C62 Fight

Atop the high platform, the Head Elder and Xu Annlan conversed openly, their voices carrying easily.

The gathered disciples, each at least at the Enlightenment Stage, with many at the Qi Gathering Stage, had honed their bodies to be stronger and their senses more acute.

Even from a distance of one to two hundred meters, they could clearly make out the exchange above.

Once the words from the stage reached them, understanding dawned, and the atmosphere buzzed with excitement.

"The beginnings of sword intent!"

"Senior Brother Chen truly lives up to his reputation as the top expert of the Outer Sect. To grasp the essence of Concepts at just level 1 of the Qi Transformation Stage is remarkable."

"The might of a Concept is formidable. When wielded, his martial prowess will surge dramatically."

"Indeed, it looks like Lin Xuan is headed for defeat, doesn't it?"

"Senior Brother Lin has already shown great strength by securing second place. There's no shame in losing to a Concept."

The disciples engaged in lively debate, the air abuzz with their chatter.

None had foreseen that Chen Yuze, freshly advanced to the Qi Transformation Stage and yet to join the Inner Sect, would grasp a Concept.

Though merely nascent, his achievement was formidable, eclipsing many within the Inner Sect.

The disciples were awestruck by Chen Yuze's insight into the Concept's embryonic form, yet whispers of speculation spread among them.

Lin Xuan, who had triumphed in successive battles and shattered records, seemed poised for defeat.

The potency of Concepts was beyond the reach of his Qi Gathering Stage abilities.

The more seasoned disciples couldn't help but revel in the prospect.

As a newcomer, Lin Xuan had bested veteran disciples, climbing to second rank.

Surely, his standing was about to slip.

The older disciples eagerly anticipated Lin Xuan's downfall.

Conversely, the new disciples felt a tinge of disappointment.

They had harbored hopes of Lin Xuan clinching the top spot in a single, glorious ascent, shattering every Drifting Cloud Sect record and giving them cause for pride.

But now, with Lin Xuan on the brink of defeat, their spirits waned.

Yet, in the wake of Chen Yuze's unveiled Concept, their desire for Lin Xuan's victory couldn't stave off the dwindling of their faith in him.

Unless Lin Xuan could grasp the Concept as well.

But Lin Xuan was only at the Qi Gathering Stage, not even at its peak.

How could he possibly grasp the Concept?

It seemed almost like a fantasy.

In the crowd, Zhou Lei and Guan Yuanshuang exchanged glances, their smiles tinged with bitterness.

They hadn't foreseen that among the three competitors, Chen Yuze would surge ahead.

And not just ahead—he was leagues beyond them.

Chen Yuze, having advanced to the Qi Transformation Stage and mastered the Concept, was now unbeatable by them.

A sense of defeat welled up within them.

Yet, they both hoped Chen Yuze would triumph over Lin Xuan and claim first place.

Lin Xuan, merely a month into his training as a new disciple, shone too brightly.

He had effortlessly bested even the top three of the Outer Sect.

If Lin Xuan were to fall, his brilliance would dim.

And they would find some solace.

At that moment, not a single person in the arena believed Lin Xuan stood a chance.

But would the outcome align with their expectations?

Perhaps not.

On the stage.

Lin Xuan observed Chen Yuze, who had unveiled the nascent form of his sword intent, and squinted.

"This is the Concept? It possesses great might," he remarked.

Lin Xuan gave a slight nod.

He, too, possessed the Concept, and his was far superior to Chen Yuze's.

Chen Yuze's fledgling sword intent posed no threat to him.

This was an opportunity to test the might of the Concept before deciding just how much of his own to reveal to ensure Chen Yuze's defeat.

Across from him.

Having manifested the embryonic sword intent, Chen Yuze smiled confidently.

"Lin Xuan, prepare for defeat!" Chen Yuze declared.

He saw no need for further words.

Defeating Lin Xuan would prove his supremacy.

He couldn't fathom Lin Xuan, at the Qi Gathering Stage, withstanding his swordsmanship, now enhanced by the Concept.

"Breeze Caresses the Moon!"

Chen Yuze's voice was low as he unleashed a sweeping strike with his sword.

In a flash, a beam of sword light shot forth, gentle as a passing breeze yet containing a terrifying sharpness.

Its velocity was astounding.

In just a moment, it struck Lin Xuan.

"Oh no!"

"Lin Xuan's in trouble!"

"Why isn't he dodging?"

"The Sword Qi's too fast; Lin Xuan might not be able to evade it."

The disciples watching the match felt a collective surge of anxiety, dreading a gruesome scene where Lin Xuan might be cleaved in two.

But as the Breeze Sword seemingly tore through Lin Xuan, his figure slowly faded—it was nothing but an afterimage!

In that instant, Lin Xuan's speed had significantly outstripped his previous burst.

"Such incredible speed!"

"Is this Senior Brother Lin's true power?"

"He's incredibly strong!"

Witnessing Lin Xuan unleash even greater strength, the disciples were once again astounded by his prodigious talent.

Even the Head Elder and Xu Annlan, perched on the high platform, were captivated by Lin Xuan, their eyes reflecting their deep admiration.

Though Lin Xuan's power was but at the fourth level of the Qi Gathering Stage, his speed now exceeded many at the fourth level of the Qi Transformation Stage within the Inner Sect.

His natural talent was evidently exceptional.

Yet, despite this, no one was truly hopeful about Lin Xuan's chances.

They merely believed he could endure a little longer.

Their sympathy for Lin Xuan grew.

Had Chen Yuze not grasped the essence of the Concept, even with his breakthrough to the Qi Transformation Stage, he would not stand a chance against Lin Xuan.

Regrettably for Lin Xuan, Chen Yuze had mastered the Concept.

With the nascent form of his sword intent revealed, Chen Yuze posed a challenge even for many mid-stage Qi Transformation Stage experts, let alone Lin Xuan, at the Qi Gathering Stage.

On the arena floor.

Chen Yuze's pupils narrowed, startled by Lin Xuan's unexpected burst of speed.

He hadn't anticipated Lin Xuan concealing such strength.

Truly, Lin Xuan was a top-tier genius within the entire sect.

Had Chen Yuze not fortuitously grasped the embryonic sword intent in a critical moment, the defeat could very well have been his.

Fortunately, he had grasped the rudiments of sword intent.

A wave of relief washed over Chen Yuze.

Without delay, Chen Yuze declared with an icy tone, "Lin Xuan, your strength and agility are indeed superior to mine, but make no mistake, you will be the one defeated in this match!"

With those words, Chen Yuze brandished his treasured sword, delivering three swift strikes.

"Sweeping Breeze!"

The three beams of sword energy burst forth, triangulating to ensnare Lin Xuan, sealing off all possible avenues of escape.

Each beam was significantly more potent than the last.

This time, there seemed to be no room for Lin Xuan to dodge.

The crowd watched with bated breath, their eyes glued to the unfolding duel.

Surely, this was Lin Xuan's moment of defeat.

But as the sword energies converged, Lin Xuan's form twisted and blurred, miraculously weaving through the narrow openings.

Still, a faint sound was heard.

"Such masterful footwork!"

"Such precise timing!"

The onlookers were awestruck by Lin Xuan's display of skill.

On the stage, Lin Xuan's brow furrowed. "Is it still not enough? It looks like I can't afford to hold back any longer."

Murmuring to himself, Lin Xuan traced a line across his chest, where his garment now sported a tear the length of a thumb.

​