Chapter 43

Long Tai absolutely did not believe that Lu Xuan could have comprehended the Lightning Sword Technique to such a degree with just an hour of enlightenment. This was simply something no human could achieve.

Thinking of his own experience, Long Tai naturally assumed that Lu Xuan must have cheated. He must have already learned the Lightning Sword Technique before this, which is why he could achieve such results now.

Hearing Long Tai's outburst, Lu Xuan glanced at him and said coolly, "Just because you can't do it doesn't mean others can't. You can eat anything you want, but you can't speak recklessly."

"Recklessly? I'm not speaking recklessly at all! It's clearly you who cheated!" Long Tai snorted, "Ask everyone here, who could believe that someone could master a martial technique to this level in just an hour?"

When Long Tai said this, the other martial artists were also unsure. Indeed, they had also tried to comprehend the stone carvings, but most of them couldn't even feel a hint of the essence, let alone reach Lu Xuan's level. To them, this was simply unimaginable.

At this moment, Elder Sun asked solemnly, "Lu Xuan, you must be honest. When did you learn this martial technique?"

"Elder Sun, what do you mean by that?" Lu Xuan was also getting angry. From his tone, it seemed like he was already convinced that Lu Xuan had learned the technique long ago.

Elder Sun snorted, "The Lightning Sword Technique you just used clearly reached eighty percent of the level demonstrated by the stone carvings. In terms of momentum and power, it even surpassed the stone carvings. Do you expect me to believe that you not only learned this technique in just an hour but also improved it?"

When Elder Sun said this, the martial artists suddenly felt enlightened.

"That's right! I also tried to comprehend the Lightning Sword Technique, but the sword technique demonstrated by the stone carvings was nowhere near as profound as Lu Xuan's."

"Exactly, Lu Xuan's final move even produced a bolt of lightning, which the stone carvings didn't show."

"So, it seems that Lu Xuan must have learned the Lightning Sword Technique long ago, and it must be more advanced than what the stone carvings taught. I don't believe he could improve a martial technique on his own."

"If he had already learned it, then his talent isn't as terrifying as we thought."

...

When the martial artists learned the "truth," they all breathed a sigh of relief. After all, Lu Xuan's performance was too astonishing, and it was hard for them to accept.

"Lu Xuan, I'll ask you again. When did you learn this martial technique? If you don't tell the truth, I won't hesitate to disqualify you from the assessment!" Elder Sun asked again.

Faced with Elder Sun's aggressive questioning, Lu Xuan laughed in anger, "If you want to pin a crime on someone, you'll always find a way! Fine, I'll tell you when I learned this martial technique!"

"When?"

"An hour ago!" Lu Xuan answered resolutely.

Hearing this, Elder Sun nodded with a cold smile, "Very well! It seems you're not willing to admit it. I thought you had a good character, but I didn't expect you to be afraid to admit such a simple thing. I can't be blamed for this..."

"Elder Sun, are you really not taking me seriously?" Uncle Jiu stood up and interrupted Elder Sun, a powerful aura bursting forth, his eyes flashing with a fierce light, "Do you think you can cover up the sky just because you're the examiner?"

When Uncle Jiu's fierce gaze swept over him, Elder Sun felt a chill down his spine. In his younger days, Uncle Jiu was a formidable figure. Who didn't know the name Yan Jiu? Although he had been silent in Lincheng for many years, Yan Jiu was still Yan Jiu!

"Elder Sun, this matter cannot be handled rashly!" Another elder also spoke up, "Firstly, there is no evidence that Lu Xuan had learned the Lightning Sword Technique before. Even if he had, such a genius cannot be overlooked by our Wind Sword Sect."

"Regardless, I, Old Xu, will protect Lu Xuan!" The elder who was most optimistic about Lu Xuan didn't give Elder Sun any face and directly declared his support.

Elder Xu continued, "Among the four of us, only I use a sword, so I have the most authority to speak. The Lightning Sword Technique Lu Xuan used just now was clearly somewhat clumsy, indicating that he was using it for the first time. The reason it seemed so powerful is that he had thoroughly comprehended the essence of the technique. Elder Sun, can you tell me how a martial artist could comprehend the essence of a technique but not be proficient in the moves? The only explanation is that he truly comprehended the Lightning Sword Technique in just an hour, but didn't have enough time to practice the moves."

Elder Xu's words were very reasonable, and even Uncle Jiu and the other elder nodded in agreement. Upon careful reflection, the situation was indeed as Elder Xu described.

Seeing the four elders on the judging panel argue over Lu Xuan, the martial artists below were all deeply moved. Only a genius like Lu Xuan could receive such treatment. Whether he had already known the Lightning Sword Technique or had just comprehended it, it was powerful enough to make them look up to him.

Faced with the accusations of three elders, Elder Sun also felt his face was losing. Although he was the examiner, he couldn't really cover up the sky.

"Fine, since we can't determine whether Lu Xuan had learned the Lightning Sword Technique before, let's temporarily set his talent level as 'astonishing,' the same as Long Tai's." Elder Sun said with a dark face, making a concession.

"Hmph, this boy will surely shine in the future, and then you'll see that I was right." Elder Xu snorted, but he also tacitly accepted Elder Sun's words. It would be impossible to make him back down further.

If Lu Xuan's talent level were ranked above Long Tai's, then Lu Xuan would be the first in all three rounds. The final overall first place would undoubtedly be his. For the sake of his bet, Elder Sun would never agree to that.

Now that this round ended in a tie between Lu Xuan and Long Tai, if Long Tai performed well in the next round, there would still be a slim chance of winning.

Seeing Elder Sun make a concession, Uncle Jiu didn't say more. The powerful aura he emitted was retracted, and he became the old shopkeeper of the Treasure Pavilion again.

"Lu Xuan, your talent level is 'astonishing,' you pass!" Elder Sun said unwillingly.

Lu Xuan coldly glanced at Elder Sun, firmly imprinting his appearance in his mind, and silently returned to the crowd. He would repay today's humiliation one day.

Seeing Lu Xuan return, the martial artists made way for him. No matter what, the image of Lu Xuan demonstrating the Lightning Sword Technique was still imprinted in their minds, and its powerful momentum was enough to make everyone present bow in admiration.

After calming down, Lu Xuan found a quiet place to sit. He planned to carefully organize his recent gains, the sudden enlightenment, and the insights gained from demonstrating the Lightning Sword Technique, all of which were invaluable treasures.

Just as Lu Xuan sat down, a figure approached him. Looking up, he saw Xia Ye.

"Did you really not learn the Lightning Sword Technique before?" Xia Ye asked.

Lu Xuan smiled wryly, "If I say I didn't, will you believe me?"

To his surprise, Xia Ye looked into Lu Xuan's eyes and nodded sincerely, "I believe you!"

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