who I've brought to you.
You must be Chulan, right?
Call me Grandmaster.
Your grandfather
imparted the Gold Brilliance Spell and Lightning Technique to you.
Although you aren't a disciple of Mount Longhu,
I'm your grandfather's senior.
So
you have to address me as Grandmaster.
Grandmaster.
Lingyu,
this is Zhang Chulan,
whom I asked you to invite.
You guys have already met, right?
Yes.
Zhang Lingyu,
I did some thinking.
When it comes to seniority,
I have to address you as Martial Uncle.
Lingyu,
you can entertain our guests.
I need to speak with Chulan.
Yes, Master.
Be careful, Grandmaster.
Grandmaster,
has this place always been like this?
Yes.
Look at this well.
The water is still clear and sweet even after a millennium has passed.
Back then, my master produced elixirs
with this very water.
Your grandfather and I
had to come here and get water for him every day.
Back then…
Forget it.
Here.
Try it.
What's the matter?
Grandmaster, it's nothing.
I feel like you're just like my grandpa.
Both of you feel endearing to me.
We had the same master.
Of course, we're similar.
Have a seat.
Speaking of which,
you don't resemble Huaiyi at all.
That dwarf.
How did he get himself such a capable grandchild?
My goodness.
I always thought that my grandfather's name was Zhang Xilin.
I only found out that his name was Zhang Huaiyi recently.
That's a fake name he used to prevent any trouble.
You won't find anything with that name.
Grandmaster,
actually, I'm here
because I have something to ask you.
You can ask me any question after you become the champion.
Grandmaster, I don't like to fight.
I just want to know the truth.
But I don't have the answer you're looking for.
You have to win the contest.
Only then
can you inherit Tianshidu.
The truth you wish to know
is inside Tianshidu.
Everyone is talking about Tianshidu.
What exactly is Tianshidu?
You'll know once you become the champion.
Grandmaster,
there are all sorts of top-tier martial artists
joining this contest.
I'm not sure if I can win the contest.
Why don't you tell me something
on my grandfather's account?
You were daring enough to come here and participate
in the Outsider Martial Arts Contest.
I'm sure you know whether you can win the contest or not.
There are two parts to Mount Longhu.
All this while,
they're holding a Buddhist ritual in front of the mountain.
Many tourists will be attending it.
But the Outsider Martial Arts Contest
is a sparring contest between Outsiders.
Ordinary people
won't be able to see them.
I'm sure you have noticed it coming from the front.
There are tourists everywhere.
We have no way
to erect a wall
to prevent them from watching.
However,
Mount Longhu has a natural advantage.
Tourists can never reach the place
the Outsiders can.
What kind of place is it?
The contest venue
is on the opposite mountain.
Guys, please go ahead.
I think a place like this
usually has cable cars lying around.
All of you are talented youths
with extraordinary abilities.
The Outsider Martial Arts Contest
is an important stage for you guys to exhibit your skills.
It's something extraordinary.
Therefore, you have to use the main path
to get on the main road.
Main road?
Where exactly is the road?
Celestial Taoist Mansion
always does such useless stuff.
Slow down.
Don't choke.
I know.
Here, have some garlic.
Did you see that? Have some water.
My younger sister is the best.
How many skewers you've taken on our way here?
Are you that hungry?
Aren't you Deng Youfu and Deng Youcai?
Hold it right there!
What Deng Youfu?
Please address me as
-Smith. -Cut it out.
What Smith?
How many years have you studied overseas?
Do you know where North even is?
No matter how you pretend,
you still grew up eating the food
grown by our parents.
You cannot forget your roots.
Sister, grab onto me.
All right.
Love you.
Dad! We have to hurry!
Sweetheart,
I'm going to let go now.
Okay!
Here you go!
Your dad is pretty daring, huh?
Sweetheart!
I'm coming!
Dear, I know my fault now!
I'll skin you alive if you dare to throw our daughter like a chakram again!
Dear, I won't do it again!
I detect abnormal qi values inside this suitcase.
I think there's something hazardous inside.
Everyone, stand back!
Move aside. Don't move.
Senior, what's wrong?
Let me do it.
What are you doing here?
What are you looking at?
I'm just checking their luggage
to see if they've brought any restricted goods.
Don't be afraid. It'll be fine.
Just walk ahead bravely.
Our company has the best doctor in the Outsiders' world.
Even if you fall from here, I'm sure they can save you.
Ms. Bao, are you trying to console me here?
Ms. Bao,
why don't you go first?
You're making me nervous.
If I go first,
you'll definitely turn back.
Excuse me. Please make way.
Ms. Bao, are you okay?
Sorry about that!
JIA ZHENGLIANG FROM THE JIA FAMILY OF THE NORTHWEST
I'm Jia Zhengliang.
I have a useless brother
called Jia Zhengyu.
I heard that he was beaten up by a female employee of NDT
a few days ago.
I heard that she has long hair
and a messy look.
I think you're wearing NDT's uniform.
What are you doing?
Feng Baobao,
no matter what kind of trash he is,
he's still my elder brother.
I'm looking forward to our fight later.
By then, I will avenge that idiot
in front of everyone.
Chulan, don't waste your energy.
Relax.
I'll transport you there with telekinesis.
No need for that!
It's not embarrassing for me to climb there myself!
It's embarrassing when I need other people's help!
You guys are not waiting for me at all?
How is it?
Can you still stand?
I'm totally fine.
This is
a piece of cake for me.
Is this
the Outsiders' world?
I'll see if there's anything fun here.
Ms. Bao, where are Xu San and Xu Si?
They went to check the stage.
Zhang Chulan?
Mr. Feng? Are you here too?
Yes. Are you here to join the contest?
My sister is here too.
Do you still remember
you two almost got married before this?
Ms. Feng…
Hello, I guess.
Feng Baobao?
Have you already recovered?
Who are you?
I'm Feng Xingtong.
We met at All-Encompassing Guild--
Forget it. It doesn't matter.
You were seriously wounded back then. I was so scared.
-How did you recover-- -Feng Baobao.
You defeated almost everyone in All-Encompassing Guild back then.
Today, I shall engage you in a match
in the Outsider Martial Arts Contest.
Chulan, don't worry.
We aren't targeting
Tianshidu or Infinite Heavenly Talisman this time.
My dad just became one of the Ten Elders after all.
Members of the family
should show their support by coming here.
This time, you're the main lead.
Everyone in the Outsiders' world is talking about you.
You know the Gold Brilliance Spell and Lightning Technique
without being a disciple of Mount Longhu.
Everyone wants to see you.
Can you lower your volume?
Do you need me to borrow a microphone for you?
Some people can speak loudly
even without a microphone.
Let's give a big hand
to our youthful Outsiders!
It's time for them
to make their appearances!
All right. The first to enter the venue
is one of the most remarkable individuals among them.
He's both an idol and an expert martial artist.
The descendant of Zhuge Liang himself.
The most outstanding sorcerer,
Zhuge Qing!
His Qimen techniques
can neutralize his opponents' attacks immediately.
He's definitely a force to be reckoned with.
All right.
Next up is
Wang Ye from Wudang Sect.
Look at the state he's in.
I'm sure he hasn't slept a wink for seven days
to prepare for the contest.
He's so undisciplined.
All right. Next,
coming inside
is the moneygrubber, Bai Shixue.
She may look pure and frail,
but she's known for her ultimate technique,
which is devouring other people's Qi.
Who knows
how much qi she has devoured until now?
This contest has gathered
all kinds of young and talented Outsiders.
Some of them are already pretty famous.
Some of them are making their first appearances,
but they're strong as well.
They have limitless energy and bravery that all youngsters have.
Let us hope
that they can spar with each other
and break their limits in this contest!
Besides Tianshidu,
the winner will also
receive Infinite Heavenly Talisman!
This has never been seen before
thoroughout history!
I heard that many contestants are sure that they will win.
This contest will definitely be an intense one.
All right. Next,
coming inside
is the Feng Siblings from All-Encompassing Guild.
Feng Shayan and Feng Xingtong!
Look!
The Feng Siblings
have brought their servants
with them as well!
SERVANT A, SERVANT B
ZHANG CHULAN, FENG BAOBAO
Servant?
Was he referring to me?
Lastly, the crowd favorite
is entering the venue.
It's Zhang Lingyu from Celestial Taoist Mansion!
I heard that he has perfected his techniques,
Gold Brilliance Spell and Lightning Technique.
He's super strong!
-Lingyu! -Lingyu!
-The perfect being! -The perfect being!
-Lingyu! -Lingyu!
-The perfect being! -The perfect being!
-Zhuge Qing, my love! -Zhuge Qing, my love!
-I gave you my heart! -I gave you my heart!
-Zhuge Qing, my love! -Zhuge Qing, my love!
-I gave you my heart! -I gave you my heart!
Don't take it to heart.
I assume you haven't seen all these people before.
Let me introduce them to you.
Look, the guy with a coat
who looks like a crosstalk artist,
that's Xiao Xiao. He's a wolf in sheep's clothing.
The girl beside him
is Zhi Jinhua.
Let's forget about her abilities for now. She's very intelligent.
You see, the more intelligent a woman is,
the scarier she is.
Why are you helping me out?
My dad hasn't given up yet.
He still wants you to join All-Encompassing Guild.
Of course,
it would be better
if you could become his son-in-law.
I can make things more comfortable for you.
The toughest opponents you will face
might be those two.
The crowd favorites
of the contest
are already
sizing each other up!
I'm the descendant of Zhuge Liang,
Zhuge Qing.
I'm Zhang Lingyu
from Mount Longhu.
-Zhuge Qing, my love! -Zhuge Qing, my love!
-I gave you my heart! -I gave you my heart!
-Zhuge Qing, my love! -Zhuge Qing, my love!
-I gave you my heart! -I gave you my heart!
I have long admired you, Lingyu.
I never expected to see you here in person.
You're flattering me.
I'm just a Taoist living on a mountain.
There's nothing noteworthy about me.
You're too modest.
Actually, I came to Mount Longhu
so that I could spar with you.
I'm ashamed.
The monastic should let go of all conflicts and desires.
However, I'm still looking forward
to your ultimate technique.
Why is Zhang Lingyu so popular?
It's because
he's the perfect being,
Zhang Lingyu.
Don't tell me he has the seal too.
I'm looking forward to our match too.
The perfect being, huh?
Spiritual Master Lingyu.
Do you still remember me?
I had meals in your temple before.
As for him, you should've seen him before.
I heard that the match between you two ended as a draw.
Is that true?
You should speak up more if you don't know what to say.
He hates me in the first place.
Don't say something like ending as a draw.
Zhuge, Xingtong,
I shall take my leave. We shall meet again next time.
I will take my leave too.
You were ignored.
So you said
you knew everyone here?
Didn't I tell you before?
Well,
I may be mediocre when it comes to superpowers,
but I'm definitely great
at gathering intel.
Seriously?
Your intel is all trash.
Mr. Feng.
The key to gathering intel
is deciding the main points.
Do you get that?
Gathering intel from everywhere
without classifying them
is the act of an amateur.
Zang Long,
what are you doing here?
Why can't I be here?
You're so capable,
so you must know him, right?
I already told you.
I only gather intel related to important individuals.
I don't have time to analyze a layman.
The Eight Supremes are here.
I'm sure everyone will give it their all.
Bai Shixue
held a prize quiz recently.
We can make a bet.
It's a bet on who will win the contest.
Zhuge Qing is the second favorite contestant.
Zhang Lingyu is the most favorite contestant.
However,
there's one more person I'll recommend.
Although he's the third favorite contestant,
he gives out a solid performance.
Who is it?
Zhang Chulan.
The successor of Qi Apotheosis.
However,
I heard
that he doesn't know how to use Qi Apotheosis.
That's impossible.
He already used it twice before.
He used it on Zhang Lingyu
and Zhuge Qing.
Qi Apotheosis is an extraordinary technique.
When he uses the technique,
the sky will change colors and the world will be turned upside down.
The two fights
were intense
and exceptional.
They leave behind a trail of death everywhere they go.
He gave both Zhang Lingyu
and Zhuge Qing a sound beating.
He's amazing.
Yes. I'm not lying.
Will you bet on him?
I'll bet 1,000 yuan on Zhang Chulan.
-Ms. Bao, have you lost your mind? -Hey, what are you doing?
Not only are you not supporting my business,
but are you also stopping her?
Here.
Got it.
Girl, what's your name?
I'm Feng Baobao.
Feng Baobao?
Girl, are you here to be a Celestial Taoist too?
I'm not here to be a Celestial Taoist.
Zhang Chulan is here to be a Celestial Taoist.
My job is to get rid of all the opponents that get in his way.
Now, let's give a big round of applause
to the main organizer of this contest.
Coming from Celestial Taoist Mansion of Mount Longhu,
the 99th Chief Celestial Taoist,
Zhang Zhiwei!
Everyone,
sorry for the long wait.
Besides being an annual worship event,
the Outsider Martial Arts Contest has always been a chance
for qi practitioners to interact with each other.
Since you guys are raring to go,
I won't take up your time.
This time,
there are 128 contestants in total
for the current Outsider Martial Arts Contest.
However,
there will only be one champion.
The 100th Outsider Martial Arts Contest
begins now!