Grand Competition Five

After the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, the crowd watching below had understood. Although the young man wielding the saber hadn't faltered in his technique, his momentum was completely gone. His movements were confined by the longsword, and defeat was only a matter of time.

Facing Qin Fengming on the stage, whether it was the Hall Masters and Elders watching the match or the disciples below, they were all greatly astonished by the cultivation he displayed at such a young age.

Judging by his appearance, he was only twelve or thirteen. Even if he started practicing martial arts at five, it had only been five or six years. Yet, the power he exhibited was like that of a veteran who had been training for over a decade.

"Hall Master Zhang, I heard this young disciple has already been taken under your wing. How did you find such a talented disciple? Could you tell us about it?"

From the high platform, seeing Qin Fengming's display, someone couldn't help but ask Hall Master Zhang.

"Hahaha, what's so difficult about that? Although each hall here is more prestigious than my Hundred Refinements Hall, when it comes to discovering talent, none can compare to us. The first step in disciple selection is always through my Hundred Refinements Hall, which I oversee."

"Alas, if you hadn't mentioned it, I would have forgotten. You truly are blessed."

On the high platform, amidst the murmurs, Qin Fengming no longer gave the young man with the saber any opportunities. With a sudden change in his swordplay, accompanied by a crisp clanging sound, the two on stage stopped moving. A long saber fell onto the stage.

"Senior Brother Qin has won! Brother has entered the top twenty, and entering the Elite Hall is now a certainty." Amidst a roar of cheers, the disciples who had come with Qin Fengming were ecstatic.

Although Qin Fengming had won, he was still panting. One had to know that at this stage, no one was a pushover.

After informing Duan Meng and the others, Qin Fengming headed straight back to his lodging. As for his opponent tomorrow, Qin Fengming wouldn't give it another thought. Regardless, he would need to give his all in tomorrow's battle.

When evening arrived, Qin Fengming once again went to Hundred Zhang Cliff.

His Master was greatly pleased with Qin Fengming's performance during the day. After offering some encouragement, he said, "Fengming, for tomorrow's competition, Sect Master Sima of our Luoxia Valley will be personally attending. If you win again, you will enter the top eight of this competition. At that time, I will definitely recommend you to the Sect Master to join the Dark Night Hall."

Hearing his Master's words, Qin Fengming felt both nervous and excited. If his Master's words came true, his future path would undoubtedly become much smoother.

"Master, may I ask if my opponent for tomorrow's match has been decided?" Although he knew his Master was always upright, as long as it didn't violate the rules, a slight inquiry wasn't too much to ask.

"Heh heh, your opponent for tomorrow, I can only tell you that he is also someone of considerable strength. You just need to rest well and prepare with all your might."

The next day, at the competition grounds.

As soon as Qin Fengming arrived, he saw an elder on the central high platform whom he hadn't seen in the previous two days. This elder wore an Eight Trigrams Immortal Robe, held a Horsehair Whisk, had a face like jade, and a long beard flowing from his chest. Seated on the high platform, he exuded an aura of majesty.

Seeing how extraordinary this elder was, Qin Fengming knew without asking that this must be Sect Master Sima Qingshan.

Seeing the Sect Master personally in attendance, Qin Fengming was inwardly surprised and delighted, but he also knew he had to give his absolute best in his upcoming match.

In the seventh match, Qin Fengming once again ascended to Platform Number Five.

Qin Fengming's reappearance elicited a wave of cheers from the crowd. This applause wasn't just from the youths who had accompanied him; many of the young men participating in the competition also voiced their approval.

In the previous few matches, Qin Fengming had earned the respect he deserved. No one treated him as a mere youth anymore.

He turned his gaze towards the central viewing stand and saw his Master speaking softly with Sect Master Sima. Qin Fengming felt a surge of joy, but he quickly composed himself and looked at the gray-robed youth opposite him.

The youth standing opposite him had a solemn expression, his eyes sharp and focused, showing no hint of contempt.

This youth already knew of his previous performance and harbored no illusions of an easy victory.

As the announcer of the match gave the order, the youth opposite, who was taller than Qin Fengming, held his spear but did not launch a preemptive attack.

Seeing this, Qin Fengming couldn't help but smile slightly. "Thank you for your courtesy, Senior Brother. Junior Brother will now offend."

With a flick of his sword, the Thirteen Forms of the Willow technique erupted like the Yellow River in flood, pouring out like a storm.

Instantly, on Platform Number Five, a mass of white sword light began to revolve around the young man standing in the center.

As Qin Fengming unleashed his full power, a sound like the roar of dragons and tigers echoed through the venue. Hearing it, the spectators below felt a sense of being overwhelmed, unable to find a way to counter it.

Just as Qin Fengming was fully displaying the exquisite sword moves of the Thirteen Forms of the Willow, a murmur came from among the people on the central high platform:

"So, this sword technique can be used like this. This little Fengming's understanding of this sword technique has reached such a level. It seems even Xiao Wei is inferior in comparison."

To elicit such words from his own Master, who had personally taught him, Qin Fengming could finally feel at ease.

Just as Hall Master Zhang was murmuring to himself, Sect Master Sima, seated beside him, suddenly turned and exclaimed in surprise, "Brother Zhang, I have seen Heroine Liu perform this sword technique before, but the artistic conception is vastly different. Have you found a new path and developed such a formidable sword technique?"

"Sect Master exaggerates. This was not taught by me; it should be something my little disciple discovered himself. Even within my wife's sect, no one has ever been seen to perform the Thirteen Forms of the Willow technique like this."

Hearing this, Sect Master Sima's expression turned thoughtful. His gaze fixed on Platform Number Five, and he did not look away.

The spear-wielding youth's cultivation was also not weak. He unleashed a set of the Cloud Piercing Spear Technique, advancing and retreating with skill, attacking and defending with precision. He wielded his spear with impeccable skill, earning much praise.

The two fought for a hundred rounds, and under these circumstances, neither showed any sign of defeat.

"Brother Zhang, your young disciple is truly a talent. In another twenty rounds, he will undoubtedly win," said Sect Master Sima with a chuckle, turning to face Zhang Li with a confident tone, as the two on the high platform fought to a standstill.

Hearing this, the usually solemn Zhang Li's expression softened slightly, and he nodded in agreement.

Regarding their conversation, the other Elders were somewhat puzzled, but given their status, none dared to inquire.

As Sect Master Sima had predicted, after the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, Qin Fengming delivered a move. The opposite youth, parrying with his spear, did not expect that this move from Qin Fengming was a major opening. With a rapid twist of his wrist, the tip of his sword lightly grazed the youth's arm.

Although this blow would not severely injure the youth's arm, out of consideration for his opponent, he would no longer continue the fight with Qin Fengming.

With this battle, Qin Fengming had entered the top ten of the Grand Competition. His Master's plan had been perfectly executed.