On the high platform, the conversation between the Grand Elder and Xu Anlan was not lowered in volume.
The disciples present were at least at the Awakening Realm, with many in the Gathering Qi Realm as well. Their physiques were strengthened, their ears sharp and eyes keen. From a distance of a hundred or two hundred meters, they could hear everything clearly.
After hearing the words from the high platform, the disciples immediately understood. The arena grew even more lively.
"So this is the embryonic form of sword intent!"
"Senior Brother Chen truly lives up to being the top expert among the outer disciples—able to comprehend intent even at just the first layer of the Qi Transformation Realm!"
"The power of intent is extremely formidable. Once unleashed, martial techniques surge in might!"
"Exactly, now Lin Xuan might be about to lose, right?"
"Senior Brother Lin reaching second place is already impressive; losing to intent is still quite commendable."
"..."
The disciples buzzed with discussion, a clamor of voices. No one expected that Chen Yuze, who had just broken through to the Qi Transformation Realm and hadn't even entered the inner sect, had already comprehended intent. Though it was only an embryonic form, it was already remarkable, surpassing most inner disciples.
While the disciples were greatly shocked by Chen Yuze's attainment of embryonic intent, they also muttered to themselves. Lin Xuan, who had won streak after streak and shattered countless records, should now come to a halt. After all, the power of intent was far beyond what the Gathering Qi Realm could withstand.
Most of the older disciples wore expressions of schadenfreude. Lin Xuan, a new disciple, had trampled over them, the older ones, in a continuous winning streak, climbing all the way to second place. Shouldn't he fall now? The older disciples eagerly anticipated Lin Xuan's defeat.
Meanwhile, the new disciples felt somewhat disheartened. They had hoped Lin Xuan would push through to first place in one go. That would have broken an unprecedented record in the entire Flowing Cloud Sect. Their group of new disciples would have basked in the glory. But now that Lin Xuan was about to stop, they felt a sense of reluctance. Yet, after Chen Yuze revealed his intent, even if they desperately wished for Lin Xuan to win, they had lost faith in him. Unless Lin Xuan could also comprehend intent.
But Lin Xuan was at most at the Gathering Qi Realm, not even at its peak. How could he possibly comprehend intent? That was almost as absurd as a fairy tale.
In the crowd, Zhou Lei and Guan Yuanshuang exchanged a glance, once again revealing bitter smiles. They hadn't expected that the three of them, who had once competed and vied with each other, would be left behind by Chen Yuze—far behind. With Chen Yuze breaking through to the Qi Transformation Realm and comprehending intent, they could no longer be his match. A sense of defeat surged in their hearts.
At the same time, however, they hoped Chen Yuze would defeat Lin Xuan and take first place. Lin Xuan, as a new disciple who had only been in the sect for a month, had shone too brightly. Even they, ranked among the top three outer disciples, had been instantly defeated by him. If Lin Xuan could lose, he wouldn't be so dazzling anymore, and they would feel better.
At this moment, no one on the field favored Lin Xuan. But would the final outcome really be as they expected? Not necessarily, right?
......
On the arena stage.
Lin Xuan looked at Chen Yuze, who had revealed his embryonic sword intent, and narrowed his eyes slightly: "So this is intent. Its momentum is decent."
Lin Xuan nodded slightly. He also possessed intent, far surpassing Chen Yuze's. Chen Yuze's embryonic sword intent couldn't affect him. He could first test the power of this intent and then decide how much of his own intent to reveal to defeat Chen Yuze appropriately.
On the opposite side.
After unleashing his embryonic sword intent, Chen Yuze smiled with renewed confidence: "Lin Xuan, surrender!"
Chen Yuze couldn't be bothered to say more. Defeating Lin Xuan would explain everything. He didn't believe that Lin Xuan, a Gathering Qi Realm cultivator, could withstand his sword technique enhanced by intent.
"Gentle Breeze Brushing the Moon!"
Chen Yuze shouted softly, sweeping his treasured sword forward.
Whoosh!
Instantly, a sword light shot out, as gentle and casual as a breeze brushing by. But the sharpness within it was terrifying. Its speed was also extremely fast. In the blink of an eye, it struck Lin Xuan.
"Not good!"
"Lin Xuan is in danger!"
"Why isn't he dodging!"
"The sword energy is too fast; Lin Xuan might not be able to avoid it!"
"..."
The disciples on the field tensed up, fearing a bloody scene where Lin Xuan would be split in two. But as the gentle breeze sword light landed, tearing through Lin Xuan's figure, the figure slowly dissipated. It was just an afterimage!
At this moment, Lin Xuan's displayed speed had once again surpassed his previous efforts.
"Such incredible speed!"
"So this is Senior Brother Lin's strength?"
"So powerful!"
"..."
The disciples were once again awed by Lin Xuan's talent as he unleashed even greater strength. Even on the high platform, the Grand Elder and Xu Anlan turned their attention to him, their eyes showing more appreciation. Lin Xuan was only at the fourth layer of the Gathering Qi Realm, yet his speed now rivaled or even surpassed many inner disciples at the fourth layer of the Qi Transformation Realm. This showed just how extraordinary his talent was.
Nevertheless, no one still favored Lin Xuan. They only thought he could hold out a bit longer. They felt even more regret and pity for Lin Xuan. If Chen Yuze hadn't comprehended intent, even with his breakthrough to the Qi Transformation Realm, he wouldn't have been a match for Lin Xuan at this speed. But unfortunately, Chen Yuze had comprehended intent. Once the embryonic sword intent was unleashed, even many mid-stage Qi Transformation Realm cultivators would struggle to withstand it. Lin Xuan, a Gathering Qi Realm cultivator, was even less of a concern.
On the arena stage.
Chen Yuze's pupils contracted, startled by Lin Xuan's speed. He hadn't expected Lin Xuan to still be hiding his strength. Truly worthy of being a genius who could rank among the top in the entire sect. If he hadn't coincidentally comprehended embryonic sword intent during a life-or-death crisis, he might have been the one to lose, right? Fortunately, he had succeeded in comprehending it. A hint of relief surged in Chen Yuze's heart.
Then, Chen Yuze said coldly: "Lin Xuan, your strength is indeed formidable! I can't match your movement technique! But in this match, you will still lose!"
With that, Chen Yuze swung his treasured sword, slashing three times in succession.
"Gentle Breeze Sweeping the Flat Ground!"
Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!
Three sword lights shot out, forming a triangular pattern that enveloped Lin Xuan, sealing off all his escape routes. Each sword light was several times stronger than the previous one. This time, Lin Xuan had no way to dodge.
The disciples on the field held their breath, staring intently at the arena. Now, Lin Xuan should finally lose, right?
But on the arena stage, as the three sword lights descended, Lin Xuan's figure twisted and blurred. In the nick of time, he slipped through the gaps between the three sword lights.
Rip!
Yet a faint sound still came through.
"Such exquisite movement technique!"
"Such precise eyesight!"
"..."
The disciples couldn't help but marvel at Lin Xuan's performance. On the arena stage, Lin Xuan frowned: "As expected, it's still not enough, huh? It seems I can't hold back any longer."
Lin Xuan muttered softly, his finger brushing across his chest. The fabric at his chest had been torn open, revealing a thumb-length gash.