The moment Jiang Chen's Sword Intent surged to the sky, the atmosphere in the courtyard changed drastically.
The surrounding spiritual energy roared, swirling violently as countless streaks of sword energy converged above Jiang Chen.
In an instant, the energy condensed into a towering phantom giant sword, exuding an invincible, oppressive aura.
"Cut!"
Jiang Chen's cold, commanding voice echoed across the courtyard.
The phantom giant sword descended like lightning, effortlessly shattering Meng Xingyu's blood-red sword light into fragments.
Crack!
The overwhelming force surged forward, cutting through Meng Xingyu's strongest attack. Before Meng Xingyu could react, the sword energy swept across him.
"Arghhh!"
Meng Xingyu screamed in agony, his body sent flying like a broken kite.
When he finally crashed into the ground several feet away, dust rose into the air, revealing a ghastly wound from his chest to his left arm. His left arm hung limply, blood gushing out in waves.
"Sword Intent!"
"You… You actually comprehended Sword Intent!"
Meng Xingyu clutched at his severed arm, his face pale with terror. His gaze toward Jiang Chen was filled with disbelief.
He couldn't comprehend how Jiang Chen, a mere student of Lingyun Academy, mastered the elusive Sword Intent—a skill that even top-tier geniuses struggled to grasp!
To wield Sword Intent at such a young age was already heaven-defying… This was something only the most monstrous of talents could achieve!
"Go away!" Jiang Chen's cold voice cut through Meng Xingyu's fear like a blade.
"For Qingxue's sake, I'll spare your miserable life this time. But if there's another incident, don't expect mercy!"
Meng Xingyu staggered to his feet, trembling with humiliation and rage.
"Jiang Chen, I will remember you!" he hissed through gritted teeth before fleeing like a wounded beast.
Above the courtyard, Yan Cangming, an elder of Lingyun Academy's inner academy, observed the battle silently.
A flicker of admiration crossed his face as he muttered to himself:
"This boy… To reach the Foundation Opening Realm and master Sword Intent at such a young age—what an extraordinary talent!"
Yan Cangming's expression turned serious as he vanished into the wind.
"With his current strength, Lingyun Academy might finally shine at the upcoming Nine Provinces Martial Gathering. This Jiang Chen… perhaps his potential surpasses even Wu Feilong's."
---
Back in the courtyard, Meng Qingxue approached Jiang Chen. Guilt and concern flashed in her soft gaze as she spoke.
"Jiang Chen, I'm sorry. My family, the Meng Clan, is one of the Four Great Families of the Great Xia Imperial City. For certain reasons, I must return home for now. But don't worry—I'll fulfill our agreement and return within six months!"
Jiang Chen smiled faintly, waving off her concerns.
"Go ahead and handle your affairs. Three months from now, the Nine Provinces Martial Gathering will take place in the Imperial City. I'll see you there."
Meng Qingxue's eyes sparkled, and she nodded firmly.
"Alright, I'll wait for you in the Imperial City."
With a final glance, Meng Qingxue turned and left, her figure disappearing into the horizon.
Once Meng Qingxue departed, Jiang Chen stood silently in the courtyard. Although her departure was inevitable, he wasn't worried.
He turned his gaze toward the sky, his mind already planning for what lay ahead.
With his strength now at the Foundation Opening Realm and armed with Sword Intent, Jiang Chen felt his power surging. But his other talents—alchemy, beast taming, and formations—remained unofficial and unrecognized.
"I can't keep my abilities hidden forever," Jiang Chen muttered.
Determined, Jiang Chen left Lingyun Academy and headed to the Moonscar Chamber of Commerce. There, he obtained a Pet Bag to house the Fire Beast, ensuring it wouldn't draw unwanted attention.
Once his affairs with the chamber were complete, Jiang Chen turned his steps toward the Alchemist Guild in Lingyun City.
"It's time I officially claim my title as an alchemist," Jiang Chen said with a confident smirk.