C12 The Power of the Golden Light Sword Arts Was Released
Hua Hsing's victory over Zhang Baiwu surprised many of the Outer Sect disciples, but the competition continued. Before long, several disciples were eliminated, and about half an hour later, Hsu Feng's formidable martial skills caught the attention of the Outer Sect disciples.
An old man with a white beard on the platform squinted his eyes, focusing on Hsu Feng and Hua Hsing. He couldn't fathom how two Outer Sect disciples at Qi Refining Stage Level Two had obtained the Barrier Breaking Pill, allowing them to advance to Qi Refining Stage Level Three.
Time ticked by, and soon it was Hua Hsing's turn to compete. This time, his opponent was a mid-level Qi Refining Stage Level Three disciple named Zhang Baiwu, who was considered quite remarkable within the Outer Sect.
"Hua Hsing's opponent is Zhang Baiwu. Looks like Hua Hsing is going to lose."
"Zhang Baiwu's strength is undeniable. Even Re Yunzheng holds him in high regard."
"Yeah, it's said that Zhang Baiwu is Re Yunzheng's trusted aide, with formidable power. How can Hua Hsing, a Qi Refining Stage Level Two disciple, possibly contend with Zhang Baiwu?"
"Zhang Baiwu seems to be carrying a murderous intent. It looks like he's set on taking down Hua Hsing."
As Zhang Baiwu stepped onto the Martial Arena, the Outer Sect disciples buzzed with discussion. In one section of the arena, Re Yunzheng, dressed in white, wore an indifferent expression, though his mind was quietly contemplating.
"Even though you managed to cut off Qii Yongqi's arm with one strike, you'll stand no chance against Zhang Baiwu."
On the Martial Arena stage.
Zhang Baiwu looked at Hua Hsing with disdain. "Hua Hsing, you've been getting quite the reputation lately, but unfortunately for you, you've run into me, Zhang Baiwu."
"I'll show you that a loser is always a loser. Going up against Senior Brother Re is simply impossible."
Hearing Zhang Baiwu's words, a hint of annoyance flashed across Hua Hsing's face. He replied coldly, "You sure do talk a lot of nonsense."
Hua Hsing's retort made Zhang Baiwu's expression tighten. He responded icily, "Hua Hsing, I hope you'll still be this arrogant in a moment."
As soon as Zhang Baiwu finished speaking, he drew a long sword and began to perform a basic sword technique, filling the air with dazzling sword light.
The Black Water Sword Technique was Zhang Baiwu's chosen method. It had three levels, and Zhang Baiwu had only mastered the second. If he could perfect it, its power would be extraordinary.
However, Zhang Baiwu believed that to deal with Hua Hsing, he didn't even need the second level of the Black Water Sword Technique; the first level would be more than enough to defeat him.
As Zhang Baiwu attacked, a black sword light appeared in the sky, filled with a chilling aura.
Hua Hsing looked up, his eyes deep and thoughtful, and then said, "The Blackwater Sword Technique? It's not all that impressive."
As soon as Hua Hsing finished speaking, he flicked his wrist, and a beam of golden light shot out, colliding with the black sword light in the sky. When the golden light struck the black sword light, a loud explosion erupted, and everyone was shocked to see the black sword light beginning to dissipate.
"What? The black sword light is breaking apart?"
"What kind of sword technique did Hua Hsing use to overpower the Blackwater Sword Technique so swiftly?"
"This Hua Hsing is incredible. I never expected him to have such a powerful sword technique."
Many disciples were taken aback, exclaiming in surprise.
As the black sword light scattered, Zhang Baiwu staggered back a few steps before regaining his balance, a hint of surprise flashing in his dark eyes.
"The Golden Light Sword Arts? You actually chose the Golden Light Sword Arts?"
Hearing Zhang Baiwu's words, many of the Outer Sect disciples gasped in astonishment.
The Golden Light Sword Arts is an incomplete and ordinary technique, notoriously difficult to master. A long time ago, some disciples attempted to learn it, but over time, no one in the Azure Edge Sword Sect wanted to waste their efforts on it anymore. Since the days of Qih Nantian, no one had chosen the Golden Light Sword Arts.
"This kid actually chose the Golden Light Sword Arts," the white-bearded elder on the platform mused, watching Hua Hsing with a thoughtful expression.
On the martial arena, after the initial shock, Zhang Baiwu's face twisted into a bloodthirsty grin.
"Hua Hsing, do you think mastering the Golden Light Sword Arts is enough to defeat me? I'll show you that, in my eyes, you're nothing but a waste."
Zhang Baiwu swung his long sword, and two dark sword beams appeared in the sky, casting a suffocating pressure over the entire arena. This was the second level of the Black Water Sword Technique, the most powerful skill Zhang Baiwu could muster. He couldn't believe Hua Hsing could withstand it.
"Die!"
The dark sword beams roared towards Hua Hsing, driven by Zhang Baiwu's furious shout. Just as everyone thought Hua Hsing would be struck, something unexpected happened.
Suddenly, a brilliant golden light enveloped Hua Hsing, and a golden sword beam flashed in an instant. A crisp sound echoed, and the overwhelming dark sword beams rapidly disintegrated. They dissipated even faster than before, and Zhang Baiwu was caught in the backlash, sent flying heavily.
With a loud "thud," Zhang Baiwu crashed onto the arena floor, coughing up blood, gravely injured. His face was filled with disbelief. "How is this possible? How could I lose to someone like you?"
The entire martial arena was in an uproar, with all the martial artists staring in stunned silence at Hua Hsing standing on the platform.
Re Yunzheng's face was hard to read, as Hua Hsing's performance was beyond his expectations. "Damn it," he cursed silently to himself.
Meanwhile, on the podium, the old man with the white beard was equally taken aback. "Golden sword light?" he murmured, astonished.
Among everyone present, only the old man had clearly seen Hua Hsing's attack. Hua Hsing had just executed the second level of the Golden Light Sword Arts in one breath, defeating Zhang Baiwu instantly. "He actually mastered the second level of the Golden Light Sword Arts. Truly unexpected," the old man chuckled.
In the martial arena, the outer sect disciples were utterly shocked. "The failure turned genius. Hua Hsing has grown to such an extent?" one exclaimed.
"Yeah, we used to think Hua Hsing was a nobody. Seems the rumors were wrong; his strength is incredible," another agreed.
"Hua Hsing can defeat Zhang Baiwu in one move. He's easily among the top twenty outer sect disciples now," someone speculated.
"No, I believe Hua Hsing can break into the top ten," another countered.
After this battle, no one in the outer sect considered Hua Hsing a failure anymore. He had proven his worth through his actions.
Of course, some of the stronger disciples still looked down on Hua Hsing. In their eyes, despite his current prowess with the Golden Light Sword Arts, its cultivation was notoriously difficult. They believed that eventually, the gap between Hua Hsing's strength and theirs would widen.
Certainly, this was just their perspective.
In a section of the martial arena, Jiang He and Xiao Shan were cheerfully gathered around Hua Hsing.
"Hua Hsing, you really stole the show!"
"Yeah, you took down Zhang Baiwu with just one move. It's incredible! Look at how the other outer sect disciples are eyeing you now."
Seeing Jiang He and Xiao Shan chatting away, Hua Hsing couldn't help but reflect. Previously, all the outer sect disciples dismissed him as worthless, but after that recent battle, they recognized his strength. Their gazes now brimmed with respect.
"This is a world where strength reigns supreme; everything is determined by power," Hua Hsing mused, clenching his fist slightly.
The competition continued, though nothing matched the excitement of Hua Hsing's fight with Zhang Baiwu. As the second round reached its final stages, a heavyweight contender finally appeared: Re Yunzheng, the undisputed top disciple of the outer sect.
"Senior Brother Re has already reached the peak of the Qi Refining Stage Level Three. He’s sure to claim the top spot in the outer sect this time."
"Yeah, entering the inner sect as the top outer sect disciple is a huge honor for all of us."
"Senior Brother Re is so dominant; no one in the outer sect's top ten can match him."
Standing on the martial arena, Re Yunzheng cast a challenging glance at Hua Hsing before turning his attention to his opponent.
"Qin, you're no match for me," Re Yunzheng said calmly.
Qin, at the later stage of Level Three in the Qi Refining Stage, was ranked fifth among the Outer Sect, known for his formidable strength.
"Re Yunzheng, you know I won't concede," Qin replied.
"Make your move, or you won't even get the chance," Re Yunzheng said, exuding an air of superiority, his face full of disdain.
"Seven Slashes Sword Technique!" Qin shouted, unleashing the technique with his longsword, moving so swiftly it was dizzying to watch. On the Martial Arena, the sword energy soared, creating an overwhelming presence.
"Seven Slashes Sword Technique?" Re Yunzheng glanced at Qin, who was executing the technique, and snorted before launching into the same sword technique himself.
The clash of the Seven Slashes Sword Technique against itself pushed the battle to a peak, capturing the attention of everyone present.
"I wonder whose Seven Slashes Sword Technique is stronger, Senior Brother Re's or Senior Brother Qin's?" many disciples pondered.
Even the elders on the platform were drawn to the intense duel between the two.
Contrary to expectations of a fierce and balanced fight, the battle turned out to be one-sided. As the two swords clashed, a figure was sent flying backward.
Re Yunzheng sheathed his sword and stood quietly, his robe fluttering as if he were a war god.
Re Yunzheng effortlessly defeated Wang Guai, who was at the late stage of the Qi Refining Stage Level Three, showcasing his impressive strength.
"This kid's got potential. He's really grasped the essence of the Seven Kill Sword Technique," remarked Jiaang Xue's mentor with a satisfied nod from the podium.
The other elders also nodded approvingly at Re Yunzheng, acknowledging his talent. However, the old man with the white beard kept his eyes fixed on Hua Hsing.
