First Strike

Eight more challenges were made in quick succession. Yang Kaitian called out names one by one as challengers chose their opponents. The convocation steadily rose in excitement and energy as nine pairs of duelists finally gathered.

Wu Qianyu paid them no heed as her attention was solely focused on her opponent. Although she was sure of her own strength, she did not take the duel lightly. This was her first time fighting in the name of Ten Thousand Flower Valley in a public tournament. She wasn't sure if she should go all out or hold back her strength as necessary. She had no desire to humiliate her opponent but she also wasn't the type to show mercy.

"Duelists, head to your assigned dueling platforms!" Yang Kaitian declared.

Wu Qianyu looked over at her challenger.

Zhang Han inclined his head, "Please, after you."

Wu Qianyu nodded once, accepted his courtesy, and headed for the first dueling arena.

By now, the large plaza had already transformed. Nine smaller square platforms had risen from the stone tiles of the plaza, each approximately fifty meters in width. They were arranged in a three-by-three grid, with a turquoise-robed senior of Eastern Sword Alliance presiding over each one as the judge.

Wu Qianyu leaped onto the platform and so did her opponent. They stood facing each other, on opposite sides.

"Duelists, are you ready? You each have five minutes to defeat your opponent!" Yang Kaitian instructed.

A hush fell upon the convocation. Out of the thousands of onlookers, most of them were interested in the north-western corner of the plaza where Wu Qianyu stood. It was finally time, finally time for the champion of the Monster Fighting Competition to show their strength!

Yang Kaitian's voice boomed across the arena once more. "Begin!"

The sounds of swords clashing immediately rang out. Several pairs of duelists immediately engaged in battle. And yet, both Wu Qianyu and Zhang Han stood firm, neither making the first move.

She cocked her head to one side, silently questioning her opponent. She was the one being challenged. She was the one with the stronger cultivation. It was natural for her to wait and give over the respect of the first strike.

Zhang Han finally reacted. He pulled out the slender sword from behind his back and raised it above his head in a martial stance. As the sunlight gleamed off his blade, his spiritual aura rose steadily toward the peak of his ability.

"Lady Wu!" He said, his voice clear and firm, "Known across the land as the paragon of righteousness. Seeing you today has proved that mere words pale in comparison to the real deal."

His words could be heard across the noise of clashing swords and harsh shouts of battle. He was speaking not to her but also to the gathered audience. He knew that everyone's attention was on them and he took this opportunity to make a name for himself.

"I am Zhang Han, the first disciple of Tai Ping Pavilion!" Zhang Han declared, "I hope my Sword of Tranquility will not disappoint you!"

He twirled his blade and pointed it ahead at Wu Qianyu. His spiritual energy was now at its limit, radiating from his body in almost tangible waves.

"Here I come!" He shouted as his body blurred.

Wu Qianyu tensed, waiting for the attack to come. The Purple Jade Sword was held in front in a loose guard. Her opponent's speed wasn't fast but it was difficult to gauge. His body seemed blurry, as if he was going really fast and really slow at the same time.

Zhang Han closed the distance at a steady pace and he finally lunged forward with his sword towards her chest. His sword moved in the same way as his body, slow but fast, fast but slow. His movements were entirely tranquil, enough to cause opponents to instinctively lower their defenses.

At the last moment, Zhang Han's sword flashed with power as well as swiftness. A split second ago, his attack would have been considered amateurish. Now, it was truly one belonging to an expert of the sword.

Sensing danger, Wu Qianyu expanded her spiritual aura and retreated five steps.

Ping!

The attack slowed as Zhang Han had to contend with her sword energy. The tip of his sword tried to find her but was cleanly deflected by an arc of purple light.

Zhang Han clenched his teeth and continued attacking, his movements deliberate, his sword shifting and thrusting with unnatural speed and agility.

The Sword of Tranquility was a sword style meant for duels. It specialized in conserving energy for powerful bursts. For Zhang Han, slowness translated to quickness, tranquility translated to might at the most opportune moments.

"Smooth footwork!"

"What speed!"

Praises rose from the audience as Zhang Han continued to press forward. As fellow sword cultivators, it didn't take long for many in the crowd to appreciate the intricacies of his sword. His expertise showed. They could feel the dedication, the countless days and nights spent in arduous practice.

Against expectations, Zhang Han's rendition of his sect's primary sword art was excellent and impressive. The Tai Ping Pavilion was a member of the Eastern Sword Alliance but its influence paled in comparison to the Four Greats. To many, it was a struggling immortal sect without much of a future. Yet he had bravely challenged Wu Qianyu in order to make his name heard and to bring honor to his sect.

And he had already achieved both in a short span of time.

The two duelists eventually broke apart, Zhang Han breathing deeply to regain his energy, Wu Qianyu looking on serenely.

"Good sword." She praised.

Since she practiced Dugu's 10th Sword, she could be considered half a sword cultivator. She could also appreciate her opponent's ability.

"Thank you, Lady Wu." Zhang Han replied, standing in a relaxed guard.

Since he had attacked first, it was her turn.

Wu Qianyu raised the Purple Jade Sword. Her eyes narrowed as she prepared a suitable response. She understood the usefulness of her opponent's sword art but she could also immediately identify its greatest flaw which was a lack of power.

What was a sword?

It was not an accompaniment to fancy footwork or intricate body movements. It was a weapon, used for slashing and piercing, for killing. This was the principle of Dugu's 10th Sword, killing power and power above all else.

Wu Qianyu took one step forward and slashed her sword diagonally in front of her. Her movements could not be more different from her opponent.

An arc of purple light left her blade and shot towards Zhang Han. Its sharpness and might also could not be more different.

Zhang Han saw everything clearly. There was no cleverness or misdirection to the incoming attack, only power. He raised his sword with both hands and summoned all of his sword energy to defend.

Pang!

His sword broke cleanly in two but the attack continued.

Purple energy slashed apart his spiritual defenses and slammed into his torso.

"Ahhh!" He let out a wail as he was sent tumbling off the platform.

"Winner, Wu Qianyu!"

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