Welcome to Ability Store-Chapter 104 - 103: Sect Prodigies

A newcomer who hasn’t even officially joined yet is performing so well, putting immense pressure on the other spectators. It took the third and fourth challengers a full half-hour to decide to step up. 𝑓𝓇𝘦ℯ𝘸𝘦𝑏𝓃𝑜𝘷ℯ𝑙.𝑐𝑜𝓂

Chen Xuan realized that she hardly used any spells, relying entirely on her own swordsmanship, bodily reactions, and corresponding tactics to fight. The advantage of this is obvious—it doesn’t consume much Spiritual Qi. Considering that the duel is a continuous battle, she is clearly trying to extend her peak time as much as possible.

After some effort, Bell smoothly defeated her opponent.

Her winning streak reached four matches.

At this point, it’s nearing midday. The crowd gathered at the manor gate has exceeded a thousand, with all three seating sections fully occupied. Many people can only stand and watch. Even from Chang’an City, people are still steadily rushing over here, indicating that the news of the duel is continuing to spread.

Meanwhile, the topic of discussion among the onlookers below is gradually changing.

Even though Chen Xuan stood on the balcony, he could sense this change.

When they turn their gaze towards the manor, their faces no longer show the mockery and disdain they had before; now there’s more curiosity and puzzlement.

"Where exactly did this Only I am Venerable Sect come from?"

"I heard it had something to do with the Western Regions envoy. Look, they chose the Persian merchant’s mansion as their sect’s location."

"No way... My friend said he’s seen the Sect Leader and he’s clearly a local, speaking Chang’an dialect quite fluently."

"Could this girl really win ten matches in a row?"

"I’ll bet 100 Jade Coins she can win!"

Similar dialogues floated into Chen Xuan’s ears from time to time, making him regret not having charged admission before.

He realized belatedly that, despite the numerous sects in Chang’an City or the entire Eastern Great Region, where cultivators often compete and spar, there wasn’t a mature commercial competition organization among the populace. In any era, PvP is an event beloved by the masses, yet such a large market only has the Immortal Alliance organizing one official grand competition, which seems like quite a waste.

If Only I am Venerable Sect were to organize a commercial arena, with competitions all year round, could it succeed?

Suddenly, Jiu grabbed Chen Xuan’s hand forcefully!

He looked down to find that the other person’s complexion was pale, and their fingers were trembling slightly.

Chen Xuan immediately realized something, sideways stepping to shield the siblings before crouching down and asking them, "Don’t panic, did you see the murderer?"

"No, not the murderer... It’s the person who was carrying our portraits around asking about us that day..." Jiu tried to control his emotions as he gritted his teeth and said, "He’s right there in the crowd on the right-hand side!"

Squinting, Chen Xuan looked over and quickly found the "villager" Jiu spoke of. It was a man in his forties or fifties, with an honest appearance, dressed in clothes that looked very cheap, forming a stark contrast with the onlookers in luxurious silks and satins around him. What he was doing at the moment was exactly the same as several days ago, holding a canvas and engaging in soft-spoken conversations with those around him.

By some coincidence, a burst of enthusiastic cheers erupted from the crowd once again!

"Isn’t that... Young Master Mo? What’s he doing here?"

"A Celestial Pride Cultivator from Celestial Derivation Tower?"

"Definitely! Look at his Jade Token, it’s rimmed with silver!"

Amid the audience’s amazement and discussion, a white-clad cultivator, graceful and elegant, walked to the manor entrance. He wore a jade hairpin adorned with a gold coronet and held a mud-gold folding fan in his hand; just looking at this attire indicated his extraordinary background.

However, this person did not directly call out to Chen Xuan after standing still but instead turned to face the platform and the crowd on the three sets of benches, "Ladies and gentlemen, I am Mo Shuyun. I have just completed one year at Celestial Derivation Tower and was fortunately rated as a Celestial Pride Disciple within the sect. Last night, while drinking with friends, I heard a joke about an inexperienced rookie who, shockingly, had been declared by some unknown sect to have the potential of a Celestial prodigy. I wasn’t sure whether to laugh or be speechless."

"Presumably, you all know that to receive the title of a Celestial prodigy, a cultivator must achieve outstanding results in the Immortal Alliance’s annual sect competition or garner recognition from a majority of peers. I greatly admire Lord Xuan for independently establishing a sect at such a young age, but that does not mean I acknowledge Miss Bell’s qualification for the title of Celestial prodigy."

"Although I am not linked to that group of cultivators from yesterday, I still wish to take the stage and try, not for any other reason but to uphold the reputation of Celestial Pride Disciples across various sects! Naturally, this may seem somewhat unfair to Bell because, even if our qualifications are the same, I have already been cultivating within the sect for a year. So, let’s put it this way: as long as she can hit me with her sword even once, this match will be considered her victory!"

After delivering such a rousing speech, Mo Shuyun finally looked up at Chen Xuan, "May I know whether the senior agrees to me taking the stage? If you refuse, I completely understand!"

The atmosphere at the scene instantly became particularly lively.

"Indeed, a disciple ranked highly among Celestial Derivation Tower; truly remarkable!"

"Let him up! Let’s see who’s the genuine prodigy!"

"Didn’t Only I am Venerable Sect claim that if she joined another sect, all other novice disciples would have to call her Senior Sister?"

However, the situation in the arena was not entirely one-sided; some began supporting Bell.

"Don’t be afraid of him!"

"This person has waited until now to make a move, clearly aiming to take advantage of the opportunity to make a name for himself!"

"Have some decency, she’s fought four matches in a row!"

"Just refuse directly; the Sect Leader scolded those who overestimated themselves yesterday. Why should a Celestial Pride Disciple get involved?"

The two sides argued fiercely, spitting words everywhere, but Mo Shuyun’s supporters clearly had the upper hand.

Chen Xuan was fully aware that this person started with a lot of nonsense to paint himself as someone who fears no authority. Whether the duel happened or not, it was advantageous for him. Winning the match was obvious, but if his request was rejected, it would confirm the rumors that the Sect Leader of the Only I am Venerable Sect speaks recklessly, which would also boost his reputation.

Moreover, he noticed that the villager with the canvas was moving towards the outer edge of the crowd, seemingly intending to leave.

Chen Xuan could not extricate himself from the situation, so he said to Jiu, "Inform the Vice Sect Leader, ask her to take you to follow that person, and seize him if the opportunity arises."

Then he walked to the balcony, overlooking the people below, "You can take the stage, but the rules will be determined by me: surrender, unconsciousness, or leaving the ring area counts as a loss. If you understand, then go ahead!"

For a moment, Mo Shuyun’s face showed a hint of stiffness and displeasure, but he quickly smiled brightly, "It seems that senior indeed has great confidence in her. Well, let me give her some pointers."

After speaking, he jumped into the circle, walked leisurely to the bell, "You make the first move."

The bell cupped its fists in a gesture of respect, "Please guide me!"

Mo Shuyun remained unmoved, "Proceed as you wish."

Seeing his lack of response, the bell did not bother to argue, raising her sword and charging at him—she planned to test his skills with the least costly move, maintaining the previous rhythm.

The two immediately clashed into a heated battle!

Mo Shuyun did not use any weapons; the fan was purely for show, merely held to his mouth and nose, like someone playing a lute half-concealed behind it to maintain his elegance. His approach was simple, continuously evading and retreating, managing to maintain an ideal distance from his opponent with each step.

This alone proved that he was on par with the bell in body technique and skill.

However, Chen Xuan felt... there was something odd about this person’s posture, particularly when twisting his waist and turning sideways. Nicely put, it was graceful; in less flattering terms, it seemed effeminate. In contrast, the bell’s sword technique was fierce and vigorous, each move was full of energy, her figure small, yet her style more akin to a brute.

After they exchanged more than ten rounds of chasing and avoiding blows, Mo Shuyun was finally pushed to the edge of the circle.

At this moment, he made his move.

Mo Shuyun merely folded the fan, aimed at the bell.

The latter’s body suddenly trembled, and her left foot stumbled significantly, causing her swung sword to miss completely!

Although Mo Shuyun had already dodged aside, she still struck forward into empty space, as if he remained right in front of her.

This mistake was undoubtedly critical.

Mo Shuyun maneuvered to the bell’s side, then kicked directly, sending her flying!

Their prior exchange had brought them to the edge of the field, and the flight resulted in the bell’s entire body surpassing the boundary, and if she landed, she would be deemed defeated.

The next moment, an unbelievable occurrence happened, as the young girl reversed in mid-air, shooting back into the circle like a spear! Although she landed somewhat awkwardly, rolling for several meters before coming to a stop, she didn’t lose her qualification; the duel would continue!

The crowd erupted.

"What just happened!?"

"She was clearly in mid-air, how could she fly back? There was nowhere for her to gain leverage!"

"That maneuver was incredible!"

The spectators in the VIP section on the balcony were equally puzzled.

"How did that girl do it?" Marina couldn’t help but ask.

Only Chen Xuan on site could see the instant clearly, "It was the chain."

"The chain? Where?"

"In the ground."

At the moment the bell twisted mid-air, Chen Xuan used the Divine Eye Technique to spot a semi-transparent white chain, with one end attached to the girl’s wrist and the other buried in the earth of the field. In almost the blink of an eye, the chain forcibly dragged her back! Since she wasn’t flying herself, she had to rely on rolling upon landing to mitigate the massive inertia, while the chain drilled back underground at that moment.

This was the first time the bell used a spell in the duel!