Qi Feiyu looked at the arena and asked, “Grand Elder, do you think Lu Yi can win?”


    Du Gufang smiled slightly. “If Lu Yi displays the Cloud Step technique at the Perfection Realm, he should be able to win. However, Mo Lingxi is no weak opponent, so it won’t be an easy victory.”


    Hearing this, the other elders also nodded slightly.


    “Mo Lingxi has cultivated the Spirit Snake Sword Technique and the Spirit Snake Footwork, both of which have reached the level of mastery. Coupled with his cultivation at the ninth level of Qi Refining, he is indeed formidable.”


    “If Lu Yi can defeat Mo Lingxi, then his place in the top ten is guaranteed. Entering the inner sect at the seventh level of Qi Refining—such a feat has been rare in our White Cloud Sect’s history.”


    “Excluding the geniuses recruited externally, we haven’t seen such talent in several hundred years.”


    “The last one was Wu Yong, the current head of the Inner Sect Law Enforcement Hall. He is already at the Nascent Soul Realm now.”


    Everyone looked at Lu Yi with increasing satisfaction.


    Not far away, Lu Gaoyang, Wang Siqi, and a group of stewards were also paying close attention to Lu Yi’s match.


    At this moment, Lu Gaoyang and Wang Siqi were a bit nervous. If Lu Yi could win, he would secure a spot in the top ten of the outer sect and enter the inner sect. This would have a major impact on his future. How could parents not be nervous about such a moment?


    Nearby, Li Mang and the others were curious and expectant.


    “Brother Lu, this is the most critical match. Do you think he can win?”


    Lu Gaoyang shook his head and said, “I don’t know. Of course, I hope Yi’er can win.”


    “Mo Lingxi is no slouch… Lu Yi’s cultivation is still a bit low. If Lu Yi were at the eighth level of Qi Refining, he would definitely win.”


    “Yes, even if he doesn’t win this time, it’s not a big deal. Give him a year to reach the eighth level of Qi Refining, and he’ll undoubtedly be among the top ten in the inner sect. It’s just an extra year of effort.”


    “…”


    While they were talking, the match on the arena had already begun.


    Mo Lingxi''s expression was cold. At the ninth level of Qi Refining, his spiritual energy erupted as he attacked with full force.


    The Spirit Snake Footwork and Spirit Snake Sword Technique embodied the agility and unpredictability of a snake. Mo Lingxi moved unpredictably, his speed astonishing. In an instant, he appeared beside Lu Yi, thrusting his sword like a snake flicking its tongue toward Lu Yi’s chest.Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    Spiritual energy coiled around the sword, tearing through the air with a piercing whistle.


    Lu Yi’s expression remained unchanged. His steps shifted slightly, and his figure drifted back like a floating cloud, appearing effortlessly graceful.


    Seeing Lu Yi retreat, Mo Lingxi pressed forward. His sword strikes were sharp and unpredictable, slicing through the air repeatedly. Even the disciples below the stage could feel the intense pressure, leaving them in awe. If it were them, they wouldn’t be able to withstand such relentless attacks.


    Yet, Lu Yi moved skillfully amidst the storm-like attacks, dodging every strike with ease.


    As he dodged, Lu Yi couldn’t help but admire Mo Lingxi. He was worthy of being one of the top ten gatekeepers. His strength far surpassed that of Wang Wulian and Gu Mingxi.


    However, while Mo Lingxi’s strength was impressive for someone at the ninth level of Qi Refining, it was just "so-so" in Lu Yi’s eyes.


    After all, when Lu Yi fought Wang Wulian and the others earlier, he had held back considerably, not even fully unleashing his Returning-to-True Cloud Sword Technique.


    Now, Lu Yi felt it was time to show a bit more power.


    Cloud-like energy drifted around Lu Yi’s sword. This time, the cloud energy was denser and more substantial, extending over a meter.


    Lu Yi stopped dodging and swung his sword. The light, cloud-like energy shot toward Mo Lingxi with astonishing speed.


    Mo Lingxi’s pupils contracted, sensing immense danger. “What?!”


    He immediately abandoned his attack and retreated using the Spirit Snake Footwork to avoid the cloud energy.


    The energy brushed past him and struck the arena, leaving behind intricate cloud patterns on the stone floor.


    The nearby stewards’ eyes widened in shock.


    “The power of this Cloud Sword Technique… is this strong?!”


    The arena floor was made of reinforced stone, designed to withstand damage, yet Lu Yi’s sword left clear patterns on it.


    “This kid is incredible.”


    Below the stage, the disciples exclaimed:


    “I couldn’t block that strike!”


    “Only someone at the tenth level of Qi Refining could stop that!”


    “Lu Yi’s Cloud Sword Technique has reached such a level?! And he wasn’t even using his full strength before?”


    Wang Wulian, watching the match, was stunned. “So this is the true power of the Returning-to-True Sword Technique?!”


    Gu Mingxi and two other ninth-level disciples who had fought Lu Yi earlier were equally shocked.


    One of them smiled bitterly. “I thought the gap between me and Lu Yi wasn’t too big. Now I see… it’s like heaven and earth.”


    Another nodded with a sour expression. Gu Mingxi’s eyes sparkled as she looked at Lu Yi.


    Facing Lu Yi directly, Mo Lingxi felt even greater pressure. Cold sweat appeared on his forehead as he stared at Lu Yi. “You were holding back before?!”


    Lu Yi smiled apologetically. “After all, the senior brothers and sisters have trained hard. If I went all out, it might damage their Dao Hearts. If not for your strength, Senior Brother Mo, I wouldn’t have shown this much power.”


    He couldn’t just admit he held back so others would keep challenging him for practice, right?


    Hearing this, Wang Wulian and the others were stunned.


    Wang Wulian was touched. “Junior Brother Lu… you care so much about us! You’re truly a good person!”


    Gu Mingxi’s eyes sparkled even more. “Junior Brother is so gentle and considerate!”


    “Junior Brother Lu… we appreciate your efforts.”


    Even other disciples admired Lu Yi.


    “Senior Brother Lu is noble!”


    “He’s a role model for us all.”


    Even Jiang Fan, standing to the side, nodded slightly, smiling approvingly. “Junior Brother Lu is kind-hearted. He’s worth befriending.”


    Mo Lingxi remained silent but then took a deep breath, looking at Lu Yi seriously.


    “Junior Brother Lu, you are noble. On any other day, I’d toast to you. But this competition determines the inner sect slots, so I must apologize.”


    Lu Yi smiled. “No need for guilt. The path of immortality is a struggle for all. Just do your best without regrets.”


    Lu Yi’s sword hummed, surrounded by clouds, as he smiled warmly.