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Chapter 239 Ten-Stage Slash

There were quite a few people going to the Cangwu Dojo to watch the battle today; this was Ji You's first impression upon entering the Cangwu Dojo.

He has a special connection with this Cangwu Dojo, having faced off here from the group stage until now, but the number of people in the previous matches combined was less than one-tenth of today's number.

Ji You, who arrived at the Cangwu Dojo after breakfast, stood there and looked around. He saw that all four directions—east, west, south, and north—were already full.

Most of them are not very familiar, but some can be identified by their clothing.

"That person is Chen Ruiyang."

"?"

Ji You looked up and saw a man dressed in the Chen family's immortal robe, with a broad sword at his waist and an arrogant expression.

The man looked older than him, with long, tightly bound hair, a burly build, and a wide sword at his waist, giving him an imposing presence.

The Chen Clan is the only family-based immortal sect among the seven major immortal sects. Chen Ruiyang, being born into the Chen Clan, is naturally a member of the upper echelons.

Wen Siyuan then added, "Chen Shuo, whom we went to watch the battle yesterday, should be his cousin. Chen Ruiyang's cultivation is more profound than his, so junior brother should pay close attention to his sword."

"clear."

As the two were talking, Cao Jingsong, Wen Zhengxin, Ban Yangshu, and Pei Ruyi all arrived at the scene.

Unlike the previous days, they had all changed their clothes today.

Cao Jingsong wore a brocade robe, looking quite wealthy, like a comical rich old man, while Wen Zhengxin and Pei Ruyi wore gauze dresses, looking ethereal.

Then there's Ban Yangshu. His scholar's robe must have been newly bought, judging by the fact that there wasn't a single wrinkle on the fabric and no wear and tear on the sleeves.

Wen Siyuan, dressed in a straight-cut scholar's robe, exchanged a glance with them, a knowing look appearing on his face.

The news of Tian Shu Yuan's two defeats and one victory spread like wildfire yesterday, to the point that everyone in the entire Zhongxing County knew about it.

The dilapidated inn where Cao Jingsong and his group were staying had thin walls and was next to a noisy restaurant. Yesterday, they listened to people mocking the Tianshu Academy all night long, and felt completely immersed in the story.

So this morning, they all put away their Heavenly Academy robes and changed into spare clothes.

As for Ban Yangshu, he arrived in a hurry and could only get up early to buy a set on the street.

Before leaving, they were wondering how to explain their sudden change of clothes when they met in the inn's lobby and set off together. But when they met and saw that they had both changed, they realized there was no need to explain anymore.

Looking at them, Ji You thought to himself, "Today I am proud of the Immortal Sect, but tomorrow the Immortal Sect will be proud of me. These people are so materialistic."

"After all, these are disciples from the academy representing the Immortal Sect in this competition. It's understandable that no one paid attention to the group stage a few days ago, since it wasn't very important. But why is it that only you, Siyuan, have come today?"

Cao Jingsong frowned as he looked at Wen Siyuan, somewhat resentful of the favoritism shown by the head of the administration.

He was probably not used to his current clothes, and his hands seemed a little unsure of what to do with them inside his sleeves.

Wen Zhengxin and Pei Ban couldn't help but nod in agreement: "They are all disciples of the Heavenly Academy, and such behavior is indeed a bit excessive."

Wen Siyuan swallowed hard and quickly explained, "You've misunderstood. Actually, Steward Qin and my other fellow disciples are all here. Look, they're all over there."

"?"

Cao Jingsong and the others looked in the direction Wen Siyuan was looking, and scanned the crowd. Just as Wen Siyuan had said, they found Qin Rong's figure.

The reason they hadn't found him earlier was because Manager Qin had changed out of the Heavenly Academy's immortal robes and was wearing a brown long gown with a mustache, making him look somewhat like a clerk from a government office.

Sensing the gazes directed at them, Steward Qin and some of the haphazardly dressed disciples of the Steward's Academy behind him couldn't help but look over. They exchanged a glance with Cao Jingsong, who was dressed like a wealthy old man, and then awkwardly looked away, as if they didn't know each other very well.

Ji You chuckled to himself, thinking to himself, "Great minds think alike."

Cao Jingsong then looked at Wen Zhengxin and the other two: "Let's find seats first."

Wen Zhengxin looked around and frowned slightly: "It seems there are no seats available."

The Cangwu Dojo had never been so packed. They arrived even later than Ji You, the contestant, so naturally they couldn't find seats.

Pei Ruyi suddenly looked at the viewing platform opposite and said, "Look, it's Kuang Cheng."

"?"

As far as the eye could see, Kuang Cheng and Wei Rui were walking along the circular platform, heading towards a small building located next to the Cangwu Dojo, and had already stepped onto the stairs.

Wei Rui walked at the front, looking somewhat excited. In just a few steps, she left Kuang Cheng far behind and disappeared into the buildings.

Ji You watched this scene, her eyes narrowing slightly.

Those who could watch the battle 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 were not supposed to be able to go up to this small building unless someone invited them in advance.

Ha, what a stubborn, arrogant brat.

Ji You turned to Cao Jingsong and said, "Kuang Cheng should have a seat available. You might as well join them."

Cao Jingsong and his three companions were also acquainted with Kuang Shusheng, knowing that he was an official of the Sixianjian (Immortal Administration Bureau). Since the conference itself was organized by the Sixianjian, it was not surprising that he had a seat on the second floor.

Without much thought, the four headed toward the small building where 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: "Instructor Cao, three immortal masters, it's been a long time."

Cao Jingsong looked up at him and said, "It has indeed been a long time. I asked Ji You the other day why you didn't come to watch the game. He said you were treated like a beast of burden, which is puzzling and I don't know what he meant."

"Brother Ji always makes these kinds of jokes. Is it because you all can't find your places?"

Ji You said there are seats available here.

When Kuang Cheng heard that Ji You had told them, he couldn't help but glance up, then nodded slightly: "There are indeed seats available..."

Unaware of his presence, Cao Jingsong and the others held onto the railing and walked uphill.

But once they turned the corner and reached the second floor, the four of them held their breath and stopped abruptly.

Because on the second floor sat a woman of unparalleled beauty, dressed in a red fairy robe embroidered with gold, who was turning her head to look at them.

The Junior Appraiser of Lingjian Mountain.

The four of them stared wide-eyed, momentarily at a loss for what to do.

Just then, the young appraiser looked thoughtful, and then stood up from his seat.

Cao Jingsong held his breath, thinking to himself that Ji You, that wicked disciple, was really good at scheming. He felt offended, but didn't know how to explain. Unexpectedly, the young appraiser opposite him suddenly stood up after thinking for a moment.

Wen Zhengxin, Pei Ruyi, and Ban Yangshu were already on edge, thinking that they would be met with a stern reprimand and driven off the small building at any moment.

After all, what they did was already considered an offense against the Holy Emperor, and the relationship between the Heavenly Academy and the Spirit Sword Mountain was not good.

Unexpectedly, the young appraiser of Lingjian Mountain simply stood up subconsciously without saying anything, as if he had only stood up because he felt he shouldn't continue sitting upright.

Cao Jingsong bowed slightly and said, "Cao Jingsong of the Heavenly Academy greets the Master of the Spirit Sword Mountain. We have mistakenly entered the wrong place. We will now take our leave."

"The temple is full, and it's not easy to find a seat. Since you're here, you're guests too. This place is big, so it's fine."

Yan Shuyi looked at Ding Yao and Zhuo Wanqiu: "Please take seats."

The two bowed and said, "Yes, Your Excellency."

Six chairs were brought over, two of which were for Wei Rui and Kuang Cheng, and were placed next to Yan Shuyi.

The other three chairs were placed behind Yan Shuyi, for Wen Zhengxin, Pei Ruyi, Ban Yangshu, and others.

As for where to put the last chair, Zhuo Wanqiu was unsure, so she turned to look at her appraiser.

Yan Shuyi pondered for a long time, then glanced slightly ahead, signaling Zhuo Wanqiu to place the chair in front of her.

The mainstream of Qingyun Tianxia is the inheritance of immortality, so respecting teachers and valuing the Dao is a very important tradition.

Cao Jingsong held his breath: "This fairy, I can actually sit in the back."

"The master has bestowed this seat upon us, and no one is allowed to choose it."

Zhuo Wanqiu whispered to Cao Jingsong, thinking to herself that the master was probably doing this to prevent her from being criticized after she got married.

So Cao Jingsong was invited to the front seat, and he was sweating profusely...

Wen Zhengxin, Pei Ruyi, and Ban Yangshu exchanged glances, feeling somewhat puzzled and bewildered by what they were seeing.

The Junior Master of Lingjian Mountain is a sect leader-level figure, rarely seen even by the disciples of Lingjian Mountain. Yet today he is sitting with them watching the competition, leaving them somewhat bewildered.

They felt they had underestimated Kuang Shusheng's connections, and they really hadn't expected the young appraiser of Lingjian Mountain to be so tolerant, generous, and approachable.

A little touched.

Cao Jingsong: I dare not move.

Just then, through the connecting corridor of the viewing platform, they saw Ji You, dressed in white and carrying a sword, stepping onto the round platform.

Ji You has caused quite a stir in Qingyun Tianxia over the past two years and has always had a reputation, but only now do many people present recognize his face and name.

To be honest, it was unprecedented for a rural cultivator to reach the arena of the Heavenly Dao Association, let alone make it to the second round.

Without the protection of his father's lineage and access to direct teachings, being able to compete against disciples of immortal sects is not considered shameful in the eyes of the public, even if he is defeated this time. In fact, it may even be seen as an honor.

After all, in their view, if they were to completely abandon the blessings bestowed upon them by their ancestors, they would not have the courage to face a disciple of a celestial sect like Chen Ruiyang.

Seemingly influenced by those around them, Qiu Hanyue and her sisters couldn't help but focus their minds and look at the man on the stage, sensing something unusual.

The feeling was as if I were watching a man with no background or privilege, who persevered and struggled step by step to get to where he is today.

Although the story of Qingyun Tianxia is about family background and lineage, it still evokes admiration.

Lu Xiong was listening to the surrounding discussions and couldn't help but nod slightly.

Otherwise, he wouldn't have had the idea of ​​marrying his daughter to Ji You.

The Lu family started with spirit stones, but there are no powerful figures in the family. Even he is only a Yingtian Realm cultivator.

Ultimately, it's because the Lu family has no access to high-level resources.

Therefore, Ji You, who has risen to his current position step by step through sheer personal strength, is the kind of person Lu Xiong values ​​in recruiting, not to mention the Snowfield Demon Stone and the vast Fengzhou.

His wife just didn't understand these things, which is why she was so picky about Ji You back then.

In Lu Xiong's view, no matter the outcome of this battle, his desire to marry his daughter off will not change.

However, neither Lu Xiong nor Qiu Hanyue understood why the people around them had rushed to watch the battle, and they were suspicious of their attitude.

Just then, the barrier above the circular platform began to slowly rise.

Ji You drew his sword and pointed it diagonally at the high platform, glancing down at the broadsword in the other person's hand.

He had watched Chen Shuo's battle yesterday and witnessed the techniques practiced by the Chen Clan Immortal Sect. He was very interested in Chen Ruiyang's upcoming sword strike.

At this moment, Chen Ruiyang also reached behind him with one hand and drew the broadsword from his waist with a clang. He stared at Ji You, waiting for the sound of the gong.

As fellow disciples of the Northern Immortal Sect, Chen Ruiyang knew Ji You's past and knew that victory today would not be easy, because based on what he had heard before, the combat strength of this rural private cultivator was indeed quite good.

Just then, the sound of gongs suddenly rang out from around the round platform.

The next instant, a powerful and domineering aura exploded out like a tidal wave. Everyone's gaze sharpened for a moment, but they were still a second too slow. Chen Ruiyang had already shot up like an arrow released from a bow. The instant his long sword was drawn, the sharp blade's momentum, accompanied by surging air currents, transformed into a gale that swept across the entire arena. "Buzz—"

With a deafening explosion, the air surge generated by the force of the energy was instantly cleaved through a narrow opening, and from within that opening, a chillingly bright blade of light roared up, its powerful aura instantly filling the entire area.

Amidst the raging air currents, Chen Ruiyang moved with the agility of an eagle, his longsword carrying immense force as he slashed towards Ji Youji.

Just as the disciples of Lingjian Mountain only use swords, the disciples of the Chen Clan only use knives.

Moreover, they were all of the same standard, thick iron knives that were wide and short like kitchen knives.

Although they do not emphasize the way of the sword as the foundation of their sect like Lingjian Mountain, the swords of the Chen Clan are indeed incredibly lethal.

At this moment, the incomparably sharp blade energy tore apart even the wind and waves it stirred up, emitting a sharp whistling sound, and in the blink of an eye, it had already approached Ji You's eyes.

Witnessing this scene, many people at the scene subconsciously squinted their eyes.

Among them, those cultivators who had successfully passed the second round and qualified for the third round showed a solemn expression in their eyes.

In their view, this strike was stunning in terms of speed, power, and momentum.

Amidst the howling wind, Ji You also moved suddenly, his long sword moving forward in a graceful arc as he lightly slashed at the deadly blade.

On the high platform, the nine people frowned slightly.

They discovered that Ji You's sword strikes were almost twice as weak as before.

The moment the swords clashed, sparks flew like meteors, and the surging energy crashed heavily against the surrounding blue barrier with a deafening clang.

At this moment, Chen Ruiyang's pupils contracted, and his wrist instantly twisted like a serpent, the blade slashing out diagonally.

The gleaming blade grazed the spine of Ji You's sword before slashing horizontally at lightning speed.

Seeing this, Ji You immediately stepped back, dodging the close-range slash. Then he saw Chen Ruiyang's aura suddenly surge, and his long sword was drawn amidst the howling wind, slashing down once again.

The barrier did not obstruct the view, so everyone could see everything inside the circular platform very clearly.

From the very beginning, their eyes were fixed on Chen Ruiyang.

In their perception, Chen Ruiyang's strike this time was much stronger than the previous one.

If the initial strike was like a crashing wave, then this strike is like a tsunami coming straight at you.

Sure enough...

Force does not arise from nothing.

Ji You opened his golden eyes, muttered something, and directly raised his sword to meet the attack head-on.

Then, with a clang, the sword was suddenly brought down in front of him.

The three-foot-long iron sword was instantly bent by the fierce blade energy, and the blade emitted a loud clanging sound, as if it was unable to withstand the attack.

Upon seeing this, all the disciples of the Chen Clan showed surprise, but their surprise was directed at Ji You.

"It's the Ten-Stage Slash of the Chen Clan."

What is the Ten-Stage Slash?

"The Chen Clan Immortal Sect has a sword-wielding technique where each strike must be stronger than the last, but the key to this technique lies in leveraging external forces."

"Leveraging resources?"

"Borrow the opponent's power and transform it into the opponent's blade."

On the upper floor of the small building, Yan Shuyi's eyes reflected the figure in white flowing robes. She spoke softly, her eyelashes trembling slightly.

The magic of the Chen Clan is not a particularly secretive one. The Ten-Segment Slash is a well-known magic in the Qingyun world, and someone of Yan Shuyi's status would naturally know about it.

However, the so-called "ten stages" does not mean only ten cuts, but rather that one can keep cutting continuously, with the sword momentum supposedly continuing until the very end, powerful enough to split the heavens.

However, this is just a legend, because it is said that the Chen Clan's record for consecutive strikes is only thirty so far. After all, the opponent is not dead, and a dead opponent cannot be used to gain any advantage.

The reason why the disciples of the Chen Clan were surprised was that Chen Ruiyang's second strike was so fierce, and its power came from Ji You's previous slash.

Swordsmen rarely use their strength to overpower others; it's usually the knife wielders who do so. Yan Hao is the only exception.

Even though he practices heavy swordsmanship, he still needs a heavier sword to match it.

At this moment, Cao Jingsong suddenly understood why Ji You's first strike was so effortless; it seemed he had already determined this while watching Chen Shuo and Wei Bo's battle.

The Heavenly Light Technique passed down in the Wei family is not an offensive technique, and the feedback force is very small. Chen Shuo cannot use the force to make a horizontal slash, so the Ten-Section Slash has very little room to be used.

Ji You said at the time that Chen Shuo was unable to fully unleash the power of his sword, and that was because of this.

Meanwhile, the audience members were also discussing among themselves, their mouths agape after understanding the mystery of the Ten-Stage Slash.

In fact, the Ten-Stage Slash sounds arrogant and domineering, but it is not without a solution. The Wei family's Heavenly Light Guidance and the Heavenly Academy's various techniques can put it in a dilemma.

But Ji You was a private cultivator in the countryside, and the entire Qingyun world knew that he had no inherited magical techniques.

His only reliance was the swordsmanship he had learned from Lingjian Mountain, and the swordsmanship, like the saber, was the most powerful offensive technique.

At this moment, everyone in the arena seemed to see Chen Ruiyang's sword strikes growing stronger and stronger, and Ji You's every counterattack making his next strike even stronger.

But whether one sheathes their sword or strikes in a fit of rage, the end result is nothing more than an iron blade piercing their body, blood splattering in the air.

Indeed, what everyone thought was correct. When the second clash of swords resounded like thunder, the moment Chen Ruiyang sheathed his sword and retreated, the power of the Xuan Tie broadsword in his hand surged once again.

At that moment, he slumped off his horse, gripped the hilt of his sword tightly with both hands, and raised it, the blade emitting a blazing white light.

With a loud shout, his blade swept down like a reversed Milky Way, carrying the power to destroy mountains. The powerful blade force caused ripples to spread across the surrounding barrier.

"No wonder Ji You was able to make it to the second round. Even offstage, I could feel that his swordsmanship was indeed formidable. It's no exaggeration to say that he could withstand a punch from the King of Soldiers in the Wilderness. But the more impressive that is, the higher Chen Ruiyang's chances of winning become."

"I don't think there's absolutely no chance for Ji You this season."

"Oh?"

“Lingjian Mountain has an extremely fast sword called Liu Sexin, but the blade coming from the opposite side can no longer be stopped. If he wants to use this sword, he must protect his body with all his spiritual energy and take the first blow alone to deflect the blade’s momentum.”

Those at the Tongxuan Realm who were watching the battle immediately put themselves in Ji You's shoes, pondering how to undo the sword.

In their view, Ji You still had a chance at this moment.

However, if the battle continues, by the time of the fourth strike, Chen Ruiyang's attack will no longer be within the range that a Transcendent Realm cultivator can withstand.

At this moment, the gleaming iron blade once again sliced ​​through the surging air before him, but Ji You did not, as everyone expected, use his swift sword to create an opportunity. Instead, he raised his hand and raised his sword to confront the blade.

Seeing this, everyone couldn't help but sigh.

Because he missed that opportunity, Chen Ruiyang's fourth strike would be difficult to withstand.

With a clang, another, even more powerful, slash followed. The figures on the circular platform crisscrossed and collided repeatedly amidst the swirling wind and waves.

Amidst the flashing blades, everyone silently counted in their minds, estimating at which blow Ji You would succumb.

When the sixth sharp metallic clang rang out, the air above the platform seemed to be cleaved away by half a body length in an instant.

Seeing this, the expressions of the spectators became increasingly solemn.

Chen Ruiyang's sixth strike was vastly different in power from his initial strike, but the fact that Ji You was able to withstand it meant that Chen Ruiyang's blade power had not yet reached Ji You's limit. However, in the eyes of everyone present, this was already close to their own limit.

What's even more puzzling is that Chen Ruiyang, whose strength was like splitting mountains, began to slow down, and his expression changed from murderous intent to some surprise and confusion.

"Bang!"

It was another clash of sparks, the sound of clashing weapons sharp and piercing.

In view, Chen Ruiyang on the high platform suddenly changed to holding a knife with both hands, the muscles in his arms bulging like a coiled dragon, with bulging veins.

Ji You turned his sword back, his eyes blazing with golden light as he stared at Chen Ruiyang. His heavy footsteps slammed onto the high platform with a "bang," and then he raised his sword to strike again, his posture like striking a wooden fish.

One sword, two swords, three swords...

A wave of intense heat, of unknown origin, gradually began to rise from the circular platform, while at the same time, a feeling of tightness on the scalp began to rise in everyone's hearts.

Chen Ruiyang, who should have been unstoppable with his hands gripping the knife, was now retreating continuously. However, he did not reduce his strength, because the veins on his arms were bulging more and more at a visible speed, and his blood and qi were surging like a tide.

Soaring into the air, the sword falls!
Ji You's arm muscles began to swell, like a fully drawn bowstring, ready to strike down in horror.

In an instant, the heavy force pressed down on the platform, causing it to tremble, and the sharp blade cut a suffocating vacuum in its wake.

At this moment, the boy who was once so perfectly suited to the sword was now like a ferocious beast with its fangs bared. The energy emanating from his body collided with the barrier and caused it to vibrate continuously. Even the supervisors standing on the sidelines couldn't help but stare in horror.

Sudden!
At this moment, Ji You's waist was tense, and the green sword in his hand rose into the sky.

A bright sword light swept down from within the barrier, and the previously surging airflow seemed to be subjected to intense compression, instantly exploding into a chaotic wave of air.

Chen Ruiyang's face contorted in rage, and with a furious roar, he drew his sword and resolutely clashed it against the Dao sword.

As the two forces clashed, the figure of this Chen family member suddenly shrank. When the storm subsided, everyone saw that his left leg was bent and his knee slammed hard onto the round platform. He was pushed several feet away by the force of the energy, leaving a bloody mark.

At the same time, the iron knife he was gripping tightly with both hands trembled violently, its bright white light dazzling to the eye.

Chen Ruiyang's sword techniques have never actually stopped, because a duel, like strength, is mutual.

For the two sides in the conflict, it can be seen as either you killing me or me killing you.

At this moment, in everyone's sight, the short and wide iron sword unleashed a power that made everyone's expression change drastically. Then, amidst a burst of bloody light, it flew out and crashed directly into the barrier with a loud bang.

The scene remained silent for a long time. When everyone's gaze returned to the iron knife that had flown out, they saw that Chen Ruiyang's tiger's mouth had been horribly split open, and blood was flowing from his mouth and nose.

Upon seeing this, the surrounding area fell silent.

Among them, the two twin disciples of the Chen Clan were watching this scene from the building opposite Yan Shuyi's observation tower.

They were holding teacups, having drunk from them not long ago. At this moment, their hands, which were holding teacups, froze in mid-air for a long time before they instinctively lowered them, but they couldn't place them on the table no matter how many times they tried.

There was also a duel taking place at the Lingxi Dojo next door, but at this moment, many people in the audience were looking in the direction of the Cangwu Dojo.

Because the sword energy just now was so powerful that it made their scalps tingle, after exchanging puzzled glances for a moment, some of them left the Lingxi Dojo and headed to the Cangwu Dojo.

The Chen clan of immortals uses knives, a fact they are well aware of.

At the same time, they also knew that Chen Ruiyang of the Chen Clan had a duel at the Cangwu Dojo today, so they were certain that the sword energy came from him.

On the way to the Cangwu Dojo, everyone couldn't help but sigh, thinking that Chen Ruiyang was even more terrifying than they had imagined, given the power of his sword aura.

However, as they approached the entrance to the Cangwu Dojo, they discovered a white-clad man with a sword standing on the high platform. His chest heaved, and a little sweat trickled down his arm.

As for Chen Ruiyang, whom they were talking about, he was kneeling on the ground, looking at them with blood flowing from his mouth and nose.

At this moment, the Lou family patriarch in the audience slowly stood up and then walked out of the Cangwu Dojo without saying a word.

After watching the whole thing, he could understand why his son suddenly withdrew from the competition.

Meanwhile, on the opposite small building, Cao Jingsong and the other three remained silent, but with perfect understanding, they took out their Heavenly Academy Immortal Robes from their storage gourds and put them on.

(End of this chapter)