First place?

- Sword Intent: A power that could only be obtained through comprehending the sword and seeing it in a certain way or perspective.

It is like a sword aura, but this one could encompass objects and use them as swords. It is the manifestation of the user's understanding of swords, which lets them imbue sharpness into their attacks and actions.

The better they understand swords, the sharper their aura will become and the sharper they can make things.

So if they have a deeper understanding of sword intent, anything could become a sword to them. They can channel it into a feather and use that feather to cut through steel.

If their intent is to use the sword violently, then their intent would be savage.

If they believe that the sword should be used calmly, their intent will be reserved, and tranquil, and they would have more control over their sword.

A leaf covered with savage intent could destroy a boulder once it landed on it, while a leaf covered with tranquil intent could slice through the boulder without making a sound.

Logan tried to grasp the meaning of sword intent, but he found it hard to understand. He had never seen anyone use it before, and he had no idea how to achieve it.

He decided to start with the basics and focus on his sword aura and sword energy first. He hoped that by mastering them, he would get closer to sword intent.

He picked up his sword again and resumed his practice. He did not know how long he had been in the time bubble, but he did not care.

Logan pondered on the slip once again and decided to focus on the sword aura for now.

He continued to sense and feel his sword with his essence, the more he tried, the more he felt he had almost grasped onto something incredible. He continued to focus deeply, so much that he didn't notice he had spent more than two days in the time bubble.

"Hah!" Logan breathed out. He had finally touched upon the threshold and grasped the concepts of sword aura.

He picked up his sword and did a sword slash while applying the sword aura he had just learned.

As he slashed forward, he increased the length of his sword and it grew over two times its normal size.

Seeing its effect, he was even more pleased with himself and decided to meditate and absorb the essence of nature to break through to the next stage if possible.

He had reached the peak of the eighth stage and felt he could break through any moment now.

He closed his eyes and calmed his mind, letting the essence of nature flow into his body and nourish his essence.

He felt his essence grow stronger and more refined until it reached a critical point soon he felt a slight pain in his chest, followed by a burst of light.

He had successfully broken through to the ninth stage. He opened his eyes and smiled. He had made great progress in his cultivation.

He did not waste any time and began to practice intensely to solidify his cultivation by tomorrow.

He knew he would have to expose his "Essence of vibration" in the competition sooner or later, this was because he wanted to... win first place. He needed resources and couldn't depend on Jason forever. He needed to depend on himself and the best place to get several resources would be... The ancient ruin!

He practised his sword techniques and his essence of vibration, trying to combine them into a powerful attack.

He also practised his defence and speed, knowing that his opponents would not be easy to deal with. He wanted to be prepared for any situation.

He did not know how much time he had left in the time bubble, but he did not care.

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It was finally time for the competition to begin. The arena was buzzing with excitement as they prepared to watch an exciting battle that would either decide the new top 10 or the previous ones would retain their position. Either way, they knew they were going to watch some exhilarating matches today.

Logan walked towards the arena with Jason as they discussed.

"I hope I enter into the top 10 at least. I need to explore that ancient ruin, man. Who knows what I might get? Perhaps something to suit my handsomeness and increase my strength" said Jason eagerly as he continued to mumble to Logan.

"You just have to give it your best. I believe you'll succeed," replied Logan, trying to encourage his friend.

"What about you? What rank are you aiming for?" asked Jason as he took a sip of the drink he bought on his way.

"First place," said Logan with confidence.

"Pfff!" Jason spilt his drink in shock as he heard Logan's answer.

"You already defeated Luna, who was at the eighth rank. What more do you want?" said Jason.

"Besides, do you think first place is a joke?" Jason asked as he continued with his lecture.

"I believe in my strength." Was the only answer Logan gave him as he accelerated his steps.

"You haven't watched the Dark Lord fight before, have you? I heard he has hospitalized every one of his opponents, crippling them," shouted Jason from behind, causing Logan to pause in his tracks.

"Didn't you see what Elizabeth, the person tanked three! Could do to her opponent? What do you think this is? A joke?"

"Not to mention how strong Mark must be to defeat such a brutal fellow as the dark lord. Besides, some other people have hidden their strengths deeply. You never know who might be stronger here."

"Hmph." Logan closed his eyes as he took a deep breath, squeezing his hand tightly. He released it as he breathed out and replied, "Don't worry about me. I told you I believe in my own strength."

Hearing this, Jason knew that all efforts to persuade Logan were futile. He could only give up as they arrived at the arena where the battles today were going to take place.

He looked to the side and hoped that Logan knew what he was doing and that he would not regret his choice. He also hoped that he would not have to face him in the competition because he knew he would not stand a chance against him.