Immortals of the End Times

Chapter 287 (357-358): Who Can Compete? The Immortal Saint's Scheme, Aiming for the Top (Seeking Monthly Tickets)
As Zhao Wuji appeared.

Inside a spirit boat beside a mountain peak not far away, Huang Chang stared intently at the dazzling figure in the crowd, his brows furrowed.

"This kid's cultivation has improved way too fast."

He narrowed his eyes, a rare hint of apprehension flashing in them. "His swordsmanship is unfathomable. It seems I must take more precautions."

His biggest worry was that Zhao Wuji would interfere in the Ancient Sword Domain.

If this ruins Yan Lan's grand plan to seize the Nine Cauldrons of Yu the Great, or even leads to Yan Lan being kidnapped, then it would truly be a case of capsizing in a ditch.

But he was not completely unprepared.

At least the Immortal Saint Sect had already reached a tacit understanding with him. At that time, within the Ancient Sword Domain, the Holy Sword Envoy Lin Dengxian would supervise and escort Yan Lan.

At that moment, the other seeded players and top sword cultivators also noticed Zhao Wuji's arrival.

A barrage of gazes, some inquisitive, others filled with fighting spirit, shot towards them like sharp arrows.

In the crowd further away, the Eleventh Demon Prince watched this scene expressionlessly, secretly transmitting his voice: "Senior Yang, this Heavenly Qilin is indeed worthy of its reputation, it is indeed troublesome."

"But with your Nascent Soul stage cultivation, taking him down shouldn't be a problem, right?"

Yang Xiong, who was Zhao Wuji's demon tree clone, sneered upon hearing this and replied telepathically, "A mere Golden Core cultivator is easily captured by me."

But this is, after all, the territory of the White Jade Sword Tower, and there will be no shortage of Nascent Soul True Monarchs attending the meeting.

"If the Nine Nether Demon Lord and the Bone Nether Demon Lord hadn't made their move, why would I have acted rashly?"

Eleven Demon Princes knew perfectly well that Yang Xiong was the type to not act until he saw a clear benefit; he was obviously trying to find out when his father, the Bone Demon Lord, would appear.

Without guarantees, I wouldn't even make a move.

He immediately gave a sinister smile: "Don't worry, senior. When the final is at its most crucial moment, my father, the demon kings, and the Nine Nether Demon Lord will all take action."

"The most crucial moment of the final?"

Zhao Wuji secretly noted down this time, and slowly withdrew his divine sense from the demon tree clone.

His gaze swept casually over the spirit boat floating beside the distant mountain peaks, and he could vaguely sense the aura of his senior master Yan.

He had always disliked being the center of attention and being treated like a monkey in such a situation. Seeing that Ji Mobai was still watching the battle with great interest, he was about to find an excuse to leave when two female cultivators from the Sword Sect suddenly appeared in front of him.

The leading female sword cultivator, dressed in pristine white, with a jade belt fluttering in the wind, stepped forward gracefully. Behind her followed a girl in a pale yellow dress, her almond-shaped eyes bright but slightly uneasy, secretly tugging at her senior sister's sleeve.

"Your Highness, Heavenly Qilin"

As the female swordswoman performed the sword-wielding ceremony, the silver bell on her fair wrist jingled softly, its sound like shattered jade and scattered pearls: "I am Tong Qingfu of the Huansha Sword Sect. I have prepared a simple banquet at my humble abode and have invited fellow Daoists from all over the world, including Fellow Daoist Duan Tianjianzi of the Tianshan Sword Sect. May I invite you to join us?"

"I appreciate Fairy Tong's kind offer." Zhao Wuji smiled slightly. "Having just arrived at this precious place, I still need to recuperate. I will not participate in the banquet."

Zhao Wuji smiled and raised his hand in a gesture of respect, ignoring the hint of disappointment that flashed in the eyes of the two female sword cultivators. He then turned and had his sword attendant lead the way to the resting place.

"Your Highness."

The leading female sword attendant, Shi Yiyun, followed with her head bowed, secretly relieved, a hint of admiration flashing in her eyes, thinking to herself that His Highness indeed had composure.

How could these beautiful women possibly win over His Highness?

She glanced at those behind her and to her left and right, signaling the other sword attendants to stop the cultivators who tried to approach and strike up a conversation, so as not to disturb the princess.

After a while.

Within the courtyard prepared by the White Jade Sword Pavilion, the spiritual energy was swirling like mist, its concentration approaching that of a fourth-level spiritual vein.

As Zhao Wuji stepped inside, he felt his pores open up and spiritual energy spontaneously flow into his meridians.

The courtyard is not large, but it is exquisite in every detail.

The main room has a floor paved with green jade, and the four walls are engraved with spirit-gathering array patterns. A futon is placed in the center, and a censer of calming incense is placed next to it. The wisps of smoke swirl upwards, adding to the tranquility.

Zhao Wuji flicked his sleeves, sat cross-legged, closed his eyes, and regulated his breathing. The spiritual energy around him flowed slowly into his dantian like a trickle.

"good."

Zhao Wuji nodded slightly, somewhat satisfied with the arrangement.

As expected of the top sword cultivator force in Zhongzhou, Baiyu Sword Tower, although not a sect that protects the Qi veins, possesses a fifth-level spiritual vein and three fourth-level spiritual veins. Its profound foundation has surpassed that of ordinary overlord-level forces.

In this era of abundant spiritual energy, even in the desolate areas near these top sects, the concentration of spiritual energy is astonishingly high, enough to support Golden Core cultivators and even Nascent Soul True Monarchs in their activities.

Zhao Wuji pondered to himself, wondering how many Nascent Soul stage monsters were lurking outside the White Jade Sword Tower, and whether the major immortal sects had prepared countermeasures.

It seems that the importance of the Ancient Sword Domain has far exceeded expectations, attracting many reclusive old monsters to emerge from the mountains.

Even demon lords and demon kings coveted the sword domain quota and were willing to take risks.

This made him even more curious about the Sword Domain.

"Those old monsters must be having the same wishful thinking as Huang Chang."

Even if no clues to avert the calamity of the end times or the secrets of the collapse of the Celestial Court can be found within the Sword Domain.

At the very least, we can scavenge some ancient treasures as a foundation for surviving the future degenerate age.

Zhao Wuji seemed to be deep in thought.

In this light, the ancient sword domain, as the ruins of the former Celestial Court, is indeed of great importance.

Meanwhile, in several other rest courtyards, some cultivators were also whispering about Zhao Wuji.

"This Heavenly Qilin of the Qilin Sword Sect is really arrogant. Fairy Tong personally invited him, yet he is so disrespectful."

"Did Fairy Tong perhaps not mention that His Highness Tianjianzi is also present at the banquet?"

"Hmph, it's one thing to disrespect us, but are you not even going to give face to His Highness Tianjianzi?"

At the banquet, several sword cultivators wore displeased expressions and spoke with resentment.

At the head of the table sat Duan Chen, the Heavenly Sword Master, dressed in a plain robe. His face was unremarkable, except for his gentle, jade-like eyes.

He put down his wine glass and looked at Tong Qingfu beside him with a smile: "Fairy Tong, did you not mention that I was also present?"

Tong Qingfu's slender fingers traced the rim of the cup, a barely perceptible glint of darkness flashing in her eyes. She sighed, "Of course I've mentioned it. I had hoped to introduce the two princes to each other, but alas..."

She shook her head and sighed softly, the silver bell in her sleeve trembling slightly; the rest of her words were self-evident.

"It doesn't matter."

Duan Chen smiled calmly and tapped his knuckles lightly on the scabbard on his knee. "I will get to know him on the final stage tomorrow and make a lasting impression on him."

"Hahaha, very good, Your Highness Duan is indeed a man of great spirit."

"This is the true style of the Heavenly Sword!"

As soon as he finished speaking, a chorus of flattering and agreement erupted from the audience.

the other side.

Leng Wushuang of the Flying Snow Sword Sect was sitting opposite an elder of the sect, enjoying tea. On the table lay a register of names.

Her fingers lightly traced the names on the roster, lingering on Zhao Wuji's name and battle record. Her cold eyes narrowed slightly: "That sword intent just now was extremely powerful. The sword cultivation of this Heavenly Qilin Zhao Wuji probably really surpasses Kong Jingxian by a lot."

The elder stroked his beard and pondered, "This boy is indeed extraordinary. When you fight him, remember not to take his sword energy head-on, and be wary of the sword shadows that his sword light splits into. It is best to use the 'Flying Snow Without a Trace' sword-controlling style to fight."

Leng Wushuang nodded slightly, her lips pressed into a straight line beneath her veil.

Meanwhile, in the courtyard where the Seven Cultivation Demon Sword Sect was staying.

Feng Xie sat cross-legged on a blood-jade futon, seven demonic markings between his brows flickering erratically.

He suddenly opened his eyes, and the bone sword in his sleeve trembled incessantly.

"metropolitan."

He focused his consciousness into the bone sword, his voice tinged with suppressed emotion: "This time, our opponents are indeed quite formidable, including Zhao Wuji, who just arrived. After testing him..."

"It's alright, I already know."

A hoarse voice came from the bone sword; it was Tao Han, the sect leader of the Seven Cultivation Demon Sword Sect. "This boy is indeed extraordinary; otherwise, he wouldn't have been able to kill so many demon kings from my Hewai Liezhou. However, arrogance will eventually be punished by Heaven."

He suddenly lowered his voice: "Just focus on getting a ranking to enter the Sword Domain."

Feng Xie's pupils constricted sharply: "What do you mean by that, Sect Master?"

"Ah"

Tao Han's laughter was sinister. "Over the years, my Hewai Liezhou has been tolerant in every way, but what I have gained in return is the gradual erosion of its territory."

Even entering this ancient sword domain has always been limited to only one person, which is unfair.

The Nine Nether Demon Lord is already plotting a major event. If it succeeds…

The bone sword suddenly glowed with a bloody light. "At least three or five swordsmen will be lost in this final battle. That Zhao Wuji... Hmph!"

Feng Xie's breath hitched, his heart pounding with shock, and he couldn't help but press for an answer.

"Is the Demon Lord's move this time to obtain more ancient sword tokens to enter the Sword Domain? Or is he also going to enter the Sword Domain?"

The bone sword vibrated with a 'hum,' and Tao Han's voice gradually faded away: "Do your job well and don't ask about anything else."

Outside the White Jade Sword Tower, above a vast sea of ​​clouds.

A pure white cloud palace floats in the clouds.

The palace's body is shrouded in mysterious Daoist patterns, sometimes solid like a jade palace, sometimes ethereal like mist and clouds. It is the personal magic treasure of the Supreme Elder of the Immortal Saint Sect—the "Hidden Heaven Cloud Palace".

At this moment, four figures sat in rows inside the hall.

The Supreme Elder of the Immortal Saint Sect, dressed in a plain white Daoist robe, with white hair and a youthful face, and eyes as deep as an abyss, held a jade ruyi in his hand and said calmly, "The Nine Nether Demon Lord's plan this time is very grand. If he really succeeds, not only will the Sword Masters be in danger, but the Ancient Sword Domain will also become a place where demons run rampant."

Across from him, Wei Le, the master of the White Jade Sword Pavilion, dressed in a green robe with sharp, sword-like features, nodded slightly upon hearing this: "The rampant demons are indeed a cause for concern, but I truly cannot understand why the Nine Nether Demon Lord would do such a thing. Could it be that he intends to reignite the war between good and evil?"

"The mind of a demon is unfathomable. Only killing can stop the fighting."

The Sword Lord of Asking Heaven sat with his sword in his arms, his eyes cold: "Now that I have come in person, I will not stand idly by and watch the demons run rampant."

Huang Shang, however, remained seated at the end of the table and never spoke.

He was clad in a black robe, his face gaunt. When the elder of the Immortal Saint Sect looked at him, he coughed twice, his voice hoarse: "I am old and frail, I'm afraid I am not up to the task..."

The Supreme Elder of the Immortal Saint Sect narrowed his eyes slightly and paused with his fingertips: "Fellow Daoist Huang, do not forget that the conditions that the Immortal Saint Sect promised you have not yet been fulfilled."

Huang Shang slightly raised his eyelids, a shadow flashing in his eyes.

"If the Nine Nether Demon Lord succeeds, you can forget about succeeding in your plans within the Ancient Sword Domain."

The Supreme Elder spoke calmly, yet every word was like a sword, hitting the nail on the head.

The atmosphere inside the hall suddenly froze.

Huang Shang remained silent for a moment, his withered fingers slowly tightening, and finally he snorted coldly: "Since that's the case... I have no choice but to give it my best. If Jiu You really leads the Demon King and the Demon Lord to make a move, I will stop one of them."

"good."

The Supreme Elder nodded in satisfaction: "To avoid alerting the enemy, this matter must not be spread. I will select a few disciples to keep watch in secret and take precautions together."

Wei Le and Wentian Sword Master exchanged a glance, but neither said anything more.

Outside the Cloud Palace, the wind howled and the sea of ​​clouds surged.

On the surface, the First Sword Cultivation Tournament was a lively and bustling affair, with swords flashing like rainbows, but underneath, undercurrents were surging.

Zhao Wuji spent the entire night in quiet meditation in the courtyard arranged by Baiyu Sword Tower, his sword aura concealed and unleashed.

It wasn't until the next morning that Elder Jianlou personally came to the door and presented a gold-embossed jade book with both hands.

"Zhao Jianzi, this is the final match-up list that has been drafted."

The white-haired elder stroked his beard and smiled, "Of the thirty-six who advance, twenty-six will have to go through rounds of battles, competing against ten seeded players. In the end, eighteen will be selected to enter the Ancient Sword Domain!"

"Thank you for coming to present this book, Elder!"

Zhao Wuji accepted the jade book with a smile, and faint golden patterns appeared where his fingers touched it.

After seeing the elder off, he used his divine sense to observe the scene, his gaze slightly narrowed.

He was surprised to find that his opponent in his first battle was none other than Duan Chen, the Heavenly Sword Master of the Heavenly Mountain Sword Sect, a sword prodigy in the mid-stage of the Golden Core realm.

"It was this person."

Zhao Wuji couldn't help but recall that when the fairy girl from Huansha Sword Pavilion invited him yesterday, she seemed to have mentioned this person.

"It's a good thing I didn't go to the banquet, otherwise if I had become too well-known, it would have been a bit awkward to make a move during the sword duel."

Zhao Wuji chuckled and shook his head. Just as he was carefully examining the battle, he suddenly felt a warm pulse at his waist.

"Hmm?" Zhao Wuji raised an eyebrow and patted the storage bag.

The VIP token, once given to the Immortal Saint Sect Elder Wei, flew out, moving on its own without wind, and hovered in mid-air, radiating a clear light.

He probed the token with his divine sense.

The voice of the Supreme Elder of the Immortal Saint Sect, like the tinkling of gold and jade, resounded directly in his mind:

"Young friend Zhao, how have you been?"

The secret plot you reported about the Netherworld has already been personally arranged by this old man.

This sword competition is fraught with danger. Since you are on the Demon Lord's kill list, you must proceed with extreme caution.

Zhao Wuji's gaze sharpened slightly, and he solemnly agreed.

The Supreme Elder's voice continued: "I have already secretly informed a few trusted swordsmen about this matter."

If anything changes during the finals, we Nascent Soul True Monarchs will intervene, and these juniors will also form a united front to resist. We urge Young Friend Zhao to cooperate and act accordingly.

After speaking, the old man added meaningfully, "The Nine Nether Demon is always cunning in his actions. If he truly orchestrated this scheme, he would never easily let someone like the Purple Locust Demon King know the inside story."
Therefore, there is probably a deeper meaning behind it.

"Oh?"

Zhao Wuji's back suddenly straightened.

He knew that the Bone Demon Lord and other demons did indeed know about this matter, but the Purple Locust Demon King had never heard of it; it was just something he made up.

Upon reflection, what the Supreme Elder said was not untrue.

If an existence like the Nine Nether Demon Lord were to plan such a grand event, it might not be as simple as it appears on the surface. Perhaps the First Sword Cultivator Tournament is just a pretext he has set up.

However, there is still no movement from the Demon Tree clone, and the Bone Nether Demon Lord has yet to appear.

Suppressing his doubts, Zhao Wuji decided to remain calm and observe the situation.

With his numerous methods and the support of his accomplices, he was naturally unafraid of any unforeseen events.

After thanking the Supreme Elder of the Immortal Saint Sect for the reminder, he put away the Immortal Saint Sect VIP token and continued to browse through the final list.

The top-ranked swordsman's reward was prominently displayed: "One Creation Jade Spirit Pill (which can save half a century of arduous cultivation)."

"A piece of Purple-Gold Firestone Sand (Level 6 spiritual material, can be used to forge a Level 6 Nascent Soul magic weapon flying sword)"

Second Place Reward: "Radiant Glazed Gold (Level 6 Spiritual Material)"

Third place prize: "Seven days of enlightenment at the Purple Cloud Palace of the Immortal Saint Sect" and "One session of sword intent comprehension at the Golden Summit of Wudang Mountain".

Looking further down, even the fourth-place winner was rewarded with ten high-grade spirit stones.

"This is quite a large-scale project."

Zhao Wuji's gaze narrowed slightly.

High-grade spirit stones are almost extinct on the market. Even a level 5 spirit vein can only produce less than ten a year. Only level 6 spirit veins like those of the Immortal Saint Sect can produce them stably.

“A high-grade spirit stone is equivalent to a thousand low-grade spirit stones. These are all ancient spirit stones, and because they are rare on the market, they can often be exchanged for more.”

He looked at the roster, a glint of light flashing in his eyes. "They've really gone all out for this sword tournament."

His gaze swept over the top reward again.

That Creation Jade Spirit Pill was rumored to have been offered in the previous competition.

This elixir will greatly benefit his cultivation in the late Golden Core stage, and the Purple Gold Firestone Sand is an excellent material for refining a level-six magic weapon flying sword.

"So many wonderful treasures, it seems..."

Zhao Wuji slowly closed the list, his eyes flashing with sword intent like sparks. "This time, I'm afraid I have no choice but to try and take the top spot. At the very least, I should get second place."

He suddenly stood up and ordered his sword attendants to prepare for a bath, change of clothes, burning incense, and washing the sword in preparation for battle.

The next day arrived in the blink of an eye.

The finals of the Nine Provinces' Number One Sword Cultivator Tournament were held simultaneously atop the thirty-six sword peaks at the heart of the White Jade Sword Tower.

The thousand-foot-tall Sword Peak points to the sky like a sharp sword.

The arena atop the mountain was gilded by the morning light, and sword energy soared into the sky.

Cultivators from all directions surged in like a tide, their sword light obscuring the sky and turning the sea of ​​clouds into a rainbow.

The White Jade Sword Tower had no choice but to activate its protective mountain formation.

With all twelve spiritual veins open, the swirling spiritual energy transformed into a curtain of light that descended, finally stabilizing the restless spiritual energy in the world.

"Truly the overlord of Central Plains"

An old cultivator stroked his beard and sighed, "Such a display of power would be unsustainable for even three days for an ordinary sect."

indeed.

Although we live in an era of abundant spiritual energy, it would take more than a fifth-level spiritual vein and multiple fourth-level spiritual veins to simultaneously support the operation of thirty-six Golden Core-level sword formations, plus the energy consumption of a million cultivators.

However, Baiyu Sword Tower is not at a loss either; in fact, it has made a considerable profit in recent days.

You should know that the market near Sword Tower has been bustling with activity lately, and the jade tokens for entering the mountain have been sold for five spirit stones each, yet they are still snapped up.

Not to mention the considerable income from staying overnight at inns in nearby markets.

Zhao Wuji arrived amidst the morning dew, with four sword attendants leading the way as he entered the area for the sword-fighting contestants.

Wherever he went, the crowds flowed like a tide, and countless gazes, some awe-inspiring and some curious, intertwined into a net. Yet, when they touched the purple-gold unicorn robe, they all quietly retreated, maintaining the respect due to a Golden Core cultivator.

"The Heavenly Qilin of the Qilin Sword Sect has arrived."

"All four sword attendants are at the Condensation Realm, how impressive."

The whispers spread like waves of wheat swaying in the wind.

Zhao Wuji acted as if he hadn't heard anything, went to his reserved seat, and sat down with a flick of his sleeve.

But then I saw that the table was made of green jade, and spiritual tea, swords and towels were already prepared, and even the futon was embroidered with dust-repelling runes.

This is a privilege reserved for the nine top seeds.

On the opposite seat, Tianjianzi Duan Chen's eyes were like swords as he coldly swept over Zhao Wuji's location, his face gloomy.

Behind her came murmurs of discussion. Several familiar sword cultivators smiled obsequiously at Tong Qingfu: "Duan Jianzi truly keeps his word. He actually faced that Heavenly Qilin in the very first battle."

"You're determined to avenge Fairy Tong! You truly live up to Senior Brother Duan's reputation!"

Duan Chen's eyelids twitched slightly, his sword fingers clenched in his sleeve, he slowly closed his eyes to regulate his breathing, and a cold snort escaped from his nose.

"These idiots."

He cursed inwardly.

The statement made at the banquet the night before last, "I should get to know Zhao Wuji and make a deep impression on him," was nothing more than a polite remark to save face.

Who would have thought that the final list would turn out just as the prophecy had foretold?

In the first match of the round of 36, one of the only two among the nine seeds was an internal battle, and he just happened to run into Zhao Wuji.

"Could it be that someone deliberately arranged this?"

Duan Chen's eyelids twitched slightly, and he put away this absurd thought.

Although he was confident that he was not afraid of the Qilin, having to use all his trump cards in the first battle would be a real disadvantage for the subsequent sword fights.

The "Heavenly Heart Sword" hidden in his sleeve seemed to sense its master's emotions, emitting a faint ringing sound.

"That's all."

He slowly exhaled a breath of stale air, and the sword intent in his eyes gradually solidified.

"Since we can't avoid it, let the world see who the true Heavenly Sword is!"

"when!!"

A clear, melodious bell suddenly resounded across the thirty-six sword peaks, rippling through layers of clouds like waves.

Elder Wei Xuanming, the guardian of the White Jade Sword Tower, rose into the air, unleashing a powerful spiritual pressure reminiscent of a late-stage Golden Core cultivator.

But as his sleeves fluttered, he produced a token.

At the same time, the thirty-six sword peak arenas lit up with dazzling array patterns, and sword energy soared into the sky, forming a light curtain that enveloped each arena.

"Fellow Daoists."

Wei Xuanming raised his hand in a gesture of respect, his voice like the clanging of metal, echoing in all directions: "The final of this year's Kyushu First Sword Cultivator Tournament will consist of three rounds of competition."

The first round pits 36 against 18, the second round 18 against 9, and the final round a free-for-all among the nine to determine the top five.

A golden scroll flew out from his sleeve, unfurling in the wind and transforming into a hundred-foot-long curtain of light:

"The first round of matchups was determined by a draw by the elders of our respective sects, and the contestants will face off in pairs."

The winner advances. There are three rules for the fencing competition:

"Firstly, one must not use talismans or magical artifacts that exceed the power of a fully-fledged Golden Core cultivator, nor any magical artifacts or talismans unrelated to the sword path."

"Secondly, falling off the ring or voluntarily admitting defeat constitutes a loss."

"Thirdly, if the winner is still undecided within one incense stick's time, the seven judges will jointly decide who will advance."

As soon as the words were spoken, the golden book suddenly split into thirty-six streams of light, each disappearing into one of the sword peaks:
"Station No. 3, Class A: Yin Youning of Baiyu Sword Tower versus Yao Fengzhi of Shanhai Sword Sect."

"Station No. 7, Class B: Tianjing Sect Cang Zhicheng vs. Huaihai Sword Island Shan Xu Sangyu."

"."

When the audience announced the match between the nineth platform of the Ding character: Qilin Sword Sect's Heavenly Qilin Zhao Wuji, and Tianshan Sword Sect's Heavenly Sword Master Duan Chen, the entire audience erupted in a thunderous roar.

"What?! Two top seeded prodigies are going up against each other in the first round?"

"The Heavenly Qilin versus the Heavenly Sword Master, this is a battle of champions played out ahead of schedule!"

"Interesting. Let's see what these two guys are capable of."

In the spectator stands, Feng Xie licked his lips with his scarlet tongue.

Kong Jingxian stood with his sword in his arms, his eyes flashing with sword intent, but he already knew in his heart that Duan Chen was doomed to defeat.

In an instant, the area around Sword Peak Arena No. 9 was filled with cultivators, and even more people flew up on their swords to squeeze over, all just to witness this duel between geniuses.

Wei Xuanming's voice remained clear amidst the surging sword energy. After quickly announcing all the names and duels, he said:
"Contestants, please come to the stage immediately!"

Thirty-six sword peaks simultaneously lit up with soaring sword light, like stars falling to earth, illuminating the sea of ​​clouds with a dazzling golden edge.

"Station number nine, Qilin Sword Sect's Zhao Wuji versus Tianshan Sword Sect's Duan Chen!"

As the announcement resounded through the sky, spiritual light flashed in all directions, creating a roaring sound like a tsunami.

"That's quite straightforward."

Zhao Wuji slowly rose to his feet, his black hair moving without wind.

Under the watchful eyes of countless burning gazes, he calmly rose from his seat, lightly touched the ground with his toes, and floated up like a feather, soaring towards the corresponding sword peak without leaving a trace of worldly dust.

On the opposite side, Duan Chen suddenly stood up, snorted coldly, and transformed into a dazzling sword rainbow, tearing through the sky and piercing straight into the arena.

Where the sword light passed, the sea of ​​clouds was split in two, and the sharp sword energy carved out a hundred-foot-deep ravine on the rock wall.

"Transform into sword light!"

A gasp of surprise erupted from the surrounding cultivators watching the battle: "Duan Chen has actually mastered the art of splitting sword light to such an extent! He's not far from the realm of splitting light into sword shadows!"

"In contrast, consider the appearance of the Qilin that day..."

Someone hesitated and said, "How can it be so ordinary?"

On the high platform, Yan Lan, his gaze hidden beneath his cloak, looked at his junior disciple, who was the center of attention opposite him, and a smile played on his lips: "Good junior disciple, with your talent in swordsmanship, you should be able to defeat Duan Chen in less than five sword strikes."

Whoosh! !

Duan Chen's figure transformed into sword light, landing at one end of the arena. His sword aura remained unabated, his robes fluttered in the wind, and seven intersecting sword-like phantoms appeared behind him.

Zhao Wuji stood with his hands behind his back, unassuming and inconspicuous, but his eyes seemed to hold the light of swords and the shimmering of stars.

"please."

He nodded slightly, raised his hand in invitation, and spoke in a soft but clear voice that reached the ears of everyone around him.

Duan Chen narrowed his eyes and coldly asked, "Where is your flying sword?"
(End of this chapter)