On the summit of Mount Shu, the storm continued.
Despite the weather, the Gathering of Swords continued as fiercely as ever.
The vice leader of the Sword Guild, Chao Xioajian, wore his long white hair down. Even as the torrential rain fell, not a droplet of water landed on his body. He stood on a single raindrop, observing the competition behind the curtains of rain.
Alongside Chao Xiaojian were seven elders of the Sword Guild—they floated silently in the air.
They had their eyes fixed on the competition taking place on the summit of Mount Shu.
They witnessed countless young sword disciples demonstrating their sword mastery.
"There is unrest behind the Sword Guild's demon portal. The sect leader, Xuanyuan, is dealing with the demons under the Emperor's command. The Imperial Examination is approaching and the Emperor will not tolerate any imperfections." Chao Xiaojian announced softly.
His voice was tender. The blade on his back was black as ink, contrasting his snow-white hair. In the pouring rain, he appeared like a lonesome old man.
The seven sword masters behind him nodded in unison.
Every one of them had advanced sword mastery—the curtain of rain parted above them.
Since the sect leader was busy with the demon world, the Sword Guild was left to Chao Xiaojian.
The sword masters listened to Chao Xiaojian's plan.
As they listened, several sword masters noticed something was off. Chao Xiaojian's voice had stopped.
They looked up and found Chao Xiaojian completely immersed in the ongoing competition in Mount Shu.
In his eyes was the reflection of a young teen wielding a sword in each hand.
The boy was like a wolf, and the blades were his teeth.
"Who is that?"
Chao Xiaojian's voice boomed, drowning out the thunderous storm.
The sword masters exchanged glances. How would they know who the academy student was?
At the same time, they were surprised by Chao Xiaojian's interest in a mere student. The man's position was only second to the sect leader.
As Chao Xiaojian watched the battle, he smiled suddenly.
"The boy's got talent. Invite him."
…
Clang!
Clang, clang!
The storm-like attacks made Lin Yun pant laboriously. Rainwater flowed down his face.
Nonetheless, the vicious glint in his eyes remained as he glared fiercely at Fang Lang. Lin Yun had been unable to counter Fang Lang's attacks.
Fang Lang's two swords left him with no opportunity to strike back at all!
Lin Yun had underestimated his opponent and allowed Fang Lang to go on the offense—he did not anticipate this.
Anger and fury filled his heart.
Fang Lang's expressionless face fanned the flames of anger in Lin Yun's chest.
He had never been overpowered by any disciple of the same generation. After all, he was Lin Yun, the disciple of Donglu's God of Blades!
When his master first asked him to participate in the Gathering of Swords, he was reluctant. After all, with his experience in the demon world, he would stomp on all the novice students.
Thus far, he never fought seriously.
However, Fang Lang was a new encounter. Yun Lin felt the intense threat.
Without any cultivation in play, Lin Yun was being crushed by Fang Lang's sword mastery skills!
Fang Lang's storm-like attacks evoked a certain fear in his heart—a fear that he might lose.
"Lose? How can I possibly lose?"
Would he lose to a mere student?
He was Lin Yun! He could never lose!
Lin Yun roared. After being overpowered for so long, he suddenly went on the offense.
He reached out his hand with no fear of death. He grabbed the swinging blade in Fang Lang's left hand.
Slash!
Blood splashed everywhere!
The falling rain made the blood on the battle ring run.
Lin Yun paid the price in pain to stop Fang Lang's Dual Sword Technique.
"You think you deserve to win?"
A tinge of blood-red appeared in Lin Yun's eyes!
With one hand, he swung his rusty blade in an arc. Rainwater splashed upward, forming blossoms of water.
Fang Lang was very agile, but Lin Yun knew if he could land a single blow on Fang Lang, the match would be over.
A single strike with his heavy sword would disable Fang Lang.
Fang Lang, too, was aware of this fact. He kept his composure.
Spirit Step activated.
The rainwater beneath his feet rippled and splashed outward like lotus petals.
Fang Lang leaped. He gripped the sword caught by Lin Yun and crouched into a sword-drawing position.
Sword Draw Technique!
Fang Lang sailed through the air, coming face to face with the raging wind and violent storm.
With the explosive power of the Sword Draw Technique, Fang Lang was able to retrieve the sword caught in Lin Yun's hand.
Slash!
Blood sprayed as Lin Yun howled in fury.
He let go of Fang Lang's blade instantly. Otherwise, his palm would have been slashed open.
"Do you have a death wish!"
Lin Yun stared at the floating Fang Lang with a savage look. His rusty blade was thrust out abruptly. It flew straight toward Fang Lang's waist.
Up in the air, Fang Lang was an easy target—all his weak spots were exposed.
The sudden turn of events made the audience gasp.
Many had their hearts in their throats.
All eyes were fixed on the ongoing battle. Even the curtains of water that rained down from the sky could not mask the anxiety in their eyes.
Veins were starting to show on Jiang Linglong's hand as her grip tightened on the umbrella.
Mentor Wen, too, was frowning.
In the ring, the umpire from the Sword Guild held his breath. Spiritual energy simmered around his body. He was ready to step in to prevent any deaths.
Suddenly, the battle took an unexpected turn!
High up in the air, Fang Lang twisted and spun like a windmill, two swords in hand. Droplets on his blade sprayed out as he swung the swords downward. His blades showered down like a waterfall.
The swords collided with Lin Yun's rusty blade!
With the momentum of his spinning body and the strength of his Sword Draw Technique, Fang Lang struck away the rusty sword.
Both of Fang Lang's palms were torn open. Blood poured out, yet his expression was calm.
With steady footsteps, he executed the Spirit Step like in his memory—running against the river currents.
The rain on the floor splashed explosively, blossoming into crimson flowers.
The splashing water hid Fang Lang's blade energy. It struck Lin Yun's body and the boy grunted as he stepped back.
Fang Lang landed on the ground, creating a wall of water almost a meter high. His grip remained firm on his two swords as he charged forward.
Swish, swish, swish!
His blades danced at an alarming speed. With great precision, he stabbed Lin Yun in the chest repeatedly.
The blades entered and exited.
Again and again, he stabbed!
Blood spilled out. Lin Yun stumbled backwards. His vicious eyes were fixed on Fang Lang through the curtain of blood and rain.
Lin Yun looked as if he was carving Fang Lang's face into the depths of his memory.
"Donglu Academy surrenders!"
The mentor from Donglu Academy narrowed his eyes and yelled from outside the ring.
If anything were to happen to the God of Blade's disciple, the mentor would never return to Donglu again.
The umpire from the Sword Guild stepped in and blocked Fang Lang's dual swords.
Lin Yun's clothes were riddled with holes and soaked in blood and gore.
Despite the severe injuries, Lin Yun did not let out a single cry. He clenched his teeth and grinned wildly at Fang Lang.
The mentor from Donglu Academy rushed into the ring and stuffed a recovery pill down Lin Yun's throat.
The rain kept pouring.
Silence filled the ring and its surroundings.
Fang Lang…won.
A no-name student from Luojiang Academy defeated the hand-picked disciple of Donglu's God of Blades.
At that moment, even those from well-established academies like Changan Academy saw Fang Lang in a different light.
Fang Lang stood with his back straight in the battle ring. His hands trembled as blood oozed from his palm and rolled down the blades. Crimson red diffused in the rainwater.
"Next," Fang Lang demanded, his voice slightly hoarse.
The other two contestants from Donglu Academy exchanged glances, both clenching their teeth.
'Take him down when he's injured!'
One of the students drew his steel blade and ascended into the ring.
The curtain of rain obstructed Fang Lang's vision.
Fang Lang slowly raised his sword, his hands trembling slightly. His injured palms were still bleeding.
He was tired, but he could still fight.
Suddenly, a pale hand touched his sword hand.
An oil-paper umbrella sheltered him from the rain.
Fang Lang turned and was met with Jiang Linglong's bright eyes. Her lips was curled into a crescent-shaped smile.
The young lady stood elegantly in the rain with her umbrella, a smile on her face—it felt like a scene from a painting.
"My name is Jiang Linglong…"
The lady's gentle voice overcame the storm. She pushed Fang Lang's hand down.
"Let me handle the rest."
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