Jueyu, facing an opponent of such resolve, casually tossed the black greatsword he held aside without a trace of regret. He had nurtured this blade for a long time, but now, it was nearly useless.

Though there seemed to be only a small nick on the edge, the sword's core was riddled with hidden fractures. He had always used his Great Extinction Sword to shatter the weapons of others.

He had never imagined that his own spirit weapon would meet the same fate. Next, he squinted, studying Chuxue up and down, as if meeting this innocent girl for the first time.

"The Cangsheng Firmament Realm truly lives up to its reputation for producing outstanding talent. Jueyu has learned much; in this battle, though I seemingly won, I have truly lost." Standing rooted to the spot, Jueyu’s expression was calm and open, nothing like that of a defeated man.

Even those who despised him could not deny the truly magnificent bearing of this Young Sword Master. "It’s just that I wonder, Miss Xuechu, who instructed you in your first sword form?

I, Jueyu, have never seen or heard of it before. I never knew Cangsheng Dao possessed such swordsmanship!" Chuxue let out a small "Ah," finally coming back to her senses.

Being called 'Miss' for the first time felt strange. The gazes of ten thousand eyes fixed upon her made her slightly self-conscious.

Without thinking too deeply, she mumbled vaguely, "My Young Sect Master taught me." Hearing this, nearly everyone’s heart skipped a beat. The one who brought this girl to such a level was not one of the famed masters or elders of Cangsheng Dao, but rather Tan Qiu—and it seemed this Xuechu was that very person's personal attendant.

If the maidservant was this formidable, what must her master be like? Previously, their impression of Tan Qiu was merely that he had crushed the Purple Firmament Sword Cavalry with eight hundred Cangsheng Profound Dragon Knights in Black Spirit Valley.

Later, he defeated Ji Lingzi of the Tai Ling Sect—a seventh-rank cultivator—with a sixth-rank cultivation base, using two hundred and one strikes. The first two hundred were defensive, the final one an attack, ending the fight in one decisive blow, thus making him famous across the world.

But now, with Chuxue as a counterpoint, the impression of Tan Qiu in everyone's minds immediately became profound and somewhat indistinct. "Tan Qiu?" Jueyu raised an eyebrow, his expression returning to placidity.

"It is like an antelope hanging from a branch, or a banished immortal from beyond the heavens. Without that first sword strike, Miss Xuechu might not have so smoothly broken through to the seventh rank.

Truly marvelous! Was the subsequent set of sword techniques also taught by your Young Master?" Chuxue finally snapped back to attention.

It seemed better if others remained ignorant of these matters. She decisively shook her head: "I won't tell you!" Jueyu merely smiled faintly; just looking at Chuxue’s expression was confirmation enough.

He gazed once more toward Fang Wen's direction, and the void above that: "Palace Master Fang, I, Jueyu, have come for your sect’s Tan Qiu. The challenge has been issued; why refuse it?

Could it be that your Chief Tan is afraid to fight?" The surrounding crowd stiffened slightly at his words, their expressions turning peculiar. Since Tan Qiu could bring forth Chuxue in such a manner, almost no one doubted his mastery of the Way of the Sword anymore.

No one now believed that Tan Qiu was evading battle. They all understood that Jueyu’s words were merely meant to provoke Cangsheng Dao into accepting.

However, whether they were disciples of Cangsheng Dao or mere spectators, everyone waited with anticipation for Fang Wen’s reply. They all wished to witness the presence of this Chief of the Cangsheng Academy.

Among them, figures like Dao Lord Li Wuhui stared intently at Fang Wen. While Chuxue's battle with Jueyu was undoubtedly dazzling, the former relied more on instinct.

The latter, caught off guard, had lost the initiative and never managed to recover. Thus, it could not be considered a peak martial arts confrontation.

If Tan Qiu could engage in the opening match, then this trip to the Cangsheng Firmament Realm would certainly not have been in vain. Chuxue, completely oblivious, bristled: "My Young Master is not afraid to fight!" After thinking hard, she couldn't conjure any convincing explanation.

She just haphazardly grabbed a reason: "He looks down on you! You can’t even beat me with your skills.

The Young Master wouldn't bother fighting you!" Her tone was hesitant at first, but later became self-assured. Jueyu shook his head and lightly waved a sleeve: "Miss Xuechu, this is a matter between your Young Master and me.

The Palace Master of Cangsheng and your Young Master will decide it. It has nothing to do with you, Miss." Chuxue’s breath hitched, ready to retort, when she heard Fang Wen speak from above: "Junior Sister Xue, you can return now!" Chuxue reluctantly let out a simple "Oh." But as soon as she turned around, she saw countless gazes fixed upon her.

There was gratitude, shock, admiration, and also delight. Chuxue was first stunned, then her face instantly flushed crimson again.

Embarrassed yet slightly proud. After hesitating for a moment, she pretended not to notice and walked forward, mimicking the aloof, seemingly unconcerned expression Zong Shou used to adopt as she retreated.

Suddenly, she understood the meaning of those strange words—'handsome,' 'cool'—that Zong Shou often used. Her mind soaring and unfocused, Chuxue suddenly felt a chaotic surge of spiritual energy erupt beneath her feet.

It seemed the aftershocks of the sword duel they had just witnessed had yet to fully subside. She failed to keep her balance, pitching forward violently and tumbling to the ground.

In that instant, the entire venue fell silent. A sudden warmth flooded Chuxue's eyes, and she looked up into the air with watery eyes, on the verge of tears.

She thought: Young Master, you explicitly said bad luck was scheduled for three hours later! You lied to Xue’er again!

This is so humiliating; how can a girl ever show her face again? Fang Wen, high in the sky, now had his lips twitching slightly.

After a long moment, he managed to restrain his laughter. His expression turned solemn, and he looked down steadily: "Young Master Jue, though you have issued your challenge, whether Disciple Tan accepts it is a matter between him and our Cangsheng Dao, and it is not for you to decide.

Today's battle is concluded, and our Cangsheng Dao believes we have wronged no one. If you wish to hone your swordsmanship, you are welcome to challenge other sects.

You may depart now." Jueyu frowned slightly upon hearing this, then broke into a smile: "There are only two things about me, Jueyu, that draw criticism, despite my planet being otherwise excellent. One is being a sword fanatic, the other is stubbornness.

Once I decide on something, I never abandon it midway. Even if Cangsheng Dao and Chief Tan refuse, I, Jueyu, will wait right here.

I will wait until you agree!" Having spoken, he stood motionless in place, eyes slightly closed, saying nothing. Fang Wen’s gaze sharpened, followed by a cold laugh: "If you wish to wait here, then so be it!" With that, he lost all interest in wasting words on Jueyu.

He sharply flicked his sleeve and walked back into the Cangsheng Palace. Meanwhile, inside the pavilion, Han Fang rose from his rocking chair with a smile: "Junior Brother Zong, are you perhaps interested in trading blows with this Jueyu?" Zong Shou had long anticipated the old man would ask this.

He pursed his lips: "Isn't the sect afraid I'll make a fool of myself?" "Nonsense!" Han Fang replied decisively, waving his sleeve grandly: "With Junior Sister Chu’s fight preceding yours, our Cangsheng Dao has nothing to fear!" Even if he lost, with Chuxue's spectacular performance as the finale, various powers in the world would no longer dare underestimate Cangsheng Dao. At most, they would wonder why a genius like Xuechu would submit to Tan Qiu, serving as his protector.

"I'd rather not! Let him wait then..." Zong Shou chuckled darkly, thinking this was typical case of burning the bridge after crossing the river, utterly heartless!

"It is precisely because Xuechu fought so well that I dare not act. If I fare worse than Xue'er, where will the face of Zong Shou be?" Zong Shou smiled faintly, clearly unconcerned.

At that moment, Han Fang casually inquired: "Since you know you are inferior even to your own attendant, why are you still researching the Dharma Aspects? Also, a few days ago, your ranking on the Profound Fate Golden Scroll rose by one position.

Has there been any recent anomaly in your cultivation, Junior Brother?" Zong Shou was startled; he hadn't known about that. He quickly mumbled vaguely: "There has been an anomaly, Senior Brother will know in time!" As he finished speaking, he stood up and headed towards the pavilion exit: "Remember, three million merits!

Not one less..." Han Fang’s eye twitched instantly. Then Zong Shou, as if suddenly remembering something, turned back: "Oh, right!

Senior Brother, I forgot to collect one or two tips of Snow Leaf. You aren't going back on your word, are you, Senior Brother?" Han Fang instantly flew into a rage, grabbing a nearby teacup and hurling it towards the door, cursing loudly: "Get out!" This fellow had already stolen an entire bottle of his spirit wine and seven Crimson Jade Spirit Fruits.

And he still had the gall to ask for Snow Leaf tips! Unbelievable!

Zong Shou laughed grimly, feeling no disappointment, and turned, stepping out of the pavilion. He used a spiritual technique to conceal his face.

At this moment, most of the Cangsheng Dao disciples remained standing where they were, immersed in the afterglow of the recent battle, so no one noticed him. Thus, he slipped silently into the Cangsheng Firmament Realm.

Many people had already returned to the Firmament Realm, gathering in small groups, discussing animatedly. Zong Shou didn't listen closely, but their unrestrained conversations naturally filtered into his ears.

"What a pity! It’s just that Chief Tan refused to fight.

Otherwise, he could surely have defeated this Jueyu." "I always thought Grand-Uncle Xuechu was slow-witted and simple. But she's actually this powerful.

Battle Martial Body, Spirit-Martial Unity—truly enviable. This battle alone was enough to extinguish Jueyu's arrogance!" "With a servant so capable, one can only imagine the master.

I wonder when we will witness Chief Tan’s swordsmanship." Zong Shou’s lips curled slightly; he was in high spirits. However, there were dissenting opinions mixed in.

"Jueyu’s claim that Tan Qiu fears battle might not be groundless. Truth be told, this Chief’s cultivation hasn't broken through in over a year." "Before today, who could have known Xuechu’s talent?

Spirit-Martial Unity, Battle Martial Body—this is heaven-sent. To say Tan Qiu brought it all about might be giving him too much credit." "Jueyu already restricted his internal energy; what does Chief Tan have to hesitate about?

Even if he lost, achieving a victory as glorious as Xuechu's would still be an honorable defeat!" Zong Shou rubbed his temples and laughed wryly. Too lazy to pay them any mind, he continued on his way toward the First Courtyard of the Jia Block.