Amidst the tension-laden arena, the moment of reckoning arrived as the elder's voice echoed, "Begin!!"

Instantaneously, the combatants surged forward, blurring in motion until they stood face to face. The clash of their swords sent sparks flying, creating an electrifying spectacle as they deflected and blocked with astonishing precision.

The elders, fellow disciples, and spectators watched with jaws agape. Their eyes struggled to keep up with the whirlwind of movements executed by Jianyu and Shi Jian. Despite the gazes of those who attempted to comprehend the spectacle, the swordsmen's gazes were unerringly fixed on each other, oblivious to everything else around them.

'He's strong!'

Shi Jian, an accomplished swordsman in his own right, felt pressured by the battle like never before. He had faced formidable opponents, but this encounter was different. A part of him acknowledged that he was battling with a warrior of unparalleled strength, a realization that both unsettled and intrigued him.

The dance of their blades continued, but Shi Jian's strategic attacks and battle sense, honed through countless battles, were met with impenetrable defense.

Every move he devised to gain an advantage proved futile as his attacks were countered, parried, or deflected. His frustration rose, the desperation to find a fault in his opponent's defense growing stronger.

Retreating a step, a glint of determination filled Shi Jian's eyes. He began channeling the strength that he took the greatest pride in, emitting his sword qi.

The silvery luster enveloped his blade—a testament to his years of relentless training and unparalleled talent. Yet, the sight of his opponent, Jianyu, mirroring his action, enveloping his sword in the same radiant energy, rendered him speechless.

'So, he's truly an exception huh?!'

Shi Jian's heart felt heavy with bitterness, the taste of defeat already lingering on his tongue, even before the battle had reached its conclusion. His efforts, his relentless determination, all of it felt futile against the backdrop of this intense clash. As his opponent Jianyu expertly warded off his attacks, Shi Jian's frustration grew with every parry, every block that left him scrambling for an opening that never presented itself.

He always had an exceptional talent for the sword, garnering the praise and admiration of those around him. But it wasn't just the praise that drove him. It was the unwavering belief that he was destined for greatness, he embraced the grueling training regimens, enduring hardships, and setbacks, all in pursuit of reaching the peak of sword Dao.

Yet, now he felt as if his world had begun to crumble apart.

'As if!! I will not give up.' An internal fire ignited within Shi Jian, drowning out the echo of self-doubt. His grip tightened on the hilt, teeth gritted as he vowed not to falter. He refused to bow to a superior foe, to let his legacy be one of surrender. The determination in his eyes erased any trace of hesitation, 'It doesn't matter whether you are stronger than me or if you are more talented than me, for I, Shi Jian shall be the one to reach the peak of sword dao!'

In a symphony of movement, both combatants rushed forward. The distance between them closed rapidly, their swords met, and a deafening clash reverberated throughout the arena. A blinding light engulfed them, leaving spectators to shield their eyes and hold their breath.

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'Hmm... he's quite the capable one isn't he?'

Jianyu praised internally, as his every step, every parry, acted as an intricate response to his opponent's 'dance'.

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'He's not giving me any time to use any of my sword art techniques properly, to be able to switch tactics and adapt to your opponent...

As he exchanged moves with Shi Jian, he recalled memories of the distant past— that unwavering spirit.

'Sigh, such a great talent, just like the third's.'

A wistful smile unknowingly crept onto Jianyu's lips as memories of his third disciple resurfaced. The young prodigy, who was always ready with an unexpected trick.

Soon, Jianyu's awareness sharpened as he saw his opponent back away. Shi Jian's strategic retreat signaled a tactical shift. He watched as Shi Jian channeled his sword qi into his blade, a feat that signified both years of dedication and natural talent.

'Hm? I guess that's how sword cultivators are huh?' Looking at his opponent with an excited grin, Jianyu couldn't help but remark, 'To understand and converse through swords, no need for words, sigh... I used to make fun of them for being muscleheaded impulsive idiots, before but now...'

As the battle reached its crescendo, Jianyu mirrored Shi Jian's determination. His grip on his sword tightened, his focus honed, and a calm settled over him. He began regulating his breath and channeling his sword qi into his blade. His sword began to radiate a faint blue hue, even gathering the qi from his surroundings, merging seamlessly with his own.

'To begin with, my sword art is more focused on aesthetics.'

Yet, his sword art didn't lack in strength or profundity.

Jianyu's usual sword art was a graceful display, characterized by its elegance and fluidity—a magnificent display of the Dao of yin, gentle yet powerful. It wasn't designed for sheer impact but rather for finesse and precision.

However, his strongest technique was nothing like that. Unlike the ornate illusions of petals and butterflies that adorned his typical style, this technique was raw, direct, and overbearing. With the Relentless sword dao heart as its core, it tapped into the concept of Yang—the unyielding force that didn't know to compromise. It was an embodiment of sheer force, an attack designed to crush opposition, relentless in its execution.

While being rough around the edges, the technique utilizing Dao of yang as its core, was far beyond what a child of eleven years of age should be able to possess.

Sword of extremity

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The moment arrived as both opponents surged forward, their eyes locked in a shared understanding. Their swords collided with a deafening crash, releasing a shockwave that rippled through the arena.

Sword qi erupted, clashing in a spectacular display of power and determination. The collision was a testament to their skill and unwavering resolve, leaving the spectators in awe of the raw intensity of the battle.

An intense burst of light exploded from the center of their clash, forcing the disciples to shield their eyes from the blinding radiance. As the brilliance gradually diminished, the arena fell into a hushed silence, with the dust obscuring the view beginning to settle.

Soon, the outcome of the confrontation became clear. Jianyu stood a short distance away from the epicenter, his grip steady on his sword despite a visible wound on his side.

Meanwhile, Shi Jian found himself sprawled on the ground, a piece of his shattered sword still clutched in his hands. His gaze was distant, lost in a whirlwind of thoughts that drowned out the surrounding sounds.

'I lost... mother and father... they would be disappointed in me...' The weight of defeat bore down on him, threatening to overwhelm his composure. His eyes grew moist as his emotions surged, an internal struggle that he couldn't hide.

Amidst his internal turmoil, a hand appeared in his line of sight. He lifted his head to meet the eyes of the victor, Jianyu. A hint of sharpness flashed in Shi Jian's gaze in a mixture of pride and defiance.

'So, you're here to mock me, huh?!' His words bore the sharpness of a blade, as he glared at the one who defeated him.

Jianyu's smile, however, was warm and genuine. "Here, get up already. My hand's getting tired now." His tone was light, a stark contrast to Shi Jian's earlier bitterness.

'Huh?'

Confusion colored Shi Jian's expression as he took Jianyu's offered hand, allowing himself to be pulled to his feet. He stared at Jianyu, unable to comprehend the unexpected kindness.

"That was a great match, I had a lot of fun today." Jianyu's words were earnest, his smile felt radiant.

"Let's have another match on a later day, brother Shi." The offer echoed in his mind, as Shi Jian felt his cheeks burn up, his heart quickening its pace.

"H-humph, next time I will not lose to you."

"Well then, till next time," Jianyu's voice trailed off as Shi Jian turned to leave. Just before he disappeared into the crowd, Shi Jian looked back, a hint of embarrassment evident in his expression.

"You better not forget those words alright?!" His hurried seemingly filled with arrogance, yet his cheeks tinted with a blush betrayed him.

With that, Shi Jian turned and hurried away.

...

...

...

"Eh?"