Chapter 81: Chapter 80: The Zither Rings, the Man Arrives
As for Zhang Yao, her Fist Technique was steady and her mind was firm. Though her Realm advancement had been slow, a strong spirit meant a strong fist.
After more than thirty matches, it was finally time for another major highlight.
Gao Jin challenged Peng Zhuang.
Peng Zhuang, known by the title "Iron Leg," had all his Martial Arts focused in his legs.
And as a Sword Dao genius who practiced Body Sword Control, now that Gao Jin had advanced to the Innate Realm, his strength had increased by more than tenfold.
The battle between the two was equally spectacular.
After several hundred moves, Gao Jin ultimately emerged victorious by a narrow margin.
With that, two challengers had already become new members of the Ten Greats this year.
"I heard Gao Jin was once defeated by the White Head Sword Sect with a single strike. Now that he’s reached the Innate Realm, I bet he’ll try to settle the score, right?"
"But how come this White Head Sword Sect still hasn’t shown up?"
The battles continued, one after another.
Among the Ten Greats, everyone except for Xue Wuhen had been challenged.
"Tsk, tsk. Zhou Wenhao was ferocious just now. He left a Half-Step Innate Realm expert on the brink of death with a single slash."
"Liu Xianyu’s Sword Technique has also become more refined. Her Shocking Cloud Sword Technique is worlds stronger than it was last year, isn’t it?"
"Judging from the Sword Technique she just displayed, Liu Xianyu’s current skill has likely surpassed Wang Ziming’s. I think it must be thanks to the guidance of that White Head Sword Sect, don’t you?"
Through these battles, the crowd could see how the strength of the Ten Greats had changed over the past year.
Zhou Wenhao and Liu Xianyu, in particular, had improved significantly.
After several dozen more matches, no one else dared to challenge the Ten Greats.
At this point, however, the atmosphere suddenly erupted with excitement.
All eyes turned to the Ten Greats.
Next up was the ranking battle for the Ten Greats!
Last year, Xue Wuhen had taken the top spot. Who would reign supreme this year?
"Everyone, before the ranking battles begin, I have a personal score to settle."
From among the Ten Greats, Zhou Wenhao suddenly stood. With those words, he took a single step, soaring several dozen yards through the air to land on the surface of Star Moon Lake.
BOOM.
The lake roiled, sending massive waves surging outwards. Zhou Wenhao had landed like a giant boulder, turning the once-calm surface into a raging sea. The sheer power of the impact stunned everyone present.
He stood there, tall and slender, with his hands clasped behind his back.
Suddenly, he let out a roar.
"Ning Jiang, get out here!"
His voice boomed like thunder. Each word was so loud it was as if a multi-ton block of iron had smashed down from the sky, causing the lake’s surface to tremble and spray droplets into the air.
At that moment, Zhou Wenhao radiated an aura of invincibility.
No one in the crowd spoke.
Everyone already knew about the life-and-death duel between Ning Jiang and Zhou Wenhao.
A dozen breaths passed, but there was no sign of Ning Jiang.
"Ning Jiang, you coward."
Zhou Wenhao bellowed again, his voice like a crack of thunder, "You were the one who made the arrogant claim, challenging me to a battle to the death! I am here! So where are you?"
His was the only voice to be heard.
Yet, there was still no answer.
Finally, voices of doubt began to rise from the crowd.
"Heh, I’d say the man is scared, wouldn’t you?"
"I think so too. After all, his Cultivation is only at the Postnatal Realm. You saw Zhou Wenhao’s power just now. It’s only natural he wouldn’t dare to show himself."
"Bah! Some White Head Sword Sect. He’s just a coward hiding in his shell."
"That’s right. Calling him a Sword Sect is an insult to the title. Any true Sword Sect would be brave enough to face the consequences of their actions, not hide away like him, too scared to answer a challenge."
"After today, the name ’White Head Sword Sect’ will be nothing but a joke—a disgrace."
Looks of deep disdain appeared on countless faces, and voices of mockery echoed throughout the venue.
"Nonsense! Brother Ning will definitely come!"
In the crowd, a young girl of about twelve or thirteen, her face flushed red, loudly protested against the people around her.
It was Zhou Chuchu.
"Brother Ning? So, you’re saying your Zhou Family knows this brat well?"
Suddenly, a young man walked over. It was Zhao Feng of the Zhao Family. His expression was icy as he looked at Zhou Lingwei, who was standing beside Zhou Chuchu. "Zhou Lingwei, your Zhou Family broke our engagement. I won’t let this matter rest."
Zhou Lingwei’s expression changed, and she gritted her teeth. "I would rather die than marry someone like you."
"Sister, don’t be afraid of him," Zhou Chuchu said hatefully, gritting her teeth. "When Brother Ning gets here, it’ll be his turn to die."
"In your dreams. That coward is never going to show up."
Zhao Feng sneered. Recalling the incident at Treasure Herb Hall, he said mockingly, "Back then, I told him to break his own arm, and he didn’t dare resist. He just obediently did it. He’s nothing but a weakling you can push around."
"Shut up! You’re not even worthy of being mentioned in the same breath as him," Zhou Lingwei said, her face cold. "I believe he will come!"
"A pointless hope. After today’s annual gathering is over, your Zhou Family can await my wrath. And Zhou Lingwei, you won’t escape the palm of my hand." A malevolent gleam flashed in Zhao Feng’s eyes.
Meanwhile, on the high platform, Wang Ziming sneered. "Liu Xianyu, it seems this Mr. Ning you respect so much isn’t coming."
"The White Head Sword Sect... I was curious to see who he was, but it turns out he has no guts at all," Hong Tai added.
"That’s to be expected. When one’s strength is insufficient, it’s best to lie low for a while and wait for a future opportunity to erase the shame," Xue Wuhen said lightly.
"A pack of fools," Liu Xianyu suddenly sneered.
"Liu Xianyu, what’s that supposed to mean?" The others’ expressions darkened.
"When he arrives, you will realize just how laughable your thoughts are," Liu Xianyu scoffed. "A few tiny fireflies like you dare to pass judgment on someone who is like the bright moon in the sky."
"Liu Xianyu, I won’t go easy on you in the Ten Greats ranking battle later," the others said, enraged.
