Sky Sword SectThe sect had now risen to Rank Four after winning through a draw-based decision.Song Que had no objection to this outcome, since the competition results had become unclear due to the intensity of the battles. Therefore, a lottery was conducted. Whoever drew the paper marked with number one would be ranked first. The Sky Sword Sect branch from the Shi Empire ended up drawing number five out of six. Everyone agreed to the result, and no one raised any objections afterward.A day passed, and news spread quickly—challengers had arrived to face the six individuals who previously won the competition at the Five Elements Sect.Now, under the warm glow of the morning sun, hundreds of people gathered, watching a high platform. On it stood dozens of individuals preparing for a friendly match between the Central Sect and the Branch Sect.Elder Hong stood as the referee. To his right were the disciples of the Sky Sword Sect branch, and to his left were those from the Central Sect.

Under the watchful eyes of everyone present, a figure was seen being flung violently into the formation wall, spitting blood into the air before collapsing motionless.That figure came from the Central Sky Sword Sect—a self-proclaimed genius who had dominated others with his strength. Now, he had fallen, defeated for the second time in the arena.Who would have thought that he came with Saint-level strength, hoping to suppress those who would be taken to the Central Sect first—so they would not dare act arrogantly later on? Yet his expectations were shattered, leaving him only with humiliation.Elder Han Ziyan felt as if his face had been slapped. He had placed so much confidence in his disciple’s abilities, yet it proved insufficient. If Wei Gang had been defeated so easily, then at the very least his opponent should have been at the mid-stage Saint Realm. But that was not the case. The opponent was only at the Sky King Realm. This was what truly humiliated him. If the opponent had b

So many people were now gathered around a large, elevated platform. They were, of course, watching the battle of geniuses. Emotions rose and fell with every victory and defeat. It was about reputation and ridicule—win, and you are praised; lose, and you are mocked.Now it seemed the match had reached its final stage, where victory would be decided. After all, the Young Patriarch had stepped onto the arena to fight.In the Sky Sword Sect branch of the Shi Empire, who didn’t know this Young Patriarch? He had once caused a massive uproar and killed many people. Facing just a young woman like Cao Yi seemed like nothing more than an old man teaching a spoiled little girl a lesson.Cao Yi curled her finger, beckoning Song Que to come first. She had no idea how arrogance could lead to destruction. She also didn’t realize that not a single spectator made a sound. She thought it was simply because everyone had already given up supporting anyone.“Don’t cry when you get knocked down!” Song Que

Tension!There was nothing but tension filling the hall, until the arrival of the figure known as the Patriarch. Only then did the awkward atmosphere fade, replaced by a new focal point of discussion—especially for Han Ziyan’s side.“Look. There he is—the Young Patriarch so highly praised by many!” Han Ziyan’s words sounded like praise, but deep inside, they carried sharp contempt. He could not accept that a mere youth held the position of Patriarch in this branch sect. He wanted that position for himself—no one else!Song Que had no idea what they had been discussing. He came only because he had been summoned, so he was slightly surprised by Han Ziyan’s words. From the tone alone, he could sense the sarcasm. There was no sincerity at all.Calmly, he took a seat on the Patriarch’s chair. The Central Council members observed him carefully. Then one of them spoke, “It seems you are not suitable to be a Patriarch!”Song Que had barely warmed the seat when those words forced him to stand

Elder Han Ziyan refused to accept his defeat. “I refuse to accept this!” he shouted, trying to stand—but he fell again. The spectators burst into laughter at his stubbornness. No matter what, they understood how he felt. Being defeated by a young man was a terrible disgrace, one that would be remembered forever. Returning to the Central Sect would only bring him shame.Humiliated before so many people, Han Ziyan felt utterly unlucky ever since stepping into this branch sect.With a wounded heart, he left the arena. There was no point in staying—forcing himself would only deepen the humiliation.Wei Gang supported him, helping him walk away. Meanwhile, the thunderous cheers from the crowd only added to their pressure.What they thought was a trivial matter had turned out completely different—not something that could be handled so easily. It was as if they had been slapped across the face without the ability to retaliate. This shame would forever remain in their history—the old defeated