CHAPTER 69
EQUAL FOES
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The other party was a minor sect from the Eastern Region. Ye Qinghan hadn't even heard of its name.
In this world, people were divided into tiers, and sects were no different.
Ye Qinghan gazed from afar at her master seated in the spectator stands, slowly bowing in respect. The stands erupted in a roar.
Two days in, this was Ye Qinghan's third match, and his popularity continued to soar.
"She's here! Let's welcome the First Disciple from Lingxian Hall!"
"The prodigy of heaven at just sixteen years old! The top champion of the initiation ceremony!"
"She defeated a top-five contender from the Northern Realm with a single strike!"
"Ye! Qing! Han!"
The introduction echoed throughout the entire arena, igniting the crowd. Ye Qinghan's bow toward her master was mistaken by the ignorant spectators as an act of humility, instantly sending the crowd into a frenzy!
The previous tournament had clearly not been this lively, and all of this was because of that one kick.
One kick sent Lin Lang to the emergency room, and that same kick propelled Ye Qinghan to the top of the championship rankings!
In Ye Qinghan's memory, such places were usually called arenas. When the specially designed iron gates rose, what emerged were either death row inmates or beasts.
But this moment was different. The challenger across the arena was a man who appeared frail.
Ye Qinghan bowed slightly: "Lingxian Hall, Ye… Shihan."
The man smiled and returned the gesture: "Yu Chengwen."
That was the entirety of their exchange. From here on, all emotions would be expressed through blades.
The duel was about to begin, and the spectator stands fell silent.
"Sis Qinghan! Go for it!"
Daiyao's voice broke through the crowd's barrier, sounding almost half a beat late as it echoed through the air.
Ye Qinghan smiled, ignoring the little fool, and focused her attention on her opponent. As the First Disciple of Lingxian Hall, Ye Qinghan respected every adversary bold enough to stand before her.
This included Shangguan Rou—at least she possessed the courage to confront Ye Qinghan's strength head-on and dare to draw her sword.
Though she had long noticed the trembling in her opponent's sword-wielding hand, Ye Qinghan recognized this too as a form of courage.
This was the courage a true warrior should possess—a quality lacking in many.
Compared to cowards who only knew how to flee in panic, Ye Qinghan respected every opponent who dared to draw their blade.
Her sleeves swayed lightly as golden light coalesced into a celestial sword, which shot forth in an instant.
"Look! Ye Qinghan isn't using the sword at her waist! She's wielding the divine blade she brought from the secret realm!"
"Does this mean she acknowledges her opponent's strength? Is she preparing to give it her all?"
Due to Ye Qinghan's immense popularity this time, Ling Mountain had even arranged a dedicated commentator for the battle, causing a slight delay.
Thus, Dongfang Jue, who had just returned, was able to watch Ye Qinghan's match!
"Sister Dongfang, Sister Qinghan used the immortal sword! That's the immortal sword she brought out from the secret realm!"
"Daiyao, that's the worst sword in your sister Qinghan's sword case…"
Dongfang Jue was utterly speechless. Your sister Qinghan has over ten top-tier immortal-grade flying swords. She only used this one because it's the most worn-out piece of junk—she wouldn't care if it got ruined!
"It's Shiyu! Daiyao isn't… Wait, Shiyu isn't dumb at all!"
Li Shiyu stood with her hands on her hips, a look of defiance on her face. But that expression only made her look even more adorably clueless… completely backfiring!
"Fine, fine, fine. I'm Dongfang Dumb, and you're not dumb!" Dongfang Jue sighed helplessly. This little fool was probably being sold out by Sister Qinghan and still had to help count the money!
On the battlefield, combat erupted instantly. Ye Qinghan and Yu Chengwen clashed in an instant.
Yu Chengwen, too, bore the title of prodigy. Though born into a minor sect, he trained relentlessly day and night, never slacking off!
He had endured all this for this very day—to rise above the rest. He refused to be trampled underfoot any longer!
He wanted to write his own story!
Ye Qinghan could sense his opponent possessed exceptionally solid sword technique foundations. Compared to those sword cultivators chasing flashy moves and destructive power, he was clearly more diligent.
But if you thought Ye Qinghan spent his days idly growing fat, you'd be downright foolish.
Ye Qinghan believed that even against Lin Lang, Yu Chengwen might have some chance of victory. Unfortunately for him, he had encountered Ye Qinghan.
The so-called "once-in-a-generation prodigy" was merely an entry ticket to this duel. Who among those present wasn't a prodigy?
In just a few swift strokes, the golden-hued immortal sword pierced straight toward Yu Chengwen's throat. Even relying solely on swordsmanship, few in this world could match Ye Qinghan.
"You show more courtesy than those scoundrels. Qinghan respects opponents with true skill."
"My thanks, young lady."
With that, they clashed again—though "clash" was a misnomer; it was more like a masterclass. Each time, Ye Qinghan deftly parried Yu Chengwen's strikes with exquisite finesse.
Within two minutes, Yu Chengwen bore multiple sword wounds—on his arm, shoulder, and thigh—as blood soaked through his long robe, staining it crimson.
"Shall we continue?"
Ye Qinghan looked at Yu Chengwen across from him, his expression equally resigned. This so-called prodigy wasn't even worthy of his full attention.
What kind of duel was this? He might as well have those elders come down and fight him!
"Miss Qinghan, this is my final strike!"
"I understand."
Ye Qinghan nodded. She was actually quite curious what his ultimate move would be.
The spectators watching their duel even suspected Ye Qinghan was faking the match—Linlang could have finished him off with a single kick!
Yet against Yu Chengwen, she hadn't unleashed a killing move in ages!
While other sword cultivators unleashed a barrage of flying swords and chaotic attacks, these two masters barely moved for ages.
But soon, as Yu Chengwen finished speaking, he too began preparing his ultimate move!
"That stance? Could it be…?"
The commentator stirred the crowd's excitement, drawing all eyes to the arena. Everyone wanted to see what ultimate move this prodigy from the minor sect had hidden up his sleeve!
"Ye Qinghan remains utterly composed. Is she unaware of the tension, or does she have something up her sleeve?"
Li Shiyao beside her felt her heart leap to her throat. Everyone held their breath, waiting for the showdown between the two!
Stupid Yao felt like a complete embarrassment. While others cheered, she thought this was just Sister Qinghan's standard play—basic skills, nothing fancy. But now, when everyone else was quiet, she had to blurt out a shout!
"Sis Qinghan! Watch out! She's about to unleash her ultimate move!"
In an instant, every head in the arena whipped around to look at Li Shiyao—even Ye Qinghan turned…
Ye Qinghan burst out laughing. This clueless girl could really make someone laugh. With all these eyes watching, only you noticed he was about to unleash his ultimate?
Ye Qinghan's amused expression captivated countless young hearts in the audience, including Su Cheng's. Her smile was truly enchanting.
"Sis Qinghan, why are you looking at Shiyu? Focus on your opponent!"
But this time, Li Shiyu's voice was drowned out by the roaring cheers from the stands. That single glance over her shoulder sent the crowd of men into a complete frenzy!
"Stop meddling in things that don't concern you! What kind of ultimate move could possibly take down Sister Qinghan?" Dongfang Jue looked utterly speechless.
"Shiyao was just worried about her senior sister," Li Shiyu pouted, feeling wronged. With the entire arena staring at her, she couldn't help but feel like she'd done something wrong.
"Wait? What did you just call her? Senior Sister?"
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