Si Kou Yu's Jiulian Academy is a prominent institution within the Biyou Sect's outer sect. Last year, Yan Chaofan, a brilliant disciple, not only decisively won first place at the Golden Autumn Festival but also subsequently achieved the Xiantian realm, becoming an elite inner sect member. Unlike other disciples who emerged from the Talent List and succumbed to temptation and left, Jiulian Academy enjoys a strong reputation within the Biyou Sect. Therefore, Si Kou Yu, a key disciple of Jiulian Academy, is naturally not to be underestimated.
The Water Moon Sword Si Kou Yu wields is the very sword Shang Qingjun, the current head of Jiulian Academy, found in a ruin during his travels. While its rank is not high, it contains several rare Xiantian magical powers, making it a rare mid-grade spiritual weapon. After Si Kou Yu placed ninth at the Golden Autumn Festival last year, Shang Qingjun bestowed upon him the Water Moon Sword and a set of Water Moon Sword Techniques.
For the past year, Sikou Yu has devoted all his attention to studying the Water Moon Sword Technique. While the entire Water Moon Sword Technique is intended for advanced cultivators, post-natal cultivators can also comprehend even the lowest levels of Water Moon Sword Qi. Furthermore, this low-level Water Moon Sword Qi doesn't require innate energy to activate, offering immense benefits in combat between post-natal cultivators.
After all, even the lowest levels of Water Moon Sword Qi contain the rudiments of innate sword energy.
At this moment, Sikou Yu rushed forward to attack, his Water Moon Sword emitting streams of pale blue Water Moon Sword Qi, forming an impenetrable sword energy net in front of Ming Qi.
The rich water-attributed aura of the Water Moon Sword Qi instantly spread across the entire arena, causing even the surrounding temperature to drop significantly.
Faced with the fierce sword energy, Ming Qi naturally chose not to confront it head-on. He swiftly dodged it by unleashing the Nine Steps of the Great Void Technique. Simultaneously, his Nifeng Sword unleashed a stream of Heavenly Official Sword Qi, attempting to rip through Sikou Yu's net.
Si Kou Yu's footsteps were equally uncanny, evidently employing a superior technique. Their frequent flashes resembled the fluttering of ethereal butterflies.
Under her deliberate command, the sword net formed by the Water Moon Sword Qi closed in on Ming Qi.
This alone indicated that Si Kou Yu had already achieved considerable success in controlling the Water Moon Sword Qi. It was conceivable that once she reached the Xiantian realm, her understanding of the Water Moon Sword Technique would be even greater. With the Water Moon Sword in hand, she would be able to surpass any cultivator who had just reached the Xiantian realm.
Seeing Si Kou Yu's equally exquisite footsteps, Ming Qi was also extremely cautious. While Si Kou Yu's true strength was still at the peak of the Ninth Stage of the Acquired Realm, with the Water Moon Sword in hand and her mastery of the Water Moon Sword Qi, she could be said to have already reached the pinnacle of the Acquired Realm.
However, Ming Qi remained unfazed, methodically activating the Taixu Nine Steps and employing the Nifeng Sword to engage her.
The two men remained locked in a stalemate on the ring, exchanging blows, much to the disappointment of the spectators. Aside from the Tianqi and Jiulian Courtyards, which attracted considerable attention, few paid much attention.
Looking back at the Tianqi Courtyard, Zhao Qi could no longer help but yawn.
Zhao Qi had been curious. Since the old man had recommended him so highly, he must have some special qualities. But now, aside from being cautious, he seemed to lack any other special qualities, which made him somewhat disappointed. However, since he was already here, he couldn't just walk away before the fight was over. That would be unacceptable.
So, Zhao Qi, half asleep, squatted on the small chair, his mind wandering to some unknown place.
As for the ring, the bout between Ming Qi and Si Kou Yu remained undeterred by the audience's indifference. They were both fully engaged.
Ming Qi faced a peak-level Ninth-Layer Acquired Realm cultivator with extensive combat experience and a powerful attack at his disposal. He couldn't afford to be careless. During the back-and-forth confrontation, Si Kou Yu quickly realized that while Ming Qi was a true newcomer, he was no stranger to combat; he could even be considered battle-hardened and experienced.
She couldn't understand why such a feeling could arise in a new outer sect disciple, but the reality was clear.
She found the opponent's defense so tight that even with her backup moves, she couldn't find the perfect opportunity to strike.
After Ming Qi neutralized several waves of Water Moon Sword Qi, Si Kou Yu sheathed her sword, guarding against Ming Qi's potential sneak attacks while searching for an opening.
Swish!
Si Kou Yu finally found a flaw that Ming Qi had inadvertently revealed, and without hesitation, she swung her sword and struck.
It was a simple, clean strike, lacking even the extreme cold properties of the Water Moon Sword Qi. Yet, it was incredibly powerful. Ming Qi felt only a fleeting flash of light before the aquamarine blade reached him.
Ding!
Ming Qi, naturally, would not allow Si Kou Yu's attack to succeed. With a casual twist of her Nifeng Sword, it struck squarely against her Water Moon Sword, the two swords clashing with a resounding resounding sound.
Failed to strike, Si Kou Yu pulled away, attempting to retreat.
But to Si Kou Yu's surprise, after blocking her sword, Ming Qi advanced instead. With a slither of his body, he stomped his right foot forward, completely thrusting himself directly in front of Si Kou Yu.
What was he planning?
A flash of thought flashed through Si Kou Yu's mind, yet he had no idea what Ming Qi was planning with this move.
Getting close?
This didn't seem to make much sense. The two sides were evenly matched in weaponry, and choosing close combat under such circumstances didn't seem like a wise decision.
But while she thought so, Ming Qi didn't.
Because Ming Qi's next action fully demonstrated his intentions. Indeed, just as Si Kou Yu moved forward to exploit this flaw, he quickly broke through and chose close combat.
For cultivators, possessing profound weapons and spiritual weapons, close combat has become neglected. But Ming Qi was different. In his previous life, he had reached the pinnacle of close combat. Although he had slacked off slightly in close combat training since beginning his cultivation, he was still far superior to those acquired immortal cultivators who focused on magic weapons and instruments and neglected close combat.
So, the moment Ming Qi successfully achieved close combat, in front of everyone's stunned gaze, he threw his right hand.
The Nifeng Sword, which had been held in his right hand, was thrown high into the air, flying directly out of his hand.
At the same time, a surge of spiritual energy emanated from his body, and he activated the protective spiritual energy shield.
By this point, Si Kou Yu had fully understood this guy's desperate approach to close combat.
Without a second thought, Si Kou Yu's mind flashed, and an identical aura shield appeared over her. Since they were choosing a close-quarters fight, a rain shield was essential.
Whoosh!
The moment Ming Qi leaned in, he unleashed his hands. It wasn't the sharpest wolf fist technique, but rather the traditional Chinese martial art of grappling.
Indeed, what Ming Qi unleashed at this moment wasn't anything associated with immortal cultivators at all. It was clearly a grappling technique, utilizing pure physical strength to exert absolute control and instantly knock out his opponent.
This was a testament to Ming Qi's strong foundation; otherwise, he wouldn't have chosen such a risky tactic. It was obvious that if Si Kou Yu wasn't restrained by Ming Qi's grappling techniques for a short period of time, Ming Qi would be completely at a disadvantage.
However, it was clear that Si Kou Yu was completely stunned by Ming Qi's sudden abandonment of faith. Almost without a doubt, she was struck by Ming Qi's backhands and forehands, leaving several vital acupoints numb. Though the numbness was brief, Ming Qi wouldn't miss the opportunity.
However, Ming Qi's subsequent attack was somewhat unkind. After instantly controlling Si Kou Yu, he targeted her lower body.
Lower abdomen, lower body, thighs—any area that could force her to defend, Ming Qi wouldn't spare.
For a moment, the arena on stage six looked like two children fighting without any plan.
Even the referee was stunned. Although Si Kou Yu held the mid-grade spiritual weapon, the Water Moon Sword, she had no chance to swing it. All she could do was instinctively use it to block Ming Qi's dazzling close-quarters punches.
A cultivator of the acquired nature is, after all, still an acquired nature. All their power stems from their entire body. If their body is restricted, all their strength is constrained and unable to be fully utilized. Si Kou Yu currently faced this awkward situation. Even more devastatingly, her opponent's attacks were truly targeting sensitive areas throughout her body, causing her face to flush crimson with rage.
"Shame on you!"
Si Kou Yu struggled to utter a few words, struggling to deal with Ming Qi's dazzling barrage of punches.
Ming Qi paid no attention to her. After all, this was a ring, and the goal was to defeat the opponent. Shameless or not, it didn't matter. Just like Ming Qi's prey in his previous life, he didn't mind dragging his beautiful female prey to bed and enjoying her to his heart's content before ending her life.
Unsurprisingly, after the dramatic transformation of Ring Number Six, the once neglected arena, it attracted countless glances, though most of them were ridicule.
"Shameless!"
"Scum among the cultivators!"
"Shameless, shameless..."
...
Back at Jiulian Academy, Si Kou Yu, watching Ming Qi corner him in the ring, unable to escape, instantly turned green with rage.
"What a jerk!"
Jiulian Academy Master Shang Qingjun's face was etched with dismay. If it had been a fair duel, losing wouldn't have mattered, but losing like this was incredibly frustrating.
But what else could be done? Tianqi Academy had three monsters sitting there!
"Uh, this kid is a bit shameless. I don't like it."
At some point, Zhao Qi had already been staring at ring number six, his eyes blazing.