Chapter 433 - 262: Engagement

Chapter 433: Chapter 262: Engagement

The Cyan Cloud Sword Array was a magnificent and imposing sight.

But its primary target was Tong Yinyin alone. Since Li Ye had left the Cyan Cloud Sect, he was intimately familiar with the formation. Consequently, the Sword Array’s effect on him was naturally far weaker.

Besides, Tong Yinyin was their main opponent. Li Ye was merely her assistant. If she were defeated, the Cyan Cloud Sect would be able to preserve its prestige.

What surprised the Elders, however, was that Li Ye seemed completely unconcerned about Tong Yinyin’s predicament. He continued his standoff with Su Xing as if he didn’t believe the Cyan Cloud Sword Array could have any effect on her at all.

And in fact, that was the case.

The Cyan Cloud Sect was powerless against Tong Yinyin.

The Elders of the Cyan Cloud Sect didn’t understand, but Li Ye understood perfectly. He knew just how terrifyingly powerful Tong Yinyin was. This was a strength she had traded her own life for; with such resolve, how could she possibly be defeated by a group of seventh-rank cultivators and a single, ordinary eighth-rank?

Therefore, he remained completely focused, his mind and body centered on Su Xing. He was about to cross swords with an expert of Su Xing’s caliber—a clash he had been anticipating for a long, long time. And though this was all just part of an act, Li Ye still intended to give it his all.

Su Xing gazed at Li Ye. He, too, would undoubtedly go all out, using his full power to crush his opponent. Even though Su Xing had agreed to Ling Zhongxing’s plan, he had no intention of letting Li Ye win easily. This wasn’t just for the sake of making the act look real; it was a matter of his own Martial Arts Heart.

"Ready?"

Li Ye stared at Su Xing, his eyes burning with an unconcealable fervor. Su Xing returned his gaze. Both held their swords, exuding a terrifyingly powerful aura, as if they were gathering energy. When they finally moved, their attacks were sure to be as sudden and violent as a thunderclap.

"Come!"

Su Xing wasted no words. Those two simple words signaled the explosive start of the battle. In an instant, the battlefield split in two. On one side, Tong Yinyin faced all the Elders and the Sect Leader of the Cyan Cloud Sect. On the other, Li Ye faced only Su Xing.

But if one were to be honest,

Li Ye was under even greater pressure.

The words had barely been spoken when Su Xing strode forward. His Black Sword became a black line, thrusting instantly toward Li Ye’s chest!

’Such a clean movement!’

Li Ye watched Su Xing’s fluid, one-breath motion of a step and thrust, and his focus sharpened instantly. ’But if this is all the strength you’re going to use,’ he thought, ’then this will be rather dull.’

As he had this thought, the Cyan Blade Longsword in Li Ye’s hand already carved a strange arc, attempting to parry the straight thrust of the Black Sword.

Su Xing was using the most basic of Sword Techniques, one so simple a three-year-old could understand it. But when combined with Su Xing’s comprehension of the Martial Dao and his physical prowess, the thrust became anything but simple.

But Li Ye was no simpleton either. Since Su Xing had made such a move, Li Ye responded in kind with the most unadorned Sword Technique. The exchange between them had a faint air of returning to the basics, of ultimate simplicity.

Li Ye’s swordsmanship was truly impressive. It was a simple upward parry, yet the speed and power behind it were so great that even Su Xing had never seen another person wield a sword with such ferocity. In fact, in the clang of their blades, Li Ye’s speed even seemed a fraction faster than Su Xing’s.

’As our swords meet, I just need to lift his blade, then land a kick to his abdomen. The advantage will be mine.’ In a single instant, Li Ye had already mapped out the next steps of the fight.

"Up!"

Li Ye’s voice was sharp. As he shouted, the sound of metal striking metal rang out. However, Li Ye found that the strength in Su Xing’s arm was terrifying. Though their swords were locked together, Su Xing hadn’t moved an inch.

"..."

"What!"

Li Ye was shocked. Since childhood, he had been the peerless genius of the Cyan Cloud Sect. With the sword, he had even faintly touched the realm of ultimate simplicity. But now, facing Su Xing, the sword in his hand felt powerless for the very first time.

Li Ye’s expression darkened. It wasn’t that he’d never fought a Martial Artist before, but none of them had ever been as overwhelmingly powerful as Su Xing.

Li Ye was not an arrogant fool who didn’t know his own limits. He had witnessed Su Xing’s battle against the Witch Summoner and knew deep down that he was not currently Su Xing’s match. He just never imagined the gap between them would be this enormous.

However, before Li Ye could process this, a flash of red light suddenly appeared at Su Xing’s side. No, it wasn’t light. It was a sword—a sword moving at an unimaginable speed.

The crimson Sparrow Sword shot toward Li Ye, moving too fast for the naked eye to follow. Li Ye’s reaction was instantaneous. A small, pale-blue sword materialized by his ear and knocked the Sparrow Sword off course. Even so, a few strands of his black hair drifted down. Had he reacted a moment slower, his head would have undoubtedly been sent flying.

"Heh..."

Li Ye let out a soft chuckle. He now understood just how strong Su Xing truly was. But it was this very realization that sent a sudden thrill of excitement through him.

For Extraordinary Beings, this was a lamentable age. The passing of the ancient era meant that the number of true masters in the current age was pitifully small.

Masters who had reached the pinnacle of the Sword Dao were almost impossible to find in this day and age. Because of this, Li Ye had no clear goal, and certainly no worthy rival.

Originally, Li Ye had planned to wait until he acquired his own source power before setting his sights on the Cyan Cloud Sword Immortal as the rival he must surpass. But the gap between him and the Sword Immortal was, after all, simply too vast.