"Me?" Li Xuan was taken aback by Gong Hua Cang's sudden words.
"If I recall correctly, we didn't see this person during the disciple assessment. The Su Wen Sword Sect is fair and rewards merit. Now is a good time to see if this person truly has the strength to join the Sword Sect," a man said, looking at Li Xuan.
The others nodded in agreement. The disciple recruitment assessment for the Sword Sect was notoriously rigorous, which was why only the seven of them had passed. They had never seen Li Xuan during any part of the assessment. Gong Hua Cang's remark had indeed sparked their desire to test Li Xuan's abilities.
Li Xuan had initially intended to refuse, but seeing the man's words and the expressions of the others, he understood their intentions.
"Since that's the case, how about we have a friendly competition?" Li Xuan smiled and said to the man.
"That's an excellent suggestion. Competition breeds drive. Song Ping Le, you and Li Xuan will participate in the trial together. I will wager one hundred million Tai Yuan Crystals as a stake. The victor will claim it," Gong Hua Cang said, a glint of amusement in his eyes.
One hundred million Tai Yuan Crystals were not a significant amount for Gong Hua Cang, and the wager wasn't the main point. If Song Ping Le refused, he would lose face for sure.
"In that case, let's have a spar!" Song Ping Le, realizing he had no choice but to accept, nodded.
"You may both undergo the trial simultaneously. Simply place your hands on this stone pillar. The final result will be determined by the height of your respective names," Gong Hua Cang instructed.
Li Xuan and Song Ping Le stepped forward in unison. After exchanging a glance, they both placed their hands on the stone pillar.
*Boom!*
With a resounding boom, Li Xuan and Song Ping Le vanished.
"This illusionary space is quite unique," Li Xuan observed, looking around with a slight smile.
The surroundings were dotted with stars, as if they were deep in the void. This was, of course, an illusionary formation set up by the Sword Sect. As for the content of the trial, Li Xuan could only wait and see.
"I shall unleash a sword strike, and you shall receive it. Those who can block it will be ranked. Those who cannot will have no name on the list." As a voice echoed, a figure slowly materialized.
Li Xuan's expression turned serious. When this figure appeared, Li Xuan found himself unable to discern its strength, nor could he sense any aura from it.
Feeling this, Li Xuan tensed his body, his hand gripping the Tian Zhan sword.
"Sword, come!"
The figure pointed into the void, and the scattered starlight converged rapidly. In the next instant, a spiritual sword materialized.
"Go!"
The figure, with an impassive expression like an iron-faced judge, pointed again. The sword shot towards Li Xuan.
Li Xuan's pupils contracted. Though it was a single sword strike, it felt as if it was coming from all directions. In an instant, Li Xuan understood that he couldn't dodge it.
A fierce glint flashed in Li Xuan's eyes. If there was no escape, he would meet it head-on.
"叠剑术 (Die Jian Shu - Stacked Sword Technique)!"
Li Xuan's Tian Zhan sword vibrated rapidly, pure sword energy filling the air. As the massive sword descended, Li Xuan struck back with his Tian Zhan.
*Boom!*
The two swords collided, unleashing a terrifying roar. Sword Qi raged, and Li Xuan's robes billowed as if in a strong wind.
The clash was evenly matched.
"To withstand my strike, you are qualified to be listed. I have another sword, are you willing to try? If you can receive it, you shall attain the highest position on the list." As if pleased by Li Xuan's reception of the first strike, the figure's expression wavered slightly as it spoke again.
"Please, deliver your sword," Li Xuan nodded slightly, his aura instantly retracting.
*Ching!*
As Li Xuan finished speaking, another spiritual sword materialized before the figure. This sword seemed to absorb the light of all the stars in the sky. The entire world dimmed under its brilliance.
Li Xuan licked his lips, his eyes shining with fervor.
"Go." The figure's lifeless voice resonated, and the spiritual sword, appearing slow yet instantly arriving before Li Xuan.
Li Xuan grinned and then spread his arms wide, allowing the spiritual sword to strike him.
*Boom!*
The spiritual sword passed through his body, then dissipated into Li Xuan.
"Damn, Master, you're cheating!" The voice of the Tian Dao Pen sounded in Li Xuan's mind.
Li Xuan chuckled. How could he miss such a powerful strike? As the sword was absorbed into his body, Li Xuan felt his cultivation realm loosen once more.
"Sword Body... I haven't seen one of those in tens of thousands of years. It seems my Sword Sect has acquired a truly remarkable young fellow." This time, the figure's expression changed. After observing Li Xuan for a moment, a rare smile appeared on its face.
Li Xuan smiled sheepishly. In truth, this strike was a bit of a trick. However, the fact that the figure could recognize his Sword Body showed it was no ordinary being.
"You have passed this trial," the figure said with a smile and then dissipated into countless streaks of starlight that flowed into Li Xuan's body.
Before Li Xuan could react, he felt a vast energy surge within him. Closing his eyes, he sat down to absorb it.
On the mountain peak plaza, a figure stumbled out. Three characters then appeared in the middle section of the stone pillar.
"Congratulations, Brother Song, for making the list on your first trial!" The others outside the stone pillar rushed forward to congratulate him.
Song Ping Le wore a satisfied smile and then looked around. Not seeing Li Xuan emerge, a hint of suspicion flickered across his face.
"Li Xuan hasn't come out yet. He must still be in the trial. Even if Li Xuan eventually makes the list, you have the advantage in terms of time," one man said.
Gong Hua Cang smiled and nodded, "If Li Xuan is at the same position as you, then time would indeed be your victory."
Relieved, Song Ping Le began to smile. Making it to the middle section on his first trial was something to be proud of. No matter how extraordinary Li Xuan was, Song Ping Le believed he couldn't surpass him.
After all, reaching the upper section or the very peak of the stone pillar was reserved for the most outstanding disciples of the Sword Sect. Song Ping Le felt he had already secured victory.
*Buzz.*
At that moment, a buzzing sound suddenly rang out. The entire stone pillar flickered and emitted a brilliant light.
"Huh? This new disciple ranking has a new top spot?"