Chapter 32: Adding a Rule

The battle between Linglong Residence and Wuchan Monastery was truly a spectacle, especially when that woman, abandoning all decorum, fought like a wild shrew, grabbing at her opponent’s robes with astonishing ferocity. The men in the crowd, watching the fight, suddenly felt a chill sweep across their nether regions, as if they could empathize with the pain of the Wuchan monk.

“Linglong Residence, victory!”

“Next match: Great Zhou Dynasty versus the North Sea Sword Sect.”

Luo Yuanhuang, with pride radiating from his face, announced to those gathered, certain that everyone would bear witness to the strength of Great Zhou in this next bout.

“From Great Zhou, Bai Yijian!”

“From the North Sea Sword Sect, the Sword Maniac!”

The two introduced themselves. Bai Yijian’s name seemed plain and unimpressive—even those from Great Zhou didn’t seem to have much hope for him, save for a noblewoman who cheered him on with wild enthusiasm.

But at the mention of the Sword Maniac, a wave of shock swept through the crowd, especially among those familiar with his reputation.

“The Sword Maniac from the North Sea Sword Sect? The one who, in the late Qi Cultivation stage, defeated that monstrous prodigy at the mid Breach Qi stage?!”

“Who else would dare call himself the Sword Maniac?”

“Great Zhou is doomed...”

None believed in the child from Great Zhou. They all overlooked the fact that this youth was only seven or eight, perhaps turning nine this year. For someone to reach the Qi Cultivation stage at nine was rare even in Great Zhou, and the other four realms were little different. Yet, no one cared for such details.

All were too focused on the terrifying prowess of the Sword Maniac, dismissing Bai Yijian’s presence and ignoring his innate talent.

“You should step down; I don’t fight with children,” the Sword Maniac said, full of self-importance.

Bai Yijian couldn’t help but smile at his posturing, casting a sidelong glance at the dozing youth in the unremarkable corner of the arena. When it came to acting superior, you’re leagues behind him, he thought.

Without further words, Bai Yijian drew the sword given to him by Ye Jiuyao. With calm ease, the sword in his hand rang with a clear, resonant note.

The Sword Maniac’s expression shifted when he saw Bai Yijian wielding the long sword—almost as tall as he was. It was a mark of respect from one swordsman to another.

"Since we are both swordsmen, let us determine the victor through a swordsman’s duel," the Sword Maniac said, his gaze burning with intensity and respect, which Bai Yijian met with equal gravity.

“Respect must be met with respect,” was what Ye Jiuyao had taught him. So, upon seeing the Sword Maniac’s earnestness, Bai Yijian’s demeanor grew solemn.

“Very well, let’s begin.”

They nodded to each other. In a flash, a long sword appeared in the Sword Maniac’s hand as well; clearly, he too possessed a spatial storage ring.

Bai Yijian’s internal energy surged, light flickering along his sword, countless sword shadows manifesting behind him, making him appear as a divine figure.

The Sword Maniac was no slouch either; as his sword rang out, a golden-winged roc materialized—a sword spirit. The golden bird let out a piercing cry.

“Fight!”

Both shouted, darting forward in an instant. Their blades clashed with a ringing note.

Neither summoned the visions or phantasms behind them—they crossed swords alone, seeking to test each other’s true strength.

The metallic clang echoed sharply; yet even as the match began, anticipation rose among the onlookers.

For Bai Yijian’s sword aura grew with each strike, while the Sword Maniac unleashed an even more formidable presence, instantly suppressing Bai Yijian.

Brilliant light burst forth from Bai Yijian’s blade—this was the sole sword technique derived from the method imparted by Ye Jiuyao. Just one move.

One move to echo through the ages.

“Sever the Sword!”

“So it comes—but what a pity...”

“Surging Wave Sword!”

Bai Yijian shouted, his sword erupting with boundless radiance, a rainbow of white light pouring forth, cleaving straight for the Sword Maniac.

The Sword Maniac merely smiled, unfazed, and executed the most common technique of the North Sea Sword Sect. Yet, in his hands, the sword form was perfected.

In a heartbeat, sword light and sword aura collided explosively.

A boom resounded. Dust billowed into the air, obscuring the vision of all present.

“That brat from Great Zhou is finished...”

“Exactly, exactly...”

“The Sword Maniac was renowned from youth; who knows where that little punk even came from.”

“You all can’t stand to see my son excel, can you?” the noblewoman—arms akimbo like a hen defending her chick—shouted at those around her, pride written all over her face. “Let me tell you, my boy was personally instructed by the Emperor!”

Soon, coughing could be heard from within the cloud of dust.

The sound brought mixed reactions among the North Sea Sword Sect—some faces darkened, others were quietly glad.

“Hahaha! I knew my son wouldn’t lose!” The noblewoman burst into laughter at the familiar voice—no one knew a son better than his mother.

Meanwhile, Ye Jiuyao, roused from his nap in the corner, opened his sleepy eyes, yawned, and muttered, “Yuanhuang, hurry and finish the matches—I want to go home and sleep... So tired...” His words left the Great Zhou contingent speechless, while the other four realms sneered, even the people of the Yellow Springs Hall looking on with disdain.

“Ye Jiuyao, how dare you show such disrespect at the grand tournament!” The first to rebuke him was not from Yellow Springs Hall, but a swordsman from the North Sea Sword Sect. Ye Jiuyao opened his eyes a little wider and glanced over.

“A shifty-eyed little rat, an insult to the sword,” he remarked, not mincing words.

“You—!”

“One sword, one victory. Next match, I’ll take the field. After all, I’m also from Great Zhou. As hosts, let’s make things more interesting this year.” At his declaration, shock rippled through the crowd—never before had the rules been changed mid-tournament; this was a first.

“Very well.”

From within the dust, Bai Yijian’s voice sounded. Before the words faded, a streak of white light flashed, and a wave of dazzling sword energy slashed forward.

“I concede...”

Before the white energy reached its mark, another voice emerged from the dust.

“The Sword Maniac... concedes?”

Astonishment spread through the crowd. The one believed to be able to utterly crush Bai Yijian had actually admitted defeat to a single strike.

As people tried to process what had happened, Ye Jiuyao’s lazy voice cut through the confusion.

“Add a Fusion Qi stage participant—do any of the realm lords object?”

Everyone looked at Ye Jiuyao as if he were mad, derision in their eyes—as though he were speaking to thin air.

“No objection!”

“I have no issue either...”

One after another, five voices responded, leaving the crowd stunned—including the representatives of the other four realms.