Chapter 1769: Chapter 1866: Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
The Pavilion Master’s third Sword Qi lasted longer than the previous two, causing even greater hardship for the swordsn on the Ask Sword Platform.
One by one, the swordsn fell, leaving fewer than a hundred still standing.
Among them, most were swordsn from the Nine Countries, while only a small portion ca from the three sects.
This phenonon made the forces from the Nine Countries atop the peaks feel quite gratified, at least in terms of numbers, more swordsn from the Nine Countries remained.
However, in fact, the number of swordsn from all around the Nine Countries Seven Seas was originally more significant, and among the three sects, almost no one from the Buddhist Sect ca to participate, mainly Taoists and Confucians.
In both Taoist and Confucian circles, the number of swordsn was not particularly high, naturally far less than the flourishing Sword Tao of the Nine Countries’ forces.
Yet, although there weren’t many swordsn from the three sects, those who could stay on the Ask Sword Platform were indeed truly capable.
When this third Sword Qi finally ended, there were only about eighty swordsn left on the Ask Sword Platform.
This number, compared to the previous overcrowded scene on the Ask Sword Platform, was truly tragic.
Even the various forces hadn’t expected that this was just the beginning. How did over ten thousand swordsn dwindle to just over eighty?
The people of the Sealing Sword Pavilion found it quite ordinary; if so many swordsn in the world could withstand the Pavilion Master’s three Sword Qi, then the Pavilion Master wouldn’t be worthy of being called the pinnacle of contemporary Sword Tao.
The Pavilion Master looked at the more than eighty swordsn below, remaining calm and nodding slightly as he said, “The remaining among you will draw lots, those who draw a red lot will be the ringmaster, and the other swordsn will challenge. The winner stays as the ringmaster, and the loser is eliminated.”
This kind of rule is the most common in past Sword Head rankings, where one swordsman serves as the ringmaster, and others challenge, ultimately determining the ranking order of the Sword Head List.
Moreover, with the presence of the array on the Ask Sword Platform, even the first swordsman drawn as the ringmaster need not worry about being at a disadvantage. The array will suppress everyone’s cultivation and quickly restore each swordsman’s strength, avoiding the scenario of being defeated after vanquishing several powerful foes due to lack of stamina.
Only swordsn of truly superior strength can stand unyielding in the ringmaster’s position until they defeat all challengers.
Of course, in many people’s eyes, drawing to beco the ringmaster might still seem a bit disadvantageous.
After all, becoming the first ringmaster ans that each of your moves is observed by other challengers. They’ll ponder your techniques, trying to defeat you, and the longer they watch, the higher the chance of being beaten.
Therefore, among those eighty swordsn, the majority do not wish to beco the first ringmaster.
The drawing process was quite simple, conducted under the watchful eyes of many. Whether it was the swordsn or the various forces atop the peaks, they could clearly see, with no underhanded tricks involved.
In the end, the first to draw the lot to beco the ringmaster was a nondescript middle-aged swordsman, unknown to most, and no one had heard his na.
After drawing the lot, the middle-aged swordsman was unfazed and stood calmly on the Ask Sword Platform, casting his gaze toward the other swordsn outside the Ask Sword Platform.
“Zhang Wenze of Ling Country, willing to learn from you all,” said the middle-aged swordsman, introducing himself.
However, the na Zhang Wenze was hardly known, though so forces from Ling Country found it sowhat familiar.
“Zhang Wenze? I rember so years ago there was a master nad Zhang Wenze, but there’s been no news since,” an elder from Ling Country remarked with furrowed brows.
“I have so impression too, but I’m not sure if it’s him,” another person from Ling Country comnted.
No one focused on Zhang Wenze, as Ling Country was just part of the Middle Three Kingdoms, and a swordsman from there, likely an Independent Sword Cultivator with no affiliation, didn’t rit much attention.
Of course, as Zhang Wenze’s opponent, those more than eighty swordsn still had to pay attention. After all, anyone who could endure the Pavilion Master’s three Sword Qi must be strong.
“I’ll battle you.” Soon, soone rose with a sword, flying into the Ask Sword Platform to face Zhang Wenze.
“Dong Tianbai of Green Sword Villa,” the opponent declared his identity and imdiately attacked Zhang Wenze with sharp sword moves.
Zhang Wenze, calm and composed, wielded an ordinary-looking longsword, confidently responding to Dong Tianbai’s moves.
The two exchanged blows for dozens of rounds; it beca clear Zhang Wenze’s sword techniques were more exquisite, each move interconnected. At first, Dong Tianbai could hold his own, even gaining a slight advantage, but gradually he was overshadowed by Zhang Wenze, ultimately having a sword laid across his neck.
“I concede,” Zhang Wenze said coolly.
Dong Tianbai looked displeased. Green Sword Villa was a renowned Sword Tao sect of the Nine Countries, and he was one of its top masters, yet he lost to an Independent Sword Cultivator—a significant blow to his pride.
But losing was losing; acknowledging his skill was inferior, Dong Tianbai left the Ask Sword Platform without further words.
Subsequently, several swordsn challenged Zhang Wenze, but without exception, all were defeated by Zhang Wenze within twenty moves.
This caught everyone off guard, who hadn’t initially regarded Zhang Wenze with much esteem.
“He managed to defeat eight swordsn consecutively, impressive indeed.”
“Seems we underestimated this Zhang Wenze.”
“Among Independent Sword Cultivators, there are such hidden talents.”
“His sword techniques are intricate, like needles hidden in cotton, as deep as an unfathomable old well, truly formidable.”
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Zhang Wenze indeed made a splash as an Independent Sword Cultivator previously overlooked and drawn as the first ringmaster, a role most thought he’d quickly lose without much notice.
But this Independent Sword Cultivator defeated eight Sword Tao masters continuously, all in under twenty moves, earning him significant renown across the Nine Countries based on such a record alone.
“Though the techniques are exquisite, being observed for so long, many should have found ways to counter them,” Fang Lin remarked, eyes on the Ask Sword Platform.
“Perhaps he hasn’t shown his full strength, holding back all this ti,” Dugu Nian softly suggested with a smile.
ps: First update is here. Continuing to write, rember to vote, everyone.
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