"Dare to fight me?"
The voice echoed through the mist-shrouded mountain peaks.
Between the precipitous mountains, the moving sea of clouds seemed to freeze after hearing Fang Lang's bellow.
The disciples of the Sword Guild who were still shocked by Zhao Dagang's loss in the welcome battle were stunned by Fang Lang's question.
Everybody turned their gaze to the boy in green. The arrow to the Light Pavilion sent chills down their spine.
Wild!
The grand champion was such an inspiration!
This was his first day in the inner sect of the Sword Guild and he immediately challenged the Light Pavilion.
He intended to challenge the top disciple of the guild.
The disciples in the pavilion were extremely strong and talented as all of them had to win battles in order to earn a seat in the Light Pavilion.
There were 800 spots in the Light Pavilion, open to disciples whose cultivation was below the fourth class. Therefore, most disciples there were of the third class sword wave realm.
The next rank, Dark Pavilion, would only be eligible for those within the lower fourth class realm. The Earth Pavilion and Heaven Pavilion housed disciples within the upper fourth class realm.
Therefore, when Fang Lang defeated Zhao Dagang's team on Mount Shu and challenged the Light Pavilion, they were astounded.
He was like a newborn calf who was unafraid of the tiger!
Swoosh!
The sea of clouds split open when the blue ice arrow was released from the frost bow!
The blue sky appeared as an overflowing lake that overtook the clouds between the mountain peaks.
The Light Pavilion stood calmly on the peak of a steep mountain.
window.pubfuturetag = window.pubfuturetag || [];window.pubfuturetag.push({unit: "64ce79d606107d003c23ea27", id: "pf-5140-1"})Suddenly, the reflected light of the blade exploded from the pavilion like fireworks as the light-rank disciples flew out of the pavilion. They were not traveling on a flight sword. Instead, they were using their energy to fly their own sword.
This was the flying sword technique in sword mastery!
The Sword Guild forbade the use of flight swords within Mount Shu. Therefore, they had to use blade energy to fly themselves.
The light-rank disciples emerged from the pavilion like blade deities, flying through the air with a brilliant sword circling them.
Boom!
A cascade of sword waves descended like a steep waterfall, drowning the ice arrow Fang Lang released.
"The new grand champion chose the Sword Guild and challenged the pavilion. How interesting."
"He has the aura of a champion, impressive."
"The champion several years ago, Deng Yuangang who entered the Sword Guild didn't challenge the pavilion on his first day in the inner sect. What a brave man!"
…
There were 300 disciples who emerged from the pavilion.
They stared with amusement at the green-robed boy who was standing across the sea of clouds. The boy still had his bow pointed to the sky atop the Grooming Peak.
These light-rank disciples had more admiration than anger.
A sword master should be brave and fearless.
Fang Lang put down his frost bow and bowed at his light-rank seniors.
"Dear brothers and sisters, can I challenge the Light Pavilion today?"
Xiao Lingjian regained his senses and asked in an odd expression, "You're serious about it?"
"Of course." Fang Lang nodded seriously.
window.pubfuturetag = window.pubfuturetag || [];window.pubfuturetag.push({unit: "64cc9e79c7059f003e4ad4b0", id: "pf-5109-1"})"In your first challenge, you need to defeat ten disciples of the lowest rank among the eight hundred light-rank disciples. When you successfully enter the light rank, you can then challenge for a higher ranking," Xiao Lingjian explained immediately, his eyes sparkling in astonishment.
Was he a newborn calf?
No… he was just extremely confident in himself.
Xiao Lingjian was aware of Fang Lang's skills when he witnessed how he destroyed Xue Ying and Zhao Dagang.
Evidently, Fang Lang had more to show.
Before Xiao Lingjian could explain further, a handsome, charming guy from the Light Pavilion smiled warmly and said, "Brother Fang, if you insist, you'll be fighting against me. The last nine disciples went to the demon portal tunnel to cultivate their wave energy. Let's see how strong this cohort's champion is!"
The man chuckled as a surge of wave energy rippled in his chest.
He was surrounded by blade energy when his sword flew out. He followed the moving weapon.
He was the epitome of finesse in a sword master.
"This is the 799th disciple of the Light Pavilion, Zhao Yu. He has hidden wave energy in thirty-six orifices, second-grade sword wave realm. He's extremely gifted and entered the inner sect one and a half years ago." Xiao Lingjian introduced the disciple to Fang Lang.
Fang Lang heightened his senses.
If Fang Lang lost this match, not only would he fail the mission, he would make a fool of himself.
The shame would linger around him the whole time he stayed in the Sword Guild to cultivate.
…
On the peak of Mount Shu, Chao Xiaojian burst out in laughter when he heard Fang Lang challenged a Light Pavilion disciple.
"This is so typical of him. He was bold enough to leave his name on the honor roll when he was just a sixth-grade sword disciple. Now, he just joined the Sword Guild and already shot an arrow to the pavilion. I admire his nerves of steel."
Most of the elders stared at each other for a long while before they laughed bitterly and shook their heads.
"What a valorous champion."
window.pubfuturetag = window.pubfuturetag || [];window.pubfuturetag.push({unit: "663633fa8ebf7442f0652b33", id: "pf-8817-1"})"The 799th Light Pavilion disciple, Zhao Yu has incredible skills. He has hidden wave energy in thirty-six orifices. His sword techniques and single bursts are beyond comparison to what Zhao Dagang has."
"The champion is only a ninth-grade sword master. He will be destroyed."
"Even though the grand champion is a genius, Zhao Yu is no ordinary man. This is a battle between different ranks, it's going to be difficult for him."
The elders did not have an optimistic outlook.
Elder Ji's scar moved as he said, "I bet the kid's going to win. It's a no-brainer to choose the one who pulled out Sect Leader Taihua's Blooming Lotus Sword."
The other elders grew even more conflicted.
…
The venue of the challenge was on a floating island between the Light Pavilion and Grooming Peak.
The floating island took the form of an inverted cone. The circular base emerged from the sea of clouds, with a radius of more than 1,000 meters. The entire island was covered in lush green. Duels among the disciples of the pavilion often took place here.
Those who wanted to challenge the pavilion disciple would first need to reach the floating island.
With the ban on flight swords by the Sword Guild, one would need to fill their chest with blade energy and fly with their swords.
Fang Lang would never break the rule set by the Sword Guild.
Even though he did not know any flying sword techniques, he did not conjure the Meteor Flight Sword. He had something else in mind.
He started running…
Then, the frost bow appeared in his hand once more, he retrieved eight ice arrows and shot them out like an arrow rain.
Fang Lang coiled his body like a spring and leaped from the edge of the Grooming Peak. His body sprung in the air and he stepped onto the first arrow that was free falling. His body was instantly charged with vital energy and he flew forward as the ice arrow exploded from his strength, shattering into countless crystals in the air.
Fang Lang rode the blast and flew forward by several meters. When the second arrow started to fall, Fang Lang repeated the same movements.
The eight arrows fell consecutively like eight hailstones in a cold spell in spring.
Fang Lang stepped through the air like he was walking on a flat plain. His green robe fluttered in the air like deities flying through the sea of clouds. Among the uproar of the surrounding crowds, he finally landed on the floating island!
On the Grooming Peak, most of the old disciples gasped.
Fang Lang's actions had left them speechless. The only sounds that came out of their mouths were gasps of amazement and some vulgarities.
Liu Bubai's lips curved slightly when he saw what happened. 'Lang'zi's showing off again." He then raised his chin as if he was basking in secondhand glory.
Ni Wen pressed her lips as she gazed happily.
Fang Lang's flight on the eight arrows was a brilliant spectacle.
Contrary to everyone's belief, the acrobatic stunt was not intentional. This was the only way he could fly over the sea of clouds.
On the floating island, Zhao Yu was dressed in white. He landed with his sword.
He spat a mouthful of blade energy that sliced through three feet of air.
He looked at Fang Lang smilingly.
"Champion, your bravery is admirable. I'll let you lose with dignity."
Zhao Yu held the hovering sword and pointed the tip of the blade on the ground, the blade energy that spurted out decimated a patch of grass.
"Zhao Yu, Light Pavilion, second-grade sword wave," the boy announced casually.
Even though he was impressed by Fang Lang's challenge, he had no intention to lose. After all, it was not easy for him to enter the inner sect from the outer sect and gain a place in the Light Pavilion. He would not give all that up without a fight.
Fang Lang held the handle of the Obsidian Sword and lowered his eyes slightly. "Fang Lang, ninth-grade sword master."
"Let's begin."
Boom!
Right after they exchanged greetings, Fang Lang made a move. He had to quickly secure an upper hand since his cultivation level was weaker than Zhao Yu.
Fang Lang had met a third-class cultivator twice, one was a foreign general in the Imperial Examination, but he was just an ordinary third-class martial arts master, blood-bending realm.
The other was Zhao Dagang.
However, they were both in the first-grade.
Zhao Yu was in the second-grade with hidden wave energy in thirty-six orifices. Zhao Dagang was incomparable to him!
Fang Lang took a few steps forward gently—he chose to close the distance between them. Several sharp gusts of blade energy charged at Zhao Yu as Fang Lang used his Spirit Step.
Zhao Yu flicked his sword gently and casually sliced through the blade energy.
Fang Lang leaped forward and the Obsidian Sword darted out the sword box with an audible crack. Single-handed Sword Draw Technique!
Fang Lang's brooding eyes gradually brightened when he switched to binding partner mode.
His vital energy erupted and his fifth-grade martial arts master enhanced the Sword Draw Technique!
"Rampage!"
"Spirit Eyes!"
Fang Lang yelled and activated both bloodline abilities.
Instantly, a gold shimmer flashed across Fang Lang and Spirit Awl was cast!
Under Rampage, Fang Lang's vital energy amplified and so did his strength!
The power of the Sword Draw Technique was taken to the next level.
Rip!
It was as if the atmosphere was ripped apart like old rags by Fang Lang's sword. The Sword Draw Technique from the Obsidian Sword shot out like a stupendous black waterfall.
Zhao Yu's spiritual sense dispersed after he was hit by the Spirit Awl. When he regained his senses, he immediately whirled his sword to block Fang Lang's attack!
Zhao Yu instantly tightened his guard against Fang Lang. Even though the champion looked rather young, he seemed to be very seasoned in battles and competent in sword mastery.
Both swords collided, sparks exploded when the blade energy and wave energy clashed!
Fang Lang felt as if he was slammed into a thick wall—his blade could not move further!
Zhao Yu's loose locks fluttered. Blood seeped through the front of his white robe that was ripped by Fang Lang's blade energy.
"Great move, champion!" Zhao Yu roared. An orifice appeared on his hand and in it was the hidden wave energy!
Bang! Bang! Bang!
A surge of energy rushed out of Zhao Yu like a fierce current. Fang Lang felt as if he was going to be swept away!
Fang Lang made a flower-picking buddha gesture with his hands and casted Finger Flick Energy Wave!
Dong!
Fang Lang flew backward, digging two trenches beneath his legs.
Blood dripped from his fingertips after he blocked the blade wave that nearly damaged his arm.
Zhao Yu gasped for air, a flash of fear emerged in his eyes. He almost went down!
All thirty-six orifices were filled with his blade wave, as if lightning rose from the ground and rippled through the air.
A shadow split from Zhao Yu's stationary body and charged towards Fang Lang with his blade!
Zhao Yu was aware he was not as competent as Fang Lang in sword techniques but his blade wave was more powerful. This was the difference of realms!
His power could make up for ten techniques. He decided to use his energy to overpower Fang Lang!
Pang! Pang! Pang!
Zhao Yu's attacks came bashing down like a heavy downpour. His blade wave was intense and much more powerful than a sword master's blade energy.
Fresh mud splattered from the ground of the floating island.
Zhao Yu was shocked that they were both on equal footing.
He found Fang Lang's blade energy was more forceful and resilient than an ordinary sword master.
"Practice methods! You used the sword mastery practice methods to cultivate the blade energy! That's why it's so strong!"
After Zhao Yu's realization, he immediately used his ultimate attack, Thunder Strike.
He drew a circle in front of his body with his long blade and projected a lake of shimmering blade energy.
"I'll use my blade wave to form a blade lake." Zhao Yu stabbed his sword forward with a serious look.
The energy exuded instantly filled the lake.
Zhao Yu was no doubt a genius. After all, he managed to gain a seat in the Light Pavilion. His blade lake was quite elaborated, countless blade energy and blade waves darted out like a huge lake of water!
Incredible!
Fang Lang exclaimed.
As a ninth-grade sword master, It was rather difficult to challenge a genius in the sword wave realm.
However…
Fang Lang took a step back, the Obsidian Sword and Blooming Lotus Sword were returned to the sheath and the Champion's Blade emerged. This high quality sword was given by the Emperor—it was extremely light and highly conductive for blade energy and spiritual sense.
Fang Lang thought of using this blade for his final attack to end this battle.
Fang Lang tip-toed and moved his hands like a Taichi practitioner before the blade wave.
Suddenly, righteous energy rose from the ground and gathered around his body like a white python.
The white python hissed at the sword lake and collided with it, shattering into pieces. The interference only made the blade lake halt for a moment.
Fang Lang closed his eyes.
Under the enhancement of Spirit Eyes, the spiritual sense of a fifth-grade spell master was drained again and again!
Fang Lang's green robe started fluttering without the wind.
"Minor Forbidden Spell: Sword Thunder!"
…
The city was on the brink of destruction. Thunder dragons moved within the dark clouds.
The youth sat at the top of the tower cross-legged as he bathed in the storm and appreciated the rolling thunder. The Champion's Blade laid on his thighs.
He closed his eyes and gestured his hand into a flower-picking position. Then, he lowered his hand and in a swift movement, he plucked something off the ground like an angry buddha.
A fierce thunder struck from the dark clouds.
The Champion's Blade channeled the thunder and sent sparks flying to the surrounding area.
Day after day, year after year.
…
Boom!
The sea of clouds started rolling as thunder struck the ground!
On the floating island, Zhao Yu was astonished when he saw bolts of thunder begin to appear around Fang Lang. The thunderbolts linked together and gathered on an azure blue sword which came charging towards him.
The sword sliced through the blade lake. If the thunderbolt did not fade, the sword would impale Zhao Yu to the ground. He managed to block the attack by positioning his sword horizontally to his chest. The sword shattered in the process.
He was sent flying for 30 meters, dragging up dirt from the floor. His chest was badly mangled and blood sprayed out from his mouth.
The battle was over.
There was only dead silence.
All the disciples from the Light Pavilion and those standing on the Grooming Peak were stunned.
The thunderbolt was imprinted in their eyes.
After a long while, Xue Ying who had her shoulder pierced through by Fang Lang pointed ahead and covered her mouth with her trembling hand, "Swordcraft! This is true swordcraft!"
