Time gradually passed for three days, and Li Xuan, who had been seated on the challenge stage, slowly opened his eyes.
After defeating Lingnan, Li Xuan did not continue his challenges. After all, the battle with Lingnan had consumed a considerable amount of his energy. Moreover, through that fight, Li Xuan had identified many of his shortcomings.
During these three days, Li Xuan managed to recover his physical strength while also improving himself.
Soon, Li Xuan resumed his challenges. After all, victory brought corresponding spirit stones. And due to Yang Zi's intervention, the elder had made an exception, allowing Li Xuan to challenge without paying any further fees as long as he won.
Li Xuan would not let such a golden opportunity slip by.
Time unknowingly passed for three months, and Li Xuan had challenged his way from the eightieth rank to the seventy-third. Not only had he reaped a considerable harvest of spirit stones, but his cultivation realm had also advanced to the intermediate level of the Life and Death Realm.
Li Xuan's challenges naturally attracted the attention of many in the city. Over the past half-month, numerous powerhouses within the city had gathered at the challenge stage to spectate. Through continuous challenges, Li Xuan's progress was remarkably swift. By the end, Li Xuan rarely even needed to use his immortal sword.
"Look, that guy is starting again."
Around the challenge stage, a man spoke up as he watched Li Xuan stand and place his hand on the light barrier.
"Just a few days ago, this guy defeated Liu Tao, who was ranked sixty-fifth. I didn't expect him to challenge so soon. This fellow is truly fierce."
"Do you think the sixty-fourth ranked Qi Yue can stop his progress?"
"He should be able to. After all, Qi Yue is at the intermediate level of the Heavenly Mystery Realm, which is a full level higher than Liu Tao."
"..."
Upon seeing this, the crowd erupted in discussion. Witnessing a challenger fight their way up the ranks was a rare treat for them. Many spirit masters even gathered to place bets on how far Li Xuan would advance.
The battle soon commenced, and everyone focused their gazes on the challenge stage. Even the elder by the side watched Li Xuan, who was locked in combat with Qi Yue, with a look of admiration. Over these past few months, the elder had personally witnessed Li Xuan's growth.
From his initial slight awkwardness, Li Xuan's offensive and defensive maneuvers had now improved tremendously. He could advance and retreat with ease, displaying a posture of effortless control.
"Girl, are you truly so optimistic about him to let him improve like this?" Yang Diao asked Yang Zi, his gaze returning from the sky.
Yang Zi smiled faintly upon hearing this and asked, "Father, what do you think of him now?"
Yang Diao remained silent for a moment before nodding slightly. "I must admit, he is a promising talent."
Yang Zi nodded slightly in agreement and said, "Daughter feels the same. Moreover, since he meets the conditions mentioned by that senior, and considering our interactions during this period, I believe he is the one who can help me resolve my curse body. If that is the case, then I will help him improve. Even if he ultimately isn't the one, I will not lose much."
"Furthermore, being able to befriend such a young and outstanding sword cultivator is also a good deed for our Shan Hai City."
Yang Diao nodded and then looked at Li Xuan on the challenge stage. "This小子 not only possesses a powerful physique but is also a sword cultivator. Looking at it this way, he is indeed far stronger than his peers. Girl, your father trusts your judgment."
Yang Zi smiled and did not speak further. At least, over these past few months, Yang Zi had found that Li Xuan had completely shattered her preconceived notions. After all, very few people had ever managed to challenge their way up from the hundredth rank to their current position.
Boom!
With a thunderous roar, Qi Yue's body was sent flying by Li Xuan's punch, landing precisely outside the challenge stage.
"I yield," Li Xuan said, cupping his fists.
Qi Yue responded with a wry smile, then waved his hand, tossing a spatial ring to Li Xuan before turning to leave.
Although Qi Yue felt somewhat unwilling, having not even used his trump cards, he naturally wouldn't make excuses after being defeated. Moreover, those on the rankings had been closely observing Li Xuan during this period and were aware that he was a sword cultivator.
While Qi Yue hadn't used his trump cards, Li Xuan had his own as well. At the very least, Li Xuan had never revealed his skills as a sword cultivator. What further added to Qi Yue's helplessness was Li Xuan's terrifying physical defense. Even with all his efforts, Qi Yue couldn't breach Li Xuan's physical defenses.
A body cultivator, a sword cultivator—one who cannot be breached can only passively endure attacks, while the other is invincible among peers.
Qi Yue felt a sense of helplessness. Perhaps even if he had used his trump cards, he might not have won. With that thought, Qi Yue shook his head, somewhat resigned.
"Young Master, do you wish to continue?" the elder asked, looking at Li Xuan. The elder could clearly tell that Li Xuan's exhaustion was not significant.
Li Xuan, however, shook his head slightly and looked towards the void. "Not for now, I wish to enter seclusion for a while."
The elder was taken aback but then nodded. Since Li Xuan was no longer challenging, there was no need for him to wait here any longer. After giving a slight nod towards the sky, the elder moved and vanished.
"Young Master, do you need me to find a place for you to seclude yourself?" Yang Zi asked, having arrived on the challenge stage.
Li Xuan shook his head with a smile and replied, "That's not necessary, I've just had a slight realization. Miss Yang Zi, I am very grateful to you for your help during this period. I, Li Xuan, consider you a friend."
As Li Xuan finished speaking, a thought moved within him, and a spatial ring shot towards Yang Zi. Yang Zi received it and her eyebrows rose in surprise as she looked at Li Xuan. "Since we are friends, what is the meaning of this hundred million high-grade spirit stones?"
Li Xuan chuckled and said, "When there's money to be made, we make it together."
Li Xuan then cupped his fists, and with a swift movement, he departed towards the inn.
Yang Zi held the spatial ring in her hand, watched Li Xuan's retreating back, shook her head slightly, and then smiled.
Upon returning to his room, Li Xuan set up a barrier and immediately entered Zhen Yu.
"Young Master, are you going to break through further?" the Heavenly Dao Brush asked upon seeing the several immortal swords before Li Xuan.
Li Xuan nodded slightly and replied, "I have improved as much as I can through these past few months of challenges. And I have also realized that the people in this chaotic land are indeed very powerful. Even in just this Shan Hai City, there are so many powerhouses. One can only imagine what other places hold. This time, I need to make a comprehensive advancement."
Li Xuan closed his eyes, and a sword cry instantly resounded from his dantian.
In the next moment, five immortal swords flew up and embedded themselves into his dantian.
The Heavenly Dao Brush and the other two exchanged glances, then turned and departed.