This slash was extremely straightforward, leaving absolutely no margin for change. It descended upon the battlefield with ceaseless torrents of yuan qi flowing in a single unbroken line of force,宛如 a great cascade plummeting from the ninth heaven.
The blade struck like a falling star; as it landed, half of the shining sword-light from Song Zi’an instantly disappeared.
Dongyue, after completely exhausting its momentum, then underwent a second transformation. As it rose and struck sideways, all remaining slivers of fallen moonlight were thoroughly shattered to pieces.
With Song Zi’an’s Mingyue Tianxin thus broken, Qian Ye instantly shifted from defense to the offense. With double hands wielding his blade, he attacked like a berserk storm, striking recklessly and savagely. This onslaught looked practically unrestrained, not appearing like the foundational sword movements at all!
Nevertheless, each blow from Qian Ye contained massive, oppressive force. Each motion felt as though it could sever mountains or destroy seas. Some strikes even carried power sufficient in magnitude to blot out moons and cause collapsing stars!
Upon the High Platform of the pavilion, Master Lu’s gaze brightened. He struck the table and exclaimed loudly: “Truly, outstanding skill with the sword!”
Meanwhile, the Lady Zhengan cleansed her hands in pure water offered by maids. Her lips quirked, a rare occurrence. Quietly, she merely voiced a brief comment: “He will do.”
This remark was indeed an evaluation offered by an elderly ancestor from the Song clan house! For youth of the new generation, merely drawing one compliment — however faintly worded as “he will suffice,” — would still amount to lofty praise, rarely uttered, only perhaps a single acknowledgment every few years.
Out of hundreds of junior family members residing within the Song clan, only Song Zi-cheng and Song Zi-ning had similarly won praise at different times.
Now, on the side, The First High Priest’s face looked even blacker — quite the contrast, considering that these high praises obviously had not been directed at Song Zi’an.
At that moment, Song Zi’an’s sword continuously bloomed fragments resembling moon-light within space, manifesting infinite wondrous reflections. He clearly already reached a notable level of mastery with “Mingyue Tian-Xin”. The countless rays of moonlight gradually connected together, slowly encircling and covering his entire body as something akin to a huge surrounding full lunar orb.
Onlookers recognizing “Mingyue Tianxin’s” secret principles involuntarily gasped! It appeared they beheld a nearing completion state of the heart-center: once achieved, it’d generate an unstoppable ultimate slash.
Yet, unaffected, Qian Ye seemed only further emboldened, suddenly emitting a prolonged roar echoing throughout the skies.
Dongyue’s techniques further transformed anew: suddenly becoming as heavy as immense stone masses; suddenly as delicate as gossamer threads; swift and unpredictable; shifting weightless and weighty within fleeting moments seamlessly. It became a flowing torrent—untraceable like a unicorn’s tracks upon a leafy slope!
Even better, his advancing步伐 displayed growing grace, ease, spontaneity with movement flowing free.
Within the match however — while transformations grew subtle and nuanced— the outcome gradually became increasingly evident: each sweep from Dongyue gradually drained the circular, lunar halo, steadily making completion elusive.
Eventually, drenched in heavy perspiring drips upon his forehead, Song Zi’an, pouring all his might at the moment of desperate peril, succeeded solely in barely preventing annihilation of the moon form and held on at extreme resistance!
From the audience again rang the elder Lu’s praise — loud, exuberant. “Fine! Perfect strike! That one’s exceptional! “
Upon platform, Elder Zhangeh’s dark countenance grew darker. Lu’s comments clearly suggested Song Zi’an thoroughly deserved every hard pound.
Presently, Song Zi’an’s mind ran free from clutter. Stricken pride aside? His tenacity surfaced under the trial— though at disadvantage still, Song proved able keeping battle status for the ongoing duration as if unwieldy, though he still maintained resilience.
Logically speaking though: A warrior of Battle-Lord rank like him had naturally far more staying energy for combat compared with Qian-Ye, so perhaps even in unfavorable terms right now, prolonged engagement would bring ultimate victory home.
Yet suddenly, a dark-blue brilliance lit in Qián Yè’s pupils, reflecting an unmistakable portrait of Song-Zi’àn.
Simultaneously, Song Zi’an felt heart-tightening pressure.
Even so though suppressed the first instant he’d perceived this, his hands involuntarily stilled. Qián Yè seized upon this briefest lull in opposing strength; Dongyue fell in three unrelenting slashes of “Lu Shen (Submerging Seabed)” style, collapsing completely the Moon-Orb shielding Song.
As he beheld its shattered remains, Song Zi’An startled badly.
Attempting a retaliating motion, he suddenly struggled as blade swung erratically — light yet heavy— hands stiff with resistance, as though enmired in thick webs — movements thrown off-kilter in every awkward conceivable way.
Just as Song approached a climax however, his internal pain flared suddenly for another shocking beat, once more jolting mind and body.
Thus, in that split second — Song’s Yuan Qi surged chaotically uncontrolled; Qián Yè refrained however from further aggressive moves but calmly, slowly took several receding steps, and Dongyue lifted again in preparation position slowly yet fully.
Then, without word of warning, Qián Yè roared aloud— striking thrice instantly, a trio of flashing cuts executed within blink span — rapid fire!
First struck down the last fragments of Moon Light.
Second cut through Song protective yuan barrier like a reed stalk.
Third blade — swift as thought directed — swept underneath, aiming his abdomen, lifted slightly.
Thus, the result — Sent Song Zi’an flying skybound.
Qián Ye gripped Dongyue by the haft in left hand — from right, he swiftly holstered out an energy pistol. As the airborne figure completed apex, then just began falling again.
With the timing impeccable he commenced shooting: multiple discharges in quick progression straight at the mid-air enemy form — until energy reserves depleted!
Above them atop the platform: The High Elder sprang bolt upright, bellowing fiercely: ”Audacious wretch! Dare to behave audaciously so!
The handgun in Qiányè’s possession — indeed a government-issued Class-V five provided by Song Clan. Obviously, firepower pales significantly against “Flower TWIN.” Still — currently Song protection just breached and even battle-Lord ranks can’t withstand such relentless fire from that proximity without armor.
With piercing screams of agony came gushing crimson sprays bursting again and again. Mid-air, several full tumbler loops occurred from which every gunshot connected fully— no miss landed.
A furious cry of wrath roared out: “Little rat dares court demise!”
Leapt from the dais itself and with sheer palm action mimicking sabre slashes against distant foe — summoned a great swath of moon-like force stretching far across skies. Aimed straight at Qing Yè’s direction cutting with moon energy like cleaved silk.
Similarly drawing from the technique, “Mingyue Tian-Xin”, yet when enacted through the Master Elder, power capable of parting the very heavens!
Yet upon the edge of battlefield, an intervening call rang: “STOP!
Another warrior, an onlooker named Song Tu burst forth — intercept against the onrushing wave.
Nevertheless, a vengeful maximum strength slash from a furious High长老 struck him down. Sent flying backward in motion. Blood spat mid-air.
That Moon-wave swath, though dimmed from the defensive interference of Song Tu’s body, persisted; what remained — albeit weaker now than before— remained dangerous enough to still reach and strike Qiánye fully.
Now, as approaching lunar beam flew fast, in Qian Ye’s pupils glowed brilliant ultramarine, unerringly tracking the incoming strike.
The originally pristine wave suddenly slightly deformed ever so lightly: though only marginally detectable visually— it displayed a subtle break allowing the opportunity finally perceived.
He flung the pistol aside. Both hands tightly gripped his great blade “DONGYUE.” Stilled breath and fully focused: it felt like dragging thousands of tons deep sea waters.
Gradually, the heavy blade struggled skyward — aimed directly at meeting, piercing through Moon-Wave!
With that resounding clash occurred sudden blinding radiance erupting like thunder from spring heavens itself. Struck the slashing lunar blade cleanly down!
The impact reverberated through Qián Yè’s figure; body shook violently causing him to cough a fresh spurt of blood — brilliant radiating light-wing forms behind shattered, wavered unsteadily, finally dissolving as he struggled with trembling upper appendages. Blood dripped from finger cracks. Legs remained planted rigid — defiant.
In fact… Qiánye had truly managed resisting the Great Elder’s slash completely.
An entire audience’s gazes remained fixed; all unable to believe own eyes.
Within the Song clan — the High Elder stood as one of a most fearsome ranked ten!
Moreover — Even if Song-Tu absorbed most power beforehand, an offensive from such ranks still would not see withstanding easily even by normal battle-level individuals.
The Master Priest himself, suspended mid-air, found himself startled as well at the unexpected counter.
Utmost furious, immediately gathered energy anew into second moon-energy slash — aimed again for the opponent.
However — Before this newer beam managed traversing halfway — A sudden intercept from some strange object cleaved it cleanly. In mid-way the complete slashing lunar arc ceased its flight mid-swoop — vanished entirely in that flash.
From above the Dais’s elders clearly beheld its disruption by a strange item: a simple skinned longan (Litchi chinenesis) fruit peeled and flung precisely!
The An Guo Lady quietly chewed at an already peeled litchi — the moment gone missing.
She addressed slowly now: “Zhong Cheng! What an example indeed! Is that really an exhibition becoming of you?”
Flying back — Elders gathered and the Big Brother bowed respectfully: “Indeed son merely felt this boy’s cruelty overkill: After young Song already bested, to continue brutal attack is surely unrighteous motive…I simply intended teach some deserved discipline!”
An Guo calmly replied: “I clearly declared prior to commencement; this exam of warrior might bears no restriction— deaths allowed if occur on battlefield here — If indeed he killed Zi’an, it only showed clan disciples’ inability! Until my death — these established rules are binding, remain active!”
The First Elder immediately began sweating profusely.
“I wouldn’t dare contest your edicts Madam.”
Sighing she continued: “And yet through your actions, world now witnesses Song family possesses no capacity — neither grace nor forbearness towards such. Who will ally with us hereafter?”
“I’ll withdraw your priest status hence forth. For the next five autumns, allocate only a 50% allotment for your family branch.”
Master长老’s complexion blanched instantly.
Such drastic penalty reduced family branch’s operational resources sharply — albeit fixed five year window existed.
Even so though — meant serious hindrance development for entire duration of imposed exile.
While during same interval, competing families like Song Zhong-Nian’s would continue normal growth unfettered.
A subtle balance inevitably shifting during five seasons hence!
The Lady of An Guo further commanded with composure:
“Bring forth a single glass from the Tien Feng Yui-Luh Liquor within My private collection. Serve to that fine boy. Prevent lingering inner damage.”
Without hesitation, two personal servants immediately descended the platform, rushing off at once as several seated higher-ranked elders silently acknowledged this act’s deeper implications.
Tien Feng Liquor (Heavenly Wind Dew Wine) stored within Grand Matriarch’s quarters — treasures worth a Kingdom’s worth. It served not merely as potent medicine assisting bodily wound recoveries, even more invaluable as a substance accelerating firm spiritual cultivation roots.
After surviving impact from the master elder’s lunar slash, the greatest threat Qian Ye now faced came specifically from residual moon-slicing spiritual energy lodged deeply within physical form — hard to purge.
Certainly, most elders among those gathered — could deal with this injury, albeit not as comfortably or swiftly as a rare healing treasure could achieve.
Yet providing this rare substance indicated an unspoken reward.
Down in battlefield, attendants carried out urgent medical attention on Song Zi’an.
Shot several rounds from short range — wounds deep into very viscera. Even with the finest medicine available, at absolute earliest — months bedrest would become mandatory: rendering his subsequent tests obsolete immediately due to current state: complete removal.
Nonetheless, the ripples this match sent within clan circles had just begun to unfold. Reflecting upon the light-wings — unique expression of special birth-connection Qiánye revealed at crucial moment—many exchanged suspicious and envious glances at the sight.
Typically, a fighter must ascend past Thirteenth-Level Warlord status to manifest such “Talent Shape Manifestation.” Yet occasionally, precocious talents might still display such even earlier among noble blooded. Within elite lineages, exceptions exist.
That Qian Ye, merely of level eighth defeating elite-ranked battle-lord warriors — placed far beyond “ordinary exceptions.”
So nobody raised brows purely just at that alone, as far-fetched birth origin considerations surfaced.
Where did birth-right for these LightWings emanate, from which family?
Actually—back at time Qian Ye achieved top ranking from the Guest Tournament elimination phase… murmurs started already suggesting speculation about potential disguised elite offspring of noble families offering assistance; even perhaps suggesting origins from opposing clans, higher-ranked aristocracy families, or upper tier families.
Though absolutely not violating competition rules. Everyone knew perfectly— in imperial rigidly stratified society where the great House, gentry classes and citizen tiers stood eternally far apart, simply allowing noble scions to conceal true identities and compete officially — constituted honor, worth praise!
That this contestant’s overwhelming dominance, however… inevitably invited suspicion and resentment.
Still sitting in the crowd, unbothered, Zi Ning remained motionlessly still. Not allowing surrounding eyes or judgment impact mood or thoughts.
Qiánye sipped the elixir medicine. He had undergone some treatment for the hand wounds, now leaned casually with East岳 blade upon chair — resting quietly. He appeared to ignore every surrounding whisper.
On High-Dais though… elder skepticism emerged slightly more veiled as glances exchanged and murmured terms dropped.
The hot-temper, “Zhong-Xing, Song,” suddenly sneered: “Supposed Cloud-Sky Feather technique, nonsense indeed! Among present nobles, surely some have seen the BAI House’s secret skills— are those same as seen now? Also, supposing they are alike! How may such presence here even hope to preserve Song pride’s dignity?”
Before he can elaborate, Lord of the clan, Song Zhong Nian quickly made a sign to stop immediately — for his tongue-heavy impulsive brother would soon make everyone enemies if unchecked!
Then Master Ru voiced: “It resembles no ‘Cloud-Skies of Feather Wings’ techniques.”
The Lady Guan-guo did not turn a glimmering eye.
Thus, other high priests sank in silent agreement — all quiet once more.
Following fights bore little surprises or unexpected victories. As expected—only superior warriors won decisively while others inevitably fell as the weaker force fell in final match determining the final eight champions.
This top 8 formation now battled again tomorrow’s contests determining ultimate champion of the exams! Reaching this crucial round however meant only two left remained as non-clan affiliated invite-combatants — Qian Ye plus Song Zi-An’s other guest fighter; illustrating this chasm between standard foot-soldiers, lowborn combat artists—versus elite-trained nobility.
These experienced warriors often brought hardened survival wisdom. Still this counted almost nothing given the overwhelming resource imbalance in both supply and developmental nurturing during one’s earliest ages within aristocracy circles.
Not a wonder Big Priest Zhong Cheng erupted in anger so easily.
Quite evidently, the family wing poured in considerable preparation into this martial grand test. Particularly focused effort spent on cultivating their warriors’ expertise for highest potential scores obtainable.
Then came Qian ye: unexpectedly shattering all hopes for the crown, besting crucial candidate in the top eight phase. Ruining their meticulously drawn grand plan completely.
In one single dusk’s contest: he drained completely all plans they built over many hard-won years.
That evening, after drinking the “Heaven-wind Dew Wine (T’ien-Feng Yü-Lu Chiu),” he collapsed into a dreamless deep sleep, resting peacefully without waking until daylight’s rise upon next morning.
Awakening fully, only did something feel amiss when body sensation registered strange.
Hurried inward scans confirmed the ninth energy meridian knot already quietly lit itself — while injuries completely vanished.
Thus — Level nine awakened. Fully healed. He had awakened into the next level!
So the story unfolded, and now he prepared himself for the upcoming duel as champion contender. The journey continues… with Qian Ye’s destiny ascending!
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