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墨書 Inktalez
Chapter 114: Three Against Eight
If the disciples participating in the Jiuzhou Gathering Conference were to be categorized into three levels of strength—upper, middle, and lower—Xiao Ran's abilities would fall into the upper tier. As a peak practitioner of Fate Realization, he would be renowned in any sect he joined.
Outside Lone Moon Villa, a crowd had gathered to watch the event. Yue Zhuofeng observed the increasing number of spectators with a satisfied smile. What he needed was for Lin Miaomiao to win, so that her victory could be spread by word of mouth.
Often, the first person to share news is closest to the truth, and as more people relay the story, it tends to become increasingly exaggerated. Thus, Lin Miaomiao's reputation would grow even louder within the Great Zhou Empire and Gaojing, likely reaching the ears of some influential figures.
Xiao Ran gripped his Iron Sword tightly in his left hand, feeling a bit nervous. He wanted to win; he wanted to make it through this Jiuzhou Gathering Conference. However, facing the second-ranked Ethereal Body on the monument made him feel somewhat lacking in confidence.
"Please."
Lin Miaomiao succinctly uttered a single word before drawing her Purple Twilight Sword.
Xiao Ran looked at the Ninth-Grade Purple Mo Sword with a mix of envy and apprehension. In this world, an Eighth-Rank Magical Artifact was already considered a powerful treasure. As for a Ninth-Grade artifact, only those at the Grandmaster level could possess one.
Xiao Ran knew that Lin Miaomiao was not a Grandmaster. However, like his own senior brother, she was a unique disciple of her sect, which qualified her to wield this Ninth-Grade Treasure.
Xiao Ran drew his iron-colored long sword and said earnestly, "You are ranked second on the monument, far surpassing me. Therefore, I will not hold back in my attack."
"I feel the same way," Lin Miaomiao replied. Her anger towards Azure Cloud Sect and her connection with He Rongsheng had not yet dissipated. She harbored deep resentment.
"Very well."
Xiao Ran made his move, raising his hand to unleash Azure Cloud Sect's renowned Cloud Horse Style.
As he channeled his technique, Vital Energy surged from within Xiao Ran like billowing white clouds. These clouds floated in the air before transforming into galloping white horses.
The sound of neighing filled the air as nearly a hundred Cloud Steeds charged forth with Xiao Ran's sword swing, racing towards Lin Miaomiao.
Lin Miaomiao watched as the Cloud Steed charged toward her, her expression calm. She swung the Purple Twilight Sword, and a surge of sword energy erupted like a rainbow.
Countless strands of sword energy coalesced into a blade, sweeping toward the oncoming Cloud Steed like a storm. The two forces collided in an instant, producing a series of explosive sounds that echoed like rolling thunder.
The Void's Cloud Steed held its ground for a moment before being shattered by the relentless rain of swords, dissipating into the air. After the Cloud Steed was extinguished, the momentum of the sword rain diminished significantly, yet it continued to dart toward Xiao Ran.
"Swoosh, swoosh, swoosh..."
The sword rain sliced through the air, accompanied by countless sounds of piercing wind, resembling meteors streaking across the sky.
"The Ninth-Grade Longsword is indeed far more powerful," Xiao Ran sighed as he observed the incoming torrent of swords. He felt that in this encounter, he had lost not due to skill in Sword Techniques but because of the disparity in their artifacts.
As the sword rain was about to descend upon Xiao Ran, he remained motionless, seemingly oblivious to its presence.
At the very moment the sword rain was about to strike him, a blinding white light flashed, enveloping Xiao Ran entirely. Countless blades of sword rain struck against the white light like raindrops on a roof, creating a constant patter but ultimately failing to breach its protective barrier.
"The Ninth-Grade Defensive Artifact," Yue Zhuofeng remarked with a frown.
Xiao Ran stepped forward, cloaked in white light. "Don't think you're the only one with a Ninth-Grade Treasure."
"Are artifacts really that important? For an opponent like you, it seems unnecessary," Lin Miaomiao said as she sheathed her Zimo Longsword and turned to address the onlookers. "Is there anyone willing to lend me a longsword?"
"I will! This sword is at least Fifth Grade."
"My Junlong Sword is Sixth Grade."
"The opponent has an Eighth-Grade Longsword and a Ninth-Grade Defensive Artifact. I need to use my Vanguard Sword, at least a Seventh Rank."
The crowd responded in agreement.
Lin Feng approached a man dressed in a gray long robe and asked, "May I ask what grade your longsword is?"
"I only have a Third Grade," the man replied, somewhat embarrassed.
"A Third-Grade Longsword is nothing more than scrap metal for a Fate Realization Walker. Would you be willing to lend it to me?" Lin Feng inquired.
Upon hearing this, the man displayed a look of surprise and delight. "Of course, of course!"
With that, the man proudly handed over the sword with both hands.
"Thank you."
Lin Feng took the longsword and tossed it, allowing it to fall into Lin Miaomiao's hands.
Xiao Ran looked at the useless sword in Lin Miaomiao's grip, his expression filled with confusion and anger. How could a Third-Grade Longsword stand against an Eighth-Grade Longsword? The mere contact would result in it breaking; how could they even fight? His anger stemmed from feeling belittled.
"This is what you asked for," Xiao Ran said coldly.
Lin Miaomiao held the ordinary Iron Sword with a calm expression. "Go ahead."
Xiao Ran swung his sword again, invoking the Cloud Sea Style.
Vital Energy surged within him once more, transforming into countless white clouds. These clouds multiplied until they formed a vast Cloud Sea that enveloped Lin Miaomiao completely. Xiao Ran's figure concealed itself within the Cloud Sea, waiting for the right moment to strike.
The Cloud Sea was not merely simple clouds. It obscured one's senses and Divine Consciousness, rendering those within unable to see or hear anything.
Whoosh...
Xiao Ran's longsword sliced through the clouds, piercing out from behind Lin Miaomiao.
At that moment, Lin Miaomiao's Iron Sword flew out with astonishing speed, appearing behind her to meet the incoming Black Longsword.
Xiao Ran scoffed, thinking how could such a useless sword possibly defend against him?
He anticipated watching his precious sword turn the worthless blade to dust.
With a sharp clang, the sound of their blades clashing echoed. Lin Miaomiao's Third-Grade Longsword did not shatter as expected; instead, it resisted the assault of Xiao Ran's Eighth-Grade Longsword with remarkable strength. The tip of her sword pressed against his, forcefully pushing him back.
Xiao Ran's expression turned to one of astonishment. He could hardly believe what was happening. Why did his Eight-Tiered Sword not shatter upon contact with this third-rate blade? Why was he being forced to retreat?
Why did the Cloud Sea have no effect on her?
The Third-Grade Longsword continued to push against Xiao Ran's Eighth-Grade Longsword, eventually flying out of the Cloud Sea. The onlookers were left speechless at this scene.
The man who had lent his sword watched in disbelief as his weapon seemed to chase away an Eighth-Grade Longsword in a panic. He couldn't help but burst into laughter.
"How exhilarating!" he exclaimed, clapping his hands in delight.
Xiao Ran stared at the simple Iron Sword he had deemed worthless, yet it seemed to be imbued with the might of thunder. The immense force pressed upon him, forcing him to retreat.
However, Xiao Ran refused to back down any further.
He took a deep breath, channeling all his Vital Energy into his hands, gripping the hilt tightly. With his toes digging into the ground, he launched a fierce counterattack, determined to withstand the assault of this third-rate sword.
The momentum of the worthless blade met strong resistance and began to weaken.
At that moment, Lin Miaomiao emerged from the Cloud Sea, her Purple Dress flowing gracefully, her long hair dancing like a fairy descending from the clouds. Her expression remained calm as she moved with measured precision.
"Step back."
Lin Miaomiao's hands transformed into Sword Points as she softly commanded. The momentum of the discarded sword surged, pushing the Eighth-Grade Longsword and Xiao Ran backward rapidly.
To withstand the force of the discarded sword, Xiao Ran's shoes had already worn out. His hands, tightly gripping the longsword, began to feel numb, ultimately losing their grip. The discarded sword finally knocked the longsword from Xiao Ran's hands and pierced through his White Barrier.
Clang...
The piercing sound was unbearable. Although the discarded sword did not break through the White Barrier, it caused Xiao Ran's body within the light curtain to shudder, and he spat out blood.
Though magical artifacts were powerful, they required a person's Vital Energy to sustain them. While artifacts could resist Vital Energy Power, most of the backlash from the force would be returned to the one controlling the artifact.
Xiao Ran was sent flying along with his sword, crashing heavily to the ground. Gritting his teeth, he rose with anger etched on his face as he glared at Lin Miaomiao.
With Xiao Ran's fall, that section of Cloud Sea lost its magical enhancement and vanished into thin air.
After two exchanges, Xiao Ran's Vital Energy was no longer abundant. He could only execute one Manifestation of Divine Powers; if he sustained damage from powerful Sword Techniques, even the unique Manifestation of Divine Powers of a Fate Realization Walker would be impossible to perform.
"Why?"
Xiao Ran displayed a look of confusion. He couldn't understand why, despite both being at the peak of Fate Realization, Lin Miaomiao's Third-Grade Longsword seemed stronger than his Eighth-Grade Longsword.
"You do not understand swords. Holding an Eighth-Grade Longsword is no different from wielding a Third-Grade Longsword," Lin Miaomiao replied quietly.
Beside them, Lin Feng interjected, "Miaomiao, that's not entirely accurate. He has indeed utilized some of the power of the Eighth-Grade Longsword along with its inherent sharpness and strength. Otherwise, with your previous strike, that sword wouldn't have simply retreated."
If it wasn't just a simple retreat, then what was it? If he had wielded a Sixth-Grade sword instead, would that strike have resulted in destruction rather than survival?
Xiao Ran felt a surge of fear as he realized that Lin Miaomiao's strength far exceeded what his senior sister had described. The rankings on the monument indeed had their undeniable reasons.
"The match isn't over yet, so don't get too complacent."
This time, Xiao Ran unleashed all of his Vital Energy without holding back. The powerful Vital Energy surged forth, distorting the void behind him into an unrecognizable shape.
"An omen; he's about to use the Azure Cloud Sect's Manifestation of Divine Powers."
"The unique and formidable Divine Ability of Fate Realization; today is truly an eye-opener."
The spectators displayed expressions of excitement and anticipation. (To be continued)
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