"Oh!" Ye Xiu had heard this advice countless times, but unfortunately, it was useless to him. As expected, after continuously slashing with his longsword, Ling Feng suddenly spun around. Instead of following through with a thrust, he instead circled Ye Xiu's body empty-handed, drawing his short sword to strike directly at Ye Xiu's abdomen.

"A fine strategy, but too slow," Ye Xiu declared coldly. He blocked Ling Feng's fatal blow using only the scabbard of Heng Chen, then lightly brought his own sword around in a reverse grip, leveraging it against Ling Feng's neck. "It’s over. Your movements are too sluggish."

Ling Feng was prepared for defeat, but he never imagined it would come so quickly. "You are truly a master. I am completely convinced."

"Ninth sector, Ye Xiu wins!" the Blade Guard supervising the match shouted loudly, marking the appearance of the second victor.

"Ye Xiu, who exactly is this fellow?" Wan Jian Cang Long slowly turned his gaze to below the platform. "It's rare to see someone wielding such a standard, unremarkable longsword."

"Besides the three of us, is there anyone else in the Three Swords Realm who practices with a single blade?" Xuan Hu slanted his eyes towards Cang Long. "I wonder what level Brother Cang Long has advanced your Myriad Sword Art to? I've been stuck at the seventh level and can't break through. Would you mind offering some guidance?"

Cang Long chuckled, brushing his hand over his sword, Jue Tian Jing Hong, beside him. "Second Brother, why the urgency? Practicing the sword is about cultivation; some things must be understood intuitively rather than taught through words."

Xuan Hu let out a cold laugh and teased, "I fear Brother Cang Long is also lingering around the eighth level."

"Haha, no matter. Even the fiercest sword move cannot withstand an army of thousands. How can the strength of one person change the world?" Cang Long turned his head to look at the listless Qing Lin beside him. "Third Brother, to what level have you cultivated your Myriad Sword Art?"

"Lately, I've been busy researching some new contraptions, so I've been negligent. I suppose I'm only at the fifth level," Qing Lin mumbled, still eating while pointing out details of the matches below to Shen Ying, clearly not paying full attention to Cang Long.

"Sigh," Cang Long sighed, having nothing more to say, and returned his focus to the ongoing bouts.

"I truly wish I could be as carefree and relaxed as Third Brother, spending my days doing nothing," Xuan Hu drew out his waist sword, Jue Tian Jing Lei, examining it. "That day, the foremost sword-smith of Myriad Sword City forged the Jue Tian Divine Swords for us three brothers. When the swords were finished, first came the startling surge like the great tide, then the resounding clash of lightning, until the very last moment, a gentle spring rain descended. Looking at it now, Jue Tian Chun Yu must weep for having an owner like you."

"Heh, with Big Brother and Second Brother here in Myriad Sword City, my only duty is to take good care of little sister Shen Ying," Qing Lin replied, accustomed to Xuan Hu's lectures and not feeling the need to take offense.

"Exactly! Little sister is bored senseless all day, relying entirely on Third Brother for company. If I had to depend on you two as my elder brothers, I'd surely die of tedium," Shen Ying chimed in playfully, a hint of shyness in her tone.

"Rumble!" Suddenly, a violent explosion echoed from below the arena. Three longswords had inexplicably taken flight from one of the sectors, weaving back and forth between the martial artists on the ground. After a cloud of dust and debris settled, Ji Jingtian, the Captain of the Myriad Sword City Guards, leaped high, reclaiming the three swords to his waist as he slowly descended. The combatant in that sector lay unmoving, covered in blood.

"Third group, Ji Jingtian wins. Third group, Ji Jingtian wins!" the Blade Guard called out twice in succession, almost in celebration, considering Ji Jingtian's status as Captain of the Guards, second only to the high-ranking civil officials.

"Guard Ji is indeed formidable," Xuan Hu exclaimed, unable to contain his excitement, applauding repeatedly.

"Second Brother seems overly concerned with Ji Jingtian," Cang Long said expressionlessly, sitting upright. "We've had other Myriad Sword City humans win below, yet I haven't seen you this joyous."

Xuan Hu waved his hand dismissively. "Big Brother, really. Ji Jingtian is one of Myriad Sword City's top swordsmen. Of course, I'm happy he won. Look at him—he hasn't even drawn his sword sheath; he just brought three swords with him, showing absolute confidence."

"Indeed, Big Brother. I also heard that Ji Jingtian is the sole successor of the Seven Swords of Sad Autumn. They say he can control seven swords by himself, but it's only hearsay; none of us have seen it. This tournament should certainly open our eyes," Qing Lin added opportunistically, praising the guard. "Second Brother's excitement is understandable; I am also delighted that Ji Jingtian won."

"Heh, you always get spirited up when there's a good show to watch," Cang Long murmured, helpless with his Third Brother, and turned back to observe the situation in the fighting arena.

"First group, Lang Taotian wins." Before one Blade Guard could finish announcing the result, another, with a rasping voice, roared, "Fifth group, Zhan Fengyue wins! Seventh group, Yi Tiannan wins..."

"Ugh, what strange names. These guys sound like aliases for assassins from the Ghost Valley," Ye Xiu muttered impatiently while waiting in the arena. None of the contestants were allowed to leave until all matches concluded. At this moment, he spotted A Jiao cheering wildly outside—and she wasn't cheering for him?

"Hey, A Jiao, I'm here! What are you cheering over there for?" Ye Xiu waved, trying to catch A Jiao's attention, but no matter how hard he tried, she kept her head turned toward the other side. "Damn it!" Ye Xiu followed A Jiao's gaze and saw a man standing elegantly in the center, wielding a silver long spear. That was the first sector—was he Lang Taotian, the winner? That silly girl must have been completely taken by his looks.

The harsh sun lost its former arrogance, and the once-boiling Myriad Sword Plaza chilled to freezing point. The matches in almost all sectors were over, and the list of first-day victors was displayed before everyone.

"By order of the Grand City Lord of Myriad Sword City, the sixteen winners of today's matches are invited to the Sword Sheathing Pavilion in the Myriad Sword Pavilion. The Grand City Lord wishes to personally congratulate you all," a civil official dressed in a blue robe announced loudly from the balcony above. His voice was rather high-pitched; judging by sound alone, he was likely not a good person.

"Hey, I won, and you didn't cheer for me, why are you looking at the handsome guy?" Ye Xiu ambled over to A Jiao's side. To his surprise, A Jiao completely ignored him, instead running over to Lang Taotian, where they began chatting and laughing.

"Holy crap, no way. A girl actively chasing a handsome guy?" Ye Xiu felt an inexplicable sense of loss that no one applauded his victory. He tilted his head back up and saw Wan Jian Qing Lin rising from the balcony, preparing to leave. Although his movements lacked the calm composure he displayed in private conversation, his eyes, clouded with conspiracy, were fixed intently on Ye Xiu. Ye Xiu didn't greet Qing Lin; they were both smart enough. Ye Xiu understood perfectly what Qing Lin's grand ambitions might be.

A Jiao and Lang Taotian chatted for a long time before remembering Ye Xiu. Not only that, but she even took Lang Taotian's sleeve and led him to Ye Xiu. "Ye Xiu, what are you looking at? Are you still thinking about that beautiful lady on the balcony just now?"

"Of course, I am. Why would I be thinking about you?" Ye Xiu made a face at A Jiao. "But you're right, it's rare that you remember me when you have such a handsome guy keeping you company."

"What are you talking about, haha! He’s my elder brother. The Great Emperor of the Water Tribe Palace—" A Jiao seemed about to say more, but Lang Taotian quickly covered her mouth.

"Elder Brother! You mean he's also from the Water Tribe?" Ye Xiu took a small step back, finding an excellent angle to examine Lang Taotian. The man had long hair draped over his shoulders, secured by a small golden circlet atop his head. His features were refined yet strongly set with thick brows and large eyes, radiating an aura of rugged heroism. He wore a light blue battle robe embroidered with scenes of the sea—intricate patterns interwoven—a style that actually suited A Jiao quite well. "What did you say, Water Tribe Palace Great Yellow Dog?"

"You—" A Jiao raised her fist, intending to punch Ye Xiu. "What do you know? My brother is—"

"I am Lang Taotian, merely an insignificant soldier under the Great General of the Water Tribe Palace. A Jiao is my dear younger sister. She has relied on Brother Ye’s care these past few days; I thank you sincerely," Lang Taotian interrupted A Jiao again, smiling humbly at Ye Xiu.

Ye Xiu was not easily fooled. A Jiao had stopped short of finishing her sentence, but it was clear she was about to mention the Water Tribe Palace royalty. He had long harbored suspicions about A Jiao's background; a girl from an ordinary family wouldn't act so casually rude, so willful and spoiled. Furthermore, A Jiao's attire was several levels higher quality than those around her. Now, meeting Lang Taotian, these two were likely members of a prominent family within the Water Tribe, perhaps even rich or official second-generation elites.

"So you are Elder Brother Lang Taotian. I, Ye Xiu, must apologize for my offense," Ye Xiu offered a false apology. "Earlier, seeing your profound power—the long spear in your hand moved as lightly as a writing brush. Every move seemed like painting, truly a pleasure to behold."

"Brother Ye overpraises me. Winning amidst the chaos was pure luck. For Brother Ye to win in just a few moves is the highest realm of martial prowess," Lang Taotian seemed very skilled in conversation. "Should we unfortunately meet in future matches, I hope Brother Ye will show some leniency."

"Him? Big Brother, you don't need to fear him at all. He can't even beat me!" A Jiao stepped in front of Ye Xiu, glaring fiercely, yet speaking her mind.

"Yes, yes," Ye Xiu understood what A Jiao meant. If he didn't humor her, he would likely get bitten again. This girl was indeed stronger than him; her teeth alone were unrivaled under heaven.

"Pardon the interruption, both of you." At that moment, several Blade Guards approached Ye Xiu, bowing slightly and making welcoming gestures. "Please, the two victors, follow us to the Sword Sheathing Pavilion."

"Oh, the Grand City Lord is going to treat us well, is he?" Ye Xiu remembered this arrangement and couldn't help but smirk smugly at A Jiao. "It seems tonight Big Brother here and your brother are in for a grand feast. As for you, you can just go grab something from a street vendor."

"You—" A Jiao, infuriated, grabbed Lang Taotian's robe and cried out, "Big Brother, look how he only knows how to provoke me! When you have the chance, you must teach him a good lesson for me!"