Chapter 29: Advancing Together to the Finals

Returning to the Heavenly Fire Cave where they stayed in Yi Garden, everyone surrounded Lin Yunfeng, carefully examining his injuries. After a thorough check, True Man Ziyang sighed lightly, "Yunfeng has consumed a tremendous amount of true essence this time, affecting both his body and future cultivation. However, his foundation is still solid, so there's no major issue. But if he wants to recover his strength before the competition, it might be a bit challenging."

Looking at Yunfeng, True Man Xuanyu softly said, "There's nothing else we can do in this situation. Junior Brother, focus on healing him with all your might. Seize every moment; we need to exert all efforts to achieve good results in this competition. Today's battle was intense, more so than any previous sessions. In the past, with Yunfeng's performance today, he would have had a chance to compete for the top six. However, the situation this time is different, and you all witnessed it without me saying. Leaving aside, the expression of Star Soul of Liu Clan before leaving, everyone could see. If we face disciples from Heaven Sword Academy again, we have to be extra cautious. There are a total of eight participants from Heaven Sword Academy this time, and the possibility of facing them in the next round is significant. Everyone needs to be mentally prepared. Yunfeng's victory this time has already saved our face, so we must be vigilant in the next matches. Alright, I won't say more. Junior Brother, take the time to help him heal." After saying this, True Man Xuanyu, along with the others, left the cave where Yunfeng resided to avoid disturbing Ziyang True Man's healing process.

Looking at Lu Yun, True Man Xuanyu softly said, "The afternoon battle, though somewhat easier than this one, still requires caution. You must strive to conserve your strength and not easily deplete too much true essence. In the competition, besides comparing actual cultivation, it's also about each individual's strategy. How to cleverly seize the opponent at the beginning, maintain strength until the end, and deal with the real opponents, that is the key issue. This Six Schools Martial Arts Assembly has many unpredictable aspects, and no one can say for sure what will happen. This time, Yi Garden's ambition to enter the top six seems quite challenging now. Regarding this competition, I won't say much. I just hope that you all do your best, which will be fair to yourselves and everyone." After saying this, he looked at the three disciples with a meaningful look in his eyes that they couldn't quite comprehend.

Lu Yun glanced at Aoxue and Li Hongfei, and the three of them looked at each other simultaneously. Lu Yun smiled lightly and said, "This time, we won't let them look down on us. We will make everyone proud of us." Both Zhang Aoxue and Li Hongfei nodded solemnly, their determined expressions revealing their inner thoughts.

True Man Xuanyu's eyes flashed with satisfaction, and he chuckled, "Alright, we'll have dinner soon. I'll go check the results of the other matches to understand tomorrow's competition situation better. You don't need to wait for me; go ahead and have your meals." After finishing his words, his figure suddenly faded and disappeared in an instant.

After dinner, Lu Yun stayed outside Yunfeng's cave, silently watching the situation inside. Zhang Aoxue walked gently to his side, quietly watching with him without saying anything. In the tranquil cave, the two of them stayed for quite some time until True Man Ziyang, sweating profusely, came out. He glanced at the two with a hint of a smile and said, "He has now recovered to the sixth level of power. I believe he has a chance to recover to the ninth level of power during tomorrow's match, giving us hope. Let's go out and not disturb him. Let him cultivate and rest well in the afternoon; it will help his recovery."

When True Man Xuanyu returned, everyone was sitting together discussing the competition. Master Jingyue saw True Man Xuanyu coming back and whispered, "Senior Brother, any gains? How are the other four schools doing this time?"

True Man Xuanyu said, "This time, Yi Garden only had two participants in the preliminary round, while the other four schools had four participants each, and Heaven Sword Academy had six participants. Based on the performances of the twelve contestants this morning, Heaven Sword Academy had three disciples competing, with one win and two losses, showing good strength. As for the other schools, it was almost balanced with one win and one loss per school. The results of the afternoon matches will reveal the final outcome. Tonight, the heads of the six schools will have a thorough discussion about the arrangements for tomorrow's matches, focusing on the gap in strength between the participants. To avoid clashes between the top contenders, everyone needs to discuss and try to eliminate participants with relatively weaker cultivation, following the principles of fairness and justice."

Lu Yun spoke up, "Senior Brother, how many days will this competition last? Today is the first day, just the preliminary round. Tomorrow is the second day, and then the knockout rounds will leave only twelve participants, entering the most crucial moment to vie for the top six. But after the top six are decided, how will the rankings be determined? It seems that the rankings are not easy to determine, right?"

True Man Xuanyu chuckled softly, "This matter has gone through many times, so there is an unwritten rule about rankings. After entering the top six, the competition becomes quite complex. Because everyone should have an equal chance to vie for the first place. However, arranging the battles for six people is challenging. If divided into three groups, there will be three wins and three losses in the end. How can the three winners vie for the first place? This issue has been raised before by others. Later, after several Martial Arts Assemblies, the six schools made a rule and implemented a challenge system. The participants in the top six draw lots to decide their opponents and compete in three groups. After the results are out, the three losers, if they feel unlucky and faced the strongest opponent, can challenge one of the three winners. If they win, proving their strength is better than the challenged person, they take their place. This goes on, and the final first place is determined."

Lu Yun asked, "Does that mean the final ranking battles will take quite a long time?"

True Man Xuanyu smiled, "Not necessarily, because in the final match, everyone gives their all. So after the matches in the three groups, both sides often have depleted true essence and are unable to fight further. Consequently, there are very few actual challenges. So, besides determining the rankings for two groups, there usually aren't many cross-level challenges. The remaining three winners will have to play three matches, one each, to determine the rankings among them. Of course, the specific situation will only be known at that time, as each Martial Arts Assembly has some differences. It's hard to predict for now. Now, it's not early anymore; let's go to the Eagle Cave and prepare. Let Yunfeng continue healing; let's go."

Arriving at the Eagle Cave, there was still some time before the competition. Lu Yun took the opportunity to walk alone in the square, familiarizing himself with the surroundings. Observing the surroundings, he noticed many disciples from Heaven Sword Academy busy, and there were also five from Confucian Garden, including Bi Tian, Gao Feng, and the swordmaster Danqing Xianxiu Xu Canghai. Among the remaining two, one should be his opponent, Li Ming. Lu Yun walked around the area, then returned to True Man Xuanyu's side, smiling as he greeted the disciples of Confucian Garden who approached.

Danqing Xianxiu Xu Canghai looked at Lu Yun, smiling as he said to True Man Ziyang, "This time, we can finally see the most outstanding disciple of your Yang Garden. Please ask him to go easy on us; it would be troublesome if we have to carry someone back."

True Man Ziyang chuckled, "You're flattering him. My disciple has just entered the Daoist school and lacks experience. I hope your disciples can offer guidance."

On the side, Bi Tian approached Zhang Aoxue, whispering softly, "Zhang Shimei, I heard that this morning your Lin Yunfeng displayed great prowess, defeating the formidable opponent Mu Hua from Heaven Sword Academy. It's truly a joyous occasion. Please convey my greetings to him, hoping that he is well. Tomorrow, Zhang Shimei, it will be your turn to participate, and then we can witness the excellence of your sword skills. I hope I'll have the opportunity to cheer for you."

Zhang Aoxue remained calm, responding, "Thank you for your greetings. I will inform Junior Brother Lin. It's time now; I'll go greet Junior Brother Lu. Please excuse me." With that, she turned and walked towards Lu Yun.

Lu Yun watched Aoxue, a hint of a smile in his eyes but without saying anything. Aoxue glanced at him, calmly saying, "The competition is about to begin. Be careful, and remember, tomorrow you'll continue. Keep that in mind." After a casual glance, Aoxue looked away.

Lu Yun smiled lightly and whispered, "I know. I'll continue tomorrow; you can trust me." Meanwhile, Li Hongfei, looking at Aoxue's figure, showed a somewhat strange expression and slowly approached Lu Yun. Li Hongfei looked at Lu Yun and softly said, "Work hard, you can do it." Lu Yun nodded slightly in response.

Looking around, Lu Yun walked slowly into the arena. The Ruyi Heart and Soul Sword, held in his left hand all along, emitted a faint red light, beautiful like a red ribbon. Facing his opponent Li Ming, Lu Yun smiled gently and said, "Hello, I'm Lu Yun from Yi Garden. Nice to meet you."

Li Ming, aged around twenty-five, with a scholarly appearance, like a scholar. Li Ming held a long sword in his left hand, nodding slightly, "I'm Li Ming from Confucian Garden. I've heard Senior Brother Xu mentioned your name, saying you're the most outstanding talent in Yang Garden. Please go easy on me later." His tone carried a polite demeanor, giving off an impression of a Confucian scholar.

Lu Yun replied, "Senior Brother Li is too kind. Everyone is giving me too much credit. I'm just a beginner in the cultivation world. It seems that the time is about right now; let's begin. Please make your move." Lu Yun's right hand lightly swung, and the Ruyi Heart and Soul Sword hung down casually. His feet were natural, standing there, yet giving off a sense of a well-defended castle, not easy to approach.

Li Ming's eyes narrowed slightly, attentively observing Lu Yun's movements, searching for any weaknesses. After a while, unable to find any flaws, Li Ming had no choice but to launch a fierce attack. Li Ming lightly shouted, and his whole body burst into a red light. Confucian Garden's mastery - Grand Virtue Righteous Qi, carrying the supremely positive and pure red true energy, diffused around Li Ming like flames, firmly enveloping him. Li Ming drew his long sword, a red sword radiance about several zhang long suddenly appearing in front of Lu Yun, slashing down like lightning.

Lu Yun smiled lightly, his eyes containing understanding. With a slight shake of his right hand, a crisp and pleasant sword roar instantly spread throughout the entire arena. Simultaneously, the Ruyi Heart and Soul Sword shook rapidly, countless sword shadows swaying within a very small range, quickly gathering into a dazzling red sword aura. Lu Yun lifted the sword with his right hand, meeting Li Ming's attack. With a swift upward swing, Lu Yun suddenly retreated three steps in mid-air, turning around to approach Li Ming from the left side. The Ruyi Heart and Soul Sword, as swift as a startled swan, formed a sword array composed of one hundred and forty-eight swords in an instant, covering Li Ming's head. The speed was astonishing.

As Li Ming's body approached, Lu Yun's surroundings flashed with a red light, and the Ruyi Heart and Soul Sword suddenly erupted with a majestic momentum, red light intensifying threefold. Lu Yun's sword vertically chopped, meeting Li Ming's attack. A bright red light met Li Ming's sword, and in mid-air, a loud explosion accompanied by numerous exclamations echoed. Strong airflow swept like a hurricane, raising dust and shattered stones on the ground.

Li Ming was shaken by Lu Yun's tremendously powerful strike

, his protective true energy dispersed, and his entire person was instantly heavily injured. After landing, Li Ming took seven consecutive steps backward before stabilizing his figure. Watching Lu Yun calmly standing in place, Li Ming had to admire his openness and honesty for not taking advantage of the opportunity to strike. Taking a deep breath, Li Ming once again gathered all his power, the long sword emitting a dazzling light. With a light shout, Li Ming's body tilted forward, forming a thirty-degree angle with the ground. His entire person rotated and shot out like an arrow. In the rotation, for every three rounds, the long sword would touch the ground, then, borrowing the force, shoot directly again. After nine consecutive touches with the ground, the rotation speed became so fast that his figure was almost invisible. Only a red whirlwind, accompanied by a loud roar, rushed towards Lu Yun.

Lu Yun swung the Ruyi Heart and Soul Sword, unleashing the ultimate technique of Yi Garden, the "Fierce Fire Heavenly Gang Sword Art." Countless red sword shadows formed a vortex in front of him, counteracting Li Ming's approaching attack. The powerful true essence gathered in one place, with different properties and rotation directions, resulting in an explosive collision. In mid-air, countless thunderous explosions could be heard, signifying the immense power.

Regarding Confucian Garden's Grand Virtue Righteous Qi, Lu Yun was actually quite familiar. This was because the Confucian cultivation method he practiced, the "Grand Virtue Heavenly Gang," had many similarities with this Grand Virtue Righteous Qi. In fact, when broken down, Grand Virtue Righteous Qi, when cultivated to the highest level, would transform into Grand Virtue Heavenly Gang. It's just that Confucian Garden had always referred to this technique as Grand Virtue Righteous Qi.

Li Ming's rotating speed was extremely fast, and the force of that rotation rapidly tore through the layers of sword shadows Lu Yun had set up, aiming straight at Lu Yun's body. In an instant, Li Ming pierced through Lu Yun's sword shadows, and the long sword, accompanied by a howling sound, flashed with a crimson light, enveloping Lu Yun. Li Ming shouted, "Righteous Qi is boundless, the benevolent are invincible. Receive my Grand Virtue First Form, Righteous Qi Mountains and Rivers."

Lu Yun's expression remained calm, and he swiftly floated backward. With a slight raise of his right hand, the Ruyi Heart and Soul Sword suddenly transformed into eight red shadows, shooting out in eight directions to block Li Ming's advance. At the same time, as Lu Yun swung eight swords, the Ruyi Heart and Soul Sword, following his right hand, began to rotate rapidly. A peculiar blue and red alternating light gradually appeared in Lu Yun's right hand, converging into a beam of light that suddenly shot towards Li Ming. A thunderous roar echoed, and Lu Yun slapped the Ruyi Heart and Soul Sword with his palm. At an incredibly fast speed, accompanied by a blue and red glow, it collided with the approaching Li Ming.

Lu Yun's figure flashed, appearing in mid-air, avoiding the explosion radius. Looking down, he saw everyone around with changed expressions, deeply captivated by the spectacular battle between the two. At this moment, a burst of red light shone, and a figure shot out diagonally, landing several zhang away.

Disciples from Confucian Garden exclaimed, watching Li Ming, who appeared quite disheveled. They looked at him with concern. Li Ming glanced at his fellow disciples, showing a wry smile. After stabilizing his figure, Li Ming's long sword once again emitted a red light. Looking at Lu Yun in mid-air, Li Ming solemnly said, "Second Form - Danxin Zhao Ri." As he spoke, Li Ming's body on the ground instantly transformed into eight figures. These eight figures, each holding a long sword, converged into eight red sword pillars in eight directions. The eight sword pillars gathered in mid-air to form an oversized giant sword, emitting a dazzling red light. With the force of a mighty axe, it fiercely chopped towards Lu Yun.

On the side, True Man Xuanyu and others had a subtle change in their expressions. True Man Xuanyu spoke, "Given the situation, this opponent is not easy to deal with. Fortunately, Lu Yun hasn't been injured so far, which is advantageous."

True Man Ziyang looked at Lu Yun in mid-air, his eyes showing a fervent light. True Man Ziyang said, "This Six Academies Competition almost has no weak participants. Like this Li Ming, who isn't outstanding in Confucian Garden but still possesses such formidable strength. It indicates that the outstanding disciples of Confucian Garden must be even more powerful and domineering. The upcoming matches are really unpredictable. I just hope that Lu Yun can perform at his best. The thought of him entering the top six is already gone. No matter how strong he is, he only has two years of cultivation, right? This time, I'm just happy that he came. At least he won't lose this match, which is reassuring."

Master Jingyue looked at Proud Snow and whispered, "This time, all the other five academies have strong participants. To enter the top six in this competition, it will depend on their luck. The kind of opponent they encounter in the crucial final battle will determine their victory or defeat." Zhang Aoxue and Li Hongfei both had serious expressions, feeling the pressure of the upcoming matches.

True Man Xuanyu said, "Well, everyone, don't worry too much. We can't predict how things will turn out. Right now, the other five academies are also concerned about this matter. Nobody can foresee the final outcome. Let's carefully watch how Lu Yun wins."

While True Man Xuanyu and others were talking, Lu Yun was looking at the giant sword. Lu Yun, at this moment, had deep admiration for Li Ming. He didn't expect Li Ming's cultivation to be so profound. As the giant sword descended, Lu Yun reacted quickly. The Ruyi Heart and Soul Sword in his hand swung, producing countless sword shadows above his head. The rapidly swinging sword shadows, accompanied by the airflow, formed a blood-red crimson lotus. The lotus burned fiercely with raging flames, rotating above Lu Yun's head. The surrounding air was heated, emitting a green smoke, and a green flame appeared in the air.

Lu Yun waved the long sword, and the rotating crimson lotus, carrying the Nine Heavens True Fire, fiercely collided with Li Ming. Lu Yun shouted, "Witness the might of my Flame Red Lotus, or is your Danxin Zhao Ri more formidable?" The rotating lotus, like a flying disc, collided forcefully with the giant sword. In mid-air, two identical red lights instantly intersected, and numerous red true essences formed blooming red clouds, scattering in all directions, looking exceptionally beautiful. However, beneath this beauty was an invisible crisis.

The giant sword split the sky, the red lotus spun, and the two strange lights in mid-air were deadlocked. Everyone around closed their breath, afraid of disturbing the two engaged in battle. In their eyes, the giant sword was blocked by the burning red lotus between the two. The rapidly rotating lotus weakened a part of the giant sword's strength with each rotation, and the radiance of the lotus itself dimmed. After a prolonged stalemate, both lights simultaneously dissipated.

Lu Yun's figure appeared in mid-air above Li Ming's head. A crimson light rapidly rotated above Lu Yun's head – it was the Ruyi Heart and Soul Sword. At this moment, the sword emitted a powerful red light, enveloping Li Ming. As the Ruyi Sword spun faster and faster, the red light intensified, eventually forming a dazzling pillar of light, surrounding Li Ming.

Li Ming felt the increasing pressure around him, and his body was locked in place by the powerful airflow. Being heavily injured already, he couldn't withstand such pure power. Li Ming's face turned pale, his entire body trembling violently, and blood flowed from the corners of his mouth. Just as it seemed like Li Ming was about to collapse and fall, the blinding light pillar suddenly disappeared. A faint red shadow silently appeared in front of Li Ming – it was Lu Yun.

Lu Yun floated down, a gentle breeze gently rustling his clothes. He looked exceptionally elegant. The Ruyi Heart and Soul Sword emitted a faint red glow, rotating slowly above his head, very calm. Lu Yun smiled at Li Ming and said, "Senior Brother Li, your cultivation is profound, and I deeply admire it. Now, let's stop. What do you think?"

Li Ming looked at Lu Yun, a strange light flashing in his eyes. A faint smile appeared at the corner of Li Ming's mouth as he reached out his hand and said softly, "You are peculiar, giving off a strange feeling. But one thing is for sure, you are strong, really strong. Thank you for going easy on me this time. I hope we can be friends."

Lu Yun shook hands with him, and a surge of fiery true essence flowed from his hand into Li Ming's body

. Li Ming's entire body burst with red light, and he instantly became much more spirited. Lu Yun said with a smile, "Now, we are friends, right?" Li Ming nodded emotionally, "Yes, we are friends now. I'm really thankful for your mercy. I hope we can become good friends." This expression moved the disciples of Confucian Garden who had been somewhat displeased.

True Man Xuanyu looked at Lu Yun and praised him. "Lu Yun is unique, not arrogant after victory, approachable, and has the aura of a king. You all should learn more from him in the future. Now, let's go back and chat more comfortably." After speaking, he walked towards Lu Yun. True Man Ziyang's eyes were filled with excitement as he looked at Lu Yun. He was genuinely happy. After so many years, Yang Academy finally produced an outstanding disciple, bringing glory to Yi Garden. It was truly a joyful thing.

Zhang Aoxue looked at Lu Yun's calm smile, his handsome face, and his friendly demeanor. Everything was so dazzling that it was hard to forget. At this moment, an inexplicable feeling began to flow in her heart. An invisible thread of emotion was quietly growing.

Sword Saint Xuhai, the Danqing Sword Immortal, looked at Lu Yun with a strange gaze and said to his old friend Ziyang, "At this moment, I really have to congratulate you. You have accepted a good disciple. Not only is his cultivation profound, but most importantly, he has a broad and generous heart. This time, he might bring about great changes for your Yi Garden. My friend, you are really lucky, and I envy you."

True Man Ziyang smiled happily and said, "You are too kind, we are old friends, no need for such polite words. This time, being able to end in a peaceful victory, and both of them becoming friends, is truly rare. We all share in the joy." At this moment, True Man Ziyang was extremely happy. Lu Yun received praise from his old friend, which made him happier than being praised himself.

True Man Xuanyu said with a smile, "Alright, the competition is over, and there's no need to stand here chatting under the scorching sun. Let's go back and chat more comfortably." After speaking, he looked at everyone.

The Danqing Sword Immortal Xuhai turned around and instructed his disciples to take Li Ming back for rest. Then, he followed True Man Xuanyu and others to leave. Standing in the same place, Bitian looked at Proud Snow's figure several times, wanting to speak but ultimately refraining. He sighed lightly and turned to lead his disciples back.