Yun Shuiying followed Chen Tian's advice, her long sword moving even faster, just a hair quicker than before. In Chen Tian's eyes, her swordsmanship was still immature. He could see through the flaws in her techniques with a single glance. Chen Tian's long sword would merely twitch, effortlessly parrying Yun Shuiying's strikes. Chen Tian stood still, not having moved an inch from beginning to end. He resisted all of Yun Shuiying's attacks solely with arm movements. Yun Shuiying, with Chen Tian's figure unmoving, realized the vast disparity in their swordsmanship.
She could tell from how Chen Tian deflected her sword moves. Yun Shuiying felt a sense of familiarity from Chen Tian's sword techniques; he was using the same style she was. Could it be the same inheritance? But that was impossible; the sole inheritance was with her. How had Chen Tian obtained it? Chen Tian was well aware of the sword techniques Yun Shuiying inherited. After all, that fellow was his friend in the Divine Realm. Although Chen Tian hadn't received the inheritance himself, he could still imitate the sword moves from memory.
Chen Tian remained stationary. Yun Shuiying dared not move on the stage. Chen Tian's power was evident. Chen Tian looked at Yun Shuiying and said indifferently, "Next, let me see your sword style. Don't worry, I am here to guide you. After all, you are the inheritor of someone important. I hope this legacy does not fade in your hands."
Hearing Chen Tian's words, Yun Shuiying took a deep breath, her long sword trembling. Chen Tian noticed that Yun Shuiying was still using the same sword. It seemed that fellow Ying had given her his sword as well, placing great hopes in her. Chen Tian wanted to guide Yun Shuiying, whose swordsmanship was still unrefined. Yun Shuiying took a step forward, her figure transforming into countless afterimages that enveloped Chen Tian. Chen Tian knew the flaw in this move but still stood in place, waiting for Yun Shuiying's attack. Yun Shuiying continuously slashed with her sword, forming a net of sword light that ensnared Chen Tian. The power contained within was enough to instantly deplete the health bar of an ordinary player, a terrifying force.
Yun Shuiying unleashed her moves before Chen Tian. Chen Tian raised his long sword and swung it in an arc. With just a subtle arc of sword light, the entire net of sword light shattered. Chen Tian spoke, "Your sword light is sharp, and your speed is good, but it's still not enough."
"Also, if you can incorporate sword intent, your power can increase significantly. Continue."
Yun Shuiying exclaimed in shock, "Who are you? How do you know my moves?"
"You don't need to know who I am. You just need to know that I am here to help you."
Chen Tian shook his head. Yun Shuiying was very confused by his words. If not for the voice in her mind assuring her that Chen Tian would not harm her, she would have retreated long ago. Yuan Huiying condensed power in her long sword, the energy flowing through the blade. Her figure began to blur. Seeing Yun Shuiying's action, Chen Tian nodded, "Good, she has even learned this move. This little one's talent is quite remarkable." Yun Shuiying raised her arm high and roared, her figure splitting into seven or eight doppelgangers, each wielding a long sword and attacking with symmetrical cross-swipes. A barrier appeared in front of Chen Tian.
This barrier was set up by Chen Tian to test the power of Yun Shuiying's move. Chen Tian deliberately did not unleash the barrier's full thickness, using only a small amount of energy to form it. He wanted to see how well Yun Shuiying had learned this move.
Chen Tian's barrier was invisible and could not be perceived by the naked eye. The swordsman players watching from below were displeased with Chen Tian's attitude. The opponent was using their full strength to unleash a move, yet he was still standing still. Was he looking down on them?
He showed no respect at all. Chen Tian was unaware that his actions had angered the crowd, and even if he had known, he wouldn't have cared. Purple lightning sword trails continuously grazed Chen Tian's barrier. Initially, the barrier remained unyielding, but over time, cracks began to appear on it. Chen Tian nodded in satisfaction, took a step forward, and Yun Shuiying's move was shattered, the barrier dissipating.
Chen Tian said indifferently, "Come to this place tonight to find me."
Chen Tian used a telepathic transmission into Yun Shuiying's ear. The players below the stage could not hear it. Yun Shuiying heard Chen Tian's voice in her mind and was not surprised. Thinking that Chen Tian used such a method, she felt understanding, realizing he was one of them. Yun Shuiying bowed humbly and said, "I have lost."
Chen Tian nodded. Yun Shuiying was a promising talent, but her potential still needed to be unearthed. She was not the strongest now, but she would definitely have a place in the future during the final battle. As Yun Shuiying descended from the stage, Chen Tian was about to do the same when a voice rang out, "Kid, you look arrogant. Let me fight you and teach you how to respect others as a swordsman."
It was clear that Chen Tian's earlier actions had angered some people. He hadn't shown Yun Shuiying even basic respect, and he remained expressionless even after Yun Shuiying conceded. This guy was clearly here to bully others. As Chen Tian was about to leave the stage, the challenger directly stepped onto it. The arena automatically judged the match, and Chen Tian could not leave the stage due to game rules.
Chen Tian looked up. It was a swordsman player dressed in a cyan robe. Chen Tian's eyes provided information: a Cloud Flow Swordsman, a hidden profession, with well-balanced attributes all around. Chen Tian rubbed his chin and then said, "Go first, or you won't have a chance."
"Arrogant! Let me show you my prowess."
This player's ID was: Yun Liu. It seemed he had changed his name due to his profession. Chen Tian guessed that this player's name was not always Yun Liu. Chen Tian calmly and slowly sheathed his sword. This action undoubtedly enraged Yun Liu. What did this mean? Was he looking down on him? Did he mean he could defeat him without even drawing his sword? Was he inferior even to the previous person?
The thought filled Yun Liu with rage. He drew his sword and charged at Chen Tian. To onlookers, Yun Liu's speed was impressive, but to Chen Tian, it was pitifully slow. Facing Yun Liu's sword strike, Chen Tian lifted his left foot and simply tripped Yun Liu. Yun Liu fell onto the stage. Chen Tian said coldly, "You are no match for me. If you leave now, you will still have some dignity."
Chen Tian's words clearly stated his attitude. Yun Liu, being a player who valued his pride immensely, could not possibly heed Chen Tian's words. He refused to believe he couldn't defeat Chen Tian, given he was three levels higher. If Chen Tian knew what Yun Liu was thinking, he would have burst out laughing. Were three levels so high? Chen Tian used to fight opponents a level or even a major realm higher. A three-level difference was not even comparable to one of Chen Tian's fingers. Yun Liu got up, his figure transforming into clouds, his sword merging with them.
Chen Tian scratched his ear. He saw through this petty trick at a glance. He swung his fist, and a sound erupted – the sound of his fist colliding with the long sword. Yun Liu exclaimed in shock, "What!"
Yun Liu couldn't believe Chen Tian's reaction was so fast, even able to parry his sword tip with his fist. What a joke! Swordsman players had very fragile physiques. Had this guy put all his stat points into constitution?
Chen Tian pulled his fist back, then swung it forward, shattering Yun Liu's long sword with a single punch. Yun Liu was sent flying by Chen Tian's punch, his health bar immediately turning red. He was left with only one HP, and that was with Chen Tian holding back. It wasn't even one percent of his strength. If Chen Tian didn't control his power now, a single punch could kill a player whose realm was not more than one level higher than his. Therefore, Chen Tian tried his best to control it.
The reason Chen Tian participated in this Swordsman Grand Competition was simply to see how much these players had grown. According to the contract, their growth would turn into corresponding rewards. Chen Tian slowly walked off the stage, and the surrounding players parted to let him pass.
"Chen Tian, you're here! I thought you wouldn't attend the Swordsman Grand Competition."
A pleasant voice rang out. A young girl in armor approached slowly. Seeing Chen Tian, she ran to him with small steps, cheering, "I look forward to fighting you, Chen Tian. I have high hopes for you."
"Me too."
Chen Tian did not dislike the young girl in front of him. According to Chen Tian's criteria for friendship, this girl could become a true friend. Chen Tian's figure disappeared from the Swordsman Grand Competition stage. On the stage, Yun Liu's face was filled with anger. He had been defeated by a newcomer and was unwilling to accept it. He wanted to regain his honor. His mind raced as he dragged his injured body towards the resting hotel.
The armored girl heard what had happened and became even more excited. Chen Tian was so powerful; she really wanted to compete with him.
Night fell, and there was a knock on Chen Tian's door. Chen Tian sat cross-legged and said, "Come in."
The visitor was none other than Yun Shuiying. Yun Shuiying entered the room, and Chen Tian gestured for her to sit down.
Night passed quickly. In the early morning, as the sun just rose, fireworks exploded in the sky, creating a dazzling spectacle. The Swordsman Grand Competition was about to begin, and an opening ceremony was underway.
Chen Tian opened his eyes. Yun Shuiying had already left the room. Chen Tian tidied himself up and headed towards the Swordsman Grand Competition venue.
The Swordsman Grand Competition finally commenced. The area in front of the main gate was crowded with people – all swordsman class players. The most glorious event of this tier was about to begin. Everyone rushed through the main gate. Chen Tian walked leisurely, and before he knew it, both sides of the seating area were filled with spectators, with a giant arena in the center.
A host flew in the sky, his booming voice announcing, "Welcome, all swordsman players! The Swordsman Grand Competition is now open. Players can determine their worth through their swordsmanship. The higher the ranking, the more generous the rewards. Even the first place can obtain an ultimate title, a title that provides a 300% bonus to swordsmanship. Now, for the first match, please have the registered contestants take the stage!"
Seeing the arena in the center, Chen Tian knew what was about to happen. He leaped onto the stage. Tens of thousands of people filled the arena. The host declared excitedly, "The first match is a free-for-all. Only three thousand of you can survive to qualify. After the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, the three thousand people remaining on the stage will be the official contestants."
"The match begins now!"
*Ding ding ding!*
The sound rang out, and the free-for-all instantly erupted into various sword techniques, sword lights, and dazzling moves.
Chen Tian had no interest in these. He simply sat down, knowing he could advance to the next round without even lifting a finger.