The defeat of Nanyang was unexpected by many.
Many also didn't understand how I managed it.
How I broke free from the immobilization spell so quickly.
Only a few veteran masters faintly sensed something unusual.
"Sect Leader Senior Brother, the spiritual energy barrier released by that young man earlier was rather extraordinary!"
"Yes, I sensed it too. But it flashed by, and I couldn't fully grasp it."
"There's more to this young man."
"..."
Several veteran masters whispered about me.
Old Mo on the stage laughed heartily, cheering me on with Chen Yao.
My Martial Uncle watched me on the stage with a smile, taking a sip of wine.
At this moment, the fifth challenger jumped onto the stage.
At first glance, it was Zheng Yue, the senior disciple of the Emei sect.
Zheng Yue was slender, clad in green.
Her beauty wasn't stunning, but incredibly captivating, the kind that grew on you.
As soon as she stepped onto the stage, she drew many eyes, especially those of the younger male cultivators.
"It's fellow Daoist Zheng Yue!"
"Junior Sister Zheng Yue, fight well!"
"Qin Ze, if you dare to injure Sister Yueyue, we're not done with you."
"..."
It was evident from the cheers that
Zheng Yue was also very popular among the younger generation in the Daoist sects.
After dealing with Nanyang, now Zheng Yue.
It seems I'm destined to offend all the young men and women in the Daoist sects.
But it didn't matter. As long as I could obtain the White Bone Nine-Leaf Grass, let alone fighting Zheng Yue.
Even her master, the Emei Sect Leader, Abbess Hei Yun, I would dare to act against.
Zheng Yue cupped her fists:
"Emei's Zheng Yue, fellow Daoist Qin Ze, please guide me!"
"Please!"
I replied, not underestimating my opponent.
To be the senior disciple of Emei, she must have her own formidable techniques.
Zheng Yue wasted no time, forming a hand seal with one hand.
She uttered a soft cry:
"Wind Control Sword; hasten as per the decree, Chi!"
As the incantation left her lips, the long sword in Zheng Yue's left hand shot out of its sheath with a 'whoosh', circling once above her head.
Finally, it hovered, suspended in mid-air before Zheng Yue.
Zheng Yue remained stationary, her hand still in a seal, calmly observing me.
Seeing this, an exclamation arose again from below the stage.
"Damn, sword control!"
"Zheng Yue truly is a genius disciple of Emei, to be able to control her sword already!"
"Worthy of being Emei's senior disciple, achieving sword control at such a young age."
"..."
Many people's eyes widened in astonishment.
In their eyes, only true Daoist powerhouses could achieve sword control.
Furthermore, those who could learn the art of sword control were prodigies of exceptional talent.
And their cultivation would be no lower than the Profound Core realm to even begin learning.
But to truly achieve sword control, it depended on natural aptitude.
Some elders, even at the Dao Body realm, could not control their swords.
Old Mo and Chen Yao below the stage merely grinned:
"Sword control is nothing! She'll still lose!"
Old Mo's words instantly drew the displeasure of several young men nearby.
"Fellow Daoist, what nonsense are you spouting?
Junior Sister Zheng Yue can control her sword, and no matter how powerful Qin Ze is,
he won't be able to contend with Junior Sister Zheng Yue."
"Exactly, he's already fought four matches.
His spiritual energy must be severely depleted; he's bound to lose this one!"
Old Mo scoffed:
"Just you wait!"
"..."
The crowd below the stage was already excited.
Sword control was not something seen every day.
Everyone's eyes were wide with anticipation as they watched us on stage.
Zheng Yue then spoke:
"Fellow Daoist Qin, you've won four consecutive matches and are greatly depleted.
You've proven you are strong enough.
Although my cultivation isn't as high as yours, it's comparable.
And I can control my sword. You might not be my opponent in this round!
Would you concede to me?
I'll treat you to a meal afterward."
Zheng Yue's voice was not loud, but calm.
However, her words held no mockery towards me, merely stating a fact.
In the eyes of most, I, having fought four consecutive battles, would surely have depleted spiritual energy.
Now, facing a cultivator who could control her sword, my chances of losing would be very high.
Zheng Yue's proposal was likely to conserve her own spiritual energy for subsequent challenges.
But upon hearing this, I chuckled.
Sword control?
You only know how to control a piece of junk?
I smiled faintly and shook my head:
"Fellow Daoist Zheng Yue, sword control is nothing remarkable."
I said this calmly.
But the moment these words were uttered, it caused an uproar:
"Damn, you've got a big mouth!"
"Many elders at the Dao Body realm can't even control their swords."
"If you have the ability, try controlling one, you idiot, bragging in front of Junior Sister Zheng Yue!"
"..."
Many of the younger male cultivators sided with Zheng Yue, speaking up for her and trying to put me down.
But I didn't pay them any mind.
To me, sword control was truly insignificant; I was already accustomed to it.
Sword control techniques were Zheng Yue's greatest pride.
Now that I looked down on it, she showed a hint of displeasure:
"Fellow Daoist Qin, you say sword control is nothing,
but do you know how difficult it is to cultivate it?"
Hearing this, I did not retort.
Nor did I speak.
Instead, under the gaze of everyone present, the corner of my mouth curled into a smile.
I slowly raised my left hand, forming a sword finger gesture…