Chapter 70: Chapter 70: Not Worthy to be an Opponent
Upon hearing this, Shi Xiaole nodded in understanding.
Chu Lin was indeed nearly at the Qi Absorption Realm at first and had consolidated his skills for a time. After a month, it was entirely possible he had broken through to the Qi Absorption Realm.
Moreover, with Chu Lin’s talent, a breakthrough in a large realm would undoubtedly result in a massive improvement in his actual strength.
"Senior Brother Shi, should we say you are currently practicing and temporally ignore Chu Lin?"
After a moment of hesitation, one male disciple proposed an idea.
Before the rise of Shi Xiaole, Chu Lin was undoubtedly the first disciple among the Thirteen Sects of Mountain Luyan. His talents were widely recognized, and having broken through to the Qi Absorption Realm, he must be extremely powerful now.
Shi Xiaole might also be strong, but against Chu Lin who was in the Qi Absorption Realm, his chances weren’t as certain.
From the perspective of most disciples in the Huajian Sect, they did not want Shi Xiaole to lose his position of "number one" so soon after claiming it, especially not to Chu Lin.
"If I can evade today, I can not evade tomorrow. As long as Chu Lin does not defeat me, he will never be satisfied."
Shi Xiaole stood up from his chair.
He had his own pride. If the other party had the audacity to challenge him, why should he refuse? Shi Xiaole actually hoped Chu Lin was powerful enough, so the fight wouldn’t be too dull.
The training ground of the Huajian Sect was packed. Not only were there disciples from the Huajian Sect, but many from the Changfeng Sect had also come.
"Sect Master Yu, is your disciple Shi Xiaole afraid? He is still not coming out. If he is too scared to fight, he might as well give up."
The man speaking in the gorgeous clothes had a stern face. It was Lei Lie, the master of the Changfeng Sect who had sneak attacked Shi Xiaole in the past.
"Master Lei, there is no need to be impatient. I have sent someone to call him."
Yu Fangge answered with a slight smile, but he was somewhat worried.
He could tell that this time the Changfeng Sect was prepared. Both Lei Lie and Chu Lin were radiating a strong confidence.
He did not believe that they were not aware that Shi Xiaole had defeated the Bloody Hand, Lian Tu. Since they knew, then it could only mean that the strength of Chu Lin has reached a significant level.
While he was thinking, both factions of disciples were already cheering loudly.
The different reactions were such that the Huajian Sect’s disciples were cheering him on, while the Changfeng Sect’s disciples were jeering and booing.
"Master, little junior brother has arrived."
Yuan Qiuwei, who was standing by his side, reminded Yu Fangge.
As he turned his head, he saw the disciples of both factions had clearly separated to either side. Shi Xiaole was just stepping out into the aisle they had made.
"Senior Brother Shi, go for it!"
Many disciples from the Huajian Sect shouted.
"Hehe, the title of the First Disciple in Mountain Luyan, will inevitably return to our senior brother Chu today."
The disciples of the Changfeng Sect laughed loudly, each of them staring at Shi Xiaole with different expressions.
Ignoring the others, Shi Xiaole walked to Yu Fangge and the Second Elder, greeting each of them.
"Since he’s here, let’s not waste any more time. Let’s get started."
Lei Lie gave Shi Xiaole a cold glance and moved his mouth slightly.
"Junior Brother Shi, last time we didn’t get to have a good fight, I was quite taken aback. I hope this time, you can make it more enjoyable."
Chu Lin’s smile did not reach his eyes as he said this.
The meaning of his words was very clear—he insinuated that he had greatly improved from last time, and it would be quite an achievement if Shi Xiaole could push him to his limits.
Chu Lin was usually more calculated and wouldn’t say something so blunt.
However, Shi Xiaole’s recent fame had far surpassed him as the former first disciple. So after his realm breakthrough and substantial progress in his techniques, Chu Lin, after discussing with Lei Lie, impatiently came to challenge him, wanting to prove himself.
Hearing Chu Lin’s words, the three top disciples were a bit irritated, and the other Huajian Sect disciples also looked angry.
Shi Xiaole kept his expression unchanged and said, "I hope your ability is as strong as your words."
"Junior Brother Shi, will you please."
Swish.
Both of them leaped onto the stone platform, ten feet long and wide. They stood across from each other, at that moment, attracting the gaze of thousands of spectators.
"Senior Brother Chu must win!"
"Senior Brother Shi will win!"
In the cheering of the disciples from both sects, Chu Lin was the first to thrust his sword at Shi Xiaole.
It was his unique move, Sword Flash.
"He’s using this move right from the start?"
Xiao Yuanbo couldn’t help but be surprised.
Usually, the more powerful the killer move, the more likely to be used later. Whether Chu Lin was bluffing or displaying his improved strength by using his unique move from the very beginning, remained a question.
Under the propulsion of the internal power of the first level of the Qi Absorption Realm, Chu Lin’s sword was both fast and fierce. Its power was much stronger than before, enough to kill most of the people present in an instant.
If it were a month ago, Shi Xiaole might not have been able to react to it, but his strength had greatly improved, and he certainly did not take Chu Lin’s sword seriously.
Clang, clang, clang!
Shi Xiaole drew his sword and performed the Taiyue Three Green Peaks.
As the two swords clashed, sparks exploded at the tips. Both retreated three steps simultaneously.
Although Shi Xiaole’s internal power was inferior to Chu Lin’s, the Taiyue Three Green Peaks, amplified by the dangerous situation, showed significant offensive power. To a degree, it made up for the gap in internal power.
"Junior Brother Shi, last time you defeated Zhao Nanxing with this sword skill. Today, I, Chu, will break your sword skill."
Chu Lin’s eyes narrowed slightly, and he laughed coldly. Once again, he thrust his sword.
This sword was different from the last. It made no sound as it was drawn, not even a whisper of the wind. If his eyes were closed, he wouldn’t be aware of it at all.
It was another unique move of Chu Lin’s, the Shadowless Killing Sword.
When this move appeared, Yuan Qiuwei’s heart contracted slightly.
He could clearly feel that Chu Lin’s sword skills had reached a new realm. If it were him on the platform now, he would likely lose instantly under this sword.
Many people realized the terror of this sword and their hearts rose to their throats.
On the stone platform, Shi Xiaole held his sword with two hands and swiftly rushed towards Chu Lin, swinging a remarkably dangerous-looking sword. It was his unique move, One-line Lifeline.
Bang!
With a booming noise, a wave of rhythm exploded, and the two fighters were forced to retreat once more.
At this point, Shi Xiaole admitted that Chu Lin, at the Qi Absorption Realm, was indeed much more formidable than Bloody Hand Lian Tu. Even in terms of attack power, he was on par with himself.
However, due to the limitations of his cultivation, Shi Xiaole’s attack power had always been a weak point. His strength was not based on his attack power but rather on his unpredictable techniques.
"Junior Brother Shi, that must be the kill move you used to defeat Lian Tu. It sure has its charm. Unfortunately, if that’s all you’ve got, you’re bound to lose today."
Upon hearing this, the disciples from the Huajian Sect were taken aback.
Could it be that Chu Lin hadn’t been using his full strength just now?
Shi Xiaole defeated Bloody Hand Lian Tu just over a month ago. There was no way he could have developed a more powerful technique in such a short time. Things weren’t looking good.
Taking a deep breath, Chu Lin’s eyes darkened as he said, "I’ve recently created a technique called Changfeng Three Swords. Junior Brother Shi, if you can withstand it, I’ll admit defeat."
No sooner were the words out of his mouth than Chu Lin unleashed his third sword stroke.
The speed of this sword stroke was even faster than his Shadowless Kill Sword, so fast that it brought about a faint phantom in its wake.
Suddenly, a gasp of surprise was heard from the round-faced girl in the crowd who was looking at Shi Xiaole with worry.
"Sect Master Yu, do you think the top disciple of your Huajian Sect can withstand these attacks?"
Lei Lie chuckled heartily.
He had agreed to Chu Lin’s challenge because he had seen the self-created Changfeng Three Swords, and to Lei Lie, it would be impressive if Shi Xiaole could just barely block one of the strikes.
"We’ll see."
Yu Fangge, preoccupied, replied absent-mindedly.
Seeing the incoming sword, Shi Xiaole raised both hands and used Life Thread once again. However, this time the danger of the sword stroke and the ferocity of the rhythm were a notch above the previous one.
In the clashing of the swords, the first sword of Changfeng was shattered in an instant.
"His understanding has advanced again?"
Yu Fangge muttered to himself, a sharp light flashing in his eyes.
During the initial competition between the sects, Yu Fangge was amazed by Shi Xiaole’s understanding of ten percent. Unexpectedly, after a month, the young man’s understanding had elevated subtly, nearing twenty percent.
This kid really is a freak.
What Yu Fangge didn’t know was that, after the big fight between the sects, Shi Xiaole’s understanding had already reached fifteen percent. The fierce battle at Wanlin Mountain later spurred him further, letting him make steady progress.
If one had to put it in numerical terms, Shi Xiaole’s current understanding could be estimated to be around eighteen percent.
"Second sword!"
Chu Lin’s expression was grim, and he launched out the second sword of Changfeng without any delay.
This sword didn’t rely on speed, but on strength. Like a brisk wind with a strong aftermath, it concentrated all the power on the sword’s tip, rendering it fatally striking.
"This is somewhat similar to the Devil Path sword technique from the last time."
Looking at Chu Lin’s move, Shi Xiaole mused.
He didn’t believe that Chu Lin had the ability to create the Changfeng Three Swords. This wasn’t underestimating him. If Chu Lin had such skills, he would have stood out a long time ago, not just as one of the Four Aces of Mountain Luyan?
Most importantly, the choreography of the Changfeng Three Swords was clearly similar to the Devil Path sword technique that Chu Lin had used in the underground space. Therefore, Shi Xiaole firmly believed that the Changfeng Three Swords were modified from the previous sword technique.
"With this sword, Shi Xiaole is sure to lose!"
Lei Lie burst out laughing, making Yu Fangge look uncomfortable.
Among the gasps of surprise on the field, Shi Xiaole kept his cool. He suddenly swung his sword, seemingly thrusting it right into Chu Lin’s chest from a distance.
"How could it be so fast?"
Taken aback by the sudden turn of events, Chu Lin quickly withdrew his sword. But in the next moment, he saw that Shi Xiaole’s sword was still three feet away. Everything that just happened was an illusion.
"Chu Lin, what are you doing?"
Lei Lie raised his thick eyebrows and shouted coldly.
"Why did Elder Brother Chu suddenly withdraw his strike? Did he do it deliberately to let Shi Xiaole off the hook?"
"It must be true. Ha, ha, Elder Brother Chu is indeed the strongest."
The disciples of the Changfeng Sect whispered among themselves, wearing triumphant smiles.
"What on Earth is going on?"
Confused, the three top disciples exchanged a glance.
Shi Xiaole swung his sword again and again in succession, slowly leaving everyone with a sense that things were not right.
It was acceptable that Chu Lin retreated once, maybe twice out of generosity, but continuously retreating went against his character. Moreover, if he was so confident, why did his face reflect fear?
"What trick did you play?"
Chu Lin, being repeatedly frustrated, screamed in rage, suspecting that he had fallen into a trap.
Shi Xiaole didn’t bother to explain and shook his sword forcefully, instantly knocking Chu Lin’s weapon out of his hand. The next moment, the tip of his sword was pressing against Chu Lin’s throat.
"You lost."
Shi Xiaole said coldly.
"I-I haven’t lost! You must have resorted to trickery, it’s drugs, you must have used narcotics!"
Chu Lin yelled with bloodshot eyes, unable to accept this outcome.
Shi Xiaole just shook his head. Even the understanding couldn’t be figured out and Chu Lin was accusing him of using narcotics. Chu Lin was hardly a match for him.
"Shi Xiaole, what exactly did you do? Speak out."
Lei Lie had murderous intent written all over his face. If Shi Xiaole had indeed used improper means, he wouldn’t let him get away with it.
"Means?"
With a faint smile, Shi Xiaole made a move to stab at Lei Lie with his sword, but quickly withdrew it. At that moment, Lei Lie had the illusion that he had been stabbed by the sword, but being an unusual figure, he quickly woke up.
Lei Lie trembled internally in the next moment.
"Understanding, it’s some kind of illusory understanding?"
Yu Fangge opened his mouth, staring at Shi Xiaole on the stage, his pupils contracting.
