What followed after Bai Xueqing’s effortless victory was a string of matches that—despite the prestige of the tournament—offered little to no suspense.
Most concluded in under a dozen moves.
Some didn’t even last three moves.
One youth from the Ironwood Valley was knocked unconscious before he even drew his weapon.
Another girl from the Golden Feather Pavilion was sent flying by a single palm strike.
Even the referee’s voice began to sound mechanical as he announced the outcomes.
"Winner: Lei Zhensheng of the Crimson Thunder Palace."
"Winner: Li Meiying of Li Clan."
"Winner: Shui Lian’er of the Celestial Jade Hall."
Her match, in particular, was strange.
The opponent had frozen mid-strike, eyes glazed, as if staring into a void only he could see.
Then he had simply dropped to one knee, defeated, before even understanding what had happened.
A few murmurs circled the crowd, especially from the sects who had done their research.
"Another win without lifting a hand..."
"Celestial Jade Hall’s spiritual arts are terrifying..."
"She’s looking at the crowd now—don’t make eye contact."
After another batch of one-sided victories, the shimmering projection in the sky shifted again.
"Match Forty—Lin Xuan of the Heaven Sword Sect versus Jin Yuanzhan of the Azure Sun Holy Sect!"
A wave of interest rolled through the arena.
Not because they expected an intense battle—but because of who his opponent was.
Jin Yuanzhan was a star of the Azure Sun Holy Sect, having broken through to the early Soul Formation Realm.
He had also fused his core with a piece of the Sun Dao Stone, making all the Azure Sun Holy Sect’s techniques one level stronger than what they already were.
Meanwhile, Lin Xuan...
"I heard that Heaven Sword Sect has been preparing the next Sect Leader and he seems to be the candidate."
"He went from handyman to core disciple. It’s said that his talent is on par with Bai Xinyue, you know, the one who was taken away by Flowing Moon Sect."
"Although he is talented, he has only been seriously cultivated for less than two years. And he is only in the Nascent Soul realm. He is no match for Jin Yuanzhan."
"Sigh! Another disappointing fight, I guess!"
Some sect elders and even a few envoys leaned forward with narrowed eyes.
There was curiosity, yes—but mostly only because Lin Xuan was cultivated quite well by the Heaven Sword Sect Leader.
As for the result, they too believed that it would be Jin Yuanzhan’s victory.
"Tsk! What do these people know about Lin Xuan? They are in for a big surprise!"
Kong Zhanghong couldn’t help but get angry.
As fellow servants of Bai Zihan, they got along well.
Not to mention, despite being a Core Disciple, Lin Xuan always treated him with respect.
So, it wasn’t unusual that he would get angry when he heard about others looking down on him.
Bai Zihan also had to agree with Kong Zhanghong.
Although he also didn’t know for certain whether Lin Xuan would win, especially seeing that his opponent wasn’t just anyone.
But to underestimate him would be a big mistake, especially considering he is one of the Heaven Chosen Ones.
Lin Xuan stepped onto the platform quietly.
His robes were plain white, his sword unremarkable. He looked composed, but nothing about him stood out except his handsome face.
He looked in Bai Zihan’s direction, silently telling him to look at him and see how much progress he had made.
Across from him, Jin Yuanzhan landed with a burst of flame, red-gold robes billowing dramatically as spiritual Qi flooded the stage.
Jin Yuanzhan’s boots struck the platform with a low boom, ripples of fire bursting beneath his feet.
The crowd leaned in as he tilted his head, gaze settling on Lin Xuan with open amusement.
He let out a laugh—light, mocking, echoing across the silent arena.
"This is who I’m fighting?"
His voice carried naturally, full of disdain, his every word riding the wind of his flaming aura.
"You should give up. No shame in admitting when you’re outmatched. Let’s not waste my time"
Lin Xuan didn’t respond.
He merely stood, quiet and still, sword sheathed at his side. His posture relaxed. His eyes calm.
To him, this kind of taunt was nothing new.
Ever since stepping into the path of cultivation, ever since climbing from the servant quarters into the core ranks, people had been doubting him.
Jin Yuanzhan’s smile thinned.
"You’re just going to ignore me?"
"I’ve heard about you. Heaven Sword Sect’s miracle handyman. Suddenly displaying the talent of a top genius and being blessed by the Heavens."
"But no matter how you dress it, a servant is a servant."
Still, there was no reaction from Lin Xuan.
Jin stepped closer, flames licking the edge of his sleeves.
"And wasn’t it Bai Zihan you used to serve under? Or I heard that you still do?"
"I suppose that makes sense. He is a coward, after all."
Lin Xuan’s brows twitched for the first time.
He didn’t mind that Jin was insulting him, but insulting Bai Zihan—that was crossing the line.
But Jin wasn’t finished.
"Bai Zihan—recently he has been making waves and even being called the most talented in our generation. As expected of him, spreading lies is his specialty."
"But in the end, anyone could tell that he is but a coward. Even now, he is trying to hide it by not daring to participate. One of these days, I will unmask him myself."
Lin Xuan’s hand twitched toward his sword.
Then, he looked up—eyes sharper now, no longer calm. Anger clearly visible on his face.
"You can insult me," Lin Xuan said evenly, "but don’t speak of Young Master. You don’t deserve it!"
His voice wasn’t loud.
And then Lin Xuan added, cold and clear:
"Say another word, and I’ll kill you."
Jin Yuanzhan blinked.
And then laughed again—louder this time.
"You? A Nascent Soul brat?"
His aura flared, and the platform trembled under the heat of his power.