Chapter 1 The Beginning
Outside the main hall of the Sword Sect's main hall, countless disciples stood in formation. At the forefront of the many disciples, nine figures stood out particularly. Judging by their auras, they had all reached the peak of the Hua Wu Realm.
Soon, with a flicker of movement, Li Xuan's figure also appeared.
"This guy actually broke through to the peak of the Hua Wu Realm so quickly!" Jian Shisan's eyes flashed with surprise when he saw Li Xuan.
After the top spot on the disciple ranking list was replaced, Jian Shisan had personally gone to investigate. At that time, Li Xuan was still only in the Hua Yuan Realm. He never expected such a significant breakthrough in less than a year.
"All ten participating disciples are present. The competition between our Sword Sect and the Martial Academy officially begins!" Jian Kai Cheng surveyed the disciples below, then with a wave of his hand, a spirit sword instantly appeared in mid-air.
In just an instant, the spirit sword grew to a massive size of ten zhang. Jian Shisan and the others moved in unison, landing on the spirit sword. Li Xuan was stunned for a moment, then also flew up.
"Depart!" Jian Kai Cheng stomped his foot slightly, and the spirit sword shot through the air. Within a few breaths, the giant sword had already traveled a thousand li.
"For the next month, all disciples of the Sword Sect can watch the competition here. How much you comprehend depends on your own fortune," Jian Nan Cang said, looking at the disciples below. Then, with a wave of his hand, a massive light screen appeared in the sky.
Currently, this light screen was still a hazy grey, evidently because the competition had not yet begun. The disciples already knew all about this, and after Jian Nan Cang and the others departed, they immediately began to discuss.
"In the last competition, even the formidable Senior Brother Jian Shisan was a move short and lost to that Wu Hao Tian. I wonder what the outcome will be this time."
"Our Sword Sect has lost three consecutive competitions against the Martial Academy. We absolutely must regain our honor this time!"
"We know the nine participating senior brothers, but the one who arrived last seems a bit unfamiliar."
"..."
"That is the only personal disciple accepted by the Sect Master, named Li Xuan. After joining our Sword Sect, he snatched the top spot on Senior Brother Jian Shisan's disciple ranking list during his first trial."
As the crowd discussed, Gong Ze Yu, who was also on the square at this moment, had a somewhat grim expression.
Regarding his qualification to participate being taken by Li Xuan, Gong Ze Yu had sought out his master. But in the end, his master took him to find Li Xuan.
With just one sword, Gong Ze Yu was defeated.
"I hope you can win this competition for our Sword Sect." However, Gong Ze Yu's expression quickly returned to normal, and then he moved, disappearing from his spot.
Martial Academy, Martial God Square.
"The people from the Sword Sect have arrived," Wu Wu Ji's gaze flickered, and then he immediately stood up. Wu Ji Feng and the others on the side also stood up one after another.
The next moment, a giant sword cut through the air. Eleven figures became clearly visible.
"Brother Kai Cheng, I didn't expect you to lead the team this time," Wu Wu Ji said with a slight smile as the giant sword stopped.
Jian Kai Cheng chuckled and replied, "No choice, they were all afraid of losing face, so I had to come."
Wu Wu Ji laughed heartily, then his gaze shifted to Li Xuan and the other ten behind Jian Kai Cheng.
Upon seeing that all ten were at the peak of the Hua Wu Realm, a hint of surprise flashed in Wu Wu Ji's eyes. Although there were differences in strength even among those of the same realm, the auras of these ten were clearly those of the most outstanding prodigies among prodigies.
"Brother Kai Cheng and the others have traveled far. Let's rest for a day today, and begin tomorrow?" Wu Wu Ji said, looking at Jian Kai Cheng.
Jian Kai Cheng nodded slightly, then with a wave of his hand, he instantly retracted the giant sword into his body, and it disappeared.
"The guest rooms have been prepared. Elder, please lead our guests to rest," Wu Wu Ji said, his gaze falling on an old man beside him.
"Sect Master Kai Cheng, this way, please." The old man moved slightly upon hearing this, then gestured to the side.
Soon, led by the old man, Li Xuan and the eleven departed.
"Dean, it seems that new face is the destined one," Wu Ji Feng said to Wu Wu Ji as Li Xuan and the others left.
Wu Wu Ji nodded slightly and said, "I assume Jian Nan Cang tried to conceal his aura, making it difficult for outsiders to discern. This child's talent, to have cultivated to the peak of the Hua Wu Realm in such a short time, is likely no less than Hao Tian's. However, merely at the peak of the Hua Wu Realm, he should not be Hao Tian's match."
Wu Ji Feng also nodded, "Although the disciples dispatched by the Sword Sect this time are all very strong, their trump cards have already been exposed. The only element of uncertainty lies with Li Xuan. When the time comes, with Hao Tian fighting, we should be able to win this competition."
"Don't be careless. Ten years is enough to change many things, let alone for a sword cultivator. Alright, go and prepare. Tomorrow's competition will allow all the major powers to clearly see the strength of our Martial Academy," Wu Wu Ji said.
"Understood." Wu Ji Feng nodded, then moved and disappeared.
"Li Xuan, if nothing unexpected happens, they will arrange for Wu Hao Tian to fight you. After all, the Martial Academy is fully aware of Jian Shisan's strength and trump cards. Of course, you can discuss Wu Hao Tian's strength and methods with Jian Shisan."
In the guest room, Jian Kai Cheng said to Li Xuan.
Li Xuan nodded slightly and then looked at Jian Shisan, asking, "Senior Brother Jian Shisan, is that Wu Hao Tian very strong?"
Jian Shisan and the others all gave a wry smile and nodded, "Not very strong, he's exceptionally strong. Since he first participated thirty years ago, our Sword Sect has not won a single match. The first time, I lost to him by ten moves. The second time, I lost by five moves."
Jian Shisan paused and continued, "Last time, I still lost by one move. This time, I'm afraid his strength will only increase. I have to admit, that fellow is truly formidable."
"Admitting the excellence of others is not a bad thing; instead, it allows one to see their own shortcomings. Otherwise, the competition would lose its meaning," Jian Kai Cheng nodded slightly.
Jian Shisan nodded and then looked at Li Xuan, saying, "However, Gong Ze Yu couldn't even withstand a single sword from you. Your strength is probably even greater than mine. Here are recordings of my three previous matches against Wu Hao Tian. Take a look, it will be some preparation."
After speaking, Jian Shisan waved his hand, and an image stone instantly fell in front of Li Xuan.
Li Xuan did not refuse and, with a thought, began to examine it.
Knowing oneself and one's enemy, one can win a hundred battles!
A few minutes later, Li Xuan waved his hand and put away the image stone.
"Do you have confidence?" Jian Shisan asked curiously.
Li Xuan smiled and replied, "This Wu Hao Tian is indeed very strong. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say he is the strongest opponent I have ever encountered."
"Absolute confidence, it's hard to say. But remaining undefeated should not be difficult."