Chapter 24: Yang Lie Vs Ming Yuen

Reon watched Yang Lie's confusion from behind, secretly laughing to himself. He knew exactly what was going on between Yang Lie and Ming Yuen, having read about it in the novel.

There was no fault on Yang Lie's part. He had simply come here today to pick up a high-quality dagger, as he always paired a dagger with his sword for extra defense.

Yang Lie had planned to visit the Mystic Evergreen Forest soon to further improve his cultivation. But just as he was about to enter the Weaponry Hall, someone called out to him, accusing him of blocking their path—it was Ming Yuen.

In the original timeline, At first, when Ming Yuen's subordinates attacked, Yang Lie effortlessly blocked their strikes. However, when Ming Yuen, enraged, prepared to make his move, Yang Lie realized he couldn't defeat him without revealing his trump card.

Thinking quickly, he proposed they settle their differences at the Monthly Dueling Event of the Outer Sect which was more far more prestigious than the Weekly Dueling Event, where more disciples would be present.

Ming Yuen, seeing an opportunity to boost his reputation by defeating Yang Lie in front of a larger audience, agreed. However, Ming Yuen was devastatingly defeated during the Monthly Dueling Event.

But now, just as Yang Lie was about to propose the same challenge, Ming Yuen noticed the crowd of disciples gathering around him. Sensing an opportunity, he decided this was the perfect moment to showcase his newly awakened Sword Aura.

If he could defeat Yang Lie in front of so many witnesses, his reputation would soar even higher than if he waited for the Monthly Event. This was the moment he'd been waiting for to solidify his status.

"Yang Lie, be prepared!" Ming Yuen said, a confident smile spreading across his face.

"Wait, we can fight in the Monthly Dueling Event. There will be more disciples to witness the match," Yang Lie suggested, trying to delay the inevitable.

"Damn it! Why did this bastard get so worked up?" Yang Lie cursed inwardly. "I provoked him thinking I'd have a whole month before the Monthly Dueling Event to get stronger in the Mystic Evergreen Forest. How did it escalate this fast? And how did such a huge crowd gather in such a short time? Do I really have to use my two-minute Low Stage Foundation Establishment Realm experience card from the System's Novice Gift now?"

Ming Yuen's expression turned fierce as he activated his Awakening Stage Sword Aura. His sword began to hum with power, glowing with an intense light as spiritual Qi surged through it.

The air around him rippled, and a sharp pressure filled the area, forcing the surrounding disciples to instinctively take a step back. With a swift motion, Ming Yuen swung his sword, and a brilliant arc of energy shot forward, straight toward Yang Lie, carrying the full force of his awakened Sword Aura. The ground trembled as the attack tore through the air, aiming to overwhelm Yang Lie in a single strike.

Yang Lie's eyes widened as he saw the power behind Ming Yuen's attack. He quickly raised his sword, channeling all his Qi into a desperate block. His weapon clashed against the incoming arc of Sword Aura, but the sheer force behind it was too overwhelming.

His arms shook violently, his footing faltered, and cracks spread beneath his feet as the ground buckled from the impact. Despite his best efforts, Yang Lie could feel his defenses crumbling.

The sword in his hand trembled as the energy from Ming Yuen's strike broke through, sending a shockwave through his entire body, and forcing him back several steps. 

As Yang Lie struggled to stabilize himself, he suddenly sensed another sword strike coming from behind. Before he could fully react, it was already upon him. Realizing he couldn't block it in time, he desperately shifted his body, dodging the attack by mere inches.

Although he avoided a direct hit, the blade still grazed his cheek, leaving a sharp sting and a thin trail of blood. He quickly distanced himself, retreating several steps, his breath uneven as he assessed the situation.

"Damn it! Do I really have no choice but to use that now?" Yang Lie thought, frustration building inside him. "I was saving it for a stronger opponent, but if I don't use it now, I'll be beaten to death!" The urgency of the situation gnawed at him, forcing him to reconsider his strategy.

He quickly opened his Inventory and activated the two-minute Low Stage Foundation Establishment Realm experience card. As the card activated, energy surged from the surrounding atmosphere, swirling around him like a tempest. Yang Lie felt a warm, invigorating current envelop his body, filling him with a surge of power that coursed through his veins.

His muscles tightened, and his senses sharpened as if he were awakening from a deep slumber. In that moment, he transformed into a conduit of spiritual energy, his strength amplifying as he prepared to face Ming Yuen's relentless onslaught. 

"I need to finish this fight quickly before the two minutes are up," Yang Lie thought, urgency fueling his determination.