Sword Intent Duel (45k)

When You Su awoke again, it was already the morning of the next day. Wangshu Fairy was still by his side, holding a spiritual fruit. The pink and gold lotus between You Su's brows had completely faded and was barely visible.

His body and mind were also greatly enriched. You Su clenched his fist and felt that the power contained in this "full" body was greater than before.

He changed his clothes, washed up briefly, and walked out of the courtyard with his senior sister. The Third Elder had already sent him a message that he still had a battle to fight today.

Overnight, Shi Yan became a celebrity among the Outer Disciple of the Xuanxiao Sect, but You Su was even more famous.

After yesterday's battle, through word of mouth, You Su has become a young prodigy, just like his senior sister, capable of dominating an entire generation. Only then did they realize that Lotus Peak didn't refuse disciples, but rather that the threshold was so high that they couldn't even see it.

What's even more shocking is that, according to some unknown source, You Su is actually blind!

This news instantly ignited You Su's popularity. This continent has never lacked perfect geniuses, but geniuses with flaws are more empathetic and worthy of respect.

Coupled with his legendary handsome appearance, many female disciples who came from afar have spontaneously formed a support group, waiting outside the Cloud Platform to catch a glimpse of the true face of this second disciple of Lotus Peak.

But these people are ultimately a minority. The large group of pretty young girls outside Yunxiao Terrace are not admirers of You Su. Their purpose in gathering here is to support You Su's opponent today— Zhou Changwen.

"He is the youngest True Disciple of Crimson Rainbow Peak, rumored to possess Innate Sword Body, and is nineteen years old at the time. Since joining Crimson Rainbow Peak seven years ago, he has been highly regarded by Crimson Rainbow Venerable, and recently he broke through to the Spirit Platform Perfected Realm. Among Sword Cultivator under the age of twenty in the Xuanxiao Sect, he can be considered the best. Many sword-wielding disciples in the sect are completely convinced of his abilities. You must be extremely careful when facing him."

Elder Liu walked beside You Su, patiently explaining the information about today's opponent to him.

You Su, standing beside Elder Liu, replied:

"I'm always very careful when I fight."

Elder Liu glanced at him, astonished by You Su's amazing recovery ability, and still sighed:

"To be honest, although I knew Crimson Rainbow Peak would definitely make a move, I didn't expect them to actually send Zhou Changwen. Against a True Disciple has already entered the sect, you don't need to be so fixated on winning. Outer Disciple's challenges are a matter of honor and disgrace, so they're determined to win. True Disciple, however, have elders backing them, so they'll naturally consider each other's feelings. Therefore, when True Disciple raise objections, it's more about exchanging pointers and guidance, and in the end, it usually ends in a draw and amicable."

"Elder Liu, do you think our opponent would be willing to fight to a draw?"

You Su naturally knew that Crimson Rainbow Peak and Lotus Peak were both peaks for sword cultivation. Although there was no conflict between them, Crimson Rainbow Peak's decision to raise objections at this moment clearly revealed their intentions.

"Ah, you see things very clearly. Sword Cultivator are most sharp in their swordsmanship, and they all have their own pride. Your senior sister has no equal among her peers, and Crimson Rainbow Peak has already lost some face. When it's your turn, Crimson Rainbow Peak will step forward, naturally wanting to regain some face." Elder Liu stroked his goatee and added, "But you can rest assured, as fellow elders, this competition will definitely end in a draw."

"So the other side will beat me up first, and then pretend to end it as a draw?"

"What do you mean by beating you up? Crimson Rainbow Peak is a renowned sword peak across the Five Continents, possessing the grandeur of a celestial sect. How could it be so aggressive? It will give up as soon as it gains the slightest advantage. If you know you are no match for it, remember not to resist stubbornly. Just end it peacefully. You have a long future ahead of you. There will be many more real competitions to determine who is superior after you enter the sect."

Elder Liu spoke earnestly and persuasively, expressing his admiration for You Su and his only hope that he could successfully become True Disciple.

"I understand what Elder Liu means. In your opinion, this competition is just a formality. Crimson Rainbow Peak stepped forward not to prevent me from becoming True Disciple, but simply to give me, a newcomer, a warning." You Su stroked the hilt of the Ink Pine Sword.

"It's not just my opinion, it's the way it is. If it were truly a case of the Lotus Sword Venerable misjudging someone and choosing a good-for-nothing, perhaps Crimson Rainbow Peak would still test the waters for Lotus Peak. But after your battle yesterday, even if you lose today, no one will think you're unworthy to be the True Disciple of Lotus Peak. So, if Crimson Rainbow Peak were to deliberately prevent you from getting what you want, wouldn't that be a despicable act?"

You Su gripped his sword in silence, lost in thought.

"Junior brother will win."

Wangshu Fairy, who had been hiding behind You Su, suddenly appeared, her voice soft yet firm.

Elder Liu smiled in surprise, not expecting that the first thing Wangshu Fairy would say to him would be this.

Receiving affirmation from her senior sister, You Su felt greatly encouraged, as if her chest had straightened a bit, and she followed Elder Liu toward the Cloud Platform.

The Cloud Platform was built from a huge cliff extending from the sacred mountain. It is covered with many mysterious Formation Technique and is a place specifically provided for True Disciple to practice. Compared with the training grounds used by non- True Disciple, the materials, size, and resistance to damage of the venue are significantly improved.

Many important competitions are held at the Cloud Platform, which is also one of the most important places in the Xuanxiao Sect. Therefore, the sky above this place is filled with the Trouble Wind that prohibits flying.

As the three approached, the onlookers outside the pavilion, unable to enter the Cloud Platform, began to exclaim in increasing surprise.

You Su had intended to shield his gentle senior sister even more, but to his surprise, she unexpectedly took small steps to stand in front of him and shielded him behind her.

?

You Su didn't understand, until she felt the enthusiastic or excited gazes of the female disciples around her, You Su vaguely guessed the answer.

Fairy Wangshu Fairy possessed a cool and aloof demeanor. Her two blue eyes swept coldly over the excited female disciples, her slender hand resting on the hilt of her sword, a protective gesture on her part. The eager female disciples seemed intimidated by her, shrinking back sullenly. Wherever Wangshu Fairy passed, the gasps of surprise caused by You Su would subside considerably.

You Su noticed his senior sister's actions, smiled helplessly, and felt a little happy about her childlike possessiveness towards him. He didn't say anything and enjoyed his senior sister's "protection" without any qualms.

Only after passing through the crowds and over the pavilions can one see the full view of this Cloud Terrace built on the cliff.

The sea of clouds surged beneath the vast platform, and the Cloud Platform was surrounded by exquisitely decorated carved buildings, with even thicker smoke rising higher.

Inside the tower, many people were already seated, each one impeccably dressed and possessing an extraordinary appearance. A mere reporting battle between True Disciple had attracted the attention of numerous elders, deacons, and True Disciple.

You Su took a deep breath, trying to ignore the scrutinizing gazes from all sides. Following the Third Elder's guidance, he walked to the center of the cloud platform.

Meanwhile, Zhou Changwen, dressed in red and with a handsome face, had been waiting for a long time. Behind him, the imposing Crimson Rainbow Venerable rode his sword through the air, exuding an aura of authority without anger.

"Fifth Elder." Elder Liu bowed to Crimson Rainbow Venerable.

Even junior elders need to bow when they meet senior elders.

In You Su's Sea of Consciousness, the crimson rainbow light cluster represented by the Fifth Elder resembled a red sun, radiating scorching light. He also bowed and said:

"You Su greets the Fifth Elder."

The Fifth Elder remained aloof, still mounted on his sword, and did not reply. His eagle-like eyes, seemingly glowing with crimson light, were fixed on You Su before he finally spoke:

Are you blind?

You Su was slightly taken aback, then replied, "Exactly."

As soon as those two words were spoken, You Su clearly felt the pressure on his body increase sharply. This pressure did not come from the Fifth Elder, but from the immortals sitting in the carved towers. It was their Divine Sense, which were probing out of disbelief, that constituted this mental pressure.

The Third Elder, who was also in the carved building, frowned. She slightly twirled the wine gourd and lightly tapped with her jade finger, intending to relieve You Su of her pressure. However, she found that a wall of Qi had already formed around You Su, blocking all the Divine Sense that were probing her.

She carefully sensed the composition of this Qi wall and found it somewhat thin, yet it also gave her an extremely strong sense of oppression. To wield Technique Method with such effortless mastery—only one person in the Xuanxiao Sect could achieve this.

The First Elder of Xuanxiao Peak!

The Third Elder adjusted his posture to be more dignified, inwardly surprised. Even this elder, hailed as the pillar of the Xuanxiao Sect, had been drawn in by the sparring between these two juniors...?

The Fifth Elder also noticed this. He withdrew his sword-like gaze and said:

"You are about the same age as Chang Wen, which is enough to meet the challenge criteria. However, your battle yesterday has already earned Chang Wen's approval. Therefore, Chang Wen's challenge to you is not because he thinks you are unworthy to be a disciple of Lotus Peak, but simply because swordsmen respect each other, and he also wants to test his skills against you."

At first glance, these words seemed harmless, but You Su felt increasingly uncomfortable the more he heard them. He was the disciple of the Lotus Sword Venerable, so why did he need the approval of a peer like the disciple of the Crimson Rainbow Venerable?

The words "asking about swordsmanship" sounded not at all humble at this moment, but rather full of arrogance.

"If you are unwilling to accept the sword, you may refuse, and your objection will be null and void; if you are willing to accept the sword, I will personally seal Chang Wen's cultivation, allowing the two of you to fight at the same level, fairly. My Crimson Rainbow Peak also loves swords, and regardless of the outcome, you will remain on Lotus Peak."

The Fifth Elder spoke only to You Su in a low voice, yet his voice could be heard throughout the entire hall.

The Third Elder gripped the wine gourd tightly, her imposing chest heaving, and her magnificent blue dress, already strained under the weight, seemed about to burst. She was annoyed by the Fifth Elder's arrogant words. It sounded like this sword duel was indeed a fair contest, but it was as if the fairness was bestowed upon her by Crimson Rainbow Peak. She felt that whether You Su agreed or not was also a dilemma.

A brief silence fell over the platform; everyone awaited You Su's reply.

"Given the opportunity to discuss swordsmanship with Senior Brother Zhou from Crimson Rainbow Peak, how could You Su possibly refuse?"

You Su suddenly spoke up. He looked up, but not at his opponent today. Instead, he stared directly at the Fifth Elder who was riding a sword. You Su suddenly felt a little glad that he was blind, because he could not see the other party's sharp eyes, and could meet them more recklessly.

"Elder Liu, do eighteen and nineteen years old meet the challenge criteria for those of similar age?" You Su then asked.

Elder Liu paused, realizing what You Su was thinking. He wanted to object but couldn't lash out in front of everyone, so he hesitated before replying:

"A symbol is a representation of..."

"Since it meets the requirements, let's proceed according to the rules. Fifth Elder, there's no need to restrict Senior Brother Zhou's cultivation. Since it's a sword competition, we should all go all out."

The peak rises thousands of feet high, and the clouds rise and fall below the Cloud Terrace, making one feel as if they are floating on clouds.

You Su smiled, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword. Dressed in a black robe, he moved gracefully, like a spirited swordsman from Henggao City.

Elder Liu was furious and wished he could regret it on his behalf.

"Junior brother, you truly deserve to wield such a sword. You are indeed a man of unyielding integrity. It was definitely the right person to ask you for swordsmanship advice."

Zhou Changwen had remained silent, smiled calmly, but a fierce fighting spirit ignited in his eyes as he looked at You Su.

"However, I, your senior brother, also have a bit of pathetic pride. I'm a year older than you, and my cultivation level is only slightly higher. I can't and won't take advantage of this."

As he spoke, Zhou Changwen pointed his fingers together like a sword and tapped himself a few times with a "snap" sound, his once imposing aura indeed weakening somewhat.

Each swordsman has their own principles, and You Su has finally come to take his opponent seriously.

Frankly speaking, You Su was never intimidated by Elder Liu's exaggerated description of Zhou Changwen. Along the way, his opponents included Wu Cheng, True Man Ling, Sect Master Qi, and City Lord Liu cultivator at the Feather Transformation Realm. Each of them was more formidable and more daunting than the last, yet he always escaped death and survived to the end. Now, how could he possibly feel fear towards a mere peer at the peak of the Spirit Platform Perfection?

"Whatever Senior Brother Zhou wishes is fine."

You Su had already drawn his sword.

The Fifth Elder glanced at Elder Liu and said calmly, "Elder Liu, let's begin. We'll only discuss one sword strike."

With that, he mounted his sword and flew away from the arena.

Elder Liu's gaze swept back and forth between the two, finally he sighed and shouted loudly:

"Start!"

In the arena, You Su had already positioned his sword in front of his belly, assuming a sword stance.

Zhou Changwen merely drew his sword and said leisurely:

"Actually, I wasn't the one who should be sparring with my junior brother today, but after witnessing his sword intent yesterday, I couldn't suppress my desire to duel with him, so I took the liberty of stepping forward."

"Senior brother, you shouldn't have brought up the sword peaks behind us when you challenged me today. When junior brother has mastered the Lotus Birth Sword Technique, we will surely fight again representing our respective masters. But at this moment, I will not use the Crimson Rainbow Sword; I will use my sword intent to directly confront junior brother's sword intent."

Zhou Changwen remained calm and composed, a testament to his confidence as a person with Innate Sword Body. This You Su, who possessed no special physique, had actually comprehended his sword intent at the age of eighteen, which Zhou Changwen saw as a challenge to his identity as a sword physique. Therefore, he decided to meet the enemy solely with his sword intent.

For a top-tier Sword Cultivator, sword intent is the true core. He must prove to his master and the world that in the way of the sword, the sword body is supreme.

With each word he spoke, the Sword Qi around him grew sharper, as if it had materialized, making the surrounding air feel cold.

"I thought those with Innate Sword Body should be taciturn and rarely smile."

You Su lowered his body, his black robe billowing.

Zhou Changwen smiled nonchalantly, unmoved, and immersed himself in mobilizing the divine intent within his sword.

His sword was entirely silver-white, shimmering with ethereal light. As he focused, it began to change color, until finally turning as red as charcoal, and a soaring sword flame instantly covered the blade.

Some other True Disciple, even those far away, felt a slight choking upon seeing the divine fire on the sword. They imagined themselves facing Zhou Changwen's sword when they were in the Spirit Platform Middle Stage, and most of them lowered their brows and sighed inwardly, feeling that their chances of winning were slim.

Some of the True Disciple thought You Su was quite good-looking even reminded their masters to rescue You Su in time.

You Su closed his eyes, focusing solely on cultivating his sword intent.

This sword strike from his opponent was likely the strongest he had ever encountered. He had to use all his strength to counter it, including the divine intent that the Sun Yang Sword Nurturing Art had accumulated for him.

Because he doesn't want a draw, he wants to win!

Zhou Changwen stared intently at You Su, his sword aura soaring to the heavens. The moment his sword intent reached its peak, he took a step forward. It was clearly the simplest slash, yet it erupted like a volcano, carving out a dazzling fire dragon!

You Su neither dodged nor evaded. Putting aside the sword strike that inexplicably killed City Lord Liu, this would be the strongest sword strike he could unleash while in a conscious state! He poured all his strength into this one strike without reservation, Don't Cower Sword Intent burst forth from the Ink Pine Sword, earth-shattering!