Disregard

Disregard...

The figure leading the Li Clan was none other than their clan lord, Li Zhentian. His sharp gaze honed in on Zong Yi and swept across the doyens, the elders, and finally landed on Qin Wentian. "Is this the Sword Son of your Zong Clan?" he inquired, his voice dripping with curiosity.

The younger generation of the Li Clan shifted their attention to Qin Wentian, given his proximity to Zong Yi. It was clear that he held a significant position, possibly as Zong Yi's chosen representative in the forthcoming battle for control of the sword range.

Li Ran and Li Nian, having encountered Qin Wentian previously, exchanged comments. Li Nian remarked, "This man achieved the Perfection Boundary of the first level insight into the Mandate of Swords in just three months. He initially denied being invited by the Zong Clan, but I understand now—he's afraid of death. If it weren't for Zong Qian producing his divine weapon that day, he would have perished."

Li Zhentian's interest was piqued. He chuckled coldly, "It appears that with time, the Zong Clan's standards are dwindling."

Zong Yi refrained from engaging in a verbal duel. The top priority was to secure control of the sword range.

Qin Wentian didn't deign to glance at Li Nian. He remembered their encounter well. If he hadn't been new to the city and keen to avoid trouble, Li Nian would have met a harsher fate. Yet despite this, she remained audacious in his presence.

Zong Qian interjected, "If we hadn't withdrawn that day, it wouldn't have been Brother Qin who perished, but your Senior Brother Li Ran."

The younger Zong Clan members wore smug expressions, thoroughly amused by Li Nian's arrogance.

Li Nian retorted, "Everyone's a braggart, aren't they? Let's see if you can maintain your confidence when we meet on the battlefield for the sword range contest."

Zong Qian responded defiantly, "You're absolutely right. Everyone loves to boast. We won't engage in a battle of words with you. We'll see if that smile remains on your face when the time for battle arrives." In Sword Reverence City, where the three major powers jockeyed for control and the demonic sword range loomed, there was no room for weakness when it came to their stances.

"Qin Wentian looks as cool as a cucumber," whispered the Zong Clan members to each other. They couldn't help but imagine the look on Li Nian's face when the sword range battle began—a real slap in the face.

The two groups quickly arrived at a precipice and descended into a ravine. In the surrounding area, there was an actual battle arena platform. The members of the Heavenly Sword Sect, clad in green with swords strapped to their backs, exuded a formidable presence. Upon the arrival of the Li and Zong Clans, a formidable sword intent surged, filling the air with sharpness. Even before the contest had begun, their battle intent was palpable.

The Li Clan and Zong Clan took their positions, forming a triangular formation with the Heavenly Sword Sect.

Li Zhentian and Zong Yi stepped forward toward the Heavenly Sword Sect's leader. He greeted them with a nod. "I trust both clan lords have been well since our last meeting?"

Li Zhentian respectfully replied, "Sect Leader Wuyou, let's not dwell on the past. The ten-year period has ended, and this contest will determine who controls the sword range for the next decade. Will the rules of the battle remain the same?"

The Sword Reverence City's three major powers were equally matched, none capable of decisively overpowering the others. To maintain this balance, they opted for a more diplomatic approach: letting their disciples compete for control of the sword range, avoiding any power from gaining absolute dominance.

As for the rules, each power would select three candidates, all under thirty years old, with two at the Yuanfu Realm and one at the Heavenly Dipper Realm. The use of Divine Weapons was prohibited. The victor would be decided in three rounds, with one candidate from each power in each round. If one power won two rounds, they would gain control of the sword range for the next ten years. If each power won one round, the battle at the Heavenly Dipper level would be the deciding match.

The crowd at the precipice was not limited to the three major powers. Several spectators had gathered to witness the battle. This event was a significant occasion in Sword Reverence City, held once a decade, and each power spared no effort to groom their young talents for a chance at victory.

Zong Yi agreed to the old rules, a smile on his face. With Qin Wentian in their ranks, victory in the Heavenly Dipper level battle was almost guaranteed, as long as one power didn't secure two victories in the initial rounds.

"It seems like both the Li and Zong Clan are brimming with confidence," remarked one spectator, observing the demeanor of Zong Yi and Li Zhentian. However, according to rumors, the strongest contender should be from the Heavenly Sword Sect.

The Heavenly Sword Sect boasted several exceptional disciples, each with formidable power.

"Very well, since both clan lords are in agreement, we shall adhere to the traditional rules," declared Jian Wuyou, the leader of the Heavenly Sword Sect. He gestured to a young man emanating an aura of icy aloofness. The moment he stepped onto the central stone platform, an overwhelming and frigid sharpness enveloped the area.

Li Zhentian, the Li Clan's leader, said, "Li Nian, you're up." Li Nian swiftly ascended the platform.

Zong Yi pointed to Zong Qian. "You'll take the first round."

The three candidates stood on the stone platform, puzzling many spectators. Jian Han was undoubtedly more powerful than Li Nian of the Li Clan. Yet, Li Zhentian had chosen her for the initial battle, which seemed unwise.

To everyone's surprise, Li Nian and Jian Han joined forces and advanced toward Zong Qian simultaneously.

"You two..." Zong Qian's expression turned cold as he summoned his Astral Souls. But a surge of coldness had already enveloped him, and a sword beam flashed with the aura of death.

Li Nian utilized her agility to position herself behind Zong Qian, cutting off his retreat. Swordlight erupted, creating sparks in the void.

Zong Qian was no pushover. He flicked his finger, summoning a colossal sword imbued with the strength of a mountain, aimed at suppressing Jian Han. Simultaneously, his left hand sent a powerful palm strike toward Li Nian.

A crisp sound echoed as spectators watched Jian Han continue his advance. He ignored Zong Qian's attack, allowing the sword to slash into his body in exchange for his blade slicing through Zong Qian's throat.

In an instant, Zong Qian had to make a life-or-death decision. He retracted his left palm, grabbing at Jian Han's sword. Simultaneously, a palm strike crashed into his body, shredding his clothing as deadly sword qi penetrated his flesh. The sight left members of the Zong Clan in shock.

"DIE!" Jian Han, who had already comprehended a second-level insight, unleashed a sword light that flowed like water, an unstoppable force. Zong Qian swiftly retreated, leaping off the platform to narrowly evade Jian Han's sweeping attack.

Taking a deep breath, Zong Qian looked ashen. Even if Jian Han had incurred injuries, he still aimed to blast him off the platform.

Subsequently, the spectators watched in astonishment as the injured Jian Han maintained an overwhelming advantage, effortlessly suppressing Li Nian. Such a performance left the onlookers bewildered.

"The Li Clan must have struck a deal with the Heavenly Sword Sect," murmured one spectator.

The crowd's expressions stiffened. Zong Yi had anticipated this move, and indeed, for the second battle, the Li Clan sent out a slightly stronger candidate while the Heavenly Sword Sect chose a weaker one. This indicated that, for the second round, the Heavenly Sword Sect was intentionally allowing the Li Clan to win.

As the battle began, the Li Clan and Heavenly Sword Sect candidates simultaneously launched an assault on the Zong Clan candidate, forcing him off the platform. Consequently, the Li Clan secured an easy victory for the second round.

The Li Clan and the Heavenly Sword Sect each had one victory.

"Despicable."

"What schemers, both the Li Clan and the Heavenly Sword Sect. They resorted to such a shameful method."

The Zong Clan members seethed with anger as they reached this conclusion. However, their clan leader, Zong Yi, remained composed. He silently observed the other party and remarked, "Clan Lord Li and Sect Leader Jian seem to be enjoying themselves."

Jian Wuyou gave Zong Yi an indifferent look, and even before he spoke, Li Zhentian's face displayed a mocking smirk. "In this generation, the members of your Zong Clan are the weakest. They barely have the qualifications to participate in the battle for control of the sword range. Let's eliminate your Zong Clan from the competition to save your clan's dignity. Zong Clan members neither have the right nor the ability to partake in the next battle."

Li Zhentian's words clearly conveyed his disdain for the entire younger generation of the Zong Clan. His alliance with the Heavenly Sword Sect was not due to any fear of the Zong Clan but rather stemmed from his belief that the Zong Clan lacked the qualifications to compete. In his view, it made more sense to eliminate them early.

Conversely, both the Li Clan and the Heavenly Sword Sect held immense confidence in their Heavenly Dipper Sword Son. They were placing all their bets on the next battle to claim control of the sword range.

The Zong Clan found themselves marginalized by the two major powers, and this blatant disregard ignited their anger. The Li Clan had undoubtedly crossed a line.

Zong Yi maintained his calm composure as he gazed at the arrogant Li Zhentian. It was true that the younger generation of the Zong Clan appeared to be somewhat weaker in comparison to their counterparts.

Jian Feng from the Heavenly Sword Sect and Li Ran from the Li Clan were undeniably formidable. It was no wonder that both leaders were so self-assured and aimed to leave the final battle to these two powerhouses. Because of the presence of these exceptional candidates, all the attention and focus of the spectators were directed away from the Zong Clan. Little did they know that in recent days, an incredibly talented Sword Son had emerged within the Zong Clan.

"Jian Feng, we entrust this to you," Jian Wuyou said as he turned his gaze towards the person behind him. This person, Jian Feng, was the one whose presence Qin Wentian had sensed during his meditation in the sword range.

Jian Feng, a 29-year-old disciple of the Heavenly Sword Sect, possessed remarkable talent and had reached the first level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm.

"Li Ran, it's up to you to settle things today," Li Zhentian calmly declared. They couldn't afford to let the Heavenly Sword Sect control the sword range for another ten years.

Jian Feng and Li Ran stepped onto the central stone platform. Even though they restrained their auras, their mere presence exuded the formidable power of razor-sharp swords, as if they themselves were living weapons.

"Qin Wen, it's your turn," Zong Yi said quietly. Qin Wentian nodded and advanced confidently. Every gaze from the Zong Clan was fixed upon him at this moment.

They recalled the injustices they had suffered, first from the Li Clan's insulting words and then from the Heavenly Sword Sect's complete disregard. Now, with Sword Son Qin Wen stepping forward, their hearts burned with determination. They believed that Qin Wentian would vindicate the Zong Clan's honor.