Chapter 13: Outer Sect Competition Begins
The grand arena of the Heavenly Sword Sect is filled with thousands of outer sect disciples. The stone tiles shimmer under the morning sun, and the battle stage rises like a throne of warriors.
Floating above in silence is Elder Fang Lanyue, the cold and stern overseer of the outer sect.
In the clouds above, unseen by most, the Sect Leader Ji Ning watches behind a veil, her gaze sharp.
---
First Battle: Ye Chen vs. Tan Wu
Tan Wu, a broad-shouldered youth, steps onto the stage with thunderous steps. His fists are wrapped in steel bands, and the crowd cheers for his brute force.
"Ye Chen, you're just a pretty face," Tan Wu growls. "Let me break it!"
Ye Chen steps calmly into the ring, his blade sheathed, his face expressionless.
The elder announces, "Begin!"
Tan Wu roars and charges, muscles bulging.
"Iron Mountain Fist!"
His punch cracks the stone as he aims for Ye Chen's chest.
But Ye Chen doesn't flinch.
His hand flickers to his sword.
"Solar Eclipse."
A flash of golden light arcs in a perfect circle. The crowd only sees light — then silence.
Tan Wu is thrown back, a deep cut etched across his steel bands. Blood trickles.
Ye Chen doesn't look back as he steps off the stage.
---
Second Battle: Bai Si vs. Lin Zhu
The next battle begins.
Bai Si, dressed in emerald robes, walks with grace. Her eyes are cold, her beauty refined like an untouched jade sculpture.
Across from her stands Lin Zhu, a saber-user known for speed and wild attacks. He grins arrogantly.
"Lady Bai, I won't go easy."
Bai Si doesn't respond.
Elder Fang Lanyue raises her hand.
"Begin!"
Lin Zhu vanishes into a blur.
"Whirlwind Saber Style!"
His blade becomes a spinning cyclone of silver wind. Dust swirls up as he dashes straight for her.
But Bai Si's eyes remain still.
Her blade draws in a silent arc.
"Gossamer Gale."
A soft breeze rises from her sword, almost invisible.
The whirlwind shatters.
Lin Zhu is knocked off his feet, coughing blood as he crashes out of the stage.
The crowd falls silent.
---
Elder Fang Lanyue nods. "Ye Chen and Bai Si... both impressive."
The next battle will determine the third rising star.
—
But Liu Guan Yi is still nowhere to be seen.