Chapter Thirty-Nine: Defeat and Retreat

The attacks unleashed by the two were both formidable, their sword auras separated from their bodies yet not becoming masterless forces. In the instant their sword energies collided, those with keen cultivation could even perceive the subtle changes that occurred simultaneously in both attacks. In the blink of an eye, their energies clashed a dozen times before fiercely smashing together at a single point.

Midair, it was as if a vibrant firework exploded, strange and dazzling true energy scattering in every direction, creating a spectacle too brilliant for words. Amidst the radiance, two figures soared skyward, the sound of clashing metal ringing out with such speed that ordinary disciples could not catch even a trace of their movements.

Only the continuous bursts of light and the rapid, rain-like clatter of swords striking told of the tension of their duel. Long Yun frowned deeply. With his discerning eyes, he could barely keep up with the battle, but soon found it utterly uninteresting.

For all the flamboyance of Chang Yi and Chu Huafei’s techniques—their speed and power vividly displayed—there was something crucial missing: the essence of real combat. True swordsmanship is meant to kill or defeat an opponent, not simply to perform!

This was also why he could defeat Xiao Yucheng in a single move. From childhood, his training had but one goal: to overcome his adversary. Thus, Long Yun’s techniques were never the least bit superfluous—always the simplest, most direct strikes. Nor did he waste his true energy, calculating every possible outcome before making a move.

Watching the duel before him, Long Yun felt not the slightest interest, nor could he fathom why the disciples around him were applauding with such admiration on their faces.

He shook his head in bemusement, letting his true energy circulate as he began to heal his wounds.

At that moment, Chen Long noticed Long Yun’s expression and, slightly puzzled, asked, “Junior brother, opportunities like this are rare. Watching such a battle is good for your cultivation.”

Long Yun looked at Chen Long and replied, “I was injured in my last bout, and my energy is still unsettled. I’m taking this chance to recover.”

Chen Long nodded slightly. He had been in seclusion for quite some time and hadn’t heard of Long Yun before, but he had clearly seen Long Yun withstand Chu Huafei’s attack earlier. Shocked inwardly, he silently wondered which branch this disciple could belong to, to possess such skill.

As he pondered, Chang Yi and Chu Huafei had already exchanged over thirty moves in midair—each regarding the other as their sole target, their familiarity evident in their exchanges. After these thirty moves, neither had gained the upper hand.

Long Yun narrowed his eyes, secretly astonished. Chu Huafei’s gaze was fierce, yet there always seemed to be a slight gap in his moves, as if he were holding something back—preparing for a decisive blow to defeat Chang Yi.

Chang Yi, on the other hand, appeared more at ease, faintly pressing the advantage. The disciples of Jade Sword Sect could see this, and it seemed they were already convinced of Chu Huafei’s impending defeat.

Long Yun, however, could only sigh inwardly. Unless Chang Yi had some powerful, hidden technique yet unrevealed, this match would likely end in his loss.

If the disciples of Jade Sword Sect could see Chang Yi’s advantage, the disciples of Huaying Sect certainly could as well. Yet, those dozen or so Huaying Sect disciples remained calm, betraying no hint of anxiety—a sign that Chu Huafei must have a trump card yet to play.

Moments ticked by, and in no time, the number of blows exchanged exceeded a hundred. Chang Yi’s advantage became more pronounced, steadily suppressing Chu Huafei.

“It seems Senior Brother Chang Yi’s cultivation is a cut above,” Chen Long murmured with a smile, his words soft but clear to Long Yun’s ears.

“Not necessarily,” Long Yun replied quietly. “Within ten moves, the winner will be decided.”

He did not speak idly, for he could sense that Chu Huafei’s hidden technique was fully prepared—a feeling honed through countless brushes with death.

Chen Long turned to look at Long Yun in surprise, about to speak when a thunderous roar erupted from the duel overhead.

“Heaven, Earth, Man—the Three Powers as one! Go—!” Chu Huafei’s roar rumbled like spring thunder, shaking the sky.

At the same moment, his form broke free from Chang Yi’s sword aura. A surge of overwhelming power swept out. With a single thrust, three sword energies representing the Three Powers burst from his sword’s tip, then, under his control, converged into one.

Unity of the Three Powers—this was the final move of the Shadow Three Powers Sword. To merge the power of the Three into a true formation, combining them into one, multiplying its might several times over.

But this move was not one just anyone could master. It required the practitioner not only to have deep cultivation but also a solid understanding of formations.

Only then could the Unity of the Three Powers become seamless. Any flaw in the coordination could greatly diminish its power.

This was Chu Huafei’s hidden ace. To master this move, he had spent a year away from cultivation, devoting himself entirely to the study of formations—thus falling behind Chang Yi in base cultivation.

Yet this very move turned every disadvantage on its head. With triple the attack power, Chang Yi could not possibly withstand it.

After a hundred exchanges, the power behind Chu Huafei’s strike had reached its peak. The Three Powers Sword Aura roared forth like an enraged dragon, barreling straight for Chang Yi.

Chang Yi’s expression changed as well. He abruptly retreated, sword light flickering as he conjured over ten barriers of energy before him to block the oncoming sword aura.

His gaze grew grave; both hands gripped his sword, poised to cleave the heavens. A sorrowful energy radiated outward in all directions.

“I ask the heavens—what is the way of Heaven?” Chang Yi’s voice echoed with an ancient chant, as if lamenting the heavens themselves, treating all things as mere straw.

Like Chu Huafei, Chang Yi had also mastered the final move of the Heaven-Questioning Sword during his seclusion, bringing his swordsmanship to perfection. He had not planned to use it now.

For this move consumed a tremendous amount of true energy. If he had reached the Return to Origin stage, perhaps he could wield it safely, but at his current level, it would bring backlash.

Yet he had no choice—Chu Huafei’s unity of Three Powers had far surpassed his expectations. Without his ultimate move, he could not hope to withstand it.

The two sword beams, each terrifyingly ten yards long, arched like rainbows across the sky, colliding with a thunderous crash before the envious eyes of the disciples below.

A giant seven-colored cloud of light shot skyward, immense power surging outward in all directions. Disciples nearby hastily raised their protective energies or staggered back.

Chen Long’s gaze once more fell on Long Yun. He knew Chang Yi had mastered the final move of the Heaven-Questioning Sword, and thus believed Chang Yi would surely win.

But this disciple could not possibly know Chang Yi’s trump card, yet had still predicted an uncertain outcome. Did he not only see through Chang Yi’s hand, but also Chu Huafei’s?

If so, his perception was truly terrifying—what an extraordinary disciple!

As Chen Long reeled in shock, the dazzling lights faded, revealing Chang Yi and Chu Huafei standing across from one another.

Both looked utterly miserable, their clothes shredded by the stray sword auras, their bodies swaying with exhaustion.

Chu Huafei spat a mouthful of blood, his eyes full of unwillingness. Had he lost yet again?

The disciples of Huaying Sect rushed forward to steady his wavering form.

Chang Yi, meanwhile, gazed coldly at Chu Huafei, his face pale as paper, eyes narrowed.

“I did not expect you to have a hidden card as well. I concede this time. I’ll train hard, and challenge you again!” Chu Huafei growled, suppressing the turmoil in his body, his face grim.

With that, he turned to leave, his sect supporting him away.