The tension in the overwhelming palace thickened, transforming the air into a suffocating shroud. Wu Yu's proclamation reverberated ominously, leaving the gathered Sword Pavillion disciples in stunned silence. The Third Sword Revere, Wu Wu, seemed momentarily taken aback, his expression shifting from arrogance to shock.
"What did you say?" he demanded, incredulous, stepping closer to Wu Yu, clearly irritated.
"I said Sword Pavillion must dismiss! This group of people must leave the beautiful dwelling places of Buddhist immortals!" Wu Yu's voice rose, his frustration palpable. "After all, the Blue Soul main nerve has long decided—once the eight swords aspire to seize, anyone failing to meet the criteria is expelled!"
Laughter erupted from the ranks of the Eight Sword Meetings, and the mocking tone of Wu Wu rang through the air. "So, you think we should hold a memorial service for the youth of Sword Pavillion?" he chuckled, the ridicule evident in his voice.
"Haha! Wouldn't it be fitting?" another member of the Eight Sword Meetings chimed in, joining in the derision.
But the Sword Pavillion stood frozen in their misery, each taunt landing like a cold blade. They felt the weight of their weakness in the face of the Eight Sword Meetings' contempt, the cruel reality setting in: they were outnumbered and outmatched.
"It's your fault!" Qin Tong cried out, anger radiating from her as she pointed an accusing finger. "You and the despicable disciples from the first Jianfeng colluded with the northern evils to kill our seven, forcing us to hide our teachings. This is your doing! You're the true shame of Blue Soul!"
Wu Yu's face contorted in rage. "How dare you speak to me like that? You think you can just slander the sword revered elders without consequences? You'll find yourself in Sword Prison if you're not careful!"
"Enough, Qin Tong!" Grandpa Qin's voice cut through the heated exchange, a warning wrapped in sternness.
Though Qin Tong's spirit burned with indignation, she knew arguing with these people was futile. Their lack of decency made meaningful discourse impossible.
Just then, a tall, muscular youth stepped forward from Wu Wu's side, a smug grin on his face. "Junior Sister Qin, don't worry," he said smoothly. "I know you're concerned about being expelled from Blue Soul, but once Sword Pavillion dismisses, you can come join my Third Jianfeng. We could use someone like you, and I'll even help arrange a proper send-off for your grandfather."
Qin Tong's gaze turned icy."Wu Jianyang," she spat, "the last thing I need is your pity."
"Oh, come on," he smirked. "After Sword Pavillion's downfall, think of it as a fresh start. You could even honor your brother's memory by joining us."
"You're nothing but a coward!" Cai Maomao snapped, unable to contain her rage. "Why don't you go arrange your own funeral?"
Wu Jianyang's demeanor shifted, and he narrowed his eyes at Cai Maomao. "Is your elder brother Cai Blue Sky? What a pity he turned out to be just a short-lived ghost."
The comment sent shockwaves through the Sword Pavillion disciples. Cai Maomao's eyes flared with fury and hurt, her voice cracking with emotion. "How dare you speak about him like that!"
Wu Jianyang shrugged, maintaining a smug smile. "You know, I visited his grave recently. I even made sure to fill a wine glass before it. Thought he might enjoy that."
Cai Maomao's face contorted with grief, the pain of his disrespect gnawing at her insides. Her brother had been a hero, revered even in death, and yet this brute had the audacity to mock him. "You've gone too far!" she cried, her voice thick with anguish.
The atmosphere turned electric, the Sword Pavillion members rallying around Cai Maomao, their unity forged in shared sorrow and rage. The Eight Sword Meetings might think they had the upper hand, but the spirit of the Sword Pavillion burned fiercely.
"You will regret this!" Qin Tong declared, her voice steady. "We may be down, but we are not out. Sword Pavillion stands strong, and we will rise again!"
As the tension reached its peak, the disciples gathered their resolve, determination filling their hearts. They would not allow the Eight Sword Meetings to humiliate them further. They would fight for their dignity, their honor, and for the legacy of their fallen comrades. The battle lines had been drawn, and the conflict was far from over.
The disdain radiated from the Third Sword Revere as he regarded the Sword Pavillion disciples, his expression a mixture of amusement and contempt."You think your Sword Pavillion has any value? You're just a group of shameless villains!"
The atmosphere was charged with tension. The Third Jianfeng stood as a monolith of arrogance, ready to crush the remnants of the Sword Pavillion's dignity beneath their feet. The echo of their laughter felt like a cold wind cutting through the spirit of the gathered disciples.
"No rush!" the Third Sword Revere declared with a mocking chuckle, observing the tension in the air."You don't need to stand so defiantly. As long as you possess the Sword Pavillion's magical arts and sword techniques, you can join the First Jianfeng. After all, you are just Zhao Xuanran's dowry!"
The ridicule stung, and Wu Yu, emboldened by the laughter surrounding him, stepped forward with malicious intent. "That 'Imperishable Noble Spirit' signboard?" he mused, pointing at the grand entrance of the palace."What a façade! It's nothing more than an unwarranted reputation now!"
With that, he spat on the signboard, a despicable act meant to insult the very essence of the Sword Pavillion. The sign trembled under the weight of his disdain, as if it too felt the shame of the moment.
"Wu Wu! Wu Yu! Wu Jianyang!" Grandpa Qin's voice rose in fury, his features contorting in outrage at the insult to their legacy. His fists clenched tightly, a battle raging within him as he shoved aside his granddaughter, determined to confront the trio of insults head-on.
"Grandpa Qin!" Qin Tong cried out, alarmed at his reckless anger. Just as he was about to charge, another hand grasped his arm firmly, halting him.
"Yun Xiao?" Grandpa Qin blinked, recognizing the calm presence of the youth.
The Sword Pavillion members were stunned. Yun Xiao, who had just joined their ranks, was now stepping into the fray, undeterred by the weight of anger that filled the air.
"After hearing all this," Yun Xiao spoke up, his voice steady, "I have a question. They said any disciple leading a group can participate in the eight swords' contest, so why must Sword Pavillion be dismissed?"
A heavy silence descended. The members of Sword Pavillion felt the sharpness of his words, grappling with the truth of their situation. They had once been revered for their talent and skill, but now, under the burden of shame and loss, they faced a harsh reality.
"What does it take to be a leader?" Yun Xiao inquired sincerely.
"Generally, a Divine Sea Realm disciple is required, under 21 years of age,"Grandpa Qin replied, gritting his teeth as he recounted their current constraints."But in special cases, a Fixed Dragon Spring Realm is acceptable."
Hearing this, Yun Xiao relaxed slightly, realizing a path forward."Then, I can do it!" he announced confidently.
"What do you mean?" Grandpa Qin was taken aback, confusion and disbelief etched on his face.
"I am at the Fixed Dragon Spring Realm," Yun Xiao declared, a hint of mischief in his tone, clearly not grasping the implications of what he was suggesting.
A wave of realization washed over the Sword Pavillion elders and disciples. They exchanged incredulous looks, pondering the audacity of Yun Xiao's claim.
"This is absurd!" Cai Maomao exclaimed, slapping her forehead."Did I really forget about Yun Xiao? This guy just came here, and he's already planning to lead us?"
The elders began to contemplate, their minds racing. Yun Xiao had potential, but could he truly stand against the might of the Third Jianfeng?
"So, you're saying Yun Xiao is at the Fixed Dragon Spring Realm?" Grandpa Qin murmured, his thoughts racing.
At that moment, Wu Yu couldn't suppress a laugh any longer."You think he can match up? This is the same youth who was recently ridiculed for being tossed out of the First Jianfeng!"
"Do you doubt my abilities?" Yun Xiao asked, his tone direct and unyielding.
The audacity in his voice caught the Third Sword Revere off guard. Was this newcomer truly so bold as to challenge his authority?
"You are merely a disciple of the Sword Pavillion, and I am the Third Sword Revere!" he snapped back, though uncertainty flickered in his eyes.
Yun Xiao stood tall, unwavering."So, you only need to answer one thing: Will you let me lead?"
The tension escalated as the Sword Pavillion members held their breath, awaiting the Third Sword Revere's response. This was more than just a question; it was a challenge that would either solidify their future or doom them to a life of shame.
"You think you can lead? You are underestimating the situation!" the Third Sword Revere finally replied, his tone a mixture of annoyance and disbelief.
"Let's see if you can back up those words," Yun Xiao countered, his eyes flashing with determination.
As the stakes grew higher, the fate of the Sword Pavillion hung in the balance, poised on the edge of hope and despair. The battle for their honor had only just begun.
The tension in the air was palpable as Yun Xiao and Wu Jianyang took their positions in the clearing, surrounded by the onlookers from Sword Pavillion and the Third Jianfeng. "Junior Brother Yun... I believe in you!" Cai Maomao whispered, gripping Qin Tong's hand tightly, both anxious and hopeful.
"You can do this!" she urged silently, her heart racing as they all watched the impending clash. The stakes were high—if Yun Xiao could hold his ground against Wu Jianyang, it could mean salvation for Sword Pavillion.
"Are you ready?" Wu Jianyang asked with a mocking tone, a smirk dancing on his lips as he extended his middle finger, gesturing dismissively at Yun Xiao."What makes you think you can call me Senior Brother? You're nothing but a newcomer!"
With that taunt, the air shifted, and the atmosphere crackled with anticipation. Without waiting for a reply, Wu Jianyang unleashed a swift attack, his sword slicing through the air with deadly precision."Whiz!" The sound of the blade cutting through the wind was almost deafening, a warning of the lethal intent behind it.
Yun Xiao focused, his heart steady despite the rush of adrenaline. He could feel the weight of the moment resting on his shoulders."Here goes nothing," he muttered to himself, determination burning in his eyes.
He swiftly drew his sword, channeling his energy into the blade as he prepared to counter the incoming strike. The clash of their swords reverberated through the clearing, a sharp, metallic sound that echoed in the tense silence.
"Not bad!" Wu Jianyang grinned as their swords met, the impact pushing Yun Xiao back slightly."But can you keep up?"
Yun Xiao steadied himself, feeling the rush of Qi surge through him. "I won't back down!" he declared, thrusting forward with renewed vigor. The sound of their blades clashing resonated like a battle hymn, each strike more intense than the last.
As the duel progressed, the spectators held their breath, watching with wide eyes. Yun Xiao moved with agility, each of his strikes fueled by the hope of his fellow disciples. He dodged, parried, and countered Wu Jianyang's relentless onslaught, refusing to let his confidence waver.
"Is that all you've got?" Wu Jianyang taunted, his laughter ringing out as he attempted to pressure Yun Xiao with a flurry of strikes.
"You're underestimating me!" Yun Xiao shot back, a fire igniting within him. He began to anticipate Wu Jianyang's movements, responding with swift counters that forced the other swordsman to step back.
"Incredible!" Cai Maomao exclaimed, her anxiety turning into exhilaration. "He's actually holding his ground!"
Qin Tong's heart raced. "Just keep it up, Yun Xiao!" she cheered silently, her faith in him unwavering.
With a swift sidestep, Yun Xiao evaded a particularly powerful strike and seized the opportunity to launch a counterattack."Take this!" he shouted, channeling his energy into a strike that aimed directly at Wu Jianyang's center.
The blade glinted in the sunlight as it cut through the air, a testament to Yun Xiao's determination. For a moment, time seemed to stand still as their blades met again, the force of the impact sending a shockwave through both combatants.
"You've improved!" Wu Jianyang acknowledged, a flicker of respect in his eyes. But he quickly masked it with a smirk."But it's not enough!"
With that, he unleashed a series of rapid, aggressive strikes, each one a test of Yun Xiao's skill and resilience. But Yun Xiao matched him blow for blow, his own spirit igniting with every clash.
"Focus, Yun Xiao!" he reminded himself, drawing on everything he had learned. He felt the support of his friends behind him, fueling his resolve.
Finally, he saw an opening—Wu Jianyang had overextended on one of his attacks. In that split second, Yun Xiao lunged forward, channeling all his energy into a powerful thrust aimed at disarming his opponent.
The crowd gasped, holding their breath as the two swords clashed one last time, a moment of perfect tension hanging in the air. Would Yun Xiao's determination be enough to turn the tide?
"This is it!" he thought, pushing past the fear, his heart pounding in time with the rhythm of their battle. The outcome of this duel could mean everything for Sword Pavillion.