Season 1 Episode 20: Number One

After winning against Colton Grey, Claude Rayforth's popularity had increased drastically.

"Claude! Claude!" The crowd cheered. Claude's surprising win over Colton caused many youths to worship him. How could they not? He defied all expectations and defeated the top ranking outer disciple!

He achieved something that they could only dream of!

The contest continued, but no one from his group challenged Claude, perhaps due to fear of losing and getting kicked out in the first round, or fear of losing their entire cultivation.

Even the third ranking outer disciple Misty Durward didn't dare challenge him. How could anyone else?

The preliminary round ended quickly, and the group winners and runner-ups were picked to compete in the 'Round of Sixteen', with Claude and Misty representing group four as group winner and runner up respectively.

In his first match of the round of sixteen, he met Garrett Farley, the second ranked outer disciple, who looked at Claude, as he smiled bitterly.

"I know there is a clear difference between you and me. But I am not someone who will give up." Garrett said calmly, as his bulky and muscular figure shook the stage.

Claude's expression was calm, as his two black pupils flashed with an imposing light.

"Begin."

"Invisible Sword Technique!" As soon as the judge spoke, a terrifying sword intent was emitted from Claude's hands. He took in a light breath and released his aura. The sword intent became more and more intense, as a white sword manifested in his hands, and he shot towards Garrett ferociously with a sonic boom.

Claude's killer aura combined with this flood of sword intent firmly locked Garrett in place.

Shoosh!

Garrett dodged left, and closed in on Claude as he swung his fist.

Platinum Star Fist!

His fist thrust through, as an explosive power casually swam around his hands, causing his aura to clash with Claude's formless sword intent.

Claude's eyes contracted slightly as his expression turned solemn.

The spectating outer disciples stared in shock.

"Platinum Star Fist! That's a high level body strengthening martial arts technique! When did Garrett learn it?"

"Looks like Claude isn't the only one who has been cultivating in secret. This fight might be more interesting than what I imagined!"

"But Claude still defeated Colton Grey, who ranked first. No matter how strong Garrett might be, it might still be a stretch for him to actually win against Claude, wouldn't you agree?"

"Didn't we think that Colton would definitely win this year's Inner Disciple Exams? Look what happened!"

Discussion broke out nearby.

This was something that no one expected. Perhaps there was going to be another dark horse? Everyone had their attention on the stage.

BOOM!

Claude's sword clashed against Garrett's fist, and all the outer disciples heard a loud 'Boom!' before their ears trembled and they lost their hearing.

Under the might of Garrett's Platinum Star Fist, the powerful sword technique was stopped in its tracks, as Claude and Garrett both retreated at once and left cracks on the ground.

Claude had gained the upper hand slightly, but this scene shocked the outer disciples below.

"Garrett was able to block Claude's Invisible Sword Technique! Looks like he may have a chance at beating Claude!"

"That guy focuses on body strengthening and he is able to counter Claude's attack!"

Everyone in the crowd was discussing this.

At this moment, the two of them were in a deadlock. Claude's killer aura and the Invisible Sword Technique was not able to overpower Garrett's body strengthening cultivation technique.

Claude did not have any fear in his heart. Instead, he was full of vigorous battle intent.

"Interesting. I see that you're physically skilled. But let's see how long you can keep up with me," As he spoke, Claude dashed over ferociously to attack first. and countless streams of sword light shot out and flew with a flicker, attacking Garrett from different angles.

The Astral Wing Blade Technique!

"Don't underestimate me!" Garrett's bones cracked as his aura turned sharp, radiating all around. He swung at Claude once again.

Ding Ding Ding… !

Sparks appeared as the Astral Wing Blades landed on Garrett's fist. However, these sharp moves didn't even pierce through his defense.

'A powerful move. You are strong. I underestimated you earlier. But in the end, you're still predictable,' Claude laughed coldly, as he half turned and half stepped back. Garrett's fist moved toward him, faster than he was moving, off-script and involuntary, just like he thought it would.

"Gotcha!" Claude kept it going long enough to let their momentum establish, and then he spun away all of a sudden and twisted his body, dodging his fist.

Zoom… !

In an instant, Claude had arrived right in front of Garrett. Garrett's heart jumped. He had the feeling that he was fighting a martial arts master, and not a student.

The speed was too fast, giving Garrett no time to dodge. A pressuring sword intent emerged from his palms, which was as incandescent as the sun, and he slashed towards Garrett's chest.

"Invisible Sword Technique, Close Range!"

He was unable to avoid it! Seeing the sword about to strike his chest, there was a look of desperation on Garrett Farley's face.

"Bang!"

An explosion sounded as rocks and dust were sent flying and the air was turbulent. Garrett spat out a mouthful of blood as he was sent back flying tens of metres and landed face first. His face was pale and messy, and blood trickled out from the corner of his lips.

On the other hand, Claude's complexion had not changed. It was still red and glossy and he still had a faint smile on his face. He looked at the fallen Garrett in a relaxed manner.

The watching outer disciples stared at the stage with open mouths, before thunderous sounds of clapping erupted from the crowd.

After beating Garrett, there were no more opponents that were his match left. All his opponents admitted defeat. Claude had beaten both the first and the second ranking outer disciples, and he did it with ease. How could anyone else even attempt fighting him?

"I give up!"

"I surrender!"

******************************

Two hours later, with his opponent in the final round conceding even before they fought, Claude had easily attained first place in the Inner Disciple Exams.