Not only was Lu Yi stunned, but even the disciples watching below were also filled with confusion. Each male disciple looked at Lu Yi with gritted teeth, full of envy, jealousy, and hatred.
Damn it! Is being handsome and gifted such a big deal?!
Why is someone even inviting him during a competition?!
Even the steward acting as a judge was a bit puzzled. He twitched his mouth and then coughed lightly, "During the competition, don't talk about irrelevant matters!"
Gu Mingxi's pretty face turned red, and she nodded repeatedly, "Oh, oh..."
"Hurry up and start the fight!" The steward felt a bit exhausted.
Gu Mingxi kept nodding and looked at Lu Yi, "Junior Brother, please instruct me!"
"Dare not, dare not, Senior Sister, please instruct me more!" Lu Yi also felt a bit tired; being handsome could indeed be troublesome at times.
However, it was not his fault.
Gu Mingxi also practiced swordsmanship. Holding a long sword, she rushed towards Lu Yi like a butterfly.
Lu Yi remained expressionless, comparing in his heart and finding that Gu Mingxi's strength was a bit weaker than that of Senior Brothers Lu Ling and Wang Wulian. She wasn't considered too strong among those at the Qi Cultivation Ninth Layer.
If Lu Yi wanted, he could end the match with one move, but thinking that this Senior Sister was so discerning, he felt a bit reluctant.
Moreover, he had to prepare for the challenges in the top ten rankings. After the top ten are selected, unlike the preliminary rounds, the disciples behind could challenge the top ten disciples if they were unconvinced. He was hoping more people would challenge him so he could gain more practice rewards.
Better to take it easy.
Lu Yi's long sword, carrying a cloud of energy, met Gu Mingxi's attack.
......
In the sky, Dugu Fang and a group of elders were watching the matches below, their attention mainly focused on the stage where Lu Yi was.
Dugu Fang smiled, "Isn't this the first time we've seen Lu Yi draw his sword?"
Qi Feiyu laughed, "Yes, Sword Qi Cloud, just as the rumors say, Lu Yi's White Cloud Sword Technique has indeed reached the Returning True Realm."
An elder beside him stroked his white beard slightly, looking at the stage where Lu Yi was suppressing Gu Mingxi, and nodded, "The swordsmanship at the Returning True Realm is indeed commendable. With a cultivation base at the Qi Cultivation Seventh Layer, he can suppress Gu Mingxi at the Qi Cultivation Ninth Layer, his strength is truly extraordinary."
"Indeed, at just sixteen years old, Lu Yi has already cultivated the White Cloud Sword Technique to the Returning True Realm. His comprehension is truly extraordinary, and his future potential is quite strong. He might become a pillar of our White Cloud Sect."
"Moreover, both of this young man's parents are from our White Cloud Sect, and this is the best part."
"Yes, there's no need to worry about him being a spy from another sect."
Dugu Fang watched the battle below, his face gradually showing a peculiar smile, "Lu Yi, this little guy... is holding back."
These words stunned all the elders. They carefully watched the battle on the stage, feeling a bit confused.
"Grand Elder... you say, Lu Yi, this little guy, is holding back?" Qi Feiyu couldn't believe it.
"Yes, being able to suppress someone at the Qi Cultivation Ninth Layer while at the Qi Cultivation Seventh Layer is already quite strong, and even so, he's holding back?"
"How could I not see that this boy is holding back?"
Several elders were suspicious and confused.
Dugu Fang smiled mysteriously, "Gu Mingxi probably can't force out Lu Yi's true strength. His step technique, the White Cloud Stance, has probably also reached the Returning True Realm."
"What?!" Everyone was shocked, looking at Lu Yi in disbelief.
"Grand Elder, is this true?!"
"Two techniques both cultivated to the Returning True Realm? This comprehension... is even more powerful than I imagined."
Seeing the shock among the elders, Dugu Fang chuckled, "I also practiced the White Cloud Stance in my youth and studied it quite deeply. Although this young man is hiding his skill, how could it escape my eyes?"
Upon hearing this, the elders no longer doubted. They looked at Lu Yi with even more surprise and twinkling eyes.
At sixteen, having two techniques reaching the Returning True Realm... No, perhaps his comprehension in cultivation techniques is also quite high?
Such a genius is rare even in the entire White Cloud Sect.
It was enough to draw the attention of these Outer Sect elders, great cultivators in the Golden Core Realm.
An elder chuckled, "Lu Yi, this young man is quite charming. Gu Mingxi showed her affection earlier, and this young man understands to show tenderness to women?"
These words made the elders laugh. Who among them hadn't been young once?
They instead had thoughts of their own. Young people naturally liked beauties. They had lived for hundreds of years, who didn't have a few beautiful juniors? Perhaps they could introduce some to Lu Yi.
......
The battle on the stage lasted a short while. Lu Yi saw Gu Mingxi's aura growing weaker, indicating significant spiritual energy consumption. Seeing the time was right, he used his step technique, his long sword whistling, and pointed at Gu Mingxi's long sword.
Clang!
Gu Mingxi's long sword trembled violently, and Lu Yi took the opportunity to place his long sword across Gu Mingxi's neck.
Gu Mingxi panted heavily, her chest rising and falling, sweat appearing on her forehead as she looked at Lu Yi with some shyness.
Lu Yi felt speechless... What was with this gaze? Was she expecting him to take responsibility?
He quickly withdrew his sword and smiled, "Senior Sister Gu, thank you for letting me win."
"Junior Brother is truly amazing, Senior Sister lost." Gu Mingxi said.
Seeing Gu Mingxi seemed to want to say something more, the steward on the side sensed something might go wrong and quickly spoke, "Since the match is over, step down."
Lu Yi smiled at Gu Mingxi and quickly jumped down.
Gu Mingxi, seeing Lu Yi and Wang Wulian standing together, felt a bit shy and didn't dare to approach them, so she walked to the side.
After Gu Mingxi, the matches continued.
There were a total of 320 disciples participating in the ranking competition, with 32 disciples on each stage. After the first round, 16 advanced, and those who advanced continued in the second round until the final two competed for the first place on that stage.
In the second round, Lu Yi met a cultivator at the Qi Cultivation Eighth Layer who immediately conceded, making it easy for Lu Yi.
In the third round, Lu Yi met a Senior Brother at the Qi Cultivation Ninth Layer, with strength similar to Gu Mingxi. Naturally, he wasn't a threat to Lu Yi. Just like with Gu Mingxi, after accepting the practice task, Lu Yi fought for a bit longer before ending the battle and winning a Perfect-Grade Qi Condensation Elixir.
In the fourth round, Lu Yi's opponent was another Senior Brother at the Qi Cultivation Ninth Layer, and just like before, he won another Perfect-Grade Qi Condensation Elixir.
The fifth round was the final one, a battle for the top ten positions.
"The final round begins. Lu Yi, Mo Lingxi, step onto the stage." The steward's indifferent voice rang out.
Mo Lingxi moved swiftly, instantly appearing on the stage, looking down at Lu Yi with sharp eyes, "Junior Brother Lu Yi, come and fight! Let me see if you can make it into the top ten as you said!"
Lu Yi also jumped onto the stage, laughing heartily, "Don't worry, Senior Brother, I'll definitely make it into the top ten."
Two Perfect-Grade Qi Condensation Elixirs, including the previous ones, would make five Perfect-Grade Qi Condensation Elixirs from this round. Not bad at all.
Hearing Lu Yi's words, Mo Lingxi's face showed a hint of anger. He laughed, "Alright, alright, since that's the case, let me see your strength!"
The disciples below and the elders and stewards in the sky smiled as they watched, curious to see which of the two disciples was stronger.