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nTranslator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

n“Victory for Luojiang Academy,” the umpire announced in the battle ring. He gave Fang Lang a long stare.

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nFang Lang’s technique had surprised the Sword Guild disciple. Based on the technique, the boy must be at the top of his sword class.

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nThe fact that he defeated the Xuzhou Academy team was not surprising, given he had these techniques. However, it was unusual for a sixth-grade sword disciple to have such skills.

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nTo defeat three opponents in a row was also impressive.

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nThe umpire did not bat an eye at the blood spilled on the battle ring floor. Cultivation was a matter of life and death.

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nThe Sword Guild was located near a demon portal—it was not a vacation spot.

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nIt was the combined effort of the Sword Guild disciples that held the demon horde at bay. Every year, no less than ten fatalities resulted from engagement with demons and the numbers for the injured were much higher.

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nTherefore, the umpire was unaffected by the gore.

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nIn his eyes, the injuries sustained were minor and the academy students needed the exposure.

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nFang Lang stood in the battle ring, green robes fluttering. He held the steel sword in his hand and smiled.

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nHe had to defeat 18 opponents—15 more to go.

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nFive teams in total.

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nThis match gave Fang Lang a taste of cruelty. Cultivation beyond the academy was rife with bloody battles.

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nFang Lang had to accept the reality of cultivation—it was not the idyllic career he pictured.

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nThe shift in perspective was the most important insight he gained from this round.

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nMentor Wen gave Fang Lang a proud smile. He had noticed the change in Fang Lang’s attacks—from the merciful to the methodical.

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nThe change was an improvement.

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nA true cultivator showed no mercy. Cultivation was a life-long commitment and everyone was only entitled to one life.

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nTo cultivate was to take charge of one’s life.

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nShow no mercy in the battle ring, the umpire would be witness to the particulars should there be any foul play.

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nIt was a hat-trick for Fang Lang.

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nThe match outcome caught the attention of other participants—the looks given by them were not the friendliest.

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nLiu Bubai was ecstatic. He looped an arm around Fang Lang’s neck and said proudly, “Great performance. I see you’ve learned a lot from me.”

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n“It’s nothing, they’re a below-average academy,” Fang Lang replied smiling.

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nJiang Linglong was pensive as she looked at Fang Lang.

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n“Mentor Wen, it’s my turn next,” she spoke up.

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nMentor Wen was taken aback by the request but nodded in agreement.

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nSoon, the break was over and Mentor Wen went to draw the second lot.

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nThey got the same venue—Dark group, seventh battle ring.

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nLuojiang Academy was against Annan Academy, a mid-tier academy.

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nFace still covered by a veil, Jiang Linglong entered the battle ring, steel sword in hand. Her slender figure attracted the eyes of many boys.

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nStanding in front of her was a dashing boy with a winning smile.

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n“Annan Academy, Chen Liangtian, ninth-grade sword disciple. Why cover your face? You have such pretty eyes, your face must be a sight for sore eyes. If you lose, can I get a date while we’re here?” the boy from Annan Academy said jovially.

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nJiang Linglong responded with a monotonous, “Luojiang Academy, Jiang Pei.”

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nThat was all she said.

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nSuccinct.

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nSword raised, Jiang Linglong executed the Four Season Form. While the technique was ineffective against Mentor Wen, the same could not be said for the Annan Academy sword disciple.

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nThwack!

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nThe sweet talker landed outside the battle ring with slashes all over his chest. Blood ran down his torso.

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nThe lady held the sword in a diagonal fashion, steely eyes showed no remorse.

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n“Next.”

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nBelow the fight zone, murmurs were heard.

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nMentor Wen felt a headache forming. ‘Another hat-trick?’

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nYoungsters these days were so impatient.

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nHowever, hot-blooded sword disciples were a welcomed problem.

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nChin up, Liu Bubai crossed his arms and pursed his lips.

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n“The ace should stay hidden until the end. No rush, no rush. I’m the ace. They can go all out but I must conserve my energy for the important battles!”

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nIn the battle ring, Jiang Linglong achieved the same outcome as Fang Lang—three victories in a row.

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nThe lady exited the ring with her head held high.

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nFang Lang met her eyes and got a nod from the lady.

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nThe outcome was not the least surprising to Mentor Wen. Jiang Linglong’s sword techniques rivaled Fang Lang’s and her cultivation grade even gave her a slight advantage.

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nBeside him, Liu Bubai’s eyes sparkled. He turned to Mentor Wen and said, “Master—”

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nBefore he could finish his sentence, Fang Lang interjected. “Master, I’ll fight in the next match. Liu Bubai is our team’s ace, we shouldn’t expose him this early on.”

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nLiu Bubai’s mouth gaped.

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n‘You’re not wrong but I want to fight too. I want to show off in the battle ring too,’ Liu Bubai thought.

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nAn uncanny smile appeared on Mentor Wen’s face. “Alright.”

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nTheir mentor had spoken so Liu Bubai resigned to his fate.

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nThe boy straightened his posture and kept his head high, exuding the arrogance of an academy’s ace sword disciple.

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n‘I’m a genius. If I step onto the battle ring, it’s to deliver the decisive strike!’

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n…

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nFang Lang stepped up for the third match against another mid-tier academy.

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nThere was little suspense in the ring. With the Sword Draw Technique and Spirit Step, Fang Lang easily defeated all three participants.

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nOne third of the mission completed.

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nJiang Linglong volunteered for the subsequent match, unwilling to let Fang Lang have all the fun.

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nLiu Bubai wanted to argue his case but a look from Jiang Linglong shut him right up.

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nThe next bout concluded with an effortless sweep by Jiang Linglong.

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nLuojiang Academy went through four bouts undefeated.

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nThe consecutive victories garnered the attention of other teams in the Dark group. The talented geniuses from the top academies sized up the competition.

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nThey too could execute hat-tricks.

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nLuojiang Academy’s performance had vastly improved from last year and the team was a formidable contender in the Gathering of Swords.

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nAs the competition carried on, the opponents the team faced only got stronger.

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nDespite that, Fang Lang and Jiang Linglong maintained the steady rhythm of defeating all three participants before rotating out. Liu Bubai was not given the opportunity to step onto the battle ring even once. Tears pricked at his eyes but he did not lower his head. He retained the grace and uppity of an ace.

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nEnergy thrummed underneath Liu Bubai’s skin.

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nSword Draw Technique!

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nSpirit Step!

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nFang Lang unleashed his skills in the ring. After 15 minutes of battle, Fang Lang spotted an opening and delivered the final blow.

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nThe opponent was flung to the ground, face stricken with fear.

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nStanding below, the rival mentor turned ashen.

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nFang Lang achieved another three consecutive wins.

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nHis breathing was labored and his sword hand trembled. It had been a fierce fight but he secured a win regardless.

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nThe happiness he felt was indescribable.

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n‘Mission progress: (18

/18)

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n‘Ding! Congratulations, you have completed the target mission and received the Dual Sword Technique (Sword Mastery Specialty).

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n‘The Dual Sword Technique will be incorporated through mental memory and muscle memory. The ins and outs of the technique will be revealed to the host. Happy cultivating!’

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nThe frenzy of the battle kept Fang Lang occupied and he completed the target mission in the first stage of the competition.

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nThe first stage of the competition ended.

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nLuojiang Academy pulled through the first stage without much difficulty.

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nLiu Bubai was agog.

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n‘When will it be my turn?’

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nHe was benched for the whole first stage.

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nWhat did he do?

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nNothing. He contributed nothing to their first stage victory.

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nThe situation did not sit well with him. He was the genius sword disciple of Luojiang Academy, Liu Bubai.

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nHe was supposed to be the one carrying the team.

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nHe could not sit by and let Fang Lang and Jiang Pei show off their skills.

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nHe must fight in the second stage!

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nIt was imperative!

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nHis talents must not remain hidden!

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