"I shall make this clear from the outset - I have practiced this technique for merely a single day. It may well contain numerous imperfections. Yet consider this your honor - to be the very first to taste the art bestowed upon me by Young Master himself!"
Xue Ning Qian:
"You think yourself capable of such arrogance? Then die!"
Blood-Devouring Demonic Art!
a demonic Xue Ning Qian unleashed his personal secret technique cultivation art of ravenous consumption. It devoured all living beings, be they beast or human alike. Not only flesh and blood, but even spiritual essence and cultivated qi were drained utterly, leaving nothing behind.
"Not bad! Then take one of my punches!"
"Yaaahhh- Heaven-Shattering Fist!"
The two attacks collided violently.
A spatial shockwave erupted from the point of impact, distorting the surrounding air and sending torrents of dust spiraling upward. Visibility vanished entirely.
Xue Ning Qian attempted to rely upon his spiritual perception to discern the rhythm and movement of his opponent.
Too late.
Within ten meters - something was already upon him.
"Hmph!"
Boom!
The explosion sent him hurtling backward. His body slammed into a strange rune-seal barrier behind him. He coughed out a mouthful of blood, thick and heavy.
That single strike alone had left him gravely wounded - to the point he could scarcely rise.
He attempted to activate a soul-destroying technique-
It failed.
Another fist came hurtling toward his face-
Suddenly-
He vanished.
Fshh!
"Eh? Where did he go? A concealment technique? No... it feels more akin to teleportation. That strange old man must have used a spatial escape talisman. I underestimated him. Next time, I should finish it faster."
The Following Morning
Main Hall of the Wu Clan
"Young Master, what shall we do with these two scoundrels?"
Wu Ming's expression remained indifferent.
"Only two? Was not the third entrusted to you to handle personally, Wu Feng?"
Wu Feng bowed deeply.
"This subordinate was careless. I wished to test the new technique Young Master bestowed upon me and grew overconfident. It is a grave fault that the enemy managed to escape."
Wu Ming raised a hand, signaling him to stop.
"That is not a major concern. For now, I require information from these two. Interrogate them. If they refuse to speak... employ subtle measures to persuade them."
He turned slightly.
"And you, Yong Ye - well done. Had you not reported the suspicious movements of that brat Fan Yi, the consequences might have been far worse."
Yong Ye hesitated.
"Young Master... among these two, neither resembles Fan Yi. Even if he had disguised himself, I would never mistake his aura. Yet these two possess no such presence at all. I fear someone may have slipped through."
Wu Ming fell silent in contemplation before slowly shaking his head.
"Deal with these two first. Do not let them die. Administer the medicinal pills I refined within the library."
A faint smile touched his lips.
"The pills suppress qi and induce paralysis. Yet they also heighten sensory perception to a remarkable clarity. In situations such as these... they are most appropriate."
Yong Ye and Wu Feng clasped their fists respectfully.
"As you command, Young Master!"
Wu Ming vanished.
The Waterfall Grove
He reappeared within a secluded meadow surrounded by lush forest and cascading waters a place ideal for meditation and cultivation.
Behind the waterfall lay a cavern.
He entered.
Darkness reigned within. The air reeked of blood.
At the deepest chamber, a man was chained in a kneeling posture, bound by thick iron shackles that rendered him immobile.
When he saw Wu Ming approach, fury and terror twisted his face.
"You devil! Even fiends and beasts are not as vile as you! I curse you may the heavens strike you down!"
Wu Ming laughed softly.
"Oh? So you can scream again. How does the tongue of a dog, left to rot for seven days, feel? It suits you rather well. And it functions perfectly. It seems my refinement technique is not lacking."
The man bound in chains was none other than Baili Yuanhe.
Throughout the previous night, he had been tortured and restored repeatedly - reduced to a living specimen. Wu Ming had tested upon him bodily alterations, structural refinements, and experimental medicines.
One single night had felt like an eternity in hell.
"Do not shout so loudly," Wu Ming said lightly. "If you dislike your new tongue, I can always remove it again. I granted you the chance to speak - yet you still refuse to submit to your new master."
Baili Yuanhe spat blood.
"Opportunity? I have never seen a creature so shameless as you! My disappearance will alert the Baili Clan! When they discover the truth, none of you will die peacefully! While you still have the chance, kneel and beg forgiveness - become my loyal servant!"
Wu Ming did not respond.
He merely smiled.
The smile alone made Baili Yuanhe tremble.
"Hahaha... How would the outside world ever learn your location? This cave is sealed within distorted space and time. Time flows ten times slower here. We have ample opportunity for experimentation. And you... will serve as my assistant."
Baili Yuanhe's eyes widened in horror.
Before he could speak again-
His tongue was severed once more.
Wu Ming stepped behind him.
With a sharp blade, he slowly carved into Baili Yuanhe's back.
Deliberately.
Every inch of steel traced with meticulous precision, ensuring that each sensation registered with perfect clarity.
Skin peeled away.
Flesh and crimson muscle were exposed.
Blood streamed.
Baili Yuanhe attempted to scream but no tongue remained.
Tears mixed with blood poured from his eyes. Black fluid seeped from his seven orifices.
He could not die.
The medicinal elixir sustained his life regardless of the agony.
After flaying the skin from his back, Wu Ming scattered salt upon the raw flesh.
Baili Yuanhe convulsed violently.
He should have fainted-
Yet the medicine kept his consciousness intact.
The pain penetrated deep into his very soul.
Wu Ming's eyes remained cold and emotionless.
"This is insufficient repayment for insulting my clan and my sister. You will never forget. And you will never die. You shall remain here... for the rest of your life."
His laughter echoed through the cavern.
Illusory Valley
Pant... pant... pant...
"Damn it... I nearly died. Good thing the Illusion Escape Talisman activated in time. I must thank you, Gu Yi Fan. Otherwise, that old bastard's punch would have crushed me."
A voice spoke gravely beside him.
"It appears we underestimated them, Elder Xue Ning Qian. Our plan has failed utterly."
Xue Ning Qian: "I truly never imagined... that more than half of my cultivation foundation would be destroyed. Such a risk-"
Drip.
Drip.
Drip.
Before he could finish speaking, a blade had already pierced cleanly through his heart.
Blood streamed along the length of the sword, sliding down its edge before falling in heavy droplets onto the ground.
He slowly turned his head with great difficulty, trying to look toward the direction from which the strike had come. His vision had already begun to blur, yet he could still discern clearly who stood there.
"G-Gu Yi... Fan... How could you... do this...?"
Thud.
His body collapsed onto the ground.
He died completely.
Gu Yi Fan looked down at the corpse without a trace of hesitation.
"My apologies. I have no intention of becoming entangled in these affairs. The benefits I shall obtain from your corpse alone are more than sufficient to satisfy me."
He bent down and retrieved the precious treasures and the spatial storage pouch containing numerous valuables from Xue Ning Qian's body.
"Greed is a path that leads only toward hardship and a point of no return. One sinks deeper into avarice until the original path can no longer be found. To know contentment is to know that one still walks the correct road."
He glanced at the lifeless body.
"You are no longer of use to me. These treasures were accumulated through your painstaking efforts - I will burn your corpse. Consider it repayment."
With a gesture of his hand, flames manifested.
They engulfed Xue Ning Qian's body.
The corpse burned violently. Flesh blackened, then vanished. Bone became visible, then gradually disintegrated into fine powder, which scattered upon the wind like drifting ash.
Nothing remained.
Three Days Later
"At last... the day has arrived."
The center of Qian Dian City was overflowing with people. Crowds gathered densely in every direction, their gazes fixed upon the grand arena.
The long-anticipated Competition of Talents was about to begin - a contest where individuals skilled in various disciplines would finally reveal themselves.
"It seems this event has drawn the attention of many," a voice remarked. "Would you not agree, Gu Fei Yi?"
Gu Fei Yi:
"It must be so. I suspect that during this competition, we may encounter a talent capable of catching Senior Kong Hai's eye."
A hearty laugh rang out.
"Hahaha! You dare say such things? Even you - the most talented youth within this city, whose reputation has spread throughout the kingdom - would find it difficult to become my personal disciple. The standards I have set are exceedingly high. Or perhaps... it is simply that I am too particular, as others claim?"
Gu Fei Yi smiled respectfully.
"How could that be? At the very least, you already possess one personal disciple whose talent fully meets your standards. Across the entire martial world, it would be difficult to find another like him."
"Oh? Ah! I nearly forgot about that brat."
He waved his hand dismissively.
"That disciple is far too reclusive. Always secluded, always solitary - I almost forget he is my student. When I have the time, I must go speak with that Zhao Zheng."
He snorted lightly.
"But enough of that. Let us go witness the excitement within the arena. I grow impatient waiting."
Gu Fei Yi:
"As you say. Let us depart at once."
Kong Hai suddenly paused.
"Oh - I nearly forgot. Is your father not coming? Where is Gu Chen Wei now?"
Gu Fei Yi replied calmly,
"Senior Kong Hai need not worry. He has been waiting for you at the arena for quite some time."
"What?! That fellow dared to sit comfortably there before me?"
The moment his words fell-
He shot forward at tremendous speed, streaking toward the arena of competition.
Gu Fei Yi followed closely behind.
.....
.......
The Arena of Talents
Kong Hai and Gu Fei Yi soon arrived at the grand Arena of Talents.
They ascended toward the elevated platform reserved for the City Lord and the most influential figures - individuals of high authority and distinguished rank. The air upon that platform carried a weight far heavier than the clamor below.
As they approached, the assembled dignitaries immediately rose and offered formal greetings and bows toward Kong Hai.
"There is no need for such courtesy," Kong Hai waved dismissively. "You may withdraw."
At that moment, the City Lord himself stood from his seat.
The two men locked gazes for a brief span of silence a silence thick with history - before Gu Chen Wei spoke first.
"It has been a long time, Senior Brother Kong Hai. It seems your strength has grown even further. You continue to advance at the same astonishing pace as before."
Kong Hai burst into laughter.
"Hahaha! Junior Brother, you exaggerate far too much. Since when must we address one another with such stiff formality? Words like 'Senior' and 'Junior' sound rather unpleasant to my ears. Let us speak as we did in the past - openly and without pretense."
Hearing this, Gu Chen Wei nodded with a faint smile. He then gestured respectfully for Kong Hai and Gu Fei Yi to take their seats.
The arena below was gradually settling into anticipatory silence. The opening speech would soon commence, marking the official beginning of the Competition of Talents.
Gu Chen Wei turned slightly.
"Senior Brother Kong Hai, in this year's competition... have you noticed anyone who catches your interest? Someone whose potential stands out to you?"
Kong Hai frowned thoughtfully before slowly raising a finger and pointing toward a certain young man among the contestants.
"Do you see that child?"
The youth in question did not appear particularly remarkable at first glance.
A single blade was strapped across his back. His face was partially concealed beneath a strip of black silk. His clothing was plain, even worn nothing that would draw attention in a crowd.
And yet-
The air around him was saturated with a powerful Sword Aura.
It was not merely the presence of a weapon, but the embodiment of Sword Intent itself - sharp, unwavering, and profoundly resolute. The invisible pressure emanating from him felt as though a thousand unseen blades hovered in silent formation around his person.
When Gu Chen Wei focused his perception upon the young man, recognition dawned instantly.
He knew exactly who that youth was.
Chen Ye.
One of the newly arisen prodigies of recent years.
It was said that Chen Ye had stepped into the rare state known as Unity of Heart and Sword a realm in which one's consciousness resonates directly with the blade itself. Such a state was extraordinarily uncommon and marked an individual of exceptional innate talent.
Yet few in the wider martial world were aware of him.
For he was but a wanderer - little different from an orphan - drifting through the jianghu without sect, clan, or patron to speak his name aloud.
Gu Chen Wei spoke slowly,
"That young man possesses extraordinary talent. In truth... his potential may even surpass that of my own son, Gu Fei Yi."
Gu Fei Yi, upon hearing this, narrowed his gaze and looked toward Chen Ye.
He was acknowledged as the number one genius of Qian Dian City his reputation extending even throughout the kingdom. The thought that someone within the same city might rival him was difficult to accept.
Aside from Wu Ming, there had been no one who could truly stand on equal footing with him.
Yet now...
Chen Ye.
Gu Fei Yi's eyes sharpened.
He would soon find out.
For in this Competition of Talents - he himself would also participate.
And whether Chen Ye truly possessed the ability to rival him...
Would be decided upon the arena floor.
For he was but a wanderer — little different from an orphan — drifting through the jianghu without sect, clan, or patron to speak his name aloud.
The Arena of Talents
Not long thereafter, torrents of people surged toward the Arena of Talents. The gathering resembled a swelling tide - restless, fervent, electric with anticipation. All had come to witness the rising prodigies of this generation display their cultivated arts, hoping that among them, a few would catch the discerning gaze of those who sat upon the heights of power.
Wu Ming surveyed the sea of humanity before him and exhaled softly.
"So many... far beyond what I anticipated. I had thought this but a modest city. Yet from my estimation, the spectators alone exceed one hundred thousand. And the arena it appears far too confined to contain such numbers. Might complications arise from this?"
A calm voice interjected beside him.
"I would not deem it a problem."
Wu Ming turned in mild surprise.
The speaker was a man whose face lay partially concealed beneath dark cloth. A single sword rested across his back. Though he stood without ostentation, the air about him carried an unmistakable sharpness.
Wu Ming assessed him instinctively.
The man's mastery of the sword was profound. His aura - restrained yet formidable - bore the quiet weight of tempered steel. Even without drawing his blade, his presence exuded the faint outline of Sword Intent.
"And why," Wu Ming asked, "do you believe it is not a concern? Might you possess knowledge of some method by which their numbers shall be reduced?"
The masked swordsman explained evenly.
"This is not yet the true commencement of the competition. Today serves only as a preliminary selection a filtration of those who truly possess the qualifications to register. Many gather out of confidence... or reckless hope. Fortune, however, shall avail them nothing. Before formal registration, one must first demonstrate genuine ability."
Understanding dawned upon Wu Ming.
"I see. Then I must thank you for the clarification. My name is Wu Ming. Might I know how to address you, fellow Daoist?"
"You may call me Chen Ye," the man replied. "As this is our first meeting, I suspect fate has arranged it. If you wish, I could elaborate further on the nature of each trial, that you may prepare."
Wu Ming shook his head lightly.
"There is no need. The officials shall provide explanation when each stage begins."
Chen Ye regarded him thoughtfully.
"Fellow Daoist Wu Ming, you underestimate this place. The heirs of great clans and the scions of powerful factions shall also participate. If one were to offend them carelessly, retaliation may follow and distraction is poison to cultivation."
Wu Ming's curiosity stirred.
"Then it would be prudent to avoid unnecessary entanglements, if possible?"
Chen Ye inclined his head.
"Correct. Even should our abilities surpass theirs, displeasing such individuals does not guarantee we shall be granted the opportunity to prove it."
Before Wu Ming could respond further, a thunderous proclamation reverberated across the arena.
"Attend closely! I am the adjudicator of this year's selection! Let none mistake this gathering for formal registration. Today you shall exhibit your aptitude. Only those who demonstrate true qualification shall earn the right to register officially for the Competition of Talents. Those who rely upon luck shall find no place here!"
The crowd fell silent.
"To prove eligibility - ascend the platforms and challenge any you deem worthy. Victory shall secure your name among the qualified!"
The spectators' gazes shifted toward the raised stages - fifty in total, each elevated roughly one meter above the ground. Every platform permitted only two participants at a time. One-on-one combat. The victor would advance; the defeated would depart.
Time was limited.
"Remember this well!" the voice thundered once more. "The selection endures but a single day. Those who hesitate shall forfeit their chance entirely!"
Wu Ming exhaled.
"To compress selection into a single day... unexpected, yet efficient."
Chen Ye folded his arms calmly.
"Let others reveal themselves first. To know one's opponents while concealing one's own hand - that is wisdom."
Wu Ming nodded.
"I agree."
Suddenly, a muscular man leapt onto one of the platforms.
"I am Lei Man!" he bellowed. "Let any who believe themselves capable challenge me!"
His physique was immense, his muscles coiled with explosive force. A practitioner of brute strength, his fists alone radiated destructive intent.
Moments later, another figure vaulted onto the stage - slender, poised, bearing the demeanor of a sword immortal.
"My name is Qi Nan," he said, offering a respectful salute. "I accept your challenge. Pray grant your guidance."
Across all fifty platforms, battles erupted simultaneously.
From three thousand participants, the numbers began to fall.
Hours passed. Steel rang. Blood stained stone. Pride shattered beneath ruthless exchanges.
When dusk's first shadows stretched across the arena, only twelve hundred remained.
High above, Kong Hai groaned dramatically.
"Must I endure such mediocrity before witnessing something worthy? I am tempted to nap."
Beside him, Gu Chen Wei answered calmly.
"As elders, we must set an example."
Kong Hai waved dismissively - then paused.
"Ah... now this is interesting."
He pointed.
Chen Ye had ascended a platform, facing a man named Zhang Xuan.
Their introductions lasted longer than the exchange itself.
In less than a breath, Chen Ye closed the distance. His blade flashed not in flourish, but in inevitability. Its edge rested coldly against Zhang Xuan's throat before the latter could even complete his stance.
Silence followed.
Zhang Xuan conceded instantly.
Murmurs rippled through the high seats. Many powerful figures now regarded Chen Ye with sharpened interest.
As Chen Ye descended, he noticed Wu Ming ascending another platform.
Among the observers, none watched more intently than Gu Fei Yi though he himself did not yet move.
Then-
Another announcement thundered across the arena.
"The Manager of Sovereign Pavilion has arrived to observe the selection!"
Shock exploded through the crowd.
Even the elders stiffened.
The Sovereign Pavilion - though but a branch in this city was no trivial entity. Its influence extended across the breadth of the realm, its intelligence network vast, its economic might formidable. To gain its recognition was to alter one's destiny.
The City Lord, Gu Chen Wei, rose and offered formal greetings.
"It is an honor beyond measure for Quan Dian City to receive Manager Xuan Yue."
Xuan Yue spoke evenly.
"Dispense with ceremony. I am here only to identify talents worthy of entering the Sovereign Pavilion."
Xuan Yue spoke evenly.
"Dispense with ceremony. I am here only to identify talents worthy of entering the Sovereign Pavilion."
Her gaze drifted across the roaring arena below, where blades flashed and fists thundered against stone.
"The atmosphere is... spirited," she remarked lightly. "Yet I suspect that the first and second ranks shall not stray far from the grasp of Clan Leader Gu's own household."
A faint ripple passed through the elders seated nearby.
Kong Hai's brows lifted slightly, though he remained silent.
Gu Chen Wei released a low chuckle.
"You overestimate us, Manager Xuan Yue. Though such assumptions are flattering, this year appears... different. Hidden talents have begun to surface." His eyes shifted briefly toward one of the platforms. "It would not surprise me if my son fails to secure first or even second place."
Xuan Yue's gaze sharpened a fraction.
"Oh? That exceeds my expectations. For the City Lord to speak with such humility - how refreshing."
Gu Chen Wei inclined his head with measured grace.
"Let us instead attend to the selection itself. The arena will reveal what words cannot."
Below them, steel rang once more.
And the contest pressed on.
Excitement surged anew. The competitors burned with renewed fervor.
Upon a solitary platform stood Wu Ming.
A swordsman leapt before him - aura sharp, comprehension refined, his grasp of foundational Sword Intent unmistakable.
"My name is Zou Ming. Pray instruct me."
Wu Ming wasted no time.
He announced himself-
And the duel began.