The third day, early morning.
The Sword Debate Platform was packed with people. Today's ranking battles had drawn the attention of every disciple. On the main viewing stand, the sect's senior figures had also arrived early, their expressions solemn.
"The rules for the top ten ranking battles are as follows!" the presiding elder announced loudly. "You will fight in pairs. The winners advance to the top five, while the losers enter the lower bracket of the top ten. The top five will fight again to determine their rankings, and the lower five will fight again to determine theirs. Matchups will be decided by drawing lots!"
Ten jade lots flew out, and everyone caught one.
Lin Ye glanced at the jade lot in his hand. It bore the character for "three."
Soon, the results of the draw were announced:
First match: Chi Liao vs. Cheng Ming of Thick Earth Peak.
Second match: Cold Moon Fairy vs. Li Xiao of Shuiyue Peak.
Third match: Lin Ye vs. Chen Xuanfeng of Sword-Wielding Peak.
Fourth match: Ye Guyun vs. Li Bai of Chiyan Peak.
Fifth match: ...
The matchups drew varied reactions. The opponents facing Chi Liao, Cold Moon Fairy, and Ye Guyun were clearly a cut below them, leaving no doubt about their advancement. Lin Ye, however, would face Chen Xuanfeng, who stood at the peak of the second level of the Hua Yuan Realm. It would undoubtedly be a tough battle.
"Junior Brother Lin." Chen Xuanfeng cupped his hands toward Lin Ye, his gaze complicated. "I have a few years on you, and my cultivation is slightly higher, but you possess extraordinary talent. In this battle, we must both give our all. Only then will we do justice to the swords in our hands."
"Senior Brother Chen, please." Lin Ye returned the