A sect's Heaven's Pride

Such a performance from a newcomer who had not even joined a sect put immense pressure on the other spectators. A full half hour passed before the third and fourth challengers finally decided to step forward.

Chen Xuan could tell that she had barely used any spells. She fought almost entirely with her swordsmanship, physical reflexes, and tactical responses. The advantage was obvious: she consumed very little spiritual energy. Given that this was a series of consecutive challenges, she was clearly trying to stay at her peak for as long as possible.

After some effort, Lingdang still defeated her opponents without a hitch.

Her winning streak reached four.

It was nearly noon now, and over a thousand people had gathered outside the manor. All three sections of seats were full, leaving many spectators standing. People were still arriving from Chang'an City in a steady stream, a sign that word of the matches continued to spread.

The conversations among the crowd below were gradually changing, too.

Even from the balcony, Chen Xuan could sense the shift.

When they looked at the manor, their faces no longer held the mockery and disdain of earlier. Curiosity and puzzlement had largely taken their place.

"Where exactly did this Heaven Above, Earth Below, I Alone Reign Sect spring up from?"

"I heard they're connected to the delegation from the Western Regions. Look, they even chose a Persian merchant's estate as their sect headquarters."

"No way... my friend said he's met the sect master. He's clearly a local. His Chang'an accent is as authentic as it gets."

"Surely this girl isn't actually going to win ten in a row?"

"I bet a hundred Jade Coins she can!"

Snatches of conversations like these drifted into Chen Xuan's ears, making him regret not charging admission earlier.

It belatedly