Just past noon, the bronze bell hanging above the sword arena rang out with a thunderous clang.
Dong-
Its deep, lingering peal drowned out every conversation.
Xiao Changhe stood on the platform.
He wore a blue robe patterned with rippling water, with no weapon at his waist. A jade hairpin secured his long hair. His presence was mild, his bearing composed.
Yet a surging river seemed to lie dormant within him, his circulating blood and qi producing a low rumble that ordinary people could barely perceive.
Lu Chen wore a fitted black martial outfit, his figure straight and his expression calm.
Simply standing there, he gave the impression of a mountain's unshakable solidity.
Xiao Changhe studied Lu Chen for a moment, then spoke first.
"I am Xiao Changhe of the Xiao Family in Yun Prefecture. May I ask your name and where you hail from?"
Clearly, he was trying to discover Lu Chen's true identity.
Lu Chen said coolly, "I am merely a rogue cultivator from the Jianghu."
Xiao Changhe's expression darkened slightly. He had not expected his opponent to show him so little respect.
As the bout began, Xiao Changhe struck first.
He stepped forward and pushed his right palm straight out from his waist.
The movement was not fast. It could even be called leisurely.
Yet the moment his palm moved, the surrounding air seemed to be drawn by an invisible force, surging toward Lu Chen.
Lu Chen's clothes snapped in the wind, while tiny specks of dust at his feet rolled backward.
He did not dodge, meeting the attack with a palm of his own.
Bang!
Their palms collided.
The first wave of force was not particularly strong. Lu Chen blocked it easily with physical strength alone.
But before he could change his move, a second surge