n

n

n

nTranslator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

nMount Shu, the Sword Guild.

nChao Xiaojian sat in the conference hall of the Sword Guild

nHe read through the document placed in front of him. The document had the Emperor’s seal on it.

n“It appears that the Emperor has decided to use the sects to condition the foreigners. By allowing them to cultivate in our sect, we are supposed to educate them as well. In other words, the Emperor wants the sects to change the mindsets of these foreign geniuses and strengthen their sense of belonging to the Tang Dynasty.”

nChao Xiaojian said as he put down the document and tapped his finger.

nThe hall was silent.

nThe elders stared at Chao Xiaojian without voicing their opinions. After all, the Emperor’s command had been passed down—even if they were against it, their words would have no effect on the matter.

nBesides, the other sects had already agreed to bring in foreign geniuses. How could the Sword Guild be the only one to refuse?

n“It’s not a big problem to let foreign geniuses join the Sword Guild. In fact, it can add some pressure to those indolent kids in the sect.”

nChao Xiaojian commented.

n“One more thing.

n“Now that the Imperial Examination has ended, this year’s grand champion has decided to join our Sword Guild. You all have heard of him—he’s the brat who won the Gathering of Swords.”

nHearing that, the elders of the Sword Guild instantly gasped.

n“Elder Ji, you shall be the champion’s mentor. He possesses unworldly talents and a mutated core. Your goal is to get him into the fourth class as soon as possible.”

nChao Xiaojian turned to the old scarred man in the conference hall.

nFang Lang might have recognized the old scarred man if he were there—it was the same man who invigilated the tunnel test during the Gathering of Swords.

n“Alright.”

nThe old scarred man remembered Fang Lang. Thus, he did not refuse but cupped his fist with his palm and replied.

n“In addition to that, I’ve arranged for a man to help you with your task. You all know of this man as well.”

nChao Xiaojian said smilingly. He raised his hands and clapped them together.

nA soft chuckle instantly sounded from outside the conference hall. A beam of light appeared and morphed into the slender and elegant figure of Wen Ting.

nWen Ting arrived with his sword in hand and his palm cupped over his fist.

n“Greetings, respected elders.”

n…

nIt had always been a tradition in the Sword Guild for the senior disciples to welcome the new disciples.

nIn fact, it was not only the Sword Guild—almost every sect in the empire had the same practice.

nAfter all, disciples who had just left their academies would inevitably retain an academic view of cultivation. Thus, many sects would organize welcoming events like these to help their disciples grasp the difference between sects and academies.

n“The senior disciples have rewards to earn in joining activities like this. However, it is not without risk. If a senior loses to a newcomer, it would prove that their skills are still poor and will likely give their month’s worth of cultivation resources to the winning newcomer.”

nGrooming Peak, on the battle ring of Mount Shu’s plaza.

nXiao Lingjian turned to Fang Lang and said.

n“You guys should get used to this. In the sect, you’re not allowed to have private matches or deathmatches. However, if you have beef with someone, you can always challenge them in the battle ring and wager your resources.

n“You can see this welcome battle as a small gamble. If you’re not happy with the results, you can always challenge the seniors who bullied you today to a rematch when you’ve grown stronger. When the time comes, they’ll have no right to turn you down.”

nXiao Lingjian could not help but laugh.

nMany senior disciples surrounding them were also bursting into laughter, indicating that many of them had been in a similar situation as Xiao Lingjian described.

nThat was how competitive the inner sect was. After all, only through competition could they get stronger faster.

n“Senior, how does the competition go?

n“Is it one-on-one?”

nIn truth, Fang Lang did not care about that. After becoming the grand champion, he had received an abundance of rewards at the White Jade Court.

nHis cultivation abilities had increased at tremendous speed. By then, he was already a ninth-grade sword master, a fifth-grade martial arts master and a fifth-grade spell master. Even Fang Lang himself did not know how strong he was in his current state.

nCoincidentally, it was a good chance to get used to his new powers by fighting those enthusiastic senior disciples.

nAs for the resources…

nFang Lang was not in need of the spirit crystals the Sword Guild provided anyway.

n“Not one-on-one. Since there are three of you, it’ll be a three-on-three battle.”

nXian Lingjian said after shaking his head.

n“Do you guys know about the Qianlong Resource Battle that’s coming up in six months? There’ll be a team event during the battle. Since the three of you entered the Sword Guild at the same time, it’ll be very likely that you three will be grouped together for the Qianlong Battle.

n“This welcome battle will also teach you about teamwork and coordination.”

nXiao Lingjian claimed.

nFang Lang staggered when he heard that. Liu Bubai and Ni Wen were also confused.

n“Isn’t everyone in the Sword Guild a sword mastery practitioner? What kind of coordination are you talking about?”

nFang Lang inquired.

nFang Lang had heard about coordination between cultivators before. When he was still in the academy, Mentor Wen had pointed it out in their textbooks. However, most coordinated combats occurred between cultivators of different masteries as it made the team more well-rounded.

nXiao Lingjian laughed. The senior disciples around them were also grinning.

n“Who said the Sword Guild only had sword mastery practitioners?”

n“There are many types of sword mastery practitioners—some focus on speed, some prioritize damage while others specialize in light blows. Additionally, we also have disciples who focus on both sword and spell…”

n“These three are all geniuses of this year’s Imperial Examination. We’ll not be able to take them on in a one-on-one battle, but when it comes to coordination, I’m afraid they’ll have no chance of winning even with the grand champion on their side.”

n…

nThe senior disciples snickered.

n“The grand champion looks kind of cute, right?” said one of the senior female disciples with her hand covering her mouth.

nFang Lang fell into silent contemplation after hearing the senior disciple’s words.

nXiao Lingjian clarified, “In truth, the purpose of coordination within groups is to prepare for future battles in the demon world. The situation in the demon world is complicated, but with coordination techniques, we can increase our chances of survival.”

nFang Lang, Liu Bubai and Ni Wen all understood his words.

n“Let’s do this then.”

nFang Lang announced.

nLiu Bubai and Ni Wen did not oppose. They had no issue fighting as a team.

nThe three of them had come from Luojiang Academy together—they believed there must be some tacit understanding between them.

nIn fact, Liu Bubai was relieved to hear that it was a team battle. On the contrary, he was not too confident when it came to a one-on-one duel.

nTeam battle?

n‘Ha! Victory will be ours for sure!’

n

nThe disciples moved away from the practice grounds and stood around to spectate. Among them, three senior disciples emerged from the crowd.

nIt was a team of one man and two women. The man had a huge heavy blade on his back. One could see every contraction of his muscles, yet on his face was a warm and tender smile.

nThe two women looked pretty ordinary. One of them looked serious and stern while the other appeared like a humble lady with a sword box on her back.

n“Zhao Dagang, second-year inner sect disciple, first-grade sword wave realm.”

n“Liu Longlong, first-year inner sect disciple, first-grade sword wave realm.”

n“Xue Ying, first-year inner sect disciple, ninth-grade sword master.”

nThe three senior disciples glanced at Fang Lang and the others then cupped their fists and introduced themselves.

nTwo of them had reached the third-class sword wave realm while the other was a ninth-grade sword master!

nAs expected of disciples of the ten great sects! Even the disciples who could not get into the four ranks seemed pretty strong.

nFang Lang turned serious. He pondered upon the situation for a while then took off his Golden Dragon Armor and handed it to Liu Bubai. “Put it on. Your job is only to protect Little Wen.

n“She’s a spell master. The casting process will definitely be targeted.”

nLiu Bubai put on the armor with a perplexed expression. ‘In that case, shouldn’t Ni Wen be wearing this? What’s the use of me wearing it?’

nFang Lang patted Liu Bubai’s shoulder with a profound expression on his face.

nThe three of them moved to the center of the practice grounds and cupped their fists with their palms in respect to their seniors.

n“Fang Lang, grand champion of the Imperial Examination, fifth-grade martial arts master.”

n“Liu Bubai, ranked fiftieth in the Imperial Examination, second-grade sword master.”

n“Ni Wen, ranked seventy-ninth in the Imperial Examination, second-grade spell master.”

nThe three of them reported their true strengths.

nTheir surroundings turned silent.

nThe disciples of the Sword Guild had not been paying attention to that year’s Imperial Examination. They were stunned to hear that the standards of the Imperial Examination had fallen to such a low level.

nHow did a fifth-grade martial arts master become the grand champion?

nWas the grand champion of the Imperial Examination really… so weak?

nEven Xiao Lingjian was staggered. He furrowed his brows. ‘Impossible! There’s no way a mere fifth-grade martial arts master can win the title of champion!

n‘His martial arts mastery must be a facade!

n‘Cheeky bastard!

n‘Being able to reach the fiftieth and seventy-ninth rank might have been luck, but there’s no such thing as becoming the grand champion by luck!’

n…

nOn the tallest summit of the Sword Guild, the doors to the conference hall opened.

nFigures exited the hall one by one.

nChao Xiaojian stood on the summit with the elders standing on his left and right. They gazed in the direction of the rowdy practice grounds on the Grooming Peak.

n“Welcome battle?”

n“After another three years, we’ve gotten new disciples again.”

n“The grand champion is among our new recruits, right? It’s been a long time since the Sword Guild got a champion disciple. Hah! I wonder if the newcomers can win this battle.”

n“The main purpose of the welcome battle is to teach them about fighting as a team. If there’s not enough tacit understanding between its members, it’ll be hard for them to win, even with the champion holding the line.”

nThe elders were all expressing their thoughts.

nChao Xiaojian smiled. A look of anticipation could be seen in his eyes.

nThe Sword Guild had been held down for ten years. Whether the sect could rise up and compete for resources all depended on the brat’s performance. Nevertheless, he was very confident in Fang Lang. The headstrong little brat had surprised him too many times.

nOn the side, Wen Ting was holding his blade in his arms while sipping wolfberry tea from his gourd canteen.

n“That’s a poor choice of disciples for the welcome battle. If Fang Lang, that brat, decides to be a little harsh on them, the three will be quashed.”

nWen Ting said after drinking a gulp of wolfberry tea.

nThe elders around him all turned to him.

n“You don’t believe me?”

nWen Ting swallowed the wolfberry on his tongue. “Just wait and see.”

n…

n“Start! Start!”

nFang Lang roared as he clashed his fists together. Blood and energy surged through his body. His actions screamed, ‘I am a strong martial arts master!’

nAcross them, the three senior disciples were getting into formation.

nZhao Dagang stood at the front with his heavy blade held sideways like a shield. Blade energy oozed out from his blade, filling the air with tension.

nIt seemed as if even the whistling wind was scared away by the aura he emitted.

nLiu Longlong held a blade in her hand and positioned her slender body in front of Xue Ying. Xue Ying opened her sword box to reveal countless miniature daggers the size of fingers.

n“Careful. Martial arts is definitely not his main mastery. I saw calluses on his palms. Be wary of his sword.” Xue Ying’s voice was soft and gentle.

n“Dagang, you take on the champion. I’ll assist you. Longlong, find a way to disable their spell master, then come to help Dagang.”

n“Understood.”

nZhao Dagang and Xue Ying replied solemnly.

nThey did not let their guard down despite their opponents being newcomers.

nIt was an essential lesson to learn in the sect—never underestimate any opponent. One should always be vigilant, otherwise, there was no way they could in the demon world!

nBoom!

nEven the clouds above them were starting to morph the moment the three senior disciples made their moves. It felt as if thick, looming clouds were gathering above them, creating intense pressure on the practice grounds.

nThe crowd went silent. The senior disciples, who were laughing just a second ago, watched the battle on the practice grounds quietly.

nThey watched with seriousness and sobriety, showing the fighters ample respect.

nThey were all once newcomers to the sect. Thus, they understood the need for this battle. It was a battle that would help them assimilate into the sect.

nAcross them…

nFang Lang’s expression changed. For the first time, he had a stern look in his eyes.

nWinning this welcome battle might not be as easy as he had imagined.

nThe looming tension in the air made every cell in his body tremble—trembled in excitement, that is.

nBeside him, Liu Bubai and Ni Wen were both ashen-faced. They felt as if a giant stone was weighing down their chests.

n“Little Wen, amass your runes as quickly as you can! Prepare to cast the one with the greatest destructive power!”

nFang Lang commanded in a serious tone.

nHe had automatically assumed the commanding role.

n‘It’s such a shame that Old Jiang isn’t here… If she was, we’ll have nothing to worry about in the match.

n‘Old Liu is still… sigh…’

n“Let’s not embarrass ourselves in our first battle in the sect,” Fang Lang said.

n“Will you fight with me?”

nFang Lang stomped his foot and raised his fists, assuming a fighting stance. The aura he exuded cut through Zhao Dagang and the others’ aura like knife cutting through water!

n“Yes!”

nNi Wen and Liu Bubai were both riled up. Their eyes were stern.

nThe spectating senior disciples were staggered. They could not believe the boy could so effortlessly break through the pressure that Zhao Dagang and his team created!

n‘That champion… really is something!’

n“I apologize in advance, my juniors.”

nZhao Dagnag roared in his low and hoarse voice.

nHe charged his burly body forward without retaining his cultivation. Fang Lang was his first target. He swung his crushing heavy blade abruptly. It was as if he had hurled an entire mountain at Fang Lang!

nA huge gush of howling wind tore through the practice grounds!

nWhile Zhao Dagang was making the first move, Xue Ying activated her spiritual sense and mumbled some words with a faint smile on her face. Then, she placed her hands in front of her body and started making spell-casting gestures.

nLiu Longlong sprinted forward with her long legs. She leaned her graceful body forward and charged toward Ni Wen at lightning speed!

nAt that moment, she only had Ni Wen in her eyes!

nEveryone knew the opponents’ spell master should be taken down first!

nThe battle broke out instantly!

nFaced with Zhao Dagang’s heavy blade, Fang Lang did not hesitate to use his Splitting Punch! The moment his fist collided with the blade, the look in Fang Lang’s eyes changed abruptly. His other hand clutched tightly onto the hilt of the Obsidian Sword tucked away in his sword box!

nSword Draw Technique!

nHe drew his sword from its box with the intimidation of thunder!

nThe blade energy in his energy center surged. In that instant, a pitch-black slit seemed to have opened up in the air!

nClang!

nA crisp ringing sound was made. Zhao Dagang felt his hands going numb. His heavy blade felt like it was about to be knocked out of his hands!

n“Ninth-grade sword master and fifth-grade martial arts master?!”

n‘Impressive…

n‘Dual mastery!’

nZhao Dagang stared at the boy who overpowered his heavy blade.

n‘As expected of the grand champion!

n‘He’s got the vibe!’

n“Dagang, use your full force.”

nXue Ying’s tender voice sounded from behind him. In an instant, Zhao Dagang’s eyes turned bloodshot and his muscles bulged up. He darted toward Fang Lang with his heavy blade clutched in both hands, leaving him wide open.

nHe swung his blade and it crashed down like a colossal wave!

nZhao Dagang charged at Fang Lang as if he was prepared to sacrifice his own life to take out Fang Lang. Fang Lang only needed to thrust his blade to puncture the senior’s chest!

nSuddenly, Fang Lang felt his chest tightened. A tiny dagger encapsulated in spiritual sense was flying toward him from the side!

nXue Ying stood with one leg on the ground and crossed the other, making her seem as if she was sitting on air. Her sword box sat in her lap. As if strumming an instrument, Xue Ying sent out her daggers one after another. The daggers made ringing sounds as they flew out of the box.

n“Sword Guild’s sword and spell technique!”

nXue Ying’s tender voice sounded.

nUnexpectedly, her daggers exploded just an inch away from Fang Lang’s body!

nThe blade energy incorporated in the daggers’ spell bombarded Fang Lang.

nFang Lang hurriedly drew his Blooming Lotus Sword and sliced the air to dispel the waves of blade energy.

nWhile Fang Lang was busy with the explosions, Zhao Dagang took the chance to strike from above with his heavy blade! The coordination between those two was impeccable!

nFang Lang raised both swords to block his heavy blade. However, he was pushed back by the force of the impact, leaving two deep rifts on the floor of the practice grounds!

nMeanwhile, Liu Longlong was getting closer to Ni Wen. Liu Bubai tried to stop her with his sword, yet one of Xue Ying’s magic daggers came straight at him!

nXue Ying was like the mastermind who was controlling the entire battle. She was assisting Zhao Dagang in subduing Fang Lang while holding Ni Wen and Liu Bubai down at the same time.

nBang!

nThe spell on the dagger exploded.

nIt tore Liu Bubai’s green robe, revealing the Golden Dragon Armor underneath.

nLiu Longlong thrusted her sword. With bloodshot eyes, Liu Bubai blocked the attack with his body!

nHer sword sent Liu Bubai flying! Even so, he clambered up quickly. The Golden Dragon Armor remained unscathed.

nLiu Bubai was overjoyed. He could endure more!

n“Come at me! Come! Hit me!”

nLiu Longlong’s expression darkened. The Golden Dragon Armor was a champion’s armor. The defense it provided was incredible, making it difficult for her to harm Liu Bubai.

nXue Ying frowned from afar.

nShe slowly picked up another dagger from her box. Her spiritual sense was being drained. Her face was starting to turn pale.

nNonetheless, her dagger tore through the air in a curved path and headed straight for Ni Wen.

nSeeing this, Liu Bubai stabbed his sword to the ground, bent it and used it to propel his body forward.

n“I’ll block it!”

nClang!

nLiu Bubai took the dagger with his body. This time, he was not sent flying, yet the force he felt through the armor made him clench his teeth in pain. Ultimately, he was able to block it.

nMeanwhile, Fang Lang unleashed his Spirit Step and leaped off the ground at an angle as if he was long jumping. Zhao Dagang swung his blade toward him.

nFang Lang’s spiritual sense tingled. Immediately, he sent out his Spirit Awl.

nWhile Zhao Dagang was stunned, Fang Lang swung the blade in his hand. A lotus blossom of blade energy exploded instantly!

nIt encapsulated Zhao Dagang!

nThe blade energy waves in Zhao Dagang’s body spiralled. He stabbed his heavy blade into the ground in an effort to shield himself from the fatal Lotus Blade technique. He was bleeding from all orifices, yet he remained unmoving like a rock.

nFang Lang retracted his blade and sheathed both his Blooming Lotus Sword and his Obsidian Sword. He ignored Zhao Dagang, who was resisting his blade energy.

nHe raised his arms and activated his Frost Bow technique. He shot arrows after arrows.

nHis target was Xue Ying!

n‘The grand champion is also a spell master!

n‘Triple mastery!

n‘A monster!

n‘He truly is a monster!’

n“Longlong!”

nXue Ying’s expression changed. Her spiritual sense was exhausted after sending out multiple sword and spell attacks.

nShe yelled for her teammates to switch to defense.

n“Little Wen, get her!” Fang Lang shouted as he fired the ice arrows and advanced.

nUnder the protection of Liu Bubai’s body shield, Ni Wen had finally amassed her runes!

n“Thunder Strike!”

nA significant portion of Ni Wen’s spiritual sense was exhausted in an instant.

nIn the sky above the practice grounds, gray clouds collected. A magic circle appeared in the sky. Countless bolts of thunder rained down and struck Liu Longlong.

nLiu Longlong could do nothing but block with her sword. In an instant, she was struck by innumerable bolts of thunder.

nThunder Strike was the most destructive spell a second-class spell master could master!

nIt consumed a great amount of time and spiritual sense, so it was not suited for individual combat.

nNonetheless, Liu Bubai bought enough time for Ni Wen to cast the spell!

nSplatter!

nBoth of Xue Ying’s shoulders were pierced by Fang lang’s arrows. Blood spewed out.

nHuff!

nJust then, Xiao Lingjian’s blurry figure appeared on the practice grounds. He raised his arm and caught the Ice Bow arrow that Fang Lang shot out.

nIn a helpless tone, he declared, “Junior Fang, you guys win.”

nA loud commotion broke out around them.

nThe senior disciples were put in their place by the juniors!

nNevertheless, Fang Lang did not bat an eye at them. He summoned the System in his mind.

nFang Lang gazed at the System notification that appeared before his eyes.

n‘Challenge mission. Level of Astonishment (60

/100)’

n‘It’s not enough!’ Fang Lang exclaimed in his mind.

n‘These seniors sure have a high standard for entertainment.’

nFang Lang scrunched his brows together.

n‘I have already crushed the team of senior disciples, yet they still aren’t surprised enough?

n‘Fine, I’ll put on another show then!’

nFang Lang’s green robe flapped loudly in the wind. He raised his arms and aimed his Ice Bow at the peak of the Light Pavilion.

nHe drew his bowstring to the furthest point and released!

nA beam of ice blue light shot straight toward the Light Pavilion that stood in the distance!

n“I, Fang Lang, grand champion of the Imperial Examination and new disciple of the inner sect, wish to ascend the Light Pavilion’s peak and gaze at the scenery above.

n“Seniors of the Light Pavilion…

n“Do you dare fight me?”

nThe moment he said that…

nAll the senior disciples on the Grooming Peak turned silent.

n‘The new grand champion is a madman!’

n