Chapter 82: The Challenge

Li Sibai stepped forward quickly and took the Xuantian Sword from Elder Ma’s hands. Under the astonished gazes of those around him, he swiftly dispelled the disguise on the Xuantian Sword. The wooden sword from before vanished, revealing instead a black iron sword sheathed entirely in a bluish radiance.

“What’s this? Disguise art?” Elder Chen, standing nearby, couldn’t help but exclaim.

He was well-known in the village for his fascination with such unorthodox arts, and his understanding of these matters surpassed that of anyone else in the community. Hearing his words, someone asked, “Elder Chen, isn’t disguise art meant for changing one’s appearance? How can it be used on a sword?”

“Indeed, most people only know of disguise arts for altering appearances, allowing one to assume another’s face for various purposes. But there are also methods to disguise objects, changing their outward form to achieve a certain end. If I’m not mistaken, this wooden sword was meant to deceive, to hide the true blade within. I never saw through it—how masterful!” Elder Chen explained.

“So that’s how it is.” At some point, a crowd had gathered, nodding in understanding as they listened to the explanation.

Li Sibai paid no heed to their discussions. He let the Xuantian Technique circulate through his body for a full cycle, sending a constant flow of true energy into the Xuantian Sword. Instantly, the sword was enveloped in golden light, streaked with flashes of red lightning.

“What’s this? Such pure true energy—could it be the Xuantian Technique’s true energy?” Elder Yuan, unable to contain his curiosity and astonishment, asked aloud. Although his seniority was not as great as Elder Ma’s, his cultivation and insight were unmatched among the four elders. In truth, Sibai’s true energy was more profound than it appeared.

“It is indeed the Xuantian Technique’s true energy,” Li Sibai confirmed, offering little more explanation. At the very least, Elder Yuan’s ability to recognize the Xuantian Sword Sect’s true energy at a glance won him some respect. And given that Elder Yuan had previously treated him with medical skills, Li Sibai felt a particular warmth toward him.

“So this is the true energy of the Xuantian Technique?” The crowd began to whisper among themselves. Most of them were not highly cultivated, and though they had heard of the Xuantian Sword Sect, they had never witnessed its famed energy for themselves.

“It looks powerful indeed. Perhaps this young man really is a disciple of the Xuantian Sword Sect. Maybe we’ll finally be able to leave!”

“So what if he wields the Xuantian Technique’s true energy? His cultivation’s still low. I don’t have much hope.”

“Let’s wait for the elders’ decision.”

The villagers, having lived in isolation for so long, spoke their minds plainly and without guile—simple and honest folk.

As the discussions continued below the platform, two people onstage were particularly moved.

One was Clan Leader Zhang. As their leader, he sincerely hoped Li Sibai possessed the abilities claimed—someone who could lead them to freedom rather than keep them hemmed in here year after year. Now that Li Sibai had proved his identity, Zhang felt elated. Though Elder Ma’s earlier doubts had troubled him, as long as two of the four elders supported Li Sibai, Zhang was willing to assume responsibility and help him quickly advance his cultivation.

The other was Miss Zilin. She had spent more time with Li Sibai than anyone these past few days and never imagined that the young man before her was so capable—or that he was a disciple of the Xuantian Sword Sect. Though her own cultivation was not high, she was skilled in medicine. Having never left the village, her longing to see the outside world was a hope passed down through generations.

With the Xuantian Sword in hand, Li Sibai exuded confidence and charisma. Zilin gazed at him and the sword with fervent anticipation, though Li Sibai seemed oblivious.

Meanwhile, Clan Leader Zhang looked toward the four elders, seeking their opinions with his gaze, hoping for their support.

Elder Yuan and Elder Zhao nodded in assent, while Elder Ma and Elder Chen shook their heads. Two to two. Zhang hesitated.

Had he the support of three elders, he would have passed on the formation arts to Li Sibai without delay. But with the vote split, all eyes turned to him, waiting to see his decision.

Zhang pondered a moment, loath to squander this opportunity. At last, gritting his teeth, he made his choice, “I still choose—”

“Elders, please wait!”

A shout from the crowd startled everyone. Who dared interrupt the clan leader at such a moment?

Li Sibai too turned to look for the source of the voice. He saw a young man, just past twenty, with glossy black hair and a pale blue robe, not unattractive, but his eyes blazed with anger.

It was Zhao Han, Elder Zhao’s grandson, one of the standouts among Xizhu Village’s younger generation, and an admirer of Zilin.

Today he had come for the spectacle, having heard that this young man was to be their savior. Yet, upon arrival, he found Li Sibai’s cultivation was only equal to his own. Though young and thus talented, such a level was still woefully insufficient to save them. He couldn’t help but feel disappointed.

Now, seeing the girl he admired look upon Li Sibai so passionately, jealousy flared within him. He wished nothing more than to challenge Li Sibai to a duel and give him a taste of defeat.

When he saw the clan leader about to announce his decision—seemingly willing to trust Li Sibai—Zhao Han, in a fit of agitation, called out to interrupt.

Elder Zhao’s face darkened when he saw his grandson step forward. “Han’er, speak carefully. Do not act rashly before the clan leader and the elders.”

Zhao Han nodded to his grandfather and said, “Clan Leader, elders, before you make your decision, shouldn’t we require more than just a display of true energy in the sword as proof that this is the Xuantian Sword?”

Clan Leader Zhang’s brow furrowed. Already displeased at being interrupted, he was now further annoyed by Zhao Han’s implication that Li Sibai was a fraud. He thought to himself—this boy isn’t usually reckless, what’s gotten into him? Still, he gave Elder Zhao due respect and replied patiently, “Zhao Han, what do you suggest, then? How else should we verify the Xuantian Sword? Is Elder Yuan’s recognition of the Xuantian Technique not enough?”

Zhao Han, prepared for this moment, replied calmly, “Clan Leader, I have an idea. My cultivation is similar to this young man’s. May I request a match with him? If he can defeat me, I will be convinced!”

“This…” Zhang felt awkward. Was this really a method? If you’re beaten and someone else steps forward, must we fight again? Li Sibai might not agree, and even he felt embarrassed for Zhao Han.

He glanced at Li Sibai, who showed no sign of displeasure. Instead, Li Sibai smiled and replied, “Brother Zhao, do you truly wish to spar with me?”

“Indeed. Do you dare accept the challenge?” Zhao Han saw this as an opportunity to make a name for himself. Should he defeat the one the clan leader had placed his hopes on, he would become the village’s rising star. Such a chance was not to be missed.

Seeing Zhao Han’s resolve, Li Sibai did not hesitate. “Then forgive my offense!”