C13 The Sword Slashes Madman

By the time the second round of the competition wrapped up, it was already afternoon. As the rounds progressed, the weaker participants had been eliminated, leaving only the stronger ones to compete. Naturally, this meant each round took more time.

After the second round, only fifty participants advanced. Most of them were at the third level of the Qi Refining Stage, though a few lucky ones at the peak of the second level managed to make it through. In any case, those who advanced to the third round all had some degree of skill.

Jiang He and Hsu Feng also moved on to the third round. However, given their recent advancement to the third level of the Qi Refining Stage, they were likely to rank no higher than the top thirty.

With the second round complete, the third round was set to begin. It continued with one-on-one matches, with all the fighters drawing new numbers for their bouts. Before long, all the numbers were distributed.

Hua Hsing drew number fifty, meaning he would compete in the final match of the round.

"Hua Hsing, you're really impressive. You have to push hard to make it into the top five," Jiang He encouraged.

"Yeah, Hua Hsing, a lot of the elders are watching this competition closely. The better you perform, the more likely you are to catch their attention," Hsu Feng added. "If an elder takes notice of you, your future resources will increase significantly."

Hearing his friends' words, Hua Hsing just smiled slightly, pondering to himself, "Can I really make it into the top five?"

"After an intense competition, the first and second rounds have successfully concluded. Next up is the third round. I hope you all give it your best," the referee announced loudly.

As soon as the referee finished speaking, the third round officially began. One by one, the fighters stepped onto the martial arena, engaging in fiercely competitive battles.

After about an hour, it was finally Re Yunzheng's turn. This time, his opponent was a mid-level fighter in the third stage of training, who immediately conceded, lacking the courage to face Re Yunzheng.

From the stands, Jiaang Xue's mentor watched Re Yunzheng with satisfaction, seemingly considering taking him on as a disciple. "This one shows promise. If he makes it into the inner circle, I'd be willing to take him under my wing."

"Master, Re Yunzheng is the top of the outer circle. His talent is exceptional," Jiaang Xue remarked.

As time ticked by, the competition continued for quite a while. Another hour passed, and the battles involving Hsu Feng and Hua Hsing also concluded. Unfortunately, they faced opponents at the late stage of the third level and lost, getting knocked out of the competition. Despite this, both Hsu Feng and Hua Hsing earned recognition from the higher-ups of the Azure Edge Sword Sect.

As the final match approached, everyone eagerly watched the martial arena, curious to see if the man known for creating miracles could do so once again.

On the martial arena, Hua Hsing was a bit surprised to see his opponent was none other than Qii Yongqi, the man whose arm he had severed earlier.

"Hua Hsing, I told you before, I will have my revenge," Qii Yongqi said coldly, his single arm a stark reminder of their past encounter.

Hua Hsing shook his head slightly, saying nothing. Instead of reflecting on his loss, Qii Yongqi was still bent on revenge.

In the arena, the disciples were buzzing with conversation, unaware that it was Hua Hsing who had severed Qii Yongqi's arm.

"Qii Yongqi probably isn't a match for Hua Hsing, right?"

"He couldn't even beat Zhang Baiwu, so how could he possibly defeat Hua Hsing?"

"That doesn't make sense. Qii Yongqi is in cahoots with Re Yunzheng. If Qii Yongqi loses, why would Re Yunzheng send him to his doom?"

Many disciples were puzzled.

"Hua Hsing, I will kill you myself," Qii Yongqi declared with a steely voice.

"You think you can kill me? That's impossible," Hua Hsing replied, unimpressed.

"Two thousand low-grade spirit stones. I told you, not a single one less. It seems you didn't take my words seriously," Hua Hsing suddenly remembered, adding.

Qii Yongqi was furious at Hua Hsing's words.

"Hua Hsing, you're finished."

With a roar, Qii Yongqi channeled all his strength into his sword, determined to defeat Hua Hsing.

Fang Chen effortlessly swung his long sword, blocking Xiao Tianyong's attack. However, a strange smile appeared on Xiao Tianyong's face. In the next moment, a powerful aura erupted from his body, sweeping across the entire martial arena.

"What is this?"

All the disciples were stunned by the sudden, overwhelming presence, and even the elders on the platform looked surprised.

"This aura is beyond what Xiao Tianyong should possess," the white-bearded elder muttered.

The martial arena was enveloped by this aura, and Fang Chen felt a heavy pressure, as if he couldn't move.

"What is this?"

Fang Chen's eyes were fixed on Xiao Tianyong. Despite Xiao Tianyong's pale face and weakened body, the aura grew even stronger.

"Fang Chen, today is the day you meet your end," Xiao Tianyong shouted, his figure flashing as he charged toward Fang Chen. The closer he got, the more oppressive the aura became.

"I can't just sit here and wait for death," Fang Chen thought.

This aura was far beyond what a Level Three Qi Refining disciple should have, and no one knew how Xiao Tianyong could unleash such power.

Fang Chen gripped his long sword tightly and instantly executed the third move of the Golden Light Sword Arts.

Fang Chen was enveloped in a brilliant golden light, and a flash of cold steel appeared, slicing through the air. A ripple emerged, and the overpowering aura was interrupted by the golden glow, making Fang Chen feel significantly lighter.

At that moment, on the stage, the old man with the white beard, who was about to intervene in the match, suddenly brightened with realization. "How is this possible? Has he mastered the third strike of the Golden Light Sword Arts? Is he destined to be the next Xie Tiannan?" The thought filled him with excitement. He restrained himself and remained seated quietly on the platform. The other elders followed suit, staying still.

On the martial arena, disbelief was evident. "How can this be?" Xiao Tianyong's face was twisted with rage, unable to accept that his aura couldn't defeat Fang Chen. "Fang Chen, I will kill you!" He seemed to have descended into madness, desperately channeling the foreign energy within him.

Suddenly, the golden light in the sky shattered, dispersed by the powerful aura, and Fang Chen once again felt the oppressive weight. But Fang Chen was also growing angry. From within him, three roars echoed—symbolizing the strength of three bulls, indicating his status as a Level Three Qi Refining disciple.

When Fang Chen unleashed the full power of a Level Three Qi Refining disciple, he decisively shattered the oppressive aura. The Golden Light Sword Arts then pierced directly into Xiao Tianyong's chest.

As the intense aura dissipated, Qii Yongqi collapsed heavily onto the martial arena, lifeless. The wild energy vanished, and the entire scene suddenly calmed.

However, all the disciples stood in shock, staring at the spectacle, momentarily forgetting that Qii Yongqi had been defeated by Hua Hsing.

"When did Hua Hsing break through to the third level of the Qi Refining Stage?"

"Who said Hua Hsing was useless? He's clearly a genius."

"Has Hua Hsing been hiding his strength all along?" many disciples exclaimed.

After a brief moment of shock, the referee glanced at the lifeless Qii Yongqi, then looked hesitantly at the elder with the white beard.

At that moment, Re Yunzheng spoke up.

"Elder, Hua Hsing deliberately killed Qii Yongqi during the match. Someone like him shouldn't remain in the Azure Edge Sword Sect."

"That's right, he killed Qii Yongqi."

Many disciples shouted in agreement.

This was the first time a death had occurred in the Outer Sect competition, drawing the attention of the elders.

"Although Qii Yongqi used forbidden techniques in the fight, Hua Hsing shouldn't have killed him," one elder stated.

"Indeed, we should punish Hua Hsing, or else what use are the rules of the Azure Edge Sword Sect?"

"Hua Hsing went too far. Does he think he can kill fellow disciples at will just because he's strong? Such behavior cannot be tolerated in the Azure Edge Sword Sect."

"Even though he has potential, his heart is far too malicious," Yelene's mentor remarked.

A flicker of hostility flashed in Yelene's eyes. "Mentor, Fang Chen is usually so arrogant and treats the sect members poorly. If anything doesn't go his way, he attacks us directly. Such a disciple doesn't deserve to be part of the Azure Edge Sword Sect," Yelene said.

At that moment, the disciples in the martial arena finally snapped back to reality and began whispering among themselves.

Wen Zhengyun's face was dark with anger. He had hoped to rely on Xiao Tianyong to take down Fang Chen, but things hadn't gone as planned. Still, he thought, this might work in his favor. He believed the elders would punish Fang Chen for his actions.

"Elders, you all witnessed the fight just now. Xiao Tianyong used forbidden techniques to try and kill me. Was I not supposed to defend myself?" Fang Chen questioned.

"If I hadn't been strong enough, it would be me lying there instead of him."

Hearing Fang Chen's retort, Yelene's mentor spoke again, "Fang Chen, your potential is high, but you have made a mistake, and mistakes come with consequences."

Yelene's mentor seemed to hold some sway among the elders, as they all nodded in agreement. All except for the white-bearded elder, who simply stared at Fang Chen without saying a word.

"Xiao Tianyong struck first with lethal intent. I was merely defending myself. If the elders want to convict me, I refuse to accept it," Fang Chen declared.

"You're just an outer disciple, and you dare speak to Elder Ma like that?"

"He's harmed his fellow disciples; such a malicious heart cannot be tolerated," several elders said sternly.

"Reaching the third level of the Qi Refining Stage at fifteen is quite talented, but the Azure Edge Sword Sect doesn't lack disciples like you," Elder Ma remarked with some displeasure.

Upon hearing this, Jiaang Xue was overjoyed.

In the martial arena, Re Yunzheng looked at Hua Hsing with disdain. As long as Hua Hsing was expelled from the Azure Edge Sword Sect, Re Yunzheng could strike at any time, ensuring Hua Hsing's demise. Despite Hua Hsing reaching the third level of the Qi Refining Stage, Re Yunzheng still looked down on him.

"Ninth Elder, do you agree as well?"

Hua Hsing stopped defending himself and looked to the white-bearded elder for an answer.