"Yes, we are here to participate in the Four Domain Academy Exchange."
"Just them? Their cultivation levels look even lower than mine. I doubt we even need Senior Brother Sword to step in."
The sound of their conversation carried clearly to everyone.
Huo Qingming said with an angry expression, "They are looking down on us far too much!"
Xin Hongyi drew her sword, her face cold as she declared, "I, for one, would like to see just how good their strength actually is."
Lin Ce’s expression was equally unsightly.
Huang Yuan, however, said calmly, "There is no need to compete for a moment’s advantage. Save your strength for the martial arts exchange tomorrow."
Hearing this, Huo Qingming snorted coldly, forcing down the anger in his heart.
Xin Hongyi, however, paid no heed. Just as she was about to step forward, Ye Qiubai grabbed her.
"There is truly no need. Tomorrow, we can just use our strength to slap their faces."
Upon hearing this, Xin Hongyi finally put her sword away.
Huang Yuan glanced at Ye Qiubai again, his interest piqued. Previously, his own words had carried no weight, but one word from Ye Qiubai had stopped her...
The group arrived at their lodgings. The Northern Domain's Cangdao Academy did not resort to any petty tricks; the accommodation provided was quite decent.
"Tomorrow is the martial arts exchange. I ask that you all rest well."
After saying this, Nie Qing left. The Confucian Elder and the Martial Hall Elder followed him, clearly needing to discuss something. As for Qin Tiannan, he had departed the moment they set foot in the Northern Domain.
Seeing the two elders leave, Huo Qingming finally burst out in an angry tirade: "They are nothing but bullies who rely on their status! Just because they’ve taken first place a few times, they think they’re something? This time, we’ll take them down a peg!"
Lin Ce added with a grim face, "Tomorrow, we’ll be able to see the truth of their claims."
Ye Qiubai shrugged, preparing to head back to meditate, when another group pushed open the courtyard gate. They didn't even offer a greeting before walking straight in.
"Who are you people?"
Zhong Wu frowned slightly. "Do you have no manners at all?"
One of the tall, thin men sneered, "What need is there for manners when dealing with Southern savages?"
"You!"
Huang Yuan pulled Huo Qingming back and stepped forward. "If you gentlemen are only here to provoke, then that is quite unnecessary."
The man in the lead shot a cold glance at the thin, tall man. The thin man shut his mouth immediately.
"Forgive us, everyone. My junior brother is reckless. I came here today to invite you all to a banquet. Tonight’s feast will host the prodigies of the four domain academies; it’s a good opportunity to get to know the young talents of the four domains."
Huang Yuan pondered for a moment and looked toward the others, clearly seeking their opinions.
Huo Qingming snorted and remained silent. Seeing Ye Qiubai nod, Xin Hongyi nodded as well. Zhong Wu and Lin Ce had no objections.
Only then did Huang Yuan say, "Very well. We will arrive on time tonight."
Seeing this, the man nodded in satisfaction. "Then we look forward to your arrival."
With that, they departed.
Lin Ce said calmly, "This banquet is likely a trap—intended to suss out the strength of each domain."
Zhong Wu nodded, agreeing, "That must be the goal. There will undoubtedly be a display of power."
Huang Yuan added, "Keep your trump cards hidden as much as possible. Do not reveal your full strength. Focus on the exchange. If we finish in last place again, I fear the Southern Domain Cangdao Academy will be taken over by others."
If they finished last several times in a row, the main headquarters would send others to take over the academy. At that point, Qin Tiannan would also face punishment. This was something none of them wanted to see. Hearing this, even the impulsive Huo Qingming nodded with a solemn expression.
Huang Yuan looked at Ye Qiubai. "Also, there may be people from the Sunset Dynasty at the banquet. You must remain composed."
Ye Qiubai’s situation was no secret. It had spread throughout Tianyuan City; anyone who cared to ask could learn the full story.
Ye Qiubai’s calm expression faltered slightly. He lowered his gaze and said nothing. Huang Yuan saw this and said no more. After all, even his own Master had praised Ye Qiubai’s talent.
***
Time skipped forward to evening. Huang Yuan and the others went to attend the banquet.
The feast was held in the Martial Hall. At this moment, the hall was filled with hundreds of tables and chairs, each set with various types of food. However, a keen observer would notice that the further back the tables were placed, the simpler the food became; the closer to the head table, the more precious the offerings.
Zhong Wu couldn't help but smile. "It seems there is a special program in store."
No sooner had he spoken than a group of people walked over. "You have all seen the tables and chairs. Sit wherever you like, based on what you wish to eat. Of course, positions must be won. If the same table of food is desired by more than one person, you will need to negotiate among yourselves."
The man’s words were subtle, but everyone present understood the implication: if you wanted the same table, you had to fight for it! Whoever won had the right to sit and feast.
After speaking, the man sat at the head position and smiled. "Of course, if any of you wish to eat the food at my table, that is not impossible—provided you have the strength to match it. Now, everyone, please be seated."
At first, no one moved. But after only a few seconds, a man walked out with a loud laugh. "Since everyone is so modest, I shall not be shy." With that, he leaped to the seat directly below the head of the table and sat down with a thump. "If anyone wants this table, feel free to come forward."
Seeing this, others began to step out and take their seats, though for now, no one attempted to challenge anyone else.
***
**Chapter 37: The Way of the Sword Knows No Forward Retreat!**
In a courtyard beside the banquet hall, a few people were sitting.
"Is that the boy the First Prince wants dealt with?"
"It should be him."
"Good. Then send someone to test his depth later. If possible, force him to commit murder on the spot and make an enemy of the Northern Domain Cangdao Academy."
"Understood. I will arrange it."
"Rest assured, after it’s done, the First Prince will not treat you poorly."
Hearing this, the man was overjoyed and bowed respectfully before leaving to make arrangements.
***
At the banquet, Huo Qingming, Lin Ce, and Xin Hongyi were already seated at the forward tables. Zhong Wu and Huang Yuan had not participated.
Ye Qiubai looked up; it seemed to be dinner time. Back at the Grass Cottage, he would have already cooked dinner by now and be eating with his Master and Junior Sister... It felt strange not to eat. Thinking of this, Ye Qiubai stepped forward and took a seat relatively far back.
Just as he was about to eat, a man walked over.
"Hey, you're from the Southern Domain Cangdao Academy, aren't you?"
Ye Qiubai did not turn his head. As the burly man reached out to grab Ye Qiubai’s shoulder, Ye Qiubai released a burst of energy, shaking him back!
Ye Qiubai did not turn around, continuing to eat, but around his body, streaks of sword energy transformed into blades and slashed toward the burly man!
The man’s expression changed drastically. He felt a threat of death from these rays of sword energy! He hurriedly raised his hands, and several defensive shields appeared in front of him! He then pulled a talisman from his storage ring, wrapping himself in layer after layer of protection!
But those shields were like thin paper before Ye Qiubai’s sword energy! They were torn apart as if they were nothing! The layer of talismans was also cut through directly!
*Pfft!*
The sword energy pierced straight into the man’s chest, and blood sprayed wildly!
The surrounding crowd was shocked. *This move was far too decisive and ruthless...*
Ye Qiubai, however, was indifferent. He had seated himself in the back, yet someone had still come to provoke him—it didn't take a genius to realize this was orchestrated. And if it was orchestrated, he had no reason to be polite.
"Is that the participant from the Southern Domain Cangdao Academy?"
"Yes, it seems his strength is quite good."
"Only 'good'. If they run into Senior Brother Sword and his peers, they likely won't be a match."
"You don't say! Senior Brother Sword is a titan—the undisputed genius of sword dao in the Northern Domain!"
Ye Qiubai heard these remarks, but he didn't care. Whether they were the "number one genius of sword dao" or not, he would find out once they fought.
"Why use such heavy force? He hardly deserved that, did he?"
As expected, the previous man had just been a test. Ye Qiubai sneered. He had no feud with the Northern Domain Cangdao Academy, yet they were targeting him so aggressively. There could only be one explanation: someone was pulling the strings, and that person had to be from the Sunset Dynasty. In the Northern Domain, only the Sunset Dynasty would target him like this, and only they would want him dead.
Someone recognized the man. "That is Qiu Yu of the Northern Domain Cangdao Academy. Although he isn't participating in the exchange, he is a famous figure in the Martial Hall!"
"Qiu Yu could defeat Half-step Qi Sea Realm experts while he was still at the Mid Purple Palace Realm. Now that he’s reached the Peak Purple Palace, who knows how strong he’s become!"
On the other side, Ye Qiubai heard Qiu Yu’s words and scoffed. "If you’ve already chosen to be someone’s dog, you must be prepared to risk your life at any moment."
A flash of shock crossed Qiu Yu’s eyes, but he still said coldly, "A dog? Regardless, he is a disciple of our Northern Domain Cangdao Academy. Aren't you afraid of inciting public outrage by acting this way?"
Ye Qiubai wiped his mouth. "Are you finished?"
Qiu Yu was stunned.
Ye Qiubai took out his wooden sword, turned to face Qiu Yu, and said with a cold face, "Since you’re finished with the nonsense, then let’s fight. Your master must be getting impatient, right?"
Qiu Yu’s expression turned fierce. With a pair of iron-reinforced gauntlets, he smashed toward Ye Qiubai!
Ye Qiubai watched calmly, flicking his wrist. Streaks of sword energy, solid as reality, shot toward Qiu Yu! Qiu Yu roared, throwing punch after punch, shattering the waves of energy.
At the same time, a trace of shock entered his heart. Although he had blocked the sword energy, his fists felt excruciatingly painful! The energy was like a persistent rot, penetrating his fists and sinking into his marrow, as if destroying his body from within!
Seeing his sword energy blocked, Ye Qiubai charged forward, slashing his wooden sword! A black sword energy coated the wood!
Fist and sword collided! A metallic *clang* rang out. But unlike the calm on Ye Qiubai’s face, Qiu Yu’s expression turned to one of horror. The iron gauntlets on his hands shattered instantly! Blood sprayed from a dozen lacerations on his hands, and with a miserable scream, he flew backward!
The surrounding crowd was shocked.
"How is this possible? Qiu Yu couldn't take even one strike from him?"
"Is that Southern savage really that strong? Just looking at his aura, he only seems to be at the Mid Purple Palace Realm!"
"Perhaps... we have underestimated the Southern Domain..."
In the shadows, someone watched this scene and smiled in satisfaction.
Ye Qiubai looked around coldly. "Does anyone else want to fight?"
Seeing that no one answered, Ye Qiubai hoisted his wooden sword and walked toward the front of the tables.
Huang Yuan frowned. "It seems he intends to draw out the mastermind, but this approach is far too high-profile!"
Zhong Wu watched Ye Qiubai, lost in thought.
Ye Qiubai walked forward, one step at a time. With every step, sword energy bloomed! Another step—the sword energy soared into the sky! Black and white sword energy swirled around him, an intimidating, god-like aura!
He arrived before the sixth seat and looked coldly at the man drinking wine. "A fight?"
Ye Qiubai wasn't acting blindly; this man had been locking his gaze on him from the very beginning. Furthermore, Ye Qiubai no longer wished to keep a low profile. He wanted the Sunset Dynasty to understand that such petty tricks were useless against him.
If someone refused to submit, he would cut them down! The way of the sword knows no forward retreat!
The drinking man looked up at Ye Qiubai and chuckled. "Oh? And why should I fight you?"
Ye Qiubai raised an eyebrow. "Do you think I'm not worthy?"
"And what if I do?" The man stood up. "Just because you defeated Qiu Yu, you think you can challenge all the geniuses of our Northern Domain Cangdao Academy?"
*BOOM!*
A column of sword energy shot into the sky, coated in black demonic aura! The energy engulfed the man, and his expression grew serious. This aura was already a genuine threat to him! It was nothing like the power a Mid Purple Palace Realm cultivator should be able to unleash!
"Now, am I worthy?"
***
**Chapter 38: Defeating Liao Meisheng with the Sword**
Liao Meisheng was from the Sword Hall and, like the others, a member of the academy exchange team! His strength had reached the Half-step Qi Sea Realm! He had been specifically dispatched: if Ye Qiubai killed Qiu Yu, Liao Meisheng would step in to slay him. But before he could even find him, Ye Qiubai had already spotted him.
Facing the rushing wave of sword energy, Liao Meisheng set down his wine cup. The aura of a Half-step Qi Sea Realm practitioner exploded, undisguised, and collided with the black sword energy! The space around them filled with a deafening roar; if one looked closely, the air itself seemed to be twisting at the point of impact!
"That Southern savage is fighting Senior Brother Liao!"
"Senior Brother Liao is a member of the exchange team; he’s not comparable to Qiu Yu!"
"This kid is far too arrogant!"
Suddenly, the wine cup in Liao Meisheng’s hand was struck by the sword energy and shattered!
Liao Meisheng frowned slightly, his voice cold. "You are truly courting death."
With that, Liao Meisheng drew his long sword, slammed his palm against the ground, shattering it, and leaped into the air! He brought his blade down in a heavy, upward-sweeping slash toward Ye Qiubai.
Ye Qiubai’s expression remained unruffled; he blocked with his wooden sword. They collided and separated instantly. For a moment, sword energy ran wild across the space!
Liao Meisheng snorted and stomped his feet, bolting toward Ye Qiubai once more! Ye Qiubai met him head-on. The swords arrived before the men did!
The tips of their blades collided, and wisps of sword energy turned into solid, spectral blades, firing back and forth! For a moment, neither could gain the upper hand! This left Liao Meisheng feeling a jolt of surprise. He knew that his sword energy, cultivated from his specific techniques, was incredibly domineering; very few could withstand it head-on! And that was to say nothing of the fact that his cultivation level was significantly higher than Ye Qiubai’s! *No wonder they had me step in.*
On the sidelines, Xin Hongyi and Huo Qingming watched intensely.
The leader of the Eastern Domain Cangdao Academy remarked with interest, "Oh? The Southern Domain has produced such a sword dao genius?"
From the Western Domain Cangdao Academy: "The Southern Domain shouldn't have any significant sword dao heritage. This person must have apprenticed under someone extremely powerful in the world of the sword."
Liao Meisheng, seeing he had gained no advantage, grew angry. His sword shook violently, and he retreated before lashing out with a single strike! A crescent of energy slashed toward Ye Qiubai, coated in a cold, murderous intent—an incredibly domineering display of power!
Ye Qiubai remained calm, his wooden sword rising with wisps of black demonic energy.
*Heavenly Demon Nine Swords!*
He met the blade of energy head-on!
Having passed the Heavenly Demon assessment in the Blood Sea Secret Realm, Ye Qiubai’s sword energy was now infused with a demonic nature. And this particular slash was filled with endless killing intent—the result of his days spent slaughtering the Faceless Ones. The surrounding onlookers felt their minds slip for a split second just from sensing that killing intent!
Even the Half-step Qi Sea Liao Meisheng felt his spirit tremble upon sensing it. This made him furious. He was a man who could kill at the Qi Sea Realm! How could he be pushed into such a state by a "Southern savage"—a mere Mid Purple Palace Realm boy? How would he ever show his face in the academy again?
The domineering blade of energy and the black slash collided. Black lightning began to diffuse into the surroundings! Some people hurried to back away, while others raised defensive barriers.
Just as everyone expected Liao Meisheng to crush Ye Qiubai, that domineering slash did not shatter the black strike; instead, it began to slip into a disadvantage!
Within a few seconds, the blade of energy seemed to be swallowed whole! It vanished into nothingness, and the black strike, its momentum unabated, continued to slash toward Liao Meisheng!
At the same time, Ye Qiubai didn't sit idle. He kicked off the ground and used the momentum to charge at Liao Meisheng, his wooden sword slashing horizontally!
Liao Meisheng’s face changed in shock. He snorted and met the blow. A swordsman—how could he fear? Especially when facing someone of a lower realm?
In the next instant, Liao Meisheng’s form split into three! Three blades of light slashed toward Ye Qiubai from different directions! These were not afterimages created by speed; they were real!
*Swallow Return!*
Everyone from the Northern Domain Cangdao Academy knew this was a sword technique Liao Meisheng had perfected. Its power was terrifying, and it was impossible to dodge—it had to be broken with sheer force!
Seeing this, Xin Hongyi couldn't help but look stunned. If she were to receive this strike, she would likely have to reveal her trump cards just to barely hold on.
But as for Ye Qiubai... She wasn't worried. They had often sparred back at the academy. Even though Liao Meisheng’s cultivation was higher, with Ye Qiubai’s current strength, he likely didn't have enough to show for it.