CHAPTER 240: CHAPTER 239 GHOST KILLING SWORD_1

As everyone expected, just three moves later, Luo Xibai was at a disadvantage.

At the same Cultivation level, Ling Chen’s strength was clearly far superior to Luo Xibai’s.

Fighting him might elevate my Swordsmanship Attainment to the next level.

"Ghost Killing Sword" Xue Jingfeng stared at the competition stage and saw that Luo Xibai couldn’t even touch Ling Chen’s clothes, completely suppressed by him.

Even if Ling Chen closed his eyes, Luo Xibai could find no way to make any breakthrough.

This man is indeed a Swordsmanship Expert. Xue Jingfeng became even more determined in his conviction to fight Ling Chen.

Only an opponent of this caliber was worthy of his full effort.

SWISH!

Ling Chen finally opened his eyes. A thrust of his sword sent Luo Xibai’s Folding Fan flying. Powerful force transmitted from the blade, blasting Luo Xibai off the martial ring.

He hadn’t used much force; Luo Xibai only suffered a small cut on his abdomen and wasn’t severely injured.

"How is this possible?"

Luo Xibai wouldn’t have complained if he had lost to Xue Jingfeng. But to lose to Ling Chen, and so utterly—this was a heavy blow.

Luo Xibai’s eyes were somewhat dazed, and he kept murmuring, Where did it go wrong... where...?

His defeat had been too simple. The fight was even less intense than the match between Lin Mo and Ling Chen. Does that mean I’m not even comparable to Lin Mo?

Ling Chen shook his head. Of course, I know why he failed. If it were purely a comparison of Martial Arts techniques, the battle between us wouldn’t have ended so easily. But he insisted on using True Qi. That gave me a massive advantage; how could I possibly lose?

For a time, no one at the Sword Discussion Conference dared to mock Ling Chen again. Even if he truly proclaimed himself the World’s Number One Swordsman, people wouldn’t find it ridiculous. They would only see him as an exceptionally confident person. This was because when one’s strength is recognized, they earn the right to be arrogant. Otherwise, they are merely a fool courting death.

With Luo Xibai defeated in three moves, a flock of Lovebirds suddenly flew out from the Guantian Pavilion.

Over twenty Lovebirds circled Ling Chen, chirping incessantly, all seemingly eager to be chosen by him.

The names of young ladies from prominent families were written on these Lovebirds.

Among them were three Princesses. If Ling Chen so much as raised his hand, he could immediately become the Aqua Country Emperor’s son-in-law.

In the end, however, Ling Chen chose to disperse all the Lovebirds, not keeping a single one.

Heated discussions had already erupted in the courtyard.

"It seems the only one left who can fight this Dustless is Xue Jingfeng."

"If Xue Jingfeng also loses, then all the geniuses of our Aqua Country will have been utterly defeated."

"Today, at the Sword Discussion Conference, Dustless has fought through the heroes and defeated all the young talents. Soon, he will surely become famous in the Martial World."

"Whether Dustless can become famous in the Martial World still depends on this final battle. If he loses to Xue Jingfeng, all the glory he previously won will be transferred to Xue Jingfeng. Then, it will be Xue Jingfeng whose fame resounds throughout the Martial World."

"Xue Jingfeng is sixth on the Heavenly List and has been famous for a long time. He is one of the Sons of Heaven from Sky Void Palace, only slightly inferior to the ’Tianxin Swordsman’ Feng Piaoliu. Moreover, his Cultivation has long reached the peak of a Ninth-level Martial Master, and his attainments in the Sword Way are extraordinary. It wouldn’t be shameful for Dustless to lose to him."

"Yes, but I wonder how their match will be conducted. This is the most high-profile battle of this Sword Discussion Conference!"

...

All the exceptional young talents eagerly awaited, their hearts filled with anticipation for the upcoming battle.

Having defeated Luo Xibai, Ling Chen’s gaze fell upon Xue Jingfeng. Even if I wanted to step down from the ring now, the atmosphere wouldn’t allow it. A battle between Xue Jingfeng and me is inevitable.

SHINK!

Xue Jingfeng drew his Ghost Killing Sword. Then, he kicked its hilt, sending the sword flying. The next moment, his figure shot up, landing on the airborne Ghost Killing Sword, and he rode it forward like an arrow.

This scene immediately drew gasps of astonishment from the crowd.

Upon landing on the ring, Xue Jingfeng stared at Ling Chen and said with a smile, "I originally had no intention of fighting in this Sword Discussion Conference. However, upon witnessing Your Excellency’s exquisite Swordsmanship, I am filled with admiration and wish to spar with you. You have fought several matches consecutively; your Vital Energy and spirit must surely be depleted. Rest for half an hour, and then we shall fight."

Ling Chen nodded. The consumption of True Qi in the last few matches was secondary; the primary drain was on my mental energy. Xue Jingfeng is not an opponent who can be easily defeated. I naturally won’t be careless.

After about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, Ling Chen had recovered to his Peak State. He stood up, looked at Xue Jingfeng, and asked, "How do you propose we compete?"

"The rules are the same as before. We will each suppress our True Qi to the Martial Artist First Layer for a fair duel," Xue Jingfeng stated.

However, much to Xue Jingfeng’s surprise, Ling Chen actually rejected his proposal.

"No. That way, you still wouldn’t be able to display your full strength. It wouldn’t be a truly fair duel."

Ling Chen shook his head. "In my opinion, we should both fight at our strongest. Xue Jingfeng, your Cultivation is that of a Ninth-level Martial Master, so you should fight me at that level. Only then can you unleash your full combat power."

"What?"

Not only Xue Jingfeng but also many of the young talents below the stage were astounded. Ling Chen’s proposal undoubtedly increased the difficulty for himself. The Cultivation difference between them was not small; one was at the Martial Artist Seventh Realm, while the other was already a Ninth-level Martial Master.

Ling Chen’s move was undoubtedly perplexing to everyone.

"Haha, I get it! I finally understand!"

Suddenly, the Second Prince burst out laughing, as if afraid others wouldn’t hear him.

"What has Your Highness understood?" Gongsun Zhi quickly asked.

The Second Prince then adopted a mysterious air and announced loudly, "This Dustless knows he’s no match for Xue Jingfeng. That’s why he proposed Xue Jingfeng fight at full strength. This way, even if he loses, he’ll have an excuse. He can then say that in terms of Swordsmanship, he wasn’t necessarily inferior to Xue Jingfeng; it was only because his opponent’s Cultivation surpassed his that he was defeated. This Brother Wuchen, even in defeat, can still claim his Swordsmanship is the best in the world!"

"So that’s it. This man is quite scheming," Gongsun Zhi said, looking as if he’d had an epiphany.

After hearing the Second Prince’s explanation, many people began to ponder, apparently somewhat convinced.

"I don’t think that’s necessarily true," Lin Mo shook his head. "For Dustless to dare make such a bold statement, he must have the confidence to match. The outcome of this battle is still hard to say." Having exchanged blows with Ling Chen, Lin Mo knew he was not a flamboyant person, much less someone who would deceive the world to gain fame, as the Second Prince suggested.

「On the martial ring.」

"Very well. Since Your Excellency is so confident, I will fight with all my power."

Xue Jingfeng gave Ling Chen a deep look. He saw no mockery or contempt on Ling Chen’s face, only a very serious expression.

In that case, there’s no need for further thought. I just need to go all out.