Starting as pearl divers, they have endless jobs.

Chapter 171 The Blade, an Extremely Fast Blade!

As he finished speaking, the thirty finalists, who had been preparing for some time, walked onto the tall arena made of giant stones in the order they had drawn earlier.

The final selection rules were very simple, even somewhat arbitrary.

There were no battles or tests of specific skills; everyone simply went on stage to showcase their best abilities.

It could be martial arts, magic, or even auxiliary skills such as alchemy and talisman drawing.

Then, the elders of Tianjian Manor, the young master Jian Wuchen, and representatives from other sects and Qingzhou Prefecture, who were in the audience, jointly scored the performance.

The top ten scorers will become senior guest elders of Tianjian Manor or receive a well-paid outer sect position.

For the vast majority of independent cultivators present, this was undoubtedly an opportunity to rise to the top in one step.

Therefore, the first man to step onto the stage put in all his effort. He was a body-training martial artist who focused on physical training and was as burly as a bear.

He took a deep breath, his muscles bulged, and his skin glowed with a bronze luster.

"drink!"

With a loud shout, he slammed his fist hard onto the ground of the ring.

With a deafening roar, he smashed a fist-sized dent into the hard stone arena, leaving a spiderweb-like crack that spread outwards.

"it is good!"

A cheer erupted from the crowd below the stage.

It's important to know that the stones used to build the arena are not ordinary stones; they have been blessed with magical spells and are as hard as fine steel and meteorite iron.

Therefore, the power of this punch was extraordinary. If an ordinary cultivator at the Sea Condensation Realm were hit head-on, they would probably suffer broken bones and tendons.

Several elders in the audience nodded slightly and took notes.

However, Jian Wuchen, sitting in the main seat, didn't even lift his eyelids, continuing to sip his fragrant tea as if the performance on stage had nothing to do with him.

After demonstrating his strength, the martial artist unleashed a powerful and unparalleled set of punches, his imposing presence drawing continuous cheers from the audience.

The more energetically he performed, the more indifferent Jian Wuchen's expression became.

Even after his performance ended and he bowed and left the stage, Jian Wuchen didn't offer any evaluation, not even bothering to give him a proper look.

This left the burly man feeling somewhat disappointed, but there was nothing he could do about it.

After all, the other party is the young master of Tianjian Manor, the number one among the younger generation in Qingzhou, so it is only natural that he has a higher vision.

Next, one after another, the finalists stepped onto the stage.

They each displayed their unique skills, bringing out their most treasured abilities.

Someone displayed exquisite fire control techniques, conjuring a lifelike fire dragon out of thin air, which coiled and danced on the arena.

Some people took out a stack of talismans, chanted incantations, and summoned heavenly lightning, which struck out dazzling bolts of lightning in the center of the arena, creating a terrifying spectacle.

Another female cultivator played a jade flute. The melodious sound caused several potted plants at the edge of the arena to grow and bloom at a visible speed, filled with a strange life force.

These techniques seemed like divine intervention to ordinary people, drawing gasps of astonishment from the square and creating a palpable atmosphere.

The representatives of the minor sects and the officials of Qingzhou Prefecture in the audience also watched with great interest, nodding in approval from time to time.

"Not bad, not bad, the quality of this year's independent cultivators is very high."

"Yes, especially that one who manipulates lightning magic. He already has some real skill. With a little nurturing, he has a promising future."

"That female cultivator's musical skills are also quite unique. If used on the battlefield, they might have a miraculous effect."

They whispered among themselves, their eyes filled with admiration as they looked at the people on the stage.

Only Jian Wuchen remained as bored as ever.

He did find it rather boring. If it weren't for maintaining the reputation of Tianjian Manor as a stepping stone for cultivators across the land, he wouldn't have bothered wasting his time in this kind of setting.

In his eyes, no matter how hard these people try, their achievements are extremely limited and not worth his attention.

Time passed slowly, and soon more than twenty people had gone on stage to present.

Finally, Elder Zhao Xin's voice rang out again.

"Next up, number twenty-seven, Du Dao!"

Upon hearing this name, the previously noisy square instantly quieted down.

Under the watchful eyes of countless people, Chen Ye, carrying the long sword wrapped in rags, walked unhurriedly onto the arena.

He still looked sallow and haggard, with cloudy eyes.

But the moment he stood in the center of the ring, an invisible aura emanated from his thin body.

It was a chilling killing intent that had settled after countless life-or-death battles.

Although he tried his best to restrain himself, some people who were nearby still felt a strange chill, as if a knife was held to their necks.

The noise in the square unconsciously subsided.

Everyone held their breath and watched him silently.

Even Jian Wuchen, who had already closed his eyes to rest, seemed to sense something, and slowly opened his eyes, turning his gaze to the arena.

At this moment, Chen Ye did not rush to show off his power or magic like the others. He just stood quietly, like a lifeless sculpture.

Time passed by, and the square was eerily quiet.

The people below the stage looked at each other, wondering what this meant.

"Hey, what's this guy up to? Let's see what he's really made of!"

"Yeah, could it be that they bragged too much yesterday and now they don't know how to back down?"

"I think it's possible. Those people he beat yesterday might all have been shills he hired!"

As the wait continued, some impatient murmurs began to rise.

On the viewing platform, several elders frowned slightly.

Elder Zhao Xin was even more dissatisfied and couldn't help but remind him in a deep voice: "Du Dao, number twenty-seven, please begin your demonstration and don't waste everyone's time."

However, Chen Ye ignored his words.

He remained standing there, his half-closed eyes seemingly fixed on some unseen focal point.

"Hmph, what a charade." Jian Wuchen snorted coldly, the slight interest in his eyes quickly vanishing, replaced by a faint look of disgust.

He hates people who try to attract attention the most.

Just as he was about to order someone to kick this arrogant guy off the stage, Chen Ye finally made his move.

He slowly raised his hand and grasped the hilt of the knife wrapped in rags behind him.

The movement was slow and subtle, yet it instantly drew everyone's attention.

I'm about to draw my sword!
This thought flashed through the minds of countless people at the same time.

Everyone stared wide-eyed, afraid of missing a single detail.

They all wanted to see just how sharp this never-before-drawn sword really was.

Chen Ye's hand, gripping the hilt of the knife, paused for a moment before he did so amidst everyone's expectant gaze.

"Om-"

A clear, resonant sword rang out without warning; the sound was not loud, but its penetrating power was extremely strong.

Immediately afterwards, an indescribable flash of light streaked past everyone's eyes.

The blade flashed with incredible speed!

It moves so fast that people's eyes cannot capture its trajectory, and even their thoughts cannot keep up with its speed.

All that remained in everyone's mind was a dazzling white.

When they finally recovered from their brief blindness, Chen Ye was already standing in the same spot again.

The knife on his back was still wrapped in rags, as if it had never been moved.

The entire square fell into an eerie silence.

"What...what's going on?"

Did he draw his knife?

"I think I saw a light, and then I couldn't see anything anymore."

"Nothing happened? What is this guy doing?"

The crowd below the stage looked completely bewildered, having no idea what had just happened.

In their view, it was just a flash of light, and then nothing more.

Everything on the stage was intact, and the guy named Du Dao was still standing there in a daze, just like before.

"Silence!" Zhao Xin frowned and stopped the discussion below the stage, but even he himself was a little confused.

Just a moment ago, he did indeed sense an extremely sharp sword intent, but it was too fast, so fast that even he, an outer sect elder, couldn't see it clearly.

He was about to ask Chen Ye what he had done when he suddenly caught a glimpse of something on either side of the arena out of the corner of his eye.

Those were two pillars erected specifically to test strength.

Each of these two pillars is as thick as an adult's thigh and is made of refined steel, making them incredibly hard. Even when the body-tempering martial artist used all his strength, he could only leave a shallow fist mark on them.

But at this moment, these two steel pillars...

Zhao Xin's pupils suddenly contracted, and the elders beside him also noticed the abnormality at the same time, standing up as if they had seen a ghost.

Their actions immediately drew everyone's attention.

People followed their gaze and saw a slanted cut in the middle of the two steel pillars.

Immediately afterwards, the upper parts of the two pillars slid to one side at an extremely slow speed along the perfectly smooth cut.

Bang!

Bang!

The two sections of steel pillars fell to the ground with a dull thud. The cuts on the pillars were smooth as a mirror, even reflecting the sunlight.

What kind of sharp and fast knife must it be to produce such a terrifying effect?

The fact that a single, decisive strike severed two steel pillars simultaneously, and that the cut was so smooth, is truly astonishing.

"My God, is this...is this real?"

"Did he cut this?"

"How is this possible! I didn't even see him draw his sword!"

After a brief silence, the entire square erupted in chaos.

Even the well-informed representatives from various sects and officials from Qingzhou Prefecture in the audience were horrified, their eyes filled with shock and apprehension as they looked at Chen Ye.

This strike is beyond mere child's play; it's a true killing blow!
Even Elder Jian, who had remained calm and composed, was somewhat moved.

He muttered to himself, "Man and sword as one, intention preceding the sword, it seems this person's understanding of the way of the sword has reached a very profound level!"

The expression on Jian Wuchen's face, who was sitting in the main seat, was even more interesting.

For the first time, surprise appeared in his arrogant eyes.

With his sharp eyesight, he could see it very clearly.

In that instant, Chen Ye drew his sword, swung it, and sheathed it—the three actions were executed in one fluid motion.

But what's even more terrifying than the speed is the artistic conception contained within this strike.

Pure, sharp, and unstoppable.

It was as if everything in the world would be cleaved in two before this knife.

"Interesting." Jian Wuchen's lips curled up slightly, a hint of excitement and curiosity appearing in his eyes.

"Ahem." Zhao Xin coughed twice, and his gaze toward Chen Ye became much more complicated.

"Du Dao, is this all you've got for your demonstration?"

Chen Ye nodded slowly, "Yes!"

There was no excessive explanation, nor any boasting.

It was as if, to him, that last strike was nothing more than a casual act, not worth mentioning at all.

This nonchalant attitude only makes him seem more unfathomable.

Zhao Xin opened his mouth, wanting to ask something more, but swallowed the words back.

Because he saw that the young master of the manor, Jian Wuchen, who was in the main seat, had already stood up.

All eyes immediately focused on Jian Wuchen.

Jian Wuchen walked slowly to the front of the audience seats, his gaze fixed intently on Chen Ye on the arena, and said loudly, "Your swordsmanship is quite good. What's your name?"

His voice wasn't loud, but it carried an undeniable authority and clearly resonated throughout the entire venue.

Chen Ye raised his head and said calmly, "Nameless."

"Nameless?" Jian Wuchen raised an eyebrow. "So, Nameless! Then who is your master?"

This is a question that everyone present wants to know.

The person who could train such a terrifying swordsman must not be an unknown figure.

However, Chen Ye's answer once again surprised everyone.

"Unaffiliated with any sect or school, a mere rogue cultivator."

He paused, then added, "It was all something I figured out by groping around in the face of life and death."

As soon as this statement came out, the whole place was in an uproar.

"What? A rogue cultivator?"

"What a joke! A rogue cultivator could develop such terrifying swordsmanship? You're kidding me!"

"Randomly groping around... If this is considered haphazardly groping around, then what about those of us who have studied under masters and cultivated diligently for over a decade?"

Discussions arose, and almost no one believed Chen Ye's words.

In their view, this was simply impossible.

It is important to know that on the path of spiritual practice, wealth, companions, Dharma, and environment are all indispensable.

How could a rogue cultivator without any sect or school, without a master to guide him, and without abundant resources, possibly reach such a profound level?
This is simply a fantasy!

However, Jian Wuchen's smile deepened upon hearing this answer.

Instead of doubting him, he nodded in satisfaction.

"Excellent! What a remarkable feat of being unaffiliated with any sect or faction, and what a remarkable self-enlightenment amidst life and death!"

Appreciation gleamed in Jian Wuchen's eyes.

In his view, this is true genius!
Without relying on a master or any lineage, he forged his own path through trials of blood and fire.

Such a person possesses a tenacity of character and a profound understanding that far surpasses that of those hothouse flowers.

In comparison, those guys who showed off their magic and talismans were like fireflies, how could they possibly compete with the bright moon?

"There's no need for further competition." Jian Wuchen suddenly waved his hand, then announced in an unquestionable tone, "The first place winner of this Ascension Ceremony is him!"

As he spoke, he pointed to Chen Ye on the ring.

As soon as this statement came out, the whole place was in an uproar.

The three rogue cultivators waiting to go on stage to demonstrate were especially bewildered.

Is this the end?
But we haven't even gone on stage yet!
Despite their deep dissatisfaction, no one dared to stand up and voice their objections.

At the same time, Jian Wuchen looked at Chen Ye with a condescending and condescending expression on his face.

"Du Dao, although you come from a humble background, you are exceptionally talented and a rare gem! I, the young master of the manor, cherish talent, and today I will make an exception and bestow upon you the position of outer sect steward of Tianjian Manor. I hope you will serve the manor well in the future and not disappoint my expectations."

The position of outer sect steward is one level higher than that of high-ranking guest elder, and its status even surpasses that of inner sect disciples. Moreover, they receive a generous monthly salary and cultivation resources!
Therefore, upon hearing this condition, many people were green with envy.

Faced with this condition, Chen Ye's face remained expressionless.

He bowed slightly and said in a hoarse voice, "Thank you, Young Master."

There was neither excitement nor flattery; it was as calm as if he were talking about a trivial matter.

His calm and composed attitude only made Jian Wuchen admire him even more.

"Hmm." Jian Wuchen nodded in satisfaction, then took out a pure white jade tablet with a sword-shaped mark from his storage ring.

"Come forward and take your deacon token."

He stood at the edge of the viewing platform and waved to Chen Ye, his posture casual, as if he were summoning his servant.

Chen Ye's heart stirred, but he did not show any abnormality on the surface. He simply followed the instructions and walked towards the viewing platform.

The distance from the arena to the viewing platform was only a few dozen steps, and Chen Ye walked with unusual calmness.

His heartbeat did not quicken, his breathing remained steady, and even his eyes showed no fluctuation whatsoever.

Years of life-and-death experiences have taught him how to hide all his emotions deep inside.

He remained especially calm during crucial moments.

In the square, tens of thousands of eyes followed his figure.

Most people's eyes were filled with envy.

In their view, since this guy named Du Dao has been chosen by the young master, he will rise to prominence and say goodbye to the precarious life of a rogue cultivator.

However, in a corner of the crowd, a gaze was filled with doubt.

It was Yun Heqing.

He couldn't resist coming to watch the excitement today, but he stood far away, huddled behind the crowd, afraid of getting caught up in any trouble.

From the moment Chen Ye took office, Yun Heqing felt that Du Dao was acting strangely.

It wasn't that the strike was particularly shocking, but rather that the person's physique, posture, and even some unintentional small movements gave him a strange sense of familiarity.

How should I put it? It's just like an old friend.

While everyone was lost in their own thoughts, Chen Ye had already arrived in front of the viewing platform.

He raised his head and looked up at Jian Wuchen standing on the stage.

At this point, the distance between the two was less than three zhang.

This distance might be a bit far for ordinary people, but for a top-tier swordsman like Chen Ye, it was already within his attack range.

Chen Ye could even clearly see the arrogance on Jian Wuchen's face, as well as the fleeting contempt in the depths of his eyes.

Yes, contempt.

Even though Chen Ye displayed astonishing strength, in Jian Wuchen's eyes he was still just a tool worth recruiting.

Chen Ye sneered inwardly, but his face remained respectful and indifferent as he walked up the steps one by one.

Upon arriving on the stage, Jian Wuchen handed over the jade tablet that represented his status as an outer sect steward.

Chen Ye slowly reached out his hand, preparing to take the white jade token.

His movements were slow, and his eyes remained cloudy, revealing no hint of murderous intent.

Jian Wuchen wore a faint, almost condescending smile.

Everything seemed so harmonious.

However, just as Chen Ye's finger was about to touch the token...

A sudden change occurred!

(End of this chapter)