C91 Win
After a considerable pause, Chen Yuze snapped out of his reverie, his face etched with a wry smile. He had truly come to understand the extent of Lin Xuan's talent. It seemed Lin Xuan was the most gifted individual in the sect. The disparity between them was stark; Chen Yuze knew he could no longer harbor thoughts of comparison. He was resigned to merely admiring Lin Xuan from a distance.
Yet, a peculiar notion took root in his mind. Had Lin Xuan truly revealed the full measure of his strength? Was it possible that Lin Xuan still had hidden depths of power? And had Lin Xuan already grasped 10% sword intent back when he was in the Outer Sect? Could it be that, at that time, Chen Yuze's own strength had only been sufficient to draw out 5% of Lin Xuan's Sword Intent?
These thoughts sent a shiver through Chen Yuze's core. It took him a moment to exhale deeply and shake his head in disbelief. No, it couldn't be possible. He whispered to himself, trying to dismiss the idea. If it were true, Lin Xuan's prowess would be downright frightening. It was almost too much for Chen Yuze to accept.
Meanwhile, a short distance from the platform, several deacons stood with their pupils dilated, frozen in astonishment. It wasn't until the commotion of the arena roused them that they regained their composure. They exchanged glances, each seeing the other's astonishment reflected back at them.
"10% sword intent!" they murmured among themselves. "Lin Xuan has been in the sect for merely a month, and he's already mastered 10% sword intent?" "The might of the sword intent is overwhelming; we couldn't withstand it."
Their eyes were all drawn to Lin Xuan, especially recalling how they had to retreat a full hundred meters just to cope with the force of his strike. Their shock deepened.
Reflecting on the fact that Lin Xuan was but a novice disciple, having joined the sect just over a month ago, they were astounded. His progress was rapid, breaking through several major realms in succession—from the Early Enlightenment Stage straight to the Middle stage of the Qi Transformation Stage. And now, he had also mastered 10% sword intent. His attack was something even they, who had been part of the sect for decades, could not withstand. The realization of Lin Xuan's extraordinary talent left them profoundly shaken.
Even the most talented core disciples paled in comparison to Lin Xuan.
None could match Lin Xuan's performance at the Qi Transformation Stage.
They involuntarily gasped in astonishment.
Their gazes towards Lin Xuan were now filled with reverence.
Lin Xuan's demonstrated strength had eclipsed their own.
Though not on par with the Strong List masters, within the Inner Sect's elite, Lin Xuan stood out.
They reflected on their own decades of cultivation, only to find themselves outclassed by a newcomer who had been training for a mere month.
It was as if their years of dedication had been for naught.
The deacons, with wry smiles, were overwhelmed by a sense of defeat.
In the arena, Lin Xuan's demeanor was icy, his mind reeling from the impact.
Surveying the mostly ruined stage, a chill settled in his heart.
The sheer force of his 10% sword intent had taken him by surprise; his power could likely rival that of a peak Condensation Spin Stage warrior.
He had not anticipated such strength when he first unleashed the sword intent.
His only thought had been to avoid defeat in this wager.
Given that Chen Xiao had released 5% Saber Intent and was at the third level of the Condensation Spin Stage, his power was such that even late-stage warriors might falter under its force.
Lin Xuan had intended to reveal just a bit more of his capability.
And so, he deployed the 10% sword intent for the first time.
Combined with the Rank 6 High-grade Gale Sword Technique, its potency surged dramatically.
Chen Xiao's full-powered Scarlet Flame Blade Light was effortlessly shattered.
Had Lin Xuan not consciously reined in his power, and had Chen Xiao not evaded...
His strike could have inflicted grave injury on Chen Xiao.
Yet, controlling such formidable Gale Sword Beams was beyond him.
Ultimately, his strike descended upon the arena.
The Fighting Arena bore the brunt, left mostly in ruins.
Shockwaves scattered, leaving disciples nearby with varying degrees of injury.
The sheer magnitude of power had surpassed his wildest dreams.
"I guess I need to focus on leveling up my cultivation from now on."
Lin Xuan whispered to himself as he gazed upon the unfolding scene.
At a mere Qi Transformation Stage Level 4, his use of 10% sword intent allowed him to achieve a formidable level on par with the peak of the Condensation Spin Stage.
What heights could he reach if he advanced to the Late Qi Transformation Stage, or even the Condensation Spin Stage itself?
His priority remained clear: elevate his cultivation base.
While other martial artists prioritized grasping the nuances of the Concept, Lin Xuan dismissed this concern.
Thanks to his duplication system, he could mimic the insights of others, sparing himself the lengthy endeavor of conceptual comprehension.
His sole focus was to enhance his cultivation level to fully harness the Concept's might.
For now, entertaining the use of a more advanced Concept was off the table.
He had nearly lost control with just 10% sword intent.
Attempting a more sophisticated Concept might lead to self-injury before even scratching an opponent.
A whirlwind of thoughts raced through his mind.
After some contemplation, Lin Xuan found his inner peace and formulated a plan.
He turned to the referee, expecting the announcement of the outcome.
But he was met with surprise.
The stage was empty; he stood alone.
Lin Xuan gave a slight shake of his head and cast his eyes toward the deacons stationed a hundred meters away.
One deacon, responsible for overseeing the arena, stepped forward with a wry smile:
"No need to look any further. The judge was blown away by the residual forces of your recent skirmish. He's been injured and taken away for treatment."
Lin Xuan's eyes widened with sudden understanding.
He hadn't anticipated such a turn of events.
Yet, he found it trivial and shifted his focus back to the deacon.
The deacon caught his gaze, nodded, and proceeded:
"With the referee absent, I'll take the responsibility of declaring the final verdict.
Lin Xuan is victorious in this wager!"
No sooner had he spoken than a wave of astonishment swept through the disciples gathered outside the arena.
Before the grand competition, none had imagined Lin Xuan emerging as the victor.
Yet, against all odds, Lin Xuan had triumphed.
Using just 10% of his sword intent, he defeated Chen Xiao, an elite member of the Inner Sect, and emerged victorious in the wagered duel.
Indeed, he had shattered yet another Inner Sect record.
In that moment, everyone came to a realization. They were profoundly astounded by Lin Xuan's formidable strength and innate talent, and they were deeply moved.
It was clear to all that the Inner Sect was on the verge of witnessing the rise of an exceptional individual.