Duan Xianxing was the first to strike, a basic straight thrust that was as fast as a lightning bolt.
Li Nanzhu remained calm and composed, sidestepping to evade before her sword tip swept upward!
This was the third style of the Five Elements Dao Sect’s introductory swordplay. It was an unremarkable move, yet it appeared exceptionally agile in her hands.
"Well played!" Duan Xianxing shifted his move to parry. The two swords collided, producing a crisp, ringing chime.
In the blink of an eye, the two had exchanged over a dozen moves.
There was no flashy spiritual energy, no dazzling sword light—only the purest duel of sword moves. Yet, it kept the audience's eyes glued to the stage.
"Little Junior Sister's execution of that move wasn't bad," Feng Qingping remarked from the sidelines.
Zhu Yinxi nodded. "But Seventh Senior Brother’s response was even better."
On the arena, Duan Xianxing suddenly changed his technique: "Swimming Dragon Emerges from the Sea!"
This strike was heavy and powerful. Li Nanzhu didn't dare take it head-on; she retreated like a swallow, her sword tip lightly tapping the ground to borrow force and launch her into the air, barely evading Duan Xianxing's offensive.
"Thirty moves already..." Mu Wenyan said softly. "Little Junior Sister’s progress is indeed startling."
Jiang Yifan also spoke up: "Seventh Senior Brother is guiding her."
Sure enough, Duan Xianxing’s sword moves began to become more targeted, each strike perfectly guiding Li Nanzhu’s responses. Li Nanzhu understood the intent, and her swordplay became increasingly refined.
"Watch the sword!" Duan Xianxing suddenly gave a light shout as his longsword aimed straight for her center.
Li Nanzhu hurriedly changed her move, only to see Duan Xianxing’s sword tip pivot, lightly tapping her wrist.
Clack.
Li Nanzhu’s sword fell to the ground.
"I lost." She gave a candid smile and bent over to pick up her longsword. "Thank you for the guidance, Seventh Senior Brother."
Duan Xianxing scratched his head. "Little Junior Sister is already very impressive."
The referee announced loudly, "The champion of the Foundation Establishment stage in this year's Sect Competition—Duan Xianxing of the Five Elements Dao Sect!"
The audience burst into thunderous applause.
This result wasn't unexpected, but the duel of pure swordsmanship left a deep impression on everyone.
The members of the Five Elements Dao Sect rushed onto the arena, surrounding the two.
"Little Junior Sister, you were amazing!" Feng Qingping pulled Li Nanzhu into a hug. "To last fifty moves against Seventh Senior Brother—hardly anyone in the entire Foundation Establishment stage could do that!"
Mu Wenyan patted Duan Xianxing’s shoulder. "Well done."
Duan Xianxing grinned. "Of course! But Little Junior Sister is even more incredible. How long has she even been practicing the sword?"
Li Nanzhu felt a bit embarrassed by the praise. "It’s all thanks to the excellent teaching of my senior brothers and sisters."
She looked toward the distant high platform, seeing the Sword Heart Sect's Immortal Venerable Ling Xiao leaving with a dark expression.
In this moment, she felt an immense sense of satisfaction—the young girl who had been rejected by all the sects a year ago was now standing in the finals of the Sect Competition.
"Let's go," Feng Qingping draped an arm over her shoulder. "Back for the celebration!"
At the Five Elements Dao Sect’s camp, everyone sat in a circle.
"Cheers!" Duan Xianxing raised a spirit drink and downed it in one go. "We really brought glory to the Five Elements Dao Sect this time!"
Feng Qingping also raised her cup in celebration. "Seventh Senior Brother really did us proud this time."
Zhu Yinxi smiled and nodded. "But the biggest surprise was still Little Junior Sister."
Li Nanzhu was currently busy dealing with a chicken leg. Hearing this, she looked up, her lips still stained with oil. "Huh?"
Everyone couldn't help but laugh.
Mu Wenyan handed her a handkerchief. "Eat slowly. Your performance this time was truly unexpected."
"Especially the progress in your swordplay," Jiang Yifan said, speaking more than usual. "The foundation is very solid."
Suisui crawled out from behind her, its bone claws holding a spirit fruit like a precious offering. Li Nanzhu smiled as she took it and rubbed its skull.
"I was actually afraid that if I beat Little Junior Sister, she’d be sad," Duan Xianxing scratched his head.
"How could I be? I’m completely convinced by Seventh Senior Brother's victory." Li Nanzhu took another bite of the spirit fruit, the sweet juice bursting in her mouth. "I would only be unhappy if I actually won. Seventh Senior Brother works so hard; everyone should see that."
"Once I break through to the Golden Core stage, I'll challenge Seventh Senior Brother again!"
"Then I'll be waiting for you, Little Junior Sister!" Hearing this, Duan Xianxing took a massive gulp of his spirit drink but ended up choking and coughing violently, making everyone else laugh.
Feng Weilan leaned against a soft couch and said softly, "After this competition, our Five Elements Dao Sect's ranking in the competition..."
"We'll definitely be in the top three!" Duan Xianxing said excitedly.
Mu Wenyan shook his head. "No, it's first."
"First place?!" Duan Xianxing cried out. "Our points shouldn't be enough for that, right?!"
"The point rankings are weighted based on the total number of participants from each sect," Mu Wenyan explained, flicking Duan Xianxing's forehead. "Otherwise, if another sect just entered every single one of their disciples, wouldn't the points be a mess?"
"That’s true." Duan Xianxing rubbed his head and chuckled. "This way, let's see if those other sects still dare to look down on us!"
"However, now that Seventh Senior Brother’s Natural Sword Physique has been exposed... the Sword Heart Sect will likely be unable to sit still," Feng Qingping sneered.
Just as the group was discussing heatedly, a commotion suddenly came from outside the camp.
A group of Sword Heart Sect disciples appeared, escorting a middle-aged man in deep black robes as he walked slowly toward them.
The man had a majestic countenance and an ancient-looking longsword hanging from his waist. It was the sect leader of the Sword Heart Sect, Zhao Wufeng.
"Sect Leader Zhao’s personal visit—please excuse our lack of a proper greeting." Mu Wenyan stepped forward first to salute, his fingers moving slightly inside his sleeve to give a hidden signal to the others behind him.
Feng Qingping immediately understood and stepped aside to clear a path. "Sect Leader Zhao, please come in."
Zhao Wufeng’s gaze swept over everyone, and he gave a gentle smile. "There is no need for such formalities."
They led Zhao Wufeng into the main hall, where Zhu Yinxi had already prepared spirit tea. Amidst the drifting tea fragrance, Zhao Wufeng took the seat of honor, glanced around, and asked as if casually, "Immortal Venerable Feng Yi is not here?"
"Master had matters to attend to and returned to the sect," Mu Wenyan replied, neither humble nor arrogant. "If Sect Leader Zhao has important business, this junior can pass on the message."
Zhao Wufeng picked up the teacup and took a light sip, smiling. "No urgent business. My visit this time is, firstly, to congratulate the Five Elements Dao Sect for taking both first and second place in the Foundation Establishment stage, and secondly..." His gaze lingered on Duan Xianxing for a moment. "I wanted to personally witness the legendary Natural Sword Physique. Seeing it now, truly, heroes emerge from the youth."
Duan Xianxing felt uncomfortable under that gaze and was about to speak when Feng Qingping stopped him with a look.
"Sect Leader Zhao overpraises us," Mu Wenyan took over the conversation. "Seventh Senior Brother only won by luck. On the contrary, the disciples under your sect's Immortal Venerable Ling Xiao are full of talent."
Zhao Wufeng waved his hand. "Nephew Mu is being too modest. I am of the same generation as your master; there's no need for such distance. You may simply address me as Uncle."
"Yes," Mu Wenyan smiled, though the smile didn't reach his eyes.
Li Nanzhu’s gaze also turned subtle. Same generation? According to her calculations, Feng Yi could be his ancestor. This Zhao Wufeng really knew how to flatter himself.
At the same time, she felt a surge of extreme wariness. For this sect leader of the Sword Heart Sect to personally lower himself to visit... it had to be for something significant.
Zhao Wufeng set down his teacup and suddenly changed the subject. "Speaking of which, the Five Elements Dao Sect is known for its excellence in five elements magic, but your sword dao inheritance seems... not particularly prominent?"
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