Chapter 48

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Chapter 48: Enlightenment

The teal sword arc radiated immense power. Even glancing at it made one feel its unstoppable force.

"Wave Slash Triple Strike, second move!"

Qu Yiping lifted his arm slightly. The Bi You Qing Shui Sword shot forward like a teal comet aimed at Ye Yun’s face.

No flashy tricks remained—no mist, no illusions. Only a sword gleaming with deadly light.

Yet this strike held several times more power than the first. If Ye Yun had shattered the initial attack easily, now he felt zero confidence to block what came next.

"A Celestial Technique… This is the might of a spiritual weapon driven by such a technique?" Ye Yun’s eyelids twitched as the blade neared. Despite his shock, he reacted instantly.

He raised the Obsidian Sword horizontally. Spiritual power surged from his core into the blade.

Darkness swallowed him—a trembling shadow within an ink-black shroud.

Having never learned Celestial Techniques, Ye Yun chose the simplest counter: pour every drop of spiritual power into his sword and meet force with force.

Clang-clang-clang!

Metal screeched like firecrackers exploding.

The Obsidian Sword and Bi You Qing Shui Sword collided hundreds of times in a breath. Spiritual energy erupted with each clash. Had they been at the pinnacle of the Qi refining stage, the shockwaves might’ve torn the air itself.

Yet again—a deadlock.

Qu Yiping gaped from several zhang away. His Wave Slash’s second move blocked? Impossible! Ye Yun wielded only a low-grade spiritual weapon and raw spiritual power—no Celestial Techniques!

Spectators below fell silent. Only seasoned yellow-robed outer disciples whispered:

"Did you see? Qu Yiping’s strike could’ve leveled a hill!"

"Newbies always show promise, but how many actually rise? Remember Jun Ruolan? She leaped hundreds of zhang unaided during her Hall of Refining Heart trial!"

"Or Murong Wuhen, who even Elder Lan respects! Where’s he from?"

"Focus! Qu Yiping’s third strike will be catastrophic. Ninth-tier Celestial Technique… I labored three years for one!" Brother Zhu glared jealously.

At Tian Zhu Peak, unrecognized outer disciples scraped for training resources. Earning Zang Wu Pavilion access required endless missions. Veterans like Zhu and fatty Junior Qian could barely afford basics, let alone proper techniques.

Elder Lan watched from the arena’s edge, lips curling in pleased surprise.

"Ye Yun… I underestimated you." Qu Yiping caressed his sword’s blade, voice icy calm. The Celestial Technique’s influence steadied his rage.

Goosebumps prickled Ye Yun’s skin. He sensed he was reaching his limit—the next strike might kill him.

Frustration boiled in his chest… then vanished. His head snapped up, eyes widening.

Suddenly, he stood in a realm of murderous intent. Golden-armored warriors streaked across skies, their killing aura solidifying. Mountains crumbled to dust under their gaze. Rivers evaporated, leaving cracked beds.

Just in an instant of light and shadow, Ye Yun suddenly gained faint insight.

"Come."

He leveled the Obsidian Sword before him, pointing at Qu Yiping, his eyes abruptly filling with renewed confidence.

"Arrogant fool!"

Though unease flickered in Qu Yiping’s heart, he had no time to hesitate. With a roar, he leapt skyward, his form merging with the Bi You Qing Shui Sword to become a colossal blue heavenly sword descending upon Ye Yun.

This strike’s power surpassed anything body refinement stage warriors could comprehend – far beyond their capacity to withstand!

Ye Yun’s brows knitted tightly, yet his gaze remained steady. Facing this attack, he showed no fear.

He’d entered an indescribable mystical state.

The massive blue sword seemed to slow in his vision. He clearly saw Qu Yiping concealed within the enlarged spiritual weapon’s glow – not true unity of man and blade, merely light obscuring the swordsman.

Abruptly, Ye Yun sheathed his sword and shut his eyes.

"What’s he doing? Such audacity!"

"Even I might struggle to block that strike. Is he surrendering by closing his eyes?" A black robe disciple frowned in confusion.

"This sword’s true strength lies not in force, but containing principles only Qi refining stage disciples should grasp. Comprehending this could let one condense true qi and breakthrough. Pity I remain stuck here."

"Ah! No wonder it felt familiar yet elusive."

"Nan Cheng, as the strongest among us, you’ll likely reach Qi refining stage soon."

The black robe disciples murmured while Nan Cheng silently watched Ye Yun.

"This sword technique from a body refinement disciple is truly remarkable. Even we might struggle against it."

"If even Brother Nan Cheng says so, Ye Yun’s overconfidence will be his downfall. Your earlier praise seems misplaced."

"Fifty middle-grade spirit stones mean little to Brother Nan Cheng anyway."

Nan Cheng smiled faintly. "Though I don’t know Ye Yun well, observe carefully – his confidence differs from Duan Chenfeng’s empty arrogance. This comes from true self-awareness. His reaction suggests he’s prepared. We’ll see the outcome after this strike."

Above them, Qu Yiping within his sword manifestation grew puzzled. Was Ye Yun surrendering or revealing deeper insight?

Knowing Ye Yun’s stubbornness, surrender seemed impossible. Only one conclusion remained – the boy believed he could block this strike barehanded.

But how?

Ye Yun stood motionless, arms relaxed, a ghost of a smile on his lips.

Suddenly his eyes snapped open, gleaming sharply.

Spiritual power surged within him like pent-up floodwaters finding release, channeling into his fists.

Ye Yun leapt like a great bird taking flight, soaring toward the blue sword.

His right fist glowed white, spiritual power threatening to burst through skin – a phenomenon only possible with true qi externalization from Qi refining stage.

Yet here was a body refinement disciple achieving similar effects!

Nan Cheng and others inhaled sharply. These New Outer Disciples defied expectations – Qu Yiping’s strike approached peak body refinement levels, while Ye Yun’s punch hinted at true qi externalization!

Since when did new disciples become so monstrous? With Jun Ruolan already at Qi refining stage, Murong Wuhen earning Elder Lan’s wariness, plus these two and that arrogant yet skilled Duan Chenfeng – this cohort’s strength proved terrifying.

Even Elder Lan and Chunyu Yan watching from above showed surprise. As late-stage Qi refining experts, they clearly saw both combatants remained at fifth stage body refinement without breakthroughs.

How could fifth stage disciples unleash such power? These attacks neared body refinement’s theoretical limits!

The steaming blue sword hid Qu Yiping within its watery aura.

Ye Yun’s green robe fluttered as he seemingly walked on air, taking two phantom steps before throwing his glowing punch with deceptive casualness.

The collision drew all eyes from other arenas.

Explosive light erupted like fireworks, slowly cascading downward.

Two figures flew from the brilliance, crashing to the ground.

All watched breathlessly as the radiance faded from Arena Two.

Qu Yiping stood pale-faced, his Bi You Qing Shui Sword dimmed.

Ten zhang away, Ye Yun remained expressionless despite blood trickling from his lips – a scarlet streak against deathly pallor.