Chapter 16: The Decisive Duel

The contents of the letter from home mirrored Gu Pinglin's previous life: Gu Jin had grown accustomed to using his paternal authority to pressure him. Beyond urging Gu Pinglin to focus on cultivation, the letter demanded he exchange resources for more medicinal pills to send home, with little regard for whether Gu Pinglin had enough for his own cultivation. Gu Jin aimed to secure spots in major sects for his third son, Gu Pingxin, and his legitimate heir, Gu Pingzhen—the pills were intended for them. Unfortunately, both possessed mediocre aptitudes and would later fail to enter even second-rate sects.

Knowing the truth in advance and recalling his family's pursuit to kill him in his past life, Gu Pinglin found it darkly amusing. He casually tucked the letter into a book, his mind already calculating.

On the competition grounds, the morning sun ascended.

The initiation trials spanned three days, yet no one dared challenge Duan Qingming. In stark contrast, Gu Pinglin battled through match after match, ultimately emerging as a surprise standout among dozens of disciples. Discerning observers recognized his exceptional talent for the Lingxin Sect's techniques.

Chang Jinxin praised, "Young Gu's performance has been consistently outstanding."

Bu Shui Han immediately echoed, "Who would have thought he could refine his techniques to such a level? Not only are they precise, but their mastery is truly rare." Even Chen Qian offered no dissent this time.

Bu Shui Han seized the moment: "With such innate talent, if nurtured by Master, he'll surely achieve greatness."

The implication was too blunt. Yue Songting shot him a warning glare, then frowned slightly at Gu Pinglin, still withholding his verdict.

Beside him, Duan Qingming feigned obliviousness, smiling as he nodded. "Xiao Jiu (Little Nine) is indeed exceptionally suited to Lingxin Sect's techniques."

As Gu Pinglin stood alone in the arena with no further challengers, Chen Qian rose to announce: "The trials end here. Gu Pinglin—Second Place."

Gu Pinglin suddenly questioned, "If I am second, who is first?"

Chen Qian replied, "Junior Brother Duan entered the sect already at the fifth level of the Naying realm. You…"

"Then let him demonstrate strength worthy of the fifth level of Naying," Gu Pinglin lifted his gaze, his challenging words delivered without arrogance. "How can one claim first place without winning a single match? I'll risk overreaching—I request a duel."

All eyes turned to Duan Qingming.

Chen Qian conceded, "Claiming first place without a victory truly lacks credibility."

Yue Songting was selecting not just a personal disciple but the future leader of Lingxin Sect. Bypassing rules now would undermine future authority. Yue Songting spoke: "Qingming, you…"

Duan Qingming's lips curved slightly. He leapt from the viewing platform, elegant as a black butterfly.

They faced each other, robes whipping in the wind.

"Gu Xiao Jiu, your obsession with me is truly something."

"I warned you that geniuses can disappoint," Gu Pinglin countered. "You've observed long enough—surely you've learned much."

Duan Qingming sighed softly. "You've concealed your true strength. What could I possibly discern? Except… your progress is alarmingly swift. It makes me question your cultivation method."

He noticed the issue with my technique? Gu Pinglin was startled but kept his composure. "No need for probing. Let's begin."

"Wait!" Bu Shui Han shouted. "How is this fair with such a disparity in realms?"

Chen Qian reasoned, "The gap allows for restraint. Junior Brother Duan will exercise control. Besides, Senior Brother Chang is supervising. Nothing will go wrong."

Bu Shui Han lifted his handsome face defiantly. "I'll supervise this match!"

Chen Qian rebuked, "Stop this nonsense!"

Ignoring him, Bu Shui Han vaulted to Chang Jinxin's side. Knowing Bu Shui Han feared for Gu Pinglin, Chang Jinxin smiled and yielded his position.

Duan Qingming took two steps. "With such a realm gap, how do you propose we duel?"

Gu Pinglin answered instantly, "With swords."

"Swords?" Duan Qingming's interest sharpened. "Swordsmanship is my strength."

A rare smile touched Gu Pinglin's lips as he echoed Duan Qingming's own cadence. "Defeating you at what you do best… now that brings satisfaction."

Duan Qingming paused, then chuckled. "Such confidence." In a flash, Guying Sword was in his hand. He tossed another sword to Gu Pinglin. "This is Qiuxin Sword. Its quality matches Guying."

Gu Pinglin accepted without demur, testing its weight. "My thanks. Make your move."

"Striking first suits your style," Duan Qingming gestured. "After you."

"'Striking first is my style.'" Before the words faded, Gu Pinglin surged forward, sword slashing horizontally.

Duan Qingming didn't parry. He retreated swiftly, evading an Earth Binding Technique. "Your control is indeed formidable."

In mere moments, they exchanged dozens of probing strikes. Though neither committed their full power, their contrasting styles captivated the spectators.

Gu Pinglin fought with deliberate precision, weaving sword formations seamlessly with movement, embodying the Lingxin Sect's strength in control. He pushed its advantages to the limit.

Duan Qingming, however, eschewed realm suppression. Using only thirty percent of his true energy, he focused on deflection and evasion, appearing pressured under Gu Pinglin's onslaught. Yet no one underestimated him—his sword remained sheathed.

"If you can't force my sword out, Gu Xiao Jiu, where's this hidden strength you boast?"

"Your swordsmanship lacks distinction. Disappointing."

…

Long accustomed to such provocations, Gu Pinglin remained unfazed, maintaining his steady rhythm.

After another exchange, Duan Qingming seemed to lose interest. "Enough."

His left arm lifted slightly—Guying Sword cleared its scabbard!

The dark purple blade shimmered like flowing light. Duan Qingming transformed. His gentle demeanor vanished, replaced by a chilling, razor-sharp aura. He became a drawn sword—radiant and lethal.

His opening moves were dazzling. The mild Lingxin Sect sword forms turned fierce in his hands. Strictly speaking, this was no longer purely Lingxin Sect swordsmanship. It blended Lingxin and Duan family techniques, discarding conservative elements to emphasize relentless offense—perfectly compensating for Lingxin's weaknesses.

The situation grew thornier than anticipated. Gu Pinglin's alarm mounted. I have the advantage of rebirth, yet Duan Qingming evolves just as unpredictably. In his past life, he created the unparalleled 'Heaven Mending Art' and Guying Swordplay at Xuanming Sect. What heights will he reach now, forging his path within Lingxin Sect?

On the viewing stand, Yue Songting vibrated with barely contained elation.

If Gu Pinglin represented the pinnacle of Lingxin's strengths, Duan Qingming was pure innovation. With two such disciples, Lingxin Sect's future was assured!

Drawing on his experience battling Duan Qingming, Gu Pinglin held his ground. As their blades clashed and bodies passed, Duan Qingming abruptly twisted his wrist. Instinctively, Gu Pinglin turned his head, avoiding the blinding sword glare and blocking the palm strike that followed.

The force was calibrated perfectly to the second level of Naying—Gu Pinglin absorbed it without flinching.

"Still holding back? Could it be… the third level of Naying?" Genuine surprise colored Duan Qingming's voice.

"Guess." Gu Pinglin remained cryptic.

"How will you make me truly take notice?" Duan Qingming's fingers shifted subtly on the sword hilt, a cold glint flashing in his eyes. "Pay attention to this move."

His sword momentum pivoted instantly. Hundreds of sword blossoms materialized, weaving a resplendent net of steel—unmatched in speed.

Yue Songting nodded repeatedly.

Chen Qian was visibly moved. "Superb technique!"

Bu Shui Han's expression tightened. Certain of Gu Pinglin's defeat, his hand clenched his sword hilt, ready to intervene. At that critical moment, Gu Pinglin let out a cold laugh and charged straight into the storm of blossoms.

To onlookers, he executed the most orthodox Lingxin move—"Phoenix Rises from Southern Mountain"—yet subtly altered. The Creation Secret Art surged within him, drawing heaven and earth's spiritual energy. It flowed in opposing Yin and Yang streams, forming an eerie, grinding Taiji vortex that pulverized all incoming force.

Fearlessly, Gu Pinglin surged through the deadly blossoms, unstoppable as a landslide. His sword intent, embodying the cosmos's righteous energy, seemed to eclipse even Duan Qingming's dazzling display, radiating a faint, oppressive dominance.

Yue Songting sensed something amiss but couldn't pinpoint it. He nodded in puzzlement, shook his head, then finally showed open admiration.

"Hmm?" Duan Qingming spotted the anomaly.

The power of the Creation Secret Art proved undeniable. Gu Pinglin drove straight for Duan Qingming. The sword blossoms dissolved around him, their energy converted and absorbed, accumulating like a tempest.

Duan Qingming withdrew his blade, its surface reflecting his sharp features. A fierce light ignited deep within his eyes.

Gu Pinglin knew that look. Duan Qingming was captivated by the sword technique, electrified with excitement. It was inevitable—a swordsmanship genius confronted with a rare, profound move couldn't remain indifferent.

Another shift occurred. All unbroken blossoms coalesced into a single, razor-sharp line of sword energy aimed at halting Gu Pinglin.

Gu Pinglin's lips curved.

While renowned swordsmanship in the cultivation world prized simplicity and the ideal of "formless ultimate techniques," Duan Qingming was an aberration. He pursued extreme complexity. In his past life, a single move in his Guying Swordplay could contain hundreds of variations. Gu Pinglin had often wondered if his heart possessed extra chambers—Guying Swordplay demanded genius; ordinary minds couldn't memorize, let alone master its intricacies.

But the current Duan Qingming lacked the Heaven Mending Art. No matter how exquisite the technique, without its complementary cultivation art, how could it rival the Creation Secret Art?

The energy line was ground to nothing. Sword walls rose… every transformation shattered by Gu Pinglin.

Watching the defiant, surging Gu Pinglin close in, Duan Qingming's gaze burned. Battle intent exploded from him, whipping his long hair wildly. He decisively retracted his stance, spinning down and pressing Guying Sword earthward with crossed palms.

Seeing that familiar motion, Gu Pinglin's heart lurched.

This move…

Purple sword energy rose like a rainbow, suddenly splitting into four streaks that scattered in all directions like startled purple geese taking flight.

The technique manifested. Gu Pinglin confirmed it, his face blanching in horror: "Soaring Swan's Fleeting Shadow?!"

"Soaring Swan's Fleeting Shadow"—the first form of the infamous Guying Swordplay from his past life—now manifested in Duan Qingming's hands. Without the robust foundation of Xuanming Sect's techniques, it lacked its former imposing presence.

This move was utterly impossible for the Small Heavenly Circuit realm!

Gu Pinglin had no time to ponder Duan Qingming's true cultivation level. Using "Soaring Swan's Fleeting Shadow" now meant mutual annihilation. Neither held back; neither yielded. Knowing victory wasn't assured, Duan Qingming still refused realm suppression or evasion. His arrogance mirroring his past life, he gambled his life to test the sword!

Madman! This utter madman!

"STOP!" Yue Songting's voice cracked. "Stop them!"

"You fool!" Chen Qian bellowed in fury, leaping from the platform.

Chaos erupted beyond the arena.

A duel of breathtaking skill had transformed into a life-or-death crisis in an instant. Without intervention, one would surely fall!

Pupils contracting, Gu Pinglin gritted his teeth. Before Bu Shui Han could intervene, he wrenched his technique back with sheer force.

The accumulated power, denied release, recoiled violently.

A crushing weight slammed into Gu Pinglin's chest. He plummeted to the ground, his face ghastly pale.

Duan Qingming's strike, unchecked, was deflected by Bu Shui Han. Though carrying only thirty to forty percent of Duan Qingming's true energy, the force still sent Bu Shui Han staggering back a step. The power hinted at the catastrophic outcome had the duel continued.

Bu Shui Han ignored his anger at Duan Qingming, rushing to Gu Pinglin. "Xiao Gu! Are you hurt?!"

Gu Pinglin leaned on his sword. After a long moment, he finally couldn't suppress it—he bowed his head and spat a mouthful of blood. Waving Bu Shui Han away, he lifted his gaze to his opponent, his voice strained. "You…"

"To unleash such a sword move at the fourth level of Naying… you truly exceed expectations," Duan Qingming sheathed his sword, his expression inscrutable. "But you guessed wrong. I'm not in the Small Heavenly Circuit realm. I've reached the Great Heavenly Circuit."

"Great Heavenly Circuit—so what? Feeling proud?!" Yue Songting stormed down from the platform, livid. He pointed at Duan Qingming. "Arrogant in your talent, reckless with your sect brother's safety, obsessed with victory! Such extremity bars the path to the Great Dao!"

The reprimand was severe. Duan Qingming remained silent.

Gu Pinglin stared fixedly at him.

The sword test laid bare Duan Qingming's extreme nature—a trait Yue Songting despised. But when had Duan Qingming ever cared for others' opinions?

Yue Songting turned his fury on Gu Pinglin. "Your grasp of our sect's sword forms is unique! But relying on pills for breakthroughs is not the true path! Overestimating yourself, challenging your senior brother—you nearly caused disaster!" He paused. "At least you knew to yield. That is your sole redeeming quality."

"I made him take the pills!" Bu Shui Han immediately interjected. "Master, blame me! This has nothing to do with Junior Brother Gu!"

"As if your troublemaking wasn't enough!" Yue Songting's anger flared higher.

"He never consumed the Meridian-Opening Pill," Duan Qingming stated calmly. He walked over, reached into Gu Pinglin's robes, and retrieved the jade vial, ignoring the burning fury in Gu Pinglin's eyes. He smiled. "Xiao Jiu's fourth level Naying cultivation… he earned it himself."

Yue Songting stared at the vial, stunned. His expression softened. After a long moment, he nodded slowly. "Good child. Good. Very good."

"I'll escort Xiao Jiu to the Medicine Tower. We take our leave." Duan Qingming pulled Gu Pinglin away.

Yue Songting nodded absently.

Watching them leave, Bu Shui Han urged, "Junior Brother Gu isn't just clever—his character is sound."

Chen Qian countered, "Youngsters inevitably seek glory. Junior Brother Duan's swordsmanship talent is unmatched."

Yue Songting only sighed.

Lingxin Sect had unexpectedly found two exceptional seedlings. But his time was short; his energy waned. Nurturing one was his limit. The sect's legacy was paramount.

One was a true genius, yet dangerously extreme.

The other, slightly less gifted but humble and steady, undeniably met his requirements.

But the former would be treasured by any major sect. Joining Lingxin was already a concession. Could such unpolished jade be buried here? Yue Songting was tormented. The choice became an agonizing dilemma.

Once clear of the arena, Gu Pinglin shoved Duan Qingming off. "What was your meaning?"

"Hmm?"

"You did that deliberately," Gu Pinglin suppressed his rage. "Using that move—to make the Sect Leader abandon you and choose me."

Duan Qingming countered, "Didn't you desperately want to become Yue Songting's personal disciple?"

"But I don't need victory handed to me like this! Deliberately holding back insults your opponent!" Gu Pinglin sneered coldly. "Or did you truly believe I couldn't best you?"

Duan Qingming studied him for a long moment, then suddenly smiled. "Gu Xiao Jiu… you didn't want to hurt me." Before Gu Pinglin could retort, he looked toward the trees lining the corridor. "Bu Shui Han had the power to stop it. And he would have saved you. Choosing to injure me… someone as clever as you wouldn't overlook that? Yet you yielded before he could act…"

"You overthink," Gu Pinglin cut him off, his tone flat. "I'm not as clever as you imagine. In that moment, I simply refused to indulge your madness. I refused to gamble my life. Besides…" his voice grew colder, "…injuring a sect brother would only displease the Sect Leader. The cost outweighed any gain."

"Is that so," Duan Qingming's reply was casual, its emotion unreadable. "Then perhaps… I merely didn't wish to become Yue Songting's disciple? Perhaps I wasn't yielding to you at all?"

Gu Pinglin froze.

Duan Qingming asked softly, "You don't believe me?"

From any perspective, Yue Songting was ill-suited to be his master. Gu Pinglin was silent for a long time. "I hope that's true." He turned and walked down the covered corridor alone.