"Brother Wuchen, I've been longing for a chance to spar with you. I hope you don't hold back too much."
The Second Prince smiled at Ling Chen in an amicable manner.
Ling Chen shook his head and replied, "You're no match for me. Why waste time? When the difference in skill is too great, it's difficult to learn anything from a spar."
The Second Prince retorted solemnly, "After defeating the insignificant Tang Feng, do you now believe yourself to be invincible? You proclaim yourself to be the best swordsman in the world, yet you vehemently avoid combat. Are you scared?"
"If you insist on battling, then make your move."
Ling Chen shook his head once more, then sheathed his Cloud-hidden Sword. "I will only use the sword scabbard to spar with you. If you can force me to unsheathe the sword, consider yourself the victor."
"What? You're belittling me this much?"
The Second Prince was infuriated. Not using the sword, and instead, just using the sword scabbard to spar with him—that was looking down on him too much.
"I will make you realize the painful consequences of belittling me!"
The Second Prince unsheathed his shining Treasure Sword. With a push off the ground, he rapidly advanced towards Ling Chen, slashing towards his face.
This sword strike was as fast as a meteor, appearing before Ling Chen in an instant.
Standing still, Ling Chen merely raised his sword scabbard to block the Sword Light, causing sparks to erupt fiercely.
A cold light flashed in the Second Prince's eyes. He applied more force. His Treasure Sword scraped against Ling Chen's scabbard, creating a startling shower of sparks as it aimed for Ling Chen's sword-wielding right hand.
Expressionless, Ling Chen tossed up the Cloud-hidden Sword, swiftly withdrawing his hand to dodge the Sword Light. When the sword scabbard fell, he grabbed it once again.
This entire sequence, in Ling Chen's hands, was as smooth as flowing clouds and running water, without any hindrance.
The scabbard of the Cloud-hidden Sword in Ling Chen's hand lashed out and hit the Second Prince's abdomen, sending him flying.
Watching the Second Prince being thrown back, Ling Chen shook his head and started to walk down the platform.
"Stop right there! I haven't been defeated yet!"
The Second Prince stomped on the ground. His body flew over seven meters high. Holding the sword hilt with both hands, he brought the sword down from behind towards Ling Chen.
The air was torn apart, creating a sharp noise. Even though the Second Prince did not use True Qi, the force of this sword strike was still powerful enough to split boulders.
Hearing the sound of wind breaking behind him, Ling Chen gently shook his head, stopped, turned around like lightning, and took a step forward.
It was as if he had eyes in his back, his timing impeccably precise. He deftly brushed past the Second Prince's sword, appearing behind it.
Under the astonished gaze of the Second Prince, Ling Chen swung the sword scabbard towards him, striking his abdomen.
Before the Second Prince's body could touch the ground, he was sent flying once again. He landed more than ten meters away, tumbling off the stage.
The Second Prince fell into the pool beneath the platform, kicking up a large spray of water.
Although his abdomen ached unbearably, the Second Prince was not injured. He looked down at his abdomen, a look of lingering fear in his eyes. Had Ling Chen used an actual sword instead of its scabbard, he might have been split open by now.
Ling Chen's Swordsmanship was stunning. Using just the sword scabbard didn't hinder his execution of Swordsmanship at all. He controlled his strength perfectly, ensuring the Second Prince wasn't injured.
"Interesting. Although the Second Prince's strength isn't that impressive, his understanding of Swordsmanship surpasses some Great Master Level Powerhouses. And he even launched his attack from behind Ling Chen. Still, he was defeated by a single sword strike from Ling Chen. This person is indeed formidable. I'm even tempted to take him on in a sparring match," the "Reckless Scholar," Luo Xibai, said, fanning himself with his folding fan and speaking with a grin.
"'He indeed has some skills, just about enough to make me act," said the "Ghost Killing Sword," Xue Jingfeng, as he watched Ling Chen on the stage, his voice somewhat hoarse.
Defeating the Second Prince with a sword scabbard stirred the young elites in the courtyard. In the Guantian Pavilion, many young women were smitten with Ling Chen at first sight, secretly giving him their hearts.
Suddenly, the sound of tearing air was heard. Three colorful birds flew out from the Guantian Pavilion, encircling Ling Chen.
Each of these small birds carried a small object: a sachet, a handkerchief, and a ring.
Seeing the three colorful birds on the stage, many young talents below the platform revealed expressions of envy and jealousy.
Ling Chen was somewhat confused. His gaze carefully inspected them, and he finally saw that attached to each colorful bird was a note with elegant handwriting.
"Princess Liuxiang, Shen Yan."
He looked at the other two birds and found notes attached to them as well.
"Yuwen Clan, Yuwen Ying."
"Wei Family, Wei Xinxin."
Ling Chen extended his hand, intending to invite one of the birds to land so he could examine it more closely.
At this moment, a female voice came from below the platform, "Brother Wuchen, you must consider this carefully. Once you accept the Lovebird that carries a message of affection, you essentially agree to the young lady's confession, expressing your willingness to pair up with her. After the Swordsmanship Competition ends, you must agree to marriage and take the lady as your wife."
Upon hearing this, Ling Chen's outstretched hand froze in mid-air. He immediately pulled it back and looked towards the direction the voice came from.
The one who had warned him was none other than Xu Ruoyan, who was looking at him with a smile.
For some reason, Ling Chen felt a hint of warning in Xu Ruoyan's words.
At this time, the "Reckless Scholar," Luo Xibai, laughed and said, "These three are all well-known young ladies of our Aqua Country, not only of noble status but also young and beautiful. Brother Wuchen, whichever Lovebird you choose, you'll be able to win a beauty. This is a fortune others can only dream of."
Even though Luo Xibai was joking, his words were true. After all, everyone who came to participate in this Swordsmanship Competition aimed for fame and a beautiful partner. Among the many beautiful women in the Guantian Pavilion, the three who had just sent Lovebirds were top choices in terms of both status and appearance. To win one of them would indeed leave no regrets in this life.
Shaking his head, Ling Chen waved his hand, sending out a surge of True Qi that drove the three Lovebirds away from the platform.
His purpose for attending the Swordsmanship Competition was to exchange techniques and learn, not to get married.
Then, Ling Chen prepared to leave the platform.
Just then, the "Eternal Saber Guest," Lin Mo, stood up, spread his arms, and leaped onto the platform, blocking Ling Chen's path. He said, "I am Lin Mo, and I would like to witness Brother Wuchen's brilliant techniques."
There was no hint of provocation or mockery in Lin Mo's words, as he already regarded Ling Chen as an opponent of equal caliber—a genius worthy of his respect.
"'Eternal Saber Guest' Lin Mo, why do you want to fight me?" Ling Chen paused, then added, "I am not fond of pointless spars."
"Of course, it has meaning."
Lin Mo held his blade across his chest, speaking solemnly, "Whether one is a Swordsman or a blade user, they should reveal their edge, ready to slay gods they encounter and buddhas they meet. However, Your Excellency's Swordsmanship, while full of Spirituality, lacks an edge; it's not domineering enough."
"If I can shatter your agile and ingenious sword with my fierce and domineering blade, it would undoubtedly validate my blade way, allowing my Blade technique and Realm to ascend to a higher level. Conversely, if Your Excellency can defeat me, you too can validate your Sword Way and elevate your Swordsmanship Realm."
"Alright, I agree to fight you."
Ling Chen nodded and unhesitatingly drew the Cloud-hidden Sword. A powerful and piercing Sword Intent suddenly emanated from him, enveloping the entire platform. Even the surface of the nearby pond was affected, with sword-shaped ripples forming on the water.