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The sudden outcry once again stirred excitement among the disciples of various sects gathered on the Cloud Pavilion.

"Sending Ye Xuan to test swords? Does the First Peak hold Xu Taiping in such high esteem?"

"Ye Xuan is among the top three most talented disciples of the true-character generation. Rumor has it his cultivation has even broken through to the Gazing Abyss Realm."

To the onlookers, the First Peak dispatching Ye Xuan signified their significant regard for Xu Taiping.

Consequently, Xu Taiping, standing on the stage, found himself the center of attention once again.

"Ye Xuan?"

This name seemed familiar to Xu Taiping, as if he had heard it somewhere.

"Yes, the boy who tested his Spiritual Bones with me three years ago. Wasn't his name Ye Xuan?"

He recalled the haughty young man from the Spirit Bone Detection at Dragon Gate Hall three years prior.

Clang!…

As Xu Taiping wondered if these two Ye Xuans were the same person, a sharp sound of a sword piercing the air echoed, and a slender, handsome young man on a flying sword appeared, as if from nowhere, hovering above the stage.

Despite some changes in his appearance, Xu Taiping instantly recognized this Ye Xuan as the youth from Dragon Gate Hall.

"Xu Taiping, Ye Xuan's sword technique is authentic Sword Control, not the semblance of sword manipulation by Qi like Ji Wuyou's. Sending such a disciple indicates First Peak's true regard for you," Bai Yu's voice echoed once more.

However, Xu Taiping's perception differed.

"Ye Xuan's gaze lacks any friendliness, but brims with hostility. His presence doesn't seem like a gesture of respect."

While contemplating, Xu Taiping glanced towards Zhao Linglong and others in the stands. Despite the distance, he could faintly discern their worried expressions.

Realizing his suspicions might be true when he saw their concern, Xu Taiping wondered about the hostility from Ye Xuan.

He then looked up at Ye Xuan, now standing on the stage.

"This duel stipulates no use of Xuan-level or higher techniques, magical items, or talismans. Any violations will result in a loss," announced the overseeing Elder, frowning at Ye Xuan's arrival by sword.

"Why would I need such things to defeat him?" retorted Ye Xuan, his eyes filled with scorn and his voice dripping with sarcasm.

The Elder's frown deepened but he said little else, giving Xu Taiping a meaningful look, possibly a caution, before stepping aside.

After hearing Ye Xuan's words, Xu Taiping no longer doubted his suspicions.

"Little Taiping," whispered Fairy Lingyue in his mind.

"I understand," responded Xu Taiping promptly, aware of Fairy Lingyue's caution against Ye Xuan after their three years of companionship.

Clang!

Ye Xuan raised his sword, and the flying sword above him seamlessly sheathed itself behind him. He then rested his hand on the hilt of an ornate, gem-studded sword at his waist, signifying its value.

"A plain iron sword is all I need to defeat you," Ye Xuan declared coldly, his predatory gaze locked on Xu Taiping, body tensed as if ready to unsheathe his sword at any moment.

This mere gesture from Ye Xuan unleashed a palpable killing intent.

The onlookers, initially believing First Peak's decision to be a sign of respect for Xu Taiping, were now dumbfounded, unable to fathom the origin of Ye Xuan's animosity.

Xu Taiping, for his part, wrapped one hand in silver silkworm cloth, the other hand resting on the hilt of his long knife, with three more sheathed at his waist.

He too fixed a steely gaze on Ye Xuan, his body coiled like a spring, ready to strike.

The stage was charged with a deadly silence, the once gentle breeze now chilling to the bone.

The overseeing Elder, witnessing such fierce killing intent in two young men, was taken aback.

"These two are extraordinary," he thought, wiping sweat from his brow before clearing his throat and asking, "Are both contenders ready?"

Both Xu Taiping and Ye Xuan, still locked in an intense stare, nodded.

Without further ado, the Elder shattered a sound-transmitting jade and declared, "Xu Taiping's sword challenge against Ye Xuan of First Peak begins now!"

Boom!

As his words faded, a surge of energy emanated from both, their auras revealing at least the might of the fully-realized Opening Realm.

While Ye Xuan's display of power was expected, the crowd was astounded to see Xu Taiping's cultivation at the pinnacle of the Opening Realm.

"He's been holding back."

Jin Hezhi's eyes glinted coldly upon sensing Xu Taiping's revealed strength.

Meanwhile, Qingxiao and Zhao Linglong exchanged looks of astonishment, having underestimated Xu Taiping.

Clang!

With the sound of a sword, Ye Xuan suddenly lunged, his form merging with his blade, transforming into a streak of light accompanied by whirling shadows, hurtling towards Xu Taiping.

Whoosh!

Simultaneously, Xu Taiping unsheathed his knife, clashing against the sword light. His move, the third strike of the Seven Kills Sword Technique, Steel Sever, met Ye Xuan's attack head-on.

Boom!

The collision shattered the knife shadow and dispersed the sword aura, forcing both wielders back several steps. Without hesitation, they lunged again, their weapons clashing in a fierce ballet, sending waves of energy rippling across the Sword Control Platform.

This relentless confrontation on the stage left no one around, whether on the ground or in the Cloud Pavilion, underestimating Xu Taiping any longer.

Even Jin Hezhi's expression turned grave.

Qingxiao and Zhao Linglong, fixated on the stage, were overwhelmed by the unexpected prowess and surprises Xu Taiping demonstrated.