Crimson and azure flashed amid the clouds, while shrill whistles and explosive booms rang on without end.
Starbursts of light scattered from the crossing strikes, swirling like fiery sparks, their sharpness oppressive.
Only after a full quarter of an hour did the two sword-lights locked in battle in Midheaven abruptly cease their attacks together.
As though in tacit understanding, both men retreated several miles and revealed themselves atop the clouds.
"It seems Sword Qi Thunderclap alone cannot do much to you... to have attained such progress in the Sword Dao at your age is no mean feat. Even I cannot help feeling the hunter's delight at the sight of worthy quarry."
He Lizi smiled faintly.
"However, the fifth realm of the Sword Dao has two transformations: Sword Qi Thunderclap and Sword-Light Differentiation. Unfortunately for you, I mastered the latter before the competition. As for you, you should still be a hair short, yes?
"In that case.
"I shall help myself to first place in this competition!"
With that, he shook out his flying sword in midair. One became two, two became four, and eighteen dazzling streams of azure Sword Qi emerged in succession, like swans spreading their wings and southern birds fanning their tails!
Only when their bleak radiance had illuminated the surrounding sea of clouds, leaving the entire vista bewilderingly brilliant, did they finally stop!
At that moment.
"So these are this year's Ten Great Disciples. It seems the sect faction truly has crouching tigers and hidden dragons..."
Although the Four Courts Grand Competition had yet to end.
He rode a streak of sword-light back to the jade dais, then lowered his eyes and entered meditation.
For a moment, the azure Sword Qi could be seen clashing head-on with the blood river.
It could only serve as a means