Never fought before?
Yunyun didn't ask more questions. Her gaze shifted back to the water realm scene, and her mind began to race.
Chu Xingchen's strength was beyond question, but his causal infant avatar technique proved he had the strength of a core disciple.
Besides, Chu Xingchen had fought with Master Yuyang. According to her own master, he had gained the upper hand.
If he couldn't win, he wouldn't be an inner disciple of Xuanqing Heavenly Sect.
As for Xuanqing Heavenly Sect's core disciple Xu Jin, he was currently locked in a difficult battle with Yuyang.
And needing her own master to accompany him meant his actual strength should far exceed Chu Xingchen's. Moreover, this battle likely concerned negotiations, so her master was the best choice, not Senior Bai.
Combining these facts, it was clear that even if Xuanqing Heavenly Sect lost this battle, they might not back down on the Luoyue matter.
After all, the strength fluctuation of a single core disciple cannot shake a true behemoth of an organization.
Two core disciples could indeed make Xuanqing Heavenly Sect make some concessions for the future, as major sects fear the interruption of their next generation.
The fact that Xuanqing Heavenly Sect was willing to host this so-called conference was actually a concession to Tianyan Sect.
Otherwise, they could just close their eyes and pretend nothing happened.
For major sects, making decisions based on future prospects is the only correct approach, not being arrogant because of current power alone.
Fortune always changes and turns. Today's Xuanqing Heavenly Sect is no longer the number one sect in the cultivation world it once was.
And sects that have existed for thousands of years understand the value of preparedness.
If you want Xuanqing Heavenly Sect to make further concessions for the future, the only way is to raise the stakes.
Thus, Chu Xingchen's sparring opponent was now obvious—at least a elder-level figure from Xuanqing Heavenly Sect.
Even more likely, he would face Xuanqing Heavenly Sect's leader, Li Moze.
And Li Moze, to ascertain Chu Xingchen's true level, probably wouldn't refuse a sparring session from a junior.
Yunyun watched as Master Yuyang, slightly at a disadvantage in the water realm, sighed softly.
Those who cultivate the causal infant avatar tend to be somewhat arrogant. Her master had placed too much faith in destiny.
Being touched by heavenly destiny doesn't guarantee everything. Even the true dragons of ancient times, who carried the will of heaven, also fell.
The greater the cultivation level, the larger the gap between masters, far beyond mere spiritual energy differences.
Losing was natural. After all, Li Moze was once a fearsome figure. Winning would have been strange.
It was just hoped he wouldn't lose too badly.
But it seemed he was losing quite badly, as Chu Xingchen had returned long before this match was over.
Yunyun understood that for this mission to succeed, she would have to perform exceptionally well herself.
Chu Xingchen, who was supposed to be her trump card, had been completely exposed. The effect would be greatly diminished.
But then again, it was never wrong to rely on oneself.
Chu Xingchen's attention wasn't on Yunyun. Xuanqing Heavenly Sect's leader Li Moze had already taken his seat nearby.
He quickly frowned, continued clutching his chest, and his spiritual energy subtly surged, as if healing himself.
The hard-won benefits couldn't be lost through carelessness after success.
Although Li Moze wouldn't go back on his word even if he knew—after all, the promises made by the leaders of the Eighteen Immortal Sects should be as solid as a nail in spit—being cautious was always right.
Yunyun noticed Chu Xingchen's spiritual energy fluctuating beside her. She glanced over and saw him appearing deeply injured, then quietly suggested:
"If you're hurt, go back and rest properly. Leave the rest to me."
Chu Xingchen looked at Yunyun strangely, but found her expression to be genuinely sincere.
"I can still hold on. If I really can't, I won't force myself. You continue watching their match and prepare."
Yunyun nodded. Offering concern once was enough. If he chose to stay, that was his decision.
At this moment in the arena, Xu Jin had gained the advantage.
Master Yuyang had gone from attacking to being forced on the defensive.
Yunyun frowned slightly, because she noticed that many of Xu Jin's techniques felt like they belonged to the Unity Realm.
Xu Jin might have already stepped into the Unity Realm.
This was not good news. Her chances against Xu Jin might not be as high as she thought.
Chu Xingchen naturally saw the situation clearly and sighed softly:
"Yuyang is going to lose."
In the water realm, Master Yuyang's lightning-infused spiritual treasure was already in his hand—not for attacking, but for defense.
Xu Jin's figure flashed through space, each strike carrying immense power, forcing Master Yuyang to retreat repeatedly.
Clearly, Master Yuyang understood the situation. If this continued, defeat was certain.
And he didn't want to lose to that "second-rate" Xu Jin.
Rather than losing so miserably, he might as well risk everything and fight for that slim chance of victory.
In the next moment, facing Xu Jin's overwhelmingly powerful sword strike, Master Yuyang didn't retreat but advanced. His spiritual treasure wooden sword, which had been protecting him, ignored the incoming attack.
"Divine Art: Heavy Tower!"
Master Yuyang shouted. Ignoring the massive sword heading toward him, his spiritual energy suddenly turned brilliant purple. His wooden sword lost its shape entirely, transforming into lightning that struck toward Xu Jin.
He continued shouting: "Eight Forms, All Are Me!"
The strongest aspect of Divine Arts wasn't enhancing techniques or certain abilities—it was enhancing oneself. But this also meant it was a self-sacrificing strike.
Xu Jin's gaze remained equally calm. He made the same choice as Master Yuyang, ignoring the fearsome lightning cutting toward him. His long sword transformed completely into a rainbow of light as he slashed down.
The aftermath of their collision finally became too much for even the water realm to display.
All that could be seen was a dazzling display of various colors.
The ritual arrays surrounding the arena couldn't withstand such massive power. Hundreds of arrays had already been breached by this tremendous force.
And they continued to break.
Several more Xuanqing Heavenly Sect members hurried down to reinforce the arrays.
Fortunately, their clash didn't last long.
The once-brilliant arrays suddenly settled.
Everyone knew that this most elite competition had come to an end.
But facing Master Yuyang's desperate final strike, what had originally seemed like certain defeat became suddenly unclear.
Had Xu Jin anticipated this? Could he withstand Master Yuyang's final attack?
Even Yunyun couldn't be certain who had won.
The lingering spiritual energy still obscured the water realm's view.
Then, a surge of spiritual energy broke through.
In the deep pit, only Xu Jin stood tall, blood flowing down his right arm.
Master Yuyang, with his left shoulder pierced by Xu Jin's sword, had been teleported back to Taodao Sect's position.
Yunyun watched Xu Jin in the arena with a heavy expression, because she deeply understood.
What awaited her was also a battle she couldn't afford to lose.
Chu Xingchen sighed softly: "What a pity... If Xu Jin hadn't entered the Unity Realm, Yuyang might not have lost."
Yunyun remained silent, only deciding that White Shishu's extra training sessions would need to be doubled.
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