C16 Outer Sect

Outer Sect

"Hua Hsing, do you dare to face me in battle?"

His voice, imbued with immense power, echoed throughout the Martial Arena.

The elders on the main platform watched with keen interest, their anticipation for the impending duel palpable.

"Why would I not?" Hua Hsing confidently strode forward and ascended the Martial Arena.

Upon seeing Hua Hsing take the stage, the Ninth Elder on the main platform beamed with pride, thoroughly pleased with his disciple.

At his side, Jiaang Xue's resolve to eliminate Hua Hsing only grew stronger.

"Hua Hsing, you're nothing but trash. Even though you've grown stronger, you're still insignificant before me," Re Yunzheng declared with contempt.

"Trash? The 'trash' you refer to has defeated all challengers and made it to the finals of the Outer Sect Competition," Hua Hsing shot back.

At those words, a flicker of irritation crossed Re Yunzheng's face, and he snapped, "You're seeking your own demise."

With an angry shout, Re Yunzheng summoned a long sword into his hand, his footwork swift as he brandished the blade.

A domineering aura radiated from Re Yunzheng's form.

The air itself seemed to thicken with a dense sword energy as Hua Hsing eyed Re Yunzheng, his gaze sharp.

"Five-element Sword Arts, Metal Sword!"

Re Yunzheng's bellow unleashed the first tier of the Five-element Sword Arts—the Metal Sword—wrapping the blade in a brilliant golden glow.

The Five-element Sword Arts, nearly on par with a second-tier cultivation method, were rumored to rival such techniques when mastered to the Perfection Stage.

As the Metal Sword technique was executed, a streak of golden sword light cut through the sky, charged with formidable sword qi.

The disciples in the Martial Arena felt a crushing pressure.

"Is this the power of the Five-element Sword Arts? It's overwhelmingly strong."

"I'm paralyzed; this presence could defeat me in an instant."

"Senior Brother Re is truly formidable, mastering the Five-element Sword Arts to such an advanced level."

"Poor Hua Hsing is in for it now."

The elders on the platform murmured among themselves.

"Re Yunzheng is impressive indeed. Having cultivated the Five-element Sword Arts to such a level, he must have achieved the Perfection Stage, hasn't he?"

"Indeed, for an Outer Sect disciple to possess such talent is quite impressive."

"Let's not have any squabbles over him—I intend to take him on as my disciple."

"Lao Xuan, I've already laid claim to him," Elder Ma interjected.

Upon hearing Elder Ma's declaration, the other elders held their tongues, none daring to vie with him for the disciple.

Only the Ninth Elder remained silent, his eyes intently fixed on Hua Hsing, watching the battle with earnest focus.

On the Martial Arena, Hua Hsing could sense the resplendent sword qi pervading the space.

"Golden Light Sword Arts!"

With a low roar, Hua Hsing executed the Golden Light Sword Arts, his sword transforming into a golden streak as it thrust toward Re Yunzheng.

"Fantastic!"

Re Yunzheng exclaimed with delight, unleashing the Five-element Sword Arts with maximum force, clashing fiercely against Hua Hsing's longsword.

Instantly, a cacophony of clashing metal erupted, sending sparks scattering.

Both combatants staggered back several steps. Re Yunzheng scrutinized Hua Hsing with a look of surprise in his eyes before speaking in a grave tone, "I seem to have underestimated the might of the Golden Light Sword Arts."

"Five-element Sword Arts, Wood Sword."

"Five-element Sword Arts, Water Sword."

"Five-element Sword Arts, Fire Sword."

"Five-element Sword Arts, Earth Sword."

Re Yunzheng rapidly deployed the remaining four techniques of the Five-element Sword Arts. The sword light, fierce and unyielding, tore through the air toward Hua Hsing.

The display left many disciples gasping in awe, the level of the attack far beyond their comprehension.

"He's incredibly strong," they thought to themselves.

In that moment, Hua Hsing too recognized the formidable strength of the Five-element Sword Arts. He channeled the third strike of the Golden Light Sword Arts to its peak.

As his golden heart throbbed vigorously, the secrets of the Golden Light Sword Arts' third strike unfurled in his mind.

"The third strike of the Golden Light Sword Arts has reached perfection."

Thrilled, Hua Hsing swiftly executed the perfected third strike. Concurrently, the incantations for the fourth strike of the Golden Light Sword Arts echoed in his thoughts.

Having mastered the third sword technique, Hua Hsing was now poised to cultivate the fourth. With his Golden Heart, he was eager to perfect his skills in the heat of battle, which would make defeating Re Yunzheng a far simpler task.

The third strike of the Golden Light Sword Arts was a force to be reckoned with, a streak of golden brilliance that sent a shiver through the crowd. It clashed with the luminescence of the Five-element Sword Arts, culminating in a spectacular explosion.

Hua Hsing, wielding the third strike of the Golden Light Sword Arts, adeptly countered the onslaught of the Five-element Sword Arts.

"How can this be?"

Re Yunzheng had been confident that the Five-element Sword Arts would suffice to overcome Hua Hsing, but to his surprise, Hua Hsing proved to be a more formidable opponent than he had anticipated.

Atop the platform, the Ninth Elder with his white beard nodded approvingly, remarking, "He has honed the third sword of the Golden Light Sword Arts to the Perfection Stage. He's on par with Qih Nantian of yesteryear."

As the Ninth Elder spoke, the Martial Arena was once again the scene of dramatic change.

"Hua Hsing, I will be the one to defeat you," Re Yunzheng declared, his eyes blazing red as he thrust his sword towards the heavens. Around the blade, five hues materialized, each symbolizing one of the major sword moves of the Five-element Sword Arts.

"Five-element Sword Arts, unite as one!" With a ferocious cry, Re Yunzheng merged the techniques into one formidable attack.

Upon witnessing Re Yunzheng's execution of the Five Elements Fusion, the elders on the platform exchanged looks of concern. This attack was on par with a secondary cultivation method.

"Re Yunzheng's talent far exceeds our expectations; he's even mastered the Five Elements Fusion," one elder observed.

"Indeed, and I'm curious to see how Hua Hsing will respond," another added.

"Congratulations, Elder Ma, on mentoring such a talented pupil," came the praises.

Hearing the commendations, Elder Ma beamed with pride. Meanwhile, Jiaang Xue's eyes gleamed with an icy light, harboring a wish for Re Yunzheng to obliterate Hua Hsing's cultivation.

"How will you unravel this impasse?" the Ninth Elder mused aloud, eyes fixed on the unfolding drama in the Martial Arena.

"The fusion of the Five Elements rivals the might of a second-tier cultivation method," Hua Hsing declared, his eyes icy, his voice a deep murmur.

A formidable blade of light lanced toward Hua Hsing in an instant, which he evaded without a moment's delay.

A succession of sword lights followed, relentlessly targeting Hua Hsing. Yet, he offered no counterattack, focusing solely on evasion.

"Hua Hsing is going to be defeated," observed many disciples witnessing the scene.

"Hua Hsing, let's see how much longer you can withstand this," Re Yunzheng taunted, intensifying his Five Elements Fusion assault. Sword in hand, he closed in on Hua Hsing.

"The clock is ticking. I must hold on a bit longer," Hua Hsing silently urged himself, his mind racing through the fourth technique of the Golden Light Sword Arts. With just a bit more time, he could master it.

Once he did, he would be able to stand his ground against, perhaps even overpower, the Five Elements Fusion.

Lacking an edge in agility, Hua Hsing's continuous flight eventually led to his capture by Re Yunzheng.

"Hua Hsing, your end has come."

Re Yunzheng's laugh was chilling as he brandished his sword, unleashing the Five Elements Fusion. The icy blade thrust toward Hua Hsing.

"Watch out, Hua Hsing!" From below the Martial Arena, Jiang He and Hsu Feng cried out in shock.

In the blink of an eye, the sword aimed for Hua Hsing's flesh. At that moment, numerous disciples' gazes were locked on the Martial Arena.

Re Yunzheng seemed to revel in the vision of claiming the title of champion in the Outer Sect Competition, his sinister laughter echoing.

But just as the moment reached its peak, a startling brilliance burst from Hua Hsing's eyes. His Golden Heart throbbed with urgency.

A sensation like a refreshing current washed over him, signaling his complete grasp of the Golden Light Sword Arts' fourth technique.

"Golden Light Sword Arts, the fourth strike!"

With a mental battle cry, Hua Hsing unleashed the technique without hesitation.

The might of the Golden Light Sword Arts was formidable; as the fourth strike was deployed, Re Yunzheng felt an unexpected surge of trepidation.

"What's happening?"

Re Yunzheng, gripping his long sword, lunged at Hua Hsing, his mind reeling with shock.

A glint of cold light flashed, and Hua Hsing remained still as Re Yunzheng was sent flying through the air.

The Martial Arena erupted into chaos, with countless disciples staring in disbelief.

The elders on the platform rose swiftly to their feet, equally baffled as to how Re Yunzheng, who seemed to have the advantage, was suddenly defeated by Hua Hsing at the pivotal moment.

"How can this be?" Re Yunzheng, propelled backward, bellowed in fury.

Regaining control, Re Yunzheng landed back in the arena, unwilling to accept the turn of events. His resolve to beat Hua Hsing was unshaken.

"Five Elements Fusion."

Re Yunzheng unleashed the Five Elements Fusion once more, targeting Hua Hsing.

But Hua Hsing, having mastered the fourth sword of the Golden Light Sword Arts, had seen his power surge. Re Yunzheng's Five Elements Fusion couldn't touch him.

Instead, the fourth sword technique from Hua Hsing's Golden Light Sword Arts was subtly overpowering Re Yunzheng's Five-element Sword Arts.

A flurry of clashes later, Re Yunzheng lay defeated on the ground, his eyes brimming with frustration and defeat.

"Why has it come to this?"

Re Yunzheng's roar of defiance echoed to the heavens. Now bereft of any strength to continue the fight, his hatred for Hua Hsing grew.

"Re Yunzheng actually lost to Hua Hsing!"

"Has Hua Hsing claimed the title of number one in the Outer Sect?"

"Is Hua Hsing really a nobody? Can a nobody take first place?"

"It's no surprise Elder Nine took Hua Hsing as his disciple; he must have recognized his potential early on." The disciples murmured among themselves, recovering from their initial shock.

The defeat of the Outer Sect's top disciple, Re Yunzheng, at the hands of the so-called trash, Hua Hsing, was news that sent shockwaves through the sect.

On the platform, Elder Ma's expression was frosty as he cast a glance at Hua Hsing, a flicker of murderous intent passing through his eyes.

"Go and help Re Yunzheng to his feet," Elder Ma instructed Jiaang Xue.

With a nod, Jiaang Xue approached the Martial Arena, helped Re Yunzheng up, and shot Hua Hsing a venomous look, her face seething with anger.

"The victor of this year's Outer Sect Disciple Competition is none other than Hua Hsing!"