Not far from the Qing family's position, King Tianxuan sat upon his throne of honor, observing the progress of the entire arena with a gaze difficult to read.His face remained calm and dignified as usual. However, his attention never detached for even a second from Qing Zilong's figure.Suddenly, a black shadow streaked silently and knelt behind the King's chair."Reporting, Your Majesty," the shadow guard whispered in a voice as low as the wind.King Tianxuan didn't even turn his head. "Speak.""Qing Zilong has once again achieved an absolute victory." "In accordance with previous reporting patterns... he has no intention whatsoever of killing or fatally injuring his opponent."The King fell silent for a moment. "Does he possess the ability to do so?""Yes, Your Majesty," the guard answered firmly. "His final slashing arc stopped precisely one millimeter before touching Luo Ming's neck. If the youth had wished it... Luo Ming's head would undoubtedly have been separated from his body

Elder Bai Yun's firm voice broke his train of thought.Zhou Heng moved quickly to take the initiative. His broad sword unsheathed from its scabbard with a heavy metallic clatter.SRAK!"Mountain Sword Technique!"A deep brown Qi energy enveloped the entire blade, followed by a heavy slash that struck straight toward Wang Li.BOOOM!The arena's stone floor cracked to pieces. Dust and rock fragments flew into the air. A number of participants nodded in appreciation. "A solid opening attack." "He's not wasting time and immediately unleashing full power."However, from behind the thick billow of dust... Wang Li walked out casually without a single scratch on his body. That subtle smile still lingered on his lips."Is your attack finished?" Wang Li asked lightly.Zhou Heng's eyes widened in shock. Without wasting time, he attacked even more aggressively. A second slash flew faster, followed by a third slash that was much heavier. That broad sword spun rapidly, forming Qi rings striking bl

The sun slowly sank, casting a reddish-orange bias of light behind the range of Heavenly Sword Mountain peaks.The golden radiance that had enlivened the tournament area since this morning now gradually faded, leaving long shadows across the stone floor of the arena, which was still littered with scratches and remnants of battle dust.The first day of the Heavenly Sword Arena grand selection finally officially ended.Nevertheless, the sharp scent of iron and splatters of fresh blood still lingered heavily in the cold night air. The bustling sound of footsteps filled the area, which was now gradually growing quiet.Several senior disciples of the Heavenly Sword Sect bustled back and forth carrying emergency stretchers to evacuate participants who had suffered severe injuries. In other corners, the sect physicians appeared busy applying spiritual medicinal ointments and bandaging the wounds of participants who were still able to stand on their own feet.The expressions displayed on thei

Elsewhere, Xiao Yue glanced softly toward Qing Zilong.The youth was still standing calmly in the same position as before. He didn't join in on the debate, nor did he guess the sect's rules, as if the confusing announcement from the elders' line was entirely valueless to his life.Xiao Yue finally decided to step closer. "You don't feel curious at all?" she asked in surprise.Qing Zilong turned his head briefly. "Curious about what?""About that mysterious Heavenly Sword Sect assessment system, of course. Isn't everyone here confused and talking about it?"Zilong shifted his gaze back to stare at the increasingly deepening night sky. "If that is truly something we need to know... tomorrow morning we will certainly know it as well."That brief, flat answer left Xiao Yue speechless. Sometimes, she truly felt frustrated because she could not guess the train of thought of the youth before her.Behind them, Lu Jian chuckled lightly in response. "This Lord Qing truly possesses a steel menta

Qing Tian's fingers instantly froze over the table. He raised his head slowly, staring at the ruler in utter shock.The King continued without haste. "Not as an ordinary guest of honor. Nor merely a low-ranking guard. I intend to grant him an official, respected position within the palace structure."The atmosphere fell into total silence once again. Qing Tian truly never expected that the direction of this midnight conversation would lead to an offer of such importance."Your Majesty..." Qing Tian's voice sounded extremely cautious. "This is an immeasurable, grand honor for the Qing Clan."He paused for a moment, taking a deep breath. "However... this subject cannot immediately accept nor decline this offer."The King looked at him closely. "The reason?"Qing Tian smiled bitterly. "Because a decision of this magnitude... is no longer in my hands as his father.""Zilong has never asked anyone's permission to choose his path in life. And all this time, this subject has never intended t