Chapter 75: Chapter 75 Start of the Conference (Thanks to the reader ’Min Zhi’ for the reward!)
Before, Shi Xiaole’s Chaotic Intent Realm was only 18% realized, now it was 20%.
Although it seems to have improved only a little, judging the realm of intent is not so straightforward.
It’s like the realm of internal power, the peak of Hidden Qi seventh stage and the eighth stage only seem to be separated by a thin line, but is the difference just a thin line? Clearly not!
The difference in realm of intent is even greater than the difference in the realm of internal power.
Shi Xiaole drew the green-edged sword from the table and thrust it forward.
Even though it was just the beginning form of the Taiyue Three Green Peaks, the fierce and deadly momentum was incredibly intense, almost stronger than the kill move of Taiyue Three Green Peaks before.
The realm of intent is the essence of martial arts, it always has the capability to turn decay into magic.
There is a saying that once someone evolves their realm of intent to 100%, even the most ordinary moves in their hands would become ultimate kill moves.
Of course, Shi Xiaole hadn’t reached that point, but with the boost of a 20% Chaotic Intent Realm, the power of his sword skill was undeniably greatly increased.
The same Taiyue Three Green Peaks skill had seen an increase in its destructive power of about 30%, as for the Chaotic One Slash, since it is more extreme, its destructive power had skyrocketed to 40%.
Originally, the Draw Sword Skill combined with the Chaotic Intent Realm to form the Chaotic One Slash, which was Shi Xiaole’s strongest trump card.
Now the Chaotic One Slash hasn’t debuted yet, and it was immediately overtaken by Chaotic One Slash.
The upgrade in his strength made Shi Xiaole extremely confident. He was certain that even if he was faced with opponents like ’Wind Sword’ Zuo Feiyang, ’Flying Sky Bear’ Xiong Ni, he wouldn’t need to be apprehensive anymore.
Realizing that it was getting late, Shi Xiaole blew out the candle, took off his clothes, and lay down on the bed, soon falling into a deep sleep.
...
The night quickly passed. As soon as the second 2-hour period arrived, Astonishing Dragon Castle was lively, with people coming and going everywhere.
They were the servants and maids of the Astonishing Dragon Castle, hurriedly carrying food and wine to the venue.
According to the usual custom, the Cloud Sky Alliance meeting lasted for two days. During these two days, apart from the necessary courtesy and rest in the evening, all the participating sects did not leave the venue.
The venue was located in the open area north of Astonishing Dragon Castle.
Since a lot of people were participating this time, not only were tables and chairs filled around the venue, but even the ring corridor 10 meters above the open space was filled with desks.
From a distance, there were shadows of people everywhere, creating a black mass.
The Huajian Sect was not strong in the Cloud Sky Alliance, so they were arranged on the south side of the open space, unable to sit in the corridor above.
Shi Xiaole took a quick glance around, and saw that the other eight sects from Mountain Luyan, as well as the Light Sword Sect, Iron Fist Sect, and others were all around.
In addition, he also saw the Silver Spear Sect where Wang Yangming was, and the Fiery Fire Sect which had first provoked the Huajian Sect in the crowd.
"You four, pay attention."
At this moment, the always drinking Yu Fangge suddenly said solemnly, "During the forthcoming friendly competition, you four represent the Huajian Sect, remember to not act on impulse. Don’t just jump into the ring when someone provokes you, first observe the strength of your opponent."
Yu Fangge was carefree by nature and troubled about very few things, but at serious events like the Cloud Sky Alliance meeting, he had to care about the face of the Huajian Sect.
Of course, what he cared about more were Shi Xiaole and the other three. He was afraid that if they got publicly humiliated, they would encounter a psychological obstacle that would be detrimental to their martial arts cultivation.
Situations like these had happened before during previous meetings.
The previous number one disciple of the Huajian Sect wasn’t Yuan Qiuwei. However, after being deliberately humiliated by the number one disciple of Fiery Fire Sect, that disciple was completely crushed and finally left Huajian Sect, disappearing without a trace.
Every time he thought about this, Yu Fangge felt a pang of sorrow.
"Master, don’t worry, we understand."
Yuan Qiuwei quickly reassured him and then instructed his younger martial brothers and sisters on what to be cautious of, especially warning them to beware of the Fiery Fire Sect.
Based on past experience, this sect never missed an opportunity to provoke the Huajian Sect.
"I investigated yesterday, the first disciple of Fiery Fire Sect has already reached the Qi Absorption Realm first stage, and it is said that he has even defeated a practitioner of the Qi Absorption second stage."
Xiao Yuanbo’s eyes twinkled as he said, "Also, the Fiery Fire Sect has taken in a genius disciple two years ago who’s only 16 years old now and has already reached the Hidden Qi eighth stage, his power is like little martial brother’s, far surpassing the outward realm."
"Once those two challenge us, it’s best to weigh the pros and cons."
Although Xiao Yuanbo’s words were cryptic, it was clear that he was advising the other three not to accept the challenge.
Yuan Qiuwei, being steady by nature, nodded in agreement and even looked at Shi Xiaole specially, "Little martial brother, don’t be impulsive."
He worried that Shi Xiaole, thinking he had defeated Chu Lin, would rashly go to fight. That would be too risky.
One must know, although Chu Lin is strong, he’s only strong in Mountain Luyan. That first disciple of the Fiery Fire Sect could be considered an old acquaintance of Yuan Qiuwei, and he’s definitely not comparable to Chu Lin.
Furthermore, he already knew that Shi Xiaole defeated Chu Lin by using Chaotic Intent Realm. This realm is too fluctuating, just a touch of carelessness and he wouldn’t even be able to defeat a regular Qi Absorption first stage disciple.
"Senior Brother, I got it."
Shi Xiaole nodded, his gaze as usual.
At the same time, the Fiery Fire Sect was also watching the Huajian Sect.
"Senior Brother, it seems there are no impressive guys in that sect, not worth us taking action."
This was a lazy looking young man. His black hair was tied at the back of his head, revealing his slim cheeks, all with a faint smile.
"Little martial brother, it’s not a question of whether it’s worth or not, but we must suppress them. Anyway for us, it’s just about putting in a bit more effort."
Zhang Qingfang, the first disciple of the Fiery Fire Sect, said coldly.
"Okay, since Senior Brother says so, I’ll accompany them for a bit of fun."
The lazy young man shrugged, appearing rather helpless.
At his side, Sect Master Yan Donghua revealed a slight smile.
He knew more clearly than anyone else the strength of the two disciples. Zhang Qingfang goes without saying, even Tao Ding could probably match Yuan Qiuwei, the strongest disciple of Huajian Sect.
Yu Fangge, this time I’m going to utterly disgrace you and make you too ashamed to ever participate in the Cloud Sky Gathering again!
Amid the planning voices of various sects, the time arrived at the third quarter of the second hour.
It was the peak of summer and the sun was already very glaring.
"Thank you all for the honor of attending the Cloud Sky Gathering, I am greatly indebted to you all!"
There was an abrupt silence. On the eastern side of the open ground, a pale-faced middle-aged man without a beard stood up, his voice spreading in all directions.
"Alliance leader Yue is too kind!"
The crowd responded in unison.
Alliance leader Yue? Is he Yue Changzheng, the Nine Appearances of Cloud Dragon?
Shi Xiaole carefully observed him, finding that in terms of appearance, manner and protocol, Yue Changzheng was impeccable—a true giant in the martial world of the Cloud Triangle region.
The most interesting thing was that the Astonishing Dragon Castle, the host of the event, had arranged their own seats on the ground rather than in the sky corridor, silencing the other sects.
"The Cloud Sky Gathering, held every two years, is meant as a chance for members of the Cloud Sky Alliance to bond and exchange skills. In the upcoming competitions, I hope you will all respect each other’s limits and avoid harming the harmony."
Yue Changzheng swept his gaze over the crowd and addressed them directly.
The initial rule that each sect could only send disciples to participate was made to minimize friction between sects as much as possible. After all, when children fight, it’s unlikely to escalate.
Of course, there were some sects with existing rivalries that took the opportunity to oppress each other. But where there are people, there are rivers and lakes—this was unavoidable.
After a few more polite words, seeing the young disciples were ready to go, Yue Changzheng said with a smile: "I won’t waste any more time. The Cloud Sky Gathering begins now!"
Whoosh!
There was no sound, but Shi Xiaole could swear he heard waves of war intent rushing into the sky, causing a series of resonations.
"It’s finally starting."
In the corridor, Jiang Qingzhou from the Cloud Sword Pavilion firmly held his sword. Zuo Feiyang, who was next to him, had a gleam in his eye.
Also, the Dry Land Sect, the Tyrant Saber Sect, and many young masters who aimed at making a name for themselves, were all ready to go on stage and demonstrate their skills at this moment.
"Liu Mengse, I’ve waited a long time to defeat you in front of everyone."
At the Astonishing Dragon Castle, Yue Xunxian squinted slightly, brimming with confidence.
Liu Mengse’s sect was considered powerful, but their fight had gained such attention that they had been placed on the edge of the open area. At this moment, he remained calm, shaking his fan, his depth unrevealed.
"Dongshan Sect’s Li Hengzhi, I request the honor of receiving your instruction."
In the tense atmosphere, a young man with thick eyebrows flew out first from the west of the open area, yelling aloud when he landed in the center.
"Flowing Water Sect’s Wang Hui."
As soon as the words fell, another young man immediately jumped out and landed opposite him.
The two respectfully clasped their fists, plunged into the fight without wasting any words, and soon the field was filled with the flashes of swords and knives.
"Little junior brother, who do you think will win?"
A faint fragrance entered his nose. Mao Wenjing asked Shi Xiaole.
"Both have the same 7-tier Hidden Qi cultivation level. Li Hengzhi has stronger stamina; although he’s at a disadvantage, he’s clearly accumulating power and should win."
Shi Xiaole gave his thoughts.
Mao Wenjing seemed to disagree. In her view, Wang Hui seemed to be stronger and should have the upper hand.
In a spirit of disbelief, Mao Wenjing continued to watch. As Shi Xiaole predicted, after dozens of moves, Li Hengzhi suddenly burst into power, knocking Wang Hui’s knife away with his sword.
"Thank you."
Li Hengzhi thanked him with a fist and a smile.
Wang Hui didn’t look very happy, but reluctantly returned the gesture and retreated to his seat as quickly as possible.
"He really guessed the outcome right."
Mao Wenjing glanced at Shi Xiaole’s side profile and had to admit that her judgment was not as good as his.
A series of battles were staged on the open ground, one after another, without any intermission.
Most of the young people on-site came with the hope of making their mark and naturally didn’t want to miss this opportunity. Even seeing others get ahead of them filled many with anxiety.
In the midst of repeated cheering, time quickly passed to noon.
The names of three people were thoroughly remembered by all.
The first was a disciple of the Changfeng Sect, Chu Lin. Although he was already twenty years old, Chu Lin’s cultivation level had reached the first level of Qi Absorption Realm. Coupled with the Changfeng Three Swords, he hadn’t met an opponent in his seven battles today.
The second was a disciple of Cloud Sword Pavilion, Jiang Qingzhou. Although his cultivation was only at the 8-tier Hidden Qi level, he had won five consecutive battles, even defeating a disciple of the Qi Absorption Realm, which dropped many jaws.
The third was Tao Ding of the Fiery Fire Sect. He was lazy-looking, yet his moves were fast and cruel. Just like the others, he won five battles, none of which lasted more than three rounds.
"Indeed, this is the Cloud Sky Gathering. It’s only been half a day, and three talents have already emerged."
"These three are all sure to rank among the second-tier talents."
People murmured and discussed, their words full of admiration.
After effortlessly defeating his sixth opponent, Tao Ding didn’t leave the ring. Instead, he suddenly looked towards the direction of the Huajian Sect, a hint of a strange smile on his face.
