CHAPTER 461: CHAPTER 254: THE GENIUS FROM A SMALL PLACE PART 2

Wen Mingyan smiled faintly, his figure flickering as he easily evaded the sword strike.

He extended a finger lightly, and a vast surge of power instantly shattered Gu Sheng’s Sword Qi.

Gu Sheng’s heart was filled with surprise; he knew his attack had been effortlessly neutralized by his master.

However, he did not feel discouraged. Instead, he quickly adjusted his stance and launched another attack.

This time, his assault was even fiercer, with Sword Qi streaking across like it could cleave the heavens and earth. Wen Mingyan was undaunted; his movements were like the wind—sometimes elusive and unpredictable, sometimes shadowing Gu Sheng closely as they engaged in a contest of speed and power.

"Ding ding dong dong dong..."

Gu Sheng produced his Illusion Spirit Guqin, attempting to use the Illusion Realm to confuse his master.

But Wen Mingyan seemed to have anticipated everything. He smiled faintly and vanished instantly from where he stood.

In the next moment, Gu Sheng felt a powerful energy press toward him. He barely dodged the strike, only to find his master had already appeared behind him.

"Excellent!" Wen Mingyan couldn’t help but praise. "You’ve gained some understanding of the Illusion Spirit Divine Song, but to unleash its true power in combat, you’ll need more training and practical experience."

Gu Sheng silently nodded, admitting his shortcomings while understanding his master’s expectations.

Taking a deep breath, he issued another challenge to Wen Mingyan.

Their exchange grew even fiercer this time.

Gu Sheng’s Gale Nine Swords attacked like a ferocious storm, while Wen Mingyan countered each strike with ease and fluid grace.

On most occasions, he preferred using the Green Blood Sword; the Qinggang Sword would only come into play when facing formidable foes.

Though Gu Sheng faced peril at every turn, he did not give up.

He knew that only by pushing his limits could he continually grow stronger.

"Boom~"

In a heaven-shaking collision, Gu Sheng was defeated by his master, bowing out from the contest. Yet rather than feeling dejected, he looked at Wen Mingyan with sheer excitement.

"Master, I’ve lost," Gu Sheng said with a smile.

Wen Mingyan nodded slightly, his face displaying satisfaction.

"Very well, your performance today was outstanding."

He said, "You’ve already grasped the essence of the Gale Nine Swords technique and the Illusion Spirit Divine Song. These are precious foundations for your future cultivation journey."

Gu Sheng inhaled deeply, the light of determination gleaming in his eyes.

"Thank you for your guidance, Master."

He said, "I will continue striving to reach the Marrow Refining Realm as soon as possible."

Wen Mingyan smiled and patted Gu Sheng’s shoulder.

"I believe you will achieve it,"

he replied, "The cultivation world in the future will surely have a seat reserved for you."

With Wen Mingyan’s words, the skies above the Holy Pill Sect returned to calm once more.

"By the way, the Red Cloud Continent Martial Arts Tournament is about to begin. Are you prepared?" Wen Mingyan changed the subject.

"Ready!"

This sort of event required perpetual readiness, Gu Sheng thought to himself with a hint of self-mockery.

This tournament would take place in Da Liang’s Royal Martial Arena, personally presided over by Governor Jiang Bai of the Governor Mansion.

The Da Liang Emperor Yun Wu would personally attend as well.

Princess Zishuang and the Crown Prince of Da Liang would also be present.

The Da Liang Emperor intended to use the tournament to scout for exceptional talent. Throughout history, greatness began in youth—whomever could gather young prodigies would hold the future in their grasp.

The Governor Mansion, though resembling a sect in appearance, actually operated under imperial orders, akin to the Prime Minister’s Mansion. Jiang Bai, as the Governor, was equivalent to a prime minister.

However, given the decline of royal authority in modern times, the Governor Mansion’s power was somewhat diminished compared to that of the Prime Minister’s Mansion.

For this very day, disciples from two sects and three schools had painstakingly trained day and night, hoping to display their strength in the Red Cloud Continent’s martial arts world and become celebrated figures.

Half a month passed swiftly, and the once-in-a-decade tournament commenced as expected.

Youths from across the nation, and even the entire continent, gathered together.

Only sixty-four individuals could participate in the tournament, during which paired duels would occur based on the results of a draw. Thirty-two would remain, followed by another draw and contest, reducing the number to sixteen.

By repeating this process, the eight strongest contestants would emerge.

Regardless of subsequent wins or losses among the top eight, rewards were promised.

The strongest would be granted knighthood along with a monetary prize of one million taels. Apart from imperial rewards, sect-based awards would also be given, varying depending on each sect’s circumstances.

Typical rewards included medicinal pills for cultivation, Immortal Herbs, Spirit Stones, gold, Mystical Artifacts, and more.

"I hereby declare the Red Cloud Continent Martial Arts Tournament officially open!"

The Governor of the Governor Mansion amplified his voice with Spiritual Energy, his resonant words booming like a grand bell as they echoed above the martial field. Instantly, all eyes turned toward the arena.

"The first match: Lin Miaomiao of the Holy Pill Sect versus Lu Biluo of the Governor Mansion!" Following a brief speech, the Governor first saluted the Emperor, then announced the contestants for the opening bout.

Eyes brimming with anticipation, the crowd focused on Lin Miaomiao and Lu Biluo on the field.

Emperor Yun Wu’s dragon-like gaze observed the demeanor and composure of the martial artists with sharp interest.

Yun Zishuang glanced toward the Governor and gave a faint nod.

Clad in golden attire and wielding the Water-Piercing Sword, Lin Miaomiao walked toward the center of the arena with calm poise.

Lu Biluo, in a green gauze dress, displayed no visible emotion.

Disciples from various sects and clans gathered around, their discussions buzzing with excitement.

"I’ve heard Lin Miaomiao from the Holy Pill Sect has reached the early Golden Bone Realm and possesses extraordinary swordsmanship. Today’s battle against Lu Biluo from the Governor Mansion promises to be thrilling!"

A disciple from the Mad Saber Sect remarked enthusiastically.

"Hmph, Lu Biluo isn’t to be underestimated either. Her Heavenly Earth Song is said to conjure yellow gales of immense force, and her cultivation is also at the early Golden Bone Realm.

This matchup leaves the outcome hanging in uncertainty!" A disciple from the Giant Sword Sect countered.

By now, Lin Miaomiao and Lu Biluo were fully prepared for their match on the field.

Lin Miaomiao, gripping the Water-Piercing Sword, remained calm and collected. Opposite her, Lu Biluo softly played the Heavenly Earth Flute, its melodies flowing as though narrating an ancient tale.

As soon as the referee signaled, both contestants launched their attacks simultaneously.

Lin Miaomiao’s Water-Piercing Sword skill was razor-sharp, its sword-light dazzling as though it might slice through the entire martial field.

Lu Biluo’s Heavenly Earth Song was even more enigmatic; her flute’s song soared, yellow gales roaring as though consuming all within the arena.

The audience was entranced, their gazes overwhelmed by the spectacle. Lin Miaomiao’s swordsmanship, fused with Gu Sheng’s Dugu Nine Swords technique, produced unparalleled power, momentarily overpowering Lu Biluo.

"Seems like Lin Miaomiao might win!" A disciple from the Thousand Poison Sect exclaimed.

"Not necessarily; Lu Biluo hasn’t gone all out yet!" Another disciple from the Governor Mansion disagreed.

Sure enough, as Lin Miaomiao was about to seize victory, Lu Biluo abruptly intensified the flute’s melody.

Instantly, the yellow gales surged with greater ferocity, shattering Lin Miaomiao’s attack.

Lin Miaomiao’s expression changed as she felt unprecedented pressure.

But she didn’t back down and attempted yet again to break through Lu Biluo’s defenses with her Water-Piercing Sword skill.

Lu Biluo appeared to completely dominate the situation. Her flute melodies grew increasingly magical, and her yellow gales became violently overwhelming.

"Boom~"

In a world-shaking clash, Lin Miaomiao was defeated by Lu Biluo in the end.

The audience erupted in astonishment, shocked by Lu Biluo’s ability to turn the tide against all odds.

"Lu Biluo is indeed worthy of her fame. This match has truly been an eye-opener!" A disciple from the Haoyang Sect praised.

"Absolutely! This Martial Arts Tournament is becoming more exciting!" Another disciple from the Holy Pill Sect remarked.

On the field, Lu Biluo put away her Heavenly Earth Flute, gave Lin Miaomiao a subtle smile, then turned and left. Lin Miaomiao, still gripping her Water-Piercing Sword, stared resolutely, her eyes sparking with determination.

Beneath the arena, Emperor Yun Wu’s eyes remained fixed on the two martial artists.

"What is the origin of that jade flute?" He was intrigued by this Mystical Artifact, which could defeat opponents through sound alone.

"It’s the Heavenly Earth Flute, a Low Grade Mystical Artifact, originating from the Red Cloud Abyss."

Yun Zishuang, well-versed in the attributes of various weapons, particularly Mystical Artifacts of the Dark Level and higher, explained in detail.