Sword energy crisscrossed around Wang Quanba Ye, its invisible sharpness cutting through the air and emitting a faint hiss.

His longsword was not drawn, but the sword intent that was held back was already stirring the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, causing wind and clouds to surge, which was the prelude to the "Sword of Heaven and Earth"!

Qin Li felt as if he had taken root, his aura instantly solidifying like an ancient, mysterious stone.

A thick, earthy-yellow spiritual energy flowed across his body, simple and unadorned, yet giving people a sense of unbreakable strength and unwavering stability.

He slowly drew the thick-backed longsword from his back. The blade was dull, and his movements were simple, as if he were just a farmer wielding a hoe in the field, yet it contained a profound sense of simplicity.

"Brother Qin's martial arts are known to all, and my Wangquan Sword Intent is no secret either. Why don't we each unleash a move, giving it our all, and decide the victor in one strike? What do you say?"

Wang Quanba proposed that he was unwilling to take advantage of the unknown cultivation method.

Qin Li nodded, his voice still steady:

“Brother Ba Ye is frank. Although I know the technique, it comes from my master and is perfect. How can I gain any advantage? However, it is best to decide the outcome in one move.”

In an instant, time seemed to freeze in the entire training ground!

Wang Quan Ba ​​Ye has finally drawn his sword!

The sword light was not dazzling, but rather carried an ancient and desolate atmosphere.

The sword was swung out silently, yet it seemed to drain all the spiritual energy within a hundred feet!

A massive sword aura, condensed to its extreme and seemingly capable of cleaving the heavens and earth, appeared out of thin air. It carried the majestic might of the heavens and the resolute determination to sever everything, tearing through space and striking directly at Qin Li!

It is none other than the unparalleled martial art of Wangquan Manor—Heaven and Earth Sword!

The power of this sword is comparable to that of his father, Wang Quan Shouzhuo, back then, and it faintly touches the realm of the Demon Emperor!

At the same time, Qin Li also made a move.

His movements were still slow, even somewhat clumsy.

He gripped the thick-backed longsword tightly with both hands, raising it high above his head. There were no fancy techniques, no earth-shattering phenomena, only a heavy, profound sense of power, as if it bore the weight of the earth.

He uttered a low shout, not some profound incantation, but simply poured all his essence, energy, spirit, and will, along with every bit of spiritual power and every strand of divine thought he had honed for ten years, into this one strike. Then, in a simple and unadorned manner, he slashed down!

My sword of righteousness will once again challenge the throne!

The glint of the blade, simple and unadorned!

It lacks the terrifying aura of Qin Chuan's "a universe within, I am the only one who reigns supreme," and instead possesses a solid, down-to-earth, and profound quality.

A knife is inherently an object that can harm people; its sharpness is fully exposed.

But in Qin Li's hands, the knife seemed to have lost all its sharpness, becoming like the earth itself—heavy, steady, all-encompassing, and bearing everything.

boom--!!!

It wasn't a deafening explosion, but a dull, heart-stopping thud!

That magnificent sword energy, seemingly capable of cleaving the heavens and earth, slammed fiercely into that simple and heavy blade light!

There was no overwhelming defeat as expected, nor a stalemate that seemed evenly matched. Time seemed to stretch out at that moment.

People saw that the invincible sword of heaven and earth, upon contact with Qin Li's blade light, had its terrifying sharpness and destructive power vanish like mud entering the sea, being dissolved, absorbed, and carried away layer by layer by the blade intent as heavy as the earth!

The blade flashed as steadily as a mountain, without moving an inch!

The sword energy was like a monstrous wave crashing against an invisible dam; though its power was astonishing, it could not advance even an inch further!

The violent energy surged and annihilated wildly at the point of contact, but it remained firmly bound within that small space, unable to dissipate and harm others in the slightest.

The ground beneath Qin Li's feet silently sank, and spiderweb-like cracks spread out, showing the terrifying pressure he was enduring.

But his arm holding the knife was as steady as a rock, his eyes remained calm, and his breathing was not disordered at all!

It was as if he had simply taken on a mountain that was meant to be his responsibility.

In contrast, Wang Quanbaye's face paled instantly after unleashing that sword strike, fine beads of sweat appeared on his forehead, and his hand gripping the sword hilt trembled slightly.

He clearly felt that the immense power and vitality contained in his sword strike were being steadily caught and neutralized by the opponent's unfathomable and unassuming Dao in an incomprehensible way.

After a few breaths, the earth-shattering sword energy finally ran out and slowly dissipated into nothingness.

The dust has settled on the arena.

Wang Quanba, leaning on his sword and slightly out of breath, looked at Qin Li, who remained calm and composed, holding his sword. A complex emotion flashed in his eyes, which then turned into pure admiration and relief.

He sheathed his sword with swift, decisive movements, and declared in a clear voice:

"Brother Qin's foundation is so solid, and his Dao heart so steadfast. I admire you! I have lost this battle."

Anyone could see that the attack the two had just delivered was earth-shattering.

Wang Quanba's Heaven and Earth Sword was so powerful that it made most of the elders present feel their hearts tremble.

Qin Li, however, calmly received the blow with just that simple, unadorned, and unsharp blade, maintaining his composure and showing no signs of fatigue!

"Although my King's Sword Intent is strong, I did not wield the King's Sword. To unleash such a powerful sword strike would consume my primordial essence and lifespan."

Wang Quanbaye explained frankly:

"Brother Qin's breath is strong and long-lasting, showing no signs of exhaustion. If we were to fight to the death, I would be the one who dies from exhaustion in the end. Brother Qin's victory is fair and square, and I am completely convinced of his superiority!"

These words, spoken frankly and openly, were just like his father Wang Quan Shouzhuo's admission of defeat to Qin Chuan ten years ago, earning the respect of everyone present.

On the high platform, the elders looked at each other, their eyes filled with disbelief.

Mr. Fei murmured, "Using clumsiness to overcome skill, using substance to overcome emptiness... how could one's foundation be so profound? The sword intent of the King's Power... actually broke through by the most basic sword technique intent?"

Qin Li ignored the commotion around him.

He slowly sheathed his sword, turned around, faced Qin Chuan in the main seat on the high platform, and bowed deeply, his head almost touching the ground.

Silence speaks louder than words.

These ten years of hard work and this glorious victory are all thanks to my mentor's guidance and support.

Qin Chuan smiled as he looked at his most prized disciple and nodded slightly.

He slowly rose, his voice not loud, yet clearly carrying throughout the entire arena, providing the final commentary on this epic duel and on Qin Li's path:

"This battle is not a victory of skill or talent, but a victory of the Dao heart."

His gaze swept over the countless young cultivators below the stage, finally settling on Qin Li. His words, like a resounding bell, struck the hearts of everyone present:

"Over the past ten years, the Sutra Repository has accumulated countless martial arts techniques, including the 'Blade of My Way.' However, apart from Qin Li, no one has truly grasped its essence."

"It's not that I'm hiding anything, nor is it that Qin Li is exceptionally blessed."

"It's because people only see the form of the sword moves and the power of the sword intent, but they have never seen its essence—'being down-to-earth and accumulating strength before unleashing it'!"

"What Qin Li learned is my way of the sword. But the path he walked was his own 'real' path, forged step by step with ten years of hard work, ten years of perseverance, and ten years of single-minded dedication!"

"Those who learn from me will live, those who imitate me will die. To forge one's own path is the true essence of spiritual practice."

As soon as he finished speaking, the training ground fell silent, then erupted in thunderous applause and heartfelt praise!

This is not merely a reward for the victor, but also an affirmation and aspiration for a spiritual philosophy.

At the back of the crowd, Mu Mie's face flushed with excitement as he clapped his hands vigorously, his eyes filled with admiration.

"Senior Brother is amazing! Master is absolutely right!"

In an inconspicuous corner, a red figure carrying a huge gourd of wine appeared out of nowhere.

Tu Shan Ya Ya pouted, took a swig of wine, and muttered:

"Hmph, Qin Chuan, lecturing again... But you're really good at teaching your disciples!"

The curtain fell perfectly on the Dao Alliance Newcomer Tournament with Qin Li's "clumsy" yet powerful final strike.

The title of chief disciple of Qingyun Peak, along with his "down-to-earth" approach to cultivation, resounded throughout the cultivation world from that moment on.

Qin Chuan's words were like a seed, deeply planted in the hearts of countless young cultivators present.

Chapter 23 Ten Masked Men: From Destruction to Rebirth

The aftershocks of the rookie competition had not yet completely subsided, and the clamor at Wangquan Manor was gradually dying down. Qin Chuan, along with Qin Li and Mu Mie, was about to return to Qingyun Peak when a familiar red figure flashed through the crowd like a flame and landed precisely in front of Qin Chuan.

"Stinky Qinchuan!"

Tu Shan Ya Ya stood with her hands on her hips, her signature large gourd of wine swaying behind her. Her small face was slightly raised, with a touch of her usual arrogance, but her eyes showed less of the playfulness and more seriousness.

She handed Qin Chuan a neatly folded letter that exuded a faint, cool plum blossom fragrance. "Here, this is a letter from your sister."

Qin Chuan took the letter.

The letter paper is made of special silk paper, cool to the touch, and has Tu Shan Hong Hong's unique cool handwriting on it. The handwriting is delicate but has a special sense of strength.

He began to read carefully:

The Western Regions Tsar and the Northern Mountain Demon Emperor have both agreed to the Demon Alliance's proposal. Only the Southern Kingdom's Poison Emperor has resolutely refused, his attitude unyielding. His intentions are difficult to discern, and he is extremely wary; words alone are unlikely to sway him. The Southern Kingdom is a crucial and indispensable link in the Demon Alliance.

Your wisdom and strategic thinking are profound; do you have a good plan to break this deadlock? Awaiting your reply.

Furthermore, regarding the matter you entrusted to us, Tushan has been keeping a close eye on it, and so far there has been no unusual activity. We will continue to monitor it. If there is any sign of trouble, we will inform you immediately.

Qin Chuan closed the letter, his fingertips gently tracing the cold, clear handwriting, a knowing glint in his eyes.

As he had predicted, the Poison King of the Southern Kingdom was indeed the toughest nut to crack. Huan Du Qingtian's stubbornness was not easily swayed.

"Ya Ya." Qin Chuan looked at Tu Shan Ya Ya in front of him: "Please pass on my message to your sister. I will personally go to handle the matter in the Southern Kingdom. I will make sure Huan Du Qing Tian agrees. As for the Leech Clan, please ask her to continue to keep an eye on things and inform me immediately if there are any unusual movements."

"You're going to the South to find that old poisoner?"

Ya Ya raised an eyebrow, unusually not pressing the issue, but merely pursed her lips:

"Understood, I will definitely pass on the message."

She gave Qin Chuan a deep look, but this time she didn't pester him for a match or a drink as usual. She turned around nimbly, and red demonic energy surged forth.

Before the words were even finished, the person had already transformed into a red shadow and vanished into the horizon in an instant.

As Ya Ya left, Qin Chuan was about to head to the South when a unique aura, a mixture of sharpness, curiosity, and youthful vigor, quietly enveloped him.

Ten figures appeared silently on the open ground not far in front of Qin Chuan.

Their clothes varied, and their faces were covered with masks of different shapes and materials, some ferocious, some comical, and some mysterious, completely concealing their true faces.

The leader was tall and straight like a sword, wearing a pure white, unadorned, and slightly exaggerated comical mask, revealing only a pair of deep and inquisitive eyes.

He had an ancient longsword hanging at his waist, his aura calm and restrained, yet it seemed to contain a sharp edge capable of cleaving through anything.

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