Chapter 10: Vol.1 C19-C20
Chapter 19 - The Battle
Upon arriving at the entrance of Wuxian City, Xiao Bai Tian walked with calmness and serenity. The black cloth covering his eyes fluttered gently in the wind, while his long sky-blue hair moved elegantly, following each of his steps. His handsome face caught the attention of many around him, but what stood out even more was the black cloth over his eyes. Everyone who saw him felt as though the cloth reminded them of something they had seen before, though they couldn't recall exactly where. Whispers filled the air, and the name "The One on the Xiao Clan's Most Wanted List" seemed familiar to many, though most did not know the true story behind it.
Xiao Bai Tian paid no attention to the commotion around him. With steady steps, he headed towards a tavern on the main street. The tavern was busy with cultivators and locals, all engaged in conversations about a grand event taking place. Inside the tavern, after sitting down, Xiao Bai Tian began to observe and listen to their discussions.
It wasn't long before he found the information he sought. The "Dragon Tournament" was being held by the emperor at the city's center. This competition was famous across the continent as an event where young cultivators showcased their strength. The prize wasn't just treasure or artifacts, but also the chance to be chosen by major sects seeking the potential of the winners. With this thought in mind, Xiao Bai Tian immediately registered to participate.
The Battle Begins
The day of the competition arrived. In the grand arena, located at the center of Wuxian City, hundreds of young participants from powerful sects gathered, ready to battle for the champion's title. The sound of cheering from the audience filled the air, energizing every participant preparing to enter the arena. Some appeared confident, while others showed signs of anxiety.
Xiao Bai Tian entered the arena with calm steps. Every step he took was followed by countless gazes. Around him, many recognized the powerful aura he exuded, even though they couldn't identify its origin. Some began whispering about legends that might be connected to this figure.
"Xiao Bai Tian… could it be him?" someone whispered.
"The one being hunted by the Xiao Clan?" replied another.
But Xiao Bai Tian remained focused. With the black cloth still covering his eyes, he walked to the designated spot for participants.
The first battle began. Xiao Bai Tian's first opponent was a young man named Li Zhen, a disciple from the Azure Flame Sect. Li Zhen was known for his speed and precision with a sword. As he stepped into the arena, his sword was already drawn, ready for combat.
"Xiao Bai Tian, I will defeat you!" Li Zhen shouted with great confidence and immediately launched an attack with incredible speed.
Xiao Bai Tian didn't move, merely waiting. Li Zhen's body moved nimbly, his sword slashing sharply toward Xiao Bai Tian's neck. But just before the sword made contact with his skin, Xiao Bai Tian vanished from sight with astounding speed. Only a trail of wind remained for his opponent to feel.
Li Zhen was stunned. "What?!"
Xiao Bai Tian reappeared behind Li Zhen in the blink of an eye, and with a single movement, he retaliated, sending Li Zhen staggering backward. Li Zhen tried to regain his position, but unease began to overtake him.
Seeing Li Zhen starting to panic, Xiao Bai Tian activated his Space-Time Technique. With a slight concentration, he created a small space around Li Zhen that momentarily hindered his movements. Xiao Bai Tian swept the ground with his sword, creating a wave of energy that struck Li Zhen, sending him crashing to the ground.
Li Zhen fell, his face pale. Before he could rise, Xiao Bai Tian stood before him, his sword raised. "I don't wish to take your life," he said calmly. "However, if you resist again, I will not hold back."
With a single slash, Xiao Bai Tian sent a wave of energy powerful enough to knock Li Zhen unconscious, without causing any serious harm. The audience fell silent for a moment before erupting in cheers throughout the arena. They could hardly believe what had just happened. A disciple from the Azure Flame Sect, renowned for his speed and power, had been defeated so easily.
Victory and Consequences
Xiao Bai Tian stepped out of the arena, having won his first match with just one swift move. Outside the arena, the cheers from the audience did not cease. Many began to realize that the one who had just defeated Li Zhen might not be an ordinary cultivator. With his Space-Time technique and incredible strength demonstrated in just one attack, Xiao Bai Tian caught the attention of many.
The competition continued with more battles, but Xiao Bai Tian's name became more well-known. Each opponent he faced was easily defeated until he reached the final round. In the final round, his opponent was a young man from the Qing Yun Sect, known for his extraordinary martial arts strength. However, Xiao Bai Tian was not disturbed by his opponent's reputation.
The Final Battle - The Arrogant Opponent
Finally, it was Xiao Bai Tian's turn to face his last opponent, a young man named Zhang Wei from the Qing Yun Sect, known for his deadly sword techniques and immense physical strength. Zhang Wei stepped into the arena with confidence, his sword drawn and his face set with unwavering resolve.
"Xiao Bai Tian, you may have extraordinary abilities, but it won't be enough to defeat me!" Zhang Wei said arrogantly, his voice echoing throughout the arena. "You're just a young man relying on tricks, but in front of me, all that means nothing! I'll show everyone who truly deserves to be the dragon!"
Xiao Bai Tian ignored Zhang Wei's words. Without expression, he simply stood calmly, waiting for the first attack.
Zhang Wei swung his sword with full force, the blade shining under the sunlight, leaving a trail of light that seemed to slice through the air. His attack was fast and powerful, but Xiao Bai Tian moved so smoothly, dodging every strike with movements nearly invisible to the human eye. Every time Zhang Wei's sword came close to him, Xiao Bai Tian vanished in an instant, leaving only his shadow in the air.
"Where did you go, brat?!" Zhang Wei yelled angrily. He launched a flurry of attacks, each strike releasing a powerful aura, but Xiao Bai Tian effortlessly avoided each one.
"Is that all you can do?" Zhang Wei mocked, his eyes filled with fury. "I'll show you who truly controls this battlefield!"
In frustration, Zhang Wei activated his strongest technique, combining his physical strength with his sword's aura. At that moment, the entire arena seemed to shake. His sword glowed with blinding light, ready to destroy everything in its path.
However, before Zhang Wei could unleash his attack, Xiao Bai Tian stepped forward calmly. With just one movement of his hand, he created a space-time distortion that froze Zhang Wei's every motion. In the blink of an eye, Zhang Wei's sword was flung far from his grasp, and his body was halted as if entangled by an invisible force.
"What did you do?!" Zhang Wei yelled, shocked and unable to move.
"This is just a small fraction of my power," Xiao Bai Tian said calmly, his gaze unwavering. "You've run out of time."
With one more movement, Xiao Bai Tian released an immense burst of energy, shattering Zhang Wei's sword and sending him crashing to the ground. The battle ended immediately.
"The first winner of the Dragon Competition, Xiao Bai Tian!" the announcer's voice rang out across the arena, as the crowd erupted in amazed cheers.
After the Battle
After this victory, many began to take Xiao Bai Tian more seriously. Major sects present at the arena started to approach him, sending representatives to offer opportunities to join their ranks. However, Xiao Bai Tian knew that…
Chapter 20 – The Hunt in Wuxian City
The sky above Wuxian City began to dim as the sun set on the western horizon. After winning the tournament and obtaining the Boundless Sky Secret Scripture, Xiao Bai Tian had no intention of lingering. He walked leisurely toward the city gate, his black cloth covering his eyes fluttering in the wind.
However, in the distance, a young man stood, his face filled with anger. Zhang Wei, the strongest disciple of the Qing Yun Sect, clenched his hands so tightly his knuckles turned white. His red eyes radiated deep hatred.
"Trash! How dare you take what should be mine?! I'll make you regret your existence!"
There, the Elder of Qing Yun Sect, a man with white hair and a sky-blue robe, coldly stared at Xiao Bai Tian. His jawline was prominent, and his face displayed clear dissatisfaction.
"The scripture should belong to our Qing Yun Sect! But this child snatched it right in front of everyone! If we kill him outside the city, no one will blame us."
At that moment, a disciple from the Qing Yun Sect ran up to them, gasping for breath.
"Elder! I just received reliable information... Xiao Bai Tian is a wanted criminal of the Xiao Clan! If we capture him and hand him over, the Xiao Clan will surely offer a great reward!"
The Elder's eyes simmered with interest. A cunning plan began to form in his mind.
"Hmph… If that's the case, then not only will the scripture be ours, but so will the reward! The Qing Yun Sect will gain everything!"
The Ambush at the City Gate
Xiao Bai Tian continued walking at a leisurely pace. But as he neared the city gate, he suddenly stopped.
The hidden aura of death pressed against his skin.
From the alleyways and rooftops, figures began to emerge. In an instant, over fifty Foundation Establishment middle and low stage experts surrounded him, with dozens of late-stage Core Formation experts standing at the front, all wearing confident expressions.
From among them, Zhang Wei stepped forward with an arrogant look on his face.
"Xiao Bai Tian, do you think you can just walk away after taking something that doesn't belong to you?" he sneered.
Xiao Bai Tian remained silent.
The Elder of Qing Yun spoke up, his arms crossed, a sneer of disdain on his face.
"Hand over the scripture and kneel to apologize. Maybe we'll let you live."
Upon hearing this, Xiao Bai Tian finally let out a small laugh. His voice was calm but carried a profound undertone.
"A group of dogs without their own strength, only able to lie to others… Do you think I'll be afraid?"
Zhang Wei's eyes twitched with rage.
"Arrogant! Let's see if you can still speak after this!"
With that cry, the Qing Yun Sect's forces launched their attack simultaneously.
Fierce Battle in the Void
First Attack – Wave of Fire and Ice
Two late-stage Core Formation experts moved forward, raising their hands and directing their energy toward the sky. In an instant, a torrent of fire scorched the atmosphere while ice froze the air around them. The combination created a destructive storm that ripped through the ground and the air.
In the void, the roar and extreme temperature changes made the battlefield feel like a shattered hell. The energy of fire and ice collided, forming a destructive wave that slammed into Xiao Bai Tian!
Xiao Bai Tian's Counter – Explosive Energy
However, without a hint of fear, Xiao Bai Tian focused his Qi into his body and released a massive wave of energy from his right hand. This energy collided with the overwhelming wave of fire and ice, creating a burst that shook the sky! The explosion shook the atmosphere, generating air pressure that pushed everyone around them back.
The attack rebounded toward the Qing Yun Sect's forces, forcing them to retreat momentarily. However, several late-stage Core Formation experts stood their ground, prepared for another strike.
Xiao Bai Tian eyed them, his hand trembling slightly due to the impact of the tremendous energy. Yet, he showed no sign of injury. His face remained calm, though his robe had a small tear from the first attack.
Counterattack – Slaughter at Lightning Speed
Without giving them a chance to act, Xiao Bai Tian thrust his hand forward. The winds swirling around his body turned sharp as blades. His body moved with unpredictable speed, and in the blink of an eye, he was surrounded by enemies.
A massive fireball shot from his hands, spewing scorching flames that burned nearly every enemy within range. At the same time, Xiao Bai Tian leaped into the air, launching a punch with force that cracked the sky!
Strike – Breaking the Enemy's Formation
His right fist struck one of the late-stage Core Formation experts with such power that the man's body was torn apart in a single blow. Fresh blood sprayed into the air, his body shattered into pieces as he fell to the ground with a loud crash, breaking the void beneath them.
But there was no time to breathe. The enemy forces quickly closed in, attacking with swords and Qi techniques.
The Elder of Qing Yun watched intently from behind, showing no sign of panic, even as his forces began to falter.
"You are indeed talented, but don't be arrogant! This is the end of your life!"
Blue Sword of Light – Death Strike
The Elder of Qing Yun raised his hand high, summoning a sword of blue light that shot forward with incredible speed. The energy of the sword was so powerful it sliced through the air with a cracking sound, leaving a bright trail that looked like lightning. The sword of light raced toward Xiao Bai Tian with deadly intent.
Xiao Bai Tian twisted his body, evading most of the attack, but the sword grazed his shoulder, leaving a deep wound. Fresh blood spilled, but Xiao Bai Tian remained unshaken. His face was still cold, showing only a slight trace of pain.
"Hmph… Too weak," he muttered as he wiped the blood from his shoulder.
New Threats – Two Mid-Stage Nescent Soul Experts
As Xiao Bai Tian turned back to fight, two larger figures suddenly appeared from the crowd. They were two mid-stage Nescent Soul experts, with a far more powerful aura than the rest. Their presence caused the sky and ground to tremble with their energy.
One of them, with long black hair, stepped forward arrogantly, his eyes filled with determination.
"You're strong, but with the two of us, it will all end here. Death is your fate."
With a wave of his hand, a giant energy sword formed in the air, slashing toward Xiao Bai Tian. The sword emanated an energy so fierce it shook the very heavens, destroying everything in its path.
At the same time, the other expert raised his left hand, creating a swirling ball of energy in his palm. The energy spun violently, forming a vortex that could tear anyone near it apart. When the energy ball exploded, the entire area around Xiao Bai Tian was engulfed in destruction.
Retreat and Survival Strategy
Realizing the threat posed by the two mid-stage Nescent Soul experts, Xiao Bai Tian knew that continuing to fight would lead to his death. Although he was powerful, he understood that facing them directly would be detrimental.
Quickly, he focused his Qi and activated the Phantom Wind Step Technique. His body vanished into a mist that faded with incredible speed, leaving the enemy with only the faintest trace of wind in the air.
Xiao Bai Tian sped away from the battlefield, narrowly avoiding the sword and energy ball that almost hit him. Before the enemies could react, he was already far away, heading toward a safer place.
The Elder of Qing Yun snarled in fury.
"He escaped! Don't let him go!"
However, even as they pursued, Xiao Bai Tian's speed surpassed their ability to follow. In the blink of an eye, he disappeared from their view, leaving behind a chaotic battlefield filled with corpses and destruction.