So what if he's in the mid-Foundation Establishment stage? He's in the late-Foundation Establishment stage!

Thinking of the difference in their cultivation levels, Xing Zhan arrogantly glanced at Wen Zhu, his handsome face somewhat ferocious: "Wen Zhu, losing to you last year was just an accident. Why don't we have another match now!"

“If Senior Brother Xingzhan wants to compete, he can wait until the end of this year. Wenzhu will still participate in the sect’s minor competition.” The young man frowned.

The sixteen-year-old boy was as graceful as an orchid and as elegant as a jade tree. Part of his dark hair, as black as lotus roots, was tied up with a blue hairpin, while the other part was draped over his back. His white robe was spotless, exuding a refined and elegant air. Although his brows were furrowed, his aura remained gentle.

Xing Zhan looked at the boy's clear almond-shaped eyes and snorted coldly. Ever since this kid defeated him in the sect's small competition last year, even Junior Sister Ting Lan has been captivated by him. She even came to tell him to stop causing trouble for Wen Zhu.

He was the genius everyone was looking forward to this year, but now all that limelight has been stolen by a good-for-nothing who has been defeated by him year after year.

How could he swallow this insult?

"Hmph! That's not up to you!" Without saying a word, Xing Zhan thrust the Holy Radiance Sword toward Wen Zhu, its spiritual light flashing as he unleashed the killing move, Starry Wrath.

Wen Zhu's expression changed slightly.

"Senior Brother Xingzhan, why be so aggressive?"

A jade flute, emerald green, rested on his lips, and waves of sound transformed into tangible sonic blades, deflecting the attack of the Holy Radiance Sword. "Hmph, enough nonsense, take this!" The silver Holy Radiance Sword was swung, and wisps of white spiritual energy gathered on its blade. The late Foundation Establishment stage cultivation was like an insurmountable chasm. After several rounds, the handsome young man was clearly starting to falter.

The arrogant man sneered, and a white sword aura suddenly rushed towards the boy's dantian.

Wen Zhu's face turned cold, and he clenched his fists tightly.

He never expected that Xing Zhan would disregard the sect rules to such an extent, daring to cripple his cultivation at the foot of Xuanhuo Peak.

"Master, aren't you going down to save Senior Brother?" Peach Blossom Eyes tilted slightly, looking at her beautiful master with a half-smile, but there was no worry in her words.

Bi Xie and Wu You stood not far away, but they were concealed by invisibility talismans, so the others couldn't see them at all.

Bi Xie didn't turn around, his gaze fixed firmly on Wen Zhu, who was cornered, and said calmly, "Your senior brother will be fine, he will win."

"Really? Master trusts Senior Brother that much?" Wuyou raised an eyebrow, a dark glint flashing in her shimmering eyes, and the corners of her upturned lips straightened slightly.

"Beep, the villain's happiness level has decreased by 2 points."

Bi Xie: "..."

What did she do?

Before he could even think, Xing Zhan's sword light was already close to Wen Zhu's dantian. Once it struck, the fragile dantian would be destroyed, and all of his cultivation of more than ten years would be completely dissipated.

Xing Zhan sneered, "Wen Zhu, let's see what you have to offer me! Ah—"

Before he could finish speaking, he was suddenly interrupted by a scream. Xing Zhan was thrown away by a cold wind, sword and all. His chest churned, and a metallic taste stuck in his throat. After being slapped across the ground and thrown several feet away, he coughed up a mouthful of blood.

The inner disciples were all shocked. After a moment, they hurriedly went to help Xingzhan: "Senior Brother Xingzhan, are you alright?"

Xingzhan looked at Wenzhu in equal shock.

He was clearly knocked over by the sword energy, but Wen Zhu had no sword in his hand.

The young man had a graceful and refined figure, and his gentle, jade-like face was cold and stern. He stared at him indifferently, with a hint of murderous intent lingering in his eyes.

"Senior Brother Xingzhan, how are you? How could this kid suddenly unleash such power? I didn't even see what move he used!" An inner disciple handed over the pills, speaking up for Xingzhan.