C14 Defeat Men Feng

The Azure Edge Sword Sect has many elders, but the ones with the most influence are the Nine Elders. Each of these elders is incredibly powerful, holding a position just below the sect leader.

The white-bearded elder on the stage is the ninth-ranked among the Nine Elders. No one knows his real name; everyone just calls him the Ninth Elder. He personally attended the Outer Sect disciple competition this time.

As a disciple of the Azure Edge Sword Sect, Hua Hsing had, of course, heard of the Ninth Elder and even recognized him. He knew that today, a single word from the Ninth Elder could resolve everything. That's why Hua Hsing specifically sought his opinion, sensing a righteous aura emanating from him.

"Hua Hsing, you've committed a grave offense and still hope for the Ninth Elder's forgiveness? How ridiculous," Elder Ma, Jiaang Xue's mentor, said coldly. Elder Ma's status in the sect wasn't as high as the Nine Elders, but he was still more influential than most.

Hearing Elder Ma's reprimand, the other elders chimed in, agreeing that Hua Hsing was guilty. "Hua Hsing, you killed a fellow disciple right in front of the Ninth Elder. Such a heinous crime will not be overlooked by him."

"Indeed, Elder Nine, this young man must be punished."

"Elder Nine, I propose we strip Hua Hsing of his abilities and expel him from the Azure Edge Sword Sect," Re Yunzheng said quietly.

Re Yunzheng's words made Hua Hsing frown; it was clear Re Yunzheng wanted him gone for good.

"Re Yunzheng, why are you so malicious? Stripping Hua Hsing of his abilities is as good as a death sentence," Hsu Feng rebuked loudly.

"Exactly. Although Hua Hsing accidentally killed Qii Yongqi, it was self-defense. If anyone's to blame, it's Qii Yongqi for using power that wasn't his," Men Feng added.

"Qii Yongqi broke the rules first; Hua Hsing did nothing wrong."

Men Feng and Hsu Feng speaking up for Hua Hsing in front of so many elders warmed his heart. At the same time, he made a mental note of Elder Ma, Jiaang Xue, and Re Yunzheng, who harbored ill intentions toward him and wanted to use this opportunity to eliminate him.

"Elder Nine, say something," Elder Ma urged, noticing Elder Nine's silence.

The other elders also turned their attention to Elder Nine, waiting for his decision. After all, the competition had been interrupted because of Hua Hsing, and this issue needed resolution before it could continue smoothly.

Elder Nine glanced at Hua Hsing, then surveyed the room before speaking slowly, "Hua Hsing's actions violated the sect's rules by killing Qii Yongqi."

Upon hearing those words, Re Yunzheng and the others couldn't hide their delight. If Elder Ma found Hua Hsing guilty, no one could save him. Hua Hsing was momentarily stunned, just about to speak when Elder Ma continued.

"However, I don't believe Hua Hsing is guilty."

This statement caused quite a stir, signaling Elder Ma's intent to protect Hua Hsing.

"Elder Ma, Hua Hsing..." Elder Ma's expression shifted slightly as he quickly spoke up, but Elder Ma interrupted him.

"Hsu Feng brought this upon himself by using power that wasn't his. He has no one else to blame," Elder Ma said with a dismissive wave.

"Our Azure Edge Sword Sect is a reputable and honorable school. How can our disciples resort to such underhanded tactics?" Elder Ma questioned.

"Alright, let's continue the competition," Elder Ma said quietly.

The other elders wanted to argue, but they dared not oppose Elder Ma's words. Ultimately, the storm subsided with Elder Ma's intervention, and the competition resumed.

"Damn it, he still survived," Re Yunzheng muttered coldly, his face darkening.

As the third round of the competition wrapped up, the fourth round was scheduled for the next day due to time constraints. Once the referee announced this, all the disciples gradually left the arena, with Elder Ma and the others quickly following suit.

As Re Yunzheng left, his eyes flashed with malice as he glanced at Hua Hsing.

"Hua Hsing, you're really something! Even the Ninth Elder is backing you," Hsu Feng said with a laugh, giving Hua Hsing a friendly punch on the shoulder after everyone else had left.

"I thought you'd be punished for taking out Qii Yongqi, but it turns out the Ninth Elder is quite reasonable," Jiaang Xue added, genuinely happy for Hua Hsing.

As night fell, Hua Hsing returned to his room after dinner. Although he now had the strength to challenge Re Yunzheng, he chose to continue his training.

Over the past month, Hua Hsing had come to understand that the Ancient Sword Continent was a world where the strong ruled. If you had power, you could do as you pleased. Conversely, without strength, even if you were killed, no one would seek justice for you. Such was the harsh reality.

"I must become stronger," Hua Hsing vowed to himself.

The old Hua Hsing would never have had such ambition; he might have remained a nobody his entire life. But ever since acquiring the Golden Heart, he felt it constantly transforming his body and even enhancing his talents.

Hua Hsing realized that not only was his strength increasing, but his innate abilities were also improving. Sitting cross-legged in the courtyard, he was bathed in the soft glow of the moonlight, surrounded by a halo of light.

Suddenly, he opened his eyes and quickly stood up. With a single step forward, he clenched his fists, channeling all his power into them, and unleashed a powerful punch.

Suddenly, the air in front of Hua Hsing seemed to warp slightly. A burst of energy from his fist struck the empty space, creating ripples that slowly faded away.

"Body Refining Fist, Level Nine."

Hua Hsing's face lit up with a smile. Even though the Body Refining Fist was a basic technique, reaching the ninth level made it impressively powerful.

"Achieving the Perfection Stage with the Body Refining Fist has actually boosted my strength," Hua Hsing remarked.

Hua Hsing then focused on practicing the Golden Light Sword Arts.

Early the next morning, all the Outer Sect disciples gathered once again at the training grounds. The fourth round of the competition was about to begin. With twenty-five disciples remaining, there would be twelve matches, and one disciple would get a bye.

After a brief explanation of the rules by Elder Ma, the drawing of lots commenced. Hua Hsing picked his lot and was momentarily stunned to find he had drawn the bye.

Upon hearing that Hua Hsing got the bye, Re Yunzheng's expression soured. "He's really lucky," Re Yunzheng muttered coldly.

Other disciples who weren't fond of Hua Hsing also voiced their opinions, thinking he was a bit fortunate.

"Hmph, you'll definitely lose in the next round," one disciple commented.

With the drawing complete, the remaining twenty-four disciples were divided into twelve groups to start their battles.

Two hours later, the fourth round concluded. Twelve disciples were eliminated, leaving thirteen to advance.

The twelve eliminated disciples were all gritting their teeth at Hua Hsing. They believed that if Hua Hsing hadn't gotten a bye, one of them might have taken that spot.

"Hua Hsing, that lucky guy, actually made it to the next round."

"He's really got some good fortune."

"Hmph, even if he advances, what can he do? Facing Senior Brother Re, he's bound to lose."

The fourth round ended, and the fifth round began. To the surprise of many disciples, Hua Hsing once again drew a bye.

"Darn it, how does Hua Hsing keep getting a bye?" Many disciples were grumbling.

Even Hua Hsing found it unbelievable. He had drawn a bye twice in a row, allowing him to enter the top ten without competing.

The fifth round was much more intense than the fourth, but Re Yunzheng still swept through his opponent with overwhelming force. Although there were only six matches in the fifth round, they took up four hours.

By the afternoon, the fifth round finally concluded. The remaining six disciples were the top of the Outer Sect, all at least in the late stage of the Qi Refining Stage. Including Hua Hsing, there were still seven, so they needed to draw lots again.

This time, the bye went to Re Yunzheng, and Hua Hsing didn't get it.

"Hmph, Hua Hsing, you've had your fun for two rounds. This time, I'll personally end you," Men Feng said coldly, his eyes glinting with malice.

Ru Shan was the weakest among the six disciples who advanced. However, his level had reached the late stage of the Qi Refining Stage.

If he were up against someone else, Ru Shan might not have been confident of winning, but when he learned his opponent was Fang Chen, he was thrilled.

"Fang Chen, you're no match for me. Just give up," Ru Shan boasted arrogantly on the Martial Arena.

Fang Chen shook his head slightly and said, "We'll only know after we compete."

"In that case, I'll oblige you."

With a low growl, Ru Shan unleashed his most powerful sword technique, filling the sky with dazzling sword lights.

"Ru Shan is so strong; Fang Chen doesn't stand a chance."

"Ru Shan's swordsmanship has reached the Perfection Stage."

"What an exciting showdown."

On the Martial Arena, Fang Chen stood calmly, watching Ru Shan's display of swordsmanship. He then executed the Golden Light Sword Arts.

The third strike of the Golden Light Sword Arts.

A magnificent golden light flashed, shattering the myriad sword lights in the sky, and a powerful aura swept across the entire arena.

"So what if it's the Golden Light Sword Arts? Watch how I break it," Ru Shan roared, launching his sword technique again.

However, at that moment, something unexpected happened. Fang Chen suddenly appeared right in front of Ru Shan. Ru Shan, focused on controlling his sword lights against the Golden Light Sword Arts, hadn't anticipated Fang Chen closing in.

"You looking for trouble?"

Men Feng barely got the words out before he was met with a punch. A simple, straightforward punch that sent him flying.

Men Feng landed off the martial arena, losing the match.

The entire arena fell silent. Hua Hsing had defeated Men Feng so effortlessly, leaving everyone in shock.