Chapter Forty-Two: A Narrow Defeat

Li Sibai’s all-out strike just now had failed to achieve its purpose, leaving him depleted. If he couldn’t muster more strength than his previous move, defeat would come even swifter. He gathered every last ounce of his true energy and unleashed a technique as swift as a shadow, propelling himself toward Qin Feng in a relentless attack.

In that instant, man and sword became one, indistinguishable in their union. He charged at Qin Feng like a blade, piercing forward with unstoppable force.

Qin Feng, cornered with nowhere left to evade, wasted no further hesitation. He channeled all his true energy into the treasured sword in his right hand. At the same time, his left hand drew a white stone from his robes, and his lips moved as he recited an incantation.

Within moments, a towering column of wind rose before Qin Feng. At that very second, Li Sibai reached him. The clash was abrupt—a sharp sound as Qin Feng’s sword met Li Sibai’s Xuantian Sword. But Li Sibai’s entire body was swept up by the wind, his feet lifted from the ground, balance lost, and half his strength dissipated.

Li Sibai cursed inwardly; he had not expected Qin Feng, whose affinity was with fire, to wield wind-based magic as well.

Qin Feng wasted no time. Retracting his right-hand sword, he struck Li Sibai’s chest with his left palm. Unable to withstand the blow, Li Sibai was sent flying, landing heavily upon the stage.

A burning sensation surged in his chest, and he spat out a mouthful of blood, his face drained of all color.

Below the stage, an eerie silence prevailed—a stillness like that of death. The sudden turn of events had unfolded so swiftly that many spectators hadn’t even processed what had happened; all they saw was a pillar of wind erupt.

Only moments later, the crowd exploded like a nest of ants, voices rising in heated discussion and praise.

“How did that wind column appear just now?”

“I’m not sure, but it seemed like Qin Feng was holding a spirit stone.”

“It can’t be a spirit stone, can it? He’s only an outer disciple.”

“Even if it is, that’s not surprising. The Qin family in Guanzhong is wealthy; it’s normal for them to possess such things.”

After his strike, Qin Feng did not rush to attack again, waiting for Li Sibai to rise.

Li Sibai sat on the ground, discomfort overwhelming him as he slowly stood. He could barely lift the Xuantian Sword, using it as a cane to support himself and maintain balance.

He forced a bitter smile. Was this how it would end? The small stone in Qin Feng’s hand was likely a spirit stone—white, and of the wind attribute.

Spirit stones are rare in the world, said to be formed when attribute pearls are eroded over long periods, gaining similar effects. The larger the stone, the longer the erosion, and the greater the power.

This small wind spirit stone, though tiny, was enough to cast low-level wind spells. Even if Qin Feng’s true energy was depleted, it would not hinder him.

It was Li Sibai whose true energy was truly exhausted. What could he do—was surrender his only option?

But Li Sibai was not one to admit defeat.

Dragging the Xuantian Sword, he slowly walked toward Qin Feng.

“Still refusing to yield?” Qin Feng’s words, once mere politeness, now carried genuine respect for Li Sibai—a youth long overlooked by all, yet so stubborn and resilient. Even now, with no trace of true energy left in him and wounds still bleeding, he persisted. Such tenacity was rare.

Li Sibai lifted his sword once more, relying on his own strength. This time, his innate battle energy spontaneously surged into the Xuantian Sword, responding to his command.

A layer of white light appeared on the Xuantian Sword, though from afar, it was barely visible due to its wooden form.

A cool sensation swept through Li Sibai’s body, and even his wounds began to clot and scab.

Qin Feng looked on in astonishment, unsure where this youth summoned his renewed strength, ready for another round of attack.

They resumed their exchange, though neither possessed much true energy. Yet Qin Feng’s wind spirit stone remained usable.

Li Sibai, now somewhat recovered, did not attack directly. Instead, he circled Qin Feng on the stage, gradually increasing his speed, seeking a weakness and determined not to be struck by the wind spirit stone again.

Qin Feng took the opportunity to restore his energy, though his recovery was slower than Li Sibai’s. Since Li Sibai did not attack, Qin Feng remained vigilant.

Li Sibai circled several times, but found no opening. He realized he could not afford to delay further—prolonging the fight would not benefit him.

With no better option, Li Sibai continued his desperate assaults, but each time, Qin Feng’s wind spirit stone shattered his advances. After five failed attempts, Li Sibai collapsed once more, unable to rise.

It was not for lack of will; he thought to himself, “When will I have my own spell? What is my true attribute? I hope that day comes soon.”

The elder serving as referee approached, warning Li Sibai that if he did not get up, he would be declared defeated.

Li Sibai closed his eyes, silently accepting the outcome. With multiple fractures, he could no longer stand to continue the battle.

The audience below the stage remained unusually quiet, moved by Li Sibai’s indomitable spirit.

Though his level was lower than Qin Feng’s, though he lacked spells, though many had mocked his lucky rise to this point, after this battle Li Sibai established a newfound respect among the outer disciples. Those who witnessed it could not help but give him a thumbs-up.

Only when the elder announced Qin Feng’s victory did the crowd erupt in thunderous applause and cheers.

The applause was for Qin Feng, but also for Li Sibai—they shared this glory together!

After a brief exchange, the four elders below unanimously agreed that both finalists of this year’s selection would be admitted to the inner sect for training. From this day forward, they would be formal disciples of the Xuantian Sword Sect.

Upon hearing this, Li Sibai was so excited that he managed to sit up, but with a sharp crack, another bone seemed to fracture, eliciting a painful cry.

The elder responsible for healing hurried over to examine his injuries. He Tian Shu and Yao Xueqing gathered around, Uncle Cai Da even rushed onto the stage, and Qin Feng himself came over as well.

“It’s alright, you’re lucky this time. None of the injuries are too critical, though the fractures will require months of rest. You’d best take it easy,” said the healing elder.

Qin Feng, face full of apology, said, “I’m sorry, junior brother. I only just started using the wind spirit stone and couldn’t control its power. Please forgive me!”

The others nearby sighed at this exchange.