Eve of the Decisive Battle
Some say that every man's growth is shaped by pursuing the figure of another man. As the owner of that figure, Xiao Dong has always considered himself disdainful.
But today, a second figure emerged, and Xiao Dong felt his position being shaken, igniting a sense of anger within him.
As he entered the stage with this burning fury, Xiao Dong appeared less refined than usual, with a touch of arrogance, and the unfortunate victim of his wrath was Lin Feier.
In terms of swordsmanship alone, Lin Feier's Jade Maiden Sword Technique may be superior to Xiao Dong's swordplay. However, after Xiao Dong made his move, Lin Feier could only suffer in silence.
Whether it was in terms of cultivation level or combat experience, Lin Feier was significantly inferior to Xiao Dong. Coupled with Xiao Dong's inexplicable rage, Lin Feier found herself under immense pressure as soon as she crossed swords with him.
A tempestuous onslaught, with sword radiance sweeping across the sky.
Amidst Xiao Dong's relentless barrage of attacks, Lin Feier couldn't fully unleash the advantages of her Jade Maiden Sword Technique and could only grit her teeth and hold on.
"Swish!"
A sharp pain shot through Lin Feier's wrist, and her long sword slipped from her hand, leaving her standing there, looking helpless. She knew there was a gap between her and Xiao Dong, but she never expected it to be this wide. After just a few moves, Lin Feier was sent flying with her sword thrown aside.
Jiang Yun watched this scene from below the stage. Although he felt that this setback might be quite significant for Lin Feier, he couldn't offer any consolation.
Only those who have experienced failure yearn for success even more. Perhaps this failure will serve as Lin Feier's most valuable lesson.
Xiao Dong provocatively scanned the audience below, as if declaring something, before finally locking eyes with Jiang Yun and giving a cold sneer.
If you want to become the Sword God of Yanjing City, you must at least pass my test, Xiao Dong.
Sensing Xiao Dong's gaze, Jiang Yun turned to look at him. In Xiao Dong's eyes, Jiang Yun saw the desire for a battle, which also sparked a sense of anticipation within Jiang Yun.
Undoubtedly, aside from Xiao Wanshui, Xiao Dong was the most formidable opponent Jiang Yun had encountered.
Facing Xiao Wanshui, Jiang Yun felt powerless despite his willingness. However, it was different with Xiao Dong. Although Xiao Dong's strength surpassed Jiang Yun's by a significant margin, Jiang Yun still had the power to put up a fight.
As long as there was a glimmer of hope, Jiang Yun would thirst for victory. It was his inherent pride. Xiao Dong sought to defend his own pride, but when two proud individuals clashed, one of them would inevitably lose their pride.
When Jiang Yun felt the battle intent within himself, the Jiuli Divine Art autonomously activated. Once the battle intent subsided, Jiang Yun was pleasantly surprised to find that his Jiuli Divine Art had made some progress. The art, which had been consolidated at the fifth level, showed signs of breaking through to the sixth level.
If it weren't for the inappropriate timing, Jiang Yun might have directly reached the sixth level.
Previously, Jiang Yun only knew that the Jiuli Divine Art was an advanced body-refining technique. However, after this experience, he realized that the Jiuli Divine Art might be more than just that. But now was not the time to delve into the mysteries of the art.
Jiang Yun walked toward the dejected Lin Feier and lightly patted her shoulder. "Don't be disheartened. You've only just begun learning the Jade Maiden Sword Technique. It's nothing to lose to him. As long as you become proficient in my sword technique, there will always be a chance to defeat him."
Lin Feier forced a smile, clearly not greatly affected by Jiang Yun's comforting words. Jiang Yun had to speak in a deep voice, "Even if you don't believe in yourself, don't you believe in the sword technique I entrusted to you?"
Lin Feier glanced up at Jiang Yun, and the desolation in her eyes gradually dissipated. Although her smile still seemed a little forced, it was much better than before. Lin Feier nodded and said, "Thank you, Brother Li Tao. Feier knows what to do now."
Finally, Jiang Yun smiled again and said, "No problem. Tomorrow, watch as I avenge you."
"Mmm."
After Jiang Yun's stunning swordsmanship and Xiao Dong's kingly demeanor, the third match of the day seemed dull and tasteless. Although the two contestants were evenly matched, putting up a fierce battle, it would have been an exciting competition in the past.
After half an hour of fighting, Xiao Li narrowly defeated Ye Shu with a single move, solidifying the top three positions in the Yanjing Martial Arts Tournament.
Although Xiao Li was also among the top three, everyone present knew that the highlight of tomorrow would be the showdown between Jiang Yun and Xiao Dong.
One was considered the benchmark of the younger generation in Yanjing City, while the other was the newly emerged Sword God who had amazed the entire city.
Who would be the pride of Yanjing City's swordsmanship?
This was destined to be a decisive battle that would be recorded in the annals of Yanjing City's history. After everyone dispersed with anticipation, Jiang Yun returned to the Lin family residence, declining all visitors. He locked himself in his room.
Jiang Yun sat cross-legged, ready to break through to the sixth level of the Jiuli Divine Art. After practicing the art for some time, Jiang Yun could increasingly feel its wondrous aspects.
The Jiuli Divine Art not only had excellent effects on body refinement but also complemented the cultivation of internal energy from the Yi Jin Jing. Over this period of accumulation, Jiang Yun discovered that his current internal energy was equivalent to ten years of cultivation on Earth.
If measured in terms of the spiritual energy of the Lingwu Continent, Jiang Yun's internal energy was roughly equivalent to the seventh level of Qi Martial cultivation. If word got out that Jiang Yun had only been in this world for about half a month and already possessed the spiritual energy of nearly the seventh level of Qi Martial, it would be astonishing. Others might have spent over a decade in cultivation, while he achieved it in just half a month.
This terrifying cultivation speed, once known, could lead to Jiang Yun being seen as a monster.
Tomorrow's battle with Xiao Dong occupied Jiang Yun's mind, leaving no room for such considerations. Instead, he took out a Concentrated Yuan Pill and swallowed it, preparing to break through to the sixth level of the Jiuli Divine Art.
The Concentrated Yuan Pill was given to Jiang Yun by Lin Shenhe, equivalent to the deposit for Jiang Yun representing the Lin family in the Yanjing Martial Arts Tournament. Jiang Yun had kept it all this time.
As the Concentrated Yuan Pill dissolved, releasing an extremely concentrated spiritual energy, Jiang Yun endured the pain as the energy filled his meridians and pores. He activated the Jiuli Divine Art and began refining this spiritual energy.
As Jiang Yun continued the refinement, a white mist, symbolizing a breakthrough, appeared above his head. Jiang Yun disregarded the sweat flowing into his eyes and focused even more, pushing to break through to the sixth level.
Breakthrough!
As Jiang Yun broke through to the sixth level of the Jiuli Divine Art, it felt as if every capillary in his body had opened up, greedily absorbing the surrounding spiritual energy. His physical body underwent constant tempering. Some black substances began to appear on Jiang Yun's body, which were impurities expelled from within him.
When Jiang Yun opened his eyes again, the sky had brightened. Unable to bear the sticky black substances on his body, he cleaned himself thoroughly and changed into clean clothes.
As usual, Jiang Yun performed a set of Tai Chi in the courtyard and ate a few pastries. He had no sense of urgency for the impending decisive battle, until Lin Shenhe came to call him. Jiang Yun straightened his attire and then picked up the ancient sword from his room.