Second Phase and the Competition

After many more tests with many failing and only a minority passing. There were only a select few that were worthy of being watched over.

"The first phase is now over. We will now be beginning the second phase!" Elder Ning said with a voice loud enough for everyone to hear.

The remaining 1000 people who passed were determined to enter the sect and become a powerhouse. Although some were nervous, they still had a lingering fire that wanted to become stronger.

"As you all already know, we are a sword sect, meaning we train in the way of the sword. This part is to test your comprehension skills of the sword. We will be giving you a Heaven-grade sword manual, and you have to comprehend at least the small success realm under 6 hours to qualify." Elder Ning announced with an expecting smile.

Some were dreading the test because only the truly talented were able to comprehend that much that fast. Everyone could tell that the Immortal Sword Sect wanted to weed out the weak and untalented ones to dig out the truly talented individuals.

Elder Ning waved his hand and about a thousand manuals shot out from his sleeve and to the people below.

On the manual, it said 'Drifting Cloud Sword Art', on the inside, there were many lines of words and illustrations depicting the sword moves in order.

As Nascent Soul cultivators, they were able to read very quickly. The main test was comprehending the words and being enlightened to reach the small success realm. They had no problem integrating it into their style as the sword art was non-attributed.

Ling Tian looked at the manual and started reading at a fast pace and comprehending it. He finished in a matter of seconds but didn't show anyone as he didn't want to stand out.

Bursts of aura and wind poured out of a few of the contestants, signaling they reached the small success stage of the Drifting Cloud Sword Art.

Ling Tian only showed that he reached it after a few contestants released their auras. Ling Tian already reached the pinnacle of the Drifting Cloud Sword Art but only released the small success realm aura to show he completed.

After the 6-hour test was over, Elder Ning announced the results, "To those of you who reached the small success realm, good job. To the rest that failed to reach it, I'm sorry, but please leave the vicinity.

Many were upset and pleaded to have another chance but were kicked out without remorse. The few that barely passed heaved a sigh of relief.

"The last and final test of phase 2 before entering the sect is the competition. Everyone will compete to reach a higher ranking, that ranking will decide who gets more resources. The top 10 will get an extra reward and the ones who reach even higher, for example, first to third, get an even better reward."

"Don't worry so much just yet. Every month, there will be another competition and you will have the chance to challenge someone of a higher rank. You may not challenge the same person twice, and you may not keep stacking challenges on one person. After 3 consecutive challenges on the same person, they get to have an hours' worth of rest."

"Rewards can include pills, weapons, manuals, contribution points, and more. Also, there is no killing, maiming, purposefully lethal attacks, and crippling. If you do any of these, you are either disqualified, jailed, or killed, depending on the severity of the case." Elder Ning said as he released his oppressive aura to show he was not joking around.

"We shall now start! 1st round, Li Qigang versus Zhuge Guiying!"

Li Qigang, the first person to get tested, jumped up onto the stage first, and a young man with a fan in his hand, was fanning himself and gracefully hopped onto the stage with a faint smile.

'I hate those types of people...' Ling Tian and Li Qigang thought at the same time. They both hated arrogant young masters that cause trouble for no reason.

"Start!" Elder Ning announced with a loud voice.

Li Qigang immediately gathered his qi in his sword and dashed forwards, making the first move.

Zhuge Guiying still had a faint smile on his face and gracefully sidestepped before unsheathing his sword. He aimed his sword at Li Qigang's back and said, "Divine Regal Swan Sword Art."

An illusion of a divine swan with its wings spread out in a regal manner shot out from his sword and hit his side.

Li Qigang had a lot of combat experience and immediately knew what to do after seeing his probing attack fail, he dashed to the side and blocked with his sword.

The divine swan only grazed his side but it didn't change the fact that he was still hit and took damage.

"Earth King Sword Art: 3rd Form, Royal Stone Thrust!" Li Qigang still had qi in his blade so he thrust at the air towards Li Qigang right after he got hit.

As Zhuge Guiying was still in the air and got off guard, he couldn't immediately move and was struck in the chest. His chest was shredded and torn as he got directly hit.

Li Qigang still had the momentum and Zhuge Guiying was still in the air, Li Qigang struck again with his 1st form, Landslide Destruction, ending the fight.

Zhuge Guiying was on the ground and had broken bones and was bleeding profusely. Many medics and physicians came to heal immediately.

"Li Qigang wins! The first round is over!" Elder Ning announced.

Although Li Qigang won, he won because of his determination and combat experience. He knew that Zhuge Guiying would be a troublesome one as soon as he stepped up to the stage.

The gracefulness and swift moves alarmed him that he was fast. He used the innate arrogance inside of Zhuge Guiying to make him be in a position that was favorable towards him and took a hit from him to attack back without missing.

Since Zhuge Guiying wanted to attack and look handsome and graceful, he let himself be in the air to look cool. Little did he know, that would be his downfall.

Many would not want to take a hit just to guarantee an attack back as that was risky. But Li Qigang was not one to be messed with. Although Zhuge Guiying was at the peak of Nascent Soul realm, he still lost to a person a stage below him.