663: Chapter 663 Lu Xueqi and Biyao (42)

The massive Martial Arts Arena was situated on the flat ground at the center of Qingyun Sect's seven peaks, surrounded by towering spectator stands capable of accommodating tens of thousands of people. At this moment, the stands were already packed to capacity. Disciples from each peak, dressed in distinctively colored attire, sat in clearly demarcated areas. The sounds of discussion and cheers merged into a single, roaring cacophony, creating an atmosphere of extreme fervor.

Su Han, clad in the moon-white robe unique to Tianya Peak with the tianya sword strapped to his back, walked slowly into the area designated for Tianya Peak Disciples. His gaze swept across the scene, and he couldn't help but feel awed by the grand spectacle.

"So this is the Seven Peaks Tournament? Truly magnificent."

"Junior Brother Su, over here." Elder Lin's voice called out. Su Han followed the sound and saw that although Tianya Peak's Disciples were few in number, each one appeared spirited and sharp-eyed. Elder Lin stood at the forefront, with Core Disciples like Mu Qingxue standing behind him.

Su Han walked over to Elder Lin and cupped his hands in salute. "Elder Lin, Senior Sister Mu."

Elder Lin looked at Su Han with satisfaction. "Good. Your aura is steady, your edge concealed. It seems you've gained much this past month."

"Only slight progress," Su Han replied modestly.

"The tournament is about to begin," Elder Lin said, looking towards the central high platform. "The Sect Master and the various Peak Masters have already arrived."

Su Han looked up and saw Sect Master Yunqingzi seated in the central position on the high platform. On his left and right sat six figures with profound and deep auras. Among them was a middle-aged man in purple robes with a sinister face and eyes sharp as lightning—Ling Xiaotian, the Peak Master of Zixiao Peak. As if sensing Su Han's gaze, Ling Xiaotian also looked over, a trace of coldness in his eyes.

"That is the Peak Master of Zixiao Peak," Elder Lin whispered. "Ling Tian is his son. Be extra cautious."

Su Han nodded, his internal vigilance increasing.

"Silence!"

A voice full of authority resounded across the arena, instantly suppressing all noise. Yun Qingzi Yunqingzi slowly rose to his feet, his gaze sweeping over the crowd. "The Qingyun Sect's Seven Peaks Tournament is a grand centennial event of our Sect. Its purpose is to test the Disciples' cultivation, exchange techniques, and select outstanding talents. I hope all Disciples will give their utmost and showcase the glory of our Qingyun Sect!"

"This tournament is divided into three rounds. The first round is a Chaotic Elimination Battle. Eight hundred Disciples will enter the 'Ten Thousand Swords Platform' together. The round ends when only one hundred remain on the platform. Anyone who falls off the platform is eliminated."

As Yun Qingzi Yunqingzi's words fell, the ground at the center of the Martial Arts Arena slowly cracked open, and a massive circular platform rose. Its surface was inscribed with countless glowing runes—the Sect's treasured artifact, the 'Ten Thousand Swords Platform.'

"The first round begins! All participating Disciples, ascend the platform!"

Following the command, eight hundred figures soared into the air from all directions, landing on the Ten Thousand Swords Platform. Su Han's figure flickered as he landed on the edge of the platform.

"Form up!"

"Hold this corner!"

"Clear out the others first!"

The moment they landed, various shouts erupted. Many Disciples quickly formed Alliances—some in groups of three or five, others in teams of over a dozen—clearly having prepared beforehand. Meanwhile, some lone wolves quickly distanced themselves, warily observing their surroundings.

Su Han didn't rush to act. Instead, he stood quietly at the edge of the platform, observing the situation. He noticed that Disciples from major peaks like Zixiao Peak and Chiyang Peak mostly moved in groups. Although Tianya Peak Disciples were fewer in number, they had also formed a sword formation, covering each other's flanks and defending flawlessly.

"Clear out the small fry first!"

A loud shout rang out. From the direction of Zixiao Peak, a Disciple at the Early Stage of the Star Palace Realm made the first move. Swinging his sword, a purple Sword Gang swept out, instantly blasting several Disciples at the Late Stage of the Star Wheel Realm off the platform.

"It's Senior Brother Ling Tian from Zixiao Peak!"

"So strong! Is this the power of the Star Palace Realm?"

Ling Tian was tall and imposing, his face haughty, his purple robes fluttering without wind. His gaze swept across the arena, finally settling on the direction of the Tianya Peak Disciples, a cold smirk curling his lips.

"Tianya Peak? A bunch of trash, daring to participate in the tournament?"

Before his words faded, Ling Tian's figure moved, transforming into a streak of purple lightning as he charged towards the Tianya Peak Disciples. Simultaneously, over a dozen Zixiao Peak Disciples behind him also attacked, sending Sword Gangs and palm seals raining down upon the Tianya Peak sword formation.

"Not good! Zixiao Peak is targeting us!"

"Defend with all your might!"

The Tianya Peak Disciples' faces changed dramatically. The light of their sword formation flared brilliantly as they tried to withstand the assault. However, Ling Tian's strength was overwhelming. Wherever his purple Sword Gang passed, the Tianya Peak Disciples' formation trembled violently, on the verge of collapse.

"Ling Tian! You go too far!"

A clear shout rang out. An ice-blue Sword Gang cut across the sky, blocking Ling Tian's attack. Mu Qingxue, holding her sword, stood protectively in front of the Tianya Peak Disciples, her gaze icy as she stared at Ling Tian.

"Mu Qingxue?" A flicker of wariness passed through Ling Tian's eyes, followed by a cold laugh. "What, you want to protect them? Unfortunately, you can protect them for a moment, but not forever. In this first round, at least half of Tianya Peak will be eliminated!"

"You can try," Mu Qingxue said, her sword pointing diagonally. Chilling air spread, causing the surrounding temperature to plummet.

"Hmph, I'll deal with you first, then take care of that trash!" Ling Tian snorted coldly. The purple light on his sword intensified, and a thick bolt of purple lightning-like Sword Gang slashed towards Mu Qingxue.

"Frozen for a Thousand Miles!"

Mu Qingxue swept her sword, her ice-blue Sword Gang transforming into a sky full of snow and ice, clashing fiercely with the purple lightning.

"Boom!"

A massive explosion resounded across the arena. Shockwaves rolled out, directly blasting several nearby Disciples off the platform. The clash between Star Palace Realm experts was terrifyingly powerful.

Su Han's eyes narrowed. Both Ling Tian and Mu Qingxue were at the Early Stage of the Star Palace Realm, but Ling Tian was clearly more skilled in offense, while Mu Qingxue leaned towards defense and control. The two were evenly matched for the moment, but the other Tianya Peak Disciples were locked in a bitter struggle. The Zixiao Peak Disciples were numerous and powerful. Although the Tianya Peak Disciples defended with their formation, they were steadily being pushed back.

"I must intervene."

Su Han hesitated no longer. His figure moved, transforming into a streak of light as he plunged into the fray.

"Junior Brother Su, be careful!" a Tianya Peak Disciple exclaimed in alarm. "Zixiao Peak has strength in numbers!"

"It's fine," Su Han said calmly, drawing the tianya sword.

"Hummm—"

The sword's hum reverberated, and a sharp, peerless Sword Intent shot into the sky. Su Han didn't use Star Power, relying solely on his Physical Body strength and sword technique. The tianya sword traced a profound arc.

"Thud! Thud! Thud!"

Three Zixiao Peak Disciples who were besieging the Tianya Peak Disciples felt a sharp pain in their wrists. Their swords flew from their grasp, and their bodies were sent flying backwards, tumbling off the platform.

"What?!"

Everyone nearby was shocked. Su Han's move was too fast; they hadn't even seen how he drew his sword.

"It's Su Han! That Su Han who inherited the tianya sword!"

"What formidable swordsmanship! Isn't he only at the Star Wheel Realm? How is he so strong?"

Ignoring the surrounding chatter, Su Han moved again. He flitted through the crowd like a ghost. With each sword stroke, a Zixiao Peak Disciple was inevitably forced back. His swordplay wasn't flashy, but it was incredibly precise. Each strike targeted an opponent's weakness, achieving maximum results with minimal effort.

"Formation! Trap him!" (End of Chapter)