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Chapter 11: The Sword Shall Rise
The sun had barely risen, but the sect's atmosphere boiled with anticipation.
Today marked the Evergreen Secret Realm Qualifier—a grand competition for all disciples under thirty. Every year, the top ten would enter the secret realm and fight for legacy treasures, immortal herbs, and a chance at the title of Quasi Holy Son.
This time, however, something felt different.
There was a new storm gathering.
And its name was Xiao Tian.
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In the Cave Residence
Xiao Tian's cave was dimly lit by starlight crystals embedded into the walls. He sat cross-legged, surrounded by spiritual herbs, glowing formations, and the scent of pills.
He was pushing for a breakthrough.
> "My physical body is strong enough for True Martial, but I haven't fully refined the Nine-Star Sword Bone. I need to master my sword intent first."
He focused.
Starfall Edge lay across his lap.
Sword intent spiraled around him, ethereal and blood-humming. Within his dantian, a miniature star-shaped core spun—evidence of the Sword God's recognition.
Every breath echoed like metal ringing in a furnace.
After six hours—
> [Ding! Sword Intent (Crimson Grade) Comprehension: 26%]
[Moonshadow Sword Step – Initial Mastery]
[Nine-Star Supreme Sword Bone – Stabilized]
"Enough," Xiao Tian muttered, rising with a sharp glint in his eye. "Let's shake the rankings."
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At the Heavenly Martial Arena
A sea of disciples gathered in the vast arena carved into the side of Mt. Azurefall. Elders floated mid-air on clouds of divine light. Formation screens hovered above the platform, projecting the names and match-ups.
Holy Son Zhao Feng, dressed in flame-colored robes, stood like a sovereign. His very presence warped the air around him.
Mu Yuyan, serene as a moon goddess, ignored all attention.
Lin Chen, smiling brightly with luck lines shimmering faintly behind him, exuded ease as if the world bent to his presence.
And then—
Xiao Tian arrived.
Robed in simple white, his High Spiritual Sword strapped across his back, his aura quiet… yet unshakable.
Whispers rippled.
"That's the handyman…"
"He really entered the rankings!"
"He's unranked—must be a joke."
"…Wait, why is Mu Yuyan watching him?"
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Round One: Battle Begins
A deep gong echoed across the arena.
> "First Round: Xiao Tian vs. Zhang Rouran – True Martial 3rd Stage!"
Cheers erupted.
Zhang Rouran, a muscular outer sect disciple known for his tiger fist technique, sneered.
"Kid, go back to scrubbing floors."
Xiao Tian didn't respond. He simply drew Starfall Edge.
With one step—
Moonshadow Sword Step activated.
His figure blurred.
Clang—!
A silvery arc flashed.
Zhang Rouran's tiger claw shattered instantly.
He flew backward, blood spraying from a clean cut across his shoulder.
Silence.
Then the formation screen flickered:
> Winner: Xiao Tian (Victory in 1 Move)
The crowd gasped.
Mu Yuyan smiled faintly.
Lin Chen's expression stiffened for a breath. "That sword… that footwork…"
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Meanwhile, Deep in the Mountains
Within a dormant hall sealed for over 800 years—
A ghostly sword shadow stirred.
> "The first inheritor has awakened the Star Body…"
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