Lu Xueqi and Bi Yao (56)

Yun Qingzi fell silent for a moment, then looked at Su Han. "Su Han, are you willing to spar with Junior Nephew Luo?"

This was not a question, but an order.

Su Han understood that this battle was unavoidable. If he refused, it would amount to admitting a guilty conscience. But if he accepted and lost, not only would he lose face, it would also confirm the suspicion that Qingyun Sect's sword arts had been leaked—if even their rightful wielder was so easily defeated, where could a thief have learned such swordsmanship?

"This disciple is willing," Su Han replied calmly.

Excitement flashed through Luo Tianyu's eyes. He rose and cupped his fists. "Please instruct me, Senior Brother Su Han."

The group moved to the square outside the hall.

The news spread without wings. Before long, several hundred disciples had gathered around the square. Ye Wuhen and Mu Qingxue also rushed over upon hearing the news. Seeing the two men facing off in the center, both frowned.

"Ziyang Sect clearly came with ill intent," Ye Wuhen said quietly.

Mu Qingxue nodded. "Luo Tianyu is one of Ziyang Sect's finest disciples of this generation. I heard he has cultivated the Ziyang True Art to the fifth level. His star power is blazing and tyrannical; even ordinary mid-stage Star Palace Realm cultivators are no match for him. Junior Brother Su Han only broke through recently. This battle..."

Everyone understood what she left unsaid.

In the square, Luo Tianyu had already drawn his Ceremonial Sword—a three-foot crimson blade, its surface faintly traced with flowing flame patterns. It was clearly a fire-attributed spirit sword.

"This sword is called Yan Yang, a mid-grade spirit artifact. Please be careful, Senior Brother Su Han." Luo Tianyu's words were polite, but his gaze brimmed with provocation.

Su Han drew