C84 A Heavy Blow

"Wow, that's impressive!"

"The might of the Concept is truly formidable!"

"It's just the nascent form of Saber Intent, and it's already this powerful. I believe Chen Annrann could effortlessly defeat anyone at his level who hasn't grasped the Concept. I'm curious to see how overwhelming a fully-formed Artistic Conception of Creation could be!"

"Didn't Lin Xuan display a 5% completed Saber Intent during the Outer Sect competition? I wonder if we'll get a chance to witness it?"

"It's uncertain. That could simply be a rumor."

The Inner Sect disciples buzzed with conversation, creating a cacophony of excitement.

They were all astounded by Chen Annrann's display of power.

Meanwhile, many eyes turned to Lin Xuan, eager to see if he would demonstrate his own Concept.

Among the crowd, Chen Yuze's demeanor shifted subtly, his gaze shining as he watched Chen Annrann.

He truly was among the elite at the peak of the Qi Transformation Stage, a standout among the Inner Sect's ordinary disciples.

Chen Yuze was also capable of manifesting the embryonic form of the Concept.

Yet, the power Chen Annrann had unleashed was far superior to his own.

Chen Annrann had the ability to vanquish him in the blink of an eye.

But at this moment, his attention was more focused on Lin Xuan.

He was certain the Outer Sect rumors were based on fact.

After all, it was during their battle that Lin Xuan had executed the 5% Sword Intent.

Though it had been less than ten days since then, Lin Xuan's cultivation and strength had surged more than tenfold.

Chen Yuze was eager to discover whether Lin Xuan had advanced in his understanding of the Concept.

Given Lin Xuan's enhanced capabilities, the potency of his power had grown exponentially, a far cry from his previous level.

Chen Yuze was also keen to witness the clash of their Concepts.

Could Lin Xuan continue to break records and keep his streak alive?

On the stage.

"So this is the power you wield with the Concept at the peak of the Qi Transformation Stage?"

Lin Xuan murmured, arching an eyebrow in mild astonishment.

But that was the extent of his reaction.

Without further ado, he swung his treasured sword in a wide arc.

"Gale!"

A sword beam, swirling with a fierce, chilling wind, shot forth, rapidly expanding to a massive ten meters.

A fearsome edge emanated from it, a sharpness that rivaled the oncoming assault of the Red Moon Blade Light.

Both were nascent forms of their respective Concepts—embryonic Sword Intent matched by embryonic Saber Intent.

Against Chen Annrann, Lin Xuan had no need to manifest a fully-formed Artistic Conception; the mere prototype of the Concept sufficed.

The chill of the blade radiated outward, prompting the disciples around the stage to step back once more.

Their hearts were struck with awe as they watched the two combatants.

The rumors, they realized, were true!

Lin Xuan, merely a newcomer, had indeed grasped the Concept!

Forget a complete Artistic Conception; even this rudimentary Concept had shattered the records of the Inner Sect!

Such was the gift of the sect's elite prodigies!

Their perception of Lin Xuan was renewed—they could no longer regard him as just another new disciple.

On the platform.

Across the way.

Chen Annrann's expression grew somber.

He had launched his mightiest strike, revealing even the Saber Intent he had kept concealed—his ace for ascending to the ranks of the Inner Sect elite.

Yet, to his surprise, Lin Xuan had truly understood the Concept as the rumors suggested!

And though it was but a nascent form, Lin Xuan's execution was every bit as formidable as his own.

The stakes of the duel escalated.

Chen Annrann inwardly lamented.

But with no turning back, he steeled himself for the ongoing battle.

Then, under the watchful eyes of all present,

The ten-meter Gale Sword Light struck with ferocity against the expansive Red Moon Blade Light.

Despite its smaller stature, the sword's might was undiminished, even surpassing its counterpart.

A deafening blast resounded.

The shockwave sent many disciples tumbling through the air.

Others, overwhelmed by the tumult of their Qi and blood, succumbed and coughed up blood.

As they gazed upon the two figures on the platform, their shock deepened.

If the residual force was this potent,

How fearsome, then, was the true power of their direct clash?

They couldn't even fathom it.

This was beyond the reach of any Inner Sect disciple! Even if they weren't on par with the Inner Sect elites, the gap shouldn't have been so vast.

Their gaze returned to the arena.

Sword and saber lights erupted in a dazzling display.

Lin Xuan remained unmoved, standing his ground, utterly unaffected.

In contrast, Chen Annrann, facing him, found himself retreating uncontrollably. He barely managed to steady himself at the very brink of the arena.

But before Chen Annrann could even catch his breath, Lin Xuan's icy voice cut through the air, followed by the screech of slicing wind.

Chen Annrann turned to see Lin Xuan materialize beside him, his blade descending in a swift arc.

"When did he...?"

Chen Annrann's heart raced with shock. He hadn't sensed a thing.

Could anyone's movement speed be that terrifying?

Lin Xuan had outclassed him completely.

He was willing to admit that Lin Xuan might match the prowess of a Condensation Spin Stage Inner Sect elite.

But now was not the time for such thoughts.

Lin Xuan's assault was relentless.

The strike, though seemingly simple and devoid of any complex martial technique, was delivered with overwhelming force and speed.

The attack came so abruptly that Chen Annrann had no time to react, much less evade. Desperation forced him to cross his saber in a feeble attempt to block.

A grating clash echoed.

Chen Annrann felt an immense power surge against him, causing his blade to shudder as if on the verge of snapping.

The shock split his palm open, blood gushing forth.

Overwhelmed, he coughed up blood and was propelled backward uncontrollably.

But he was already teetering on the edge of the arena.

With no footing left, he tumbled off the platform, conceding defeat then and there.

Lin Xuan, meanwhile, watched Chen Annrann with a cool detachment. He sheathed his sword slowly, his demeanor calm.

As if the battle were nothing more than a fleeting disturbance.

Silence hung over the onlookers as they absorbed the scene.

Eyes wide with astonishment, they stared at Lin Xuan, still standing in the arena, their expressions etched with awe.

It took a moment for the crowd to find their voices.

The murmurs grew into a buzz of disbelief.

"Was it over that quickly?"

"Chen Annrann lost just like that?"

"I didn't even see it clearly."

"Is this what the sect's top genius is capable of? He's incredibly strong, isn't he?"

The crowd was astounded and abuzz with shock.

As Chen Annrann began to lose ground, it became clear to the onlookers that Lin Xuan was likely to emerge victorious in the duel.

What they hadn't anticipated was the sudden explosive sound that followed, catapulting Chen Annrann out of the ring. He had been defeated.

Initially, when both competitors executed their Concept attacks, they had already transcended the Qi Transformation Stage, nearing the prowess of the Inner Sect's Condensation Spin Stage elites.

But to everyone's surprise, Lin Xuan unleashed a burst of speed that far outstripped anything he had shown before. No one could track Lin Xuan's movements.

Chen Annrann was promptly blasted out of the arena by Lin Xuan.

The spectators were utterly stunned.

In the final moments, Lin Xuan revealed even greater strength, swiftly concluding the match!

Just how much strength was Lin Xuan concealing?