Chapter 7: Chapter 7: Martial Arts Arena
「In the Venerable Domain.」
Shen Daoxing gripped his iron sword, still training feverishly.
On the first level of the prison, he had already defeated countless experts with the longsword in his hand.
His cultivation had also advanced from the Sixth Layer of the Acupoint Opening Realm to the Seventh Layer.
After defeating yet another opponent, Shen Daoxing looked at the sword in his hand. ’I’m still a little short of comprehending Sword Intent.’
Sword Intent is the true mark of a Swordsman.
Sword Intent is more than a Swordsman’s unique insight into the Sword Dao; it can be described as the overwhelming presence unleashed by combining form, Sword Qi, and Sword Aura into one.
The reason Swordsmen are so rare is precisely that many people find it difficult to take the first step: comprehending true Sword Intent.
He had already comprehended concepts like Lifting Light as Heavy, Lifting Heavy as Light, Sword Qi, and Sword Aura.
Yet, he still hadn’t managed to achieve an epiphany and grasp the fabled Sword Intent.
"Be patient."
The Blood Dragon spiraled up and approached Shen Daoxing. "The Venerable Domain contains Martial Techniques left behind by Venerable Supremes of ages past. As it happens, there’s a high-level Profound Tier Sword Technique here—the Four Symbols Sword Technique. You should focus on cultivating it."
The sky twisted, and lines of golden characters materialized.
Shen Daoxing nodded, his eyes fixed on the characters.
The Four Symbols of the Four Symbols Sword Technique were wind, rain, thunder, and lightning.
First move of the Four Symbols Sword Technique! Feng Buliu!
Second move of the Four Symbols Sword Technique! Rain Without Interval!
Third move of the Four Symbols Sword Technique! Thunder Flash!
Fourth move of the Four Symbols Sword Technique! Electric Illusion!
The Blood Dragon said, "If you can completely master all four of these moves, their combined power will be comparable to an Earth-Tier Martial Technique."
Shen Daoxing stared at his palm, contemplating the four sword techniques.
Five more days passed, leaving only half a month until the contest for the White Cloud Order.
Shen Daoxing continuously contemplated the Sword Dao, trying to find a path to a breakthrough.
Despite having the prison’s experts as sparring partners and the Blood Dragon’s guidance, he was still a hair’s breadth away from comprehending Sword Intent.
Shen Daoxing’s brow furrowed slightly as he muttered to himself, ’What exactly am I missing? On top of that, I need to reach the Profound Platform Realm before the contest for the White Cloud Order.’
The Blood Dragon spoke up. "Although you cultivate the Annihilation of Ten Thousand Swords Technique and absorb Heaven and Earth Primordial Qi extremely quickly, reaching the Profound Platform Realm in half a month will still be difficult. If you had the aid of elixirs, you might just succeed."
Elixirs, which can aid a Martial Artist’s cultivation, are exceedingly precious.
Elixirs are graded from Ninth to First Grade, with quality increasing accordingly. Most Shen Family disciples use Ninth Grade elixirs for their cultivation; only a select few can obtain Eighth Grade ones.
As things stood, there was no way the Shen Family would give Shen Daoxing even a single elixir.
Shen Daoxing took a deep breath. "I’ll find a way."
...
Within Baiyun City, the four great families were ostensibly the dominant powers. In reality, however, another faction existed, one whose status was even more aloof. They simply kept a low profile and never involved themselves in the city’s conflicts.
And this aloof power was the Martial Arts Arena!
The Martial Arts Arena had its own rankings. Those who made it onto the lists not only gained great fame but also received a stipend from the arena.
As a result, vast numbers of Martial Artists entered the Martial Arts Arena every day to compete.
The Martial Arts Arena was said to be backed by the Royal Family. Life-and-Death Martial Arts Arenas existed in every province and Commandery City of the Martial Kingdom; they were the true titans of the nation.
In the center of Baiyun City stood the Martial Arts Arena.
A white-robed figure, a young man with refined features, slowly walked into the Martial Arts Arena.
"Sir, how may our Life-and-Death Martial Arts Arena be of service?" an attendant asked, stepping forward to greet him.
"I’m here for a prize fight," Shen Daoxing stated.
Though his face was still that of a youth, he had actually used a Disguise Skill.
"A prize fight?" The attendant raised an eyebrow, not the least bit surprised.
The Martial Arts Arena ran all sorts of events, and arena duels were among the most common.
"May I ask your name, sir? And your cultivation level?" the attendant asked.
"For my name, you can call me Xing. As for my cultivation..." Shen Daoxing flicked his wrist, and a surge of Primordial Energy burst forth.
"Seventh Layer of the Acupoint Opening Realm?"
The attendant gave a slight smile. Countless Martial Artists came to the Life-and-Death Martial Arts Arena for prize fights, including a great many at the Profound Platform Realm. The Seventh Layer of the Acupoint Opening Realm was utterly ordinary.
"Mr. Xing, let’s discuss this elsewhere. Please, follow me," the attendant said in a hushed voice.
Shen Daoxing nodded and followed the attendant into a private room within the Martial Arts Arena. Once they were inside, the attendant departed, and a man of considerably higher status took his place: a Black Robe Steward.
"Mr. Xing," the Black Robe Steward began, looking at Shen Daoxing, "our Martial Arts Arenas operate all across the Martial Kingdom. The rules are common knowledge, so I assume you are clear on them."
"I understand," Shen Daoxing nodded. "It’s a life-and-death battle. I am responsible for my own fate."
"Very well. I will arrange a suitable opponent for you as soon as possible. A victory will earn you an Eighth-Grade Nourishing Essence Pill," the Black Robe Steward said, watching Shen Daoxing.
"That’s acceptable."
Shen Daoxing gave a slight nod. "I’d like to know, how many Eighth-Grade Nourishing Essence Pills do I get for winning one match?"
"Normally, one victory earns you one Eighth-Grade Nourishing Essence Pill. Of course, if you’re confident enough, you can choose to continue fighting."
The Black Robe Steward added, "A ten-match winning streak will earn you a Seventh-Grade Nourishing Essence Pill. After ten straight wins, however, your opponents will become much stronger."
As he finished, a hint of amusement flickered in the Black Robe Steward’s eyes.
Shen Daoxing stroked the sword at his side. "Can you arrange a match for me on the Shen Family’s stage?"
In the Martial Arts Arena, every major family had its own dedicated stage, used both to attract Martial Artists to their ranks and to serve as a deterrent to rivals.
The Black Robe Steward chuckled. "Oh? Are you looking to join the Shen Family, sir?"
Typically, there were two reasons to challenge a family’s stage: one was to join them, and the other was to tear them down.
Shen Daoxing simply smiled and said nothing.
The Black Robe Steward said, "I’ll arrange it for you right away."
Soon enough, the match was arranged for Shen Daoxing.
The moment Shen Daoxing stepped onto the battle stage, an uproar went through the Martial Arts Arena.
"Who’s that? Does he want to join the Shen Family, too?"
"The Shen Family’s Young Master is a peerless genius, and the family itself is at its zenith. What’s so strange about wanting to join them?"
...
Below the stage, a Shen Family elder remarked, "More and more people have been trying to join our Shen Family lately. Does this young man wish to join us as well?"
Shen Lin sneered. "The Shen Family doesn’t accept just any trash. Send someone up to test him."
Shen Daoxing’s first opponent was a martial artist in yellow robes who looked to be in his twenties. His cultivation was at the Sixth Layer of the Acupoint Opening Realm.
Reaching this realm in one’s twenties meant his talent wasn’t exceptional, but it wasn’t poor, either.
The yellow-robed Martial Artist held a sharp battle blade and announced in a resonant voice, "I am Zhu Kai, your first challenger! Draw your sword, sir!"
Shen Daoxing touched his sword hilt and shook his head gently. "You’re not worthy of me drawing my sword. If I did, I’m afraid I’d hurt you."
"Such arrogance!"
Zhu Kai infused Primordial Energy into his large blade, and Blade Qi instantly flared from it.
He then gripped the blade with both hands, swinging it in a watertight defense as he charged rapidly toward Shen Daoxing.
Given his momentum, most Martial Artists of the same realm would not dare to meet his charge head-on.
WHOOSH!
Shen Daoxing stood his ground, perfectly still. He raised an arm, swung his scabbard, and struck the neck of the yellow-robed martial artist.
CLANG!
The large blade fell to the ground.
Zhu Kai cried out in pain as he tumbled off the stage, landing in a dizzy heap.
