Chapter 708: Twelve People
Everyone saw two blood-soaked figures standing opposite each other.
Li Yi bared his teeth, revealing a mouthful of blood-stained white teeth.
He raised his right hand with difficulty: "Elder..."
Almost at the same time, Song Yan also raised his left arm, which could barely move.
Their hoarse voices overlapped: "I concede."
"..."
Song Yan was slightly stunned; he didn’t understand why Li Yi would concede.
It was clear that he had lost this battle.
Both of them looked completely exhausted and unable to fight further, but Song Yan knew in his heart that he had truly reached his limit.
His right hand was severely injured and basically immobile.
Underneath his Zhen Dao Sword Mansion, there was nothing; let alone Sword Dao True Essence, at this moment, he couldn’t even condense a single sword shadow.
Yet, his opponent could still walk normally.
The difference was immediately apparent.
"Cough, cough..."
He coughed up a mouthful of fresh blood, and the intense pain in his right arm made him involuntarily close one eye: "Hiss..."
"Senior Brother Li, a loss is a loss... If we both concede at the same time, it’ll be a draw, and that wouldn’t be very honorable for me, your Junior Brother."
Unexpectedly, Li Yi shook his head: "If we only talk about this battle, I did win."
"But Junior Brother Song is only at the Qi Refining Stage Seventh Level Realm, yet he almost fought me to a draw."
"Then, when our Realms are equal, I will not be your opponent."
"Considering that, I’ve lost again."
Li Yi looked at him and said: "I don’t care for Sect rankings; what I want is to be unrivaled among those of the same Realm."
Song Yan couldn’t help but sigh in his heart.
This person had his own views and methods regarding righteousness and fairness.
He was truly ruthless to himself.
Clap.
Just then, the Deacon Elder clapped his hands and spoke: "You two, please listen to me."
Everyone’s gaze then turned to the Deacon Elder.
"There’s no need to argue or be modest; whether it’s a draw or Li Yi wins, the final result is the same."
Under their puzzled gazes, the Deacon Elder pointed to the spiritual light runes on the giant stone sword, which displayed the rankings of all the victors.
Now, they were in the last match of the final round, and everyone’s scores had already appeared.
"Now that you two have conceded a draw, with identical decisive scores, the ranking will naturally be based on the number of spiritual patterns from the first stage, which was the selection stage."
He scrutinized the two blood-soaked figures, a hint of amusement in his tone: "Could it be that you two can still have another match right now?"
Song Yan and Li Yi exchanged glances, looking at each other in dismay.
"If you two still have Battle Intent, this old man can’t sit still any longer." The Deacon Elder chuckled, flicked his sleeves, and left.
Immediately, his voice resonated throughout the entire Sword Debate Platform.
"Number nine, Li Yi, and number seventeen, Song Yan, draw. According to the number of spiritual patterns, Li Yi is ranked A, and Song Yan is ranked B."
Whoosh—
As soon as the Deacon Elder finished announcing the results, the entire Sword Debate Platform instantly erupted.
"It’s a draw!"
"Senior Brother Li Yi won, it’s just a case of Geniuses appreciating each other."
"Because Song Yan is only at the Qi Refining Stage Seventh Level, he believed he wouldn’t be as good as the opponent at the same Realm, so he proactively conceded, right?"
In the spectator stands, the Cultivators discussed animatedly; some were amazed, some were puzzled, and many more were full of shock.
"Senior Brother Li Yi... why did you concede? I bet my entire fortune on you!"
"Brother Ye, ten bets, nine losses."
Gu Qingqing jumped up excitedly: "A draw! Wuwuwu, Senior Brother Song is too amazing."
At this moment, Sun Zhengfu had already left the decisive Disciple waiting area and reunited with Li Qingfeng and Gu Qingqing.
He ended up at the bottom of the final scores, becoming the one eliminated among the eleven.
However, he didn’t feel any regret; instead, his thoughts were clear and unburdened.
Li Qingfeng wore a complex smile, a mix of relief, admiration, and envy: "Old Song, he..."
Sun Zhengfu and he said in unison: "Has always been incredible."
In the West spectator area, Ju Luyi held a spiritual fruit, given out by a Cave Abyss Sect Deacon, as if it were a treasure.
She gazed at Song Yan on the stage, lost in thought.
"Senior Song..."
"He’s simply like an Immortal..."
Soon, several Deacon Disciples quickly ascended the stage and carefully helped the two blood-soaked figures down from the Sword Debate Platform.
Both of them were seriously injured, but the Sect naturally had Cultivators skilled in healing Spells on standby at all times.
Xiang Zhaoling came over with Xiao He, and Gu Qingqing, Fat Li, and Brother Sun followed behind.
"Yan Yan, are you okay?"
Xiao He, now in human form, looked worried and gently lifted Song Yan’s arm.
"Hiss ah... Lighter, lighter..." Song Yan gasped, cold sweat beading on his forehead from the intense pain in his right arm.
"Wah..."
Xiao He, startled, loosened her grip, and his arm suddenly dropped again.
"Oh, my!"
Cen Qinghe, who was among the medical team, quickly stepped forward to clean Song Yan’s bloodstains and treat his injuries.
On the other side, Yuwen Yao walked over with a wine flask, chuckling.
She directly poured two mouthfuls of spiritual wine into each of them, one on the left and one on the right.
"Serves you right for showing off."
Li Yi choked and coughed, but still grinned and said: "It was exhilarating!"
Xiang Zhaoling squatted mysteriously beside Cen Qinghe, tilting her head to look at her: "Sister, he’s in so much pain, should we try my Numbing Gu on him?"
"No!" Song Yan quickly refused: "It’s just a little pain, nothing much."
The group gathered, chatting and laughing.
The period from the end of the last match until the announcement of the list and distribution of rewards was reserved for the Elders to deliberate.
At the same time, this was also the opportune moment for the representatives of the Lingyuan Marsh shops.
Many were currently trying to curry favor with the victorious Disciples who had shone brightly in this Sword Wipe.
At this moment, since Song Yan, Li Yi, and others were all receiving treatment, this area was off-limits to non-Sect Disciples.
This also spared them the need for polite refusals.
A moment later, the Elders’ deliberations concluded.
The spiritual light runes on the giant stone sword finally stabilized, displaying the final list of the top ten.
"Rank A, Li Yi. Rank B, Song Yan."
"Rank C, Yuwen Yao. Rank D, Xiang Zhaoling."
"Rank E, Han Yuan. Rank F, Lin Qing."
"Rank G, Senior Brother Kong You. Rank H, Shao Sichao."
"Rank I, Chen Chen. Rank J, Zhao Xuan."
"After discussion and recommendation by the Elders, the two accompanying Disciples are designated as..."
"Sun Zhengfu, Qin Zhan."
Sun Zhengfu was the Disciple eliminated in the eleven-Disciple round-robin competition; his inclusion came as no surprise to anyone.
Qin Zhan, on the other hand, was one of the twenty-two who had performed quite impressively during the selection phase.
Song Yan and Li Qingfeng and others had met this person; he was one of the Wipe Sword Peak Disciples by Qingjiang Flatland during the selection stage.
Unfortunately, he encountered Han Yuan in the elimination stage and was blasted off the Wipe Sword Platform by a barrage of punches.
His selection results were good, and his performance in the decisive stage was also commendable; no one had any objections.
"Surname Qin?"
He subtly glanced at the person in the crowd.
The surname "Qin" made Song Yan pay a little more attention.
On the Elder’s platform, Wipe Sword Peak Master Luo Xiaming slowly stood up: "This year’s Sword Wiping Assembly has now concluded."
"Disciples from Rank J to Rank G will be rewarded with three hundred Low-Grade Spirit Stones and a choice of one Medium Grade Spiritual Artifact or an item of equivalent rank."
"Disciples from Rank F to Rank D will be rewarded with five hundred Low-Grade Spirit Stones and a choice of three Medium Grade Spiritual Artifacts or items of equivalent rank."
"Disciples in Rank B and Rank C will each receive seven hundred Low-Grade Spirit Stones, a choice of one High Grade Spiritual Artifact, and a choice of one Cultivation Technique or classic from the Inner Sect’s scripture pavilion."
"The Disciple in Rank A will be rewarded with one thousand Low-Grade Spirit Stones, a choice of one High Grade Spiritual Artifact, a choice of one Cultivation Technique or classic from the Inner Sect’s scripture pavilion, and..."
"One Foundation Establishment Pill."
Foundation Establishment Pill?!
Upon this reward, the entire audience erupted in an uproar.
If Song Yan were to say he wasn’t tempted, that would be complete nonsense.
This was a Foundation Establishment Pill!
For someone at the 10th Level of Qi Refining with decent Aptitude, one pill could elevate them from a Mortal forever.
Qi Refining and Foundation Establishment, a world of difference.
Alas, his skill was inferior; who could he blame?
Everyone’s gazes burned as they looked at Li Yi, making him a little embarrassed; he slapped the back of his head and burst out laughing.
"Disciples from Rank A to Rank C can choose to join Demon Subduing Peak."
Demon Subduing Peak wasn’t all good; it represented higher danger.
There were indeed such people in the world, exceptionally talented, yet disliking conflict, preferring to live a carefree and leisurely life.
So, this reward was offered as a choice for Disciples.
"As for the rewards for all other Disciples who advanced into the top twenty-two, you can claim them at Tongchen Peak with your Disciple token."
"This old man will not say more here."
"Alright, this Sect Sword Wipe has now concluded."
"I wish you all, a prosperous Immortal Dao."
Li Jun Daoist had already left after Song Yan and Li Yi’s decisive battle ended.
At this moment, the Elders also retreated one after another.
On the Sword Debate Platform, discussions about the ten Disciples were far from over, with many Cultivators chatting as they walked.
Regretting the past, envisioning the future.
Hoping that one day, they too could stand in the center of the Sword Debate Platform, feeling everyone’s gaze.
Song Yan and the others followed the path from the western spectator stands, preparing to leave the Sword Debate Platform.
Gu Qingqing asked as she walked: "Senior Brother Song, what are you going to do next?"
"I haven’t thought about it yet; I’ll heal my injuries first."
Although he said that, he was already planning his travel route.
After the Sect Sword Wipe, many Sect Disciples would likely go out on expeditions, and he also wanted to travel.
Hmm... First, I’ll go to Bei Ya Mountain to find Liang Feng.
He needed to inspect how his moon-bearing ancient lotus was growing, and it just so happened that he also planned to resume his study of alchemy.
Then... Just as Song Yan was contemplating his future plans, he saw many shop representatives surrounding them.
"Seniors, we are..."
Song Yan listened for a while; it was all about cooperation and such.
He wasn’t interested, and the others also wouldn’t want to impose certain restrictions on themselves for some petty gains.
"Sorry."
Song Yan also waved his hand, about to leave.
But then he saw Ju Luyi sitting on the edge of a "Seamless" banner, holding a spiritual fruit in her arms.
Feeling Song Yan’s gaze, she respectfully stood up and bowed.
Senior Song was now famous throughout the entire Sect.
Perhaps one day, long from now, he would even be famous in Chu State.
Although there might not be another opportunity to sew Daoist robes for him in the future.
But could she tell others that she once sewed Daoist robes for Senior Song, to attract customers?
Xiao Ju thought this, her mind already soaring beyond the heavens.
However, an ordinary qiankun bag flew in front of her, and she instinctively reached out and caught it.
"?"
"Xiao Ju!"
Song Yan had stopped at the exit, just about to leave.
He pointed to his tattered and torn Daoist robe.
"Two of them, exactly the same."
"Uh..." After a moment of thought, he changed his mind: "Actually, make them black."
After all, he was going to join Demon Subduing Peak.
He had already inquired about the rules from Li Yi: Demon Subduing Peak’s Daoist robes were black.
At this moment, everyone’s gaze converged on Xiao Ju.
There was whispering all around, everyone guessing who this girl was.
And why she was familiar with Song Yan.
However, she neither felt shy nor retreated; instead, she nodded very happily.
In her small chest, she excitedly cheered for the first time... "It’s a repeat customer!"
Her skill in sewing clothes had finally been recognized, which was even more touching than earning Spirit Stones.
This was something she learned from A Niang (Mother), which meant A Niang (Mother)’s craftsmanship was indeed excellent!
"I must not let down the customer’s expectations even more!"
Watching Song Yan’s retreating figure, she was filled with determination... On the mountain path down, everyone chatted.
"Who was that little girl?" Li Yi asked: "Is she your younger sister?"
Li Qingfeng and Gu Qingqing were also very curious.
Song Yan, however, shook his head: "No, she’s a very skilled seamstress."
"And her attitude towards customers is extremely proper. I admire her greatly."
A small recommendation.
"How about it, do you want her to sew Daoist robes for you?"
Li Yi’s combat uniform had long been torn off and casually burned.
He was bare-chested at the moment.
Hearing Song Yan’s question, he shook his head: "No."
"If it weren’t for the Sect Sword Wipe competition, I would rarely wear combat uniforms; when fighting, I’m accustomed to wearing armor."
"...I see."
He heard that Li Yi was once a young general, the kind who genuinely led troops into battle.
Song Yan always felt it sounded familiar, perhaps he had heard it at a storytelling tea stall in Shiliang Town.
Having an Immortal Cave on Wipe Sword Peak was convenient.
Taking this opportunity, Song Yan also took these people to visit his Immortal Cave.
It wasn’t until Xu hour (7-9 PM) that everyone gradually dispersed.
After seeing off his friends, Song Yan entered the Cultivation room, sat cross-legged, and swallowed a Medicinal Pill for healing, slowly circulating the Qi Condensation Scroll to refine the medicinal power of the pill.
Most of his injuries had already healed on the Sword Testing Platform; the rest would slowly recover.
Experiencing so many battles consecutively within a single day was truly exhausting.
An hour later, he heavily exhaled a turbid breath and slowly opened his eyes.
After a period of recuperation, his injuries no longer affected his normal Cultivation.
He didn’t rush to continue Cultivating immediately; instead, he recalled his battle with Li Yi.
"What exactly was that Aura?"
It was as if he had always possessed it but had never used it before.
This Aura came from his Lifebound Flying Sword, or more accurately, from his Sword Intent.
Why was such an important thing not mentioned at all in the Sword Planting Technique?
However, when he looked at the various sword techniques in the Sword Planting Technique and the Essentials of Swordsmanship from the perspective of now possessing this "Sword Aura."
What was originally inexplicable and obscure suddenly became clear.
Even the Sword Array, which had always been a mystery, now had a direction for study and Cultivation... With each breath during his contemplation, his tense mind completely relaxed.
His spiritual power, Sword Qi, and physical strength were completely depleted, and an indescribable sense of exhaustion washed over him.
He washed and bathed, changed into comfortable clothes, and fell into a deep sleep.
