The Great Xia Sword Sect’s residence.

Everyone was seated solemnly in the main hall.

The atmosphere in the room was incredibly oppressive.

After a prolonged silence, Qin Xian let out a sigh and spoke.

“Now, only seven of you are still capable of fighting.”

“The upcoming battles… they’ve lost their meaning.”

“Therefore, after our discussion, we’ve decided to withdraw from the remaining matches!”

Gasps filled the room, and everyone looked incredulously at the Old Man seated at the head of the table.

Qin Xian’s face was etched with a look of desolation, for he truly lamented the plight of his disciples.

Gao Qiwen sat quietly in a corner, head bowed, saying nothing.

Ye Feng, seeing the man’s demeanor, couldn’t help but speak with a touch of sympathy.

“Elder Qin… are we really giving up just like that?”

Tu Kui glanced at his disciple and spoke softly.

“Down three disciples, you’re at a disadvantage no matter what.”

“It’s impossible to catch up in points now…”

However, Li Nanting interjected at this moment.

“Whether we give up or not, we should respect your opinions.”

“The Centennial competition among a hundred Sects is partly about fighting for resources, but the Sect values the experience you gain even more.”

“The Sect is like a greenhouse, and when you reach the Golden Elixir Realm and leave, you’ll find the outside world is always more brutal than any trial.”

“So… whether to continue participating is up to you.”

The room fell silent again.

Yu Ye, Gu Ran, Li Guanqi.

These three were strong even among the hundred Sects.

But at the middle stage of Foundation Establishment, aside from Ye Feng, Lin Qingyu and Zhong Lin were only average in strength, not guaranteed victors.

Thus, the outcome for these four was highly uncertain; a loss would mean a deduction of points.

Even if Li Guanqi and the others remained undefeated from start to finish, the points situation was not optimistic.

It was then that Li Guanqi, who had been silent, spoke up softly.

“I’m willing to continue participating!”

“Whoever is targeting us hasn’t been rooted out yet, and I can’t accept that!”

The youth with the icy demeanor spoke calmly.

Ye Feng shrugged and added, “I’m willing to continue too!”

“Having this anger stuck in my chest, unable to swallow or spit it out, is just disgusting!”

Yu Ye said firmly, “I’m willing.”

Zhong Lin and the others, with resolute expressions, responded in a deep voice, “We believe the same!”

Lin Dong scratched his head and said, “The Sect has spent resources on us, and even if we can’t get better resources…”

“I don’t want to stop my journey now!”

Gu Ran, needless to say, stepped forward with a dark expression!

Only Lin Qingyu hesitated for a moment before standing up.

Although reluctant, she was influenced by everyone’s emotions, and a fierce determination flashed in her eyes.

She had almost been seriously injured by a disciple of the Six Yang Academy, so she understood that feeling all too well.

The normally easy-going Lin Qingyu didn’t know why, but after the others spoke, a sense of indignation rose within her.

‘Why should we suffer these indignities?’

That was Lin Qingyu’s thought at that moment!

Seeing everyone standing up, Qin Xian’s eyes moistened slightly.

He raised his hand and declared with a heavy voice, “If that’s the case, then let’s turn the heavens and the earth upside down!”

“Let the northern realm see what the disciples of the Great Xia Sword Sect are made of, and how swift our swords are!”

Gao Qiwen, who had been in the corner, slowly lifted his head, a glint of light appearing in his eyes as he looked at the four youngsters.

Having decided to continue in the competition, everyone went to rest early.

Zhong Lin and Lin Dong’s injuries were not serious and had mostly healed by now.

Night fell.

Four people sat together on the rooftop, drinking.

Ye Feng lay on the roof and spoke softly, “Boss.”

“Hmm?”

“Do you think… we have a chance to make it into the top fifty?”

Li Guanqi’s face was expressionless as he shook his head slightly.

“I don’t know.”

“To be honest, it’s very, very difficult…”

Ye Feng pursed his lips and asked, “Then why do you still want to continue participating?”

Li Guanqi replied softly, “Didn’t I say? I want to find out who’s targeting us.”

“Otherwise, swallowing this silent grievance, I can’t breathe easy.”

“Besides, isn’t it worth looking forward to crossing swords with the proud talents of various Sects?”

Zhong Lin said irritably, “Do you think everyone is as absurdly strong as you?”

After finishing the wine in his flask, Li Guanqi’s eyes sparkled with determination.

He turned to the others and said softly, “You should learn from Lin Qingyu. If the tide turns against you, don’t hesitate to admit defeat!”

“As long as you’re alive, everything is possible.”

Everyone nodded, indicating their understanding.

Li Guanqi leapt down from the rooftop and entered the room, his heart heavy with thoughts.

In the main hall.

Gao Qiwen crouched in the corner and spoke softly, “Are we really going to let them do this?”

Li Nanting, with a worried look, said solemnly.

“How can an eagle that has never faced a storm soar high?”

“If they hide under the Sect’s wings their whole lives, that’s all their life will be.”

“Though dangerous, it’s the best opportunity for experience.”

Qin Xian also nodded slightly and said softly, “Maybe they’ll only participate in tomorrow’s round, there shouldn’t be any problems.”

“It’s good that the youngsters have raised their spirits, they can withdraw from the third round onwards.”

Everyone nodded at this.

After all, only twenty-five Sects would remain after the second round of battles.

By then, the Great Xia Sword Sect would definitely not make it, and naturally, they wouldn’t need to participate in the subsequent matches.

So even if they lost this time, it wouldn’t affect the Great Xia Sword Sect much.

That night, the people of the Great Xia Sword Sect didn’t rest well, all with a pent-up frustration in their hearts.

The next morning.

Tianyu Mountain was still bustling with noise, a lively scene of prosperity.

Yet the Great Xia Sword Sect’s team had only seven participants!

This surprised many who were following the Great Xia Sword Sect.

“Alas, it seems the Great Xia Sword Sect is here to withdraw today.”

“Yeah, with one dead and two seriously injured, missing three people, how can they fight?”

“I thought we’d see a dark horse this year!”

Then someone pursed their lips and said, “Isn’t it still up to the other few to compete?”

Under the sunlight, Qin Xian ignored the noisy crowd and made his way to the arena for the competition!

At that moment, two screens in the sky also noticed the situation here.

When they saw the disciples standing upright, everyone was taken aback.

“Hisss… Has the Great Xia Sword Sect’s leader gone mad? They’re still participating despite the circumstances?”

“Yeah! Isn’t this just sending their disciples to their deaths?”

While some objected, others agreed.

Many astute Cultivators chuckled with a sneer!