The disciples who came to collect the bodies for Wei Cangqiong on the Arena did not dare to lift their heads to look at Xunuo, as if the figure standing on the stage was a harbinger of death.
Xunuo did not expect it to be so easy, having slain Wei Cangqiong. He exchanged a glance with Liu Yunfei below, and they nodded slightly to each other. Without waiting for the disciple in charge of announcing the results, Xunuo stepped down from the Arena.
Leading the way was Tian Feiyu, followed by Gao Weiji and the disciples of the Seven Star Sword Formation. The group returned to their residence in a grand procession. They gathered in the room shared by Gao Weiji and six others, each taking a seat. Gao Weiji seemed somewhat excited after witnessing Xunuo's four swords slay Wei Cangqiong and had plenty to say.
They began discussing the day's competition, each sharing their insights and broadening their horizons. After all, such a level of swordplay, especially one involving life and death, was something they would likely never see again in Wuhua Sect.
At this moment, a second-generation disciple remarked that this Three Factions Sword Debate should come to an end. The reasoning was simple: Gu Yuze, the strongest from Pool Water Sect, had retreated, and Wei Cangqiong, the top sword of Nanyue Sect, had been killed. The rest would likely just be a formality.
Tian Feiyu, Gao Weiji, and several elders fell into contemplation upon hearing this.
These individuals had dealt with Nanyue Sect their entire lives. They understood Nanyue Sect's style of operation and were well aware of Tuoba Buer's ruthless nature. They all felt that Nanyue Sect would not simply let this go; losing key members would not be something they could swallow quietly. However, they could not predict who Nanyue Sect would send next or what treacherous tactics they might employ.
Although Xunuo was aware of Nanyue Sect's backup plans, he could not voice them. Instead, he spoke meaningfully: "No matter what tricks the opponent has up their sleeve, I will cut through them with my sword. Before absolute strength, all schemes are mere tricks."
Tian Feiyu thought about it and agreed; random speculation had no basis. Their own strength, especially with the Seven Star Sword Formation as support, meant they need not fear any underhanded tactics from their opponents. They would simply meet force with force.
After some discussion among the elders, they assigned several Vice Hall Masters to take turns leading disciples on guard duty to ensure that no surprise attacks occurred. They continued using their own provisions for food and drink without concerns about poisoning or ambushes. As long as they secured their courtyard and kept out spies, they would have nothing to worry about.
Once their plans were made and duties assigned, everyone dispersed.
Xunuo returned to his quarters and slowly released his Divine Sense. Ever since learning that Nanyue Sect possessed a Bajitian herb, he had begun secretly gathering information.
Within Shuanglong Villa, disciples from the three factions were numerous and chaotic. Particularly among Nanyue Sect's disciples, who were as plentiful as cattle; their conversations and behaviors were all under Xunuo's observation.
As his Divine Sense spread outwards over these days, Xunuo gathered quite a bit of useful information. At least he learned the specific location of Nanyue Sect's medicinal fields and even discovered a secret path leading in and out of those fields.
Xunuo also learned that Yang Xinpeng from Heavenly Shadow Sect had arrived at Shuanglong Villa. However, this person was very secretive; he stayed in his room without coming out or interacting much with others, making it impossible for Xunuo to gauge his true capabilities.
After pondering for a moment about tomorrow's match-up, Xunuo felt there was no need for excessive worry and went up to rest on his bed.
The next day, the members of Wuhua Sect arrived at the Arena as usual. This time, no one came looking for trouble with Wuhua Sect's disciples. Xunuo also ascended to the Arena early.
Moments later, the members of the Pool Water Sect arrived at the Arena but paused to watch, with no one stepping up to the stage. Xunuo stood with his hands behind his back, wearing a strange smile and ignoring the situation.
The disciple from Nanyue Sect, who was hosting the match, called out to the Pool Water Sect members, "Please come up to challenge!"
Gu Yuze responded from below, "In this round, the Pool Water Sect concedes. Let Nanyue Sect face Wuhua Sect to determine the victor."
Upon hearing Gu Yuze's words, there was a stir among the Nanyue Sect members on the other side of the Arena, including their Hall Master and elders. Finally, two Guardians rose and headed towards a nearby pavilion.
After some time, the two Guardians returned with a red-faced man with a beard. The three of them ascended to the Arena together.
Gao Weiji stared at this man for a moment before suddenly shouting, "You Nanyue Sect dare to seek outside help in your swordsmanship? This breaks the rules of the Three Factions Sword Debate; this match should not proceed."
At Gao Weiji's declaration, not only were Wuhua Sect members shocked, but even those from Pool Water Sect were taken aback. Gu Yuze and others knew that according to the rules of the Three Factions Sword Debate, seeking outside assistance was absolutely forbidden.
The two Nanyue Sect Guardians on stage pressed their hands outward and declared loudly, "Everyone, please listen! I would like to introduce Nanyue Sect's new elder."
Pointing at Yang Xinpeng, they continued, "In Jianghu, he is known as Heartpiercer Yang Xinpeng; surely you have all heard of him. Elder Yang joined our sect several years ago as a Guest Elder. How can we say he is an outsider when our elder is fighting? Moreover, how could this violate the rules of the Three Factions Sword Debate? Are you Wuhua Sect afraid and wish to retreat like a turtle?"
Tian Feiyu gasped in surprise and quickly approached Gao Weiji. He whispered, "Do you recognize this person?"
Gao Weiji's face turned pale as he replied, "It is indeed Heartpiercer Yang Xinpeng; we have been schemed against by Nanyue Sect."
Tian Feiyu felt a chill in his heart. Knowing that Gao Weiji had been in charge of the Outer Gate for many years and often dealt with various sects, he was familiar with many figures in Jianghu. If he said so, it must be true.
Yang Xinpeng was notorious as a Guardian of Heavenly Shadow Sect. Whenever there were major disputes or conflicts involving Heavenly Shadow Sect, their leader Jiao Nantian would not easily take risks by leaving. Typically, it was Yang Xinpeng who stepped in to resolve matters. He was meticulous and ruthless in his methods, always managing to handle situations without leaving any loose ends. Most importantly, he never left traces behind in his dealings.
Tian Feiyu wondered what price Nanyue Sect had paid to bring him under their banner. However, now that he had made his move, Wuhua Sect's participation in this Three Factions Sword Debate would likely come to an end.
With a sigh, Tian Feiyu prepared to call Xunuo down from the Arena. But Gao Weiji gently pulled him back and said, "It's too late; prepare to support him."
Tian Feiyu looked up and saw that Yang Xinpeng had already drawn his sword and pointed it at Xunuo. The blade emitted a soft ringing sound as it transformed into a beam of sword light that sliced toward Xunuo.
Seeing seven sword flowers flying toward him like large bowls arranged in formation, Xunuo thought: This person is indeed formidable; this technique surpasses my own.
Suddenly, a flurry of Sword Flowers erupted as they clashed head-on. Both sides employed the Seven Flowers sword technique. The collision of Sword Flowers was like a dazzling display, leaving the spectators below in a daze. As the sword lights intertwined, both parties found themselves evenly matched, turning to face each other and continuing their duel.
The audience watched in awe, unable to take their eyes off the spectacle, while the two combatants on stage wore solemn expressions, both recognizing the extraordinary skill of their opponent.
In the blink of an eye, they had exchanged over ten moves, and all that could be seen was a whirlwind of sword light obscuring their figures. Both were enveloped in the brilliance of their blades.
Yang Xinpeng was already shaken to his core. He had initially believed that with his profound Inner Strength and the One Sword, Seven Flowers technique, he could outlast his opponent. However, he was astonished to find that this young man's Inner Strength was remarkably deep; after more than ten exchanges, his swordplay remained flawless. It was he who began to worry about running out of Inner Strength if this continued. It seemed he had no choice but to unleash his ultimate technique and determine the outcome with a single strike. Otherwise, he would soon find himself unable to muster even that one decisive blow.
With this thought in mind, Yang Xinpeng's Inner Strength surged wildly as he thrust his sword forward like a hungry tiger pouncing on its prey, aiming directly at Xunuo.
Seeing Yang Xinpeng's sudden change in tactics, Xunuo understood that he was about to unleash a devastating strike. He rounded his sword light and responded with One Flower Six Points. Before their sword lights even touched, both fighters were struck with an inexplicable shock at what they saw from each other.
Xunuo observed Yang Xinpeng's Seven Flowers, Two Points Sword Flower swirling towards him like a living entity. It was utterly different from any sword light he had encountered or executed before. Each cluster of Sword Flowers seemed to follow an unknown trajectory as they advanced, creating an overwhelming assault with the entire Seven Flowers, Two Points technique.
On the other hand, Yang Xinpeng saw Xunuo's Sword Flowers fluctuating unpredictably before him. They varied in size from large as a gourd to small as a cup, seemingly on the verge of exploding at any moment. What shocked Yang Xinpeng the most was that all seven clusters of Sword Flowers before him displayed six points each.
Transforming One Flower into six points and producing Eight Flowers from Sword Flowers were both feats that broke through the constraints of sword techniques, marking one as a master in their own right. This surpassed Yang Xinpeng's Seven Flowers, Two Points by far.
In an instant, their two streams of sword light intertwined and erupted into a shower of radiant sparks. After the brilliance faded, Xunuo stood firm in the center of the arena with his sword held horizontally, while Yang Xinpeng staggered back several steps before regaining his footing.
Yang Xinpeng pointed his sword at Xunuo, its tip drooping slightly as he glared at him with a gloomy expression. He saw that Xunuo remained calm and steady, standing like a rock with no hint of vulnerability.
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