Chapter 239: Ten-Stage Slash
Many people came to the Cangwu Dojo today to watch the battle; this was Ji You's first impression upon entering the Cangwu Dojo.
He had quite a connection with this Cangwu Dojo; from the group stage until now, all his matches had been held here, but the number of people in the previous matches combined was less than a tenth of today's crowd.
Ji You, who arrived at the Cangwu Dojo after breakfast, stood among the crowd, looking around, and saw that all four directions—southeast, northwest—were already full.
Most of them were unfamiliar, but some could be guessed by the clothes they wore.
“That person is Chen Ruiyang.”
“?”
Ji You looked up and saw a man dressed in Chen Clan Immortal robes, with a wide saber at his waist and an arrogant expression.
The man looked older than him, with tightly bound long hair and a robust physique, and with the wide saber at his waist, his Aura was imposing.
The Chen Clan is the only Family-style Immortal Sect among the Seven Great Immortal Sects, and Chen Ruiyang, being from the Chen Clan, was naturally an upper-tier relative.
Wen Siyuan then said, “Chen Shuo, whom we went to watch yesterday, should be his cousin. Chen Ruiyang’s cultivation is deeper than his, Junior Brother, you must pay more attention to his saber.”
“Understood.”
As the two spoke, Cao Jinsong, Wen Zhengxin, Ban Yangshu, and Pei Ruyi all arrived.
Unlike previous days, they had all changed their attire today.
Cao Jinsong wore a brocade long gown, looking quite affluent, like a comical rich man, while Wen Zhengxin and Pei Ruyi wore gauze dresses, appearing ethereal with Immortal Qi.
Then there was Ban Yangshu; his scholar's robe must have been newly bought, judging by the complete absence of wrinkles on the fabric,
and no wear and tear on the cuffs.
Wen Siyuan, dressed in a straight-cut Confucian robe, exchanged glances with them, a knowing expression appearing on his face.
The news of Tianshu Academy's two losses and one forced victory had spread like wildfire yesterday, to the point where everyone in Zhongxing County knew about it.
The walls of the dilapidated inn where Cao Jinsong and the others stayed were thin, and it was next to a noisy restaurant. They had listened to people mocking Tianshu Academy all night yesterday and felt completely immersed in it.
So, early this morning, they all tacitly put away their Tianshu Academy Immortal robes and changed into their spare clothes.
As for Ban Yangshu, he came in a hurry and could only get up early to buy a new set from the street.
Before leaving, they were still wondering how to explain their sudden change of clothes when they met in the inn's front hall to depart together, but upon meeting, they saw that everyone had changed, so no explanation was needed.
Ji You looked at them at this moment, thinking, “Today I am proud of the Immortal Sect, tomorrow the Immortal Sect will be proud of me.” Where was that mentality? These people are too realistic.
“After all, it’s the Disciples from the academy representing the Immortal Sect in the competition. It’s fine that the group stage a few days ago went unnoticed, as it wasn’t very important, but why is only Siyuan here today?”
Cao Jinsong frowned at Wen Siyuan, somewhat complaining about the Master's Courtyard's favoritism.
He was probably not used to his current attire, his hands somewhat restless within his sleeves.
Wen Zhengxin, Pei Ruyi, and Ban Yangshu also nodded upon hearing this: “They are all Tianshu Academy Disciples; such actions are indeed excessive.”
Wen Siyuan swallowed and quickly explained, “You misunderstand, everyone. In fact, Qin Zhangshi and my other Senior Brothers have all come.
Look, they are all over there.”
“?”
Cao Jinsong and the others looked in the direction Wen Siyuan was pointing, scanning the crowd, and indeed, as Wen Siyuan said, they found Qin Rong’s figure.
The reason they hadn't found him earlier was because Qin Zhangshi had also changed out of his Tianshu Academy Immortal robe and was wearing a brown long gown with a mustache, looking somewhat like a magistrate's secretary.
Feeling the gazes, Qin Zhangshi and some sloppily dressed Master's Courtyard Disciples behind him couldn't help but look over, exchanged glances with the rich-man-dressed Cao Jinsong, and then unnaturally averted their eyes, as if they didn't know him.
Ji You chuckled, thinking, “You truly are birds of a feather.”
Cao Jinsong then looked at Wen Zhengxin and the other two: “Let’s find a place to sit first.”
Wen Zhengxin looked around, his brows slightly furrowed: “It seems there are no more seats.”
The Cangwu Dojo had never been so packed. They arrived even later than Ji You, the competitor, so it was natural that they couldn't find seats now.
Pei Ruyi suddenly looked towards the opposite viewing platform: “Look, it’s Kuang Cheng.”
“?”
As far as the eye could see, Kuang Cheng and Wei Rui were walking along the circular platform towards a small building next to the Cangwu Dojo, already stepping onto the stairs.
Wei Rui was walking at the very front, her expression seemingly excited, and in a few steps, she had left Kuang Cheng far behind, disappearing into the building.
Ji You watched this scene, his eyes narrowing slightly.
Those who could watch from the small building were all important figures from various Immortal Sects.
Wei Rui and Kuang Cheng had no special status and were not cultivators, so they shouldn't have been able to enter such a small building unless someone had invited them in advance.
Heh, a stubborn tsundere.
Ji You turned to Cao Jinsong: “Kuang Cheng should have a seat. You might as well join them.”
Cao Jinsong and the four others were also familiar with Kuang Shusheng, knowing he was an official of the Supervisor. Since the conference itself was organized by the Supervisor, it was not surprising that he had a spot on the second floor.
Without overthinking, the four walked towards the small building that Kuang Cheng had entered.
Kuang Cheng had just reached the middle of the stairs leading to the second floor when he heard footsteps and couldn't help but turn around: “Cao Instructor, three Immortal Masters, long time no see.”
Cao Jinsong looked up at him: “Indeed, it’s been a long time. I asked Ji You a few days ago why you hadn’t come to watch, and he said you were working like an ox or a horse, which was puzzling. I didn’t understand what he meant.”
“Brother Ji always has such jests. Are you all unable to find seats?”
“Ji You said you have seats here.”
Kuang Cheng, hearing that Ji You had told them, couldn't help but look up, then nodded gently: “Indeed, there are seats—”
Cao Jinsong and the others didn't think much of it and walked up, holding the railing.
However, after turning the stairs and arriving on the second floor, the four couldn't help but hold their breath, their footsteps abruptly halting,
because on the second floor sat a woman of peerless beauty, wearing a red Immortal robe embroidered with gold, who turned to look at them.
Lingjian Mountain’s Young Master Jian.
The four widened their eyes, somewhat at a loss for a moment.
Just then, the Young Master Jian showed a thoughtful expression, then stood up from her seat.
Cao Jinsong held his breath, thinking, “Ji You, that wicked Disciple, is really good at tricking people.” He felt offended but didn't know how to explain, unexpectedly, the Young Master Jian opposite suddenly stood up after a moment of thought.
Wen Zhengxin, Pei Ruyi, and Ban Yangshu were already nervous, thinking that a sharp reprimand would come next, and they would be driven out of the small building.
After all, their behavior was considered an offense to a high-ranking person, and the relationship between Tianshu Academy and Lingjian Mountain was not good.
Unexpectedly, Lingjian Mountain’s Young Master Jian merely stood up instinctively, without saying anything, as if her standing was simply because she felt she should no longer remain seated.
Cao Jinsong bowed slightly at this moment: “Cao Jinsong of Tianshu Academy greets Lingjian Mountain’s Master Jian. I apologize for accidentally taking the wrong path just now; we shall now take our leave.”
“The dojo is already full, and seats are hard to find. Since you’ve come, you are also guests. This place is large, so it doesn’t matter.”
Yan Shuyi looked at Ding Yao and Zhuo Wanqiu: “Grant them seats.”
The two bowed: “Yes, Master Jian.”
Six chairs were brought over, two for Wei Rui and Kuang Cheng, both next to Yan Shuyi.
The other three chairs were placed behind Yan Shuyi, for Wen Zhengxin, Pei Ruyi, and Ban Yangshu.
As for where the last chair should be placed, Zhuo Wanqiu couldn't decide, so she turned to her Master Jian.
Yan Shuyi pondered for a long time, then subtly gestured forward with her eyes, indicating to Zhuo Wanqiu to place that chair in front of her own seat.
The mainstream of Qingyun World was the Immortal Dao Legacy, so respecting teachers and valuing the Dao was a very important tradition.
Cao Jinsong held his breath: “Fairy, I can actually sit behind.”
“The Master Jian grants a seat; no one is allowed to pick.”
Zhuo Wanqiu whispered to Cao Jinsong, thinking that the Master Jian granting a seat in this manner was probably to avoid being criticized later if she married.
So Cao Jinsong was invited to the front seat, sweating profusely, while Wen Zhengxin, Pei Ruyi, and Ban Yangshu exchanged glances, feeling somewhat confused and bewildered by what they saw.
Lingjian Mountain’s Young Master Jian was a sect master level figure, whom even Lingjian Mountain’s Disciples rarely saw on a daily basis. Yet today, she was sitting with them to watch the match, which made them feel somewhat surreal.
They felt that they had underestimated Kuang Shusheng's connections and truly did not expect Lingjian Mountain’s Young Master Jian to be so tolerant, magnanimous, and approachable.
A little touched.
Cao Jinsong: I dare not move.
Just then, through the corridor of the viewing platform, they saw Ji You, in a white robe with a sword, stepping onto the circular platform.
Ji You had caused quite a stir in Qingyun World over the past two years, and his reputation was always there, but it wasn't until this moment that many people in the audience could match his face to his name.
To be honest, for a private cultivator from the countryside to reach the Tiandao Conference arena was unprecedented, let alone reaching the second round of the Tiandao Conference.
Without the patronage of his elders, unable to access direct Legacy resources, and able to compete against Immortal Sect Disciples in the same arena, in the eyes of the crowd, even if he lost this battle, it would not be a shameful thing; it would even be considered an honor.
After all, in their opinion, if they were to completely abandon ancestral patronage, they would question whether they had the courage to face a direct Legacy Disciple like Chen Ruiyang.
Perhaps influenced by the people around them, Qiu Hanyue and her sisters couldn't help but concentrate their Divine Thought, looking at the man on the stage, feeling an unusual sensation.
That feeling was as if they saw a man with no background, unyielding, step by step, painstakingly reaching this day.
Although Qingyun World valued Family background and lineage, such stories still made people feel admiration.
Lu Xiong was also listening to the discussions around him at this moment and couldn't help but nod gently.
Because if it weren't for this, he wouldn't have entertained the idea of marrying his daughter to Ji You.
The Lu Family started with Spirit Stones, but there were no great powers within the Family; even he was merely in the Yingtian Realm.
Ultimately, this was because their Lu Family could not access upper-tier resources.
Therefore, someone like Ji You, who had risen step by step purely by his personal strength, was worth recruiting in Lu Xiong's eyes, not to mention the snowy region demon stone and the vast Feng Province.
His wife didn't understand these things, which was why she had been so picky about Ji You initially.
In Lu Xiong's view, no matter the outcome of this battle, his desire to marry his daughter to him would not change.
However, neither Lu Xiong nor Qiu Hanyue understood why the people around them had rushed to watch the battle, and they were puzzled by their attitude.
Just then, the barrier on the circular platform began to slowly rise.
Ji You drew his sword, pointing it diagonally at the high platform, his eyes subtly lowering to the wide saber in his opponent's hand.
Yesterday, he had watched Chen Shuo's battle and seen the cultivation methods of the Chen Clan Immortal Sect, so he was very interested in how Chen Ruiyang would draw his saber later.
At this moment, Chen Ruiyang also reached back with one hand, drawing the wide saber from his waist with a clang, gazing at Ji You, waiting for the sound of the gong.
Being from the northern Immortal Sect, Chen Ruiyang knew Ji You's past and knew that winning today would not be so easy, because from what he had heard previously, this private cultivator from the countryside indeed had good combat power.
Just then, the sound of a gong suddenly rang out from around the circular platform.
The next instant, a powerful and domineering Aura exploded like a tide. The crowd instantly focused their gaze but were still a second too slow. Chen Ruiyang erupted like an arrow released from a bowstring. The moment his long saber was unsheathed, a fierce saber Aura, carrying surging Qi waves, transformed into a sweeping gale that enveloped the entire arena.
“Boom!”
Accompanied by a deafening roar, the Qi waves stirred up by the powerful force were instantly cut through, forming a narrow opening. Within that opening, a chilling, gleaming saber light whistled forth, and a powerful Aura instantly filled the entire arena.
Amidst the furious churning of the Qi wave, Chen Ruiyang's figure was as agile as a hawk. His long saber, imbued with immense power, slashed towards Ji You.
Just as Lingjian Mountain Disciples only use swords, Chen Clan Disciples only use sabers.
Moreover, they are of a unified design: thick, dark iron sabers, wide and short like a cleaver.
Although they do not emphasize the Dao of the Saber as the foundation of their sect like Lingjian Mountain does, the Chen Clan's sabers are indeed astonishingly lethal.
At this moment, the incomparably sharp Saber Qi tore through even the wind waves he himself stirred up, emitting a piercing howl, and in the blink of an eye, it was already closing in on Ji You.
Witnessing this scene, many people on the scene instinctively narrowed their eyes.
Among them, those cultivators who had successfully passed the second round and secured their qualification for the third round showed grave expressions in their eyes.
In their opinion, this saber strike, whether in terms of speed, power, or Aura, was truly astonishing.
Under the howling wind, Ji You also moved abruptly, his long sword meeting the attack, drawing a graceful arc, and lightly slashing out towards the deadly saber light.
On the high platform, the nine people frowned slightly.
Because they found that Ji You's sword strike at this moment was almost half as weak as before.
The instant saber and sword clashed, sparks shot out like meteors, and the surging Qi ripples, like raging tides, heavily struck the surrounding blue barrier, producing a deafening clang.
At this moment, Chen Ruiyang's pupils contracted, and his wrist immediately twisted like a nimble snake, the saber edge slashing diagonally with the momentum.
The gleaming saber light brushed past Ji You's sword spine, sweeping horizontally at extreme speed.
Seeing this, Ji You directly stepped back, dodging the close-range saber strike, and then saw Chen Ruiyang's Aura suddenly surge.
The long saber was drawn amidst the howling gale, slashing out once more with a roar.
The barrier did not obstruct their vision, so everyone could clearly see everything on the circular platform.
From the very beginning, their gazes had been fixed on Chen Ruiyang.
In their perception, Chen Ruiyang's saber strike at this moment was much stronger than his previous one.
If the initial strike was like a surging wave crashing against the shore, then this strike was like a tsunami heading straight for them.
Just as expected—
Power does not arise from nothing.
Ji You, with his golden eyes wide open, murmured to himself, then directly raised his sword horizontally and slashed to meet the edge.
Then came a clang, as the horizontal saber slashed down before him.
The three-foot iron sword was instantly bent by the ferocious Saber Qi, and the sword body immediately emitted a strong clang, seeming unable to withstand it.
Seeing this, all the Disciples of the Chen Clan showed surprise, but this surprise was directed at Ji You.
"It's the Chen Clan's Ten-Stage Slash."
"What is the Ten-Stage Slash?"
"The Chen Clan has a saber technique where each strike is stronger than the last, but the key to forming this technique actually lies in borrowing power."
"Borrowing power?"
"Borrowing the opponent's power and channeling it onto the opponent's saber."
On the small building, Yan Shu's eyes reflected the ethereal white-robed figure as she spoke softly, her eyelashes trembling slightly.
The Chen Clan's techniques were not too obscure a secret, and the Ten-Stage Slash was also a rather famous technique in the Qingyun World. Someone of Yan Shu's status naturally couldn't be unaware of it.
However, the so-called ten stages do not mean only ten strikes; it can continue indefinitely. It is said that if the saber momentum continues to the very end, its power can split the heavens.
But this is merely a legend, because it is said that to this day, the Chen Clan's continuous saber record is only thirty, after all, the opponent is not dead, and a dead opponent simply cannot lend power.
The reason the Chen Clan Disciples were surprised was that the source of the immense power in Chen Ruiyang's second strike was Ji You's previous slash.
Sword users rarely borrow power to overwhelm others; typically, saber users do this, with Yan Hao being the only exception.
But even he, practicing with a heavy sword, required a heavier sword body to complement it.
At this moment, Cao Jinsong suddenly understood why Ji You's first strike was so light; it seemed he had already determined this when watching Chen Shuo and Wei Bo's battle.
Wei Bo's inherited Heavenly Light Guidance was not an offensive technique, and the feedback force was minimal, preventing Chen Shuo from borrowing power for a horizontal slash, which severely limited the effectiveness of the Ten-Stage Slash.
Ji You's earlier comment that Chen Shuo had not fully unleashed his saber's might was for this very reason.
Meanwhile, the crowd in the stands was abuzz with discussion, their mouths slightly agape after learning the profound mystery of the Ten-Stage Slash.
In fact, the Ten-Stage Slash sounds arrogant and domineering, but it is not without a solution. Wei Family's Heavenly Light Guidance and Tianshu Academy's various accompanying techniques can both put it in a dilemma.
But Ji You is a private cultivator from the countryside; the entire Qingyun World knows he has no Legacy of techniques.
His only reliance was the Dao of the Sword, which he secretly learned from Lingjian Mountain, and the Dao of the Sword, like the Dao of the Saber, was inherently the most powerful offensive technique.
The people in the arena seemed to see Chen Ruiyang's saber momentum growing stronger and stronger, and each of Ji You's counterattacks would make his next saber strike even more powerful.
But whether he retracted his sword or slashed furiously, the outcome would ultimately be an iron saber piercing his body, with blood splattering into the air.
In fact, what everyone thought was correct. When the second clash of saber and sword roared like thunder, the moment Chen Ruiyang retracted his saber, the momentum of the wide, dark iron saber in his hand surged again.
At that moment, he lowered his stance, gripped the saber hilt with both hands, and lifted it, the blade exhaling a scorching white glow.
With a furious roar, his saber momentum, like a galaxy inverted, descended with mountain-shattering force, its intense power causing ripples to spread continuously across the surrounding barrier.
"No wonder this Ji You made it to the second round. Even from below, I can feel that his sword is indeed not weak. It's likely true that he withstood a punch from a Soldier King in the wilderness. But the more powerful he is, the higher Chen Ruiyang's chances of winning become."
"I think this Ji You isn't entirely without a chance."
"Oh?"
"Lingjian Mountain has a supreme fast sword, named Willow Color New, but the saber slash coming from the opponent is already unstoppable. If he wants to use this sword,
He must protect his body with all his Spiritual Qi, withstand a saber strike alone first, and neutralize its momentum."
The Tong Xuan Realm cultivators watching the battle at the scene all put themselves in Ji You's shoes, contemplating how to counter the saber.
In their opinion, Ji You still had a chance at this instant.
But if he continued to engage him, by the fourth strike, Chen Ruiyang's saber strike would no longer be within the range that a Tong Xuan Realm cultivator could withstand.
At this moment, the gleaming iron saber once again cut through the agitated airflow before them, but Ji You did not, as everyone expected, trade for an opportunity with a fast sword. Instead, he still raised his sword to meet the blade.
Seeing this, everyone couldn't help but sigh.
Because if he missed this opportunity, Chen Ruiyang's fourth strike would be very difficult to withstand.
With a clang, another even more powerful and heavy slash struck, figures on the circular platform interwove, constantly colliding amidst the wildly dancing wind and waves.
Amidst the flashing sabers and swords, everyone silently counted in their hearts, estimating at which strike Ji You would finally be unable to bear it.
When the sixth sharp clang of metal collision erupted, the air above the circular platform seemed to be cut empty by half a body length in an instant.
Witnessing this, the expressions of the onlookers began to grow increasingly solemn.
Chen Ruiyang's sixth saber strike was now worlds apart in power from his opening strike, yet Ji You could still take it, indicating that Chen Ruiyang's saber might had not yet reached Ji You's limit. However, to those present, this was already close to their own limit.
What was even more perplexing was that Chen Ruiyang, whose power was like splitting mountains, began to slow his steps, and his expression had changed from his previous murderous intent to one of confusion and doubt.
"Clang!"
Another collision, sparks flying, the clash of weapons shrill and piercing.
In their line of sight, Chen Ruiyang on the high platform suddenly switched to holding the saber with both hands, his arm muscles bulging like coiling Dragons, veins protruding.
Ji You retracted his sword, his golden eyes surging as he stared at Chen Ruiyang, his heavy footsteps "crunched" onto the high platform, then he raised his sword and slashed again, his posture like striking a wooden fish.
One sword, two swords, three swords.——·
A scorching Qi wave, of unknown origin, gradually began to rise from the circular platform, and at the same time, a scalp-tingling sensation gradually crept up from everyone's hearts.
Chen Ruiyang, who should have been unstoppable with both hands on the saber, was now retreating continuously, but he did not release his force, because the veins on his arms were visibly bulging more and more, and the Qi and blood throughout his body surged like a tide.
Leaping into the air, striking with the sword!
Ji You's arm muscles also began to bulge, like a fully drawn bowstring, and at this moment, he slashed down with terrifying force.
In an instant, the heavy force directly caused the high platform to tremble, and wherever the sharp blade passed, it created a suffocating vacuum.
At this moment, the youth who had been so perfectly matched with his sword now resembled a fierce beast baring its fangs, his entire body's Qi constantly impacting the barrier, causing it to vibrate. Even the Master-in-charge standing by the arena couldn't help but gaze in awe.
Whoosh!
At this moment, Ji You's waist was taut, and the green sword in his hand rose towards the heavens.
A gleaming sword light swept down within the barrier, and the previously surging airflow, as if subjected to intense compression, instantly exploded into a chaotic mass of Qi waves.
Chen Ruiyang's face immediately contorted fiercely. With an angry roar, he raised his saber and, with a look of determination, fiercely clashed with his Dao sword.
As the two blades met, the Chen Clan Disciple's figure suddenly dropped a notch. When the wind and waves slightly receded, everyone saw his left leg bent, his knee striking heavily against the circular platform, pushed back several zhang by the Qi, leaving a trail of blood.
At the same time, the iron saber he gripped tightly with both hands vibrated violently, its gleaming light turning a blinding white.
Chen Ruiyang's saber technique had actually never broken, because confrontation, like power, is reciprocal.
For both combatants, it can be seen as you slashing me, or me slashing you.
At this moment, in everyone's sight, the short, wide iron saber erupted with a terrifying might that caused everyone's expressions to change drastically. Then, amidst a spray of blood, it flew out horizontally, clanging loudly as it shattered against the barrier.
The scene was quiet for a long time. The gazes that had followed the flying iron saber now returned to see Chen Ruiyang's tiger's mouth gruesomely split open, blood oozing from his nose and mouth.
Witnessing this, a hush fell over the surroundings.
Among them, the two twin direct Disciples of the Chen Clan were watching this scene from the building opposite Yan Shu's viewing tower.
They were holding teacups; they had just taken a sip not long ago. At this moment, the hands holding the teacups involuntarily froze in mid-air for a long time,
Then they instinctively lowered them, but after several attempts, they couldn't place them on the table.
In the adjacent Lingxi Dojo, a duel was also underway, but at this moment, many in the audience were looking towards the Cangwu Dojo.
Because the Saber Qi just now was too powerful, giving them a tingling sensation on their scalps. After a moment of confused glances, some people left the Lingxi Dojo and headed towards the Cangwu Dojo.
The Chen Clan was powerful; they knew this very well.
At the same time, they also knew that Chen Ruiyang of the Chen Clan had a duel today at the Cangwu Dojo, so they were certain that the Saber Qi came from him.
So on their way to the Cangwu Dojo, everyone couldn't help but sigh, thinking that with such powerful Saber Qi, this Chen Ruiyang was even more formidable than they had imagined.
However, as they reached the entrance of the Cangwu Dojo, they found a white-robed man with a sword standing on the high platform, his chest constantly heaving, and hot sweat trickling down his arms.
As for the Chen Ruiyang they spoke of, he was currently kneeling on the ground, bleeding from his nose and mouth, looking at him.
At this moment, the Lou Family Head in the audience slowly rose, then walked out of the Cangwu Dojo without a word.
After watching from beginning to end, he could understand why his son had suddenly withdrawn from the competition.
Meanwhile, in the small building opposite, Cao Jinsong and the other three remained silent, but with great tacit understanding, they took out their Tianshu Academy Immortal robes from their storage gourds and put them on.
