A sudden breakthrough was a rare stroke of good luck. Wang Xiong’s sudden breakthrough was not only a stroke of good luck for him but for the Frozen Mountain Manor as well.
At this time, the crowd did not only think that Wang Xiong was going to rank in the top three, but it was likely that he was going to rank first in the Seven Mansions Feast as well. Most of them thought that Duan Ling Tian was likely no match for Wang Xiong now. Moreover, Duan Ling Tian had only briefly demonstrated his strength, and based on the analysis of their respective elders, who were intermediate Emperors of Gods, it seemed like Duan Ling Tian could not compare to Wang Xiong. Apart from that, their elders also speculated that Duan Ling Tian was likely on par with Lin Yuan. After listening to their elders, it was only natural that they thought Duan Ling Tian was no match for Wang Xiong.
“The strength Duan Ling Tian showed earlier is weaker than that of Wang Xiong…”
“My elder said that Duan Ling Tian is likely not a match for Wang Xiong…”
At the same time, apart from Ye Chen Feng, the elders and the young disciples from the Pure Yang Sect wore solemn expressions on their faces. Clearly, they also did not think Duan Ling Tian was a match for Wang Xiong.
Some of the young disciples from the Pure Yang Sect wanted to ask Duan Ling Tian but held their questions back when they saw the solemn expression on Duan Ling Tian’s face. This further confirmed their thoughts that he was no match for Wang Xiong. In order to avoid provoking their elders and Duan Ling Tian, they communicated through Voice Transmission.
“Even those intermediate Emperors of Gods have said so… It seems like it’s true…”
“What a pity! I really thought that Duan Ling Tian would be able to rank first in the Seven Mansions Feast this time.”
“You’re right. It’s really a pity!”
Contrary to the people of the Pure Yang Sect, Wanqi Hong from the Wanqi clan was naturally delighted. He smirked as he said derisively through Voice Transmission, “Duan Ling Tian, so what if you’ve grown stronger? So what if I’m no match for you? It’s enough for me knowing you won’t be able to rank first!”
Wanqi Hong seemed to have forgotten that even if Duan Ling Tian did not rank first, Duan Ling Tian would still rank in the top three.
Duan Ling Tian was slightly surprised when he received Wanqi Hong’s Voice Transmission. Then, he glanced at Wanqi Hong and said, “Even if I can’t rank first, it’s not a problem for me to rank in the top three. I’m not like you who can’t even rank in the top three. No, you probably can’t even rank in the top five…”
Wanqi Hong’s expression soured as he glared at Duan Ling Tian murderously.
On the other hand, Duan Ling Tian no longer paid attention to Wanqi Hong. In his opinion, Wanqi Hong was just like a clown.
Meanwhile, everyone, including Duan Ling Tian, was still in shock that Wang Xiong defeated Lin Yuan,
Duan Ling Tian had earlier assumed that the fight was going to end in a tie. He did not expect Wang Xiong to have a sudden breakthrough during the fight before defeating Lin Yuan.
After Wang Xiong defeated Lin Yuan and maintained his rank at the third place, the bout ended for the day.
Han Di was now in second place, but he was not strong enough to defeat Duan Ling Tian. After witnessing Wang Xiong and Lin Yuan’s fight, he also knew he was no match for the duo. As such, he was prepared to be knocked out of the top three places. At this time, he would no longer feel surprised if Wang Xiong continued to reveal more strength. Since the beginning, Wang Xiong, the dark horse, had kept surprising everyone with his seemingly limitless potential.
…
While the people of the Pure Yang Sect returned to their temporary accommodation, Duan Ling Tian remained silent.
Everyone tacitly did not bring up the fight between Wang Xiong and Lin Yuan.
Even Zhen Ping Fan left Duan Ling Tian alone to avoid putting pressure on Duan Ling Tian. Moreover, he did not know the appropriate words to comfort Duan Ling Tian now. It was best for him to leave Duan Ling Tian alone and allow things to flow naturally.
…
When the news was sent back to the Pure Yang Sect, many high-ranking officials were disappointed when they heard that it was unlikely for Duan Ling Tian to rank first in the Seven Mansions Feast. They had high hopes for him, after all. However, they were relieved when they were told Duan Ling Tian was likely going to rank in the top three even if he could not rank first. This had already exceeded their initial expectations. Moreover, they also had Yang Qian Ye, who surprised all of them by ranking in the top ten. With this, even if Duan Ling Tian did not rank first, as long as he ranked in the top three, the Pure Yang Sect would still obtain five slots to enter the Secret Holy Realm. Five slots were more than what they had initially expected.
…
After everyone returned, Duan Ling Tian was surprised to see Ye Chen Feng following him to his wooden house.
“Elder Ye, how may I help you?”
Ye Chen Feng replied with a smile, “Let’s enter before we talk.”
Duan Ling Tian nodded, wondering what Ye Chen Feng wanted to speak to him about. Did Ye Chen Feng plan to offer words of encouragement? Did Ye Chen Feng think he was feeling down?
After entering the wooden house, Ye Chen Feng waved his hand, setting up a Noise-Canceling Formation.
Upon seeing this, Duan Ling Tian’s expression turned serious. Clearly, Ye Chen Feng had something important to say. His eyes lit up when he thought that perhaps, it had something to do with the Supreme Divine Mansion.
Ye Chen Feng said, “Duan Ling Tian, why don’t you enter my Little World to study the Sword Dao’s Principle that I learned after spending time with your master? It’s not perfect, but I hope it’ll help you. After all, it’s inspired by your master’s Sword Dao. Since both of you have the same source, it might be helpful.”
Duan Ling Tian felt slightly disappointed when he realized Ye Chen Feng did not come to talk about the Supreme Divine Mansion. He smiled bitterly and asked, “Elder Ye, isn’t it inappropriate for me to study the Sword Dao that you comprehended?”
The Sword Dao Principle would deepen one’s comprehension of the Sword Dao. One could view them as experience points to level up game characters in games on Earth.
Ye Chen Feng shook his head and said, “There’s nothing inappropriate about it. I learned this after spending time with your master. It was inspired by his teachings. I couldn’t have come up with the Sword Dao Principle if it weren’t for him. It’s only natural for me to return the favor now.” After a brief pause, he said, “If I’m not mistaken, you’re likely not very confident about defeating Wang Xiong now, right? I don’t know if you’re still holding back your strength. If you’re not, then I’m afraid that you won’t even be able to end the fight in a tie, let alone defeat him. So why don’t you try to study my Sword Dao Principle? Who knows if it might help raise your strength?”
Duan Ling Tian was moved when he heard Ye Chen Feng’s words. He took a deep breath before he said, “Elder Ye, I’m not good with words, but I still want to say that I’ll remember your kindness.”
Ye Chen Feng shook his head and said, “There’s no need for that. Like I said, I’m only returning your master’s favor. Based on my discussion with your master, it’s clear that he cares about you. You’re like a son to him. Alright, let’s not waste time. Enter my Little World now, and I’ll show you the Sword Dao Principle that I came up with.”
With Ye Chen Feng’s help, Duan Ling Tian entered Ye Chen Feng’s Little World. It resembled a vast and barren land. Only sword-shaped rocks of various sizes could be seen. Some were suspended in the air, and some were rooted to the ground like giant pillars that towered into the sky.
Duan Ling Tian was still marveling at the landscape when Ye Chen Feng said, “This is my Little World. I called it the Sword Realm. There are sword markings on every sword-shaped rock here. Some have faded due to the passing of time. When the sword markings completely disappear, the rocks will crumble into dust.”