"Drape the Stars and Wear the Moon!"
Yun Tianhe spun, brandishing the Jinghong Sword. Its Sword Light surged out like an endless tide, carrying a startling sharpness.
It was the mid-level Earth-rank Swordsmanship, the Thirteen God's Gate Swords!
Drape the Stars and Wear the Moon was indeed the first Sword Technique of the Thirteen God's Gate Swords.
Observing this, Ling Chen also abruptly swung his Long Sword, spinning. The Sword Light, too, chopped out unceasingly.
It was also the first technique of the Thirteen God's Gate Swords: Drape the Stars and Wear the Moon!
"It's the same Swordsmanship!" the Divine Intent Sect disciples in the audience exclaimed in surprise.
Both of them were using the same set of Swordsmanship. Now, everyone would see who comprehended this Swordsmanship more deeply and who could display greater power.
"Hmph, a pale imitation," Yun Tianhe roared furiously, his Long Sword suddenly lunging forward.
His simple, furious hack carried an incredibly terrifying might and overwhelming Righteous Qi, concentrating his True Qi at a single point. The moment it collided with Ling Chen's tidal Sword Light, it erupted.
However, the erupted force did not affect Ling Chen; instead, he easily neutralized it.
"Breaking Clouds Triple."
Yun Tianhe's moves connected swiftly, without pause. He knew that to defeat Ling Chen, he had to overwhelm him, leaving him no room to breathe, and win with his superior Cultivation.
As he executed this move, Yun Tianhe's Jinghong Sword began to tremble rapidly. The sword moved so fast that one could faintly see three images of the Jinghong Sword overlapping.
Opposite him, Ling Chen, just a fraction slower, had already swung his sword. His Sword Light vibrated with the same rapid, overlapping intensity.
However, Ling Chen's Sword Light strangely appeared as if five Long Swords were stacked together—illusory and elusive.
Upon seeing this, many Divine Intent Sect disciples were dumbfounded.
"Is this Breaking Clouds Triple?" a disciple swallowed nervously.
"No, this move has surpassed Breaking Clouds Triple! It's Breaking Clouds Fivefold!" another disciple exclaimed in shock.
Ling Chen had clearly advanced and modified Breaking Clouds Triple; this was an enhanced version of that Sword Technique.
Undoubtedly, in terms of Swordsmanship, Ling Chen was far superior to Yun Tianhe.
CLANG! CLANG! CLANG!
The speed at which their swords met increased, until only flashes of cold light were visible. Warriors with lower Cultivation couldn't discern their moves and could only barely catch their shadows.
"Divine Gate Shadowless!" Yun Tianhe roared in anger. The ferocity of the Jinghong Sword in his hand flared instantly. His body seemed to transform into a wisp of cyan smoke as his Long Sword swept out brutally.
Ling Chen was faster, meeting the attack with a preemptive strike.
CLANG!
A crisp sound of clashing rang out, and the two figures passed each other.
As Ling Chen steadied himself, preparing to swing his sword again, the Long Sword in his hand suddenly snapped, breaking into two pieces.
Damn. Ling Chen frowned. His weapon breaking at this critical moment was as detrimental as losing an arm.
"Hahahaha! Ling Chen, this is heaven's will that you be defeated! How can your ordinary Iron Sword withstand the sharpness of my Jinghong Sword? You are doomed to lose!"
Seeing this, Yun Tianhe erupted in hearty laughter. A Swordsman who lost his sword was undoubtedly a lamb to the slaughter. Ling Chen's specialty was Swordsmanship; without his Long Sword, defeat was certain, with no chance for recovery.
"Ling Chen, catch this sword!"
Just then, a thunderous shout came from outside the arena. Following the sound, he saw a purple Treasure Sword arcing through the air like a rainbow, radiating an astonishing sharpness.
Ling Chen's pupils contracted. He spun and caught the purple gleam, which solidified into a world-renowned sword in his hand.
The one who had thrown the sword was none other than Zi Yun True Immortal.
"It's the Juechen Sword!"
Ling Chen reached out to stroke the blade. Its oppressive sharpness felt as if it could seep through his skin and into his very flesh and blood. The Juechen Sword: a blade unrivaled, leaving no trace.
"Zi Yun True Immortal, what are you doing?" Ye Nantian's expression darkened as he spoke coldly.
"You gave the Jinghong Sword to your disciple. Can't I lend the Juechen Sword to Ling Chen?" Zi Yun True Immortal replied nonchalantly.
"You are violating the rules of combat! How can you allow a weapon to be replaced mid-fight?" Ye Nantian's eyes grew colder.
"So what? Your disciple wields a famous sword. If he wins like that, it's an unworthy victory."
Zi Yun True Immortal was not one to back down, especially not in front of Ye Nantian.
"Alright, alright, both of you, stop arguing," Qin Shan intervened, attempting to mediate. "Ling Chen was indeed at a disadvantage with his weapon. Now it's a fair fight between them. For my sake, please, let's not argue anymore."
"I, Ye Nantian, am not a petty man," Ye Nantian relented. "Out of consideration for Mr. Qin, I will let this matter rest. My beloved disciple will show everyone that he can win even without relying on the Jinghong Sword."
Ye Nantian knew he shouldn't argue further. Yun Tianhe did indeed have the advantage of a superior weapon. If he defeated Ling Chen after his sword broke, it would be an unworthy victory.
On the martial arts platform, having received the Juechen Sword, Ling Chen bowed to Zi Yun True Immortal from afar. "Thank you, Martial Uncle, for lending me your sword."
"Don't mention it. If you truly want to thank me, win this battle," Zi Yun True Immortal said with a wave of his hand, a sharp glint in his eyes.
"I will not disappoint you," Ling Chen uttered each word distinctly.
"Hmph, a good sword is only as good as the one who wields it," Yun Tianhe sneered.
"Rest assured, I won't disappoint you," Ling Chen retorted.
HUMMM!
Ling Chen infused his True Qi into the Long Sword. A crisp sword hum echoed, soaring into the sky.
A solemn look appeared on Yun Tianhe's face. Though his words were dismissive, he did not underestimate Ling Chen in his heart. The Juechen Sword was also a renowned blade in the Jianghu, its fame comparable to his own Jinghong Sword.
"This is getting interesting," Gu Lingfeng remarked, a look of interest on his face.
"I didn't expect Master to actually lend out the Juechen Sword. I've never even used that sword myself!" Xiao Muyu said, looking at Ling Chen with some envy. It seems Master Zi Yun True Immortal, despite not saying it openly, still holds deep feelings for her martial brother, Supreme Sky Feather.
At this moment, under numerous intent gazes, Ling Chen and Yun Tianhe seemed to generate two distinct auras. These auras were like two expanding balloons, grinding against each other in a fierce contest.
Suddenly, Yun Tianhe's figure blurred, reappearing five steps in front of Ling Chen like a wisp of blue smoke. He casually flicked his Long Sword. It trembled violently, and brilliant Sword Lights, like fireworks, erupted from its tip, blanketing the area before him.
As one of the Four Great Genius Disciples and the direct disciple of Sect Sword Leader Ye Nantian, Yun Tianhe's talent was undeniable. He consecutively unleashed the remaining Sword Techniques of the Thirteen God's Gate Swords.
Ling Chen, naturally, would not be outdone. He met Yun Tianhe's Swordsmanship with his own, giving him a taste of his own medicine.
CLASH! CLASH! CLASH! CLASH! CLASH! CLASH!
The tips of their swords clashed, sending out dazzling sparks that obscured their figures. Only the scattering motes of light were visible.
With Yun Tianhe's profound Cultivation at the Nine Heavy Realm Dharma, combined with the sharpness of the Jinghong Sword, each of his strikes was like lightning, like a coiling dragon or striking snake—fierce, powerful, and relentless.
On the other side, with sword in hand, Ling Chen expertly wielded the Thirteen God's Gate Swords. His Swordsmanship was as unpredictable as a heavenly steed soaring across the sky—free and unconstrained—yet as ingenious and traceless as an antelope hanging its horns. Often, a single strike from him could counter three of his opponent's, allowing him to dominate with fluid ease.
The two fought from the center of the stage to its edge, then back to the center again. Their fierce and brilliant Sword Techniques left the young Divine Intent Sect disciples awestruck, watching with unblinking eyes, afraid to miss the most exciting moments.
"Is this... still a battle between the younger generation?"
The spectators watched, their mouths dry with anticipation.
"Each generation produces its own talents; the future belongs to the young," Qin Shan said from the high platform with a smile.
However, he was thinking to himself: It's fortunate that the Divine Intent Sect has such a talent yet doesn't know how to cherish him. Otherwise, it would be an easy matter for the Divine Intent Sect to reclaim its position as hegemon of the Martial World in the future.
Throughout the exchange, Ling Chen dared not let his focus waver for an instant. Although he disliked Yun Tianhe, he had to admit the man was indeed a rare prodigy, his talent not much inferior to his own.
If he weren't cultivating the Ling Tian Sword Scripture, he probably would have been defeated by now.