NOVEL NEXT Chapter 18:
Chapter 18:
The competition continued.
The grandeur of the Azure Path Sect was evident, as even a disciple competition could be concluded in a single day. Such efficiency reflected the style of a great sect. Smaller sects might take three to five days or even half a month for a similar event.
Perhaps this was the Azure Path Sect’s distinct approach—time spent watching these fledgling disciples could be better used for personal cultivation. Notably, even the Sect Master had not appeared, leaving everything to the Vice Sect Master.
Vice Sect Master Ji Changming suspected the very reason for the establishment of the Vice Sect Master role was that the Sect Master did not wish to waste too much time managing sect affairs.
In the fifth round, Lu Ye faced Linghu Wushuang.
Linghu Wushuang, having been defeated by Lu Ye before, understood his overwhelming strength. “I’ve worked hard to address my weaknesses, but it seems I’m still no match for you,” he admitted.
For the first time in the competition, Lu Ye responded on the stage. “Acknowledging your shortcomings and striving for improvement is the true path of cultivation.”
Linghu Wushuang paused, then bowed slightly. “Thank you.”
“No need for thanks.”
“But why are you so harsh to your junior sisters?” Linghu Wushuang couldn’t help but ask.
Lu Ye chuckled but didn’t answer.
Instead, he pressed two fingers together, and sword intent began to gather at his fingertips.
With a swift motion, he pointed forward.
Linghu Wushuang’s instincts screamed danger. As the sword energy surged toward him, he seemed to glimpse the infinite mysteries of swordsmanship.
“Flying Mist Greets the Immortal!”
“Clang!”
Sword met sword, but Linghu Wushuang was forced back by a barrage of cuts that appeared all over his body. His feet slid to the very edge of the platform before he managed to stop.
Lu Ye made no further moves.
In Linghu Wushuang’s mind, the essence of that sword intent replayed vividly. He thought deeply about it before raising his voice. “I concede!”
After conceding, he bowed deeply, stepped off the platform, and sat cross-legged, closing his eyes to absorb what he had experienced.
Lu Ye turned and walked away.
The elders in attendance widened their eyes in astonishment. This sword intent? It was breathtaking, incomprehensible.
Until now, Lu Ye’s strength had been displayed through sheer brute force, defeating opponents with overwhelming punches. But the display of swordsmanship revealed a profound mastery of the sword, leaving everyone stunned.
“This disciple of Bai Lan Peak is extraordinary! I must speak with Elder Bai Lan. She isn’t specialized in swordsmanship—this kind of talent belongs in my hands!”
“Ridiculous! You’re not even stronger than me! He should be taught under my guidance!”
“That sword strike… it’s beyond impressive. I feel unworthy of teaching him. I’ll consult my master; they’ll be thrilled!”
Sword masters among the elders quickly sprang into action. Some headed straight to Bai Lan Peak, while others sought their own mentors.
If Lu Ye’s previous performances marked him as a prodigious combatant, the swordsmanship he displayed now elevated him to the status of a once-in-a-millennium genius. Half a year into cultivation, he had achieved such mastery—words failed to describe it.
Soon, Bai Lan was surrounded by eager swordmasters.
“Junior Sister Bai, Lu Ye’s true talent lies in swordsmanship. Since you’re not a dedicated sword cultivator, why not let me take him as a disciple? If you agree, Lone Sword Peak will offer you all its resources for the next three years.”
“I’ll offer five years’ worth! Junior Sister Bai, you know how rare it is for me to find a worthy successor for the Hidden Sword Sutra. If we don’t train him at Hidden Sword Peak, our legacy could end!”
“Twenty years’ worth of resources, Bai Lan! Think of the future of the sect!”
Bai Lan sighed in frustration at their persistence. “You have no idea who you’re dealing with. Lu Ye’s mastery isn’t limited to swordsmanship—it’s unparalleled across all forms of cultivation. Frankly, he’s qualified to teach all of you.”
She turned them down firmly. “Senior Brothers, I’m sorry, but Lu Ye is a disciple of Bai Lan Peak. There’s no room for negotiation.”
One elder protested, “But keeping him on Bai Lan Peak is a waste! You’re known for nurturing spellcasters, not swordsmen.”
Another added, “And you already have Chu Ling. Let us take Lu Ye!”
“No means no. There will be no further discussion,” Bai Lan said decisively.
Watching the scene, Lu Ye raised an eyebrow. This wasn’t what he expected. Bai Lan, of all people, was defending him as her disciple? He had anticipated she’d be eager to hand him off to someone else, considering their complicated history.
“Junior Bai, I’ll take Lu Ye as my disciple!” A commanding voice resounded as a powerful aura descended. The swords of all present seemed to hum in reverence as if greeting the master of swordsmanship.
An elder dressed in black robes with an ancient sword on his back stepped forward with an air of authority.
“Greetings, Master of Battle Sword!”
The crowd bowed in respect, addressing him by various honorifics.
A cultivator of the Dao Integration Realm had arrived, his presence shocking everyone. No one had expected the disciple competition to draw such a prominent figure.
“If Lu Ye becomes his disciple, his status will skyrocket. He’ll outrank the sect’s heads and become the Sect Master’s junior brother,” someone whispered.
Before anyone could process the situation fully, another voice echoed from the void. “Battle Sword, I believe Lu Ye is better suited to my swordsmanship.”
Another Dao Integration cultivator appeared.
“And I believe he fits my teachings best,” said a third as yet another figure arrived.
Now three Dao Integration experts were vying for Lu Ye.
Bai Lan’s expression grew grim. An unspoken anxiety churned within her. If Lu Ye left her tutelage, their bond would be severed entirely. That thought unsettled her deeply.
“No!” Bai Lan’s voice rang firm and unyielding. “According to sect rules, you may only choose disciples during their initial induction. Your current actions are unbecoming of elders.”
One elder argued, “But you’re not specialized in swordsmanship. How can you properly guide such a talent?”
“That’s irrelevant!” Bai Lan’s tone brooked no argument.
Despite the barrage of persuasion, Bai Lan stood her ground. “If this continues, I’ll take it up with the Sect Master!”
“That’s fine,” one elder relented. “Lu Ye, what is your decision? Are you willing to leave Bai Lan Peak and follow a master better suited to your talents?”
All eyes turned to Lu Ye.
Chu Ling held her breath. Bai Lan’s usually calm eyes betrayed a ripple of emotion. Even Yue Hongling clenched her fists nervously.
Lu Ye smiled faintly and said softly, “Of course, I’m willing.”