C12 The Power of the Golden Light Sword Arts

Jianghe's victory over Jin Kun caught many Outer Sect disciples off guard, yet the competition marched on relentlessly. Before long, numerous disciples were knocked out of contention. Roughly half an hour later, Hsu Feng's formidable martial skills began turning heads among the Outer Sect.

Perched atop the main platform, a white-bearded elder squinted, his gaze flitting between Hsu Feng and Jianghe. He was puzzled—how had two Qi Refining Stage Level Two disciples managed to get their hands on Barrier Breaking Pills and leverage them to advance to the third level?

As time ticked away, Hua Hsing's moment to step into the spotlight arrived. His adversary was a mid-level Qi Refining Stage Level Three disciple named Zhang Baiwu, a notable figure within the Outer Sect.

"Hua Hsing's up against Zhang Baiwu. Looks like he's in for a tough match," one disciple remarked.

"Zhang Baiwu's prowess is well-known, and even Re Yunzheng holds him in high regard," another added.

"Indeed, Zhang Baiwu is Re Yunzheng's trusted aide, with formidable strength. How can Hua Hsing, merely at Level Two, hope to contend with him?"

"Zhang Baiwu is brimming with murderous intent. It seems he's set his sights on taking down Hua Hsing."

As Zhang Baiwu ascended the Martial Arena, the Outer Sect disciples buzzed with speculation.

Re Yunzheng, clad in white, watched from a corner of the arena, his face a mask of indifference, though inwardly he mused, "Hua Hsing, you may have severed Qii Yongqi's arm with a single stroke, but against Zhang Baiwu, you'll find no quarter."

Atop the Martial Arena, Zhang Baiwu's eyes dripped with scorn as he addressed his opponent, "Hua Hsing, you've made quite a name for yourself lately. Too bad you've run into me—Zhang Baiwu."

"I'll show you that a nobody is just that—a nobody. Challenging Senior Brother Re is a fool's errand."

Hua Hsing's brow creased at the taunt, his response icy, "You're full of hot air."

His retort visibly tightened Zhang Baiwu's expression. With a chill in his voice, he shot back, "Hua Hsing, let's see if you can keep up that arrogance for much longer."

As Zhang Baiwu's voice trailed off, a long sword materialized in his grasp. With fluid motions, he executed a basic sword technique, the blade arcing gracefully through the air, its gleam filling the sky.

Zhang Baiwu had selected the Black Water Sword Technique, a rudimentary sword art with three distinct levels. He had mastered it only up to the second. Should he achieve the Perfection Stage, the technique's might would be unparalleled.

Yet, Zhang Baiwu was confident that against Hua Hsing, the first level of the Black Water Sword Technique would suffice for victory.

Amidst his assault, a chilling black sword light sliced through the heavens. Hua Hsing looked up, his gaze profound, and remarked, "The Black Water Sword Technique? Is that all you've got?"

No sooner had Hua Hsing's words faded than he flicked his wrist, unleashing a streak of golden brilliance that hurtled towards the black sword light above.

The golden and black lights clashed with a thunderous boom, astonishing onlookers as the black sword light began to dissipate.

"What? The black sword light is falling apart?"

"What sword technique is Hua Hsing wielding? It's so formidable it instantly overpowered the Black Water Sword Arts?"

"Hua Hsing is truly formidable. Who would have thought he possessed such a potent sword art?"

The disciples were visibly shaken, their exclamations filling the air.

As the black sword light vanished, Zhang Baiwu staggered back, regaining his composure with eyes that flickered with astonishment. "Golden Light Sword Arts? You've actually mastered that?"

Zhang Baiwu's words set off a wave of gasps among the Outer Sect disciples.

The Golden Light Sword Arts, a challenging and incomplete technique, had been long abandoned by the disciples of the Azure Edge Sword Sect, with no one daring to invest time in it since the days of Qih Nantian.

"Golden Light Sword Arts, he's actually taken it up," mused the white-bearded elder from the platform, eyeing Hua Hsing with a hint of intrigue.

Back on the Martial Arena, Zhang Baiwu's shock quickly morphed into a fierce, bloodthirsty sneer.

"Hua Hsing, do you really think mastering the Golden Light Sword Arts means you can defeat me? I'll show you that in my eyes, you're nothing but trash."

Zhang Baiwu's sword danced in his hand, casting two dark sword beams that filled the sky, an oppressive force enveloping the entire Martial Arena.

He unleashed the second level of the Black Water Sword Technique, his most powerful move. He was convinced Hua Hsing couldn't possibly withstand it.

"Die!"

The black sword light howled towards Hua Hsing, and with Zhang Baiwu's furious roar, it hurtled straight for him.

As the crowd anticipated the hit, an unexpected twist occurred.

Suddenly, a brilliant golden radiance burst from Hua Hsing, and a flash of golden sword light followed.

A sharp clang sounded, and the formidable black sword light shattered, scattering in an instant.

The disintegration was swifter than before, catching even Zhang Baiwu in its wake. He was flung back violently.

Crashing to the ground with a thud, Zhang Baiwu lay in the Martial Arena, coughing up blood, severely wounded.

His face showed utter disbelief. "How is this possible? How could I lose to trash like you?"

A wave of shock swept through the Martial Arena. The martial artists gazed at Hua Hsing, standing on the platform, their eyes wide and jaws dropped.

Re Yunzheng's face twisted with discomfort; Hua Hsing's display had shattered his expectations.

"Damn it," he muttered under his breath.

Even the white-bearded elder on the platform was taken aback.

"Golden Light Sword Arts?"

He was the only one who had seen Hua Hsing's attack clearly. Hua Hsing had executed the second level of the Golden Light Sword Arts and had instantly vanquished Zhang Baiwu.

"He's actually mastered the Golden Light Sword Arts to the second level. Truly unexpected," the elder mused with a chuckle.

Among the Outer Sect disciples, astonishment reigned.

"From trash to genius, Hua Hsing has grown to such heights?"

"Indeed, we all thought Hua Hsing was worthless. It seems the rumors were mistaken; his strength is formidable."

"With a single move to defeat Zhang Baiwu, Hua Hsing has earned his place among the top twenty of the Outer Sect disciples."

"No, I believe Hua Hsing has what it takes to break into the top ten of the Outer Sect."

After that battle, no one in the Outer Sect saw Hua Hsing as worthless any longer.

Hua Hsing had proven through his performance that he was far from being trash.

Still, some of the stronger disciples in the Outer Sect remained unimpressed by Hua Hsing.

They believed that despite Hua Hsing's current dominance with the Golden Light Sword Arts, the technique was notoriously difficult to master. They predicted that eventually, the gap in strength between Hua Hsing and themselves would widen.

But that was merely their perspective.

In one corner of the martial arts field, Jiang He and Hsu Feng were all smiles, buzzing around Hua Hsing.

"Hua Hsing, you've really stolen the spotlight."

"Absolutely. Defeating Zhang Baiwu in a single move was nothing short of miraculous. Just look at how the Outer Sect disciples view you now—their gazes have completely transformed."

Hearing Jiang He and Hsu Feng's endless chatter, Hua Hsing couldn't help but feel a sense of vindication.

Before, every Outer Sect disciple had dismissed him as trash, looking down on him. But after that recent fight, they recognized Hua Hsing's strength.

Their looks of respect were unmistakable.

"This is a world where power is paramount, where strength speaks louder than words."

Hua Hsing clenched his fists, reflecting on this reality.

The competition continued, though none of the matches could match the thrill of Hua Hsing's showdown with Zhang Baiwu.

As the second round neared its conclusion, a prominent disciple took the stage—Re Yunzheng, the undisputed top contender of the Outer Sect.

"Senior Brother Re, already at the peak of the Qi Refining Stage Level Three, is sure to claim the top spot in the Outer Sect this time."

"Indeed. His ascent to the Inner Sect as the champion of the Outer Sect is a matter of pride for all of us."

"Senior Brother Re's strength is unmatched. None of the top ten in the Outer Sect come close to being his equal."

Re Yunzheng took his place on the Martial Arena, casting a challenging glance at Hua Hsing before turning his attention to his opponent.

"Monster Wang, you stand no chance against me," Re Yunzheng stated coolly.

Monster Wang, a formidable late-stage Qi Refining Stage cultivator, held the fifth rank within the Outer Sect.

"You know I won't concede defeat, Re Yunzheng," declared Monster Wang.

"Make your move, or you'll lose the chance to strike at all."

Re Yunzheng stood aloof, his face etched with scorn.

"Seven Killing Sword Technique!"

With a shout, Monster Wang unleashed the Seven Killing Sword Technique, his long sword a blur of swift motions that dazzled onlookers.

Meanwhile, the Martial Arena was alive with soaring sword qi and a heaven-shaking aura.

"Seven Killing Sword Technique, huh?"

Re Yunzheng glanced at Monster Wang executing the technique and let out a derisive snort before launching into the same swordplay.

The clash of Seven Killing Sword Techniques brought the competition to an electrifying peak.

"Which of them wields the Seven Killing Sword Technique better, Senior Brother Re or Senior Brother Qin?" wondered the disciples.

Even the elders on the main platform were captivated by their duel.

Contrary to expectations of a titanic struggle, the battle turned out to be staggeringly one-sided.

A figure was sent flying as the two swords met.

Re Yunzheng sheathed his sword and stood in serene triumph, his robe billowing as if stirred by an unseen wind, the very image of a war deity.

With a single stroke, Re Yunzheng had vanquished Wang Kuang of the late third level Qi Refining Stage, a testament to his prowess.

"This young man is impressive; he's mastered the essence of the Seven Killing Sword Technique," Jiaang Xue's master nodded approvingly from the platform.

The other elders also signaled their approval of Re Yunzheng, impressed by his performance.

Yet, the white-bearded elder's gaze remained fixed on Hua Hsing.