EBE Chapter 14 The Holy Son's Strength
Chapter 14 The Holy Son's Strength
The news of Zhang Yifan's impending life-or-death duel with the Holy Son in the disciple competition spread rapidly throughout the Xuan Yun Sect like a storm.
The disciples discussed among themselves, and the entire sect was enveloped in a tense and exciting atmosphere about the battle that had not yet begun.
For many, this duel was not merely a contest between two genius disciples, but a contest that symbolized the future of the sect.
The news quickly reached Xuan Kongzi's ears. This Supreme Elder of the Xuan Yun Sect was known for his composure and calmness, but upon hearing this news, a hint of solemnity appeared between his brows. He summoned several of Zhang Yifan's senior brothers and sisters to discuss the matter together.
Inside the main hall, the six disciples sat upright, the atmosphere somewhat heavy. Xuan Kongzi, his gaze sharp, swept over the disciples and spoke:
"Have you heard of this? Your junior brother Zhang Yifan has made an agreement with the Holy Son to have a life-or-death battle in the sect's disciple competition three months from now."
The eldest disciple, Ling Yunfeng, spoke first. He frowned and said in a deep voice, "Master, Junior Brother's move is too risky. Although Junior Brother is exceptionally talented, he has only been cultivating for a short time and is currently only at the Foundation Establishment stage. On the other hand, the Holy Son not only has eight peak Foundation Establishment experts under his command, the 'Eight Vajras,' but the Holy Son himself is also at the late Golden Core stage, with unfathomable strength. Junior Brother is no match for him at all."
Second Senior Sister Lin Qingzhu nodded in agreement: "What Senior Brother said is true. The Holy Son is no ordinary person. Even if I were to face him, I would not be his match, let alone Junior Brother who is only at the Foundation Establishment stage."
Third Senior Brother Han Wenhao picked up the conversation, his tone tinged with helplessness and worry:
“Although Junior Brother has some outstanding abilities, if given a few more years, he might still be able to put up a fight. But right now, the gap between him and the Holy Son is too great.”
Fourth Senior Brother Zhao Qingshan said in a deep voice, "Junior Brother is arrogant and proud, which is how the sword cultivator lineage should be. However, if he does not have enough cultivation to support him, this battle will definitely be more dangerous than favorable."
Fifth Senior Sister Li Mengyao nodded slowly: "That's right. Although Junior Brother's swordsmanship is superb, he has not been cultivating for long enough, and his realm is far behind that of the Holy Son."
Although the sixth senior sister, Fang Xue, was the youngest, she also felt the seriousness of the situation. She frowned and said, "Master, can we persuade our junior brother to give up this life-or-death battle? He is not yet capable of fighting against the Holy Son."
The senior students' words were full of worry for Zhang Yifan; they were not optimistic about the match.
After all, the difference in cultivation level was obvious. Although Zhang Yifan was considered a genius among his peers, he had almost no chance of winning against an opponent like the Holy Son, who had a high level of cultivation and a powerful influence.
However, Xuan Kongzi's expression remained unchanged. He spoke slowly, his voice steady: "I know your worries, and I understand your concerns. But have you ever considered why Zhang Yifan would challenge the Holy Son?"
Ling Yunfeng was taken aback and replied, "Master, do you mean... Junior Brother has a chance of winning?"
Xuan Kongzi nodded slightly, a hint of admiration flashing in his eyes: "Although Zhang Yifan is young, his understanding of the sword is far beyond that of ordinary people. Cultivation is inherently going against the heavens. If one is afraid of powerful enemies, how can one achieve the Great Dao? Although the Holy Son's cultivation is high, Zhang Yifan has a firm belief and a fearless heart. In this respect, even the Holy Son may not be able to compare."
Lin Qingzhu said softly, "Master, do you want us to help Junior Brother Zhang?"
Xuan Kongzi pondered for a moment, then nodded and said, "That's right. Since Zhang Yifan has decided to challenge the Holy Son, you should lend him a hand and help him improve his strength. The path of sword cultivators can only break through the limits in the face of life and death. Remember, true strength does not rely on external forces, but on one's own will and determination."
The senior brothers and sisters exchanged glances. Although they were still worried, their master's words ignited hope in their hearts.
They all knew that Xuan Kongzi never made judgments lightly, so since he thought so highly of Zhang Yifan, he probably had some unique insights.
After leaving the main hall, the senior brothers and sisters immediately found Zhang Yifan. At that time, Zhang Yifan was in seclusion cultivating. Upon hearing that his senior brothers and sisters had come to visit, he immediately stopped his cultivation and got up to greet them.
Ling Yunfeng cut to the chase, saying directly, "Junior Brother Zhang, Master knows that you are going to fight the Holy Son, so he specially sent us to lend you a hand."
Zhang Yifan frowned slightly, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes: "Senior Brother, did Master say why he wanted to help me?"
Lin Qingzhu smiled gently and said slowly, "Master thinks highly of you and believes you have the potential to defeat the Holy Son. However, junior brother, do you know the Holy Son's true strength and background?"
Zhang Yifan nodded: "I know a little bit."
Han Wenhao sighed and added, "The Holy Son not only possesses the cultivation of the late Golden Core stage, but also has eight Vajra protectors, each of whom is a master of the early Golden Core stage. Furthermore, the sect leader of the Lingyun Sword Sect is his father, a powerful expert at the Great Perfection of the Golden Core stage, and the sect's Supreme Sect Leader is his grandfather, a Great Perfection of the Nascent Soul stage cultivator on par with our master. All of them are powerful figures with one foot in the Divine Transformation stage. Junior Brother Zhang, this battle is no small matter; it's not too late to give up now."
Upon hearing this, Zhang Yifan's heart tightened. Damn it, he had acted rashly. But he had already put on a show; if he backed down now, how could he ever face anyone again?
He took a deep breath and said in a deep voice, "Thank you for your kindness, senior brothers and sisters, but cultivation is inherently against the will of Heaven. As a sword cultivator, one should forge ahead without hesitation. Only by breaking through one's limits in battle can one truly achieve the Great Dao. If I retreat out of fear, I will never reach the pinnacle of the sword path."
Seeing this, Ling Yunfeng looked at Zhang Yifan with a complicated expression and sighed softly, "I can't match your determination. Since that's the case, we won't try to persuade you anymore. Master has asked us to help you improve your strength. In the next three months, we will do our best to help you and make sure you reach your strongest state before the disciple competition."
Lin Qingzhu nodded and said, "Junior Brother, if you need anything, just let us know, and we will do our best to help you."
"In the next few months, I hope that all my senior brothers and sisters can accompany me in practicing swordsmanship. I will try to cultivate the Xuanqing Sword Technique to the Great Ascension level within a month," Zhang Yifan said, but his heart was filled with mixed feelings.
So the senior brothers and sisters took turns feeding Zhang Yifan swords. The first one to appear was the sixth senior sister, Fang Xue. Although she was the weakest among the senior brothers and sisters, she was still a genius who could challenge opponents of higher levels.
Since Zhang Yifan only had the cultivation level of Foundation Establishment, Fang Xue didn't take him seriously at all, compressing her cultivation to the same early Foundation Establishment stage as Zhang Yifan. Zhang Yifan didn't underestimate Fang Xue, who had compressed her cultivation to the Foundation Establishment stage, and immediately used his full strength to deal with her.
The duel between Zhang Yifan and his sixth senior sister, Fang Xue, unfolded on the sword-training ground atop Tianfeng Peak. The surrounding mountain winds howled, clouds drifted across the sky, and a tense atmosphere permeated the air.
Zhang Yifan gripped the Heavenly Profound Spirit Sword, his gaze calm and steady. His true essence circulated slowly within him. He knew that although their cultivation levels were similar, Senior Sister Fang Xue's combat experience and swordsmanship far surpassed his own. A slight misstep could lead to defeat. Therefore, he had to go all out.