Lingxi and Qianyu (II)

Pang!

The two sword attacks clashed together with a flash of light. The resulting shockwave of spiritual energy swept over the entire arena like a gust of wind. The crowd went wild, thrilled by the awesome clash. It was the most exciting battle so far, one between two geniuses in the lesser realm of Spiritual Growth with equal strength.

After the first exchange, Peng Xiling moved swiftly to prepare for another attack while Wu Qianyu remained rooted to one spot. One side preferred quickness, flexibility, and taking the initiative while the other was heroic and domineering. One side attacked enthusiastically while the other defended stoically.

Peng Xiling's second attack created a crisscrossed pattern of sword energy. Wu Qianyu responded with two purple slashes. The collision of swords this time crushed the stone tiles in between them into dust, leaving a jagged canyon of destruction.

"Are you not going to attack?" Peng Xiling's voice rang out with a teasing undertone.

"You are the challenger. I won't attack unless you force me to." Wu Qianyu replied flatly.

"Very well! Be careful now!"

With a bright laugh, Peng Xiling's sword became a blur and so did his body. His rapid movement left ghostly afterimages as he launched a continuous series of attacks aimed at overwhelming the opponent.

At the same time, one section of the eastern stands buzzed with excitement.

"Go, Sister Wu!"

"Slap that pretty boy!"

"Yeah, wooo!"

Chen Wentian watched the duel intently, ignoring the ear-splitting cheers around him. He couldn't pretend like he didn't care, not when these two were involved. This was equivalent to a direct contest between his sect and the Tower of Swords. They weren't just fighting for themselves but for their masters as well.

The third exchange between Peng Xiling and Wu Qianyu soon ended. Peng Xiling's attack power had drastically increased and was able to force Wu Qianyu out of her original spot. The two traded a few courteous words before a fourth exchange followed where Wu Qianyu's defense was further put under pressure.

Chen Wentian frowned and scratched his chin, "What is this Peng Xiling guy doing? Is he trying to play with Qianyu?"

"What is it, master?" Zhou Ziyun asked from beside him.

"This Peng Xiling, he is not exactly fighting using his full strength. And his attacks also lack a certain level of threat and killing intent." He said.

"But isn't that natural since we shouldn't be killing each other here?" She asked.

"Yes, but look closer. He's not even trying to win."

There was a short pause before she said, "Oh, I see, yes. He is attacking but not seriously."

"Right? He playing with her." Chen Wentian scoffed, "What audacity. Does he want to die? Even if he has some talent, I won't let this go. A pretty boy like him wants to mess with my disciple? Dream on!"

As he said this, he glared at the small figure of Peng Xiling in the distance, trying to squish him to death with his eyes alone. Men like Peng Xiling were his sworn enemies. They could effortlessly charm women with their good looks. It was so unfair. This Peng Xiling also had tremendous talent as well as the background of a powerful immortal sect. What kind of dogshit luck was that?

It was intolerable. He was an immortal now. How could he lose to someone like this?

"I'm going to tell Qianyu to beat him up properly and teach him a lesson!" He said in frustration.

Zhou Ziyun couldn't help but laugh a little. She saw the situation differently from him. She knew a certain tidbit of information that would certainly change his mind but she decided not to tell him for the moment.

"Actually, master, you don't have to do that." She said, "If this brat surnamed Peng is indeed messing with Sister Wu, she would be the first to realize it. She won't let him get away with it and would naturally retaliate even without master's urging. However, I see that Sister Wu attitude has yet to change and she seems to be fighting evenly with her opponent."

"Huh..."

Chen Wentian fell silent as he closely studied the ongoing duel. He soon saw Zhou Ziyun's point as well as additional details.

Peng Xiling was still not fighting at full power but his sword still contained a substantial level of seriousness and sword intent. He was fully utilizing all of the moves of the Lonely Sword Wanderer without hiding anything. Only, he wasn't trying to defeat his opponent. He was trying to practice with Wu Qianyu and help her instead.

"Interesting." Chen Wentian muttered.

Wu Qianyu could not be considered an expert of the sword. Her advantage came from tremendous strength, endurance, a powerful weapon, and a fearsome sword art. Her foundations were not entirely solid due to her upbringing in a minor mortal sect. As a result, her offensive ability was tremendous but her defense was lacking.

In contrast, Peng Xiling was well-rounded in all aspects of the sword. He had recognized Wu Qianyu's weakness after one or two exchanges. He could have taken advantage of this but chose not to. Instead, he held back slightly, letting her defend against all kinds of attacks in his arsenal.

Chen Wentian couldn't help but silently commend this Peng Xiling. Instead of winning over Wu Qianyu with sheer strength, this cunning guy chose a softer route. He constantly attacked but did not seek victory. Wu Qianyu was smart enough and took advantage of the situation to refine her own basic skills such as movement, footwork, and defensive sword forms. In just a few minutes, she had been able to learn a great deal from her generous opponent.

"What a crafty guy. Was he a snake in his past life?" Chen Wentian muttered. "Trying to steal my Qianyu like this? Who are you trying to fool?"

Zhou Ziyun rolled her eyes, "Master, you are too much. I don't think Peng Xiling is trying to seduce Sister Wu or anything. I think this person just wants to be her friend."

"Friends? Men and women can't be friends, especially my disciples!" He shot back.

She let out a long sigh and shook her head in defeat.

---

Thank you to all my patrons!

Support me and read ahead by 60 or even 120 chapters!

p atreon.com/kigreenwriting

Join my discord for updates, delays, and my ramblings :)

d iscord.gg/dY5UApw