The moment of collision came in the blink of an eye.
CLANG!
Their swords clashed with an explosive impact, the sheer force sending shockwaves outward. A burst of Spiritual Energy exploded from the center of the collision, kicking up a whirlwind of dust and light.
Then—Crack!
A harsh sound echoed through the field.
Chen Xiao's Tier 3 Sword fractured under the pressure, splintering in his hands as the blade shattered. A jolt of backlash struck his chest, and he staggered backward, coughing up blood, his body trembling from the shock.
Qin Lin didn't hesitate. He pressed forward in that instant, sword still glowing faintly. With a sharp motion, he brought the tip of his sword to Chen Xiao's throat—stopping just a breath away from piercing skin.
Chen Xiao froze, his broken sword still clutched in one hand, blood trickling from his lips.
The crowd fell silent.
"Qin Lin wins"Qin La announced, his voice solemn but proud.
The first match was over—brutal, swift, and decisive.
But the battle was far from finished. One point for the Qin Clan.
Now, it was time for the next fighter to step forward.
As the winner was announced, a low murmur spread among the onlooking Cultivators. They stood in small groups, still digesting what had just transpired before their eyes.
"I was certain Chen Xiao would win. I have watched him fighting before… yet he lost in a single move."one of them muttered, shaking his head in disbelief.
Another Cultivator nodded, his brows furrowed in thought.
"It's shocking. Both of them used High-Tier Human Grade Martial Techniques, yet Chen Xiao was completely overwhelmed. It wasn't even close."
An elderly Cultivator with a long white beard and a sharp, discerning gaze stroked his chin thoughtfully.
"The difference wasn't in the Martial Technique itself. It was in their comprehension levels. Qin Lin has clearly Cultivated his 'Sky Exploding Slash' to the stage of Large Perfection. That level of mastery grants immense power and control. On the other hand, Chen Xiao's 'Sun Burning Sword' has only reached the stage of Small Perfection. He couldn't bring out its full potential."he paused after explaining, his voice calm but carrying weight as he cast a glance toward the Qin Lin.
"In a fight between two equally talented Cultivator, such a gap in understanding can be fatal."he added.
The others fell silent for a moment, the truth of the old man's words sinking in as they stared at the victor, Qin Lin, who stood calmly with his sword still faintly glowing.
Chen Xiao returned to the sideline slowly, his steps heavy and shoulders slumped. Blood still stained the corner of his lips, and the broken remnants of his sword remained tightly gripped in his trembling hand. The pain of his wound was far less than the sting of failure in his heart.
He lowered his head before Old Yang and spoke.
"...Sorry, Master. This disciple has failed you."Chen Xiao said.
Old Yang looked at him calmly, his eyes neither angry nor disappointed. He placed a firm hand on Chen Xiao's shoulder and gave a faint smile.
"Don't worry, disciple. It was just a sparring match. Victory or defeat means little compared to the experience gained. You did well holding your ground. And you honored our side with courage."Old Yang said his voice was gentle yet steady.
Chen Xiao's eyes reddened slightly, but he nodded, clenching his fists.
Across the arena, Qin La stood with a pleased expression, arms folded across his chest. He looked toward Old Yang and spoke with a hint of pride.
"My nephew, Qin Lin, may still be young, but he's always been diligent with the sword."Qin La said.
Old Yang nodded as he already know why Chen Xiao lost so badly.
"Indeed. At the age of seventeen, already stepping into the One Sword, One Body stage. His comprehension of sword is excellent. He has a bright future."Old Yang said.
Qin Lin, still catching his breath after the match, heard the praise. He quickly bowed toward Old Yang.
"Thank you, Senior, for your kind words."Qin Lin said with respect.
But as Old Yang's words echoed through the crowd, the expressions of the surrounding Cultivators shifted from confusion to shock.
"What? He's already achieved One Sword, One Body?"one of them exclaimed, his voice trembling with disbelief.
"That's a level of sword comprehension most can't reach even after decades of Cultivation!"another said, eyes wide in awe.
"He's a true genius… no wonder Chen Xiao was defeated so decisively."a female Cultivator said.
"The Qin Clan is truly fortunate. Once Qin Lin grows stronger, their status will rise once again within the Mo Empire. Perhaps even the major sects will start paying attention."a third added, a trace of envy in his tone.
Hearing the praises directed at Qin Clan, Qin La allowed himself a faint, satisfied smile. His eyes sparkled with pride as he looked at Qin Lin, standing tall and composed amidst the whispers of glory.
But not all faces among the Qin Clan wore the same expression.
Standing just behind the elder Qin La, Qin Nan's brows were furrowed, his jaw clenched. Unlike the others, he did not share their joy. His gaze was fixed on Qin Lin, burning with a mixture of frustration and determination.
*Qin Lin… you may bask in their praise now, but this won't last forever. One day, I will surpass you. I will become the true pride of the Qin Clan.*Qin Nan thought.
But as the crowd murmured and buzzed with excitement, Xiao Wei stood to the side, eyes narrowed and jaw clenched. He watched as Chen Xiao wiped the blood from his mouth, and a cold pressure built in his chest.
"Shit... If we lose the next match, it's over."Xiao Wei muttered under his breath.
A single loss had shifted the momentum. With only one more loss required for the Qin Clan to claim victory, tension settled over Xiao Wei side like a thick fog as he don't want to miss this opportunity to earn Spiritual Stones.
Qin La turned to his Qin Nan and raised a hand.
"Qin Nan, you're up next."Qin La called out.
Qin Nam stepped forward, cracking his knuckles with a loud pop. His Spiritual Energy surged around him, dense and aggressive. Like Qin Lin, he too was at the Eighth Layer of the Martial Master Realm, but his presence was far more brutish—like an unrelenting boulder ready to crush anything in his path.
"I'll end this quickly"Qin Nan said confidently, walking toward the battle area with a smirk.
Before anyone else could speak, Shi Man stepped forward from Xiao Wei's group, fists clenched with determination.
"I'll go"Shi Man declared.
The crowd turned toward the boy, who looked no older than fifteen. His youthful appearance was deceiving—his gaze was sharp, and his spirit burned with pride.
But just as Shi Man took another step, Shadow Ming voice echoed in Xiao Wei's mind.
'Stop him. I'll teach him a technique.'
Xiao Wei's eyes flickered, then quickly called out.
"Wait—Shi Man, stop."Xiao Wei said.
Shi Man froze mid-step, turning back in confusion.
"What is it, Brother Xiao Wei?"Shi Man asked.
Across the field, Qin La raised an eyebrow.
"What is it now, boy? Are you going next instead?"Qin La asked with a smile.
"I only want to speak with him for a moment"Xiao Wei replied, his voice composed but firm.
Qin Nan laughed, as he take out a Tier 3 saber from his Storage Ring.
"Go ahead. Talk all you want. Even if you take a whole day to prepare, you won't stand a chance against me."Qin Nan said, his voice full of arrogance.
"Don't worry. We won't take long."Xiao Wei replied, eyes still locked with Shi Man's.
Without another word, Xiao Wei led Shi Man away from the battle area and into the nearby forest, just far enough so no one could see or hear them clearly.
The canopy above cast dancing shadows on the forest floor as the wind rustled the leaves gently. Xiao Wei looked around to ensure they were alone, then turned toward Shi Man.
"Close your eyes and don't open them no matter what"Xiao Wei said softly.
Shi Man hesitated for only a moment before obeying. His breath slowed as he relaxed, standing upright beneath the swaying branches.
A chill ran across the forest floor.
Suddenly from Xiao Wei's shadow, a figure emerged—Shadow Ming. He stepped forward silently before slowly extended one hand and placed it on Shi Man's forehead.
Shi Man's body tensed for a moment, and his breath hitched—but he didn't cry out or move.
With slow, deliberate control, Shadow Ming began channeling knowledge—a Martial Technique—directly into Shi Man's mind. A Martial Technique that he had once developed himself in his prime.
Fragments of memory flowed through the connection.
Shadow Ming knew full well that learning a Martial Technique wasn't something done in mere minutes. It took time, comprehension, and practice. But still… this was his bloodline, he believed he can do it as he also transferred a plan to defeat Xiao Nan in his mind.