Martial Arts to Supremacy

Chapter 27 Su Muqing vs. Wen Hanqiu

All eyes in the Xuantian Sect have been turned to the Lingxiao Martial Arts Arena, which was specially built for the direct disciples of the seven main peaks.

This arena is a hundred times more magnificent than the bluestone platforms of the inner and outer sects. It is entirely forged from deep-sea mystic crystals, and its array patterns are as intricate as a dense galaxy. It is a top-level defensive array that the sect has laid down over a thousand years.

It is strong enough to withstand the full force of attacks from peak Transformation Realm experts, or even half-step Profound Realm experts. The platform is also engraved with indestructible spirit-gathering and soul-protecting runes, so even if the aftershocks leak out, they will not harm the spectators below the stage.

The personal training competition is the true pinnacle of the Xuantian Sect.

Unlike the rigorous selection process of the inner and outer sect competitions, this main peak showdown only involves the direct disciples of the four main peaks.

Danxia Peak specializes in alchemy, Lingding Peak focuses on weapon crafting, and Cangmu Peak cultivates herbal and spiritual plants. The disciples of the three peaks are all focused on assisting, comprehending the Dao, and tempering themselves, and are not good at fighting or clashing. Following the sect's old traditions, they did not participate in the main peak's personal training competition.

The disciples of the four peaks, Xinghe Peak, Wanjian Peak, Leiting Peak, and Xiaozhu Peak, who all cultivate martial arts of killing and practice supreme supernatural powers, are the protagonists of this ultimate showdown.

Those newly promoted disciples from the inner sect to the peaks, such as Jam Hsiao who joined Thunder Peak after winning the championship, although their cultivation had reached the Transformation Realm, they needed to stay in their respective peaks to consolidate their realm and familiarize themselves with the main peak's inherited techniques, and therefore did not qualify for the competition.

They squeezed into the spectator stands with the inner and outer disciples, holding their breath and focusing on witnessing the true brilliance of the sect's top geniuses.

The area around the Lingxiao martial arts arena was already completely surrounded by people.

The outer disciples stood on tiptoe to look, their eyes filled with awe and longing, while the inner disciples held their breath, not daring to make the slightest noise, for fear of disturbing the main peak's prodigy on the platform.

Even the outer sect deacons and inner sect elders sat solemnly on the high platform.

Everyone knows that those who can stand on this Lingxiao Platform are all the most outstanding disciples of their respective peaks, and some have even reached the peak of the Transformation Realm, only one step away from the legendary Profound Realm.

Their battle had long transcended the realm of ordinary spiritual energy clashes; every move contained profound Dao principles, making it a hundred times more dangerous than the inner sect competition.

On the high platform, the sect leader and the peak masters sat side by side, their gazes sweeping calmly over the arena. Only occasionally did their eyes flicker, revealing a hint of expectation for the younger disciples.

The seats at Xiaozhu Peak were deserted, with only Nangong Wan standing quietly in a plain blue dress, her figure immaculate, her gaze lightly fixed on the slender figure in the corner of the arena, none other than Li An, who had been watching the game in a low-key manner.

Su Qingyue also ended her seclusion and sat down next to Nangong Wanxia.

Ang Lee remained standing on the outermost edge of the crowd, his aura as faint as air, so that no one would notice him unless they were deliberately looking for him.

But his gaze was sharper than anyone else's. From the outer sect competition to the current personal disciple duel, he had never missed a single match. He had memorized every move, every movement of spiritual energy, and every flaw in the use of Dharma forms for offense and defense.

Not far away, Xiao Jingteng, who had just entered Thunder Peak, stood tall and straight with a cold face. Even though he was just watching the game, he was surrounded by the powerful aura of the Transformation Realm, which attracted the attention of the surrounding disciples.

He gazed at the towering arena, his eyes blazing with fierce fighting spirit. His invincible performance in the inner sect competition had made him believe in his exceptional talent, but only after witnessing the grandeur and aura of the main peak's personal disciple did he realize that there are always higher levels to reach.

"It's finally starting."

Someone murmured something, and the entire hall fell silent instantly, all eyes fixed on the center of the Lingxiao Platform.

Two figures had already stepped into the air and landed in the center of the arena.

The woman on the left, dressed in a light purple star-patterned long dress unique to Xinghe Peak, had a slender figure and a beautiful and gentle face. She was surrounded by tiny starlight and her every move carried an ethereal and graceful charm. She was Su Muqing, a direct disciple of Xinghe Peak.

Star River Peak primarily cultivates the Great Dao of Star Arrays, while also cultivating Star Essence Spiritual Power. Its disciples are not skilled in direct attacks, but are proficient in array formations and restrictions, as well as in tracking, trapping, and killing. Their mastery of Star Array techniques is unparalleled, making them impossible to defend against. It is the most feared auxiliary and main peak for combat and killing within the Xuan Tian Sect.

The woman on the right, dressed in a silver-white sword robe, had a valiant and sharp figure. Her eyes and brows were filled with sharp sword energy, and her spiritual aura was fierce. Even before she made a move, the air was filled with the sound of swords. She was Wen Hanqiu, a disciple of Wanjian Peak.

Wanjian Peak is a place where people cultivate the Dao through the sword. Everyone on the peak practices the Dao of the sword, and each disciple possesses unparalleled sword skills, making them invincible. They have always been proud of their unmatched swordsmanship.

The clash between star formations and swordsmanship, between restraint and brute force, instantly ignited the passion of everyone present.

"It's Senior Sister Su Muqing from Star River Peak! I heard she's already reached the mid-stage of the Transformation Realm, and her Star Array Techniques are deeply rooted in the Peak Master's teachings. Even the elders praise her as a genius in array formations!"

"Senior Sister Wen Hanqiu is terrifying too! A sword genius of this generation at Wanjian Peak, she has mastered the Flowing Cloud Nine Styles sword technique to perfection. With her early-stage Transformation Realm cultivation, she fights purely with swordsmanship, and very few can withstand her!"

"This is going to be interesting! Will Wan Jian's swords be faster, or will Xing He's formation be stronger?"

The murmurs below the stage were extremely low, everyone was staring intently at the competition, even their breathing was barely audible.

On the high platform, the peak master of Wanjian Peak raised his eyebrows slightly, his expression indifferent; while the peak master of Xinghe Peak closed his eyes to rest, a hint of certainty hidden in his eyes.

"The contest begins!"

The elder in charge of enforcement uttered a cold, commanding order. Before the words had even finished, two figures moved simultaneously on the arena! Summoning their Dharma forms, a nine-petaled lotus flower and a flowing cloud sword appeared at the same time.

Wen Hanqiu took the initiative and acted decisively.

"Clang!"

The longsword was drawn, its sound echoing through the sky. A dazzling silver sword light shot straight into the heavens, and the sharp sword energy instantly swept across the entire Lingxiao Platform. The abundant spiritual energy of the early stage of the Transformation Realm was unleashed without reservation.

Her footwork was nimble, her figure transforming into a silver rainbow. Holding a long sword, she thrust it straight at Su Muqing's face. Her swordsmanship was as fast as lightning, each move aimed at vital points. It was the supreme swordsmanship, the Nine Forms of Flowing Clouds, created by the peak master of Wanjian Peak under his guidance.

The sword wind howled, unstoppable. The disciples below the stage only saw a blur before they could no longer see Wen Hanqiu's figure. Only countless sword shadows covered the sky, as if they were about to tear the entire arena apart.

Despite the overwhelming attack, Su Muqing remained completely calm.

Her beautiful face remained calm and serene. With a gentle wave of her jade-like hand, the nine-petaled lotus dharma image radiated light, and the tiny starlight surrounding her suddenly surged. Her hands moved swiftly, forming hand seals, and she softly chanted a Chinese incantation: "Stars scattered like chess pieces, trapping heaven and earth!"

In an instant, countless pale silver array patterns spread rapidly from beneath her feet, covering the entire arena like a spider web. In the void, specks of starlight converged, transforming into invisible barriers of star power that stood in front of her.

"clang!"

The longsword slashed fiercely at the starlight barrier, producing a deafening metallic clang. The violent sword energy exploded in all directions, but it could not break through the seemingly thin starlight barrier.

Su Muqing remained still, steadily forming hand seals. The power of the star array continued to rise. She did not engage in direct combat with Wen Hanqiu, but instead used the array to move and defend. No matter how fierce the opponent's swordsmanship was, it was easily neutralized by the star array.

For a moment, the arena was ablaze with the glint of swords and the brilliance of stars.

Wen Hanqiu's swordsmanship is swift and ruthless, each move deadly, and every sword strike contains the power to split mountains and shatter rocks; Su Muqing's star formation is agile and ethereal, watertight, and steady as Mount Tai, advancing step by step.

The two exchanged blows for dozens of rounds, ending in a draw with neither gaining the upper hand.

The audience below was thrilled. This level of duel was far more exquisite and dangerous than the battles in the inner sect competition. A slight mistake could result in serious injury.

Jam Hsiao clenched his fists, his eyes filled with shock.

He thought his Transformation Realm cultivation was already top-notch, but after witnessing the battle between his two senior sisters, he realized how rudimentary his combat skills were.

Whether it's Wen Hanqiu's swordsmanship or Su Muqing's mastery of formations, they are far beyond his reach.

Li An stared intently at the star array patterns on the field, his fingertips unconsciously twirling as he rapidly deduced the array's trajectory and weaknesses in his mind.

He silently memorized the ultimate array principles of Star River Peak. He wondered how he himself would break the array if he were in their shoes.

Just when everyone thought the duel would turn into a long and arduous battle, the situation on the field suddenly changed!

Wen Hanqiu grew increasingly alarmed as the fight progressed, and her expression gradually darkened.

Every sword strike she wielded was powerful and heavy, aimed directly at Su Muqing, but no matter how hard she attacked, she could never truly touch her opponent.

Instead, he gradually felt that the surrounding air was becoming more and more stagnant, and the starlight around him was becoming more and more concentrated. His movement speed and even the circulation of spiritual energy were being suppressed without him realizing it!

"wrong!"

Wen Hanqiu's heart jolted, and she abruptly stopped, holding her long sword across her chest and warily looking around.

Upon seeing this, she felt a chill run down her spine.

Unbeknownst to her, she was already enveloped by countless intricate star array patterns. In the void, starlight intertwined to form a huge cage, trapping her firmly in the center. All around her, in all directions, there were airtight star power restrictions!