First Match

On the Sword Discourse Arena, the profound strength assessments for all participating disciples were finally finished. Ling Wugou then used a very long time to read aloud the ranking tournament's basic procedure and guidelines. After which, this year's Blue Wind Ranking Tournament had finally, officially begun.

"...When fighting, a person loses when he falls onto the ground for more than ten breaths of time or when he concedes the match! No matter for what reason, any competitor who takes more than thirty breaths of time to go up on stage will be seen as admitting defeat… Now, this old man declares that the Blue Wind Ranking Tournament has officially begun!"

After Ling Wugou's voice fell, a large area of profound energy fluctuation came from all around. On top of the thirty small Sword Discourse Arenas, transparent profound energy protective screens appeared simultaneously. These profound energy barriers could isolate the two competitors such that their profound energy would not affect the surroundings when both parties were in combat. At the same time, to a certain extent, it also sets a restriction on the area in which both parties would fight.

Thirty well prepared middle aged men also flew up and descended to the side of the thirty small Sword Discourse Arenas. These were the referees for the first round of small group matches. And these thirty people, could all use the "Profound Floating Technique", which meant that they were all Sky Profound Realm experts. This fact made many observing disciples to immediately go slack-jawed.

The thirty small Sword Discourse Arenas were evenly spread out around the main Sword Discourse Arena. To the practitioners watching, from any seat, the circumstances of each small Sword Discourse Arena could be plainly visible just by shifting their gazes a little.

Following the appearance of the thirty judges and the profound energy barriers, the numbers of sixty disciples flashed brightly at the same time. Very quickly, sixty competitors climbed onto their respective Sword Discourse stage and the first match was officially begun.

The Nura Clan is sitting very close to the fifteenth Sword Discourse Arena, though his match will be on the tenth sword discourse arena Rihan didn't move as he can see clearly despite the distance. His first match was arranged to be the fourth match, so he did not immediately move beside the tenth arena.

There were over five hundred sect forces, and some mainly used swords, while others mainly used knives, or axes, or even just whips… All sorts of weapons could be seen, and even more so, all sorts of profound attributes made the scene messy and confusing. All the different heavy, light, and even gaudy profound skills displayed were enough to overwhelm a person.

Currently, it was only the first round of the small group matches, which was also the most basic round of competition in the entire ranking tournament. However, each match there would be considered an extremely heroic showdown to the outside world, because both parties fighting were all below twenty, at the Spirit Profound Realm, and were all geniuses of the ultimate pinnacle to the letter! This was a match of the ranking tournament that only belonged to the most extremely talented geniuses.

A quarter of an hour passed by, and the Tenth Sword Discourse Arena had already finished three matches. During the fourth match, Whenever a disciple from any of the Four Major Sects appeared, they would definitely become the focal point.

As the tournament started to heat up, another big name appeared.

At this time, a referee's loud cry came from Sword Discourse Arena Number 10.

"Group 10, fourth match, Blue Wind Imperial Family's 'Nura Rihan' —— versus —— Thunderbolt Mountain's 'Wu Feiran'!"

Everyone attention landed on the tenth discourse arena, they wanted to witness the strength of Rihan.

A flash of lightning struck from the sky which made the onlookers squint their eyes.

As the light dimmed, a young man with wavy black hair and pale aqua eyes appeared on the stage, lightning current surrounded his body, he has a two swords in each hand, his sharp eyes landed on Rihan.

Despite knowing Rihan's cultivation, Wu Feiran didn't lose hope instead he was excited that he had the chance to meet a monster like him; he believes that growth occurs when one goes beyond one's limits.

Rihan smiled as a flash of interest appeared within his amber eye, a person who isn't fazed by his strength can be considered a worthy opponent.

The Nura Clan members simply watched the event as if it doesn't concern them while Cang Yue has the look of anticipation in her eyes.

Fen Juechen's will participate on the fifth match so he still have time to watch Rihan's fight.

"Good luck Rihan." Cang Yue said as she gave him a thumbs up.

Rihan nodded, black mist engulfed his body.

On the tenth discourse arena opposite to Wu Feiran, dark smoke rose as it slowly formed into Rihan's figure.

The representative of the four major sect and Heavenly Sword Villa started to pay attention to the match.

"It's here, it's finally starting!" In excitement, a young lady forgot her image as she jumped while holding her friends hands, her breathing rushed: "Rihan's match is about to start! Kyaaa! So Handsome."

"Ruoer calm down, our image is crumbling!" her friend reprimanded, unfortunately it didn't sound convincing since her face flushed red just by taking a peek, though not Rihan but the person who sat in the middle of Blue Profound Palace corner. (Hannya)

Not far from them, a group of youngsters formed a betting booth as they revealed their profound coins in the open.

"Hehe, I bet Nura Rihan is going to be the victor!" 

"It's obvious that he will win, just the difference in Cultivation is enough to for me to tell!! Are you stupid?!" 

discussion flowed as the battle is about to start.

Seeing that the two participants assumed their position the referee nodded, he was about to signal the start of the fight when is Rihan's cool and sulky voice echoed, "To be fair, I will be suppressing my cultivation."

Though it wasn't loud, his words echoed as everyone stopped their discussion.

Suppressing the cultivation level? If that happens then... Wouldn't it mean that everything would come down to skills?

The referee was stunned by this declaration, it could simply be interpreted as discarding his advantage.

Rihan suppressed his cultivation down to the same level as Wu Feiran, with a nod the referee signalled the start of the match.

Wu Feiran raised his eyebrow as he looked at Rihan directly in the eye, "Are you pitying me? if you are, I don't need your pity."

"Pity? It's not my style. I just wanted to test my skills. Using my cultivation to win doesn't go along with my intentions."

Wu Feiran turned silent as if trying to make sure that Rihan was telling the truth.

After confirming that his words were true Feiran dashed towards Rihan.

A flash of lightning suddenly streaked through the sky, the next moment his silhouette disappeared only to appear in front of Rihan.

"What speed!" In the audience stands, a cry of alarm rang out from the endless crowd.

The members of the Thunderbolt Mountain involuntarily stood firm as they raise their chin.

Wu Feiran positioned his dual sword in 'x' form, Feiran let out a shout as he slashed.

"Cross lightning Slash!!"

Rihan remained on his position as he took out Nenekerimaru.

He covered his body with 'fear' as he faced Feiran's full blow slash.

Lightning struck Rihan the moment their swords met.

Unfortunately it wasn't enough, as the lightning didn't even reached Rihan's clothes before it was deflected by the 'fear' covering his body.

Watching the scattered lightning current in the wind, Wu Feiran's face turned pale.