In the center of the martial arts arena, a list of the top fifty slowly emerged on the light screen.
Mu Wenyan's gaze swept across the list, his brow furrowing slightly. "Something isn't right."
Zhu Yinxi gently twirled the jade flute in his hand. "The Eight Sects have taken thirty-five spots, leaving only fifteen for the other sects... This ratio is more than sixty percent higher than in previous years."
"Either the Eight Sects are taking it easy," Feng Qingping said in a heavy tone, "or the strength of these people has already reached the level of inner sect disciples of the Eight Sects."
Suisui lay on Li Nanzhu's shoulder, a bone claw pointing at several of the individuals—precisely those disciples from the outer sects who had shown unusually dominant performances.
"The drawing of lots has begun," Duan Xianxing suddenly remarked.
The text on the light screen scrolled, and the new match-up list gradually became clear:
【Arena Seven: Duan Xianxing of the Five Elements Dao Sect versus Li Nanyi of the Sword Heart Sect!】
【Arena Nine: Feng Weilan of the Five Elements Dao Sect versus Le Changxi of the Sword Heart Sect!】
【Arena Eleven: Li Nanzhu of the Five Elements Dao Sect versus Su Zhunshu of the Hehuan Sect!】
"The Hehuan Sect again?" Duan Xianxing raised an eyebrow. "I don't suppose they're going to concede again this time?"
Jiang Yifan was lost in thought. "After all, the Hehuan Sect is indeed showing goodwill... but these two direct disciples from the Sword Heart Sect..."
"It's strange." Feng Qingping shook her head. "Li Nanyi and Le Changxi are both key direct disciples cultivated by the Sword Heart Sect. Logically, they shouldn't be matched against us this early."
While the group was confused, on the high platform, the Sect Leader of the Sword Heart Sect, Zhao Wufeng, was conversing in low tones with Immortal Venerable Ling Xiao.
"Ling Xiao, how did your two disciples end up facing people from the Five Elements Dao Sect so soon?" Zhao Wufeng frowned. "According to the plan..."
Immortal Venerable Ling Xiao was dressed in white, his expression cold and aloof. "It matters not. A mere Five Elements Dao Sect is nothing to worry about."
His gaze swept over Li Nanzhu and the others below the platform, his eyes filled with disdain. "Nanyi and Changxi are both excellent seeds at the Golden Core stage. Dealing with a few people at the Foundation Establishment stage should be as easy as turning over one's hand."
"But..."
"The Sect Leader worries too much," Immortal Venerable Ling Xiao interrupted. "This is the perfect opportunity to show the world what a true genius is."
Suddenly, a lazy voice cut into their conversation. "Oh? Old man Ling Xiao is that confident?"
Feng Yi, clad in royal blue, appeared on the viewing platform at some unknown point, fiddling with a piece of fire jade in his hand.
"Feng Yi!" Immortal Venerable Ling Xiao's face darkened. "You've finally decided to show yourself?"
Feng Yi chuckled lightly. "Since my disciples are competing, I, as their master, naturally have to come and show my support." His gaze turned to Li Nanzhu and the others, a flash of satisfaction in his eyes. "Not bad, they've all made it into the top fifty."
"Hmph, nothing more than good luck," Immortal Venerable Ling Xiao sneered. "They won't have such good luck in what's to come."
"Is that so?" Feng Yi played with the fire jade. "How about we make a bet?"
"What's the wager?"
"Let's bet on..." A hint of cunning flashed in Feng Yi's eyes. "I heard you've researched a set of sword techniques yourself."
He spoke nonchalantly, "If my three disciples all win, you will lend me your Sword Scripture to study for three days."
"And if you lose?" Ling Xiao's brow furrowed slightly.
"If they lose," Feng Yi smiled slightly, "I will give you the Five Elements True Insights. This is a secret manual of our Five Elements Dao Sect; as a wager, you won't be on the losing end."
As soon as these words were spoken, the surrounding Sect Leaders all sucked in a breath of cold air. Both of these records were treasures that anchored their respective sects! To think they would be used as a wager just like that!
Immortal Venerable Ling Xiao narrowed his eyes. "Are you serious?"
"Naturally," Feng Yi laughed. "What? Don't you dare?"
"Fine!" Immortal Venerable Ling Xiao slapped the table and stood up. "It's settled! I'd like to see where you get your confidence from!"
Even Zhao Wufeng did not voice any opposition. After all, in his eyes, these three Foundation Establishment disciples, who had already exhausted their tricks in previous matches, had no chance against Li Nanyi and Le Changxi.
Moreover, he didn't believe those two could lose. This bet was beneficial to them with no downsides.
Feng Yi said no more, only winking at his disciples below and sending a secret voice transmission: "The three of you, don't let your master down."
Li Nanzhu felt a jolt in her heart. She hadn't expected her master to appear at this time and make such a bet with Immortal Venerable Ling Xiao!
"Master..." Duan Xianxing had also received the transmission, a look of shock on his face.
Feng Weilan tightened his grip on his blade's hilt. "We cannot lose."
"We won't lose!"
Meanwhile, at the Sword Heart Sect's encampment.
Li Nanyi and Le Changxi were in a private discussion.
"Fifth Junior Brother, we changed the draw without permission. If the Sect Leader finds out..." Le Changxi was somewhat worried.
Li Nanyi sneered. "What's there to fear? As long as we win, the Sect Leader will only praise us." A cold look flashed in his eyes. "The people from the Five Elements Dao Sect are too arrogant. We must show them their place."
"But that Feng Weilan..."
"Fourth Senior Brother, rest assured," Li Nanyi said confidently. "I've already investigated thoroughly. Although his blade techniques are decent, his cultivation is only at the late stage of Foundation Establishment. You are a half-step Golden Core; dealing with him will be more than enough."
Le Changxi nodded, then hesitated. "However, that Li Nanzhu..."
"She's just lucky, happening to run into the Hehuan Sect giving way," Li Nanyi said dismissively. "But it doesn't matter. Once we've dealt with Duan Xianxing and Feng Weilan, someone will naturally take care of her."
"When we win, it might even cheer up our little junior sister a bit."
Hearing this, Le Changxi's gaze became resolute. "You're right."
What the two didn't know was that their conversation had been heard clearly by Suisui, who was hiding in the shadows. The small skeleton's soul fire flickered as it transmitted the information to Li Nanzhu.
"So they were the ones playing tricks after all." Li Nanzhu shared the intelligence with the group.
"Two fools," Zhu Yinxi sneered. "Do they really think we're easy marks?"
Mu Wenyan pondered for a moment. "Since they want to play, we'll play with them." He looked at Duan Xianxing and Feng Weilan. "There's no need to hide your strength anymore. Finish this quickly."
Duan Xianxing grinned. "It's about time!"
Feng Weilan nodded silently, the fighting spirit in his eyes burning even brighter.
On the day of the match, the martial arts arena was packed with people.
Everyone wanted to see how these three 'lucky' disciples of the Five Elements Dao Sect would face the direct geniuses of the Sword Heart Sect.
"Arena Seven: Duan Xianxing of the Five Elements Dao Sect versus Li Nanyi of the Sword Heart Sect!"
Duan Xianxing walked lazily onto the arena. Opposite him, Li Nanyi was dressed in white with a long sword on his back, his aura overbearing.
"Trash of the Five Elements Dao Sect," Li Nanyi sneered, "today I'll show you what a true sword cultivator is!"
Duan Xianxing picked at his ear. "So much nonsense."
"Let the match begin!"
Li Nanyi drew his sword instantly, the sword light like a rainbow, striking directly for Duan Xianxing's throat!
However—
"Too slow." Duan Xianxing's cheerful voice suddenly came from behind Li Nanyi.
"What?!" Li Nanyi was greatly shocked and hurriedly turned to block.
Clang!
As their swords collided, Li Nanyi felt a massive force surge through, sending him back three steps!
"Impossible!" He looked at Duan Xianxing in disbelief. "Your speed..."
Duan Xianxing no longer held back. His sword edge turned as he laughed. "That was just the warm-up. Now... we begin for real!"
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