Chapter 41

In the days that followed, Lin Xuan practiced sword techniques on the mountain during the day and cultivated the Longevity Formula at night. Occasionally, he would go to the mission hall to repair his long sword and earn contribution points.

These days passed quickly, and before he knew it, half a month had gone by.

The atmosphere in the outer sect was also quietly changing. Many disciples had returned from the Taihang Mountains, preparing for the upcoming inner sect selection competition. Only by entering the inner sect could one be considered a true disciple of the Xuantian Sect. Inside, one could not only learn profound martial arts but also receive guidance from high-level cultivators, along with various abundant cultivation resources. All the outer sect disciples were eager to get in.

At the same time, a new outer sect ranking list was released. Many outer sect disciples had been discussing this matter over the past few days, checking their own rankings.

This outer sect ranking list only included the top 500 rankings. It was estimated based on the disciples' cultivation levels and daily performance, and then a list was compiled.

No one knew who created this list. Some people had challenged those with higher rankings due to dissatisfaction with their lower positions, but they were all defeated. This happened hundreds of times, and the final results always matched the rankings on the list.

From then on, the outer sect disciples accepted this list and used it as an important means to understand others' strength.

On the third training ground, He Shaobing looked at the exquisite little booklet in his hand, a trace of anger appearing on his face. This little booklet was the outer sect ranking list, which was beautifully made but did not interest He Shaobing at all.

"Humph!" He closed the booklet forcefully and then clenched it in his hand. Soon, the booklet turned into a pile of powder.

"Too much! How dare they lower my rank!" There was a burning anger in He Shaobing's eyes. Originally, he was ranked 100th on the list, among the top disciples. However, this time, he was ranked 101st.

Don't underestimate the difference of just one rank. Among the tens of thousands of outer sect disciples, the top 100 were considered the elite, the first-tier geniuses, who would receive special attention after entering the inner sect. Now, being ranked 101st, he was considered a second-tier disciple, and his status was completely different.

The one who replaced him as the 100th was a new outer sect disciple named Lin Xuan.

"Why should a newly joined outer sect disciple be ranked 100th! I can't accept it!" He Shaobing gripped his long sword tightly.

"Shaobing, calm down," said a slightly chubby disciple beside him. "I've heard of this Lin Xuan. He has been causing a lot of trouble with the Divine Might Group recently, defeating many of their disciples. He must have some strength."

"So what? Do you think I will lose?" He Shaobing said angrily.

The outer sect of the Xuantian Sect was large, with many disciples, and not everyone knew Lin Xuan. With so many things happening every day, a new disciple's reputation was easily forgotten.

"I'm not afraid you'll lose, but there's no need to do this. Why not defeat him fairly in the inner sect selection competition?"

He Shaobing did not speak, but his eyes occasionally flashed with a cold light.

...

On the seventh training ground, in the northwest corner.

Lin Xuan held the Red Flame Great Sword and practiced diligently. This was a new sword technique he had learned, the Lone Mountain Sword Technique, which belonged to the intermediate level of the Yellow Rank martial arts.

This sword technique was different from the ones Lin Xuan had learned before. It was not speed-oriented but rather powerful and heavy, with each strike carrying a lot of force.

Whoosh! Whoosh!

The broad and expansive moves felt very satisfying as Lin Xuan wielded the sword. He had always focused on fast sword techniques, and now practicing slow ones gave him new insights.

The Lone Mountain Sword Technique emphasized stability, accuracy, and ruthlessness. Although it was slow, if the timing was right, it could definitely be fatal. Through today's practice of slow sword techniques, Lin Xuan's ability to grasp the timing in battles had improved significantly.

Fast sword techniques were about seizing the initiative and striking first, while slow sword techniques were about catching the opponent's mistakes or creating them. Combining fast and slow techniques, Lin Xuan's sword skills had surpassed his previous level.

Just as Lin Xuan was immersed in his sword practice, a young man approached.

He was slender, with large eyes and a cold gaze.

"Are you Lin Xuan?" the young man asked in a hostile tone.

"Yes." Lin Xuan stood with his sword, asking, "What's the matter?"

"Defeat you and reclaim my rightful rank!" The young man was He Shaobing.

Lin Xuan was a bit confused: "What rank?"

"Stop pretending. Just tell me, do you accept the challenge!" He Shaobing shouted.

He Shaobing's shout drew the attention of the surrounding disciples who were practicing. At this moment, a slightly chubby young man ran over and pulled He Shaobing's hand, saying, "Shaobing, let's go!"

"Xiao Wei, don't worry about me. I must defeat him today!" He Shaobing said loudly, "The weak do not deserve that rank!"

"What's going on?" someone nearby asked.

"Don't you know? He Shaobing's 100th place was taken by that guy!" someone pointed at Lin Xuan in secret.

"No wonder he's angry. Being surpassed by a new outer sect disciple, I would be upset too!"

...

Lin Xuan listened carefully and understood the situation.

"Since you want to fight, let's do it!" Lin Xuan was eager to test the Lone Mountain Sword Technique.

"Humph!" He Shaobing said through gritted teeth, "You better give it your all, or you'll lose badly!"

He flipped his palm and took out an array disk, channeling spiritual energy with both hands. A large green flag rose in the wind and inserted into the ground, forming a small arena.

Array flag battle!

Lin Xuan was not unfamiliar with this. He had fought such battles with the disciples of the Divine Might Group. He pulled out the Red Flame Great Sword and walked into the array flag with a lazy smile.

He Shaobing coldly snorted, moved his body, and stepped into the arena.

The surrounding disciples stopped what they were doing and gathered around. The disciple named Xiao Wei watched with wide eyes, tense and anxious.

"Come on!" Lin Xuan held the Red Flame Great Sword horizontally in front of his chest, focusing intently.

Swoosh!

A cold light flashed, making a sharp sound.

He Shaobing's figure flickered as he quickly rushed forward. The long sword at his waist glinted with cold light. In the blink of an eye, he was beside Lin Xuan, his wrist flicking, and the sword lunged like a venomous snake.

His speed was so fast that it caught everyone's attention!

"Fast sword style..." Lin Xuan's eyebrows raised. He adjusted his stance and gently pushed his large sword, intercepting He Shaobing's sword move.

Clang! Clang! Clang!

He Shaobing's long sword collided with the Red Flame Great Sword, making a crisp sound. His first strike failed, and he immediately raised his sword, the tip glowing coldly, aiming for Lin Xuan's head.

Lin Xuan's arm swept horizontally, and the Red Flame Great Sword swung out, the heavy force forcing He Shaobing to interrupt his move and retreat to save his life. This retreat immediately exposed a weakness, and Lin Xuan's large sword vibrated, thrusting forward.