"Silver Sky Sword Art, Break the Void Slash!"
Lin Jianfeng roared as he surged forward like a falling meteor. His long sword turned into a streak of silver-blue light, its power several times stronger than before.
The spectators gasped.
This move, Break the Void Slash, was one of Lin Jianfeng's signature techniques. Its power was immense, enough that ordinary defenses would be shattered instantly.
Silver Moon clenched her fists tightly, worry flashing in her eyes. She was afraid Rowan might get hurt.
But Rowan's expression remained calm.
At that moment, he recalled the words of the Sword Saint from yesterday.
"True strength is not about who possesses the greatest power, but about who understands the essence of power."
To Rowan, Lin Jianfeng's attack revealed an even greater flaw the moment he saw through it. In exchange for overwhelming force, Lin Jianfeng had sacrificed flexibility and follow-up adaptability.
Rowan did not choose to meet the attack head-on. Instead, he shifted slightly to the side and dodged with precision.
At the same time, his spiritual power transformed into countless fine threads, quietly wrapping around Lin Jianfeng's sword the moment he passed by.
"What?"
Lin Jianfeng suddenly felt his sword grow heavier. His precise and fierce momentum was disrupted in an instant.
Rowan seized the opportunity.
His spiritual power condensed into an invisible hand that grabbed Lin Jianfeng's wrist directly.
"You've lost," Rowan said calmly.
Lin Jianfeng struggled, but his wrist was locked by an unseen force. He could not move at all.
Even worse, he could feel Rowan's spiritual power slowly seeping into his consciousness. If Rowan wished, he could easily inflict mental damage.
"I… I haven't lost yet!" Lin Jianfeng shouted unwillingly, trying to attack with his other hand.
Rowan simply raised his hand slightly.
A mental shock struck Lin Jianfeng's mind, not to harm him, but to briefly disrupt his balance and halt his movements.
Lin Jianfeng staggered, his vision blurred. He fell backward and sat heavily on the ground.
"The match is decided!" the referee announced immediately. "Rowan wins!"
The crowd erupted in shock.
No one expected the duel to end like this.
Lin Jianfeng, one of the most outstanding young swordsmen of Swordheart Star, had been completely defeated by an outsider. And in such a decisive manner.
Silver Moon finally exhaled in relief. Silver Frost and her mother also showed expressions of calm satisfaction.
Rowan walked up to Lin Jianfeng and extended a hand.
"You fought well. Your sword skills are solid, but you were too impatient."
Lin Jianfeng glared at him fiercely and slapped the hand away.
"I don't need your sympathy!"
He forced himself up, face pale, eyes filled with unwilling rage.
"This isn't over!"
Without looking back, he turned and left the training ground. His followers quickly hurried after him, embarrassed and silent.
"Rowan, are you okay?" Silver Moon asked quickly, rushing to his side.
"I'm fine," Rowan said with a faint smile. "This match helped me understand yesterday's lesson even better."
"That was a smart strategy," Silver Hui said with admiration. "You didn't clash head-on. You exploited his weaknesses."
"It was something the Sword Saint taught me," Rowan replied. "Real combat is not about raw power, but strategy and understanding. Lin Jianfeng's swordsmanship is strong, but he relies too much on offense and ignores adaptability."
Silver Frost walked over and patted Rowan's shoulder.
"Well done, young man. But be careful. Lin Jianfeng is not someone who lets things go easily."
"I'll keep that in mind," Rowan nodded.
Just as they were about to leave, a commotion came from the entrance of the training ground.
A middle-aged man led several others inside with an angry expression.
"It's the Lin family," Silver Moon said quietly, frowning. "That man is Lin Jianfeng's father, the head of the Lin family."
The Lin family head stopped in front of Rowan and stared coldly at him.
"So you are the outsider who defeated my son?"
"Yes. Is there a problem?" Rowan replied calmly.
"My son says you used underhanded mental attacks during the match. That is not allowed under our Swordheart Star duel rules," the man said sharply.
Before Rowan could respond, Silver Moon stepped forward angrily.
"That's not true! Everyone saw the match. Rowan did nothing unfair!"
"And your son was the one who issued the challenge," Silver Frost added. "He lost. That's all there is to it."
The Lin family head's expression darkened further.
"Silver Frost, are you protecting an outsider? Aren't you afraid other families will question your integrity?"
"We are not protecting anyone," Silver Frost replied firmly. "If you have objections, take it to the Sword Council for arbitration."
The man sneered.
"Fine. I will request a formal sword arbitration. If it is proven that this outsider used illegal methods, he must publicly apologize and leave Swordheart Star."
"And if he is proven innocent?" Silver Moon asked immediately.
"Then my son will apologize. The Lin family will also compensate your family."
"Agreed," Rowan said unexpectedly, stepping forward.
Everyone turned to look at him in surprise.
"I accept the arbitration."
"Rowan!" Silver Moon tried to stop him, but he gently raised a hand.
"It's fine. If they doubt me, let the official authorities decide. Truth will speak for itself."
The Lin family head was slightly taken aback by Rowan's calm confidence. But since the challenge had been accepted, he had no way to withdraw.
"Then it is settled. Tomorrow morning, at the Sword Council Arbitration Hall."
With that, he left with his people.
The crowd gradually dispersed, leaving only Silver Moon's family and Rowan.
"Rowan, why did you agree to arbitration?" Silver Moon asked worriedly. "The Sword Council is fair, but they may not fully understand your cultivation system. If they misjudge…"
"Don't worry," Rowan said calmly. "Everything I did followed the rules. And I believe truth becomes clearer when examined. Besides, this is also a chance to let more people understand spiritual power cultivation."
Silver Frost nodded approvingly.
"You have a good mindset. I will invite respected elders to testify tomorrow."
That night, Rowan studied the Sword Saint's cultivation notes again.
He knew tomorrow's arbitration would not be a problem, but it was still an opportunity to show the principles of spiritual power cultivation. He needed to prepare properly.
Outside, Silver Moon paced anxiously in the courtyard.
Logically, she knew Rowan was in the right. Emotionally, she could not help worrying. If the outcome went wrong, Rowan might be forced to leave Swordheart Star.
Silver Hui walked over.
"Sister, stop worrying. Rowan's strength and character are both trustworthy. Tomorrow will be fine."
Silver Moon sighed.
"I know. I just can't help it. The Lin family has influence. They may try to pressure the council."
"Then you should trust him even more," Silver Hui said.
The next morning, the Sword Council Arbitration Hall was packed.
This arbitration was not only about a duel, but also about how Swordheart Star viewed outsiders and different cultivation systems.
The hall's chairman was a highly respected elder, supported by four council members.
"Let the arbitration begin," the chairman announced. "First, the plaintiff may present their case."
The Lin family head stood and spoke at length, accusing Rowan of using illegal mental attacks.
"Our sword duels are about honorable swordsmanship," he declared. "This outsider used mental force against my son's mind. That is not a duel, it is harm!"
Murmurs spread through the crowd.
When it was Rowan's turn, he stood calmly.
"First, Lin Jianfeng initiated the challenge. The referee already stated that both sides may use their cultivation methods. Second, my spiritual techniques were defensive and controlling in nature. I did not inflict harm. Third, the final mental disruption only prevented further escalation after the match ended."
"Nonsense!" Lin Jianfeng suddenly shouted. "You attacked my mind! I still have headaches!"
"If I truly intended to harm you, you would not be standing here now," Rowan replied calmly. "A spiritual cultivator has far more efficient methods if harm is intended."
At that moment, one of the council elders spoke.
"We need authoritative testimony on spiritual cultivation methods."
Then, the doors opened.
A familiar figure entered slowly.
It was the Sword Saint.
The entire hall fell silent.
Everyone stood up respectfully.
"Sword Saint, why are you here?" the chairman asked in surprise.
"I came because I heard about yesterday's event," the Sword Saint said calmly. "I will testify for this young man."
The words landed like a thunderclap.
The Sword Saint rarely involved himself in worldly disputes. His appearance alone carried enormous weight.
"I have personally observed and sparred with him," the Sword Saint continued. "I can confirm his cultivation method is legitimate, and his character is trustworthy."
The Lin family head's face turned pale.
The Sword Saint continued.
"Different cultivation systems should learn from each other. Isolation only leads to stagnation."
After discussion, the council chairman announced the verdict.
"The arbitration confirms the duel was fair. Rowan did not violate any rules."
"As agreed, Lin Jianfeng must apologize, and the Lin family must compensate Silver Moon's family."
Reluctantly, Lin Jianfeng lowered his head and apologized.
After the hearing, the Sword Saint approached Rowan.
"You handled that well. Calmness and confidence are essential in any challenge."
"Thank you for your support," Rowan replied respectfully.
"I have been thinking," the Sword Saint said. "We should learn more from other cultivation systems. If you are willing, I would like you to give a lecture at the Sword Academy."
"I would be honored," Rowan said without hesitation.
That afternoon, Silver Moon walked beside him by the lake.
"Thank you," she said suddenly.
"For what?"
"For not hurting Lin Jianfeng out of anger," she replied seriously. "With your strength, you could have easily crushed him. But you chose restraint. That means a lot."
"We are warriors, not assassins," Rowan said calmly. "And true strength includes tolerance. That is also something I learned from the Sword Saint."
The next morning, the Silver Moon Lake was peaceful as ever.
Rowan completed his morning training in the courtyard, reflecting on everything that had happened.
Then Silver Moon appeared at the door, wearing a light blue dress.
"Are you ready?" she asked.
"Ready for what?"
"To visit my old school," she smiled. "Silver Moon Sword Academy. Today is their practical training day. You'll see many interesting things."
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