Inner Sect Preliminary Selection (3)

The Sword Art Assessment concluded, and the most thrilling event—the Combat Competition—finally began.

The open space at the center of the square was divided into dozens of arenas, each with a Deacon Elder standing on it, responsible for judging victories and maintaining order. The Chief Deacon Elder rose to his feet and announced in a clear voice, "Disciples, proceed now to the draw area to select your opponent's number plate. This Combat Competition is a one-on-one elimination round. The victor advances, the loser is eliminated! Final scores will be based on the number of advancements and live performance, factored into your overall results!"

No sooner had the words fallen than the disciples surged eagerly toward the draw area. In an instant, the place was packed with a sea of heads, each person praying to draw a weaker opponent.

Shen Hao's luck was decent—he drew number thirty-seven, matched against a disciple named Li Qiang, whose cultivation was at Early Qi Refining Third Layer. Zhang Shan's luck wasn't bad either; he drew number fifteen, facing Wang Fang at Late Stage Qi Refining Layer One, a minor realm below his own.

Soon, the first round officially began. Disciples on each arena paired off and clashed, and the Training Ground instantly echoed with the clang of weapons and the shouts of the disciples, a lively and bustling scene.

Shen Hao and Li Qiang stepped onto arena thirty-seven together, standing opposite each other as their gazes met. Li Qiang looked at Shen Hao, a bitter smile flickering across his face, and clasped his fists, saying, "Senior Brother Shen, I didn't expect my opponent to be you. Your cultivation and sword art far surpass mine. I know I shouldn't overestimate myself, but with the assessment at hand, I still want to give it a try. Please go easy on me, Senior Brother Shen."

"Please enlighten me." Shen Hao returned the salute with a calm expression.

Before the words faded, Li Qiang lunged forward with his Flying Sword, slashing straight at Shen Hao's chest. The strike was fierce, carrying an unstoppable momentum—clearly, he was giving it his all.

Shen Hao lightly shifted his footing, his form ghostlike as he slid three feet to the side, effortlessly dodging the blow. At the same time, he twisted his wrist, his Flying Sword aiming directly at Li Qiang's shoulder, swift as lightning, leaving no chance for a reaction.

Li Qiang's face changed drastically. He hurriedly twisted to evade, but he was still a step too slow. The Flying Sword grazed his robe, leaving a shallow bloody gash. The sting made his whole body shudder.

He knew full well the gap between himself and Shen Hao. Continuing would only bring more humiliation. Li Qiang sighed, sheathed his Flying Sword, and clasped his fists, saying, "I concede! Senior Brother Shen's skill is superior. I accept defeat wholeheartedly."

"Arena thirty-seven, Shen Hao wins!" the elder on the platform announced loudly.

Shen Hao put away his sword, bowed, and stepped down from the arena, immediately turning his gaze to arena fifteen. There, Zhang Shan was locked in a tangle with Wang Fang. Zhang Shan had the advantage in cultivation and moved with nimble footwork, constantly dodging Wang Fang's attacks while seeking an opening to counter. Finally, he caught a flaw—just as Wang Fang's sword technique reached its limit—and thrust his Flying Sword out, cutting into Wang Fang's shoulder.

"I concede!" Wang Fang said helplessly, clutching her wound.

"Arena fifteen, Zhang Shan wins!"

Zhang Shan pumped his fist in excitement, jogged over to Shen Hao, his face brimming with joy. "Senior Brother Shen, I won! I advanced!"

"Well done!" Shen Hao nodded with a smile, genuinely happy for him.

The first round ended quickly. Both Shen Hao and Zhang Shan advanced, exchanging a glance and a smile, a spark of exhilaration in their eyes. After a brief rest, the opponent list for the second round was announced. Shen Hao's opponent was Zhao Qiang, at Mid Stage Qi Refining Third Layer.

Zhao Qiang was a veteran outer sect disciple, having trained for years with refined sword skills and considerable strength. His gaze toward Shen Hao carried a hint of gravity, but also a fighting spirit. The two walked slowly onto the arena, facing each other. An invisible pressure clashed between them, as if the very air around them had frozen solid.

"Shen Hao, I know you're formidable—you aced the Sword Art Assessment." Zhao Qiang tightened his grip on his Flying Sword, a determined look on his face. "But I won't give up easily. Today, I'll test your skills!"

Shen Hao smiled and clasped his fists. "Please enlighten me."

The moment the words left his mouth, both of them moved at once. Flying Swords in hand, they charged at each other like twin streaks of light. Sword Light flashed, and the instant they clashed, a fierce collision erupted.