On the arena, two figures stood facing each other, blades in hand, their auras gradually coalescing.
Below, dozens of eyes were fixed on the arena, breaths held tight, hearts pounding with anticipation.
This was the King of the Chiefs Competition, the final showdown—a clash between blade and sword.
The opening stance of the Eagle Strike Sword Technique versus the opening stance of the Chain Blade Technique!
"Receive my blade!" Chen Fenghua murmured, his body surging forward like a honed edge. His black wooden blade descended, unleashing a flurry of chained strikes that materialized into a dark curtain of steel, tearing through the air.
Instead of retreating, Chen Zong advanced. His feet glided across the arena as his wrist flicked subtly, sending his black wooden sword darting forward in a fierce thrust, like an eagle swooping to seize its prey.
Blade met blade with a continuous clang, clang, clang of metal against wood. Their forms intertwined, each strike and parry a dance of lethal precision. They circled, closed the distance, and unleashed a whirlwind of steel.
Chen Fenghua remained composed, while Chen Zong's eyes burned with the sharpness of a honed blade.
Pushing the Chain Blade Technique to its limits, Chen Fenghua abruptly shifted to the Heavy Strike Blade Technique, renowned for its raw power. Chen Zong, however, had anticipated this. Instantly transitioning from the Eagle Strike Sword Technique to the Willow Sweep Sword Technique to deflect the blow, he then morphed into the Phantom Shadow Sword Technique, conjuring three illusory blades that slashed in crisscrossing arcs, forcing Chen Fenghua back.
A sudden lunge!
Seizing the opportunity, Chen Zong unleashed three Great Perfection Peak sword techniques in rapid succession, their unpredictable shifts forcing Chen Fenghua to retreat repeatedly, parrying desperately with his blade. A faint tremor ran through Chen Fenghua's body, his skin flushing slightly as he began circulating his Blood Qi, enhancing both his strength and speed.
Chen Zong's blade strike momentarily halted Chen Fenghua's sword, allowing him to swiftly withdraw. Then, with a sudden lunge forward, he unleashed a powerful chop using the Heavy Strike Blade Technique.
Fueled by his circulating Blood Qi, Chen Fenghua's strength surged by a hundred pounds, making his Heavy Strike Blade Technique even more formidable. Chen Zong was forced to yield, allowing Chen Fenghua to press his advantage with a relentless barrage of the Chain Blade Technique.
While the Heavy Strike Blade Technique was best suited for decisive blows, the Chain Blade Technique's continuous flurry of attacks was perfect for maintaining pressure.
Chen Zong took a deep breath, his body trembling slightly and his skin flushing faintly. This sudden display of power astonished Elder Xing and the Chiefs of each group.
"Chuyun, when did this boy begin cultivating the Tiger's Roar Manual?" Elder Xing whispered.
"After entering the Clan Hall," Chen Chuyun replied, his voice still icy but trembling slightly with excitement. He had initially believed Chen Zong to be a sword genius, but now realized the young man's cultivation talent was equally extraordinary.
"After entering the Clan Hall..." Elder Xing murmured, his eyes blazing with sudden intensity like the midday sun. "After all these years, the Chen Clan has finally produced another such prodigy."
Lost in thought, Elder Xing watched the battle on the arena, ultimately deciding to consult with the other elders of the Clan Hall to keep this news under wraps.
After all, in the centuries since the Chen Clan's founding, only a handful of individuals had managed to fully temper their Blood Qi within a month of learning the Tiger's Roar Manual. Even within Wind Martial City, such speed was considered among the very pinnacle of cultivation talent.
Moreover, Elder Xing harbored another concern: could this be a fluke? Similar cases had occurred in Wind Martial City before, requiring further observation.
Having made his decision, Elder Xing pushed aside his thoughts and focused entirely on the blade duel unfolding before him.
"Chen Zong," Chen Fenghua chuckled softly, undaunted despite learning that his opponent from the Branch Clan had already tempered his Blood Qi. "You've truly surprised me. But... you've earned the right to witness my full power."
Chen Fenghua's words sent a shockwave through the crowd. Could it be that this formidable warrior had yet to reveal his true strength?
Chen Fenghua once again assumed the opening stance of the Chain Blade Technique, but the aura radiating from his body had transformed. Now it possessed a razor-sharp intensity, as if his blade could cleave through anything, causing Chen Zong's pupils to constrict.
"The Perfection Realm..." Chen Zong, Elder Xing, and the instructors from all five groups exclaimed in unison.
At the Martial Apprentice level, most cultivators can only master Foundation Establishment Martial Arts to the Great Perfection Peak. Reaching the Perfection Realm is exceedingly rare.
Hearing the crowd's gasps of astonishment, the other Martial Apprentices widened their eyes in disbelief, especially the Chiefs of each group. Their faces turned bitter as they realized Chen Fenghua had defeated them without even using his full strength. A profound sense of defeat washed over them, leaving them feeling utterly drained.
"The King of the Chiefs title is all but decided," Chen Yong sighed, his voice tinged with resignation. The others nodded in agreement.
The difference between the Chain Blade Technique at the Perfection Realm and the Great Perfection Peak was stark.
Taking a deep breath, Chen Zong channeled his initial surprise into excitement. Though their cultivation bases were now equal, Chen Fenghua's mastery of the Chain Blade Technique at the Perfection Realm seemed to give him a clear advantage.
Chen Fenghua wasn't holding back entirely, but neither was I, Chen Zong thought to himself. I still have the far more potent True Sword Eight Forms, and I'm wearing twenty-pound iron plates on each arm. Whether I unleash the True Sword Eight Forms or remove the weights, my strength will surge.
Choosing either option should be enough.
Even without a scabbard to seamlessly transition from the Hidden Sword Stance to the True Sword Eight Forms—which will inevitably diminish their power—each individual strike still far surpasses the Eagle Strike Sword Technique at the Great Perfection Peak.
In an instant, Chen Zong made his decision and adopted the Hidden Sword Stance, the opening form of the True Sword Eight Forms.
"What kind of sword technique is that?" the crowd murmured in astonishment.
"Take this!" Chen Fenghua roared, surging forward with the Chain Blade Technique at the Perfection Realm. A seamless arc of dark blade light washed over Chen Zong like a surging river, each strike faster and more powerful than the last. The relentless momentum of the technique pressed down on Chen Zong, leaving him breathless.
Drawing Sword Stance!
Chen Zong drew his sword and slashed forward. Without the sheath's assistance, he sensed the strike lacked its full force. Yet to the onlookers, the blade cut through the air with blinding speed and savage power, as if cleaving everything in its path.
The True Sword Eight Forms unfolded.
Thrusting Sword Stance!
Blade met blade in a flurry of clashes.
"Hmm... what kind of sword technique is this? How can it possess such power?" Elder Xing, with his keen eye, swiftly concluded that Chen Zong's sword technique far surpassed the three Foundation Establishment Sword Techniques stored in the Chen Clan Hall.
Circling Sword Stance!
Chopping Sword Stance!
Chen Zong's blade descended, the dark sword light dazzling, the wind whistling with intimidating force. The strike abruptly checked the momentum of the Chain Blade Technique.
The essence of the Chain Blade Technique lay in its continuous flow. Once disrupted, its power diminished drastically.
Chaotic Sword Stance!
A maelstrom of black sword light and piercing whistles swirled, confounding the senses.
Swift Sword Stance!
The dazzling sword light, swift and precise, erupted from the dark clouds and pierced toward Chen Fenghua, who hastily raised his blade to parry.
With a light flick, the black wooden sword instantly retracted. Chen Zong's body swayed slightly as his surging power coalesced, flowing entirely into his right arm. Blood Qi suffused his palm, turning it crimson, and the force coursed through the blade.
Exploding Sword Stance!
The sword erupted with a heaven-shattering strike, its light so blindingly brilliant that it was difficult to look at directly. A piercing roar, like the thunderous tide crashing against the shore, echoed across the arena, growing in intensity and shaking the spectators' minds. Beneath the blade, tiny sparks flickered, emitting a faint scorched smell.
"Slash!" Chen Fenghua roared, his eyes wide with desperation. Gripping his blade with both hands, he unleashed the full force of his Heavy Strike Blade Technique.
Blade met blade with a deafening crack. Both weapons shattered simultaneously. Chen Fenghua was thrown back uncontrollably, tumbling off the arena. Only Chen Zong remained standing, holding the broken sword, his figure as steady as a mountain.
"He won..." Chen Yidao and Chen Yuyao were speechless, unable to comprehend what they had just witnessed. Was this truly the Chen Zong they knew?
The crowd was equally stunned, frozen in disbelief. The suddenness of the victory left them no time to react.
After Chen Fenghua revealed his perfected Chain Blade Technique, everyone, including Elder Lian Xing, believed he had secured the title of King of the Chiefs. However, Chen Zong unexpectedly unveiled an unprecedented Foundation Establishment Sword Technique, unleashing a relentless series of attacks that overwhelmed Chen Fenghua and secured his victory.
Chen Fenghua himself was stunned, while Chen He's expression darkened. Chen Chuyun, on the other hand, remained cool and composed, believing Chen Zong's victory was well-deserved.
"Hahaha!" Elder Xing strode onto the arena, his laughter booming. "This time, I'm truly surprised! Who would have thought our Chen Clan Hall would produce two such exceptional young talents this year?"
As an elder of the Clan Hall, his primary concern was its welfare. The more outstanding the disciples, the better.
"Chen Zong, Chief of the Sword Technique Group, congratulations! You have earned this month's title of King of the Chiefs," Elder Xing announced, turning to Chen Zong. "Later, the Vitality Pill and Tiger Yang Bone-Strengthening Wine will be delivered to you. Remember, temporary victories mean nothing. Guard against pride and complacency, and continue to strive for excellence."
"Understood," Chen Zong replied solemnly.
"You must all remember what I have said," Elder Xing declared, his gaze sweeping over the assembled disciples. "The King of the Chiefs Competition for this month has concluded. I expect to see progress from each of you by next month."
"Instructor," Chen Zong said, leaping off the arena and approaching Chen Chuyun.
"Excellent," Chen Chuyun nodded approvingly. Chen Zuoyi and the others, however, avoided Chen Zong's gaze, now acutely aware of the vast gap between their own abilities and his.
"Although you've won the title of King of the Chiefs, this is merely a stepping stone," Chen Chuyun continued. "Now, come with me for further training."
"Yes," Chen Zong replied, falling into step beside Chen Chuyun. Without the instructor's guidance, his rapid progress would have been impossible.
"Damn it! If only I had received Instructor Chen's personal training, the King of the Chiefs title would have been mine!" Chen Zuoyi gritted his teeth, his face twisted with envy.
After a rigorous training session with Chen Chuyun in the courtyard, Chen Zong returned to his quarters. As he entered, ten Vitality Pills and a jar of Tiger Yang Bone-Strengthening Wine were delivered to him.
"Thirteen Vitality Pills," Chen Zong murmured, his heart pounding with excitement. The intoxicating fragrance almost made him drunk. Previously, obtaining even a single pill had been a daunting task, but now they were readily available.
Ten of the pills were his reward for securing the Chief position in the Sword Technique Group, while the remaining three were a standard allocation for all members.
"Next month, the King of the Chiefs title will still be mine," Chen Zong vowed silently.
With ten Vitality Pills and a jar of Tiger Yang Bone-Strengthening Wine, a month of rigorous training might allow him to temper his Blood Qi once more. His sword technique would undoubtedly improve as well.
While others would certainly progress, Chen Zong was confident he could advance at an even faster pace.
After a brief rest, Chen Zong prepared to cultivate the Tiger's Roar Manual. Before beginning, he opened the jar of Tiger Yang Bone-Strengthening Wine. A potent aroma, tinged with a hint of bloodiness, filled the air, invading his nostrils and permeating his lungs.
"Smells good, but how does it taste?" he mused aloud.
He retrieved a small bowl, poured himself a serving of the dark crimson liquid—clear and flawless—and resealed the jar. Holding the bowl up to his nose, he inhaled deeply. Ah, this is exactly how Father used to drink.
First, he took a small sip, then drained the entire bowl in one go. A warm sensation immediately spread throughout his body...