Qi Refining like Silk

Hearing the contents of the assessment, everyone slowly let out the breath they had been holding.

Those who could become Sword Sect Disciples naturally needed no further proof of their talent, let alone the two before them, who stood among the very best.

Still, they were all in the Qi Refining Realm. Even if they were ultimately defeated, they were confident they could exchange a few moves.

"First contestant, Feng Zizai!"

As the words fell, a tall young man in yellow leaped onto the platform. His feet rode a flying rainbow, his head held high and chest thrust out, a confident smile on his face.

"It's him! Feng Zizai! They say he has an extremely profound understanding of movement techniques and is only one step away from Greater Achievement in the Free and Easy Steps. He once escaped alive from an evil cultivator at the Qi Refining Ninth Layer."

"When it comes to fleeing for his life, he is definitely among the best. He'll most likely rank in the top five this round."

"..."

Feng Zizai was around thirty, with an exceptionally upright build. He was empty-handed, a clear breeze circling beneath his feet. His aura was ethereal, as though he could appear anywhere at any moment.

Murong Xue held a silver dharma sword, her gaze indifferent and her expression calm as still water, carrying an aloof confidence.

"The match begins!"

With Duanmu Tong's command, Feng Zizai moved first. His footwork was incomparably graceful; no matter where Murong Xue pointed her sword, he could appear at the angle most difficult to attack.

My Free and Easy Steps have long reached Greater Achievement. If I hadn't poured so much effort into them, I would have broken through to a higher realm long ago. But it has all been worth it. Preserving one's life is the true essence of cultivation.

Feng Zizai was astonishingly fast, like a breeze that came and went as it pleased. The Profound Ice Platform was filled with his afterimages.

"This man's skill at running away is no worse than mine!"

Shen Wude delivered his professional assessment.

At that moment, Murong Xue's sword turned, and a blizzard instantly swept across the Profound Ice Platform.

Rustle! Rustle!

Powerful frost blanketed the Profound Ice Platform. The surrounding temperature plunged by dozens of degrees in an instant, and even the white mist of their breath froze immediately.

With a casual slash from Murong Xue, an ice-blue Sword Qi shot forth at blinding speed. Frost spread wherever it passed, as though it would freeze space itself.

"What Sword Move is this? It can actually affect my footwork."

Feng Zizai's body stiffened, and he was frozen solid by the ice and snow. Even his Free and Easy Steps could no longer move freely, and the afterimages filling the sky all vanished.

In the blink of an eye, Sword Light flashed, and the silver longsword landed against his neck, so fast it left the eye unable to follow.

Thus, Feng Zizai was defeated.

An uproar broke out among the crowd. Everyone stared wide-eyed, stunned by Murong Xue's powerful performance.

In merely five breaths, Feng Zizai, who excelled in movement techniques, had been defeated. At last, they understood the Gold Content of Sword Sect Disciples.

Like a puppet, Feng Zizai walked down from the platform one stiff step at a time, his Dao Heart suffering a blow unlike any before.

Shen Qingruo said gravely, "Those were Free and Easy Steps at Greater Achievement, yet he could not even withstand one move. Murong Xue's cultivation is too terrifying."

Shen Wude shook his head. "I'm afraid she only used half her strength. What a formidable woman."

As if she had heard him, Murong Xue's indifferent gaze swept toward him.

Shen Wude shuddered all over and shrank his neck like a quail, no longer daring to speak rudely.

"Ice Spiritual Power greatly restrains movement techniques. Feng Zizai did not lose unjustly," Shen Yun commented.

The atmosphere grew somewhat heavy. Seeing Feng Zizai defeated so easily, everyone held their breath and focused.

Duanmu Tong broke the silence. He strode forward, and at some unknown moment, a snow-white silver spear had appeared in his hand as he took Murong Xue's place.

The two would take turns appearing during the assessment, giving them ample time to restore their spiritual power. There would be no chance for those who came later to take advantage of the situation.

This time, a woman named Su Fang stepped forward. Her face was fair, with phoenix eyes and willow-leaf brows, carrying the refined air of a noble young lady.

Her aura was infinitely close to the Qi Refining Seventh Layer, placing her in the upper-middle ranks among the many candidates.

Thank goodness I didn't draw Murong Xue. I should be able to hold out a little longer.

While Su Fang was still thinking, Duanmu Tong had already made the first move.

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A cold gleam arrived first, followed by a spear that shot out like a dragon. Duanmu Tong wielded his silver spear in broad, sweeping movements as he cleaved toward Su Fang, carrying the momentum of an unparalleled martial general.

"Why is he so fast?!"

Su Fang's expression changed drastically. Her reaction was timely enough, and she gripped her sword with both hands to block the silver spear.

An earth-colored blast wave spiraled around her sword. At the very brink of death, she blocked the impact, displaying the bearing of a great family's descendant.

"That is the Boulder Sword Art. With Earth Spiritual Power reinforcing the dharma sword, it becomes as indestructible as a boulder. It is one of the strongest defensive sword arts in the Qi Refining Realm."

The many contestants stared intently into the arena, gathering information on Duanmu Tong.

"Too slow!"

Duanmu Tong suddenly accelerated. His arms moved casually, while the silver spear followed him like a shadow. Whether in speed or strength, he was Far Beyond his opponent.

Su Fang had no power to parry. She was beaten back step by step, the terrifying pressure nearly suffocating her.

Overbearing!

The spectators all had the same thought flash through their minds.

Duanmu Tong suddenly shook his spear with both hands. Golden spear qi shattered everything in its path, and with a crack, it smashed the longsword into worthless scrap iron.

Su Fang was struck as if by lightning. Forcing her spiritual power together, she fired several earth spears, turning defense into offense and seeking life only after being driven into death.

Seeing that she was still stubbornly resisting, Duanmu Tong swung like a Divine Dragon lashing its tail. With one Returning Horse Spear, he sent her flying from the waist without the slightest thought of showing tenderness toward a woman.

Su Fang sprayed blood through the air and crashed onto the Profound Ice Platform, her white robes dyed red with blood.

"Su Fang!"

The Su Family's expressions changed sharply as they rushed forward to rescue her.

Duanmu Tong withdrew his spear without a single bead of sweat on his face. In an indifferent tone, he said, "Don't worry. I already withdrew ninety percent of my strength. She only suffered superficial injuries."

Everyone was startled at his words and hurriedly looked toward the arena, where Su Fang was slowly rising to her feet, her complexion still fairly good.

"To remain so controlled even in the midst of battle... what terrifying control."

Those who had just treated him as a soft persimmon did not even dare breathe loudly now. Not a trace of luck remained in their hearts.

"Qi Refining like Silk, Qi Refining Ninth Layer Peak."

The First Elder let out a long breath, his expression solemn. "We absolutely cannot confront Duanmu Tong head-on. He has tempered his spiritual power until it is condensed like fine threads, Far Beyond the Qi Refining Ninth Layer."

Hearing this, the few of them All together nodded, clearly understanding how formidable it was.

"As expected of someone in the top ten of the Outer Sect. He has the possibility of reaching Earth Dao Foundation Establishment." The Second Elder, Shen Heng, sighed with emotion.

Without drawing attention, he exchanged glances with Granny Aramaki. The two of them already felt victory was firmly in their grasp.

Shen Qiu crossed his arms and asked Azure Venerable, "I have already cultivated the Netherworld Demonic Art. Why have I still not reached the realm of Qi Refining like Silk?"

Azure Venerable replied blandly, "What do you think Qi Refining like Silk is? Only after reaching the Qi Refining Peak and constantly compressing and tempering your spiritual power can you possibly achieve it. If you can cultivate the Netherworld Demonic Art to Minor Achievement, you may be able to comprehend it."

Hearing this, Shen Qiu continued, "Then what about Qi Condensation into Liquid? The demonic art has records of it."

Azure Venerable rolled her eyes, knowing he had begun indulging in wild fantasies again. She said irritably, "If you are on the First Layer, then Qi Refining like Silk is on the third floor. You might still have a chance to touch it by jumping. As for Qi Condensation into Liquid, it is roughly the thirtieth floor..."

She did not say the mocking words that followed, afraid she would crush Shen Qiu's confidence and have to clean up the mess herself later.

Only then did Shen Qiu lower his banner and beat his drums, secretly thinking, I must break through to Qi Refining like Silk. Once I do, Shen Yun will no longer be my match.

The trial proceeded quickly, and in less than half an hour, it was already more than halfway complete.

Most could only last five breaths, while those slightly better could only endure ten.

Among them, Shangguan Ya performed the best, holding on beneath Duanmu Tong for a full thirty breaths.

Granny Aramaki sat calmly and at ease, her skeletal body leaning back against her throne as she quietly waited for the Shen Family to be wiped out.

"Next, Shen Qiu!"

Hearing that voice, she was like withered wood meeting spring. She straightened up and looked excitedly toward the arena.

Duanmu Tong stood with his spear in hand, watching Shen Qiu approach with an overbearing aura spilling from every step. He secretly resolved, This man truly has some skills. To make certain nothing goes wrong, I'll have to be a little ruthless.

Shen Qiu strode forward with an upright posture and an imposing bearing, carrying the momentum of smashing the cauldrons and sinking the boats. It seemed he intended to wash away his past humiliation and seize a spot.

The great wind rose, and the battle of dharma arts was on the verge of erupting...

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