Dual Cultivator with a cultivation system

Heavenly Sword Sect

The room had been silent ever since Tang Nian joined the disciple group from the Yang-Yin Sect. Among the group, they could only recognize Min Li. The other person—masked and mysterious—was the true anomaly. They were left speechless after witnessing him obliterate an entire forest.

One hour later

They were now watching a scene that left the entire room in stunned silence.

Clang

The sword in Hui Mei's hand slipped from her grasp, hitting the floor. Tang Ning, who had been pouring tea, didn't stop, causing it to overflow from the cup.

Everyone's eyes bulged as they read the text floating in front of them.

[Ding Dong]

[A disciple from the Yang-Yin Sect has entered the rankings]

Everyone remained silent for several minutes after reading the message that appeared before them, trying to process what they had just witnessed. Finally, someone decided to break the silence.

"This guy is a complete monster, isn't he? I've never seen anyone so outrageous in my entire life," one of the elders said in a stiff voice, a hint of fear lacing his words. When he noticed everyone staring blankly at him, he swallowed hard and lowered his eyes, avoiding the glare from the sect master.

"Is there even a point in participating in the sect competition arranged by the royal family? The winner has already been decided before the competition even started, and no matter how hard we try, we can't change that outcome," said another Peak Master, her gaze fixed on the masked man on the screen. There was a mix of admiration and fear in her eyes. All sort of inappropriate thoughts began to surface which should not in her mind, a faint blush crept across her cheeks. She knew—just like everyone else also knew—that as long as he participated (and she was certain the sect master would force him to if he did not have any intention to participate), no one stood a chance at winning first place.

"Then… should we aim for second place instead?" Tang Ning asked. She too was staring at the figure on the screen, recognition flashing in her eyes. Alongside Hui Mei, she had realized who the masked man was—the very same person they had met in the secret realm, the friend of the princess.

After returning from that encounter, Tang Ning had believed he would be her toughest opponent if he joined the competition if he participated—difficult, but not unbeatable.But now?Now, she was sure she stood no chance at all.

"Sigh, youngsters these days are too outrageous. I feel old," one of the peak masters said with a sigh. Everyone looked at him strangely, and the tension eased. He was the youngest among them—if he was old, what did that make the others? Antiques?

"But Disciple Tang Ning, I have a question," said a peak master, and Tang Ning turned in her direction.

"Yes?" Tang Ning replied.

"Are you sure you'll be able to get second place?" the peak master asked.

"Of course I can. Just because I can't defeat him doesn't mean I can't defeat the others," Tang Ning said, her voice slightly offended as she pointed at the masked figure on the screen. As a Core Disciple and personal disciple of the sect master, the sect had heavily invested in her with many resources. She was their ace disciple sent to participate in the competition. Being the top sect, they naturally gave her the best.

"Have you forgotten about the other disciples from the Yang-Yin Sect who also reached the Foundation Realm a few hours ago?" the peak master said, pouring a basin of cold water on their hopes as he reminded them.

When the peak master said this, the room fell silent again, and everyone's eyes turned to Tang Ning, who froze, the corner of her eye twitching. Indeed, she had completely forgotten about the other two disciples—ones she had considered full of potential, though still slightly inferior, if not equal, to Wang Ming.

She compared herself to them, and her expression turned grim. Could she also kill the beasts and reach the Foundation Realm during the promotion exam? Yes, she could—but not that quickly. It would take her at least a few hours, while they had done it so swiftly. The fact that she couldn't replicate their speed made her realize she might actually be inferior to them, souring her mood.

She looked at the elders, and her lips twitched when she saw they were watching her with doubtful eyes. She was about to say something, but no words came out—she couldn't deny the facts. Just as her mood began to plummet, the sect master intervened.

"Are you underestimating my disciple?" Hui Mei asked coldly, her voice sending chills down the room. Everyone broke into a cold sweat, quickly averting their eyes to count the ants on the ground. Hui Mei snorted at their reaction.

Tang Ning, on the other hand, was so moved that an imaginary tear welled up in her eye.

"I agree that my disciple is indeed inferior to that masked figure," Hui Mei continued in a serious tone, "She wouldn't even be able to withstand one attack from him."

Tang Ning's face froze, and she looked at her master with twitching eyebrows.

'Even if it's true, you don't need to be so blunt and say it out loud,' she grumbled silently.

"But she can defeat the other disciples—I'm confident in that. Moreover…" Hui Mei paused as she noticed Tang Ning's expression and chuckled.

"I've also decided it's time to give Tang Ning the legacy technique," Hui Mei announced.

Everyone's eyes widened in shock—even Tang Ning looked at her in disbelief.

"Sect Master, are you for real?" one of the peak masters asked, stunned. Everyone shared the same reaction. The legacy technique was a top-tier skill passed down from one sect master to the next, and only the current and future sect master—handpicked by the current one—could learn it. Giving it to Tang Ning meant she had been chosen as the next sect master.

"Yes," Hui Mei said firmly. "I've decided this is the right time to confirm my heir. Besides, she'll need this technique in the upcoming competition."