Chapter 90 Little Master, you're the best, so I'll take Senior Sister with me first...

On the ring, the two stood facing each other. Usually, even if they were complete strangers, they would consider a match against each other a matter of fate and chat for a few minutes before the match began.

Qiao Yanshen stepped forward first and introduced herself. Because she still had reservations, she concealed the fact that she belonged to a particular sect.

The other party was a disciple with a mid-stage Golden Core cultivation level. He stepped forward a few steps, closed the distance between the two, and said calmly, "Xie Chunan."

Neither of them intended to chat idly. As soon as they finished speaking, they decisively leaped forward, their figures as swift as lightning. In an instant, their two swords clashed fiercely, producing a resounding clang. There was no spiritual energy gleaming, nor any sword aura; the mere clash of the swords stirred up slight aftershocks, stirring up the dust and pebbles on the ground.

Qiao Yanshen sheathed her sword and retreated, avoiding a stalemate. After just one exchange, she understood that her opponent shared similarities with her not only in their slender swords but also in their extremely sharp swordplay, carrying a chilling intent to draw blood. Xie Chunan pursued closely, but Qiao Yanshen calmly raised her hand to block her attacks. Each strike varied in force; some were so powerful they numbed her hands, while others were as light as a playful glide.

She smiled slightly and whispered as their swords clashed for the last time, "Senior sister, have you had enough fun?"

Xie Chunan raised his eyes slightly, meeting her smiling eyes, like a spring breeze melting snow. His pursed lips also curved slightly: "Junior sister's cultivation is a little lower than mine. It would be fairer if we only sparred in swordsmanship."

That's why she tested him like that, trying to gauge Qiao Yanshen's strength and suppressing her cultivation to the corresponding level.

The two figures separated again. Qiao Yanshen sheathed her sword and said calmly, "We are both at the Golden Core Realm, so there is no such thing as fairness. If Senior Sister wants to give way to me, then I would rather not compete at all."

As she spoke, she raised the sword, slowly loosening her fingers to let it fall to the ground. For a swordsman, dropping the sword meant forfeiting the fight. Xie Chunan was slightly taken aback upon seeing this, then laughed.

She was born with delicate features and a tall, straight figure, like a pine tree in the forest. Her eyes were clear and bright, and when she smiled, the coldness melted away, making her appear extremely pure.

"Then let's have a proper competition!"

Having said that, Xie Chunan didn't raise his sword, yet a sudden storm arose, and the faint sound of a dragon's roar could be heard. A whirlwind swept up, like a blue dragon coiling around the young man, shredding every stone and piece of wood on the field into dust. Those near the arena first felt a chill in their faces, then realized that the pale green wind, like spring grass, was actually composed of sword energy that could cut through iron like mud, exuding a sharp and murderous aura.

It was actually sword intent.

A murmur of surprise rippled through the crowd. The sword intent was extremely unique; most cultivators, even those at the Nascent Soul stage, might not be able to comprehend their own ultimate intent, yet today they had witnessed one right from the start.

Qiao Yanshen hadn't asked Xie Chunan, yet he already knew the name of the sword intent—it was Gale. Gale Sword Intent. Pure and light, its sharpness could only be felt upon touch. At that moment, people outside the arena whispered among themselves, discussing Xie Chunan's background.

However, Xie Chunan did not possess a wind spirit root, but rather a wood spirit root. It turns out that a wood spirit root could also be so sharp, capable of creating a howling wind.

"A truly remarkable young talent! Who is her teacher?"

There are many sword masters within the sect, and besides the sect's supreme Nascent Soul True Monarch, there are also several Core Formation Dao Lords. They whispered a few words, saying they had never heard of a Dao Lord accepting disciples.

Yan Xueya had been in seclusion for so long that many people only saw her for the first time today, let alone mentor any disciples. Hearing this, Qiao Yanshen blinked, thinking that this was because her master hadn't held a large-scale apprenticeship ceremony before... but since she didn't like crowds anyway, she didn't mind at all.

Then what about the other Nascent Soul stage sword master...?

No, it should be said to be the Refinement of Void stage. Seemingly too shocked, the owner of the voice stopped at this moment, and the sword intent slashed towards Qiao Yanshen with unstoppable force. A gust of wind surrounded her, and there was no gap within a ten-foot radius around her. Only the dense whistling sound of wind beating through the leaves could be heard, as if luring her in and making her sink into the pale green.

The woman's white robes billowed in the wind, her long hair flowing freely, as if about to be torn to shreds. Beneath the ruffled hair, her calm eyes showed no panic, only a fixed gaze upon the streaks of wind blades. The spiritual energy within those wind blades was immense, not merely the manifestation of sword intent, and their power was far superior.

Therefore, it also seemed somewhat superficial. Perhaps the spectators couldn't see it, but Yan Xueya and the others on the high platform, as well as Qiao Yanshen at the center of this vortex, could read Xie Chunan's intention—to spare no effort and finish the battle quickly.

Most sword cultivators are like this; if they can win with a single strike, they won't use their sword a second time.

Qiao Yanshen had intended to observe a little longer, but since Xie Chunan had already given her all, she naturally had no reason to hold back any longer. Gripping her longsword tightly, her spiritual energy surged forth like a raging torrent, transforming into a torrential downpour that clashed with the wind, shattering every inch of its sound. The rain was gentle, yet sharp as a knife, its blue light mingling with the azure glow, creating violent explosions.

She walked forward unhurriedly, the heavy rain falling with her steps, the sound of the water tearing apart the hurricane in front of her.

"Senior Sister, have you received guidance from the Sect Master?" Qiao Yanshen and Xie Chunan looked at each other from afar, their voices reaching each other's ears through the rain and the wind.

Xie Chunan was still stunned by her sword intent when he heard the question. He bit his lip and replied, "Yes."

Without hesitation, she drew her sword and swiftly moved to stand before Qiao Yanshen. He seemed prepared, immediately meeting her blade. Raindrops clashed with the wind's edge; the two slender swords moved with lightning speed, exchanging dozens, even hundreds, of blows in the blink of an eye.

The clang of swords echoed, sending dust flying. Even those unfamiliar with swordsmanship could discern a clash of two distinct sword intents, and were utterly astonished. Sword intent was rare, and those who mastered it and could apply it in actual combat were even rarer, and who would have thought that they would have the privilege of witnessing two such individuals today?

However, the heavy rain had already swallowed up the gale; the rain, though silent, could also kill silently. The wind, like prey coiled by a python, gradually weakened. Amidst the flashing swords, Xie Chunan gradually struggled against the opponent's overwhelming speed. Finally, with a loud crash, both figures staggered back several steps. The woman in green barely managed to catch her sword, propped herself up, and swayed as she knelt on one knee, coughing up blood.

Qiao Yanshen tucked his disheveled hair behind his ear, sheathed his rain-spear, and strode to her, extending his hand. Xie Chunan grasped her hand, wiping the crimson from the corner of her lips, replacing it with a smile.

She didn't mind getting the first prize; in fact, she was pleasantly surprised to see such sword intent.

After helping her up, Qiao Yanshen smiled slightly, cupped his hands, and said, "Thank you, Senior Sister, for your kindness."

The two walked back to the teleportation array. Shen Lixia watched the entire event from below the stage and exclaimed sincerely, "Senior Sister is amazing!"

Nevertheless, she knew that Qiao Yanshen was using the sword technique he had learned from Shen Yuanzhong. Although the other party was unwilling to tell her too much, Shen Lixia wasn't truly stupid and could roughly discern what had happened. Besides, she had also practiced the sword technique once in her dream, with Cang Yu's help.

Just now, Qiao Yanshen used the "rain force".

As far as she knew, there was also "Jiang Shi," but she had no memory of anything after that. However, a sword manual could not possibly contain only that much content. It had only flashed by in her dream, and she couldn't remember much of it. She only knew that this sword manual was like a divine fire, the product of Luo Yang and Hua Ying's meticulous research during their journey.

Qiao Yanshen went off to rest. Shen Lixia was afraid that she would appear too impetuous and get a glare from Yan Xueya. Just as she was about to return to the team, a teleportation array flashed on the field, and there was another familiar face.

She prayed that her master wouldn't find her, and like an ostrich, she cautiously shrank into the crowd.

"well."

On the high platform, Ruan Luoying heard Yan Xueya sigh, raised her hand to pour her a cup of tea, and asked, "What's wrong? Wasn't Yan Shen performing very well?"

Yan Xueya took the teacup, her gaze shifting from a certain spot beneath it. "Yes, it's quite good. However, one of her junior sisters went to join in the fun right from the start."

They are playful and never still, or perhaps they are arrogant and disdainful of those of similar ability.

But he learns things extremely quickly and diligently, and he humbly asks for advice on everything he comes into contact with.

The interplay of these two contradictory qualities led her to conclude that Shen Lixia did not need traditional teachings. On the contrary, since she had her own methods, she would inevitably face unique difficulties.

Yan Xueya stopped paying attention and turned to look at the arena, saying to Ruan Luoying, "Your disciple seems to be having some bad luck."

On the field, Tang Huairou stood with her hands behind her back, looking at the seemingly honest-looking man opposite her with a troubled expression. Although he didn't say anything directly on the field, he had already sent his divine sense to her.

"Senior Sister, the reward for this competition is a high-grade magic weapon and a cultivation technique. You are already a disciple of True Monarch Cangling, so you certainly don't lack these. Why don't you just let me win?"

As it spoke, it clattered its palm against its fist, making a cracking sound, and said, "After all, Senior Sister is a medical cultivator and a woman. Even if I hold back, I'm bound to get hurt in the fight. If you just admit defeat, you won't embarrass yourself in public."

They thought their telepathic communication was discreet, but in reality, a special barrier was set up in the arena, so that everyone on the platform could hear any kind of communication.

Tang Huairou blinked, hiding the embarrassment in her eyes, and said helplessly, "Then I'll prepare a medicine. If you can stand still for the time it takes for an incense stick to burn after drinking it, I'll admit defeat, how about it?"

Upon hearing this, the other party smiled disdainfully, sat cross-legged on the spot, clasped his hands and said, "Then I will give Senior Sister some face."

Tang Huairou calmly took out the small cauldron for brewing medicine, lit the spiritual fire, and actually began to prepare the medicinal soup on the spot. She seemed to be single-minded, only paying attention to the movement of the cauldron, while Ruan Luoying above could see that she was surrounded by spiritual energy, obviously on guard against her at all times.

"Does it really think that medicine and healing can't kill people?" Yi Xiaohan, standing nearby, asked with interest. "This is so interesting. Shall we bet on how long it can last?"

With Chi Yueying absent today, the three of them together could indeed start a betting game. Yan Xueya bet one hundred spirit stones out of three-quarters, while Ruan Luoying said one-third would be enough, betting three hundred spirit stones.

Yi Xiaohan smiled and took the position of dealer, deciding to remain neutral and bet two-thirds.

While they chatted, Tang Huairou adjusted the heat, quickly ladled out the medicinal soup, poured it into a small bottle, and tossed it over, saying, "Catch it!"

The man took the small bottle and drank it all in one gulp. When he tried to return it, he found that the bottle had shattered into dust in his hand. Looking up, he saw that Tang Huairou's gentle smile seemed to contain a hint of disdain.

"You don't need to pay me back."

In the blink of an eye, that disdain vanished. The woman in the green robe, as if bathed in a gentle breeze, had already produced an incense stick in her hand, which burned quietly.

The medicine burned its entire body like fire, as if ants were gnawing at its heart. It aged a year in an instant, and everything before its eyes blurred and distorted. Suddenly, it knelt on the ground, blood gushing from its eyes, nose, and mouth, followed by a ringing in its ears. A large patch of dark red, mixed with black filth, quickly spread across the ground.

Before a few breaths had passed, the man struggled and crawled on the ground. Despite his blurred vision, his face still gleamed with ferocity as he lunged towards Tang Huairou. Unexpectedly, a sharp pain shot through his leg, and a chill ran through his entire body. Swallowing a poisonous insect raw would likely have been far more painful. He immediately screamed in agony as a pill was violently thrown into his throat, nearly knocking him unconscious. He could only hear Tang Huairou's voice beside him:

"Just be a useless person for two months."

Only then did everyone realize that Tang Huairou's decision to make it drink the medicine was actually merciful. However, the other party was ungrateful and could only suffer the consequences. Injuries were inevitable during sparring, and although the senior sister had poisoned and then cured it, the person was unconscious but not in mortal danger, so naturally, they would not be punished.

On the stage, Ruan Luoying emerged victorious. Smiling, she accepted the spirit stones from the two people. When the disciple on the stage looked up, she lightly touched her lips with two fingers and gave him a gentle kiss from afar. This made the pale-faced woman in green blush instantly and quickly walk into the teleportation array.

After the two left, Shen Lixia secretly memorized the recipe, intending to ask her senior sister for help when she had time, so she could learn how to make this heartwarming and delicious medicinal soup.

After watching the two matches, the young man returned satisfied. He saw that the Foundation Establishment team was engaged in a heated competition, while the others were either cultivating with their eyes closed or carefully watching their opponents' moves on the stage, looking very diligent.

After a long while, it was finally her turn to join. Shen Lixia stepped into the teleportation array and appeared on the arena. She sensed that her opponent's cultivation was unfathomable, perhaps at the Great Perfection realm. She first clasped her hands in a fist and bowed, then called her "Senior Sister" and introduced herself.

The female cultivator in black opposite nodded and said in a deep voice, "Yan Jueshu."

As soon as she opened her mouth, a deafening roar erupted from the audience. Some people, no longer giving Shen Lixia any face, shouted, "Senior Sister Yan, make her cry!"

Shen Lixia was both amused and exasperated. She glanced at the side where the shouting was loudest, thinking that she had offended so many people with just a simple "I don't want to watch." Her future was truly uncertain. Without further ado, she drew her sword and shouted, "Come on!"

Drawing his twin swords from his waist, Yan Jueshu moved with lightning speed, arriving before Shen Lixia in the blink of an eye. Caught off guard, the young man was grazed on the cheek by the sword tip, leaving a bloody mark.

Dual swords differ from longswords in that they are known for their agility but also require a high level of strength. The opponent was incredibly fast, and Shen Lixia raised her sword to parry. In the blink of an eye, afterimages appeared as they clashed, and streaks of sword energy seeped from the blades, spiraling and thrusting. The spiritual energy within was mottled in color; Shen Lixia counted five different kinds.

Five spiritual roots. It is extremely difficult to reach this level with only five spiritual roots, because the more mixed the spiritual roots, the more spiritual energy and comprehension are needed to reach a higher realm.

She deflected the opponent's attack with her sword, her respect for Yan Jueshu growing ever stronger, but she was unwilling to lose at this point. Unlike Qiao Yanshen, Shen Lixia was not a specialist in swordsmanship, and therefore lacked that magnificent sword intent, only knowing basic sword moves.

Taking out several reddish-gold beads from Xiao Bi's personal storage bag, Shen Lixia smiled slightly and smashed them all on the ground. With a loud bang, an explosion suddenly occurred before her eyes. Yan Jueshu used his spiritual power to protect himself and hurriedly retreated. Shen Lixia was surrounded by smoke. With one hand, she quickly formed a hand seal, and golden spiritual power transformed into needle-like rays that poured down; with the other hand, she held a talisman, her fingertips soaked in cinnabar, and quickly drew on it.

She did it with ease, which seemed unbelievable to onlookers. How could someone make a hand seal with one hand and draw a talisman with the other? Yan Jue Shu, who was outside the smoke, couldn't see what she was doing. Her twin swords unleashed two overlapping streaks of fire, the flames so pure they almost illuminated the sky, and they hurtled straight towards Shen Li Xia.

When the same element clashes, using fire will reveal her location, while using metal elemental power will cause an explosion, making injury inevitable.

As the scorching heat approached, Shen Lixia moved even faster, quickly drawing talismans, crouching down and pressing them to the ground. Instantly, a water curtain formed, engulfing the flames.

By this time, most of the smoke had dissipated, and Yan Jueshu saw the flowing water curtain in front of her. His pupils contracted slightly. "So you weren't a sword cultivator after all?"

Shen Lixia blinked and laughed, "Who told you I'm a sword cultivator?"

Yan Jueshu immediately adjusted her strategy, drawing on her past experience dealing with talisman cultivators, and decisively drew her sword. Shen Lixia's expression hardened, and she suddenly drew her sword to exchange blows with her, surprisingly holding her own in swordplay.

"Didn't she say she wasn't a sword cultivator?"

"Do you think Senior Sister, Master, and Aunt Yi are just calling me home for dinner?" Shen Lixia thought to herself, as she caught the sword strike and then suddenly took a step back.

Yan Jueshu has excellent endurance. Because he has five spiritual roots, he is better at fighting at a loss than others. Therefore, although the pace of the battle is fast, he is not in a hurry and intends to drag Shen Lixia out until his spiritual power is exhausted.

Unexpectedly, the young woman held a talisman in her hand, which emitted a bright pale green light, instantly restoring much of her spiritual power. She muttered an incantation, which Yan Jueshu recognized as "Eternal Spring Technique! Enhanced Version."

The two chased each other, unable to escape on the field.

After many sparring matches, Yan Jueshu felt for the first time what it meant to be mentally exhausted. When Shen Lixia ran out of talismans and seemed to have nowhere to retreat, Yan Jueshu leaped forward, intending to knock her off the stage.

At the critical moment, Shen Lixia suddenly said, "Senior Sister Yan, watch your step!"

Intending to ignore her words, Yan Jue Shu found herself unable to move. Looking down, she saw the talisman had vanished, and vines were tightly binding her legs. Then, the array runes flashed, and a gust of wind swept around her, carrying her directly out of the arena.

But her exit wasn't undignified; the young man was carried to the ground by a gentle breeze. She was momentarily taken aback, then sheathed her twin swords and bowed to Shen Lixia on the stage, saying, "You've won."

Although her abilities were unpredictable, she was proficient in several types of magic, and her swordsmanship was on par with that of ordinary sword cultivators, far beyond the reach of ordinary people. While others were still unconvinced, she already understood that her opponent's strength was extraordinary.

Shen Lixia nodded, her smile still on her lips, "Thank you for your kind offer, Senior Sister Yan."

After leaving the arena, they engaged in several more rounds of sparring. Shen Lixia intentionally concealed her abilities, displaying only three techniques: arrays, talismans, and swordsmanship. Like Qiao Yanshen, she used only the Rain Formation throughout the day. One side was genuinely astonishing in its combat, while the other was extremely unpredictable and elusive, making both matches incredibly exciting.

After the first day of the competition, Qiao Yanshen returned to Frostblade Peak as promised to practice swordsmanship with Yan Xueya. They not only practiced sword moves but also learned sword dancing. At this moment, they were practicing the sword dancing part. After a series of graceful and powerful movements, Qiao Yanshen was slightly out of breath, showing a rare hint of fatigue.

Seeing this, Yan Xueya was about to tell her to rest for a while when she heard the wind howl, followed by a dark shadow swooping down the mountain like an eagle, fleeing in a panic. The thief was none other than her good student.

But this thief was none other than another of her good students.

The woman silently gripped the hilt of her sword, her sharp gaze fixed on the boy who had abducted Qiao Yanshen. Shen Lixia, standing on the sword, shuddered, closed her eyes, and turned to call out:

"Master, I'll borrow Senior Sister for now! Consider it a loan from you!"

Having said that, she seemed afraid that her master would strike her down with an icy shard, and quickly fled. Yan Xueya stood there, rubbed her temples, and sighed deeply.

That's enough, that's enough.

-----------------------

Author's note: I wrote a little more, although I didn't make up for yesterday's TvT writing about girls having fun in battle!

It's a cliché, but I quite enjoy watching mischievous kids take well-behaved kids out of school (?). It's time for a break.

The next chapter will also feature battles, but some main story content will remain. If you don't like it, you can leave it for a couple of days; I will mark the end of the chapter in the title.

I've changed Si's character card; I'll gradually fill in all the character cards next.