Yi Ri Qing Niao, Dai Residence
Compared to the past, many talented young cultivators have already passed the initial trial at the pool of benefits.
Families have established strict tests, attracting skilled individuals eager to seize opportunities on the stage.
The basic standard for the test was set by Young Master Kong Jiazi, and the number of candidates with refined techniques has increased.
At the time of the contest, nearly half an hour had passed, but no one seemed to mind.
Those with even half a mark could join the true skill trial and participate directly in Ruan Tian’s historical qualification test.
Once the four fixed marks were completed, candidates could compete for other limited quotas, fighting fiercely, or they could practice and participate in the trial by arrangement.
Currently, the historical records show that the White Garment Gongzi has rightfully taken the top spot, clearly possessing strong skills passed down from Zhao Tou, transmitted through the Yueying Sect.
Yet, he still did not secure the eighteenth place as expected.
Many candidates with strong personal abilities were unfortunately disqualified by the four fixed marks.
Some even used deceitful methods to manipulate the recorded outcomes in Shu and other regions, but none of these attempts succeeded, and all became just a part of the public record.
The true essence of the competition lies in the meticulous techniques displayed at the lower slopes, where families gather to hold contests.
While the Liangzhou declaration was underway, many were still fiercely fighting for their respective positions in Yan Chuan.
Former Young Master, now Sect Disciple Hong Cai and others were well known, leaving deep impressions.
At present, he was still holding onto his position with outstanding talent.
Just then, among the crowd, a distinct figure caught someone’s attention.
Though there was no obvious sign of recognition, the presence of the Honglian Saintess stirred a subtle disturbance that no one could ignore.
“Could it be the presence of the Holy Maiden?”
He discreetly fixed his gaze on the woman frowning with a deep expression, standing at a reserved spot on the slope.
Several young girls glanced over, then silently turned away.
One whispered, “How will this duel with the English Sect turn out? I just saw Gu Shenzhi pass by with an easy smile, joking, ‘Is this your own martial invitation or just a casual challenge thrown in?’”
Another replied, “Don’t take him too seriously. His masters often keep their moves concealed. They might not acknowledge a stranger’s presence easily.”
A third added with a knowing grin, “In past years, the martial path was full of unpredictable women—some with fearsome reputations, others graceful as moonlight, all unpredictable.”
Lingjian Sect cultivators held dual talents, often keeping calm and discussing strategies quietly behind the scenes.
Hearing these words, a young disciple sighed but then said decisively, “I truly believe the Honglian Saintess’s presence is a great blessing. How could ordinary men understand her greatness? Her aura surpasses all worldly distinctions.”
Some were visibly annoyed, arguing that despite high prestige, the disciple was being overly biased.
“I think the Honglian Demoness must be very proud to have such a reputation. What do you think?” Gu Shenzhi asked with a smile.
“No doubt about it,” someone replied quietly.
The young girls quietly peeked again, saddened as they watched the Honglian Saintess being carefully surrounded by followers.
She had already been trained well; during her gathering with companions, she carried a youthful innocence, but without the pomp or flamboyance of the Red Lotus Witch.
“This place was originally peaceful. I don’t think any quarrels will break out here.”
At the moment, the White Garment Gongzi stepped onto the stage, executing moves one after another, demonstrating his masterful skill.
He was known as Lingjian Sect’s most famous sword wielder, renowned for his precision and formidable technique.
His every strike appeared as if they could shake the heavens and the earth, and his execution left the audience in awe.
Suddenly, a true disciple of the White Feather Sect ascended the stage, challenging Su Da’s reputation.
The crowd was stirred; the opening rounds began with great fanfare.
His inner resolve was strong, reminiscent of Gongzi’s calm demeanor, from Yan Chuan to the fierce battles of Yan, he took the initiative and confidently dominated the arena, leaving others little chance to counterattack.
Hong Cai’s thirty-four successive wins, along with more than ten disciples from the four sects, relied on pure skill.
Except for a few emerging geniuses, no one was able to surpass them.
The White Feather Sect’s disciple was known for his agility and sharp spirit, his moves flowing like a fierce gale, with power concentrated in every strike.
His swordplay was sharp enough to carve deep marks in the air, and his sudden burst of strength was as swift as lightning, leaving his opponents stunned.
“This is the Feng Yinghua Candao! A legendary Sword Dao technique!”
“His closing moves are clearly mastered. This disciple has truly inherited the highest level of sword intent,” spectators marveled.
Seeing such refined swordsmanship, the young disciple’s expression darkened as he quietly asked, “Have you ever heard of the Honglian Saintess’s skills?”
Without hesitation, he stepped forward confidently.
He trusted that the famous technique passed down was indeed powerful and that his own strength was sufficient to hold his ground.
He carefully observed the movements around him, noting the clear sword spirit emanating from the opponents.
Although the technique was impressive, the Honglian Saintess was known for an equally profound grace and skill.
“She is indeed a peerless beauty with unmatched prowess,” he thought silently.
The surrounding atmosphere grew tense as the duel commenced.
The Honglian Saintess’s moves were elegant yet deadly, each strike perfectly timed and executed.
Her calm demeanor contrasted with the intensity of the battle, capturing the attention of every spectator.
At this moment, Lingjian Sect’s Gu Shenzhi stood quietly at the edge of the arena, his expression unreadable as he observed the ongoing contest.