The Old Four Academies

A faint Teleportation Ripple swept by, and Qin Lin, the Chief the Shengzhe Wood Court, was also teleported back to his original position.

Beneath the beam of light in the inner arena, the remaining five Disciple with the right to challenge— Zhao Shanhe, Dongfang Luoyu, Xiao Yifei, Xu Qing, and Yu Jiangying —remained silent.

Qin Lin's performance was in no way inferior to Su Bai's previous strong defense of the title.

Even his low-key background and the way he effortlessly overwhelmed Yang Guang added an air of unfathomable oppression.

One successfully defended their title, and the other successfully challenged for the championship. These two newcomers, who were not previously on the list of the most popular contenders, have so powerfully secured two of the top three spots, and they seem unshakeable.

No one expected that this year's Inner Sect Grand Competition would produce so many dark horses.

On the viewing platform, Li Qingmu, the Academy Master the Wood Court, was surrounded by voices of congratulations and exclamations.

"Academy Master Li, congratulations! A great teacher produces a great student! Qin Lin's future is limitless!"

"Senior Brother Li, you've kept this a secret for a long time! How could there have been no word about such an outstanding Disciple before? Please share with us how you trained such a brilliant student!"

"The fact that Spirit Plant seeds can be used in such creative ways, combining the characteristics of Wood Attribute Law Technique to this extent, Qin Lin's comprehension is truly astonishing!"

Li Qingmu stroked his long beard, his face revealing undisguised smugness.

"You flatter me, you flatter me!"

"To be honest, I didn't offer much guidance."

"Qin Lin is a quiet and unassuming child. He prefers to explore the combination of strange and unusual Spirit Plant and Law Technique."

"This ' Spirit Plant combat method' was mostly developed by him through reading ancient books and painstaking experimentation."

"He only unleashed his full potential during the internal competition at the Wood Court this year, which greatly surprised even me, and that's why I quickly gave him the Chief position."

"This child... is truly a rare gem, a talent unseen in a century for our Wood Court!"

In stark contrast to Li Qingmu's beaming face was the ashen expression of Lu Xuanting, the Academy Master the Lightning Court, not far away.

As a newly emerging faction within the Jade Mist Sect in the last decade or so, the Lightning Court has rapidly expanded its power and is poised to challenge the traditional dominance of the "Old Four Academies" of Fire, Water, Earth, and Ice.

The top three rankings in the Inner Sect Grand Competition are naturally the best proof of the excellent lineage and the outstanding Disciple.

As the most outstanding Chief of Lightning Court, Yang Guang carries the high hopes of the entire Lightning Court.

But now, in the crucial battle for the top three, they have been defeated by the previously little-known Wood Court!

And the defeat was so decisive, almost a complete rout!

This not only means that Yang Guang personally lost the Foundation Establishment Pill, but also thwarted Lightning Court's plan to enhance his reputation through this competition, causing him to lose face.

Lu Xuanting clenched his teeth, his fists clenched so tightly they cracked.

If they were to lose to Disciple of the "Old Four Academies," it would be unwilling, but it would still be within reason.

But it had to be the Wood Court! How could he swallow this insult?

I felt that the gazes from all around me carried a subtle, yet unspoken, mockery.

The "Old Four Academies" he referred to were the Fire, Water, Earth, and Ice Four Academies.

The Academy Master of these Four Academies are all true Golden Core Ancestor the Jade Mist Sect!

Because of the presence of the Golden Core Ancestor, who personally oversaw the inheritance system, these Four Academies possess the most complete and profound inheritance of cultivation methods and Divine Ability Cultivation Method, from Qi Refining to Foundation Establishment and even Golden Core, and their foundation is the most solid.

They have always been the mainstay of the inner Jade Mist Sect Inner Sect.

Although during the Qi Refining Stage, due to factors such as the Disciple's Talent and performance on the spot, their Chief may not always be able to consistently rank in the top three (the Ice Court has been an exception in the last two years).

However, once one advances to the Foundation Establishment, their advantages will rapidly expand due to the complete high-level inheritance and resource allocation.

This is the true source of the "Old Four Academies's " confidence.

Leaving aside the undercurrents of conflicting thoughts among the various Academy Master on the viewing platform.

Inside the arena, the figure of Li Zhao, the Inner Sect Hall Steward, reappeared in mid-air.

He looked at the five young faces below, their expressions filled with conflict, shook his head, and said with a hint of understanding, "I think this time, you really need me to help you make a decision."

"Such delays are just a waste of time."

The remaining five— Zhao Shanhe (Sword Academy), Dongfang Luoyu (Fire Academy), Xiao Yifei (Wind Academy), Xu Qing (Earth Academy), and Yu Jiangying (Water Academy)—are all proud and arrogant geniuses.

It's absolutely impossible for them to retreat without a fight and abandon the Foundation Establishment Pill that's right in front of them.

But reality is staring us in the face: Su Bai's swordsmanship is unpredictable and incredibly powerful.

Qin Lin is a man of deep scheming and unpredictable methods.

Challenging them would be a losing proposition, potentially wasting a valuable opportunity and even risking injury that could negatively impact your performance.

Seeing that the five people remained silent and no one stepped forward, Li Zhao said no more.

He flipped his hand and took out a bronze "compass" engraved with simple directional patterns.

Gently place it on a small Stone Platform that is floating in mid-air, and point to it.

"Let this ' Fortune Indicator ' guide you the way."

The compass rose and began to spin rapidly, drawing the attention of everyone in the room.

After a few breaths, the rotation speed gradually slowed down.

Finally, under the tense gaze of everyone, the sharp pointer pointed precisely at Xiao Yifei, the genius Disciple of the Wind Court.

Xiao Yifei was handsome with a face like jade and eyes like bright stars; he was truly a Wind Currents and debonair man.

Being selected by the pointer at this moment, a wry smile couldn't help but appear on his face.

"It seems my luck is truly bad today."

He shook his head self-deprecatingly, then took a deep breath, his eyes sharpening again. "So be it. There's no escaping it now. Let me test the waters of this third seat for you all!"

He stepped forward, his gaze like lightning, fixed on Su Bai, who stood with his arms crossed in the pillar of light, and proclaimed loudly, "Chief Su of the Sword Academy, Xiao Yifei of the Wind Court, requests to fight!"

His choice of Su Bai over Qin Lin might be because he felt Su Bai's fighting style was more direct.

Perhaps it was because he was confident in his speed and ability to break through defenses, or perhaps it was simply a matter of luck.

Su Bai's heart stirred slightly.

Did you choose me over Qin Lin because you think I'm easier to deal with? Or...?

He's confident he has a way to counter my Sword Control Technique?

He didn't know much about this genius from the Wind Court, but to break into the Top Ten from among thousands of Disciple, he must have something special about him.

Wind-attribute Law Technique, in particular, are known for their speed and should not be underestimated.

"Please." Su Bai replied calmly, offering only one word.

The teleportation light arrived as scheduled.

The two appeared at opposite ends of a vast, empty arena.

Su Bai used the same old trick. With a thought, an ordinary Low-grade Magic Sword flew out of his Storage Bag and landed at his feet.

He soared into the air on his Sword Flight, transforming into a streak of Azure Light, and actively flew towards the center of the arena. At the same time, the Azure Dragon Sword was already hanging beside him, its blade pointing directly at Xiao Yifei in the distance, poised to strike.

He planned to first test the waters with a powerful attack using the Azure Dragon Sword, aiming for a quick victory.

Xiao Yifei's reaction was equally swift!

Almost the instant he landed, his hands completed Hand Seals, and he softly chanted, "Wind Spirit, assist me! Walk on the void!"

Two pale blue Whirlpool of air suddenly appeared beneath his feet, constantly swirling, as if he were stepping on invisible staircases of wind!

The next moment, his figure swayed and he also rose into the air. Although it was not as free and smooth as the Sword Control Technique, it was still a real ascent into the air, and the speed was extremely fast and agile!

The Wind Court's unique Secret Art — the Quasi-Second Tier Law Technique [Step of the Void]!

This technique is not true Sky-Flying, but rather a short-range, highly maneuverable aerial maneuver achieved by skillfully manipulating Wind Spiritual Power to create brief footholds and propulsion.

While it may not be as good as Sword Control Technique for long-distance raids or sustained flight, it has unique advantages in quick maneuvering and explosive upward movement within a small area. It allows the user to gain three-dimensional mobility in the air that far surpasses ground-based movement Movement Method, giving them almost half the Sky-Flying ability of Foundation Establishment Cultivator!

Upon seeing this, a flash of surprise crossed Su Bai's eyes.

What exquisite wind-based movement Movement Method!

In this way, my absolute speed advantage from taking off on my Sword Flight was significantly reduced.

The two approached each other rapidly in mid-air.

One hundred feet! Eighty feet! Fifty feet!

Xiao Yifei, relying on his [Step of the Void] technique, was able to keep up with Su Bai's speed as he flew by on his Sword Flight. The two faced each other in the air above the center of the arena, about thirty feet apart.

"Disease!"

Without further hesitation, Su Bai activated his mind, and the Azure Dragon Sword hanging beside him emitted a clear and melodious sword cry, transforming into a streak of azure light that pierced straight towards Xiao Yifei's face!

The speed of the sword far exceeded the reaction limit of ordinary Qi Refining Cultivator; the Sword Light arrived almost before the sound even reached it!

Watching from the sidelines, I was struck by how incredibly fast Su Bai's Sword Flight was.

Only now, facing it in person, did Xiao Yifei truly understand the suffocating sense of oppression!

The speed of this flying sword was even faster than the speed of most Tier One Spell he had ever seen!

But since he dared to take on the challenge, he must have something to rely on.

"Thousand Cicada Slash!"

Xiao Yifei's expression was solemn. He brought his right index and middle fingers together and made a sweeping motion in the air.

A bluish light flickered from his fingertips, and a nearly transparent, three-inch-long, arc-shaped Wind Blade with sharp bluish light flowing around its edges instantly took shape, silently shooting towards the Azure Dragon Sword!

The Wind Court's secret attack Law Technique— [Thousand Cicada Slash]!

This technique is extremely difficult to master, requiring very precise control over Wind Spiritual Power.

Its Wind Blade are thin and sharp, and its flight path is not a straight line, but rather carries subtle spirals and vibrations.

It is specifically designed to break through the weak points of various Protective Spiritual Light, with extremely strong penetrating power and almost no sound, making it impossible to defend against.

In the blink of an eye!

The azure Sword Light and the transparent Wind Blade collided precisely in mid-air!

Boom!

A not-so-violent explosion rang out. Su Bai's Sword Qi, which incorporated the compressed power of the "Profound Sword True Essence Art," was clearly superior in pure power, directly shattering the [Thousand Cicada Slash] Wind Blade.

However, the unique spiraling vibration characteristic of the Wind Blade successfully detonated the Sword Qi halfway through, preventing it from directly threatening Xiao Yifei himself.

Xiao Yifei lightly tapped his feet with the [Step of the Void], his figure drifting backward several feet like a leaf in the wind, easily avoiding the scattered aftershocks of the Sword Qi explosion.

"Truly impressive!"

Xiao Yifei felt a chill in his heart, but his hands didn't stop moving. With a wave of his left hand, two more [Thousand Cicada Slash] flew out in a cross shape, blocking Su Bai's possible pursuit route.

Su Bai remained unfazed. His Azure Dragon Sword swirled in the air, drawing two arcs before unleashing two more Compressed Sword Qi that accurately intercepted the attack.

Bang! Bang!

Two more chaotic storms of Spiritual Power exploded in the air.

The two engaged in a brief but intense ranged attack using flying swords and Wind Blade at a distance of about thirty feet.

Sword Qi crisscrossed, Wind Blade whistled, weaving dangerous yet dazzling patterns in the air.

Xiao Yifei's [Thousand Cicada Slash] is extremely fast, with a tricky trajectory, and it seems to consume less energy than Su Bai's Compressed Sword Qi, allowing him to maintain a high frequency of casting.

Su Bai's Sword Qi was even more powerful, overwhelming all other techniques with sheer force.

For a moment, a stalemate seemed to have formed.

But Su Bai quickly realized that Xiao Yifei seemed to be intentionally maintaining this distance, and his Movement Method were exceptionally agile, always managing to evade the direct lock-on of the Sword Qi at the last second.

Is he trying to wear me down? Or does he have another Backup Plan?

Having completed the probing, Su Bai had no intention of dragging it out any longer.

The "Yin Yang Guixu Sword Meridian" within his body trembled slightly, and the path of Spiritual Power circulation quietly changed, turning into the method of "Profound Sword True Essence Art - Great Luo Sword Net" taught by Xu Shangran yesterday.

"Sword Net!"

Su Bai let out a low shout and pointed sharply in the direction of Xiao Yifei!

The Azure Dragon Sword abruptly stopped its thrust, its blade radiating a brilliant azure light and emitting a strange buzzing sound!

The next moment, a jaw-dropping scene unfolded!

Instead of shooting out a condensed Sword Qi from the tip of the Azure Dragon Sword, a large expanse of dazzling azure Sword Light sprayed out!

These Sword Light were not chaotic, but rather seemed to have a life of their own, rapidly intertwining and connecting in the air, forming in the blink of an eye a three-dimensional cyan net, four or five zhang wide, composed of countless tiny Sword Qi beams, which descended upon Xiao Yifei!

The net of justice is vast, its meshes are wide, yet nothing escapes it!

The coverage area was so vast that it almost completely blocked Xiao Yifei's possible escape routes!

"What?!"

For the first time, genuine panic appeared on Xiao Yifei's handsome face.

Isn't Su Bai's signature move the incredibly powerful single-target attack, [Dragon's Roar Sword Heaven]?

What... what is this overwhelming net of swords? Was the intelligence wrong?! Or... does he have some hidden methods?!

In his haste, he Consciousness condensed [Thousand Cicada Slash] again, and several transparent Wind Blade shot out, attempting to cut and tear apart the enveloping sword net.

Sizzle!

The Wind Blade was indeed sharp, cutting into the sword net and successfully severing several of the net's cables, creating small bursts of Spiritual Power and opening a few small holes in the net.

But the area covered by the sword net is simply too vast! Moreover, those severed "net cables" do not seem to have completely disappeared; on the contrary, they appear to be reconnecting!

The main body of the sword net, still exuding a chilling sharpness, continued to descend at an undiminished speed!

Xiao Yifei's face turned deathly pale. He pushed his [Step of the Void] to its limit, his figure transforming into a blurry green shadow as he retreated rapidly!

At the same time, he waved his hands repeatedly, desperately unleashing more Wind Blade in an attempt to block.

But the coverage and pursuit capabilities of the Sword Net exceeded his expectations!

No matter which direction he dodged, the sword net Buddhist Capital predict it, adjusting its angle of coverage accordingly, and its speed was by no means slower!

In the blink of an eye, the sword net had caught up!

"Damn it!" Xiao Yifei's eyes were filled with resentment.

Because they were completely unprepared for Su Bai's sudden group attack, they made a mistake in their response, and one wrong step led to another!

Rumble--!!!

The cyan sword net finally completely enveloped Xiao Yifei's figure, and then, countless intertwined beams of Sword Qi on the net erupted simultaneously!

The dazzling and sharp Sword Light instantly engulfed that area of air, and the ear-piercing sounds of Sword Qi tearing and explosions continued incessantly, forming a terrifying area of Sword Qi raging in a diameter of several meters!

The light faded.

Xiao Yifei's figure had already disappeared, protected by Teleportation Array and sent out of the arena, appearing under the pillar of light in the outer arena.

His hair was disheveled, and his robes had several small Rift. Although he was not seriously injured, his breathing was disordered, and his face was completely drained of color.

Su Bai sheathed the Azure Dragon Sword, hovered on the Sword Flight, and his breathing became steady.

Third place, successfully defending the title once again!

This time, he used a completely new and unprecedented Sword Dao Divine Ability— [Great Luo Sword Net]!

Inside the arena, Zhao Shanhe watched this scene with undisguised admiration in his eyes.

The Chief... actually mastered the [Great Luo Sword Net] created by the Academy Master to such an extent overnight!

As for me... I haven't even touched the threshold yet.

Is this the difference in Talent...?

After a brief silence, an even more heated discussion erupted both inside and outside the venue!

"A sword net! It's actually a net formed from Sword Qi!"

"The coverage area is so large! How can anyone hide in there?"

"Just how many tricks is Chief Su hiding? [Dragon's Roar Sword Heaven] is unparalleled in power, and this [Great Luo Sword Net] is invincible in terms of control!"

"The Wind Court's [Step of the Void] and [Thousand Cicada Slash] are already powerful enough, yet they were completely countered..."

"The Sword Academy... is truly about to rise!"