9: In the outer sect competition, Zhang Hao was defeated.

At midnight, the Outer Sect Training Ground was brightly lit, with thousands of Outer Sect Disciples gathered, creating a bustling atmosphere. The main platform in the center of the training ground was paved with black stone, engraved with Spirit Gathering Array patterns, gleaming with a cold luster under the lamplight. Tonight was the decisive battle of the Outer Sect Competition, and the main event was Lu Chen versus Zhang Hao. This contest not only concerned the glory of being the Outer Sect's number one but also involved Elder Li Ping's favor and the core qualification for the Inner Sect trials, making it the focal point of the entire Outer Sect.

Lu Chen, dressed in a faded Outer Sect Disciple uniform, slowly walked onto the main platform, his expression calm. After many days of Cultivation, his Lightning Movement Technique had reached the Peak of its Introduction, and his Qi Refining Second Layer spiritual power was increasingly profound. Coupled with the powerful Physical Body tempered by Hard Strength Introduction, his combat strength was now far beyond what it once was. Lin Xiaoya's eyes below the stage were full of anticipation, and Wang Hao and Zhao Kai also squeezed into the crowd, cheering for Lu Chen.

"Hmph, putting on an act!" Zhang Hao, dressed in a luxurious brocade robe and wearing the jade pendant gifted by Elder Li Ping at his waist, walked onto the stage with an arrogant stride. He had already broken through to Qi Refining Level Three Early Stage, and had Cultivated the 'Hard Strength Breaking Art' which specifically countered hard strength Cultivation Techniques. His confidence was overflowing, and his gaze towards Lu Chen was full of disdain. "A waste from the servant's quarters, do you even deserve to compete with me for the Inner Sect core qualification? Today, I will let you know what a world of difference truly means!"

Zhang Hao's followers below the stage echoed his words, with shouts rising and falling, attempting to suppress Lu Chen with their Aura. But Lu Chen remained unmoved, simply stating, "Verbal disputes are useless; let's see the true skill in action."

"Seeking death!" Zhang Hao was completely enraged. His Qi Refining Level Three spiritual power erupted without reservation, activating the Spirit Gathering Array patterns, causing the Spiritual Qi around the main platform to fluctuate violently. He clenched his fists, spiritual power infused into his knuckles, and a flame-like red glow enveloped his fists. This was the 'Blazing Fire Fist,' a top-tier Outer Sect offensive Cultivation Technique, and with the enhancement of the Hard Strength Breaking Art, his fist power was unparalleled and capable of shattering giant rocks.

"Take this! Blazing Fire Burning Heaven!" Zhang Hao roared, charging out like an arrow. His fists, accompanied by whistling wind, went straight for Lu Chen's chest. Wherever the fist wind passed, the air twisted as if scorched, clearly indicating his determination to win in one strike.

The Disciples below gasped in alarm, and Lin Xiaoya clenched her fists even tighter, her face full of worry. In everyone's eyes, Qi Refining Level Three already had a crushing advantage over Qi Refining Second Layer, and with the Hard Strength Breaking Art countering Hard Strength Introduction, Lu Chen had almost no chance of winning.

But just as the fist was about to strike Lu Chen, his figure suddenly moved, activating the Lightning Movement Technique at full power! A afterimage was left in place, while Lu Chen's true body had already appeared several feet to Zhang Hao's left, moving as fast as lightning, avoiding this powerful blow.

"What?" Zhang Hao's face was filled with disbelief; he hadn't expected Lu Chen's movement technique to be so fast. His fist power missed, and the spiritual power backlash caused his Qi and blood to churn, making him stumble a step.

There was an uproar below the stage. The Disciples who had previously looked down on Lu Chen all fell silent, their eyes filled with surprise. Elder Li Ping, seated in the VIP section beside the main platform, stroked his beard and nodded, a hint of admiration flashing in his eyes. Although the Lightning Movement Technique was not a top-tier Cultivation Technique, Lu Chen's ability to Cultivate it to such a Realm showed his Comprehension Ability and diligence.

"Only know how to dodge? A waste is a waste after all!" Zhang Hao steadied himself and roared, launching another fierce attack. His Blazing Fire Fist moves were vicious, and the fist winds enveloped Lu Chen like a storm, attempting to block his dodging space. But Lu Chen's Lightning Movement Technique was extraordinarily agile, sometimes speeding up, sometimes changing direction, always managing to avoid attacks at the last possible moment, like a willow catkin in the wind, elusive.

On the main platform, red fist shadows and silver figures intertwined, forming a stark contrast. Although Zhang Hao's attacks were fierce, he could never touch Lu Chen. Instead, his Qi gradually became chaotic due to the frequent bursts of spiritual power. Lu Chen, on the other hand, looked composed, his breathing steady, clearly still having reserves of strength.

"This won't do!" Zhang Hao felt anxious. He realized that Lu Chen's movement technique was not only fast but also possessed a certain rhythm, always seeming to predict his attack trajectory. He took a deep breath, and the spiritual power within him surged wildly. The Hard Strength Breaking Art and Blazing Fire Fist fused, and the red glow on his fists grew even denser, faintly carrying a sharp Aura that could pierce armor. "Take my final move! Hard Strength Breaking Blazing Fire Fist!"

This punch condensed all of Zhang Hao's strength, fierce yet possessing the characteristic of tearing through defenses, specifically targeting Lu Chen's Hard Strength Introduction. The fist wind howled, cracking the black stone ground of the main platform, clearly indicating a desperate, all-out strike.

The Disciples below held their breath, their eyes fixed on the main platform. Lin Xiaoya was so nervous that she closed her eyes, not daring to watch.

At this critical moment, Lu Chen no longer dodged! The Qi Refining Second Layer spiritual power within him suddenly erupted, and the Basic Fist Technique was operated to its extreme. A faint golden light appeared on his body, and his fists met Zhang Hao's fists with a resounding impact. This punch seemed ordinary, yet it contained the swiftness of the Lightning Movement Technique and the ferocity of the Hard Strength Introduction. The timing was perfectly executed, hitting exactly where Zhang Hao's fist power was weakest in its transition.

"Bang!" A deafening crash echoed as fists collided, and a spiritual power shockwave spread in all directions. The Spirit Gathering Array patterns on the main platform were activated, emitting dazzling light. The Disciples below were pushed back by the shockwave, their faces filled with awe.

As the light dissipated, the figures on the main platform gradually became clear. Zhang Hao stumbled back several steps, blood oozing from the corner of his mouth, his face filled with shock and disbelief. His Hard Strength Breaking Blazing Fire Fist was actually shattered, his arms numb, and his spiritual power circulation sluggish. Lu Chen, however, still stood in place, his clothes merely fluttering from the fist wind, his expression as calm as ever.

"Impossible! Why couldn't my Hard Strength Breaking Art counter you?" Zhang Hao roared, his eyes filled with madness. He simply couldn't accept that he, who had Cultivated a countering Cultivation Technique and possessed a cultivation advantage, would actually be repelled by Lu Chen.

"Cultivation Techniques are dead; people are living," Lu Chen said calmly. "Your fist technique, though fierce, was full of flaws, and combined with your restless Heart-Nature, how could you not be defeated?"

Before his words finished, Lu Chen's figure moved. The Lightning Movement Technique was unleashed again, and he instantly rushed in front of Zhang Hao. He didn't continue attacking but simply extended his palm and gently pressed it on Zhang Hao's shoulder. Zhang Hao felt a gentle yet irresistible force, and his body uncontrollably retreated, ultimately stumbling off the main platform and falling heavily to the ground.

The entire venue fell silent, then erupted in thunderous cheers. Wang Hao and Zhao Kai jumped up excitedly, and Lin Xiaoya also showed a relieved smile, her eyes full of admiration.

"Senior Brother Lu is mighty!" "Zhang Hao lost! Senior Brother Lu is the Outer Sect's number one!" Cheers rose and fell. The Disciples who had previously supported Zhang Hao fell silent, their eyes filled with reverence as they looked at Lu Chen.

Zhang Hao got up from the ground, his face ashen, looking disheveled. He gazed at Lu Chen, who was receiving cheers on the main platform, his eyes full of shame, resentment, and helplessness. Being inferior in skill and losing in public, he had no face to remain in the training ground. Covering his chest, he was helped away by his followers, leaving behind a chilling vow as he departed: "Lu Chen, you wait for me. I will definitely avenge this!"

Lu Chen ignored Zhang Hao's threat, his gaze falling on the ground of the main platform. The shockwave from the previous fist collision had cracked the black stone seams, and a yellowish sword manual slipped out of a crack. It was the Swift Wind Sword Manual. His heart stirred, and he bent down to pick up the sword manual. As his fingertips touched the pages, the sword manual transformed into a streak of light and drilled into his glabella, its Cultivation Technique Profound Truth instantly integrating into his mind.

The Swift Wind Sword Manual is an agile and swift sword technique. Its sword moves perfectly connect with the Lightning Movement Technique, allowing it to unleash power greater than the sum of its parts. Lu Chen was overjoyed. This sword technique perfectly compensated for his lack of long-range attack methods, raising his combat power to another level.

"Good! Good! Good!" Elder Li Ping on the VIP section stood up, clapping his hands and laughing heartily, his eyes full of admiration. "Lu Chen, you defeated Zhang Hao, a Qi Refining Level Three cultivator, with your Qi Refining Second Layer cultivation. Your movement technique is exquisite, your fist technique is fierce, and your Heart-Nature is steady. You are truly an outstanding talent of the Outer Sect!"

He walked onto the main platform, raised Lu Chen's arm, and announced loudly: "I declare that in this Outer Sect Competition, Lu Chen is the victor! From today onwards, Lu Chen can directly enter the Inner Sect trials without needing to participate in subsequent assessments, and he obtains priority selection rights for Inner Sect Core Disciple!"

Cheers erupted again below the stage. Lu Chen cupped his hands to thank Elder Li Ping and then saluted the Disciples below, his expression still calm. He knew this was only a phased victory; the Inner Sect trials were the real test. The secrets of the Black Wind Valley Secret Realm, the Blood Shadow Sect's conspiracy, the Cultivation of the Swift Wind Sword Manual, and the incomplete 'Rune Record' were all waiting for him to explore.

Elder Li Ping patted Lu Chen's shoulder and whispered, "The Inner Sect trials are perilous. The Black Wind Valley Secret Realm not only has Yao Beasts but also the possibility of encountering Blood Shadow Sect remnants. You must prepare well. Come to the Elder Hall tomorrow to collect your trial token and supplies. Remember to act within your capabilities and prioritize your life."

"This Disciple will remember Elder's teachings," Lu Chen respectfully replied.

After the competition, the Disciples gradually dispersed. Lin Xiaoya, Wang Hao, and Zhao Kai hurried forward to congratulate him. "Senior Brother Lu, you are amazing! You actually defeated Zhang Hao!" Lin Xiaoya's face was full of joy as she handed him a bottle of healing Medicinal Pills. "These are heart-clearing pills I refined; they can stabilize spiritual power. Please take them."

Lu Chen didn't refuse, taking the Medicinal Pills and thanking her. Wang Hao and Zhao Kai also expressed their willingness to team up with Lu Chen in the trials and look out for each other. Lu Chen readily agreed; an extra helper meant an extra layer of security.

On the way back to the dormitory, the moonlight was bright, casting long shadows on the stone path. Lu Chen clutched the Swift Wind Sword Manual in his hand, his mind filled with thoughts. The victory in the Outer Sect Competition had earned him the core qualification for the Inner Sect trials and helped him gain a firm footing in Tianling Academy. But he knew that this was just the beginning of his path of immortal Cultivation; future challenges would only be more severe.

He returned to his dormitory, sat cross-legged, and began to study the Swift Wind Sword Manual. The sword moves in the manual were agile and swift, perfectly matching the rhythm of the Lightning Movement Technique, making Cultivation twice as effective with half the effort. He circulated his spiritual power and practiced according to the methods recorded in the sword manual. A faint spiritual light appeared on his fingertips, as if an invisible longsword was dancing.

As night deepened, Lu Chen immersed himself in Cultivation. The sword moves of the Swift Wind Sword Manual constantly appeared in his mind, verifying each other with the Basic Fist Technique and Lightning Movement Technique, deepening his understanding of combat. He could feel his combat power rapidly increasing, and he was getting closer and closer to Qi Refining Level Three.

Meanwhile, in Zhang Hao's courtyard, the lights were bright. Zhang Hao had smashed all the items in the room, his face terribly sinister. "Lu Chen! I will never let you go!" he roared, a hint of ruthlessness flashing in his eyes. "In the Inner Sect trials, in the Black Wind Valley Secret Realm, I will definitely make sure you die without a burial place!"

He turned and instructed his follower behind him: "Go, contact the people from the Blood Shadow Sect. Tell them I know the location of the Thunder Eye in Black Wind Valley and am willing to cooperate with them, on the condition that they help me kill Lu Chen!"

The follower's expression changed: "Senior Brother Zhang, the Blood Shadow Sect are evil cultivators; cooperating with them is too dangerous..."

"Dangerous? What do I have left to lose now?" Zhang Hao's eyes were filled with madness. "As long as I can kill Lu Chen, I'm willing to make a deal with the devil!"

The follower dared not say more, quickly took his leave, and retreated. In the night, a dark figure quietly left Zhang Hao's courtyard, speeding towards Black Wind Valley. A conspiracy targeting Lu Chen was quietly brewing.

Lu Chen, oblivious to all of this, remained immersed in Cultivation. The moonlight outside the window shone through the lattice, illuminating his figure and outlining his resolute silhouette. He knew that the Inner Sect trials were about to begin, and the adventure in the Black Wind Valley Secret Realm was imminent. He was ready to face new challenges and Opportunities.