Chapter 16: Like Art
The competition kicked off.
The current generation of disciples had been in the sect for half a year, and most had already reached the Yuan Dan stage.
After all, the Grand Dao Sect was one of the best in the First Heaven, so the qualifications of its disciples were naturally top-notch.
A perfect Gathering Qi completion took three months for geniuses, while it took six months for common talents.
The majority of Grand Dao Sect disciples achieved a full Gathering Qi in three to five months before setting out to break through.
On the arena, the disciples were already showing off some skills since they were all in the Yuan Dan realm and counted as strong individuals among the scattered practitioners in the earthly realm.
In fact, early-stage disciples from big sects might not fare better than wandering cultivators who had been through hardships, but as time went on, big sect disciples only got stronger.
For big sects, Yuan Dan was just the starting point.
However, for many wandering cultivators, it could very well be the endpoint of their cultivation journey.
When a disciple showcased exceptional skills, gasps of amazement erupted from the crowd.
Not long after, Yue Hongling took the stage.
By now, Yue Hongling had gained quite a reputation in the Grand Dao Sect; on the seventeenth of the previous month, she achieved a perfect Gathering Qi, setting a new record for the sect.
She almost broke the record for the entire First Heaven, and combined with her stunning looks and legs longer than a person’s lifespan, she was truly unforgettable.
As soon as Yue Hongling stepped onto the stage, cheers and gasps filled the air.
However, some eyes couldn’t help but wander over to Lu Ye.
Because this guy actually made Yue Hongling roll away…
Yue Hongling was furious. Now at the fifth level of Yuan Dan, she was leveling up fast, and her opponent was merely a newly promoted Yuan Dan.
With one swift kick, her opponent barely had time to react before they saw a flash of burgundy and were sent flying off the stage.
Too fast!
Many observing elders nodded in approval, acknowledging her potential. Quite a few had previously underestimated Yue Hongling, thinking her talent was nothing special.
After a while, the name Chu Ling actually appeared on the roster.
She had indeed joined the Grand Dao Sect.
“Young master, I’m off,” Chu Ling said softly.
Lu Ye looked ahead, ignoring her completely.
A hint of bitterness appeared in Chu Ling’s eyes, her heart pounding painfully.
Lu Ye’s behavior now made her reminisce about how well he had treated her in the past.
Of course, she also regretted just how foolish she had been!
This scene didn’t escape anyone’s notice; many male disciples couldn’t help but grind their teeth in frustration.
What’s he pretending for, anyway?
And what’s with that water lily-like girl?
How can such a pretty girl be a complete simp?
Chu Ling stepped onto the stage.
Her opponent was also a female disciple. Just as Chu Ling was about to strike, the other girl spoke up.
“Junior sister, what are you doing? He has already humiliated you; why are you still trying to get close? We cultivators, though female, are not at all weaker than men.”
“I can see you’re strong, and you look great too. Plus, you practice sword techniques, yet your actions are simply tarnishing the image of female cultivators and sword practitioners.”
“If you’re bullied or threatened by him, just say the word, and I’ll definitely help you get justice!”
Chu Ling listened to her, gently shaking her head.
“It’s all my choice. To me, the young master is more important than the sword path. Thank you for your kindness, senior sister.”
The senior sister’s eyes widened.
“Do you even know what nonsense you’re talking about?”
You’re someone who practices the sword; isn’t the sword the strongest path?
“Every word from Chu Ling comes from the heart!”
“Fine, fine, fine, stubborn and unyielding. Today I will awaken you!”
Not far away, Sun Ruowei heard Chu Ling’s words and couldn’t help but glance at Bai Qiulan, then at Lu Ye.
Lu Ye looked handsome and refined, like a gentle breeze in the mountains, a bright moon in the sky.
But… guys like him were a dime a dozen, even among the Grand Dao Sect, there were plenty who were more handsome.
What on earth made Chu Ling so infatuated?
And that terrifying title, “Sister Bai!”
No way, I have to investigate this!
Lu Ye remained unfazed by the multitude of gazes locked onto him, casually looking around as if it didn’t matter to him. His resolve was firmer than in his past life.
Just a bunch of stares, nothing to sweat over.
The senior sister boldly initiated the attack, wielding her longsword, surrounding Chu Ling together with two other figures.
Chu Ling made her move!
Glimmering like a fish, striking like lightning.
Sparks flew, blades clashed.
The tip of her black magic sword halted just at the other girl’s throat.
The opponent’s hand trembled uncontrollably, horror flashing in her eyes.
Not just her, but many watching were filled with disbelief.
The elder overseeing the competition had a look of astonishment; he was a sword elder who could sense Chu Ling’s sword intent—how pure and powerful it was!
A love-struck person could hone their sword intent to this level; if they focused solely on the Dao… wouldn’t they be off the charts?
Some even contemplated taking the opportunity to deal with that Lu Ye and cut off the source of this “sword fairy’s” distractions.
“Thank you for the match!”
Chu Ling sheathed her sword and spoke softly.
“Bai Lan Peak’s Chu Ling, victory!”
Chu Ling jumped off the stage and rushed to Lu Ye’s side.
“Young master, I won.”
Chu Ling looked at Lu Ye with shining eyes, as if waiting for his praise.
Lu Ye closed his eyes, completely ignoring her.
Chu Ling felt a pang of disappointment; it had been so long since she heard the young master praise her.
What seemed so normal now felt incredibly nostalgic.
Many people witnessed this scene, with a million angry thoughts about Lu Ye racing through their minds, enough to resurrect a hundred demonic sword immortals.
Some sword practitioners, even among the elders, found themselves filled with a murderous intent toward Lu Ye.
After four more rounds, it was Lu Ye’s turn.
As he took the stage, more people recognized his name.
“Gu Qing, go for it! Beat him!”
“Wake the others up; what’s so good about a guy who doesn’t appreciate women’s tenderness?”
“You have to thoroughly trounce him!”
Everyone cheered for a disciple named Gu Qing, a name Lu Ye wasn’t familiar with – it seemed fleeting.
However, he was quite familiar with a young man named Liu Yishui, who was shouting the loudest.
Gu Qing took the stage.
The match began!
Just as Gu Qing was about to speak, Lu Ye unleashed a punch.
A transparent fist imprint, the size of a grinding wheel, rapidly smashed toward Gu Qing.
Gu Qing was startled, let out an angry shout, and swung his long blade down hard.
The blade broke apart, and both man and sword flew out, landing outside the arena, spitting a mouthful of blood in a spectacular geyser.
The tumultuous crowd fell silent in an instant.
“Thank you for the match!”
Lu Ye stepped down from the stage, nonchalant and charming, leaving everyone speechless.
That punch was a strike to the hearts of all present.
Fast, precise, fierce.
Like art!
