50: Challenge Zhao Qiyang

Hearing this, Ye Wangshu couldn't help but interject, "Now you know how important the Sword Grass is to Senior Sister Su, right?"

Su Wan Yue had comprehended Human-Sword Unity ten years ago, and her cultivation had long since reached the ninth level of the Refining Qi Realm.

The reason she had not yet made a Breakthrough to the Foundation Establishment Realm was specifically to comprehend Sword Intent while still in the Refining Qi Realm.

"I see." Lin Yan nodded slightly, his tone firm, "Senior Sister, please rest assured. I will certainly not fail your commission!"

Upon hearing this, both women smiled.

"It's fine, Junior Brother, you don't need to feel too much pressure." Su Wan Yue said calmly, "I am already preparing for my Foundation Establishment Breakthrough and expect to go into seclusion by the end of the year."

From the very beginning, Su Wan Yue had never expected Lin Yan to successfully cultivate the Sword Grass.

"Senior Sister, I am serious." Lin Yan said confidently, "Give me another month, and there will be results."

Hearing this, Su Wan Yue didn't know what to say for a moment.

"Then we shall see." Having said that, she turned her head and focused her attention back on the stage.

...

After Luo Haoyu defeated Jiang Yizhou, no one else challenged him.

Subsequently, several more Disciples went on stage to spar with swords, but none were as exciting as the duel between Luo Haoyu and Jiang Yizhou.

The crowd below was not very interested.

"Are there any other Junior Brothers who wish to come up and spar?" Xiao Songlan asked loudly.

Today's trade fair was about to come to a successful conclusion.

Just then, a clear voice came from below the stage, "Senior Brothers, I would also like to come up and spar a little."

Everyone looked toward the source of the voice and saw a young man dressed in a plain green robe leap onto the stage.

His aura was restrained, and he stood in the crowd without drawing any attention. If he hadn't spoken up, no one would have likely noticed his presence.

Although slightly surprised by the young man's actions, Xiao Songlan remained graceful and polite, "How should I address this Junior Brother?"

"I am Lin Yan. Greetings, Senior Brother Xiao." Lin Yan smiled slightly, his tone calm.

"Lin Yan? Never heard of him." Someone whispered below the stage.

"Isn't that the pretty boy who is always next to Fairy Su?"

"Don't talk nonsense if you don't know the truth. This person is named Lin Yan, and he is a new Disciple of the Spirit Herb Hall. I heard he took on a task posted by Senior Sister Su."

"I see, a lucky little Junior Brother."

"Does this Junior Brother Lin like to show off? Why is he going up on stage?"

Everyone expressed doubt about Lin Yan because those who had fought today were all well-regarded veteran Disciples of this generation in the Spirit Herb Hall.

Lin Yan looked too young and did not seem like an expert.

Even Ye Wangshu and Su Wan Yue were shocked.

Why did this Junior Brother suddenly jump onto the stage?

"Who does Junior Brother Lin wish to challenge?" Xiao Songlan asked.

Lin Yan's gaze swept across the crowd below and finally landed on Zhao Qiyang.

"Senior Brother Zhao Qiyang, would you be willing to offer some guidance?" Lin Yan said, cupping his hands.

Zhao Qiyang frowned slightly, and then his anger flared up.

He actually dared to challenge him?

He was just thinking about beating this kid up, and here he was, delivering himself to his doorstep!

"What a big mouth." Zhao Qiyang snorted coldly, "Since you came looking for trouble, I will grant your wish today!"

As he spoke, he turned his gaze toward Zhao Qiyan beside him, seeking his opinion.

Zhao Qiyan frowned tightly. He didn't know what Lin Yan was up to, but he still nodded and said, "Don't embarrass the Family."

"Don't worry, Cousin!" Zhao Qiyang said confidently.

With that, Zhao Qiyang walked quickly onto the stone stage.

He had a relatively tall build, and the sword he used was a thick, heavy sword.

When he drew his sword, it made a dull "hum" sound, as if it possessed the weight of a thousand jun.

Zhao Qiyang's steps were steady as he walked toward Lin Yan, giving people an unshakable feeling.

After all, he was a Disciple from a prominent Family. His talent was average, but his foundation in swordsmanship was very solid.

"Please offer your guidance." Zhao Qiyang said in a deep voice.

Lin Yan smiled slightly and drew his sword; the qinggang sword flashed with a sharp sword light.

The two stood facing each other, and the atmosphere suddenly became tense.

Zhao Qiyang made the first move, his heavy sword pressing toward Lin Yan like a mountain; before the sword arrived, the force of the wind had already hit his face.

He did not use any Qi cultivation, but the power of this sword strike was still not to be underestimated; it was enough to break metal and shatter stone.

Lin Yan, however, was unhurried. He raised his qinggang sword slightly and, with a seemingly simple parrying motion, actually deflected Zhao Qiyang's heavy sword to the side.

Zhao Qiyang was startled, then changed his move, his heavy sword sweeping over with astonishing force.

However, the ensuing battle left everyone dumbfounded.

Lin Yan's swordsmanship looked plain and unremarkable, but he was always able to neutralize Zhao Qiyang's attacks at the most appropriate moment, and his occasional counterattacks were precise and ruthless, aiming straight for vital points.

After thirty moves, Zhao Qiyang was already drenched in sweat, while Lin Yan remained calm and composed.

On the fiftieth move, Lin Yan suddenly changed his sword stance, his iron sword turning into a streak of silver light, thrusting straight at Zhao Qiyang's wrist.

"Clang!" Zhao Qiyang blocked hastily, but felt a massive force come through, and his heavy sword almost slipped from his hand.

Zhao Qiyang was shocked, his face filled with disbelief.

Taking advantage of his distraction, Lin Yan leaped up and kicked him squarely in the face.

Instantly, Zhao Qiyang felt his whole face go numb.

A stream of warm liquid flowed from his nostrils—it was bright red nosebleed.

"You!" A surge of Qi cultivation erupted from Zhao Qiyang's body.

Xiao Songlan quickly stepped forward, blocking between the two.

"The rules of the spar prohibit the use of Qi cultivation. Whoever uses their cultivation first is automatically declared the loser." Xiao Songlan said.

"Senior Brother, this Lin Yan took advantage of the situation to launch a sneak attack!" Zhao Qiyang said, unwilling to accept it.

His nose bridge had been kicked flat by Lin Yan; it was bright red, making him look like a clown.

Added to the nosebleed that kept flowing, he looked quite pathetic.

Xiao Songlan frowned slightly and retorted to Zhao Qiyang, "If you can't beat him, you admit defeat. Don't you know this rule?"

"But..." Zhao Qiyang still wanted to argue.

Zhao Qiyan, below the stage, interrupted him, "If you lost, you lost. Come down."

Hearing this, Zhao Qiyang had no choice but to obediently get off the stage, casting a vicious glare at Lin Yan before leaving.

Now his cousin looked down on him even more.

...

"Not bad, this Junior Brother Lin has some skills."

"Indeed, it is rumored that he has been in the sect for three years, and his Azure Wood Technique has already reached Major Achievement."

"I see, no wonder he caught the eye of Senior Sister Su..."

After easily defeating Zhao Qiyang, the reputation of Lin Yan immediately shifted.

"Junior Brother Lin, do you wish to continue sparring?" Xiao Songlan's tone toward Lin Yan also became more peaceful.

One gains respect when one has strength.

Lin Yan looked around and finally landed his gaze on the thin, slender figure of Sun Bowen.

"I would also like to spar with Senior Brother Sun Bowen. I hope Senior Brother Sun will not hesitate to offer his guidance!" His voice was calm but spread throughout the entire arena.

After a brief silence, the crowd below began to discuss.

"Sun Bowen, isn't that a veteran Disciple of the Patrol Field Administration? He's over thirty."

"I know this person. Although his character is... his swordsmanship is actually quite good."

"Junior Brother Lin is getting carried away. Sun Bowen is not someone a rookie like Zhao Qiyang can compare to."

Ye Wangshu's face also showed concern, and she couldn't help but frown, "What is this kid doing? A new Disciple daring to challenge a veteran Disciple?"

"Just watch." Su Wan Yue felt a faint sense of anticipation in her heart, "Perhaps Junior Brother Lin can bring us some surprises."