Silence!
Silence filled the sea of clouds, drowning the shocking gasps of others.
The power of the thunderbolt sword blinded everyone's eyes for a moment—it might have been able to cut through the sea of clouds and the earth.
How did this fresh graduate from the Imperial Examination manage to get his hands on such powerful and lethal techniques?
The 799th disciple of the Light Pavilion, Zhao Yu, had lost!
He collapsed on the ground, leaving puddles of blood on the floating island. He stared at the ever-changing sky and fell into deep thought.
Zhao Yu did not expect to lose the battle. After all, Fang Lang challenged the Light Pavilion right after he entered the Sword Guild. It would be a miracle to win a battle against a cultivator who was a class ahead without improving one's cultivation experience.
However, Zhao Yu lost.
Zhao Yu was also a genius. He made it to the top 300 in the Imperial Examination. Although he started out from the outer sect of the Sword Guild, he slowly climbed his way into the inner sect and earned a place in the pavilion, proving his talents.
Nevertheless, he still lost.
Zhao Yu struggled to get back on his feet. He took a pill and his wounds started to heal quickly.
With a complicated expression, he watched the cross-legged Fang Lang in awe.
That sword was just… magnificent. It was like thunder that struck through miles of rivers and mountains, upending the sky.
He failed to block the blow.
"Unfortunately, your cultivation is still weak. If you were stronger, that attack would turn the world upside down," Zhao Yu commented after spitting out a stale breath.
"You really are the grand champion. You've won."
window.pubfuturetag = window.pubfuturetag || [];window.pubfuturetag.push({unit: "64ce79d606107d003c23ea27", id: "pf-5140-1"})Zhao Yu admitted willingly.
He accepted his fate. Victories and losses were common in the Light Pavilion.
Of course, since Zhao Yu was placed at 799, he would still remain in the Light Pavilion as the 800th disciple.
To the 800th disciple, Zhao Yu could only say that it was not his intention to meet such a strong opponent.
Fang Lang opened his eyes. His face was pale white. He had spent too much spiritual sense on the minor forbidden spell. He should not cast the last attack with his full strength.
He had activated the Spirit Eyes ability and hurled strong currents of spiritual sense to go with the move.
Nonetheless, Fang Lang was glad this attack could be used as his ultimate killing technique.
The power of the minor forbidden spell was slightly stronger than the Secret Technique: Lotus Blade.
Fang Lang kept the Champion's Blade and folded his hands together to bow.
"Brother Zhao, forgive me if I have offended you," Fang Lang said.
Zhao Yu waved his hand and said with a strange look, "Champion, there's no need to apologize. The seats in the pavilion goes to the one who's stronger. I won't be able to sit in peace if I were ranked higher than you. Cultivation is a competitive journey. We'll be relying on you for the Qianlong Resource Battle, champion. The Sword Guild's ranking keeps decreasing over the years after Sect Leader Taihua's disappearance and we've lost many times in the resource battle. The Ministry of Rites deducted most of our cultivation resources. Perhaps, we'll stand a chance in this year's battle," Zhao Yu said with a smile.
Fang Lang nodded. "I'll try my best."
Zhao Yu stopped talking. Even though he had lost the challenge, he did not take it negatively.
He channeled a surge of blade energy to his chest and retrieved a sword from his space ring to fly back to the pavilion.
In the Light Pavilion, most of the brothers and sisters from the Sword Guild that were observing their challenge smiled kindly at Zhao Yu.
Zhao Yu was unaffected as he landed in front of the pavilion and let out a dry chuckle. "What a shame, what a shame."
window.pubfuturetag = window.pubfuturetag || [];window.pubfuturetag.push({unit: "64cc9e79c7059f003e4ad4b0", id: "pf-5109-1"})Fang Lang stood on the floating island with his eyes closed, giving others the impression that he was resting.
When in reality, he was checking his rewards.
'Ding! Challenge Mission accomplished. New skill 'Stats Scanner' unlocked.
'Ding! The host completed a battle with binding partner, Ni Wen, triggering the passive ability. A meaningful exchange regarding cultivation was performed. Awarded with Grade-Rush Card.
'Ding! The host completed a battle with binding partner, Liu Bubai, triggering the passive ability. A meaningful exchange regarding cultivation was performed. Awarded with 3X Physical Buff Card.'
The System's notification kept emerging.
Fang Lang felt rejuvenated.
He received two cards but Fang Lang was more interested in the Stats Scanner skill.
Fang Lang did not hurry to the Light Pavilion. Instead, he used the same method to return to the Grooming Peak, attracting all the others' gaze on him.
Xiao Lingjian had an impressed grin on his face. "Who knew you'd win a seat in the pavilion on your first day in the Sword Guild. No wonder you're the grand champion, Brother Fang. We'll be neighbors from now onwards. Light Pavilion, 261th place."
Fang Lang was shocked to find out that Xiao Lingjian was also a Light Pavilion disciple.
He stared at Xiao Lingjian and activated the Stats Scanner.
…
Age: 18
Cultivation: Seventh-Grade Sword Wave (Third Class)
Core: 89 (Yellow)
window.pubfuturetag = window.pubfuturetag || [];window.pubfuturetag.push({unit: "663633fa8ebf7442f0652b33", id: "pf-8817-1"})Introduction: Socialite of the Sword Guild's inner sect
…
Xiao Lingjian's information appeared in front of Fang Lang in the blink of an eye. However, there were only four categories.
This skill was rather disappointing.
However, Fang Lang's eyes lit up shortly after.
Disappointing? Not at all!
Fang Lang's greatest worry was he could not check the core of other geniuses. In order to bind to other geniuses, he had to rely on his own judgement as if he was trying to win a jackpot. With this skill, Fang Lang would not face this trouble ever again.
Fang Lang looked around to find Xue Ying, an excited expression on his face.
He checked her core and found that it was yellow with 8 points—it was lower than Liu Bubai.
The only disappointment was that the Stats Scanner did not show the name of the subject. Fang Lang would need their name in order to proceed with the binding.
Nonetheless, this skill made Fang Lang's life much easier.
He raised his head to look across the sea of clouds. The four pavilions sat on top of the four mountain peaks.
Countless geniuses resided above those clouds.
Fang Lang would definitely thrive in this place.
Swoosh! Swoosh! Swoosh!
The sounds reverberated through the sky.
Several figures flew from the other end of the sea of clouds. Their flying swords sliced through the clouds and landed on the Grooming Peak.
The disciples gasped and bowed.
"Vice Leader."
Chao Xiaojian nodded lightly and looked towards Fang Lang.
"Not bad, kid. I hope you'll maintain this performance until the Qianlong Resource Battle," Chao Xiaojian said with a smile.
Fang Lang bowed and activated the Stats Scanner.
…
Age: 68
Cultivation: ???
Core: 89 (Starry)
Introduction: A man who's temporarily out of your league
…
Fang Lang was stunned. Xiaojian was 68 years old!
He was an old man!
Fang Lang was not surprised the cultivation category came up unknown—his cultivation was simply too low. Chao Xiaojian's core blinded Fang Lang's eyes. Starry core!
Fang Lang felt slightly offended after reading the introduction.
Chao Xiaojian raised his eyebrow. He felt an odd sense that he was being spied on—his guard was up.
He lifted his head and scanned the surroundings. 'Is someone spying on the Sword Guild?'
The feeling faded quickly but it still bothered Chao Xiaojian.
With the previous sect leader's disappearance, many old folks were eyeing the Sword Guild. He had been taking on the responsibility since then and the weight on his shoulders was considerably heavy.
"You three just completed a group battle. How do you guys feel? The battles within the demon portal will most likely be in groups. You need to take care of each other as a group," Chao Xiaojian said and turned to look at Fang Lang with an unusual expression.
"The form of your last attack was similar to swordcraft, even though it was a prototype… The idea of merging the thunder spell into sword mastery was a stroke of genius! How did you manage to find the balancing point between the two?"
Fang Lang chuckled. The Sword Thunder looked as if he had merged a Thunder Strike with sword mastery when actually he activated the minor forbidden spell.
He was still not as competent in spell mastery.
If his cultivation level improved in the future, the lethality of this technique would be amplified much more with the use of the real forbidden spell.
Chao Xiaojian made a few announcements and arranged for Ni Wen to cultivate in the Swordcraft Pavilion. The Swordcraft Pavilion was an individual pavilion in the Sword Guild, which was not included in the four ranks. It was a place to research swordcraft.
Chao Xiaojian told Fang Lang to visit the Swordcraft Pavilion whenever he can.
"Let me introduce your mentor."
Chao Xiaojian gave way to an old scarred man with a cold and fierce expression.
"This is Elder Ji Mo. He'll be in charge of your cultivation guidance."
Wen Ting also walked out with a warm smile.
"I don't need to introduce him, you guys have met him before," Chao Xiaojian said.
Fang Lang, Liu Bubai and Ni Wen called out in surprise, "Master Wen!"
Wen Ting was holding back his grin. He was experiencing all sorts of emotions after reuniting with these kids.
"Wen TIng will be assisting Elder Ji to guide you on cultivation. For some reason, they may be bringing forward the Qianlong Resource Battle. You guys should start preparing and work hard on cultivation. If you perform well, there will be abundant cultivation resources rewarded. Cultivation is an arduous journey. I'll be waiting for you guys on the top of the mountain." Chao Xiaojian laughed and flew off into the horizon on his sword.
The disciples around them also left. The welcome battle officially ended. More importantly, most of them were intimidated by the skill level of this year's new intake.
The old disciples were stressed by the strength of the newcomers.
Elder Ji and Wen Ting walked in the front while Fang Lang, Liu Bubai and Ni Wen followed behind.
Fang Lang secretly checked for Wen Ting's information.
…
Age: 28
Cultivation: Ninth-Grade Sword Intent (Fourth Class)
Core: 89 (Gold)
Introduction: Don't be fooled by his weak cultivation. He is an expert in swords.
…
Fang Lang raised his eyebrow. Mentor Wen was only in the fourth-class sword intent realm?
Fang Lang was almost catching up to his mentor—the ninth-grade sword master was not too far off from the sword intent realm.
However, Fang Lang had a feeling that Mentor Wen's skills were far beyond the fourth-class sword intent realm.
He then turned to look at Elder Ji.
However, before he could investigate Elder Ji, he sensed a strong, icy aura from the old man.
"You think you're so great after winning against Zhao Yu?"
Fang Lang, Liu Bubai and Ni Wen stopped in place and stared at Elder Ji in shock.
"It's understandable for Ni Wen as she's cultivating sword craft. But you, Fang Lang, as the grand champion, there's nothing to gloat about for winning against Zhao Yu who's ranked at the bottom of the Light Pavilion. You should count your blessings that you've won. If you'd lost the challenge, you'd be receiving punishment from me!" Elder Ji said with both hands at his back.
Wen Ting stood aside and watched the exchange with a smile. Elder Ji's smile was gone, his expression was stern and fierce.
This must be the good cop, bad cop teaching method.
"Ni Wen is going to the Swordcraft Pavilion. Fang Lang, prepare to head over to the Light Pavilion. Gather at the practice grounds after an hour. I'll bring you guys to the Hidden Sword Tower to select your cultivation methods," Elder Ji said with a stern face.
"El-Elder, what about me?" Liu Bubai asked timidly.
Elder Ji was shocked when he saw Liu Bubai. This… This guy earned the fiftieth place in the Imperial Examination?
His performance in the group battle… How did he manage to enter the inner sect of the Sword Guild?
"You'll be following Ni Wen to the Swordcraft Pavilion. The swordcraft practitioner must be protected in a group battle. You need to protect Ni Wen for her to be able to complete the swordcraft spell," Wen Ting said as he chuckled. He was aware of Liu Bubai's condition.
"Okay, we're done here. You guys go and freshen up. Let's meet at the practice grounds after an hour. If you're late, you'll be doing ten laps of flying around Mount Shu!" Elder Ji warned them before flying off.
Wen Ting laughed, "Elder Ji seems hard on the outside but he has a kind heart. Don't mind him. He's actually really compassionate. Go and pack up your things. Choosing the practice methods in the Hidden Sword Tower is an important event as it is the cornerstone of your cultivation direction."
After that, Wen Ting led Ni Wen and Liu Bubai to the Swordcraft Pavilion.
Fang Lang used his previous arrow methods to get to the Light Pavilion.
Luckily, Xiao Lingjian came over to lead the way.
When they reached the Light Pavilion, Xiao Lingjian brought Fang Lang to the courtyard for the 799th disciple. It was an independent courtyard, not too big but wide enough.
Zhao Yu had changed into a set of new robes and walked out with his things packed.
"Brother Fang, this courtyard belongs to you now. It's enhanced with an energy-gathering rune and a calming rune. The energy-gathering rune is activated at all times. It can harness about 10 low-grade spirit crystals every day. You'll need to use the spirit crystals to activate the calming rune." Zhao Yu introduced the details of the courtyard to Fang lang.
"Guard this place well, little brother. I'll be taking it back when I reach the third-grade sword wave." Zhao Yu burst into laughter and headed in the direction of the 800th courtyard.
Fang Lang chuckled and bade farewell to Xiao Lingjian before entering the courtyard.
The courtyard's interior was rather simple, without much decoration. After exploring for a while, Fang Lang sat down cross-legged in the middle of the courtyard.
He retrieved a spirit crystal to activate the calming rune.
The breeze and other background noises diminished. Fang Lang felt as if the world was cleansed and his heart was filled with peace.
'What a great rune,' Fang Lang thought. Then, he started cultivating the spirit crystals.
…
On the peak of Mount Shu, the sea of clouds were roaring.
A magnificent carriage flew across the sky, leaving a long trail of clouds.
The horses of the carriage were on a flight sword, driven personally by Zhao Wuji.
Then, the carriage landed on the plaza of Mount Shu. Chao Xiaojian appeared and chuckled when he saw Jiang Linglong disembarking from the carriage.
"You're finally here. You've missed a great show," Chao Xiaojian said with a smile.
Jiang Linglong's veiled face froze for a second.
Then, Chao Xiaojian told her about how Fang Lang, Ni Wen and Liu Bubai destroyed the team of existing disciples, as well as Fang Lang's victorious challenge against Zhao Yu. He mentioned Fang Lang joining the Light Pavilion.
Jiang Linglong's veil fluttered gently in the breeze and her crescent eyes sparkled like stars.
She walked up Mount Shu with the White Frost Blade in hand.
Several minutes later, "I'm Jiang Linglong, the new inner sect disciple, runner-up of the Imperial Examination. I'm here to challenge the Light Pavilion. Zhao Yu, do you accept the challenge?"
Inside the Light Pavilion, the 800th disciple, Zhao Yu who had just finished unpacking froze.
His heart dropped instantly.
