Great Luo Sword Net

With a flick of his sleeve, Xu Shangran sent two Jade Slip slips into the air, which landed precisely in the palms of Su Bai and Zhao Shanhe.

"The Inner Sect Grand Competition is tomorrow. Time is short, and how much you can grasp depends entirely on your own fortune."

He looked slightly tired, but his eyes still burned with an unquenchable creative flame, clearly indicating that the day and night of deduction had taken a great toll.

Su Bai solemnly accepted the Jade Slip and bowed in unison. "Thank you, Academy Master, for bestowing this teaching!"

They were well aware of the significance of the Jade Slip and, not daring to delay, immediately returned to their respective Cultivation Room.

The restrictions on the Quiet Chamber of the Sword Academy have been activated.

Su Bai sat down cross-legged and immersed his Spiritual Sense into the Jade Slip.

"The Profound Sword True Essence Art - Great Luo Sword Net".

The opening is a general outline written by Xu Shangran based on his own understanding of Sword Dao, pointing out that this technique is a fusion of the essence of the "Spiral Compression Technique" and the "Yin Yang Guixu Sword Meridian" from the "Profound Sword True Essence Art".

Combining his profound understanding of Sword Qi forms and Spiritual Power bursts, he created an advanced killing Divine Ability specifically for Sword Cultivator in the Qi Refining Stage.

Su Bai studied the text word by word, becoming increasingly alarmed, which was followed by a surge of intense joy.

This [Great Luo Sword Net] can be considered the culmination and sublimation of the Sword Qi burst application of the "Profound Sword True Essence Art".

It refines and systematizes the original simple and crude approach of "Sword Vein eruption, multiple Sword Qi strikes," and derives it into three progressively advancing stages:

Phase One: The Luo Net Formation.

By combining specific Sword Art with the "Yin Yang Guixu Sword Meridian," one can unleash a dozen or even dozens of fine Sword Qi in one go.

These Sword Qi were not chaotic, but rather subtly echoed each other, enveloping the opponent and making it extremely difficult to completely block them.

Second Tier: Thousand Threads Soul Lock

After further mastering the control of Sword Vein and Spiritual Power, one can control the Sword Qi unleashed so that it does not immediately dissipate after the first attack, but rather explodes and splits suddenly as if it possesses a spirit, transforming into more, finer, and more treacherous secondary Sword Qi.

To launch a second or even third entanglement attack on the target from an unexpected angle, like a thousand threads binding the soul, it is impossible to defend against.

Third Tier: The Great Luo Heavenly Net.

This is the ultimate form.

One must push the "Yin Yang Guixu Sword Meridian" to its limit, instantly unleashing all or most of one 'Spiritual Power to unleash countless sharp Sword Qi.

Each Sword Qi contains a unique energy. When it hits a target or a specific area, it will automatically resonate with other Sword Qi, interlocking and overlapping to instantly construct a layered, airtight three-dimensional "sword net cage".

The more Sword Qi there is, the denser the network, and the greater the power increases exponentially.

In theory, if one can cultivate to this level, few among those of the same rank can escape this net.

"What a magnificent [Great Luo Sword Net]!"

Su Bai was thrilled. "The Academy Master is indeed a genius! In just one night, he was able to elevate the basic application of the ' Profound Sword True Essence Art ' to such a high level!"

"If this technique is mastered, it will be a perfect blend of offense and defense, suitable for both group battles and one-on-one duels, and its power will far surpass the simple burst of [Dragon's Roar Sword Heaven]!"

But after the initial joy came a sense of urgency.

"Only one night remains until the start of the competition..."

Without the slightest hesitation, he put away the Jade Slip, got up, and pushed open the door to leave.

Almost simultaneously, the door to the adjacent Cultivation Room opened, and Zhao Shanhe walked out with a similarly solemn expression.

The two brothers exchanged glances, both seeing the determination in each other's eyes.

"Walk!"

Two figures reappeared in the Clear and Cold and deserted Sword Academy Training Ground.

Without further conversation, they each found an open space, summoned their flying swords, and began to try to circulate their Sword Vein according to the methods in the Jade Slip, simulating the differentiation and interweaving of Sword Qi.

As night deepened, the air above the Sword Academy was occasionally filled with the faint yet dense sound of Sword Qi cutting through the air, and at other times, Sword Light, like cold stars, would briefly bloom like fireworks, outlining a blurry net-like shape.

Failure, adjustment, and another try... The two were single-minded, racing against time.

December 15th, dawn was breaking.

The annual grandest and most exciting Disciple competition of the Jade Mist Sect's Inner Sect has officially begun.

Thousands of Disciple dressed in various Inner Sect robes surged Fellow Daoist torrents from all directions toward the vast Underground Training Ground located deep within the mountain.

A cacophony of voices and flashes of inspiration.

The rules of the competition have long been deeply ingrained in people's minds: all one hundred arenas in the Underground Training Ground are connected to the core of the sect's Spirit Vein and are equipped with powerful protective and Teleportation Array.

Disciple compete within the arena, and if they suffer a fatal attack or voluntarily concede defeat, they will be instantly teleported out of the arena by the formation, ensuring their safety to the greatest extent possible.

Therefore, the vast majority of inner disciple participate, and regardless of victory or defeat, it is a rare opportunity for practical experience.

At this moment, runes flowed across the dome of the training ground, and soft, bright light shone down, illuminating the hundred square arenas below that gleamed with metallic luster.

At the edge of each arena, there was a faint, flowing transparent light curtain, a sign that the protective formation was activated.

Dozens of the Foundation Establishment Realm Steward stage Elder, their auras deep and composed, were scattered throughout the venue, their Spiritual Sense covering the entire area. They served as referees and inspectors, ensuring the competition proceeded in an orderly manner.

The Jade Mist Sect's Inner Sect Grand Competition adopts a points-based advancement system.

In the first round, each Disciple has ten chances to fight.

In theory, one can initiate a challenge in any of these ten instances, and the challenged party cannot refuse except by admitting defeat.

But challenging others also means being challenged by others; the chances are equal.

Each player can only play against the same opponent once.

Only by winning all ten matches and accumulating a perfect score can one securely advance to the next round.

During this period, specific functions of the Inner Sect Jade Token will be activated, recording scores and battle status in real time.

At the edge of the Underground Training Ground, the area where the Sword Academy was located appeared exceptionally deserted, with only Su Bai and Zhao Shanhe standing side by side.

Compared to other courts where dozens or even hundreds of people gather in large groups, this one appeared rather solitary.

Zhao Shanhe was whispering his experience to Su Bai. He had participated in several major competitions and even ranked among the Top Ten, so he knew the ins and outs of the competition very well.

"Junior Brother Su... Chief," Zhao Shanhe instinctively wanted to call him Junior Brother, but then changed his address, pointing to a group of hundreds of Disciple in the distance, dressed in various styles, most of whom were not wearing any Court Badge.

"See those people? They're from the Inner Sect's ' No-Courtyard Sect.' Most of them haven't joined any court specialization for various reasons, or they've just entered the Inner Sect and are still observing."

"Generally speaking, their Combat Power and the variety of their methods of dealing with the enemy are slightly weaker than the carefully trained Disciple of the various courts, making them the most ideal targets for gaining points in the early stages."

"Remember, when initiating a challenge with the Jade Token, you must be quick! Your eyes must be sharp, and your hand steady!"

"Don't run into those established masters from other courtyards right from the start, especially the Chief from each courtyard. If you accidentally stumble and lose, not only will you lose an opportunity, but it might also affect your mindset later on."

Su Bai glanced at the somewhat disorganized group of "No-Courtyard Sect" Disciple were sizing each other up or whispering among themselves, and then looked at the disciplined and familiar Disciple formations in the Ice Court, Fire Court, and other areas in the distance. He nodded slightly.

"What you say is absolutely right, Senior Brother, but..." A faint smile curved his lips, "With our current strength, it seems we shouldn't be the ones worrying."

Zhao Shanhe couldn't help but chuckle as he recalled the terrifying display of dense Sword Qi at the Training Ground last night, as well as Su Bai's unfathomable rate of progress.

He patted his forehead. "Absolutely! Look at my memory, they're the ones who should be worried!"

He sighed inwardly, realizing that the speed at which this Chief junior brother was growing was truly astonishing.

At this time last year, he was still on duty at Spirit Moon Lake, but now he is the Chief the Sword Academy, and his cultivation and Combat Power have left his "senior" far behind.

However, with such a figure leading the way, the Sword Academy's long-dormant revival may finally see the light of day.

Just then, a gentle yet vast and unfathomable pressure silently enveloped the entire Underground Training Ground.

In an instant, all the noise and discussion ceased.

Thousands of Disciple looked up at the same time.

In the center of the training ground, a figure dressed in a deep purple Cloud Patterns Daoist Robe quietly appeared.

The newcomer appeared to be around thirty years old, with a handsome face, long black hair casually tied up with a wooden hairpin and draped over his shoulders, his expression calm and undisturbed.

He simply stood there quietly, inspiring awe and making people dare not look him in the eye.

"It's the Hall Master of the Inner Sect Hall, Fu Yunshen Old Ancestor!"

Zhao Shanhe quickly transmitted his voice, his tone filled with reverence, "A true Golden Core cultivator from the sect! I never expected him to personally preside over the opening ceremony this year!"

Su Bai felt a chill run down his spine.

Golden Core Ancestor!

This was the first time he had ever sensed the presence of Golden Core Cultivator at such close range.

That unfathomable aura was far beyond that of Foundation Establishment Cultivator, making one feel insignificant in its presence.

Fu Yunshen's gaze swept calmly over the thousands of young and energetic faces below, without uttering a word.

He spoke slowly in a clear and calm voice, "The path to greatness lies in relentless diligence."

"The Inner Sect Grand Competition is not only to test your cultivation achievements, but also to hone your Dao Heart and sharpen your sword. I hope all Disciple will uphold the Dao Heart, go all out, and display the brilliance of Yuxia."

Concise yet weighty.

"The competition begins."

As he finished speaking, the Inner Sect Jade Token on the waists of all the Disciple present trembled slightly at the same time, their surfaces shimmering with spiritual light. A semi-transparent virtual interface appeared about a foot above the Jade Token.

The text clearly displays the words "Challenge", "Accept", "Points: 0", and "Battle Opportunities: 10".

"Now!"

Zhao Shanhe gave a low shout and moved almost simultaneously with Su Bai!

Two Sword Light sword lights suddenly shone!

Su Bai's Azure Dragon Sword emitted a blue light, while Zhao Shanhe also summoned his usual High-grade Magic Sword. The two moved with their swords, and before most Disciple had time to operate their Jade Token or were still searching for their targets, they transformed into two streaks of light and rushed to the sky above the area where the "No-Courtyard Sect" Disciple were gathered!

The speed advantage of Sword Control Technique is now fully revealed!

Zhao Shanhe's gaze was like lightning, instantly locking onto a female cultivator in the crowd who looked uneasy and seemed to have just recently advanced to the Qi Refining Layer Seven. The Jade Token tablet flashed, and the challenge order was issued.

The Jade Token pendant at the female cultivator's waist vibrated, revealing the words "Zhao Shanhe of the Sword Academy issues a challenge." She Consciousness looked up, a hint of panic flashing across her face.

Before she could react further, a beam of teleportation light descended from the sky, enveloping her and Zhao Shanhe in the air.

Swish!

The two figures vanished from their original positions in an instant, and the next moment, they appeared on the arena numbered "Seventy-Three".

Su Bai's movements were equally swift.

With a quick glance, he selected a male Disciple who was huddled at the edge of the crowd, his eyes darting around, looking rather clever, even somewhat "shifty-eyed."

The Jade Token pendant has been activated; the challenge has begun!

The male Disciple was peeking around, figuring out which easy target to challenge, when suddenly the Jade Token pendant sounded an alarm. He looked up and saw Su Bai hovering in mid-air, wearing a black silver sword Jade Pendant representing the Chief of the Sword Academy. His face immediately froze.

The teleportation beam fell.

Su Bai felt the scenery before him sway slightly, and he was now firmly standing on a metal arena about thirty feet square.

Ten feet away, stood the male Disciple he had chosen.

Since it was his first time participating in the competition, Su Bai did not make a move immediately. Instead, he looked around with a sense of novelty and curiosity.

More than half of the hundred arenas were now illuminated by teleportation beams, and figures appeared on them.

The remaining Disciple who failed to get a match immediately could only gather in the waiting area at the edge of the arena, watching the crowd facing off in the arena, waiting for an opening.

'Just as Senior Brother Zhao said, the first move is crucial,' Su Bai realized.

At this moment, the shifty-eyed Disciple opposite seemed to have finally recovered from his initial astonishment.

He carefully examined Su Bai, especially the distinctive jade pendant of the Sword Academy's Chief Jade Pendant on Su Bai's chest, which was quite recognizable within the Jade Mist Sect. He also sensed the powerful Spiritual Pressure emanating from Su Bai, which, though not deliberately emitted, still emanated from him at the Qi Refining Layer Eight.

And the gleaming blue flying sword hovering beside him caused his Adam's apple to involuntarily bob.

He forced a smile that looked more like a grimace, his voice trembling noticeably as he tentatively began to speak:

"Senior... Senior Brother? You... you're Sword Cultivator? Or... the Chief of the Sword Academy?"