C9 Proceeding Without Success(2)

Regarding the Tyrant Blade Sect, they are recognized as a Grade Nine Sect. Without their respect, you amount to nothing. They lack even a single cultivator at the Golden Core Stage. What difference does it make if the sect master of the Tyrant Blade Sect has achieved the Golden Core Stage? He could suppress them with a mere gesture of his hand.

Onlookers, witnessing Yanshan's fury, kept their distance, eagerly watching the drama unfold. The Tyrant Blade Sect, Sword Soaring Pavilion, and Roaring Tiger Hall, all home to Body Refining Level Eight powerhouses, dared not provoke Yanshan's wrath at such a time.

The Tyrant Blade Sect had no reason to sour relations with the Blazing Fire Sect over a woman.

Yanshan unleashed a roar as he summoned the Blazing Fire Palm, a massive flame construct, and hurled it towards Lu Xueqi.

The Blazing Fire Palm, a Yellow Level Middle Grade martial skill, was exclusive to the Blazing Fire Sect's non-elders. The crowd realized the gravity of the situation when they saw Yanshan resort to using the Blazing Fire Palm – he was indeed enraged.

The martial skill materialized, showcasing the formidable power of a Golden Core Stage expert.

Lu Xueqi's brow furrowed. The gap between Body Refining Peak and Golden Core Stage was significant, yet some prodigies could overcome such disparities. Lu Xueqi was such a talent, especially having mastered two Holy Grade Cultivation Methods.

She executed the Basic Sword Spell swiftly, slicing through the Blazing Fire Palm. The fiery hand split and dissipated, melting everything in its wake.

Lu Xueqi advanced rapidly, her Body Refining Peak prowess emanating from her as she pointed her sword at Yanshan. To challenge someone beyond her level, she needed to seize the initiative for even the slightest chance of success.

Yanshan was taken aback as his palm strike was effortlessly cleaved in two. Though he had only used a fraction of his power, it was not a feat just anyone could accomplish.

Witnessing Lu Xueqi's Body Refining Peak strength filled him with astonishment. Yet, with the situation beyond repair, he had no choice but to fight with all his might. Defeating Lu Xueqi was imperative, lest he bring catastrophic trouble upon the Blazing Fire Sect.

As Yanshan's thoughts reached this point, his gaze hardened, and a boundless murderous intent shone in his eyes. He clenched his fists, which emitted a golden glow, signaling to all who saw that he was using the Blazing Fire Sect's Yellow Level High Grade martial skill, the Diamond Fist.

The battle raged on, with Yanshan growing increasingly alarmed. The woman before him, Lu Xueqi, was truly exceptional. Her movements were so fluid he couldn't lay a finger on her, and her swordsmanship was so sharp that he dared not meet it directly. Despite the prolonged fight, there was no sign of Lu Xueqi's spiritual energy waning, which only fueled Yanshan's frustration. Here he was, a formidable Golden Core Expert, and yet he couldn't best a girl at the Body Refining Peak.

Lu Xueqi's swordplay grew more refined by the moment. She wielded the Basic Sword Spell, a technique she had only recently begun to practice. Despite its simplicity, it was derived from a Holy Grade Cultivation Method and even contained a hint of Sword Intent and sword force.

With her sword as an extension of her arm, Lu Xueqi exploited an opening in Yanshan's defense and pierced his chest with a thrust. The Basic Sword Spell, while fundamental, was a Holy Grade martial skill. She had only just begun to grasp it, but given time, she knew she could defeat Yanshan with ease once she reached Small Completion.

Lu Xueqi sighed inwardly at the challenge of overcoming an opponent of a higher level.

Yanshan, stunned by the sword wound in his chest, couldn't believe it. Since joining the Blazing Fire Sect, he had never been injured, and now he had been wounded by this young woman. How could he show his face among his peers after this?

The elders from the Tyrant Blade Sect, Sword Soaring Pavilion, and Tige Roar Sect were astounded to see Yanshan injured by Lu Xueqi. A Golden Core Level One was a force to be reckoned with in Essence Opening City, and yet he had been bested by this young girl, albeit not gravely.

With a cold stare, Yanshan addressed Lu Xueqi without making another move. His voice was menacing as he declared, "Tyrant Blade Sect, Sword Soaring Pavilion, and Tige Roar Sect, assist me in capturing this woman today. You will have my gratitude, and I promise not to claim any of her possessions."

The elders pondered for a moment. Lu Xueqi was undeniably a prodigy, her Body Refining Peak skills on par with their own sect master. But what was a genius who failed to mature? Besides, any significant issues that arose would be handled by the Blazing Fire Sect.

Moreover, Lu Xueqi's sword technique was exceptional. Introducing it to the sect would surely enhance its foundation, greatly increasing the chances of advancing to a Grade Eight or Grade Seven Sect in the future.

The thought of the storage ring in Lu Xueqi's possession set their hearts fluttering. After exchanging glances, they declared in unison, "Alright, our three sects agree to assist you today."

Yanshan breathed a sigh of relief at their agreement. The loss of the treasures was a small price to pay to neutralize a threat to the sect.

After all, when the sect forces made their move, what could the three sects possibly do? Overturn the heavens? The treasures would inevitably be handed over.

In this world, power was paramount, and the powerful dictated the rules.

Each elder brandished their weapon—a long saber, a keen sword, and a pair of gloves—all of Essence Steel Level quality. While not magical artifacts, a quality Essence Steel weapon could fetch tens of thousands of silver.

Such magical tools were the preserve of sects like the Blazing Fire Sect, treasured heirlooms passed down through generations.

Lu Xueqi regarded Yanshan with a trace of regret. For a Golden Core Expert, refining the Basic Sword Spell could lead to significant advancements.

Yet, if she were to face the combined might of the three sect elders, she would undoubtedly be defeated within a round or two.

Even in combat with Yanshan alone, she could only defend herself, with little hope of inflicting any real damage. That she had managed to wound him was a stroke of luck.

Lu Xueqi withdrew and took her place beside Chen Feng.

Chen Feng looked at her and shook his head, advising, "Next time, try not to be so fierce. Girls should be gentle, not so aggressive."

"You're calling me aggressive?" Lu Xueqi shot Chen Feng a glare, her look suggesting she was ready to prove him wrong at any cost.

Chen Feng offered a sheepish smile and chose to remain silent. Arguing with a woman was akin to seeking one's own demise.

He turned to face Yanshan and the three elders from the sects, his voice icy, "You dare to target my disciple? What makes you so confident?"

Yanshan and his companions watched as Lu Xueqi walked away, making no move to stop her. In Essence Opening City, where every corner was dominated by sect forces, there was nowhere for her to flee.

"And who might you be? Hand over the woman, or I assure you, you'll be reduced to ashes," the elder from the Tyrant Blade Sect demanded of Chen Feng.

"I am Chen Feng, the Profound Heaven Sect Master from Kunlun Mountain."

The elder from the Tyrant Blade Sect paused, then scoffed with a laugh, "A mere boy, still wet behind the ears, and you claim to be a sect master? How little you must think of us."

The surrounding crowd snickered at the elder's mockery.

"Insolence!" Chen Feng bellowed.

Yanshan, growing impatient with the dawdling of the three sects, was intent on eliminating Lu Xueqi once and for all, unconcerned with the title of Profound Heaven Sect Master.

But he had overlooked the fact that Lu Xueqi was Chen Feng's disciple, a practitioner at the Body Refining Peak. If the disciple was that formidable, how much more powerful was her master?

"Enough talk, let's take action," Yanshan commanded, and the sect members, not daring to defy him, charged forward in unison.

Chen Feng watched with a cold gaze, his eyes brimming with a murderous aura. He knew that a peaceful resolution was out of the question today. Despite his modern sensibilities and preference for peace, the situation called for action.

"Xueqi, hand me your sword," Chen Feng instructed, his eyes fixed on Yanshan and the others, as he spoke to Lu Xueqi at his side.

Chen Feng had intended to use his own sword, but considering the covetous glances cast at Lu Xueqi's Space Ring, he thought better of it. Revealing his own spatial treasure would surely attract the Blazing Fire Sect Master himself, and Chen Feng knew he was no match for a Golden Core Level Seven expert.

Lu Xueqi was eager to gauge Chen Feng's prowess, so she passed her sword to him without a second thought.

Yanshan and his companions scoffed as Chen Feng prepared to make a move. They thought, how formidable can this young upstart be? Even if he is the Master of the Profound Heaven Sect, he's not invincible.

Chen Feng accepted the sword, an Essence Steel Level longsword of exceptional quality. It appeared his disciple was quite wealthy.

Gone was Chen Feng's carefree demeanor; he now stood as a supreme swordsman, exuding a radiant sword force.

The elders from the three sects felt a twinge of fear witnessing Chen Feng's might, but the lure of Lu Xueqi's treasures spurred them to charge ahead as they had before.

Chen Feng lifted his sword, his presence growing increasingly commanding. He spoke calmly, "Today, your master will teach you the first lesson: how to wield a sword."

With a swift stroke, a streak of white sword qi burst forth, severing the Mountain Leaning Sect elder's sword-wielding arm in a flash, blood gushing unabated.

Yanshan and his group were momentarily paralyzed, their faces etched with horror.

The Tyrant Blade Sect elder, staring at his severed limb, was consumed by rage. Without his arm, he was as good as useless.

Blinded by fury, the Tyrant Blade Sect elder bellowed, "I will kill you for this!"

Chen Feng let out a cold laugh, "Foolishly stubborn."

Another blast of sword qi flew, and the Tyrant Blade Sect elder collapsed, a deep gash marking his neck.