217: Advancement

For three days and three nights, Sword Qi crisscrossed the eight sword-testing platforms, and flowing light shimmered everywhere. Young sword practitioners from all paths exerted themselves to the fullest to prove their abilities.

Finally, as the first sun of the fourth day rose, eight sword practitioners stood out, successfully entering the second stage of the competition.

Xie Xiaofeng: "After three days of competition, the outstanding sword practitioners of the Sword Showcase Grand Competition have emerged. Those who remain on the high platform can proceed to the next round of advancement matches."

Gu Xichao: "In the second round of the Sword Showcase, contestants will be selected by drawing lots. The competition will follow an eight-to-four, four-to-two, and final showdown format. The winners will have the opportunity to gain the recognition of the Heavenly Sword and achieve supreme glory."

Yue Jingfeng: "Please, advanced sword practitioners, come here to draw lots. Your opponents for the next match will be determined by your numbered plaques."

As soon as he finished speaking, the eight sword practitioners simultaneously walked towards the arbitration platform and spread their hands.

The next second, a stream of light descended from the Void Realm, and without their notice, a crystal-clear Glazed Stone appeared in each of their hands.

Su Mengyao looked closely and saw a vivid red character, "Jia" ( First), written on the Glazed Stone.

Gu Xichao scanned the crowd, deliberately lingering on Xiao An for a moment, then said: "The same numbers on the Glazed Stones represent your opponents for the match.

Each match will last for the time it takes an incense stick to burn. The venue is the Tianque Platform. Whoever falls off the Tianque Platform first will be deemed to have lost. Now, please, those sword practitioners who received the 'Jia' character, ascend the Tianque Platform first."

As soon as Gu Xichao finished speaking, Su Mengyao and a white-robed sword practitioner to her right stepped forward simultaneously, both flying towards the thousand-zhang-high Tianque Platform.

"Om."

With the sound of a bell and the lighting of an incense stick as thick as a bowl, the new advancement match officially began.

"Zhu Gui, I ask Fellow Daoist for guidance on your sword moves."

"Su Mengyao requests Your Excellency's instruction."

After exchanging bows, both drew their swords almost simultaneously.

Sword light flickered in the Void Realm, and swirling sword energy stirred up gusts of astonishing contrary gale.

"Haa!"

The moment Zhu Gui gripped his sword hilt, he thrust forward with his body, unleashing a faint blue Sword Qi, dominant and swift. He attacked without holding anything back.

At the same time, Su Mengyao's famous blade, as if sensing the danger, instantly rose vertically in front of her when her opponent's sword was three inches from her throat.

Clang~

The sword tip lightly tapped the famous blade, emitting a crisp metallic clang while also shattering ripples of sword energy.

Su Mengyao's bright eyes narrowed. She seized the opportunity, drew her sword, and launched thirteen consecutive stabs, forcing Zhu Gui back more than ten steps.

"Is that the Thirteen Stabs of Mistaken Sword?" Shen Chuyun couldn't help but ask. "I remember you used this move back then, a continuous chain of swords, leaving no retreat."

Shen Lian: "It's a pity her skill is insufficient. If it were me, this battle would already be over."

Shen Chuyun: "People always grow through experience, and even the best battle techniques require extensive practice to master.

For Su Mengyao to grasp this move so quickly at her age is already quite impressive."

Shen Lian: "She's still far from it. For the Mistaken Sword Art to reach the Realm I was at in my youth, she'll need at least three more years of arduous training."

Shen Chuyun smiled faintly and said no more.

At this moment, Zhu Gui and Su Mengyao had exchanged more than thirty moves.

Offense and defense alternated, sword light flickered like fireflies, and rare, magnificent Qi surges bloomed on the Tianque Platform.

Amidst the clash of metal, the two simultaneously withdrew from the battle circle, falling into silence.

The air, at this moment, seemed to quiet down.

However, the oppressive atmosphere did not ease in the slightest with the quiet.

Gu Xichao: "Both of their Sword Intents have been building. Next, is the crucial moment to determine victory."

Yue Jingfeng: "I never expected this year's Sword Showcase Grand Competition to have such a brilliant duel. It seems the Dao of the Sword has successors, which is a blessing for our Righteous Path."

Xie Xiaofeng: "Let's see who makes the first move next."

On the Tianque Platform, the two silent figures patiently waited for their moment.

With identical cultivation, their Foundation comparison was evenly matched. Only in their final sword moves could the ultimate victor be decided.

"Will she use the Song Yue Twelve Chants?"

Shen Chuyun couldn't help but ask.

Shen Lian closed his Folding Fan: "Against such an opponent, the Song Yue Twelve Chants would be too much of a waste."

Suddenly, activity resumed on the Tianque Platform.

Zhu Gui decided to preemptively strike, unleashing his strongest move.

"Cold Light Heavenly Radiance!"

With a single sword stroke, three Sword Qi crisscrossed, soaring into the clouds and emitting dazzling light.

"Mistaken Sword: Spreading Wings."

Su Mengyao decisively counterattacked. As her new Sword Intent emerged, a pair of Sword Wings instantly unfurled behind her, blocking all of her opponent's incoming Sword Qi.

"What?"

Zhu Gui was greatly astonished. In that moment of distraction, Su Mengyao changed her move again.

"Mistaken Sword: Prohibition."

Clang—

With an ultimate sword strike, Zhu Gui's vision instantly turned a blinding white.

By the time he turned around, a famous blade was already pressed against his neck.

"Fellow Daoist, you've lost."

Su Mengyao's voice sounded behind Zhu Gui, looking at her opponent with the posture of a victor.

"I... lost!"

Although Zhu Gui was extremely unwilling, he had no choice but to accept this outcome.

At this point, only half of the first incense stick had burned since it was lit.

"Excellent, that counterattack was cleverly used. This Miss Su is indeed extraordinary."

Xie Xiaofeng did not hesitate to give Su Mengyao high praise.

But Gu Xichao said: "I think this was merely Su Mengyao's good fortune. Zhu Gui responded hastily, so the outcome was predictable."

Yue Jingfeng shook his head: "Fellow Daoist Gu, it seems you haven't been optimistic about Su Mengyao since the beginning. Do you two have some sort of grudge?"

"Fellow Daoist Yue, please don't misunderstand. I'm merely speaking the truth."

In truth, Gu Xichao had already colluded with people from the Jade Void Palace. This Sword Showcase Grand Competition was meant to secretly guide Xiao An to victory and smoothly obtain the Heavenly Sword's recognition.

He just hadn't expected that his meticulously planned methods would encounter some unforeseen changes upon meeting the unexpected variable that was Su Mengyao.

"Don't panic, there's still a second plan. No rush, there will always be a way."

Zhu Gui walked down the Tianque Platform dejectedly, not forgetting to perform a gentleman's bow to Su Mengyao before leaving.

Yue Jingfeng immediately announced: "I declare the winner of this battle, Su Mengyao."

"Thank you for the concession!"

Amidst a chorus of cheers, Su Mengyao, filled with excitement, walked down the Tianque Platform, quietly awaiting the semifinals.

"Mengyao looks very happy."

"Hmph, is such a small victory worth her being so happy?"

Shen Lian was disdainful of Shen Chuyun's reminder.

In his eyes, a victory in such a setting brought no pleasure.

Only by trampling all those high-and-mighty hypocrites underfoot and watching their humble, begging faces could he truly feel the joy of victory.

Shen Chuyun shook her head: "Shen Lian, she is your disciple after all. While you are strict with her, you should also give encouragement when appropriate.

Young men and women at this age are at their most psychologically sensitive, and what they need most is the approval of their elders. Otherwise, if their Dao Heart is damaged, it will be very difficult for their future cultivation."

Shen Lian was silent for a long while before finally saying: "I can't say such words. You do it for me."