"Victory for Luojiang Academy," the umpire announced in the battle ring. He gave Fang Lang a long stare.
Fang Lang's technique had surprised the Sword Guild disciple. Based on the technique, the boy must be at the top of his sword class.
The fact that he defeated the Xuzhou Academy team was not surprising, given he had these techniques. However, it was unusual for a sixth-grade sword disciple to have such skills.
To defeat three opponents in a row was also impressive.
The umpire did not bat an eye at the blood spilled on the battle ring floor. Cultivation was a matter of life and death.
The Sword Guild was located near a demon portal—it was not a vacation spot.
It was the combined effort of the Sword Guild disciples that held the demon horde at bay. Every year, no less than ten fatalities resulted from engagement with demons and the numbers for the injured were much higher.
Therefore, the umpire was unaffected by the gore.
In his eyes, the injuries sustained were minor and the academy students needed the exposure.
Fang Lang stood in the battle ring, green robes fluttering. He held the steel sword in his hand and smiled.
He had to defeat 18 opponents—15 more to go.
Five teams in total.
This match gave Fang Lang a taste of cruelty. Cultivation beyond the academy was rife with bloody battles.
Fang Lang had to accept the reality of cultivation—it was not the idyllic career he pictured.
The shift in perspective was the most important insight he gained from this round.
Mentor Wen gave Fang Lang a proud smile. He had noticed the change in Fang Lang's attacks—from the merciful to the methodical.
The change was an improvement.
A true cultivator showed no mercy. Cultivation was a life-long commitment and everyone was only entitled to one life.
To cultivate was to take charge of one's life.
Show no mercy in the battle ring, the umpire would be witness to the particulars should there be any foul play.
It was a hat-trick for Fang Lang.
The match outcome caught the attention of other participants—the looks given by them were not the friendliest.
Liu Bubai was ecstatic. He looped an arm around Fang Lang's neck and said proudly, "Great performance. I see you've learned a lot from me."
"It's nothing, they're a below-average academy," Fang Lang replied smiling.
Jiang Linglong was pensive as she looked at Fang Lang.
"Mentor Wen, it's my turn next," she spoke up.
Mentor Wen was taken aback by the request but nodded in agreement.
Soon, the break was over and Mentor Wen went to draw the second lot.
They got the same venue—Dark group, seventh battle ring.
Luojiang Academy was against Annan Academy, a mid-tier academy.
Face still covered by a veil, Jiang Linglong entered the battle ring, steel sword in hand. Her slender figure attracted the eyes of many boys.
Standing in front of her was a dashing boy with a winning smile.
"Annan Academy, Chen Liangtian, ninth-grade sword disciple. Why cover your face? You have such pretty eyes, your face must be a sight for sore eyes. If you lose, can I get a date while we're here?" the boy from Annan Academy said jovially.
Jiang Linglong responded with a monotonous, "Luojiang Academy, Jiang Pei."
That was all she said.
Succinct.
Sword raised, Jiang Linglong executed the Four Season Form. While the technique was ineffective against Mentor Wen, the same could not be said for the Annan Academy sword disciple.
Thwack!
The sweet talker landed outside the battle ring with slashes all over his chest. Blood ran down his torso.
The lady held the sword in a diagonal fashion, steely eyes showed no remorse.
"Next."
Below the fight zone, murmurs were heard.
Mentor Wen felt a headache forming. 'Another hat-trick?'
Youngsters these days were so impatient.
However, hot-blooded sword disciples were a welcomed problem.
Chin up, Liu Bubai crossed his arms and pursed his lips.
"The ace should stay hidden until the end. No rush, no rush. I'm the ace. They can go all out but I must conserve my energy for the important battles!"
In the battle ring, Jiang Linglong achieved the same outcome as Fang Lang—three victories in a row.
The lady exited the ring with her head held high.
Fang Lang met her eyes and got a nod from the lady.
The outcome was not the least surprising to Mentor Wen. Jiang Linglong's sword techniques rivaled Fang Lang's and her cultivation grade even gave her a slight advantage.
Beside him, Liu Bubai's eyes sparkled. He turned to Mentor Wen and said, "Master—"
Before he could finish his sentence, Fang Lang interjected. "Master, I'll fight in the next match. Liu Bubai is our team's ace, we shouldn't expose him this early on."
Liu Bubai's mouth gaped.
'You're not wrong but I want to fight too. I want to show off in the battle ring too,' Liu Bubai thought.
An uncanny smile appeared on Mentor Wen's face. "Alright."
Their mentor had spoken so Liu Bubai resigned to his fate.
The boy straightened his posture and kept his head high, exuding the arrogance of an academy's ace sword disciple.
'I'm a genius. If I step onto the battle ring, it's to deliver the decisive strike!'
…
Fang Lang stepped up for the third match against another mid-tier academy.
There was little suspense in the ring. With the Sword Draw Technique and Spirit Step, Fang Lang easily defeated all three participants.
One third of the mission completed.
Jiang Linglong volunteered for the subsequent match, unwilling to let Fang Lang have all the fun.
Liu Bubai wanted to argue his case but a look from Jiang Linglong shut him right up.
The next bout concluded with an effortless sweep by Jiang Linglong.
Luojiang Academy went through four bouts undefeated.
The consecutive victories garnered the attention of other teams in the Dark group. The talented geniuses from the top academies sized up the competition.
They too could execute hat-tricks.
Luojiang Academy's performance had vastly improved from last year and the team was a formidable contender in the Gathering of Swords.
As the competition carried on, the opponents the team faced only got stronger.
Despite that, Fang Lang and Jiang Linglong maintained the steady rhythm of defeating all three participants before rotating out. Liu Bubai was not given the opportunity to step onto the battle ring even once. Tears pricked at his eyes but he did not lower his head. He retained the grace and uppity of an ace.
Energy thrummed underneath Liu Bubai's skin.
Sword Draw Technique!
Spirit Step!
Fang Lang unleashed his skills in the ring. After 15 minutes of battle, Fang Lang spotted an opening and delivered the final blow.
The opponent was flung to the ground, face stricken with fear.
Standing below, the rival mentor turned ashen.
Fang Lang achieved another three consecutive wins.
His breathing was labored and his sword hand trembled. It had been a fierce fight but he secured a win regardless.
The happiness he felt was indescribable.
'Mission progress: (18/18)
'Ding! Congratulations, you have completed the target mission and received the Dual Sword Technique (Sword Mastery Specialty).
'The Dual Sword Technique will be incorporated through mental memory and muscle memory. The ins and outs of the technique will be revealed to the host. Happy cultivating!'
The frenzy of the battle kept Fang Lang occupied and he completed the target mission in the first stage of the competition.
The first stage of the competition ended.
Luojiang Academy pulled through the first stage without much difficulty.
Liu Bubai was agog.
'When will it be my turn?'
He was benched for the whole first stage.
What did he do?
Nothing. He contributed nothing to their first stage victory.
The situation did not sit well with him. He was the genius sword disciple of Luojiang Academy, Liu Bubai.
He was supposed to be the one carrying the team.
He could not sit by and let Fang Lang and Jiang Pei show off their skills.
He must fight in the second stage!
It was imperative!
His talents must not remain hidden!