Chapter 22

After a moment, the audience below had clearly seen that although the young man with the saber had not lost his composure, his momentum was completely gone, and his figure was trapped by the long sword. Defeat was only a matter of time.

Facing Qin Fengming on the stage, whether it was the hall masters and elders watching the competition or the disciples below, all were greatly surprised by his prowess at such a young age.

Observing his age, he was only twelve or thirteen. Even if he had started practicing martial arts at the age of five, it had only been five or six years. However, the authority he displayed was like that of a seasoned practitioner with over a decade of experience.

"Master Zhang, I heard that this young disciple has already been taken under your wing. Could you tell us how you found such an excellent disciple?"

On the high platform, after witnessing Qin Fengming's skills, someone couldn't help but ask Master Zhang.

"Hahaha, what's the difficulty in that? Although the various halls here are much more prestigious than my Hundred Refinements Hall, when it comes to discovering talent, none can compare to my hall. As long as a disciple is selected, the first step is always through my Hundred Refinements Hall, which I, Old Zhang, oversee."

"Ah, if you hadn't mentioned it, I would have forgotten. You truly have an advantage."

On the high platform, although there was much discussion, Qin Fengming no longer gave the young man with the saber any chance. With a sudden change in his sword technique, a crisp "clang" sounded, and the two on the stage immediately stopped. A long saber fell to the ground.

"Brother Qin has won. Brother Qin has entered the top twenty and will undoubtedly join the Elite Hall." Amidst the clamor, the disciples who came with Qin Fengming were elated and extremely excited.

Although Qin Fengming had won, he was also panting. It must be understood that at this point, everyone was no ordinary practitioner.

After informing Duan Meng and the others, Qin Fengming returned directly to his residence. As for the opponent he would face the next day, Qin Fengming no longer dwelled on it at all. After all, he would have to put in his utmost effort for the next battle.

By evening, Qin Fengming returned to the Hundred-Zhang Cliff.

Regarding Qin Fengming's performance during the day, his master was very pleased. After encouraging him, he said, "Fengming, the master of our Loxia Valley, Sima, will personally be present for tomorrow's competition. As long as you win again, you can enter the top eight of this competition. At that time, I will definitely recommend you to the master to join the Dark Night Hall."

Hearing his master's words, Qin Fengming was both nervous and delighted. If what his master said was true, his future path would undoubtedly be much broader.

"Master, do you know who I will face tomorrow?" Although he knew his master was always upright, asking this question without violating the rules was not too much.

"Hehe, your opponent tomorrow, I can only tell you that he is also a formidable practitioner. Just rest well and prepare fully."

The next day, at the competition venue.

As soon as Qin Fengming arrived, he saw an elder on the central high platform whom he had not seen in the past two days. This elder wore an eight-trigram immortal robe, held a duster, had a face like a jade crown, and a long beard. Sitting on the high platform, he exuded a natural aura of authority.

Seeing this extraordinary elder, it was clear that he was none other than Master Sima Qingshan.

Seeing the master personally present, Qin Fengming was both surprised and delighted, but he also knew that he would have to give his all in the next match.

For the seventh match, Qin Fengming once again ascended the fifth high platform.

Qin Fengming's reappearance caused a wave of cheers from the audience below. This sound was not only from the young people who came with him but also from many of the young men participating in the competition, who also cheered.

In the previous matches, Qin Fengming had already earned the respect he deserved, and no one treated him as just a young man anymore.

Turning his head to the central viewing platform, he saw his master talking to Master Sima in a low voice. Qin Fengming was delighted, but he quickly focused his mind and looked at the gray-robed young man opposite him.

The young man standing opposite had a serious expression, his eyes sharp, and there was no trace of contempt.

This young man had already understood Qin Fengming's previous performance and no longer harbored any侥幸 (侥幸 means侥幸, but in this context, it means '侥幸' or '侥幸').

At the command of the young man overseeing the competition, the young man opposite Qin Fengming, who was slightly taller, held a long spear but did not rush to attack.

Seeing this, Qin Fengming couldn't help but smile slightly: "Thank you, Brother, for your courtesy. I will not hesitate to offend."

With a flick of his sword, the thirteen moves of the Willow Drift style were unleashed like the Yellow River rushing forth, like a storm and heavy rain, pouring out.

Instantly, on the fifth high platform, a mass of white sword light swirled around the young man standing in the center, continuously rotating.

As Qin Fengming exerted his full strength, a sound like the roar of a dragon and the howl of a tiger echoed on the scene. Hearing it, the audience below felt a sense of being overwhelmed and unable to find a way to counter him.

While Qin Fengming was fully exerting the thirteen moves of the Willow Drift style, a murmur came from the central high platform:

"Originally, this sword technique could be performed in such a way. This little Fengming has already reached such a level of understanding of this sword technique. Even compared to Xiao Wei, he seems to be slightly inferior."

To hear such words from his master, who had personally taught him, Qin Fengming could now feel at ease.

Just as the hall master was speaking to himself, Master Sima, who was sitting beside him, suddenly turned and said in surprise: "Brother Zhang, I once saw Lady Liu perform this sword technique, but the realm was quite different. Could it be that Brother Zhang has developed such a powerful sword technique through a different approach?"

"Master, you flatter me. This is not due to my teaching but to my young disciple's own exploration. Even within my wife's sect, no one has ever performed the thirteen moves of the Willow Drift style in such a way."

Hearing this, Master Sima's expression turned contemplative. His gaze focused on the fifth high platform, not moving an inch.

The young man with the spear was also a formidable practitioner. He performed the Cloud Piercing Spear technique, advancing and retreating with precision, both offensive and defensive, creating a tight defense that was commendable.

The two fought for over a hundred rounds, and neither showed any signs of defeat.

"Brother Zhang, your young disciple is a promising talent. In another twenty rounds, he will undoubtedly win." On the high platform, as the two were evenly matched, Master Sima chuckled and turned to Zhang Li, speaking with firm confidence.

Hearing this, Zhang Li, who had a serious expression, slightly relaxed and nodded in agreement.

The other elders, though somewhat puzzled by this exchange, did not ask, given their status.

Sure enough, as Master Sima had predicted, after a moment, Qin Fengming made a move. The young man opposite, trying to block with his spear, did not expect that Qin Fengming's move was a feint. With a quick turn of his wrist, the tip of the sword lightly grazed the young man's arm.

Although this strike did not seriously injure the young man's arm, out of pride and face, he would not continue the battle with Qin Fengming.

After this battle, Qin Fengming had entered the top ten of the competition, and the plan set by his master was successfully completed.