NOVEL NEXT Chapter 16:
Chapter 16:
The competition officially began.
The disciples of this generation had been in the sect for half a year, and most had reached the Qi Condensation Realm. As one of the top sects in the First Heaven, the disciples of the Dao Sect were naturally among the most gifted. Achieving full mastery of Qi Condensation in three months marked a prodigy, while six months indicated an average genius.
Most disciples of the Dao Sect perfected their Qi Condensation Realm within three to five months before starting to break through.
On the arena platform, their performances were already skilled, as many had reached the Core Formation Realm—a significant achievement that placed them as powerful figures among wandering cultivators.
However, in major sects, the Core Formation Realm was only the beginning. For many wandering cultivators, it was the pinnacle of their cultivation journey. Early on, sect disciples might struggle against seasoned wanderers, but as time passed, the sect disciples always grew stronger.
Occasionally, a disciple’s impressive performance would elicit gasps from the audience. Soon, it was Yue Hongling’s turn.
By now, Yue Hongling had already garnered some fame within the Dao Sect. She had perfected her Qi Condensation Realm in one month and seventeen days, breaking the sect’s record and nearly setting a new one across the First Heaven. Combined with her stunning beauty and her impossibly long, straight legs, she had become unforgettable to many.
The moment Yue Hongling stepped onto the stage, cheers and exclamations erupted from the crowd. However, some couldn’t help but glance toward Lu Ye, the man who had told her to “get lost.”
Yue Hongling was still angry. At the 5th stage Core Formation Realm, her cultivation speed was astonishing, and her opponent, who had only just entered the Core Formation Realm, stood no chance. In a blur of movement, her red silhouette flashed, and her opponent was sent flying out of the arena, unable even to react.
She was too fast!
Many elders nodded approvingly. They had underestimated her potential before, but now it was clear she was an exceptional talent.
After a while, Chu Ling’s name was called. She had indeed joined the Dao Sect.
“Master, it’s my turn,” Chu Ling said softly, her voice gentle.
Lu Ye stared straight ahead, showing no response. Chu Ling’s heart ached painfully as she sensed his indifference. His cold behavior only made her long for the warmth he once showed her. She hated her own foolishness even more.
The onlookers observed this interaction with envy and disbelief. Why was such a beautiful girl behaving like a desperate admirer?
Chu Ling stepped onto the platform. Her opponent, another female disciple, frowned and said, “Junior Sister, what’s wrong with you? He’s humiliated you enough. Why are you still chasing after him? As female cultivators, we are no less than any man. Your behavior is a disgrace to both female and sword cultivators.”
“If he’s oppressing or threatening you, just tell me. I’ll seek justice for you!” the other disciple added.
Chu Ling shook her head gently. “Everything I do is of my own will. To me, Master is more important than the sword. Thank you for your kindness, Senior Sister.”
The other disciple’s eyes widened. “Do you realize what nonsense you’re saying?”
To her, someone who valued the sword above all else, such words were incomprehensible.
“Every word comes from my heart,” Chu Ling replied.
“Fine! If you won’t listen to reason, I’ll knock some sense into you today!”
Nearby, Sun Ruowei, who had overheard the exchange, glanced at Bai Lan and then at Lu Ye. His serene demeanor and youthful looks belied his overwhelming charisma. She couldn’t fathom what made him so captivating that someone like Chu Ling would devote herself entirely to him.
Lu Ye ignored the numerous glances directed his way, his focus unwavering. Mere stares held no sway over him.
Chu Ling’s opponent attacked, her sword dividing into three shadows to encircle her. Chu Ling moved like flowing water and lightning, her black sword striking with unmatched precision. Sparks flew as blades clashed, and within moments, Chu Ling’s sword tip rested at her opponent’s throat.
The other disciple trembled, her expression filled with astonishment. The audience, too, was left in shock. Among the elders, one sword cultivator’s eyes gleamed with excitement at Chu Ling’s extraordinary swordsmanship. Her devotion to her master was lamentable, but her talent was undeniable. If she dedicated herself to the path of the sword, her potential would be limitless.
“Thank you for the match,” Chu Ling said softly, lowering her sword.
“Victory to Chu Ling of BailLan Peak!”
Chu Ling descended the platform and hurried to Lu Ye’s side. “Master, I won,” she said, her eyes sparkling with anticipation, hoping for praise.
Lu Ye continued to meditate, ignoring her completely. Chu Ling’s face fell, her heart aching at his indifference. The warmth she once took for granted now felt like an irreplaceable treasure.
The scene baffled the crowd. Many were frustrated by Lu Ye’s attitude, while some elders harbored murderous intent, viewing him as a hindrance to a promising sword cultivator’s growth.
After a few more matches, it was finally Lu Ye’s turn. As he stepped onto the stage, murmurs about his name grew louder.
“Gu Qing, you must win!”
“Teach him a lesson! Show everyone he’s not untouchable!”
“Make him regret his arrogance!”
The crowd cheered for Gu Qing, Lu Ye’s opponent. Lu Ye vaguely recognized Gu Qing as an acquaintance but paid him little mind.
The match began.
Gu Qing barely had time to react before Lu Ye launched a punch.
A transparent fist imprint, the size of a grinding wheel, shot forward at incredible speed. Gu Qing roared, slashing his sword with all his might, but the blade shattered. He was sent flying off the stage, blood spraying dramatically.
The arena fell silent.
“Thank you for the match,” Lu Ye said calmly, descending the platform with an air of unshakable confidence.
That single punch, executed with such speed, precision, and power, was a masterpiece. It was pure artistry in motion.