Ling Tian Sword God

Chapter 100: Chapter 99: The Examination Begins_1

「Three days later.」

At dawn, atop Myriad Dao Mountain peak, melodious chimes resonated from the Martial Arts Plaza. Their sound carried for dozens of miles.

On the mountain path, heroes from all directions were gathering.

Among them were the Sect Leaders of small Sects, Clan Leaders of large families, the head marshal of the escort bureau, gang leaders, heads of trade associations, and the City Lords of several nearby cities. All of them were reputable experts in the Jianghu.

”Captain Du, you’ve come too!”

”Of course. The Divine Intent Sect’s True Disciple competitive trials are a rare event, so this time I brought a few of my most outstanding prospects to watch, hoping it will inspire them.”

”Haha, I also brought two juniors from my family so they can witness what true geniuses are like, lest they remain like frogs in a well, ignorant of the wider world.”

”Same here, same here!”

The Martial World of Wind Country was only so large. With the same few powerful figures constantly moving about, they had all formed a circle and knew each other.

At Wuchen Courtyard, Ling Chen casually closed the courtyard door and headed towards the Martial Arts Plaza.

”Brother Ling Chen, Sister Xiao told me that there will be several very powerful opponents in this trial. It won’t be easy to achieve victory,” Ling Yin said, following behind Ling Chen. This competitive trial was a major event for the entire Divine Intent Sect, so she naturally wanted to watch.

”She’s right. In this contest, none of the opponents will be easy to deal with.”

Ling Chen didn’t deny it. With only three spots available, some people were bound to be eliminated.

Rumor had it that the top three in this trial would gain the qualification to enter the Spirit Martial Hall to cultivate for free.

The Spirit Martial Hall was the martial arts Holy Land of the entire Divine Intent Sect. It was said that the hall housed many notes, paintings, and other items from famous martial arts practitioners, both ancient and contemporary. Although these items didn’t detail specific martial arts techniques, they offered great benefits for one’s martial arts realm and overall attainments.

Normally, improving martial arts cultivation is relatively easy, but advancing one’s martial arts realm is not.

Moreover, even if one secured a True Disciple position, they still had to compete for rankings in the end. The higher the rank, the richer the rewards and the more substantial the practical benefits.

”There are truly many people.”

Three martial arts platforms had already been erected in the Martial Arts Plaza. For the disciples of the Divine Intent Sect, martial competitions were commonplace, and this Martial Arts Plaza always had martial arts platforms ready. However, for today’s trials, two more had been constructed, arranged in a circular formation.

Surrounding the martial arts platforms were circles of seats. Viewed from afar, the entire Martial Arts Plaza appeared vast, magnificent, and spectacular.

”Ling Chen, over here.” In the open space between the platforms and the VIP seats, a large group of disciples stood, among whom Xiao Muyu was waving at Ling Chen.

Moving with light steps, Ling Chen led Ling Yin over.

Behind Xiao Muyu stood several Inner Disciples. The one with the most robust aura was a young man in white, who appeared courteous and refined.

”Ling Chen, these junior brothers are all participating in this trial. However, they mostly just want to test their skills. I’m afraid becoming a True Disciple is beyond their reach.”

Xiao Muyu pointed to the white-robed young man beside her, ”This is my clan younger brother, Xiao Cheng.”

”Greetings, Senior Brother Ling Chen.”

The young man in white cupped his hands towards Ling Chen. Although he was older than Ling Chen, in the Divine Intent Sect, strength and status determined seniority. He addressed Xiao Muyu as Senior Sister, and since Xiao Muyu and Ling Chen were of the same generation, he could only address Ling Chen as Senior Brother.

In reality, he was several years older than Ling Chen.

”This time, the victor from our Group Two should undoubtedly be Senior Brother Ling Chen,” the young man in white said with a gentle smile.

Although his words were polite, his eyes held little real respect. The statement clearly sounded insincere.

Ling Chen, being exceptionally astute, naturally saw through this. However, he didn’t expose him, merely returning the salutation with a smile, ”Junior Brother Xiao’s cultivation is also quite good. Polish it up this year, and a True Disciple spot will certainly be yours next year.”

Hearing this, Xiao Cheng’s expression changed instantly, though he concealed this momentary shift very well. Maintaining a smile, he said to Ling Chen, ”Senior Brother Ling Chen is right. Our strength indeed needs much more refinement.”

Internally, a chill was already spreading through him. This damn fellow, merely a Second Level Martial Artist, yet he dared to look down on him like this! He, Xiao Cheng, had reached the peak of the Martial Arts Triple Realm not long ago. In terms of cultivation, Ling Chen was a whole level weaker than him. Of course, he wouldn’t say this out loud now. Later, on the martial arts platform, he would shatter Ling Chen’s face! They were in the same Group Two; he would definitely encounter Ling Chen in the battles later. At that time, he would let this guy who only knew how to spout nonsense know how formidable he truly was!

Ling Chen knew Xiao Cheng was harboring such thoughts but simply smiled dismissively. People like him weren’t even qualified to be his opponents.

”Ling Chen, look, the people in the VIP seats are all renowned figures from far and wide. The results of the matches here will likely spread throughout the entire Wind Country in less than a day. You must perform well in this battle,” Xiao Muyu said, patting Ling Chen’s shoulder.

”Just performing normally will be enough.”

Ling Chen shrugged, offering a noncommittal reply.

At this moment, a sudden uproar swept through the plaza. Under the gazes of countless eyes, two figures appeared, approaching from two different directions.

These two were none other than Murong Ye and Bai Ruhui.

Murong Ye’s entrance was exceptionally in the Overbearing Style and unrestrained, utterly unconventional. When his body landed, the ground itself seemed to tremble. Bai Ruhui, on the other hand, was the complete opposite. This person seemed to tread on clouds and ride the mist, his body as light as a feather, his Spirit Fire incomparable, landing softly and silently.

”Since everyone has arrived, how could I, Xiahou Lin, be missing?”

A voice like rolling thunder boomed through the air as Xiahou Lin, like a great eagle, soared up from the crowd, finally landing in the central position between the previous two.

The three individuals each released their imposing presence. A faint yet powerful aura, one that seemed capable of commanding the wind and clouds, spread out, causing the Jianghu figures in the VIP seats to cast sidelong glances.

”Too strong! Their aura alone is enough to overwhelm someone,” an Inner Disciple gasped, sucking in a cold breath.

Ling Chen just smiled faintly, feeling nothing. He scanned the area and noticed that most people had lost their earlier confidence, unnaturally averting their gazes. Of course, a small number had eyes glinting with excitement. As long as they defeated these three, a True Disciple position would be theirs. What did a person live for their entire life? Wasn’t it for a moment of glory, for a breath of pride? Who didn’t want to command the wind and clouds, enjoy boundless radiance, be worshipped by others? And becoming a True Disciple was undoubtedly the ultimate realization of their ideals and ambitions.

Xiao Cheng, looking at the three, also had his expression turn slightly grave, a hint of apprehension in his eyes. These three were acknowledged by all Inner Disciples as the strongest, their current great adversaries.

However, upon seeing Ling Chen’s calm and indifferent expression, he couldn’t help but sneer inwardly. This fellow, no wonder he had such a great reputation; his skill at posturing was truly remarkable. Xiao Cheng had to admit, he was impressed by that, at least.