ARLQLCC chapter 50

On the arena, sword shadows and blade light flashed; below the arena, cries of shock and exclamations rose one after another.

The Golden Core realm match was completely on a different level from the Foundation Establishment realm. The two were both at Golden Core Great Perfection; this match could even be viewed as a Nascent Soul-realm battle.

In this year’s Sword Trial Tournament, there were many Golden Core disciples. Among so many participants in this realm, the last two remaining were truly the center of everyone’s attention. The Golden Core disciples in the spectator stands wore serious expressions, watching without blinking.

Yun Xicheng and Tao Ming were both top figures in the Golden Core realm, watching their match would bring many gains for cultivators of the same realm.

For Foundation Establishment and even Qi Refining disciples, the speed of the fight on arena made them dizzy, unable to keep up with it. But in Su Ji’s eyes, the battle was being played in slow motion.

Two divine weapons clashed, sparks flashing in an instant. Yun Xicheng used the traditional sword technique of Yunxian Sect, but every move and stance kept changing.

Perhaps because of Tu Yan’s guidance, this originally upright and righteous sword technique carried a hint of something eerie. Combined with Yun Xicheng’s constantly changing movement techniques, over time Tao Ming was forced to dodge left and right, retreating step by step.

Tao Ming’s attack speed slowed down. He seemed to realize that whether in sword techniques or spiritual power he could not win. He raised his hand to block Yun Xicheng’s descending sword, then pushed off his toes, flipping backward and retreating at high speed.

However, at that moment, his left hand brushed past his waist. A stack of talismans appeared between his fingers, and before he landed, they shot toward Yun Xicheng.

Those talismans activated the instant they were released. The talisman papers formed in midair, erupting with blinding red light and shooting straight toward Yun Xicheng’s eyes.

A sudden change occurred. Yun Xicheng raised his sword and struck. Sword light and red light collided in the air, bursting into a spiritual shockwave spreading in all directions, the remnants of the talisman power rushing toward him.

Just as Yun Xicheng was about to defend, a black shadow flashed from the right side of the arena, and in the next second appeared behind him.

Outside the arena, Su Ji frowned. “His use of talismans is too vicious. If Xicheng cannot block it, his eyes would probably be destroyed.”

The Trial Sword Tournament had always been about stopping at the right point. No one expected Tao Ming to use such powerful talismans just for victory.

Yun Che was so agitated he almost stood up. Gripping his trousers tightly, he shouted: “It’s clearly a sword competition—what kind of skill is sneaking attacks with talismans!”

Many Yunxian Sect disciples in the spectator stands immediately echoed him: “I saw his previous matches—every time he couldn’t win, he used talismans to interfere!”

“It was clearly agreed to only compare sword techniques. He’s not even a talisman cultivator, yet he has more talismans than one!”

Voices of argument rose.

A Mingxia Sect disciple retorted: “The Trial Sword Tournament never said talismans are forbidden! If you want, you can use them too—no one is stopping you!”

“Magic tools are also part of strength. Your Yunxian Sect’s young sect master can’t even afford a single talisman?”

Yun Che was furious: “We have plenty of magic tools! But this competition is about fairness and justice. If everyone uses magical artifacts, what Trial Sword Tournament is this? Might as well call it a Spell-Fighting Tournament!”

Yue He, though a young girl, had a loud voice and added sarcastically: “Why don’t you guess why it’s called the Trial Sword Tournament?”

The argument on the ground continued, but it did not affect Yun Xicheng’s thinking.

He had also heard that Tao Ming often used talismans when he could not win, but he did not expect him to resort to a sneak attack so early in the match.

The black shadow was already behind him, while a wave of spiritual pressure rushed toward his front. After only a moment’s thought, he abandoned defense and focused all his spiritual energy into his legs.

Tao Ming’s sword light arrived, but Yun Xicheng had already turned into a residual shadow. By the time Tao Ming reacted, Yun Xicheng had already left his attack range. At that moment, a spiritual shockwave slammed into Tao Ming’s face. He let out a muffled groan and was sent flying backward more than ten feet.

Before he could rise, a black shadow landed in front of him. In the next instant, a cold sword blade pressed against his neck.

Outside the arena, Yunxian Sect disciples erupted in cheers.

Tao Ming had not expected to lose. He froze, then suddenly looked up. His gaze toward Yun Xicheng was filled with resentment, leaving Yun Xicheng stunned.

“Golden Core match, winner: Yunxian Sect Yun Xicheng.”

As soon as the Discipline Hall disciple spoke, cheers rose again.

Yun Che mocked the previously arguing disciple: “Tch, someone using both sword and talismans—I thought he was so great.”

Yue He added, “At first, I thought your sect had produced a rare sword-talisman genius. Too bad he crashed before he could even take off.”

Laughter spread. The Mingxia Sect disciple’s face turned red, but he could not refute the fact that Tao Ming had used talismans and still lost.

After the noise subsided, Yun Xicheng walked toward the edge of the stage.

However, just as he reached the edge, he heard a faint breaking wind sound behind him.

The hairs all over his body stood up. Turning back, he saw a talisman carrying sinister killing intent only a few feet from his face.

It was too late to defend.

At that moment, a green figure flashed in his peripheral vision, blocking in front of him like wind.

His heartbeat thundered. Then, sword light like rain shattered the killing talisman into pieces of yellow paper that fell like snow.

Startled, Yun Xicheng exclaimed, “Su Ji!”

The talisman was broken. Tao Ming, still lying on the ground, became even more resentful. Just as he tried to stand, a familiar figure appeared in front of him.

He froze, and his expression instantly changed—eyes widening, brows drooping, turning into a near-crying look.

“Ma… Master.”

Tao Yue looked at him expressionlessly, feeling an indescribable absurdity rising in his heart.

Earlier, Yun Xicheng’s victory had been clearly seen by him. Tao Ming had relied on external tools and still lost—he was inferior.

Tao Ming had always been arrogant, able to win but not lose. Once he lost, he threw a tantrum.

Using talismans in matches was not something he was unaware of. When asked, Tao Ming only said the Trial Sword Tournament did not forbid magical artifacts. Seeing he had not injured anyone before, Tao Yue did not stop him.

Until this moment, while Yun Xicheng had just left the stage, Tao Yue had even been praising him as promising. Yet in this short time, Tao Ming had given him a “surprise.”

Losing due to inferior skill was one thing, but launching a sneak attack after the match in front of so many sects—this was no longer youthful arrogance. This was reckless disregard for life and malicious intent.

After teaching him for so many years, Tao Yue realized for the first time how narrow-minded his second disciple truly was.

No—he also bore responsibility. His excessive indulgence had allowed this behavior.

Without speaking, Tao Yue turned and walked toward Yun Xicheng, who was surrounded by disciples.

Tao Ming’s expression cracked for a moment. He tried to stand and chase after him, but a snake-like chain appeared at his feet and instantly wrapped around him.

Tao Ming froze.

It was Tao Yue’s binding spirit chain. He had once said it would be a birthday gift for him, yet now it was used on him.

Never treated like this before, Tao Ming went almost mad, struggling forward despite being bound, held down by Mingxia Sect disciples rushing down.

“Let go of me!” he roared.

The disciples looked disgusted: “Senior Brother Tao, even if you lost you can’t sneak attack others! Everyone is criticizing our sect for poor discipline!”

“If not for Yun Xicheng being fine, today would never end well!”

Tao Ming tried to speak, but his throat tightened—no words came out.

Tao Yue walked farther and farther away, but Tao Ming understood clearly: the silencing spell had been cast by him.

He froze, anger fading, leaving only a bone-deep cold.

…

The crowd parted, making way for Tao Yue.

At the center, Yun Xicheng stood with Su Ji, who had not yet sheathed his sword, and the Great Elder with a somewhat unpleasant expression.

Tao Yue bowed deeply: “Great Elder, Xicheng, today’s incident is due to my improper teaching…”

Before he could continue, Yun Xicheng quickly helped him up: “Sect Master Tao, please don’t. This has nothing to do with you, and I am not injured. You do not need to blame yourself.”

Tao Yue sighed and said: “I have already bound him. How to deal with him—leave it to Yunxian Sect’s Discipline Hall.”

Gasps sounded around them.

People had assumed Tao Yue would protect his disciple, but instead he directly handed him over.

The Great Elder waved his hand, and Discipline Hall disciples immediately took Tao Ming away.

Tao Yue followed the Great Elder back to the high platform, looking as though he had aged ten years.

Yun Xicheng thanked Su Ji again, and they returned to their seats.

The matches continued, but Su Ji’s gaze kept drifting toward the chain that had taken Tao Ming away.

For some reason, he felt uneasy.

Author’s note:

New villain +1

You can read the full completed story here with instant full access. ✨