Chapter 304: Chapter 204: Win You with the Sword (First Update)
Ai Family.
Ai Boming lay in bed, his complexion pale as paper, nursing his injuries.
Xue An’s punch hadn’t killed him, but it had seriously damaged his foundational energy, something that wouldn’t recover in less than a year or two.
“Is the matter taken care of?” Ai Boming asked in a deep voice.
“My lord, as per your instructions, we have tampered with the Trial Divine Stone. The moment this person enters, we can summon our troops to surround and kill him within!” a steward reported in a deep voice.
Ai Boming nodded, a vindictive glint in his eyes.
“Excellent! To think he dared to kill my daughter, this time, I will have him pay with his blood for the blood debt!”
……………
The day of the trial finally arrived.
The open ground in front of the trial field was packed with not just the participants but also the citizens gathered to watch the spectacle.
A stir ran through the crowd now and then as masters from various parts of the eastern Kunlun regions continued to arrive.
A splendid carriage drove into the arena, and Shang Tianhe stepped down.
His arrival caused quite a stir.
“It’s the Shang Family!”
“The eldest son of the Shang Family has arrived!”
“I hear the Shang Family’s eldest son has godlike swordsmanship and even had training under the Sword Control Villa in the northern region of Kunlun. For this trial competition, I reckon first place will belong to none other than him!”
Among these murmurs, Shang Tianhe remained calm, whereas his father, Shang Yuchen, wore a proud smile, nodding occasionally in response to those greeting him.
At that moment, Xue An and Bian Qingmu also appeared at the venue.
Due to the incidents from the past few days, many recognized Xue An.
“It’s him! He really came!”
“This guy beat Ai Boming into bedridden agony, and he still dares to participate in the trial? He’s got guts, that’s for sure!”
The crowd buzzed with conversation.
Shang Tianhe fixed his gaze on Xue An, then strode over.
Seeing him approach, many quickly cleared the way, looking at Xue An with gleeful anticipation of misfortune.
As the pride of Jizhou City, Shang Tianhe naturally had the crowd’s favor.
As for Xue An, a man of mysterious origins and domineering actions, many were wary of him.
“You are indeed strong and worthy to be my opponent. But in this trial, I will make you understand what a true powerhouse is,” Shang Tianhe said in a strong voice.
Xue An simply smiled, not responding to Shang Tianhe’s words, instead glancing at the sword at his waist, “Sword Cultivator?”
Shang Tianhe nodded, “True Disciple of the Sword Control Villa, Shang Tianhe!”
As he spoke, pride filled his face.
After all, to become a True Disciple in a Hidden Immortal Sect like Sword Control Villa was a testament to his exceptional talent!
“Fine, for this trial, I won’t use fists but swords to defeat you!” Xue An said indifferently.
Boom!
Xue An’s statement sparked commotion among the surrounding people.
Many were aware of how Xue An had defeated Ai Boming with his fists a few days prior.
They had assumed Xue An to be a Martial Cultivator who excelled in fist techniques.
Yet now he was claiming he would defeat Shang Tianhe with a sword, which seemed almost absurdly laughable.
At least many could not help but snicker, believing this man was arrogantly courting death.
Upon hearing this, Shang Tianhe’s gaze grew colder.
“Defeat me with a sword? Heh, I’ve been sleeping with a sword by my pillow since I was three, practicing swordsmanship countless times daily. At seven, I entered the Heavenly Human Realm; at twelve, I reached Xiaoyao; by eighteen, I ascended to Heavenly Being; and at twenty-two, I finally became a Sword Immortal! Recently, I received the favor of Moonlight Sword Sovereign from Sword Control Villa and was taken as a disciple to inherit the peerless Sword Dao! Becoming a True Disciple!”
Shang Tianhe’s words garnered an admiring look from the surrounding people.
Shang Yuchen’s face was full of pride; after all, with his son being so promising, it reflected glory on him as well.
A cold sneer surfaced on the corner of Shang Tianhe’s mouth as he retorted, “And now you dare claim… you intend to defeat me with your sword?”
Shang Tianhe’s question made everyone turn their gaze toward Xue An.
Many faces were filled with disdain.
Yet faced with these stares, Xue An laughed, “Sounds quite impressive!”
“But to me, it still looks like… trash!”
As soon as the word “trash” left his mouth, it elicited numerous angry glances.
Especially Shang Yuchen, whose complexion became so dark it looked like he could drip water.
But Shang Tianhe merely showed a slight change in expression, then nodded his head, “My heart of the sword is clear and unperturbed. You can’t provoke me. When the time comes, I’ll prove with my sword who is truly the trash!”
Having said that, Shang Tianhe turned to leave.
Just then, there was a sudden disturbance at the entrance of the trial venue, followed by the crowd parting to create a path.
A peerlessly elegant beauty with incomparable charm walked in with measured steps.
The spectating crowd gradually fell silent, many watching her with faces full of amazement.
After the beautiful woman walked past, someone murmured softly, “Is there really such a beautiful woman in the world?”
“Isn’t… isn’t that Miss Zhu Ruyan of the Ruyan Tower?” Someone recognized her and couldn’t help but let out a low exclamation.
At first, Shang Tianhe was taken aback, and then a surge of ecstasy overwhelmed him.
He had been doggedly courting Zhu Ruyan for some time, but she always kept her distance, never responding directly, which greatly troubled Shang Tianhe.
Her sudden appearance at the front of the trial venue today must be to bolster my spirits! She must have understood my feelings and is ready to accept them!
With that thought, Shang Tianhe excitedly stepped forward, “Miss Ruyan, why have you come in person? Your presence truly flusters me…”
He didn’t finish his sentence because he realized that Zhu Ruyan was not glancing sideways, not even looking at him, and walked straight past him into the venue.
What is she doing?
Intrigued, Shang Tianhe turned his head to look.
He saw Zhu Ruyan approach Xue An and gracefully saluted him.
“My lord!”
Boom!
All the onlookers were taken aback.
What was this about?
Why was Zhu Ruyan, known throughout Jizhou for her beauty, showing such respect to this man?
Shang Tianhe was flabbergasted.
Xue An smiled faintly, “What brings you here?”
“I was worried about my lord’s participation in the trial, so I specifically came to boost your morale!”
Hearing this, Shang Tianhe could no longer remain calm. The murderous intent in his eyes was fervent, and his complexion turned ashen.
Very good! You dare to provoke me so, this time… I will surely kill you!
At that moment, an elder from the Ai Family announced loudly, “The trial has officially begun! Participants, enter the arena!”
A layer of light shimmered above the trial ground.
This light barrier was much thicker than the one in Yuanzhou City, obviously considering that the cultivation levels of those participating in this trial would be much higher!
Shang Tianhe, with a darkened face, entered the arena first.
Xue Anchong gave Zhu Ruyan a slight nod and then turned to enter as well.
Zhu Ruyan stared at the departing figure of Xue An, her face full of tension and anticipation.
Xue An was her only hope for revenge!
Naturally, she was full of concern.
At this moment, as Xue An entered, some individuals at the front of the trial ground exchanged glances, and with composed expressions, they quickly followed him inside.