Chapter 83

"Mountain Splitting Blade Technique!"

"Lightning Strike Blade Technique!"

"Small Inversion Blade Technique!"

The three men unleashed their qi and blood power, mercilessly displaying human-level martial arts. The Mountain Splitting Blade Technique emitted a strong blade light, like a giant blade descending from the sky, making one feel as if they were about to be split in two.

The Lightning Strike Blade Technique seemed to emit a dazzling light, as if carrying a current, sizzling and making one's scalp tingle. It fiercely pierced through the air, aiming at Chen Zong.

Under the Small Inversion Blade Technique, Xiao Wei's twin blades intertwined in a chaotic pattern, appearing to move upwards but then downwards, left but then right, making it difficult to distinguish between reality and illusion. The blades moved at an extremely fast speed, creating a strong wind, cutting wildly, aiming to tear the opponent apart.

Xiao Wei had once used this technique to slice a leaf into ten equally sized pieces.

The three blades attacked from three directions, sealing off the surroundings, leaving Chen Zong no room to dodge.

The sword rose, emitting a flash of light, as if stars appeared from the void and descended into the world.

The Lone Star Emerges!

At the Small Success level, the Lone Star Emerges, the star gradually becoming more brilliant, colliding with the Lightning Strike Blade Technique, canceling each other out. Chen Zong swung his sword again, the blade light slashing diagonally, knocking away the long blade. He then used the Small Dragon Subduing Hand, pressing it firmly on Meng Yuanchong's chest.

With a thud, Meng Yuanchong was sent flying, his face turning pale, a trickle of blood escaping from the corner of his mouth.

Using the Wind Step, his figure moved as if carried by the wind, quickly rushing towards Meng Yuanchong, causing the blade lights of Huang Biao and Xiao Wei to miss their targets.

After rolling once, Meng Yuanchong quickly got up, extremely angry, and shouted, attacking Chen Zong again with his blade.

"The Lone Star Emerges at the Small Success level!" Chen Chuyun's eyes flashed with joy, while Bai Yushan's eyes were filled with gloom.

With one sword, the Lone Star reappeared, and Meng Yuanchong was sent flying again, his long blade flying to one side.

Without Meng Yuanchong's attack, Huang Biao and Xiao Wei were unable to do anything to Chen Zong.

Dodge, dodge, dodge!

"One incense stick has burned out." Li Zhen Shi shouted, and everyone looked over, indeed, the incense stick had burned out.

"Stop." Xu Zhantian spoke, and Huang Biao and Xiao Wei had to stop, their eyes red with anger, wishing to flay Chen Zong alive.

"I have held out for the duration of one incense stick." Chen Zong scanned Xu Zhantian, then looked at Bai Yushan and Xiao Hongfu, speaking calmly.

"You only relied on your agility. Do you dare to fight me head-on?" Huang Biao roared, but Chen Zong ignored him. Xu Zhantian's brows furrowed, his eyes cold and sharp, making Huang Biao shiver as if doused with ice water.

"Waste of flesh!" Xiao Hongfu glared at Xiao Wei, "Let's go."

"Wait, if I hadn't held out for the duration of one incense stick, I would have been punished more severely. But I did hold out, so there's no reason to let it go like this." Chen Zong spoke, his voice calm but sharp, looking at Bai Yushan, "Senior Brother, others have defamed the Sword Radiance Hall and caused a disturbance, which is a show of contempt and serious damage to the reputation of the Sword Radiance Hall. Will you uphold justice?"

"Senior Brother of the Punishment Radiance Hall, should you also uphold justice?" Chen Zong then looked at the Punishment Radiance Hall disciple who had not spoken.

Bai Yushan, upon hearing this, felt as if he had swallowed a fly, his face turning green.

What could he say? If he didn't uphold justice, how would the disciples of the Sword Radiance Hall view him? Would his authority in the Sword Radiance Hall be greatly diminished?

"Those who are wrong should be punished." The Punishment Radiance Hall disciple looked at Bai Yushan, Xu Zhantian, and Xiao Hongfu, speaking coldly, word by word.

"Sorry, I didn't investigate thoroughly." Xu Zhantian spoke, looking at Huang Biao and Meng Yuanchong, his voice cold, "You two will each compensate Chen Zong with fifty thousand white jade coins as an apology, and be confined to the black room for three days upon returning."

Huang Biao and Meng Yuanchong trembled, their faces ashen, taking out fifty thousand white jade coins, feeling as if they were being cut, and the confinement in the black room, but fortunately, it was only for three days, which they could endure by gritting their teeth.

"Are you sure you dare to take it?" Xiao Hongfu stared at Chen Zong, his eyes dark.

"Why not?" Chen Zong met his gaze without fear.

"Very well, give it to him." Xiao Hongfu said to Xiao Wei.

The gathering dispersed, but the story was far from over!

This meeting not only failed to punish Chen Zong but also made him stand out, earning him fifteen thousand white jade coins. Those who admired Chen Zong admired him even more, and those who hated him hated him even more.

Returning to the small courtyard, Chen Zong was in high spirits. During his sword practice, his qi and blood power seemed to be more active.

...

"Yushan, in five days, it will be the day for the Illusory Cloud Swordsman to lecture. Have you prepared the list?" the mentor of the Sword Radiance Hall asked.

"Prepared." Bai Yushan took out a piece of white paper, listing thirty names.

The mentor glanced at it and looked at Bai Yushan, "There are ten slots for new disciples. Why isn't Chen Zong on the list?"

The Sword Radiance Hall first learned of Chen Zong from the Martial Radiance Hall mentor Qin Xinshi, forming a first impression. Since then, he had intermittently paid attention, not knowing the specifics but vaguely aware that Chen Zong was one of the more outstanding new disciples of the Sword Radiance Hall.

For this lecture by a True Martial Realm expert, the Martial Radiance Hall, Weapon Radiance Hall, Sword Radiance Hall, and Blade Radiance Hall each received thirty slots, with twenty for senior disciples and ten for new disciples, selected based on merit. The mentor felt that Chen Zong should be among the ten new disciples.

"Mentor, Chen Zong is indeed very capable," Bai Yushan began, "but he is arrogant and disobedient, and his methods are somewhat despicable. He also openly defied the chief senior brother of the Earth Radiance Hall, Xiao Hongfu, and the chief senior brother of the Blade Radiance Hall, Xu Zhantian. As the chief senior brother of the Sword Radiance Hall, I have a responsibility to maintain discipline."

"Since that's the case, the list is finalized. Have someone notify those on the list to gather at the Seven Radiance Hall at 9 AM five days from now. If they miss it, they won't be able to enter." The mentor nodded, trusting Bai Yushan.

"Understood." Bai Yushan took the list, a hint of joy flashing in his eyes, and left.

If Chen Zong had obeyed his discipline, he would have definitely given him one of the ten slots, but unfortunately, they were not on good terms.

As for Chen Chuyun, he had originally planned to exclude her, but then thought it was not feasible. Chen Chuyun had been in the Sword Radiance Hall for over a year and was very outstanding. The mentor had a certain understanding of her, and excluding her would not be reasonable.

However, excluding Chen Zong was enough. After listening to the Illusory Cloud Swordsman's lecture, he might gain some insights and, after further cultivation, might even enter the Heaven Radiance Hall.

The sword rose, its light like a star, standing alone in the world.

The starlight dimmed and disappeared, and another sword hole appeared on the wooden post, the cut smooth.

"The Lone Star Emerges has improved further." Chen Zong sheathed his sword, looking at the sword hole, thinking to himself.

"Brother, have you received any notification?" Chen Chuyun entered the small courtyard and asked directly.

"What notification?" Chen Zong was puzzled.

"In five days, a True Martial Realm expert, the Illusory Cloud Swordsman, will give a public lecture at the Seven Radiance Hall. Each hall has a limited number of slots. Our Sword Radiance Hall has thirty slots, twenty for senior disciples and ten for new disciples, selected based on merit. Among the new disciples, no one can match you." Chen Chuyun explained briefly.

"True Martial Realm expert!"

"Illusory Cloud Swordsman!"

"Lecture!"

Chen Zong couldn't help but draw a sharp breath, suddenly remembering the conversation he overheard when he returned to the Sword Radiance Hall a few days ago, which seemed to be related to this.

A lecture by a True Martial Realm expert is a big deal.

Even martial artists at the Qi Condensation Realm would flock to it. After all, those who can reach the True Martial Realm have a deep understanding of martial arts, and their insights into techniques and skills are profound and unique. A single word could lead to significant enlightenment.

Especially this True Martial Realm expert, the Illusory Cloud Swordsman, who is clearly a swordsman, would be even more beneficial to those who practice sword techniques.

If he could attend such a lecture, it might greatly benefit him.

"Sister, I haven't received any notification." Chen Zong said honestly.

"It seems Bai Yushan didn't give you a slot." Chen Chuyun frowned.

"He wouldn't give it to me." Chen Zong shook his head. Although they hadn't completely fallen out, they were already halfway there. Bai Yushan must hate him and wouldn't give him such a slot. "Sister, you go and listen, and tell me about it when you return."

"That's the only way." Chen Chuyun nodded. Although she wanted to try to get a slot, Bai Yushan wouldn't agree, and it would be futile. Unless she joined his side, which was impossible.

Thinking about it, Chen Zong felt very frustrated.

A lecture by a True Martial Realm expert, especially a swordsman, is a rare opportunity. Missing it made him even more resentful of Bai Yushan.

"Never mind, I can't join Bai Yushan's side." Chen Zong shook his head, dispelling his frustration, and pulled out his sword to practice again.

However, his sword technique wasn't as smooth as before. Chen Zong knew that even if he said he didn't care, he was still affected. He decided to stop practicing and took out the Small Sword Canon to read carefully.

He had read the Small Sword Canon countless times, each word etched in his mind like a brand, but reading it felt wonderful.

Gradually, Chen Zong's heart truly calmed down, and the last bit of frustration dissipated.

The Blood Essence Pill wine had not yet been brewed and was placed in the corner of his bedroom. Chen Zong resumed his daily routine.

Practicing sword techniques, the True Sword Heaven Supreme Technique, and the Body Tempering Technique, among others.

His sword technique improved slightly each day, which was great, but his cultivation progressed very slowly, even with the help of the Crimson Blood Pill. The gap between the seventh and eighth layers of the Qi and Blood Realm was significant.

The transition from the Small Circulation to the Great Circulation was a gradual process, and even with external assistance, it couldn't be achieved instantly.

The first level of the Body Tempering Technique was also progressing well. Chen Zong could feel his skin becoming more resilient and elastic, and his physique was also strengthening, with increased stamina and endurance.

Time flew by, and five days passed.

In the morning, after finishing his sword practice, Chen Zong looked up at the sky, which was bright and sunny, around 8 or 9 AM.

"The lecture by the True Martial Realm swordsman should be starting. I really want to go and listen." Chen Zong couldn't help but think about it, his heart filled with longing.

Unfortunately, he was just a small disciple in the Sword Radiance Hall, with no significant status or power.

"Indeed, only by becoming strong enough can one gain more attention." Chen Zong muttered to himself, took off his clothes, and began practicing the first level of the Body Tempering Technique.

The Blood Essence Pill wine was still brewing in the corner of his bedroom, and Chen Zong resumed his daily routine.

Practicing sword techniques, the True Sword Heaven Supreme Technique, and the Body Tempering Technique, among others.

His sword technique improved slightly each day, which was great, but his cultivation progressed very slowly, even with the help of the Crimson Blood Pill. The gap between the seventh and eighth layers of the Qi and Blood Realm was significant.

The transition from the Small Circulation to the Great Circulation was a gradual process, and even with external assistance, it couldn't be achieved instantly.

The first level of the Body Tempering Technique was also progressing well. Chen Zong could feel his skin becoming more resilient and elastic, and his physique was also strengthening, with increased stamina and endurance.

Time flew by, and five days passed.

In the morning, after finishing his sword practice, Chen Zong looked up at the sky, which was bright and sunny, around 8 or 9 AM.

"The lecture by the True Martial Realm swordsman should be starting. I really want to go and listen." Chen Zong couldn't help but think about it, his heart filled with longing.

Unfortunately, he was just a small disciple in the Sword Radiance Hall, with no significant status or power.

"Indeed, only by becoming strong enough can one gain more attention." Chen Zong muttered to himself, took off his clothes, and began practicing the first level of the Body Tempering Technique.