Xie Yuan stood beside the guest platform, having witnessed the results of all five matches from start to finish. His expression had turned somewhat grave.
His thoughts were no different from those of the other disciples. Even if the Yunshan Sword Sect was slightly inferior to the Hidden Sword Pavilion, it should not have suffered such a crushing defeat. After all, they were only External Training Realm fighters.
He had experienced Huang Zifeng's strength firsthand. Back then, Huang Zifeng had not been much weaker than him, and among those at the Fourth Level of Practice, he had been at the very peak.
Yet the Yunshan Sword Sect disciples who had appeared today were roughly on par with Huang Zifeng back then, but they had lost without the slightest ability to fight back!
Those Hidden Sword Pavilion disciples were flawless in Blood Qi, Inner Breath, and swordsmanship. They fully displayed the standards of the foremost sect under heaven in training its disciples. These disciples were practically perfect raw material for swordsmen. Every aspect of them was just a little stronger than their Yunshan Sword Sect opponents, and when all those slight advantages came together, the result was a one-sided victory.
Xie Yuan felt a chill in his heart. If it had been him at the Fourth Level of Practice, he probably could only have managed this much as well.
Every one of these Hidden Sword Pavilion External Training Realm disciples had been painstakingly raised and carefully selected. Compared with them, the foundations of his former self might not even have measured up. In particular, he had been at an enormous disadvantage in areas such as footwork and movement techniques.
That was the gap between a wild path and the lifelong training of a truly top-tier great sect. It could not be ignored. Xie Yuan had swept through the External Training Realm of Cloudshine by relying on his cultivation methods, especially the Inner Strength no one else possessed. But these great sect disciples lacked no cultivation methods themselves. What you had, they had; what you lacked, they had refined to perfection.
If his former self had truly fought them, he would likely have had to use the Three-Pronged Axe. Otherwise, victory could not have been guaranteed.
But as for the current Xie Yuan, leaving aside his realm, after Mu Chaoyun, Situ Qin, and the Grandmasters behind them had personally and meticulously trained and guided him, though it had only been a few short months, his use of cultivation methods in battle now followed proper rules. He was no longer free and unrestrained in the way unique to one born in the wilderness—or, to put it another way, wildly hacking about like an idiot. To a great sect with a true inheritance, the Iron Clothes Gate and the Soaring Dragon Escort Agency were both wild paths.
These were things that progress could not reflect, yet Xie Yuan had benefited enormously. With his fundamentals solidified, he was no weaker than disciples of great sects at the same realm.
As for what progress could show, setting aside his cultivation realm and the profound Cloud Dragon Step, merely the fact that he had perfected the newly acquired foundational sword art, the Yunshan Sword Style, meant that even these Sword Sect and Sword Pavilion disciples at the same realm might not surpass him in swordsmanship comprehension. Add to that his initial grasp of the Cloud Dragon Nine Forms, and in terms of swordsmanship alone, not to mention those in the Qi and Blood First Transformation Realm, even among the Second Transformation Realm, it would be hard to find an opponent. If they fought purely through techniques, Xie Yuan had a great chance of defeating stronger foes from a weaker position and cutting down enemies against the odds.
The current Xie Yuan might not have washed away all traces of the mundane, but if he truly faced disciples of these lofty great sects, one could see that both sides bore the inheritance of famous masters—one-on-one small-class instruction from Grandmasters, and more than one at that. Naturally, that was the finest guidance possible.
But Xie Yuan could match them; these Yunshan Sword Sect disciples could not. Thus, on the very first day, they suffered a disastrous defeat. Quite a few disciples and elders had darkened faces.
Xie Yuan stole a glance around. Even the Grandmasters did not look particularly pleased. Only Sect Leader Li Xingtuo remained calm and composed, chatting and laughing with Wei Dong as they commented on the matches.
"The youngsters performed well. Qi Yun Sword's moves are solid, though they have lost some nimbleness. That is no urgent matter. As experience and realm improve, it will naturally get better...
"Ziyan, your skill is good, but you were too impatient. Otherwise, you would not have lost so quickly. That is a great taboo. Remember this lesson. Everything else was quite good...
"Sun Feng, your victory was ingenious. Heh, you do have a measure of fortune upon you. Keep it up...
"And the outstanding disciples of the Hidden Sword Pavilion as well—their techniques are exquisite and their foundations firm. They were truly refreshing to watch..."
Li Xingtuo publicly commented on several disciples. After offering a few pointers, he mainly encouraged those who had lost and did not consider them overly lacking. As for those who had won, he plainly attributed their victories to luck, without the slightest concern for appearances.
After reviewing his own disciples, he likewise began offering guidance to the Hidden Sword Pavilion disciples. While praising them generously, he also pointed out each of their problems with a single remark—precisely the difficult points in their cultivation. The disciples had not expected Li Xingtuo to be so open and free-spirited, without a shred of sectarian prejudice. Having received guidance from a Grandmaster, they all looked excited, bowed earnestly, and carefully pondered his words.
Seeing Li Xingtuo chatting and laughing as if nothing had happened, Wei Dong merely said mildly:
"Sect Leader Li possesses broad-mindedness worthy of admiration. You lot, remember Sect Leader Li's guidance well. This is your good fortune."
"Yes!"
Li Xingtuo smiled and waved his hand casually.
"Not at all. When disciples advance bravely and diligently, their teachers are happy to see it as well."
Wei Dong nodded and said calmly:
"Since that is so, I cannot appear to cherish my broom too dearly either."
He extended a finger and lightly drew through the air. A scratch suddenly appeared on the ground between the two groups of disciples on the arena. The mark alternated between fast and slow, and within moments, it had run its course, stretching from beneath the first disciple's feet to beneath the fifth's.
Looking closely, the scratch differed subtly beneath every disciple's feet. Even the left and right halves—the disciples of the two sects—were each different. The disciples on the platform froze, lowered their heads to study it, and gradually fell into a daze.
"Look for yourselves. How much you comprehend depends entirely on your own fortune."
Wei Dong withdrew his hand and spoke indifferently.
Li Xingtuo smiled and sighed.
"Thank you, Pavilion Leader Wei. This one move is enough for these disciples to study for decades."
"Not at all. If the Yunshan Sword Sect produces another genius such as Sect Leader Li, such cultivation will be attained long before decades have passed."
Wei Dong said it seriously.
Li Xingtuo looked young despite the silver at his temples, but he was indeed not old. He had only just passed forty, nearly a generation younger than Wei Dong. He was an unparalleled talent rarely seen in the Yunshan Sword Sect over these many years. Not only had his own cultivation advanced rapidly, but under his leadership, the sect had grown ever stronger.
As Xie Yuan watched the two sect leaders exchange commercial flattery, he saw Situ Qin glance back from nearby and smile, as though intentionally yet not intentionally.
"These two Old Foxes have already started playing tricks."
"After all, this concerns the sects' reputations. The two sect leaders are courteous on the surface, but beneath it, they are competing with each other."
Li Tai chimed in from the side. With so many High Persons present this time, Li Tai had naturally accompanied them up the mountain as well. He and Red Aunt sat on either side of Situ Qin.
The corners of Xie Yuan's lips rose slightly. Situ Qin was being a conscientious commentator, explaining it for him.
But anyone with eyes could see that Li Xingtuo's guidance of the disciples and display of magnanimity might have been his true nature, but it also carried the intention of displaying the bearing of a great sect.
As for Wei Dong, he might not originally have intended it, but he immediately refused to lag behind. Pointing his finger like a sword through the air, one sword became ten transformations, each corresponding to a different disciple. His attainment in the sword path had already climbed to the very peak, leaving people sighing in wonder.
When the first day's matches ended, disciples within the sect and guests from outside all discussed them fervently. Xie Yuan had the other servants handle the remaining guest courtyards while he personally escorted Situ Qin back to the Flower Valley Guest Courtyard.
The moment they entered the courtyard, Situ Qin's long-suppressed desire to chat finally burst forth in a ceaseless torrent.
"Chief Escort Leader Xie! See? The Yunshan Sword Sect's foundation really is far inferior to the Hidden Sword Pavilion's. They said the foundational External Training Realm disciples were merely there to warm up the event, but in truth, they were comparing the sects' ability to recruit and teach disciples. They were comparing potential and foundation. Today's matches revealed the gap."
Xie Yuan sighed.
"Miss Qin truly sees things clearly. I had thought External Training Realm matches could not reveal much for great sects, and that the gap would not be too large. Only after watching did I understand that the talents of the disciples from the 'Four Factions,' along with their sects' standard of instruction, truly have opened a gap against the Yunshan Sword Sect. The latter also reflects the sect's backbone, and the Hidden Sword Pavilion is likewise superior to the Yunshan Sword Sect in that regard."
Situ Qin smiled brightly.
"Right? The Four Factions are the Four Factions, and other sects are other sects. Although the Yunshan Sword Sect has no small reputation, it is still somewhat short of the very top."
"Miss Qin's insight is admirable! Then in your view, what are the Yunshan Sword Sect's chances of winning tomorrow's matches?"
Xie Yuan cupped his hands.
Situ Qin took a sip of tea and shook her head.
"In my view? In my view, they have no chance of winning.
"Of the three realms and three matches, in the First Transformation Realm group, Yao Tianchuan is an outstanding disciple even when placed among all the top sects. The Yunshan Sword Sect has no one like him.
"The Hidden Dragon Ranking for the Second Transformation Realm says it all. Someone ranked on the list fighting someone outside it has an extremely low chance of slipping up.
"As for the contest between the chief disciples of the Third Transformation Realm, I suspect it will be extremely fierce, fought until heaven and earth turn dark. But Qin Zhenyang is ultimately inferior in strength, and he will lose in the end."
Xie Yuan nodded in considerable agreement, though with regret. While he wished for the Yunshan Sword Sect to win, the difference in strength was laid bare before everyone. It was even greater than the gap in the External Training Realm.
The two chatted for a while before each went about their own business. Xie Yuan had work to do, while Situ Qin had been invited to dinner by Xue Yanwen and his father, the Yun Mountain Prince.
Although she was not particularly willing, blood ties were blood ties. Since they were all on Yunshan Mountain, they had to meet and catch up.
Xie Yuan busied himself in several guest courtyards, only returning to the Servant Courtyard to rest after dark. Though all the servants had spent the day tense and exhausted, none of them had rested yet. They were still talking endlessly about today's matches.
Although everyone was agitated, they were clearly all dispirited by today's results. They looked as though a pall of sorrowful clouds and miserable mist hung over them. Someone had come to their doorstep and beaten them like this—it truly did not look good.
And when they thought of tomorrow's matches, anyone voicing words that damaged morale was immediately besieged by spittle. Yet everyone knew deep down that such words were not wrong, which only made their hearts sink further.
The atmosphere in the little Servant Yard was like this, and it was also a miniature of all Yunshan Mountain. The anticipation and excitement before the grand event had received a blow straight to the head. As Yunshan's disciples thought of this sword debate, pessimism began to take root in their hearts.
The second day of the sword debate.
Members of the Yunshan Sword Sect and the Hidden Sword Pavilion entered the venue early, while the other guests also eagerly took their seats, awaiting the battles of the Qi and Blood Transformation Realm on the second day.
Looking across the martial world of the entire Great Li Dynasty, the Qi and Blood Transformation Realm was also considered its backbone.
No matter where one went, a Qi and Blood Transformation Realm martial artist could be called an expert. They were also not too distant from ordinary people, so this was the realm that attracted the broadest and greatest attention. Though those on the Hidden Dragon Ranking were far weaker than Grandmasters in terms of strength, that did not stop their names from being more widely known than the titles of many Grandmasters. That was precisely why.
The Sword Sect disciples were no longer as fervent as yesterday, but they still gathered their spirits. They could lose the match, but not their bearing. On the Hidden Sword Pavilion's side, the disciples who had already held their heads high now possessed even greater momentum.
Each sect sent its disciples onto the stage.
On the Yunshan Sword Sect's side stood Xing Zhi, the personal disciple of the Bamboo Sword Peak Leader.
His name was no small one within the sect. In many competitions, he had taken first place among those of his realm. His elders had placed high hopes on him, and his strength was extraordinary.
On the Hidden Sword Pavilion's side, a remarkably young yet deep-faced young man leaped onto the stage. As expected, it was Yao Tianchuan.
"Yunshan Sword Sect, Xing Zhi."
Xing Zhi solemnly cupped his hands. Facing an opponent with such a resounding reputation, no amount of caution was excessive.
"Hidden Sword Pavilion, Yao Tianchuan of the Jinling Yao Family."
Yao Tianchuan returned the salute expressionlessly. There was something slightly unconventional about announcing his family name along with his sect, but considering that he was from the Yao Family, no one found it strange. The elders of the Hidden Sword Pavilion tacitly allowed it as well.
After exchanging salutes, both drew their swords and waited only for the referee's command before striking at the same time!
Xing Zhi swung his longsword, sending blossoms of sword-light dancing through the air. A misty white radiance flickered, making his form impossible to see clearly in an instant.
Seeking stability, he began with a defensive stance, as though cloud mist shrouded his body. Yet if anyone thought the sword blossoms and white light were merely feints, in the next moment his sword would emerge from the heavy clouds like a long rainbow, enough to seal a throat with one strike.
This opening alone revealed Xing Zhi's skill. He was indeed worthy of being the foremost Qi and Blood First Transformation Realm disciple of the Yunshan Sword Sect, an outstanding figure among disciples of the same realm in great sects.
Yet just as Xing Zhi's longsword began to dance, a streak of brilliance pierced through clouds and mist, sweeping aside layer upon layer of feints and flashing directly before his face!
Xing Zhi was greatly alarmed. He swung his longsword aside, deflecting Yao Tianchuan's thrust. But Yao Tianchuan seemed to have anticipated that response. His sword followed the force in a circle and stabbed straight toward Xing Zhi's lower body.
Xing Zhi had never imagined Yao Tianchuan's sword could be so fast. In his haste, he could only leap up. He had intended to use the air to avoid the strike and recover his disadvantage, but he had not expected Yao Tianchuan's first two swift sword strikes had not even been at full force. Taking advantage of his inability to borrow strength in midair, Yao Tianchuan's sword swept upward like a flash of lightning. Before Xing Zhi could even withdraw his own blade, it cut across Xing Zhi's abdomen.
A blossom of blood flared. Xing Zhi flew backward and crashed to the ground, while the entire venue fell silent.
Defeated in three swords.
The Yunshan Sword Sect's number one disciple of the Qi and Blood First Transformation Realm had actually been defeated by Yao Tianchuan in three swords.
Perhaps even many of the Hidden Sword Pavilion disciples themselves had not expected such a result.
The spectators around the arena looked at one another, unable to say a word. The venue was silent to the extreme.
They looked at Xing Zhi lying on the ground, then at Yao Tianchuan, their faces filled with astonishment.
No one thought Xing Zhi was too weak. His opening stance, which balanced offense and defense, had revealed his swordsmanship attainment to the discerning eye. He was certainly no mediocre man.
Many First Transformation Realm Hidden Sword Pavilion disciples, after seeing it, asked themselves whether they could even handle that one opening move if they went onstage. Victory or defeat would be difficult to predict.
Yet Yao Tianchuan's sword was too fast and too strong, like a bolt of lightning that gave Xing Zhi no opportunity at all.
Man and sword had become one. Many people had not even seen his movements clearly. Within three sword strikes, Xing Zhi had been utterly unable to respond. His flaws revealed themselves, and one sword defeated him.
There were quite a few First Transformation Realm martial artists present. After watching Yao Tianchuan's three sword strikes, they felt only suffocation, with no idea how to deal with them. Even many disciples of the Qi and Blood Second and Third Transformation Realms frowned deeply, their expressions grave.
After a moment of silence, the Hidden Sword Pavilion disciples erupted into cheers and applause, their morale clearly soaring.
The Yunshan Sword Sect disciples looked despondent. Someone silently went up to help Xing Zhi to his feet.
Xing Zhi staggered upright, his face deathly pale. He forced himself to cup his hands.
"Brother Yao's swordsmanship is sharp, and his swift sword is invincible. I willingly concede defeat."
Yao Tianchuan neither spoke nor replied, merely cupping his hands. Clearly, he had not taken his opponent seriously at all.
Xing Zhi saw this and gave a bitter smile. Supported by his fellow disciples, he slowly made his way down from the arena.
Xie Yuan's brows furrowed as well. No wonder Yao Tianchuan could defeat enemies above his realm through techniques. His swift sword did not look imposing or overwhelming, but its power was far from shallow. His attainment was indeed extraordinary.
He glanced at Situ Qin and found her eating candied fruit by herself, her expression calm and without the slightest surprise.
Xie Yuan quietly observed the expressions of the Sword Sect elders again. Sure enough, none of them looked particularly good.
That defeat had been far too clean. They truly could not keep their faces...
He secretly shook his head, then suddenly noticed that Yao Tianchuan had not yet come down from the stage.
Just as Xie Yuan stared at him, Yao Tianchuan suddenly turned his head over, seemingly casting him a glance. Xie Yuan could not help but freeze.
"What is he looking at? Why is he looking at me?"
Many people noticed that Yao Tianchuan had not followed the procedure and could not help whispering among themselves.
The referee stepped forward and asked:
"Nephew Yao, the match is over. Why have you not stepped down?"
Yao Tianchuan shook his head and said coldly:
"A sword match like this is far too boring. It ended in three swords, not even enough for a warm-up. I came all this way—could it have been only for these three swords? I might as well have practiced at home! Does the mighty Yunshan Sword Sect not have any disciple who can let me fight to my heart's content?"
The entire venue erupted in an uproar. The Yunshan Sword Sect disciples were instantly stirred into a frenzy.
"This fellow is far too arrogant!"
"Hmph, I'll go up and test him!"
"Junior Brother Wang, though I'm angry too, you should forget it..."
The Sword Sect disciples cursed and shouted, but their voices gradually faded. After all, their strength was insufficient. No matter how loudly they spoke, they had no confidence to support their words.
The guests naturally wore varied and lively expressions, while the Hidden Sword Pavilion members also reacted differently.
Some supported him and cheered, while others showed disapproval. But Yao Tianchuan's status was special. His cultivation was high, his talent exceptional, and his family background among the very best. He had always been favored by elders within the Hidden Sword Pavilion, so no one spoke for the moment.
Only one elder shook his head, preparing to call him down, when a cold snort rang out.
"Hmph, I'll fight him!"
The Yunshan Sword Sect disciples had been full of pent-up resentment. At those words, they immediately turned their heads.
A young disciple entered the arena, dressed in white embroidered with twin Cloud Pattern designs—the disciple of Into the Clouds Peak. Everyone's eyes lit up at once.
The direct disciple of the main peak's sect leader, Zhou Xinhong!
His cultivation was on par with Xing Zhi's, only a hair behind. He was also one of the Yunshan Sword Sect's outstanding First Transformation Realm disciples. Seeing him leap onto the stage, everyone's spirits soared, and they began cheering.
The referee saw this, consulted several elders, then returned to the stage and signaled that another match could take place.
Seeing Yao Tianchuan act so arrogantly, Xie Yuan felt some anger as well. But upon seeing Zhou Xinhong take the stage, he was not as excited as the surrounding disciples. Instead, he secretly shook his head.
"Senior Brother Zhou may be formidable, but against Yao Tianchuan, things may not go well."
With the referee's command, the match began.
Unlike Xing Zhi, who had waited defensively for an attack, Zhou Xinhong struck first. His sword was like Cloud Dragon Probes its Head, baring claws and fangs as it whipped up a gale and surged toward Yao Tianchuan!
Seeing Zhou Xinhong's imposing momentum and ferocious might, the Yunshan Sword Sect members were about to cheer when their vision suddenly darkened. Then a dazzling radiance flashed forth.
The spectators seemed to see a meteor from beyond the heavens plunge onto the arena and tear through the darkness.
The next moment, their vision returned to normal, only to reveal Zhou Xinhong standing frozen in place, his sword halted in midair, while Yao Tianchuan's blade had already reached his throat.
Yao Tianchuan sheathed his sword and shook his head in disappointment.
"You are worse than that one just now."
Zhou Xinhong's face immediately flushed red and purple before swiftly turning ashen. Without speaking, he slightly cupped his hands and left the stage in gloom.
This time, it was truly quiet enough around the arena to hear a needle drop. Even the Hidden Sword Pavilion disciples wisely refrained from cheering.
A spar was a spar, yet before such a grand audience, Yao Tianchuan had not left even a shred of face for them. This no longer resembled a spar, or even instruction. It was more like he had come to kick down the doors and seek revenge.
The expressions of the Yunshan Sword Sect members were no longer merely gloomy. They had turned solemn.
Everyone could feel that the atmosphere on the arena had changed somewhat.
The Hidden Sword Pavilion elder's expression was somewhat complicated as well. He gave a light cough and was about to call Yao Tianchuan back when he saw that Yao Tianchuan still was not leaving, his gaze sweeping around the venue.
This brat had better not cause more trouble...
Just as the elder was thinking this, Yao Tianchuan spoke again.
"If the Yunshan Sword Sect truly has no one left, changing opponents is fine too."
Xie Yuan saw Yao Tianchuan abruptly turn his head, his bright gaze fixed directly upon him...
No, he was not looking at him after all.
Situ Qin tilted her head, looking at Yao Tianchuan as his eyes shone with force while he glared at her, her face full of bewilderment.
Yao Tianchuan spoke coldly:
"I do not know why the Yunshan Sword Sect allowed the descendant of a Demon Sect Enchantress to come up the mountain to observe the ceremony, but since you regard her as a friend, why not let her come up and fight me?"
At those words, quite a few spectators looked at Situ Qin in utter confusion, exchanging glances.
Not everyone was qualified to know who this breathtaking young woman seated by the arena, carrying herself with such extraordinary poise, was. Many disciples had secretly watched her for a long time and quietly asked around, yet found nothing.
But hearing Yao Tianchuan say this, many quick-witted people instantly connected the dots. Their expressions immediately turned uncertain and alarmed.
Situ Qin's innocent little face stiffened. Her relaxed expression of watching the show and enjoying the spectacle sank inch by inch, and she said nothing.
Xie Yuan clenched his fists and suddenly felt displeased as well.
Seeing this, Yao Tianchuan let out a heavy snort.
"Why do you not answer? Could it be that, like that mad Madam of yours, you only dare to hide your head and show your tail, committing evil in secret, never daring to face the light? With such conduct, you still have the nerve to bear the surname Xue..."
Before he could finish, he suddenly felt the sunlight dim, and his words caught in his throat.
A burly figure stood before him, blocking all the sunlight.
There were more than ten Grandmasters present, yet only a scant few saw clearly how Li Tai had reached the stage.
Xie Yuan was not far from Li Tai. He vaguely saw Li Tai straighten slightly from his seat, and in the next instant, he was already before Yao Tianchuan. It was as though the moment he rose, he had already been standing on the stage. No one could discern what method he had used. Had the Cloud Dragon Step reached such a realm upon great mastery?
Li Tai's face was expressionless as he looked down at Yao Tianchuan.
"Do not insult the Sovereign. Do not insult Miss. Otherwise, die!"
An aura surged skyward, as though a sandstorm had erupted before Yao Tianchuan and swallowed him whole in an instant.
It seemed sand had gotten into his mouth. He could not breathe properly. His mouth hung wide open, yet he was slowly about to suffocate.
"Hmph."
A soft snort shattered the oppressive aura. Yao Tianchuan could finally breathe again, gulping in several harsh breaths.
Everyone's vision blurred, and another figure in robes whiter than snow had appeared on the stage.
Countless women's eyes immediately lit up.
The man who had stepped onto the stage had features as exquisite as a painting. Though handsome enough to seem almost feminine, he exuded a heroic air. His deep eyes revealed a man's bearing and mature charm. His temples were frosted white, with two strands of white hair hanging down, adding a trace of weathered melancholy that stirred tenderness in the hearts of many female martial artists.
When Xie Yuan saw him, he secretly praised him as well. What a handsome face. He is almost as good-looking as me.
Needless to say, this was the Hidden Sword Pavilion's most famous handsome man, the Sword God, Autumn Water Divine Sword Song Qingping.
After coming onstage, he pulled Yao Tianchuan behind him and said lazily,
"Flying General, how could you bully a junior?"
Li Tai remained expressionless, utterly unconcerned by the accusation.
"Li came from the army. I know only orders and enemies. In my eyes, there is no distinction between men and women, young and old."
Song Qingping rolled his eyes and curled his lips.
"You fought so much you went mad."
Li Tai ignored him and merely looked at him.
"However, Li disdains to slaughter a snot-nosed child. Did not the elder come onstage in the end? Since that is so, let us begin."
His hand reached for his sword. It seemed he had not even gripped it yet, but in the next instant, a blood-red gleam had already slashed toward Song Qingping's head.
Song Qingping's eyes widened as he cursed aloud,
"Are you really a madman?"
He drew his sword with a backhand motion. In an instant, sword light flowed across the arena like autumn water. His sword-drawing movement was incomparably elegant, every detail visible, as though he were demonstrating a sword dance before everyone's eyes. Yet it struck after yet arrived first, blocking the blow above his head.
With a clang, the swords collided. Neither side moved; they were evenly matched.
Seeing Li Tai preparing to withdraw his sword and strike again, Song Qingping shielded Yao Tianchuan as he retreated, frowning.
"You mean to fight for real?"
"If the lord is insulted, the minister must die. Words once spoken are like water spilled on the ground, all the more so when a Yao Family disciple dared to recklessly discuss the Sovereign... If you do not properly discipline your disciple, then the master must bear the blame in his stead."
Li Tai said in a deep voice.
Song Qingping knew he was in the wrong, but with his temperament, apologizing was naturally impossible.
With a wave of his hand, a gentle force sent Yao Tianchuan off the stage. Holding his sword, he clicked his tongue repeatedly.
"Fine, fine, fine. I have long been displeased that you rank ahead of me. Today, on Yunshan Mountain, let us switch our rankings around."
He slightly drew back his sword, then suddenly thrust it forward. It traced a graceful arc, accompanied by a sword hum like singing, as it pierced toward Li Tai.
Li Tai's hand moved as he prepared to meet the attack, but suddenly stopped.
Li Xingtuo appeared abruptly on the stage and sighed.
"Gentlemen, please cease your weapons. This is the Yunshan Sword Sect's arena. Please watch the matches first. Harmony is precious."
Song Qingping's hand trembled. His sword traced an arc and returned to its sheath as he hissed,
"You came so suddenly. Were you not afraid I would fail to hold back my hand?"
Li Xingtuo smiled faintly.
"I trust the Autumn Water Divine Sword."
Song Qingping stared at him, snorted, and shook his head.
"Hypocrite! You clearly trust yourself."
He tilted his head, speaking past Li Xingtuo to Li Tai.
"You wait! Once I finish tomorrow's matches, I will fight you for three hundred rounds. The two of us will have a proper contest!"
Li Tai said calmly,
"I will be waiting at any time."
Since Li Xingtuo had personally intervened, the two Grandmasters could sense the gap between them after a brief appraisal. They wisely withdrew.
After settling this disturbance, Li Xingtuo looked at the sky and helplessly shook his head.
"That will be all for today. The remaining two matches will be fought tomorrow."
There was not much change in his expression. He was likely the only person in the Yunshan Sword Sect who was not angered by Yao Tianchuan's attitude.
Hearing this, everyone dispersed.
Yet after the event ended, disciples of the two sects sought each other out and fought numerous private battles. Their resentment ran deep, and many were injured. Only because elders and senior brothers kept watch did no one die. That was already fortunate.
Flower Valley Guest Courtyard.
"Tai Bo, Red Aunt, why are you stopping me? Today, I am going to make that Yao Family brat unable to open his stinking mouth ever again!"
A sweet, lively voice cried out.
These were originally two chapters, but after thinking it over, combining them seemed better.
Before you continue