The atmosphere in the inner sect Training Ground grew increasingly solemn. The morning breeze swept over the Obsidian-paved ground, stirring a faintly chilly current of air, yet it could not blow away the burning heat in the disciples' hearts. Ten arenas opened at once, their defensive runes flickering with faint spiritual light. The stewards stood at the edges of the arenas, loudly announcing the draw numbers as the competing disciples stepped onto the stages in order, every movement drawing countless gazes from the stands. Shen Hao and Li Wei's match had been arranged in No. 3 Arena. Once the news spread, the surrounding seats were already packed. Many disciples recognized the two—one was a dark horse who had defeated powerful opponents in succession shortly after entering the inner sect, advancing from the Qi Refining Third Layer to the mid Qi Refining Fourth Layer in mere months, with no rival to his momentum; the other was a long-established late Qi Refining Fourth Layer cultivator who had entrenched himself on Qingyun Peak for years, his swordsmanship fierce and ruthless, his strength far from ordinary.
Li Wei held a Refined Iron Flying Sword whose cold gleam was razor-sharp. Dense indigo spiritual light flowed over the blade, clearly infused with a considerable amount of spiritual energy. He slowly stepped onto the arena, his eyes fixed fiercely on Shen Hao, a cold curve lifting at the corner of his mouth. His voice carried undisguised mockery. "Shen Hao, last time on Qingyun Peak, I was careless and let you exploit an opening. Today, I'll show you that the gap between the late Qi Refining Fourth Layer and the mid stage is a chasm you will never cross!" His voice spread through spiritual energy, reaching everyone's ears clearly and stirring an uproar beneath the stage.
Shen Hao