Chapter 240
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Chapter 240: Sparring
The trials for the adult group and youth group weren’t held together, beginning first with the youth group.
Sixteen massive platforms abruptly materialized across the vast square—each three zhang tall and roughly ten zhang wide, their surfaces shimmering with gentle radiance.
An elderly man with salt-and-pepper hair appeared midair, supporting himself with a crude wooden cane.
"Young fellows, these trials require restraint. Save the killing for when you qualify for the sect competition." His playful tone held no severity.
The disciples immediately grasped his meaning, bursting into laughter.
"Enough waiting—ascend the platforms." The elder turned slightly. "Trial Hall youngsters, take charge now."
A teal blur streaked past as a middle-aged man bowed deeply. "Elder Tai flatters us. Your presence alone honors this youth group trial."
Elder Tai?
Silence gripped the crowd before a wave of murmurs swept through.
This was the sole Grand Elder of Shadowless Peak—a Heavenly Sword Sect true inheritor who’d reached the foundation establishment stage fifty years prior. Though technically subordinate to current Peak Master Su Hao, he’d advised two previous leaders, making him senior to all. Few disciples had glimpsed this living legend until today.
"Salutations to Elder Tai!"
Hundreds bowed as one, their unified voices echoing.
Disciples who’d spent years in the inner sect held particular reverence for him. For five decades, he’d guarded Shadowless Peak like family home, treating all disciples as kin. During inter-peak conflicts, he’d shielded Shadowless Peak from oppression—especially when Su Hao first became Peak Master. Without his steadfast support, Shadowless Peak wouldn’t maintain its current standing.
"Enough formalities." Elder Tai waved dismissively, descending invisible stairs. "Remember—Shadowless disciples are siblings. Spar gently here. But during sect competition…" His eyes twinkled. "…show no mercy to outsiders."
As his figure vanished into the Trial Hall, eager energy replaced the disciples’ awed silence.
"I’ll start!" Duan Chenfeng vaulted onto a platform, roaring: "Third group! Come meet your doom!"
The crowd gaped. Elder Tai’s speech about harmony still hung in the air.
"Force of habit!" Duan Chenfeng chuckled, rubbing his nose under dozens of murderous glares.
"Face me!" A white-clad disciple landed opposite him, eyes blazing.
"Fifth level of Qi refining stage?" Duan Chenfeng smirked. "Decent cultivation. Still no match."
"You’re same-level trash!" The disciple spat. "Name yourself! I’ll teach you humility!"
"Wise words." Duan Chenfeng’s eyebrow arched. "I’m Duan Chenfeng. Remember it after losing."
The white-clad disciple snarled. Light erupted from his palm, coalescing into a gleaming sword that slashed through the air.
The power contained within this sword strike was extraordinary. If Ye Yun hadn’t advanced to the second stage of Qi refining, taking this strike head-on would have injured him.
Yet Duan Chenfeng remained relaxed, squinting with hands clasped behind his back. Only when the light sword reached his chest did his right hand dart forward to flick it.
*Clang!*
A crisp metallic clang rang out.
The light sword shattered instantly, dissolving into fragments of light and shadow before vanishing completely.
Duan Chenfeng chuckled. "Decent attempt. But as I said, you’re no match for me. Step down—I’d hate to hurt you."
The white-clad disciple Ling Xuan roared, "If I don’t slay you today, I’ll take my own life!"
Duan Chenfeng blinked. "Brother, don’t be so impulsive. The Grand Elder just urged us to fight with camaraderie, not bloodlust. Are you disrespecting his words?"
Ling Xuan froze momentarily before suddenly drawing twin sabers glowing with bloody light. The platform became shrouded in crimson haze.
"Blood Shadow Frenzied Blades!"
A storm of blood-colored phantoms blotted the sky, forcing spectators to avert their eyes. Within the bloody mist, the twin sabers stabbed toward Duan Chenfeng’s chest like twin bolts of lightning.
Duan Chenfeng’s brow twitched, annoyance flashing across his face. This fool actually meant to kill him.
No techniques. Just a punch.
Duan Chenfeng’s fist shattered the blood light, sent the sabers flying, and continued unimpeded into Ling Xuan’s chest.
Ling Xuan felt immense power hurl him backward. His true qi refused to respond as he plummeted off the platform. He tried twisting midair but crashed back-first into the ground. Staggering upright, he looked utterly disheveled.
"You…" Ling Xuan pointed shakily at Duan Chenfeng. That punch should have crushed his organs or killed him outright. Yet his true qi flowed smoothly—no injuries at all.
Instantly, Ling Xuan understood. The gap between them was insurmountable.
Drawing a deep breath, Ling Xuan bowed stiffly. "Thank you for your mercy. I won’t forget this." He turned and fled without looking back.
Ling Xuan now clearly saw his own limits. With monsters like Duan Chenfeng and Ye Yun present, the top two spots were beyond reach.
"Ha! At least he’s self-aware." Duan Chenfeng watched Ling Xuan leave with grudging approval before shouting, "Next challenger! Come taste defeat—I mean, come spar!"
The third group disciples exchanged glances. None moved. Their eyes instead settled on Ye Yun—the one who’d crushed Ming Siyu and matched Murong Wuhen. With these two monsters present, competing was hopeless.
Ye Yun smiled and materialized on the platform. "Senior Brother Duan, they seem reluctant. Shall I fill the role?"
Duan Chenfeng’s grin soured. "Why ruin my fun? Let me savor this a moment longer!"
"Your cultivation has soared," Ye Yun pressed. "Show me your full power. Hold nothing back."
Duan Chenfeng frowned. "You truly want this?"
Ye Yun nodded, lips barely moving. "I’ve sealed half my strength. Let’s see if it suffices."
The whisper reached only Duan Chenfeng, whose eye twitched. *"Half?! You mock me!"*
Through mental transmission, Ye Yun replied, *"This sect competition hides dangers. I must conceal my true power. Take first place here."*
Understanding dawned on Duan Chenfeng. "Fine! Let me educate you!" he barked with forced laughter. Before the sound faded, he became a blur—fist rocketing toward Ye Yun’s face.
Ye Yun had anticipated this. Hands tracing a glowing arc, he caught the punch.
Duan Chenfeng had used full force—enough to kill Ling Xuan instantly. Yet against Ye Yun’s defense, it dissipated like a stone sinking into mud.
Retreating, Duan Chenfeng gaped. This was his strongest unarmed strike! And Ye Yun claimed to be using half strength? What monstrous growth!
Ye Yun frowned. Even restrained, he’d felt no pressure. He needed opponents at the pinnacle of Qi refining—or even Foundation Establishment—to test his limits.
"Thank you for holding back, Senior Brother. I yield." With a smile, Ye Yun leapt down.
The crowd erupted in bewildered murmurs.
