Chapter 214: Stronger than the Strong
Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
Chen Fei deliberately stayed for a moment, observing as a warrior had his arm broken and was thrown out of the sparring arena, bringing the contest to a halt.
The next morning, under the guidance of the elders of the Immortal Cloud Sword Sect, representatives from various sects gathered on the main peak of the sect.
Stepping onto the main peak, Chen Fei immediately sensed a significant increase in the surrounding vitality, surpassing even the True Transmission Peak of the Primordial Sword Sect, where Chen Fei’s residence was located.
Arriving at the summit, Chen Fei’s gaze was drawn to a grand hall standing in the distance, shimmering brightly under the sunlight. Simultaneously, an imposing aura swept over, pressing down on one’s soul.
Only by shifting one’s gaze away could the oppressive aura be dissipated.
In front of the hall, there was a vast sparring arena prepared for spectators, and the disciples of the Primordial Sword Sect, guided by the arrangements, took their seats where they could fully view the entire arena.
The only distinction was that the disciples of the Primordial Sword Sect were positioned at the rear among the four sects. Clearly, in the eyes of the Immortal Cloud Sword Sect, the Primordial Sword Sect’s strength was considered the weakest, and consequently, their position was towards the end.
Compared to even smaller sects, the situation might be slightly better, but only marginally.
Soon, the appointed time arrived, and the true transmission disciples’ contest of the Immortal Cloud Sword Sect commenced.
Chen Fei leaned forward slightly, watching the true transmission disciples of the Immortal Cloud Sword Sect competing below.
The Immortal Cloud Sword Sect’s true transmission disciples were not numerous, not significantly more than the Primordial Sword Sect, numbering around a hundred or so. However, in terms of combat power, they exceeded the Primordial Sword Sect by a considerable margin.
Taking the last-ranked true transmission disciple of the Immortal Cloud Sword Sect as an example, their cultivation had already reached the pinnacle of the Visceral Tempering realm.
Apart from their cultivation, the exquisite level of their displayed techniques was also far superior. For instance, the technique Chen Fei had always been familiar with, the Thunderbolt Sword.
All the true transmission disciples had mastered the subtleties of their techniques, so when their swords were drawn, thunder was evoked.
The Immortal Cloud Sword Sect’s true transmission disciples were already accustomed to this thunderous phenomenon, so their resistance was strong, and it had little effect on them. However, when facing disciples from other sects, these sword techniques that shook the soul were usually overwhelming, and ordinary individuals couldn’t withstand them.
“They have ninety true transmission disciples; defeating our sect’s fifty true transmission disciples shouldn’t be a problem.”
Sitting next to Chen Fei, Elder Yan Shijin had a serious expression as he said, “Whether as a whole or in terms of top-tier combat power, the Immortal Cloud Sword Sect far surpasses us. The gap seems to have grown even larger compared to previous years.”
As he spoke, Yan Shijin couldn’t help but sigh.
Chen Fei nodded slightly. In the chaotic times outside, many people had migrated to the Immortal Cloud City, undoubtedly bringing with them numerous martial geniuses. Naturally, these geniuses primarily chose the Immortal Cloud Sword Sect as their first choice.
Only those who were not selected by the Immortal Cloud Sword Sect would be absorbed by other sects.
One could imagine that over the past few years, the strength of the Immortal Cloud Sword Sect’s new disciples had reached an impressive level. Thus, although it appeared that the strengths of other sects were improving in recent years, the Immortal Cloud Sword Sect had undoubtedly made even greater progress.
After two hours, the Immortal Cloud Sword Sect’s true transmission disciples’ contest concluded. Disciples from other sects watched in near silence, witnessing all of the matches.
The contest ended relatively quickly because, by the time it reached the top twenty, there were hardly any challenges left. Especially in the top ten, the rankings remained unchanged.
It seemed that the strength of the top ten true transmission disciples was so evident that disciples outside of that range hesitated to challenge them. As a result, those present did not have the opportunity to witness the true strength of the top ten disciples.
However, just by observing the other true transmission disciples who refrained from challenging upward, one could deduce a lot.
“Today’s conclusion is somewhat early. How about we proceed with the inter-sect disciples’ contest as well?”
The sect leader of the Immortal Cloud Sword Sect gazed at their true transmission disciples in the sparring arena, a smile gracing their face. Each generation surpassed the previous one—seeing this scene as a sect leader was certainly heartening.
“Esteemed Sect Leader!”
The disciples of the Immortal Cloud Sword Sect began to inform the four sects of the Big Dipper Tower. Doing this earlier or later primarily affected the Immortal Cloud Sword Sect’s disciples, considering their contest had just concluded.
Even though there would be medicinal restoration, there was still some wear and tear. However, the Immortal Cloud Sword Sect was not concerned about this—strong in power, they indeed possessed confidence.
The news reached the four sects, surprising them somewhat. However, since the Immortal Cloud Sword Sect had proposed it, the other sects had no objections. After all, they held the advantage.
The only aspect that slightly weighed on them was the true strength displayed by the Immortal Cloud Sword Sect’s true transmission disciples in the contest earlier. The gap seemed to have widened compared to the previous few years.
Judging from the strength displayed by the Immortal Cloud Sword Sect’s tenth-ranked true transmission disciple, it seemed that their sect’s top three disciples, or even the top two, would have a slight chance of winning. For those ranked below the top three, there might not even be a need to step onto the arena.
“Wang Guiwu, who among you is willing to step forward?”
Wang Guiwu bowed slightly toward the positions of the four sects, a hint of arrogance in his demeanor. Wang Guiwu could have easily claimed the ninth or even eighth position in the true transmission contest just concluded.
However, he deliberately chose not to challenge and remained in the tenth position.
His motivation was simple: he wished to challenge the true transmission disciples of the other four sects.
Otherwise, if he had ranked eighth or ninth, there might not have been much to do for him.
Previously, he had always competed with disciples from his own sect, so Wang
Guiwu was curious about martial artists from outside the Immortal Cloud
Sword Sect. He had often heard that the other four sects were far inferior to the
Immortal Cloud Sword Sect, and Wang Guiwu wanted to see just how lacking they truly were!
Wang Guiwu waited for a moment but received no response. His eyebrows slightly furrowed, and he said, “Is there no senior brother or senior sister willing to offer guidance?”
There was a hint of impatience in Wang Guiwu’s tone, a fleeting trace of displeasure in his expression. Although it vanished quickly, many people noticed it.
“I’ve always wanted to experience the techniques of the Immortal Cloud Sword Sect. Today’s an excellent opportunity!”
From the direction of the Big Dipper Tower, a disciple shouted lowly, their figure flickering as they arrived in the sparring arena. Their gaze was sharp as they looked at Wang Guiwu.
“I am…”
“No need for introductions. The person who defeats me is the only one whose name I’m interested in hearing!”
Before Liu Peiyong could introduce himself, Wang Guiwu interrupted him.
“Very well!”
Liu Peiyong’s face turned red with frustration. He laughed angrily, shouted lowly, and brandished the long knife in his hand. He closed the distance between him and Wang Guiwu within a few steps, his eyes fixed intently on Wang Guiwu.
The roar of crashing waves accompanied this strike, as if a tremendous tsunami had appeared before Wang Guiwu.
The Heavenly Sea Technique, one of the Big Dipper Tower’s top inheritances. It was known for its profound internal strength. The more one cultivated, the heavier and stronger the power within them became, and the more majestic their aura.
Liu Peiyong’s ability to manifest the aura of the giant wave so skillfully indicated that he had reached a high level of mastery in the Heavenly Sea Technique.
“Good! Here 1 come!”
Wang Guiwu laughed loudly. Facing the aura of the giant wave, he moved forward instead of retreating. The blade in his hand seemed to transform into a streak of lightning, piercing through the giant wave.
“Boom!”
The clash between the plain and unadorned blade and sword resonated in mid-air. They remained locked in this stalemate for a moment, but soon enough, the sword’s edge pressed down on the knife, striking Liu Peiyong.
“Spurt!”
A mist of blood sprayed out as Liu Peiyong was sent flying backward. His form couldn’t be controlled, and he crashed heavily to the ground. Another mouthful of blood gushed out.
In the direction of the Big Dipper Tower, some disciples stood up involuntarily. A single strike had driven Liu Peiyong back? Liu Peiyong was among the top three in their Big Dipper Tower’s true transmission disciples. He had actually been defeated so easily!
Wang Guiwu didn’t pursue him, merely retracting his long sword and waiting confidently for Liu Peiyong to rise.
Liu Peiyong struggled, managing to stand up with a pale complexion.
That last strike had inflicted heavy injuries on Liu Peiyong. This was quite a blow to him. Employing his most powerful technique, Liu Peiyong had expected Wang Guiwu to meet his force head-on. However, he never anticipated that the result of this clash would be so one-sided.
“Still want to continue? The next move might not just cause you a bit of injury!” Wang Guiwu raised his head slightly.
“We’ve barely started!”
Liu Peiyong roared in anger, the Heavenly Sea Technique operating at full capacity. Step by step, he charged toward Wang Guiwu, an intense aura rising from Liu Peiyong’s body.
“Boom!”
A more intense explosion than before echoed out. A figure was sent flying, crashing heavily outside the sparring arena. They lay there, seriously injured and unconscious. A wound on their chest almost bared their internal organs.
In the sparring arena, Wang Guiwu took a few steps back, his complexion slightly pale. However, he quickly regained his composure, and the fluctuating aura gradually calmed down.
Liu Peiyong’s nearly desperate strike had only pushed Wang Guiwu back a few steps; that was all.
The Big Dipper Tower disciples were somewhat astonished. The third-ranked true transmission disciple had only achieved this level? The second-ranked true transmission disciple of the Big Dipper Tower had an unpleasant expression, as his strength was only slightly greater than Liu Peiyong’s.
The outcome depended entirely on the performance on the field. However, Wang Guiwu had overwhelmingly defeated Liu Peiyong. If he were to step forward again, it would simply result in another fallen opponent on the ground.
The elders of the Big Dipper Tower wore unpleasant expressions as they retrieved Liu Peiyong for treatment. It was strange if they managed to maintain a pleasant expression after witnessing their disciple being beaten to such a state.
Chen Fei gazed downward, his expression unchanged, while Yan Shijin’s body tensed slightly beside him.
“Elder Yan, are you confident?”
Mo Zhiming came to Yan Shijin’s side and asked softly. The last time, Mo Zhiming was ranked second among the true transmission disciples, but his strength had not improved significantly in the past six months.
Mo Zhiming realized that he had no hope facing Wang Guiwu.
“If we base it on the strength he demonstrated just now, there might be a slight chance.”
Yan Shijin’s brows furrowed as he looked at Miao Daixin. His own strength had indeed improved quite a bit, but only just enough.
Miao Daixin had held the top position among the Primordial Sword Sect’s true transmission disciples for several years. The last time they attended the Immortal Cloud Sword Sect’s event, Miao Daixin was defeated by the eighth-ranked disciple of the Immortal Cloud Sword Sect.
Several years had passed since then, and Miao Daixin’s strength had improved somewhat, but not significantly. Miao Daixin had focused more on refining his mental power, preparing for the advancement to the Aperture Tempering realm.
At this moment, Miao Daixin’s expression was serious. If Wang Guiwu’s strength was truly as shown earlier, Miao Daixin would be able to handle it. But was Wang Guiwu’s strength really just that?
ii
Is there anyone else willing to come forward and provide guidance?”
After adjusting for a moment, Wang Guiwu looked around, and his expression had become much more assertive compared to before..