Chapter 46: Xiao Chen's Sword Shocks the Masses
Arrogant!
Utterly arrogant!
Everyone present was stunned by Xiao Chen's words.
Even inside the Ding Prince's Residence, those who had just noticed the conflict in the sky and were preparing to spectate were left frozen when they heard what Xiao Chen said.
The one most terrified was Steward Qiu.
Just moments ago, he had blocked Xiao Chen and even humiliated him in front of everyone.
Once Xiao Chen was done dealing with the Shangqing Sword Sect, his own death was surely next.
Elder Bai was also stunned. He had intended to give Xiao Chen a way out.
He never expected this youth to be so wildly arrogant.
Even if he wasn't from a sacred land, he was still a Heaven Origin Realm cultivator — an entire major realm higher than Xiao Chen.
But now that Xiao Chen had said what he said, if he didn't respond, how could he ever hold his ground in the Shangqing Sword Sect again?
Who would dare become his disciple?
"You said it yourself. If you lose, don't go crying to Wendao Academy for revenge!"
Xiao Chen smiled. "Relax. You're just a Heaven Origin cultivator — not even a match for me. And if you lose, you won't get another chance to fight me."
"Because I never fight defeated opponents again!"
"Agreed!"
Elder Bai, seeing that Xiao Chen had accepted, couldn't afford to care about anything else. He had to defeat this brat and put him in his place.
"Have them stand back — I don't want to accidentally kill anyone when I strike."
Xiao Chen glanced at Xiao Shili and the others.
Elder Bai didn't object. He waved his hand toward the group of disciples.
"All of you wait at the prince's residence gates."
"Yes, Master!"
Only then did Xiao Shili snap out of his shock and lead his senior brothers to land outside the gate.
"Fellow Daoist, please."
Elder Bai gestured formally.
Xiao Chen gave a slight nod. "You go first — otherwise don't say I didn't give you the chance."
Hiss...
A wave of gasps swept through the onlookers.
Even the students of Wendao Academy couldn't help but whisper to one another.
"Isn't this a bit too arrogant of Senior Brother Xiao? That's still a Heaven Origin cultivator..."
"No — he's not being arrogant," Elder Huang said calmly, drawing on his wealth of experience. "He's walking the path of invincibility."
"This time, I'll finally get to witness the peerless sword art of the Miscellaneous Dao Academy — Ten Thousand Swords Return to Origin."
The moment those words fell, the students' faces lit up with curiosity.
Up in the sky, Elder Bai paused briefly, then regained his composure.
"Fellow Daoist Xiao, this sword is one of the Three Great Swords of the Shangqing Sword Sect — the Upper Clarity Strike. Be warned!"
As his words landed, he slashed his sword forward.
Clang!
The sword was as fast as lightning and carried unstoppable momentum. Even before the blade arrived, its roar filled the air!
Xiao Chen responded with a casual thrust. "Ten Thousand Swords Return to Origin!"
A single point of sword light flashed.
In the next instant, countless sword beams erupted from Xiao Chen's body.
They fell like rain, descending toward Elder Bai.
In a blink, his sword strike was shattered.
Elder Bai had never witnessed such a terrifying sword technique. In a panic, he tried to block the onslaught while shouting, "Fellow Daoist Xiao, I concede!"
Hearing those words, Xiao Chen sheathed his sword.
His goal had already been achieved. There was no need to continue killing.
As the sword qi dissipated, Elder Bai finally let out a long breath.
If he hadn't admitted defeat fast enough, he might've paid a heavy price today. This youth was terrifying.
No wonder he came from Wendao Academy.
Silence.
The Ding Prince's Residence — both inside and out — fell into complete stillness.
Though the clash had been brief, nearly everyone in the residence had witnessed it.
Especially Xiao Shili and his peers — they hadn't expected their own master to lose so quickly.
The Wendao Academy disciples, on the other hand, wore expressions of casual admiration.
"Elder Bai was way too weak. Doesn't even feel like a Heaven Origin cultivator."
"Seriously, even some of our late True Fate inner court seniors are stronger."
"…"
Elder Huang smiled and said, "Of course. Good thing the old man was sensible. If Nephew Xiao had gone all out, that head of his would've rolled right off."
Though they didn't speak loudly, the surroundings were so silent that everyone could hear them clearly.
Elder Bai's face turned a shade of blue, then purple. If anyone else had said that, he would've charged up and cut them down.
But the old man had called Xiao Chen 'Nephew Xiao' — which could only mean he was an elder from Wendao Academy.
Realizing this, Elder Bai felt relieved by his earlier decision.
Had he insisted on fighting to the end, even if he managed to defeat Xiao Chen, his own head might have rolled afterward.
Xiao Chen descended from the sky and respectfully cupped his hands toward Elder Huang. "Uncle Huang, I've made a fool of myself."
Elder Huang chuckled, "Nephew Xiao, today you've truly opened this old man's eyes. The Miscellaneous Dao Institute's Ten Thousand Swords Return to Origin lives up to its reputation. It's a pity your opponent was too weak — I didn't get to see the other techniques of your institute."
Xiao Chen responded with proper courtesy, "If Uncle wishes to see them, just wait until we return — my junior brother Cao will be demonstrating another of the Miscellaneous Dao Institute's signature techniques soon."
That piqued Elder Huang's interest. "Oh? Sounds like the Miscellaneous Dao Institute will be lively again."
The two continued chatting as if no one else were present, completely ignoring the Ding Prince's Residence and the Shangqing Sword Sect.
Even so, the disciples and elders of the Shangqing Sword Sect didn't dare utter a single word.
After a while—
Elder Bai finally stepped forward and bowed respectfully. "Junior pays respects to Senior. I was offensive earlier. Please forgive me."
Elder Huang waved his hand. "There's no need. You were just settling a personal dispute. As long as Xiao Chen's unharmed, I won't interfere.
But if anything had happened to him — I assure you — the heads of our Wendao Academy, even the deans themselves, would've acted."
At those words, Elder Bai's legs nearly gave out. He almost collapsed on the spot, and cold sweat streamed down his forehead.
He wasn't a fool. He understood the implied warning clearly.
"Thank you for the guidance, Senior. There are matters in my sect I must attend to, so I'll take my leave."
Elder Huang nodded slightly. "Go."
Elder Bai quickly gathered his disciple's remains and departed with the rest.
Only Xiao Shili remained, stunned in place. He wanted to leave with his master, but didn't dare speak.
After all, Xiao Chen had said this was a family matter.
Just then, the sound of galloping hooves echoed down the street.
Everyone turned toward the source of the sound.
A squad of riders was rapidly approaching, their banners marked with a bold "Ding" character.
Xiao Chen narrowed his eyes.
He knew at a glance—his father had returned.
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