"Alright everyone, are you ready?"

  In front of the Yunlai Sword Sect's square, Qi Lingyun, Qin Tianyi and Qin Yuyan stood at the forefront, with all members of the Yunlai Sword Sect, including servants, standing behind them.

  "Ready."

  Many disciples responded loudly one by one, with high morale.

  Zi Lingyun turned his head and looked at those disciples with a sigh in his heart.

  Finally!

  The day of the sect's ranking competition has finally arrived.

  Compared with half a year ago, all disciples were worried and uneasy about the ranking competition in the sect. This time, facing this competition that can be said to determine the development of the sect for the next five years, everyone is full of confidence.

  "Gu Cheng, Xiao Su Yue, Jiang Cai Yin, Xue Zi Yi, Tang Liang, Yi Shi Shi, you few, follow me to participate in the sect's grand competition, let them see the prestige of our Yun Lei Sword Sect. Others, stay and guard the sect, depart!"

  No sensational speeches needed.

  Along with Qiling Yun, the oldest and most highly cultivated member of the Yunlai Sword Sect, waving his hand, the six major disciples who were named, all set out, heading straight for the city of Wanjia in Wanxia County where the sect's grand competition was being held.

  After Qin Tianyi's cultivation at the cost of a large amount of money and resources, the six people's cultivation all advanced to the level of high-ranking swordsmen, these people also represent the highest level of Yunlai Sword Sect.

  "Congratulations to Elder Qi and Young Master Shao, may you return triumphantly!"

  The remaining disciples simultaneously let out a loud shout, their voices filled with the passion and fervor of young people.

  "Hiss!"

  In the void, two loud eagle cries pierced through the clouds.

  The two eagles that had already entered the growth period, swiftly shuttled back and forth in the void, as if they were seeing off the many disciples of Yunlai Sword Sect.

  Seeing those two powerful Thunder Eagles, whose cultivation was not inferior to that of human Great Swordsmen, the Cloudy Ridge Sword Sect disciples, who were already full of confidence, became even more spirited.

  "It's finally come to this moment."

  In the team, Qin Tianyi muttered to himself.

  From the moment he came to this world, the sect's ranking competition has been one of the biggest obstacles in front of him. During this period, in order to cope with the various crises that may arise from the sect's ranking competition, he made sufficient preparations, just like a student who reviewed for several months, did countless test papers, and memorized countless materials. Now, it was finally the day to verify the results.

  "Number two! Check my current data!"

  "Ding! Host Qin Tianyi, age 19, physical strength 2.5, mental strength 1.9, true energy strength 4.2, cultivating optimized version of Yunhai Chaosheng Jue and Xingtutu, learned sword techniques Fengyun Ershisan Jian and Baoyue Fenglei Jianjue, learned body technique Linghou Bai Bian..."

  The true energy intensity of the Great Swordsman is between 4 and 4.9. Qin Tianyi, despite having only recently advanced to the Great Swordsman realm, had refined a Beast King's Dao Dan from a quasi-Grandmaster-level ferocious beast. The medicinal power was incredibly rich, and over these few days, he had fully absorbed the medicinal power of two Beast King's Dao Dans. He not only stabilized his true energy at the Great Swordsman stage but also showed signs of improvement, vaguely approaching the point where his aura would manifest outside his body, forming an outer aura.

  The growth of true energy and spirit is quite large, the only regret is physical strength.

  However, this doesn't mean that Qin Tianyi's physical strength has weakened. On the contrary, many great swordsmen have a physical strength that only fluctuates between 2.2 and 2.4. It's just that one shouldn't forget that the ferocious beast's inner elixir that Qin Tianyi swallowed contains life essence that can greatly enhance physical strength. If he hadn't refined this life essence using special methods, but instead absorbed it through constant tempering of his body, his current physical strength would have definitely broken through to 3 or more. At that time, when displaying his horizontal training skills, he could even use his physical body to withstand ordinary swords.

  Yunlai Sword Sect is not far from Wanjia County, and the nine of them are all high-level swordsmen with extremely strong physical quality, so they can rush to their destination with full force. They set out in the morning and by four or five o'clock in the afternoon, the tall county city of Wanjia County was already in sight.

  Wanxia County, although a county town, is inferior to Riyue City in terms of its grandeur and magnificence. After all, Wanxia County is only the county seat of a small county, and even if it were to be placed in the Federal era, it would only be equivalent to a prefecture-level city. It cannot compare to Riyue City, which was specially established by the state as a logistics city for the Four Symbol Stronghold.

  Although it can't be compared to Daybreak City, the prosperity of Wanhua County's county city is undeniable. Even though Yunlei Sword Sect's group had already advanced to high-level swordsmen, they could still dominate a town if placed locally. Yet at this time, there were still many people looking around curiously, eager to see something new.

  The Wanxia County's thirty-six major sects' ranking competition, held once every five years, is a sensational event for the entire Wanxia County. Not only do martial artists from all over Wanxia County flock to participate, but also influential families and wealthy households send their top experts with elite teams to observe.

  On the one hand, during the 36 major sects' grand comparison, one can broaden their horizons and understand the gap and shortcomings between themselves and their sect. On the other hand, it also has a connotation of scrutiny; if some sects show great potential, they will send family disciples to those sects for further study.

  "Right ahead is the martial arts arena."

  Zi Lingyun spoke and soon arrived at the outer edge of the martial arena with Qin Tianyi and others.

  Nine people came to the martial arts arena in a row, but they didn't see anyone waiting for them, and for a moment, they couldn't help but feel a little surprised.

  "This is a place of martial arts, outsiders are not allowed to enter, forcing your way in, are you trying to start a rebellion?!"

  But just as they were suspecting whether this time the sect's grand competition was not being held in the martial arena, a loud shout suddenly came from one side.

  Right after that, a military officer with the cultivation of Swordsmen Eighth Level appeared, leading an elite team of soldiers to quickly surround them. His gaze was like that of a guard against thieves, constantly staring at the few people who were recklessly sizing them up.

  "Huh?"

  Zi Lingyun's keen perception picked up on the unusual attitude of these people, and his expression changed slightly. However, since they were from the Great Xia Dynasty's royal family, which was extremely powerful, they didn't dare to conflict with them. So he said: "We are representatives from Yunlai Sword Sect who have come to participate in the 36 Great Sects' Grand Competition! Who are you?"

  "I am Zhang Baisheng, the officer on duty at the martial arts arena! Are you saying it is true? Do you have any evidence?"

  "What proof?"

  Qiling Yun's expression turned slightly cold, and at this time, if he still couldn't see that the other party was intentionally being difficult, then he would have lived in vain for so many years: "Ridiculous! My Yunlai Sword Sect has participated in so many sect competitions, but I've never heard of needing to produce evidence!"

  At this time, some warriors who were coming and going near the martial arts arena had already discovered the conflict here, and they all surrounded them one by one.

  They were not allowed in, but although they would not set foot in the martial arts arena, they could still watch from a distance, and the people in the martial arts arena did not have the qualifications to drive them away.

  "Hmph, I'm doing this to maintain the order of the 36 major sects' grand competition. Otherwise, any stray dog or cat would come and try to sneak in, wanting to show their face at our grand event in Wanxia County. You say you're from Yunlei Sword Sect? I've heard that your Yunlei Sword Sect has a spiritual sword called Yunxiao Sword. Bring it out and let me inspect it. If it's indeed the Yunxiao Sword, I'll naturally let you in!"

  "How dare you!"

  Qī Língyún's eyes flashed with a fierce light, his body suddenly taking a step forward, his killing intent bursting forth: "I don't care who ordered you to do this, but you actually dare to set your sights on my Cloud Peak Sword Sect? That is a grave mistake! Today, my Cloud Peak Sword Sect will enter the arena, and I'll see who dares to stop me!"

  "As expected, you have ulterior motives and are plotting against me. I've caught you red-handed! Guards, take them all away!"

  Officer Zhang Baisheng snorted and gave an order with a wave of his hand.

  However, as soon as he finished speaking, Qin Tianji suddenly moved.

  The optimized Ling Hou's Hundred Transformations Technique made him move at an unbelievable speed during his leap, and by the time Zhang Baisheng, a martial officer with a cultivation level of Swordsmen Eighth Level, had just reacted, he was already standing in front of him, pinching his fingers into a sword shape and striking down to kill.

  "How dare you!"

  Seeing Qin Tianyi dare to attack himself, Zhang Baisheng let out a loud shout, and the sword at his waist was instantly unsheathed.

  "Tiān jī, xiǎo xīn!"

  Translation: "Be careful, Tianji!"

  Zi Lingyun shouted and was about to make his move.

  Qin Tianji's right hand moved with incredible speed and tapped Zhang Baisheng's wrist, sending true energy into him, causing severe pain that made it impossible for him to hold his sword, which fell to the ground. Then Qin Tianji's body moved slightly, his left hand swung out horizontally and heavily smashed onto his neck, instantly knocking this high-level swordsman with eighth-grade cultivation to the ground, shattering several of his front teeth.

  "You want to rebel..."

  Zhang Baisheng, who was smashed to the ground, let out a loud roar and was about to get up when Qin Tianyi's right foot came crashing down on his face. Then, with a flip of his palm, the silver token representing the second-rate sect Cloudy Sword Sect's qualifications appeared in his hand. He coldly shouted: "Open your eyes wide and take a good look! The Cloudy Sword Sect Sect Master Token! According to the law, the status of a second-rate sect master is equivalent to that of a seventh-rank military officer! You, a lowly eighth-rank lieutenant, dare to despise a superior officer. What crime should you be punished for?"

  "How can this be?"

  Zhang Baisheng was about to make excuses, but Qin Tianyi's foot exerted a forceful pressure, blocking all the words that were about to come out of his mouth.

  "Go!"

  Seeing Zhang Baisheng dare not speak again, Qin Tianyi said a word and went straight to the martial arts arena with Qi Lingyun, Qin Yuyan, Gucheng, Xiao Sumin and others.

  "Damn thing!"

  Seeing Qin Tianyi enter the martial arena, Zhang Baisheng finally got up from the ground, his eyes full of resentment: "After this time, the Golden Gate will strip your Yunlai Sword Sect of its second-rate sect qualifications. Young Master will personally take action against you. I'd like to see what qualifications you have to be arrogant in front of us then!"

  He had secretly obtained news that Young Master Hou wanted to make a move on the Yunlai Sword Sect, so he hurriedly jumped out to show off, but unexpectedly ended up losing face.

  "Adult..."

  As they saw Yunlai Jianzong and his men leave, several soldiers nearby hurried over to support Zhang Baisheng.

  "Get out!"

  Zhang Baisheng let out a loud roar and kicked two soldiers who were walking a bit faster, causing them to spit blood and fly backward: "Not a word about today's events is allowed to be spoken, otherwise I'll skin him alive!"

  After finishing speaking, he glared fiercely at the surrounding warriors and onlookers, turned around, and walked towards the martial arts arena.

  "Wow!"

  After Yunlai Jianzong and Zhang Baisheng's men left, the onlookers began to murmur among themselves, discussing what had just happened.

  "That's Yunlai Jianzong? Isn't it said that Yunlai Jianzong has already declined, and there isn't even a single decent expert? I know Zhang Baisheng, but as an eighth-level Sword Saint, if he were to go to some small families, he could become the patriarch of those families!"

  "Your information is outdated, I heard that Yunlai Sword Sect has already risen again, and there's not just one 9th-level swordsman in the sect. Not long ago, they even used a war puppet to make our largest sect in Wanxia County, Xuanling Sect, suffer a crushing defeat. It's no longer what it used to be."

  "That young man who just made a move, seems to be Qin Tianyi, the number one prodigy of our Wanxia County back in the day. Didn't he have his cultivation completely crippled? How can he still defeat an 8th level sword cultivator with such ease?"

  "You don't know, a few months ago, Qin Tianyi defeated a genius swordsman from Wangdu in Riyue City, relying on a Returning to True Pill to suddenly rise to the rank of high-level swordsman. The name of genius was quietly restored, but unexpectedly, just a few months later, he has already advanced to eighth-level swordsman."

  "I heard from my grandfather that Yunlai Sword Sect was once a top-notch sect, giving birth to sword masters. However, later generations didn't live up to expectations, with each generation being weaker than the last. Now, could it be rising again?"

  "It's highly likely that when the time comes, we'll carefully observe Yunlai Sword Sect. If Yunlai Sword Sect really has a rising trend, we'll let our younger generation join Yunlai Sword Sect. Who knows, maybe they can become core disciples of Yunlai Sword Sect."

  "This is a matter concerning the future of our family's younger generation! This time, in the Wanxia County's 36 Great Sects' Grand Competition, we must choose carefully."