Therefore, the arena had been prepared long ago within the sect, with ten mustard seed spaces, built over a thousand years ago, suspended high in mid-air. Once the contestants entered, everyone below could see everything clearly. Moreover, no matter how fierce the battle inside, the spectators outside would not be affected in any way. This was because it was impossible for anyone without the cultivation of an immortal to destroy this mustard seed space.
Only a prestigious sect like Xuanji Sect would go to such lengths for a battle between two sects.
Of course, Xiao Wenbing could create a few more at any time if he wanted. After all, his army of tens of thousands of immortals weren't just for show. However, Xiao Wenbing couldn't guarantee whether something created at the Integration Realm could withstand the full force of a clone-level expert.
On this day, Xu Chonghan, the current sect leader of the Raging Waves Sect, personally led a large force to the sect. Two celestial beings were also present, and they greeted Mu Hua as if they were old friends meeting again. No one could have imagined that the disciples of these two sects were about to fight to the death.
It is a custom in the immortal realm. Once one has passed the Heavenly Tribulation, it means one is no longer bound by the Five Elements and therefore does not concern oneself with worldly affairs. Therefore, most sect leaders are experts who have passed the Tribulation stage. However, within a sect, the position of an immortal is equally revered and is not below that of the sect leader.
Around the ten suspended mustard seed-sized spaces, there are countless white clouds, each of which is a seat that can accommodate several people for viewing.
Above them sat the powerful figures from the two major factions and other important figures from other sects. Xiao Wenbing, given his status, was certainly entitled to a seat on the platform, but unaccustomed to constraints, he quickly grabbed a cloud from the sky along with Feng, Zhang, and Die Xian.
The names of the two sides in the competition had already been submitted, and the order of the competition was determined by their cultivation level, from lowest to highest.
The first person to appear from the Raging Waves Sect was a scholarly-looking young man named Li Ci. Although he was only at the Nascent Soul stage, he possessed a magnificent bearing. Every gesture he made exuded the air of a master.
Xiao Wenbing's eyes lit up, and he examined the man carefully for a moment. He said, "This man is extremely talented. In my opinion, only Ronaldo can definitely beat him."
"Oh, even better than me?"
"Ahem, white-robed, I mean ordinary people, you understand? Special people like us are obviously not included in this category," Xiao Wenbing immediately explained.
"Hmph, old Wang is just peddling his melons."
"Why is this old Wang bragging? Yaqi, Diexian, you two be the judge..."
While the clouds above were filled with birdsong, the atmosphere in the arena was already heavy, suggesting an impending storm.
As expected, it was Mu Xuanli who represented the Xuanji Sect. He was carrying a long sword on his back and slowly walked into the Mustard Seed Space. However, what puzzled Xiao Wenbing was that this sword was not the immortal sword that he had given him, but rather a seventh-level magic weapon that he usually relied on for his fame.
This once arrogant and disdainful playboy has undergone a complete transformation after being tempered by dozens of fierce immortals for more than half a year. He even gained the recognition of Mu Yun and others without showing his immortal sword.
Under the watchful eyes of countless people, the two of them entered the first mustard seed space together.
"Brother Liz, please."
Li Ci's gaze never left Mu Xuanli. He smiled and said, "I was a little disappointed to hear that it was Brother Xuanli who was representing Xuanji Sect."
Upon hearing Lici's words, Mu Xuanli's face remained expressionless; he simply asked in a deep voice, "And now?"
“Now…” Liz’s smile faded, his eyes blazing with fierce fighting spirit: “I’m really looking forward to it.”
Their bodies took flight almost simultaneously, and while in mid-air, countless runes and energies surged back towards each other.
In an instant, a series of energy explosions erupted in the mustard seed space. In a round of magical clashes, they demonstrated near-perfect attack and defense capabilities.
Lizi possessed profound knowledge of various magical arts, using them effortlessly as if he were omnipotent.
In comparison, Mu Xuanli always used only one type of magic, as if he himself were a giant furnace, and his mastery of fire energy was equally superb.
Countless strange energies appeared in the sky, and the clash of spells between the two sides painted the entire sky with a dazzling array of colors.
Liz grew increasingly alarmed as the battle progressed, realizing the immense effort he had put in for today's fight. He was indeed exceptionally gifted, possessing a natural Five Elements Body, which was the only reason he could wield all his energy so freely even at the Nascent Soul stage.
In his view, if the levels were equal, his Five Elements techniques would be enough to subdue anyone. However, the opponent's masterful use of fire energy left him feeling inferior. If he hadn't relied on the restraining effect of water-based techniques, he would likely have been at a disadvantage in this round of magical exchange.
Seeing that magic wouldn't give him any advantage, Li Ci moved swiftly and rushed up to Mu Xuanli's side.
He had always been familiar with Mu Xuanli and naturally knew his background, but had never taken him seriously before. However, after their encounter today, he realized that Mu Xuanli had been playing dumb all along, holding back a secret weapon.
However, as the most talented disciple of the Raging Waves Sect in tens of thousands of years, he not only has an extremely high level of skill in magic, but also in close combat, he is by no means inferior to ordinary cultivators who are good at physical skills.
The sounds of fists and feet clashing rang out incessantly. Amidst the dazzling clash of spells, the two simultaneously punched and kicked, seemingly multitasking, making the fight incredibly close and evenly matched.
Mu Hua and the others nodded to each other. Although the two men's magical power and energy were nothing special in the eyes of these old immortals, what they valued was the two men's future prospects.
Both of them have reached a level of understanding of their own energy that is difficult for ordinary people to achieve. Under the same energy constraints, even Mu Hua would not dare to say that he could definitely win.
Lizi's ability to do this already surprised everyone, but the fact that Muxuanli can do the same will surely shock many people.
The person who had been pushed out of his place by Mu Xuanli was now even paler. His displeasure had vanished, and all that remained was immense relief. If he had actually made the move, he would have been utterly humiliated.
Although Mu Xuanli and Mu Xuanli were fighting fiercely, neither of them used any magic weapons. They were simply enjoying themselves based on their understanding of magic and combat. This was exactly what the elders wanted. After all, they were only Nascent Soul stage cultivators. At this stage, it was the perfect time to consolidate their knowledge. If they relied solely on magic weapons, it might not be beneficial for their future cultivation.
All the elders nodded in agreement. To witness two such unparalleled talents in the first battle, regardless of who won or lost, was a worthwhile trip. They held these two great sects with millions of years of history in utter admiration; just looking at these two was enough to show the extent of their talent pool.
Mu Xuanli remained calm and composed, effortlessly deflecting his opponent's relentless attacks, even with some energy remaining.
Although Liz's skills were decent, they were only decent. Compared to those freakish immortals who had trained him day and night for the past six months, he was far too inexperienced.
Both of them were at the peak of the Nascent Soul stage, just one step away from entering the Spirit Division stage. Their spiritual power was also roughly equal. However, Li Ci had been primarily on the offensive, inevitably expending more spiritual power. With this shift in power, the scales of victory gradually tipped in Mu Xuanli's favor.
Li Ci was well aware of this principle, so he suddenly stepped back several feet and erected a protective shield around himself.
Mu Xuanli stared coldly at him, remaining unmoved by any eventuality. In any case, he wouldn't recover in such a short time. Furthermore, the use of elixirs was forbidden during the competition. If he could still manage to sneak one under the watchful eyes of everyone, then Mu Xuanli would accept it.
Li Ci took a deep breath, his eyes now filled with admiration as he looked at Mu Xuanli. He reached into his mustard seed space and slowly took out a long staff, saying, "Brother Mu, use a magic weapon."
"A level ten magic weapon?"
Exclamations of surprise rang out from outside the arena. Just by looking at the magical artifact in Li Ci's hand, one could tell that it was an extremely rare level ten magical artifact.
For cultivators, level ten magical artifacts are even rarer than immortal artifacts. Because without immortal spiritual energy, even if you obtain an immortal artifact, you cannot control it. The only way to control an immortal artifact is to force it to recognize a master.
Forcing a celestial artifact to recognize a master within the realm of cultivators is a task with a success rate that's barely higher than finding a needle in a haystack. Moreover, if the object of this recognition happens to be a weapon of destruction, the consequence of failure is being devoured by the celestial artifact, essentially guaranteeing death.
Therefore, when Lici took out this level 10 magic weapon, everyone's eyes fell on the level 7 magic weapon behind Mu Xuanli, and they all sighed in their hearts. Unless Mu Xuanli could take out a magic weapon of the same level, this competition would end here.
Volume 18, Chapter 18: Farce
------------------------
A level ten magic weapon? A cold smile appeared on Mu Xuanli's face, as if he didn't take the other party's weapon seriously at all.
Liz blushed and said, "I'm sorry."
"No need."
What's puzzling is that Mu Xuanli's hand didn't reach behind his back at all, but slowly moved to his wrist. There, he wore an ancient-looking bracelet, which belonged to his mustard seed space.
A crimson light, as red as blood, emanated from the bracelet, first as tiny specks, then bursting forth in a dazzling display.
When everyone's eyes adjusted to the fiery red light, they could see clearly that Mu Xuanli was holding a large red sword.
"A celestial artifact..."
Exclamations of surprise rose and fell, and even the important figures from the two major factions on the platform couldn't help but stand up.
This is a celestial sword, and also a deadly weapon.
If it had appeared in the hands of an immortal, it wouldn't be surprising. But now, its owner is a cultivator, and a cultivator who is only at the Nascent Soul stage, which is enough to make people extremely shocked and envious.
"Brother Mu, your son is very lucky," Xu Chonghan, the sect leader of the Nutao Sect, said softly from the platform.
Mu Ling nodded blankly, then looked at Mu Hua and Mu Yun, only to see the two old people looking at her at the same time, with the same look of horror in their eyes.
Mu Xuanli's opportunity to fight this time was not due to the immortal sword he possessed, but rather to the remarkable progress he had made through half a year of arduous and painstaking training. In their joy, Mu Hua and the others did not notice that he actually possessed an immortal sword that everyone dreamed of.
Seeing his children and grandchildren reveal their hand, he felt both delighted and surprised.
The Immortal Sword was indeed a wonderful thing, but just thinking about the consequences of failing to recognize its master was enough to send chills down their spines. At that moment, they were both amazed and impressed by Xiao Wenbing and Mu Xuanli's courage.
Little did they know, Xiao Wenbing wasn't taking a risk. He had actually created tens of thousands of Mu Xuanli's Nascent Souls as a preparatory step. However, doing so was indeed extremely difficult. Tens of thousands of Nascent Souls with the same aura! It wasn't until the Immortal Sword's blade softened from striking the ground that it reluctantly accepted a Nascent Soul cultivator as its master. Otherwise, it would have been absolutely impossible for Mu Xuanli to subdue the Immortal Sword.
Li Cidi's face first showed shock, then gradually calmed down. He sighed deeply, bowed deeply to Mu Xuanli, and said, "Brother Mu, you have great courage. Li Cidi is impressed."
Indeed. Honestly, he didn't have the guts to capture the Immortal Sword. And facing Mu Xuanli, who possessed the Immortal Sword, this originally evenly matched battle was no longer in doubt.
Mu Xuanli nodded slightly. He hadn't drawn his immortal sword earlier because he was a little afraid. If the immortal sword appeared, the fight would be pointless, and now it seemed that was indeed the case.
With Lizi's withdrawal, Xuanjimen won the first battle.
The second to fight was the one in the Tribulation Transcending stage.
The Xuanji Sect member was naturally Hua Yi. The Nutao Sect member, however, was a man who looked even younger than Mu Xuanli. But everyone knew that for these people, appearance wasn't enough to tell a person's true age. This was why Mu Ling and his son addressed Xiao Wenbing as "senior" so naturally.
The level of one's realm and cultivation is the greatest criterion for judging a person's status.
The two entered the mustard seed space, and the man chuckled first, "Brother Hua, do you have any immortal artifacts?"
Hua Yi was taken aback and said, "No, what's wrong?"
"It's nothing. If you also have a Legend of Sword and Fairy, just bring it out, and we won't need to continue this match."
Hua Yi blushed, thinking to himself, "If you're so capable, go ahead and try. I don't have the guts to try that one in tens of thousands chance."
Unlike the two juniors who were at the Nascent Soul stage, these two were experts who focused on magic. As soon as they started fighting, several magical artifacts were used in combination with various spells, and the ground was darkened, which was quite a sight to behold.
The vast majority of people in the arena were below the Tribulation Transcending stage, their cultivation inferior to the two, so they naturally couldn't see the secret. However, the immortals like Xiao Wenbing knew that their cultivation was indeed higher than Mu Xuanli and Li Ci at this moment. If they were to fight these two juniors, they would be guaranteed to win.
However, their understanding of energy utilization is somewhat lacking. If this situation continues, once they both reach the Immortal Realm, Mu Xuanli and the other will catch up with them in a very short time and eventually surpass them completely.
Having seen this, Xiao Wenbing lost interest in paying attention any further. He turned back to chatting with the three women, occasionally throwing in a few witty remarks to keep them entertained.
Two hours later, Zhang Yaqi, unable to bear it any longer, finally asked, "Wenbing, why aren't you watching the fight?"
"What's so interesting about this? They're evenly matched; they won't be able to determine a winner until they've fought for a while."
"Really? But it's already been separated."
"It's separated, great... Hmm, what? It's separated?"
Xiao Wenbing suddenly turned around and saw Hua Yi and the other party exiting the mustard seed space.
Xiao Wenbing opened his mouth slightly, completely baffled as to how their fight had ended so quickly.
"Who really won?"
"Master, Hua has been summoned." Butterfly Fairy was the most honest and answered first.
"No way..." Xiao Wenbing was greatly surprised. In fact, in his opinion, Hua Yi's cultivation level was slightly higher than the other two. If they fought for a few days, he would probably still have a pretty good chance of winning.
I felt annoyed; why hadn't I noticed?
This space, known as the Mustard Seed Space, is specially constructed and does not obstruct the viewer's vision or spiritual senses. As long as the cultivator pays attention to the situation here, they can fully understand what is happening inside.
However, without divine attention, no matter how fierce the fighting inside, not a single trace of energy or power will escape.
"Hua Yi made a mistake, which is why they lost," Feng Baiyi explained calmly.