LGHTNOVELBOOK Chapter 121: Sword Intent Duel
Chapter 121: Sword Intent Duel
When You Su woke up again, it was already dawn the next day. Heavenly Maiden Wangshu was still by his side, holding a spirit fruit. The pink-gold lotus between You Su’s brows had completely dimmed, barely visible.
His body and spirit platform had also been greatly replenished. You Su clenched his fist, feeling that the power contained within this “well-fed” body was even greater than before.
He changed his robes, washed up briefly, and walked out of the courtyard with his senior sister. The Third Elder had already sent a message—he had another battle today.
…
Overnight, Shi Yan had become a celebrity among the outer disciples of the Mystic Firmament Sect, but even more famous than him was You Su.
After yesterday’s battle, in the mouths of everyone, You Su had become a young prodigy like his senior sister, capable of overwhelming his peers. Only then did they realize that Lotus Peak didn’t refuse disciples—it was just that the threshold was so high they couldn’t even see it.
What shocked people even more was the news that spread—You Su was actually blind!
This news instantly skyrocketed You Su’s popularity. The continent was never short of perfect geniuses, but a genius with a flaw was more relatable and respected.
Coupled with his legendary handsome appearance, many female disciples had already formed a fan club, waiting outside the Cloud Sky Platform to catch a glimpse of the second disciple of Lotus Peak.
But these people were still in the minority. The majority of the charming young girls gathered outside the Cloud Sky Platform were not admirers of You Su. They were there to support You Su’s opponent today—Zhou Changwen.
“He is the youngest true disciple of Crimson Rainbow Peak, a prodigy born with a sword body, only nineteen years old. Since he joined Crimson Rainbow Peak seven years ago, he has been highly regarded by the Crimson Rainbow Venerable. Recently, he broke through to the Perfect Spirit Platform realm. Among the sword cultivators under twenty in the Mystic Firmament Sect, he is undoubtedly the best. Many sword-wielding disciples in the sect admire him. You must be extremely careful when facing him.”
Elder Liu walked beside You Su, earnestly introducing the information about today’s opponent.
You Su followed beside Elder Liu and replied, “I’ve always been careful in fights.”
Elder Liu glanced at him, surprised by You Su’s astonishing recovery ability, and sighed, “To be honest, although I knew Crimson Rainbow Peak would make a move, I didn’t expect them to send Zhou Changwen. When dealing with an already established true disciple, you don’t need to insist on winning. The challenges among outer disciples are about honor, so they must fight for superiority. But true disciples have elders behind them, so they must also consider each other’s feelings. Therefore, when true disciples raise objections, it’s more about exchanging pointers, and it usually ends in a draw.”
“Does Elder Liu think my opponent will be willing to draw with me?”
You Su naturally knew that Crimson Rainbow Peak and Lotus Peak were both sword cultivation peaks. Although there was no conflict between them, Crimson Rainbow Peak’s decision to challenge him at this time made their intentions clear.
“Sigh, you see things clearly. Sword cultivators have the sharpest auras and their own pride. Your senior sister has no match among her peers, which has already caused Crimson Rainbow Peak to lose some face. When it comes to you, Crimson Rainbow Peak stepping forward naturally wants to regain some ground.” Elder Liu twirled the goatee at the corner of his mouth and added, “But you can rest assured, as fellow grand elders, this match will definitely end in a draw.”
“So, they’ll beat me up first and then pretend to end in a draw?”
“Beat you up? Crimson Rainbow Peak is a renowned sword peak across the five continents, with the demeanor of an immortal sect. How could they be so aggressive? They’ll stop once they have a slight advantage. When you realize you’re no match, remember not to resist stubbornly and end it amicably.”
Elder Liu spoke earnestly, appealing to reason. He quite admired You Su and only hoped he could smoothly become a true disciple.
“I understand Elder Liu’s meaning. In your eyes, this match is just a formality. Crimson Rainbow Peak stepping forward isn’t to prevent me from becoming a true disciple but to give me, a newcomer, a warning.” You Su stroked the hilt of the Black Pine Sword.
“Not just in my eyes, that’s how it is. If Lotus Sword Venerable had truly made a mistake and picked a useless person, perhaps Crimson Rainbow Peak would help Lotus Peak test the goods. But after your performance yesterday, even if you lose today, no one will think you’re unworthy of being Lotus Peak’s true disciple. If Crimson Rainbow Peak deliberately prevents you from succeeding, wouldn’t that be a petty move?”
You Su gripped his sword in silence, lost in thought.
“Junior Brother will win.”
Heavenly Maiden Wangshu, hidden behind You Su, suddenly spoke up. Her voice was soft but firm.
Elder Liu was taken aback and smiled. He hadn’t expected Heavenly Maiden Wangshu’s first words to him to be this.
Encouraged by his senior sister’s affirmation, You Su felt his chest puff out a bit more. He followed Elder Liu towards the Cloud Sky Platform.
The Cloud Sky Platform was built on a massive cliff extending from the Divine Mountain, covered with numerous profound formation arts. It was a place specifically provided for true disciples to spar. Whether it was the materials, size, or durability of the platform, it was significantly superior to the training grounds used by non-true disciples.
Many important matches were held on the Cloud Sky Platform, making it one of the Mystic Firmament Sect’s key locations. Thus, the air above it was filled with the Wind of Worry, prohibiting flight.
As the three approached, the crowd of onlookers outside the pavilion, unable to enter the Cloud Sky Platform, grew increasingly excited.
You Su initially wanted to shield his serene senior sister more carefully, but to his surprise, she took a few small steps forward, positioning herself in front of him.
?
You Su was puzzled until he felt the gazes of the female disciples—some passionate, some excited—and he began to understand.
Heavenly Maiden Wangshu’s aura was cold, her blue eyes icy as they swept over the excited female disciples. Her delicate hand rested on her sword hilt, exuding a protective demeanor. The enthusiastic female disciples seemed intimidated, shrinking back. Wherever Heavenly Maiden Wangshu passed, the exclamations caused by You Su quieted down.
Noticing his senior sister’s actions, You Su smiled helplessly, feeling a hint of joy at her childlike possessiveness. He said nothing, content to enjoy her “protection.”
After passing through the crowd and the pavilion, the full view of the Cloud Sky Platform built on the cliff came into sight.
The sea of clouds churned beneath the vast platform, and the edges of the Cloud Sky Platform were adorned with exquisitely decorated pavilions. Above, the mist grew thicker.
Inside the pavilions, many people were already seated, each dressed elegantly and with extraordinary bearing. A mere reporting battle between true disciples had attracted numerous elders, deacons, and true disciples to watch.
You Su took a deep breath, trying to ignore the scrutinizing gazes from all directions. Following Elder Liu’s guidance, he walked to the center of the platform.
There, Zhou Changwen, dressed in crimson and with a handsome face, had been waiting for some time. Behind him, the burly Crimson Rainbow Venerable stood on his sword, exuding an imposing aura.
“Fifth Elder,” Elder Liu greeted the Crimson Rainbow Venerable.
Even elders overseeing disciples bowed when meeting grand elders.
In You Su’s consciousness, the light representing the Fifth Elder was like a red sun, radiating scorching light. He also bowed and said, “You Su pays his respects to the Fifth Elder.”
The Fifth Elder remained on his sword, high above, and did not respond. His hawk-like eyes, seemingly glowing with red light, fixed on You Su. He finally spoke, “Are you blind?”
You Su was slightly taken aback but replied, “Yes.”
With those two words, You Su clearly felt the pressure on him increase sharply. This pressure didn’t come from the Fifth Elder but from the immortals seated in the pavilions. Their simultaneous probing spiritual senses, driven by disbelief, collectively formed this mental pressure.
In one of the pavilions, the Third Elder furrowed her brows. She spun her wine gourd and lightly tapped it with her jade-like fingers, intending to relieve the pressure on You Su. However, she discovered that a sword intent had already enveloped You Su, isolating all the probing spiritual senses.
She carefully sensed the composition of this sword intent, finding it somewhat thin but giving her an overwhelming sense of oppression. To use spellcraft to such a refined level, there was only one person in the Mystic Firmament Sect who could achieve this—the First Elder of Mystic Firmament Peak!
The Third Elder adjusted her sitting posture, her heart filled with surprise. Even this old man, known as the sect’s stabilizing force, had been attracted by the spar between these two juniors…
The Fifth Elder also noticed. He retracted his sharp gaze and said, “You and Changwen are of similar age, meeting the challenge criteria. However, your performance yesterday has already earned Changwen’s recognition. So, Changwen’s challenge isn’t because he thinks you’re unworthy of being a disciple of Lotus Peak. It’s just that as fellow swordsmen, he also wants to exchange a sword with you.”
At first glance, these words seemed harmless, but You Su felt increasingly uncomfortable. He was a disciple of the Lotus Sword Venerable—why did he need the recognition of a fellow disciple like the Crimson Rainbow Venerable’s disciple?
The term “exchange swords” now sounded less like humility and more like arrogance.
“If you don’t wish to accept the challenge, you can refuse, and the objection against you will be void. If you accept, I will personally seal Changwen’s cultivation, ensuring you both are at the same level for a fair duel. Crimson Rainbow Peak also loves the sword. Regardless of the outcome, you will remain at Lotus Peak.”
The Fifth Elder spoke softly to You Su, a faint edge in his tone, yet his voice carried to all present.
The Third Elder gripped her wine gourd tightly, her ample chest heaving, her beautiful green dress almost bursting at the seams. She was clearly annoyed by the Fifth Elder’s arrogant words. On the surface, the duel seemed fair, but it felt like Crimson Rainbow Peak was granting this fairness, leaving You Su in a dilemma—whether to accept or refuse.
The Cloud Sky Platform fell into a brief silence as everyone waited for You Su’s response.
“I am honored to have the opportunity to exchange swords with Senior Brother Zhou of Crimson Rainbow Peak. How could I bear to refuse?”
You Su suddenly spoke. He raised his head, not looking at his opponent today but directly at the Fifth Elder on his sword. You Su felt a bit relieved that he was blind because he couldn’t see the sharp gaze of the other party, allowing him to boldly meet it head-on.
“Elder Liu, does eighteen and nineteen years old meet the criteria for a similar-age challenge?” You Su then asked.
Elder Liu was stunned. He understood what You Su was thinking but couldn’t refute it openly in front of everyone. He hesitated and replied, “It does meet the criteria…”
“Since it meets the criteria, let’s follow the rules. Fifth Elder, there’s no need to seal Senior Brother Zhou’s cultivation. Since it’s an exchange of swords, we should go all out.”
The peak towered thousands of feet high, and the clouds churned beneath the Cloud Sky Platform, making people feel as if they were floating in the clouds.
You Su’s lips curled into a smile as he rested his hand on his sword hilt. His black robes fluttered lightly, resembling a dashing swordsman from Eternal Height City.
Elder Liu was both anxious and regretful, wishing he could take back his words.
“Junior Brother, you truly live up to the sword you wield. You are indeed a person of unyielding pride. Challenging you was the right decision.”
Zhou Changwen, who had remained silent until now, smiled calmly. His eyes burned with fighting spirit as he looked at You Su.
“However, Senior Brother also has a bit of pitiful pride. I am a year older than you, and my realm is slightly higher. I cannot and will not take advantage of this.”
With that, Zhou Changwen pointed his fingers like a sword and tapped himself a few times. His previously full aura noticeably weakened.
Every swordsman has their own principles. You Su finally began to take today’s opponent seriously.
To be honest, You Su had never been intimidated by Elder Liu’s exaggerated descriptions of Zhou Changwen. Along his journey, his opponents had been Wu Cheng, Elder Ling, Sect Leader Qi, and even the Feather Transformation realm City Lord Liu. Each was more formidable and despair-inducing than the last, but he had always managed to survive and come out on top. Now, how could he possibly fear a mere Spirit Platform Perfect realm peer?
“Whatever Senior Brother wishes is fine.”
You Su unsheathed his sword.
The Fifth Elder glanced at Elder Liu and said indifferently, “Elder Liu, let’s begin. Only one sword exchange.”
With that, he flew up on his sword, distancing himself from the dueling platform.
Elder Liu’s gaze shifted between the two and finally sighed. He shouted, “Begin!”
On the platform, You Su stood with his sword at his abdomen, assuming a sword stance.
Zhou Changwen, however, simply drew his sword and said leisurely, “Actually, I shouldn’t be the one sparring with you today. But after seeing your sword intent yesterday, I couldn’t resist the urge to exchange swords with you.”
“Today, Senior Brother’s challenge to you shouldn’t involve the sword peaks behind us. When you master the Lotus Sword Technique in the future, we will undoubtedly represent our respective masters in another battle. But at this moment, I won’t use Crimson Rainbow sword techniques. I will face your sword intent with my own.”
Zhou Changwen was calm and composed, confident in his born sword body. This You Su, without any special physique, had comprehended his own sword intent at eighteen. In Zhou Changwen’s eyes, this was a challenge to his identity as a sword body. Thus, he decided to face You Su with only his sword intent.
For top-tier sword cultivators, sword intent was the true core. He had to prove to his master and the world that in the path of the sword, the sword body reigned supreme.
With each word he spoke, the sword aura around him grew sharper, almost tangible, making the surrounding air feel colder.
“I thought those born with a sword body would be taciturn and unsmiling.”
You Su lowered his stance, his black robes billowing.
Zhou Changwen smiled indifferently, unmoved, fully immersed in channeling the divine intent of his sword.
His sword was entirely silver, shimmering with ethereal spiritual light. As he focused, it began to change color, eventually turning as red as burning charcoal. A towering sword flame instantly enveloped the blade.
Some true disciples watching from a distance felt their breath hitch at the sight of the divine flame on the sword. They imagined themselves facing Zhou Changwen’s sword at the mid Spirit Platform realm and couldn’t help but sigh, feeling their chances of victory were slim.
Even some female true disciples who found You Su attractive reminded their masters to be ready to rescue him.
You Su closed his eyes, focusing entirely on brewing his sword intent.
This sword from his opponent was likely the strongest he had ever faced. He had to muster all his strength to counter it, including the divine intent accumulated by the Righteous Sun Sword Nurturing Art.
Because he didn’t want a draw—he wanted to win!
Zhou Changwen stared intently at You Su, his sword aura reaching its peak. At the moment his sword intent peaked, he stepped forward. What seemed like a simple slash erupted like a volcanic explosion, unleashing a dazzling fire dragon!
You Su didn’t dodge or evade. Setting aside the sword strike that had inexplicably killed City Lord Liu, this would be the strongest sword he could wield while conscious! All his power was poured into this strike without reservation. The Fearless Sword Intent burst forth from the Black Pine Sword, earth-shattering and heaven-shaking!