Chapter 39: Taking the Field

Two figures collided violently, producing a dull thud. Upon the arena, fierce winds swirled in all directions as both combatants shuddered from the impact and simultaneously retreated. As they withdrew, their hands swiftly formed incantations. A fire dragon, over three meters long, bared its ferocious jaws and roared as it surged toward Liu Feng.

With a cold snort, Liu Feng’s expression remained unchanged. He waved his hands, drawing the moisture from the air to create a shimmering curtain of water before him. The howling fire dragon smashed into the watery barrier, erupting with a thunderous boom. A shockwave of immense force instantly swept across the stage, blanching the faces of nearby disciples and driving them back, unable to withstand the tempest.

The fire dragon’s body struck the water screen, sending ripples cascading outward, threatening to shatter at any moment. Liu Feng’s gaze was indifferent as he raised his hand again, grasping at the void. The water screen morphed into a giant palm that seized the roaring fire dragon in its grip.

“Explode!” A clear command rang out. The fire dragon was crushed by the massive hand, bursting into a shower of fiery embers as the enormous palm itself shattered. Fire met water, and a dense white mist instantly enveloped the arena.

Through the mist, countless rays of light flickered, dispersing the fog. Sword auras crisscrossed the air, radiating a chilling intent as they shot straight toward Liu Feng.

All around the arena, the crowd watched with bated breath. From the moment Lin Tian had ascended the stage, only a few minutes had passed, yet the combat had already grown fierce. In the stands, the head of the Liu family stared intently at Liu Feng, his brows furrowed, while the head of the Lin family looked on with an amiable smile.

After all, judging by the current momentum, Lin Tian had maintained the initiative from the start, leaving Liu Feng somewhat on the defensive, faintly at a disadvantage. Should this continue, Liu Feng’s defeat was only a matter of time.

“These two, Lin Tian and Liu Feng, both possess remarkable talent. Given time, they will achieve great things,” Elder Lei remarked with a smile, glancing at the heads of the Lin and Liu families. “Even if one of them loses, it matters little. This is but a minor sect contest, meant to encourage our disciples. Temporary failure is nothing to fear; it only sharpens their resolve.”

“Elder Lei speaks truly,” the Lin family head replied, beaming. In his view, Lin’s victory was inevitable, and Elder Lei’s words were mere consolation for the Liu family head.

Upon hearing this, the Liu family head managed only a stiff smile, then turned his gaze back to the duel.

On the arena, sword auras wove a deadly web. Lin Tian, brimming with confidence, blocked all of Liu Feng’s routes of retreat, leaving him no escape.

Victory or defeat seemed imminent. Lin Tian curled his lips in a mocking smile and taunted, “So this is all you amount to. You should admit defeat now, before you embarrass yourself further.”

“With just you?” Liu Feng’s expression remained icy, a hint of scorn in his eyes at Lin Tian’s arrogance. “If you want to beat me, you’d best train for a few more years!”

“Water Curtain!” At his cold command, countless droplets materialized in the surrounding air, dazzling in the sunlight. The myriad drops gathered, fusing into a vast, resplendent screen of water that shimmered with rainbow hues—an exquisite sight.

The moment this watery veil arose, the Lin family head’s expression shifted. He gripped the arms of his chair and leaned forward, shouting toward the stage, “Tian’er, be careful!”

As his words fell, countless sword auras rained down like a tempest, striking the water curtain, yet not a single thunderous crash sounded—each sword aura vanished in utter silence. The bizarre spectacle left all assembled staring in disbelief.

“Heh, Feng’er has won,” the Liu family head remarked with a relaxed chuckle, finally at ease as he leaned back in his seat.

Across from Liu Feng, Lin Tian frowned at the strange turn of events, preparing to cast another spell, when Liu Feng let out a cold laugh. “It’s only polite to return what’s received. Here, have your sword aura back!”

With a slight tremor, the water curtain shot forth countless sword auras, firing them straight at Lin Tian. His face changed drastically as he retreated at once, but the sword energy moved even faster. Gritting his teeth, Lin Tian summoned several celestial talismans, which hovered before him and ignited without flame, forming mirror-like defensive barriers.

A barrage of sword auras slammed into the defenses, unleashing thunderous detonations. The tremendous force sent shockwaves in all directions as cracks appeared in the mirror-like walls before they shattered entirely. Though the sword aura dispersed, one final blade pierced through, striking Lin Tian’s left shoulder and sending him flying backward. Blood gushed from his mouth as he crashed to the ground, pale-faced. Struggling, he eventually managed to stand.

“I told you, if you want to challenge me, go practice for a few more years,” Liu Feng declared coldly from the edge of the arena, his gaze shifting toward Nuolan.

“Sister Nuolan, how long do you plan to hide?” Liu Feng’s persistent pursuit of her left the crowd puzzled, none understanding why he focused on her so relentlessly. All eyes turned to Nuolan. Some female disciples looked on with glee at her predicament, while many male disciples appeared sympathetic but helpless.

Liu Feng’s strength was unquestionable; even Lin Tian had been defeated.

“What kind of man are you, Liu Feng?” Lin Tian shouted angrily from the side of the arena, clutching his wounded shoulder.

“A loser has no right to bark at me! If you lack the strength, then keep quiet,” Liu Feng snapped back, silencing Lin Tian, whose face flushed with humiliation.

“I accept your challenge!” Nuolan’s clear voice rang out as she leapt onto the stage, gripping a long sword that appeared instantly in her hand. Gentle spiritual power coiled around the blade as she fixed Liu Feng with a fierce, hawk-like gaze.

“So, you finally decided to show yourself,” Liu Feng said with a cold smile. “How much longer would you cower in your shell? Are you willing to watch your beloved be injured by me? Won’t you come out yet?”

Liu Feng swept his gaze over the crowd, raising his voice. The audience exchanged confused glances, uncertain of his meaning. Yet a few seemed to guess at something, their faces subtly changing.

“If you still refuse, don’t blame me for being merciless,” Liu Feng declared, stamping his foot as he charged straight toward Nuolan.

Meanwhile, on the northern peak of Xuandao Sect, within a cave where the spiritual energy was so dense it seemed nearly tangible, Yin Tianfang sat enveloped by the swirling essence. Every pore was open, drawing in the abundant energy.

Suddenly, his body trembled slightly. Within his core, atop the blue lotus, a fifth lotus leaf unfurled. Instantly, the surrounding spiritual energy boiled and rushed frantically into him.

Moments later, Yin Tianfang opened his eyes, two beams of light shooting forth. He rose to his feet, exhaled a long breath, and felt the surge of power within him, a satisfied smile on his lips.

“After such a long seclusion, reaching the third level of Qi Condensation shouldn’t be an issue,” he muttered to himself, dusting off his robes as he strode out of the cave and onto the mountain.

As he walked along the northern peak, he found the place utterly deserted. Puzzled, he wondered aloud, “Where has everyone gone?”

Just then, faint shouts drifted to his ears. Looking toward the main peak, he saw a massive crowd gathered in excitement.

“What’s going on that’s so lively?” he wondered, somewhat surprised. With a flicker of movement, he mounted his sword and sped toward the main peak.