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Chapter473
"That's a peculiar sword, so slender and long. Planning to use it as a staff?"
Zhou You hesitated for a moment, touching the hilt of his sword. He was reluctant to clash directly with Chen Tianhui's broadsword, fearing damage or even breakage. Who would compensate him then?
However, there was no time to switch weapons. The opponent was initiating close combat, which is the best strategy against a psychic controller.
Chen Tianhui had previously studied his adversary and knew of his formidable psychic power and profound internal strength, which he could manifest as a protective shield. Those unaware of this had been thrown off by that very shield.
Yet, the aura of Chen's blade had reached the ninth level. No ordinary shield could withstand it.
As blade met blade, the audience anticipated Zhou Shan to be sent flying by Chen Tianhui. However, with a flick of his sword, Zhou Shan's blade grazed the opponent's wrist, forcing him to retreat, and immediately, Zhou turned defense into offense, launching his attack.
"This style... it resembles the Qingfeng Swordsmanship," murmured the spectators, casting glances at the Wudang Sect's leader on the judging panel, speculating if Zhou Shan might be his disciple.
The leader of Qingfeng turned to Shao Qi, remarking, "Such an ordinary swordsmanship, yet Mr. Zhou has elevated it to a level I can't help but admire."
Shao Qi joked, "Perhaps you could offer a handsome sum for his revised sword manual. It'd be worth every penny."
"Look! Isn't that the Gray Wolf Sword Technique from the Wan Jian Sect?"
"Does Sect Leader Cheng have ties with him?"
Sect Leader Cheng certainly wished for such a connection. Since their brief encounter, he hadn't found another opportunity to visit. Cheng Yuran had also advanced to the finals, but facing Zhou You, he would surely forfeit willingly.
"Alas, if our Wan Jian Sect had such a prodigious disciple, the hierarchy of the three great sects would be up for a reshuffle."
The Wan Jian Sect's swordsmanship emphasized grace and agility, with blazing speed - an ideal counter to broadsword techniques.
At first, Chen Tianhui seemed unfazed. But as Zhou You's speed accelerated, with his sword movements blurring into afterimages, Chen started to lose his rhythm, uncertain of Zhou You's next move.
"Chen Tianhui's broadsword is renowned in the weapons ranking. Who would have imagined that, against such force, the opponent's sword remains unscathed? What kind of sword is that?"
"It looks brand new, probably crafted especially for this competition."
"What swordsmanship is he transitioning to now?"
Zhou You had recently immersed himself in ancient texts, mastering various intricate martial arts. While some might never be put to use, others proved invaluable when applied.
This sword technique originally had just five moves. Analysis from the manuscripts suggested a total of nine, but pages were missing. On the surface, the techniques seemed mundane, but once infused with internal energy, each move was utterly transformative.
Chen Tianhui barely managed to block the initial three strikes, his wrist numbing, his grip on his broadsword weakening.
With the fourth move, a torrential sword aura surged forth. Chen Tianhui felt overwhelmed, as if a mountain pressed down on him, rendering him incapable of even lifting his broadsword.
Closing his eyes, he awaited the finishing blow. While the competition guidelines stressed minimizing injury, accidents were inevitable in true combat.
He believed his end was imminent.
His body weighed down and gasping for breath, Chen Tianhui spat out blood, kneeling on one knee and using his broadsword to prop himself from collapsing entirely.
Zhou You sheathed his sword, a powerful surge of spiritual energy gathering from all directions, flowing from his sword tip into his body. The duel had been exhilarating.
Indeed, only by competing against a master can one's martial arts skills improve. He approached Chen Tianwei, extending his hand, "Are you alright?"
Chen Tianwei looked up in confusion, seeing a pair of eyes that seemed out of place with the face they belonged to. He hesitated and then nodded, "I'm fine, thank you for holding back."
Zhou You helped him up, channeling a surge of spiritual energy into him, aiding in the recovery of his internal injuries.
"It's just a friendly match; it's only right to know when to stop."
Chen Tianwei hung his head in shame. When he first stepped onto the stage, he hadn't thought this way. His opponent was popular, and he'd intended to use this win to boost his own fame, but then...
"In the third match, Zhou Shan wins."
The audience erupted in thunderous applause and cheers, all chanting the name "Zhou Shan". Zhou You looked perplexed; the name sounded unfamiliar. It was a name he'd chosen on a whim, would it go down in history?
After the match, martial arts experts commented, "Zhou Shan's performance today was spectacular. His previous opponent was far too weak; he seemed to be more guiding than fighting. Today, we saw him truly engage. From what we've seen, his martial arts knowledge is vast and varied. Records say he belongs to no specific school, suggesting he's self-taught.
"Every technique seems to have been adapted from others. What's admirable is that he doesn't merely copy them; he enhances them. This is the direction our country's martial arts should be heading. Although he doesn't seem to be championship material right now, we shouldn't underestimate him."
After this match, only twenty-five participants advanced to the finals. The list coincided heavily with the one made by the betting houses. It's a pity for Chen Tianwei, being defeated by Zhou You and not even making it into the top twenty.
Gu Zhao won his match today, but he wasn't pleased. He'd repeatedly watched Zhou Shan's fights. His moves were standard, but they were made deadly by his profound inner strength.
He himself practiced a balanced martial arts approach, but in terms of inner strength alone, he couldn't match this man.
Moreover, he could tell that Zhou Shan wasn't even using his full strength, nor his preferred techniques. It seemed he had merely picked a few moves to use casually.
The video paused on the moment Zhou Shan helped Chen Tianwei up. Gu Zhao was deeply struck by this. Zooming in, he could see Zhou Shan's side profile and his smiling expression.
"It's... Zhou You!" Gu Zhao slammed the table, "Damn! It's him after all! That makes sense! Otherwise, how could such a top-tier expert emerge in the country without my knowledge?"