Upon hearing Zhao Jiudou's words, Lin Shenpo frowned slightly. "You, at the completion of the Refining Qi stage, taking on someone at the seventh level of Refining Qi, it seems like bullying."
As Foundation Building cultivators, they could easily discern each other's cultivation level at a glance.
"I have no intention of bullying based on my cultivation level; I just want to experience Sect Master Meng's swordsmanship. Let's make it a limit of ten moves. Ten moves should be enough to appreciate Sect Master Meng's swordsmanship. I wonder if Sect Master Meng dares to accept the challenge?" Zhao Jiudou said, glancing at Meng Zhang.
In the Cultivation World, it was not uncommon to challenge opponents of higher cultivation levels, but it was not widespread either. Usually, it was disciples from prestigious sects who relied on superior techniques and secret arts to challenge those from smaller sects or unaffiliated loose cultivators without powerful backing. Such challenges often involved crossing minor cultivation realm barriers, and the higher the cultivation base of both parties, the more difficult the challenge.
If Meng Zhang had not broken through to the Refining Qi late stage and was still at the sixth level of Refining Qi, even with the inheritance from the peak Taiyi Sect, he might not be able to defeat Zhao Jiudou at the completion of Refining Qi.
If crossing realms were that simple, what meaning would the cultivation base realm have?
"Since Senior Zhao has the intention, I will fulfill your wish," Meng Zhang responded without backing down.
Meng Zhang's acceptance was not due to Zhao Jiudou's provocation alone. The difference in their realms was not insurmountable, and it was a public challenge on the high platform. Meng Zhang also wanted a strong opponent to test his swordsmanship. Besides, Zhao Dong was too weak; defeating him would not be fulfilling for Meng Zhang.
Lin Shenpo naturally wouldn't stop them when both sides were eager for a battle.
"Today, we should avoid any injuries. I hope you both will hold back," he said.
"Alright, we can begin," Meng Zhang said with a firm gaze at Zhao Jiudou.
Meng Zhang's agreement to the challenge was not just a response to Zhao Jiudou's provocation. The gap between their realms was not significant, and there was no unbridgeable chasm between them. Moreover, they were on the high platform, under the watchful eyes of everyone. Meng Zhang wanted a powerful opponent to test his swordsmanship. As for Zhao Dong, he was too weak to satisfy Meng Zhang's desire for a real challenge.
Seeing that both sides were ready for a duel, Lin Shenpo naturally wouldn't interfere.
Zhao Jiudou's cultivation base surpassed Meng Zhang's, and he had been practicing swordsmanship for many years, making him quite proficient. However, he had not received any systematic swordsmanship inheritance, merely relying on bits and pieces of self-taught techniques.
On the other hand, Meng Zhang's cultivation base might be weaker than his opponent's, but with the profound sword technique he mastered, he could stand undefeated.
Among the sword techniques Meng Zhang obtained in the Trial Ground, he focused on two of them. One was the Lifeless Killing Sword, a sinister and murderous technique used for assassination, which wasn't suitable for this occasion. The other was the Gentle Wind Willow Dance Sword Technique, an open and upright technique, which appeared soft but contained hidden power. When combined with the Soft Around The Finger flying sword, it complemented each other perfectly.
The Soft Around The Finger flying sword, fully refined by Meng Zhang, was under his complete control. It moved like a flexible willow, effortlessly neutralizing the opponent's attacks.
The Foundation Building cultivators sitting on the high platform were initially uninterested in the battles between the Refining Qi cultivators. But as the two started their swordplay, their spirits lifted, and they couldn't help but take notice.
Shan Ying, who had previously met Meng Zhang, remembered him well. He praised, "Although this Taiyi Sect disciple's cultivation base is slightly lower, his swordsmanship is exquisite, with a profound understanding of using gentleness to overcome strength."
Several other Foundation Building cultivators beside him nodded in agreement, acknowledging Shan Ying's keen judgment.
Lin Shenpo, the closest one to the battle, ignored the idle chatter and felt some admiration. Zhao Jiudou's cultivation base exceeded Meng Zhang's, and he had more experience in swordplay, yet he lacked a systematic swordsmanship inheritance, just patching together various techniques.
In contrast, although Meng Zhang's cultivation base was inferior, he relied on a profound sword technique that enabled him to stand undefeated.
It was said that Taiyi Sect had experienced a glorious era before its decline. It seemed that some of Taiyi Sect's inheritance had not completely disappeared.
Both Meng Zhang and Zhao Jiudou were genuinely enjoying the battle and displayed many of their true abilities. The two sword lights danced in the sky, swift and unpredictable, entwining fiercely.
Having watched for a while, Lin Shenpo, who could already see through the depths of their sword techniques, grew impatient. A green sword light rose from behind him and directly swept toward the battling duo.
Caught in the green sword light, both Meng Zhang and Zhao Jiudou felt their flying swords losing control. Before they could react, their flying swords had returned to the ground in front of them.
"Alright, ten moves have already passed. Unless you're willing to fight to the death, it would be difficult to determine a winner in such a short time. Today's battle can be considered a draw," Lin Shenpo declared.
Having received the order, both of them naturally dared not defy. Picking up their flying swords, they left the high platform and returned to their seats.
Meng Zhang couldn't help but feel regretful. He had only cultivated the initial move of the sword technique, using gentleness to overcome strength, but had not yet comprehended the following moves of combining softness and firmness. Otherwise, he would have shown Zhao Jiudou an extraordinary display of swordsmanship.
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