13: Zhang Family Challenge

After intense competition, the martial arts tournament finally reached its most critical moment: the finals.

This match would determine the final 12 Disciples to be selected for the coveted Peerless Sect.

In the previous matches, Ji Mo had shone brightly like a dark horse.

Relying on his exquisite Martial Skill, he slew a formidable opponent and successfully secured a spot in the advancement for the Ji Family.

The members of the Ji Family cheered and leaped with joy, their morale soaring.

The looks the clansmen cast toward Ji Mo were no longer filled with the disdain and suspicion of the past, but were instead brimming with admiration and anticipation.

"This kid Ji Mo is truly impressive! I never expected him to be so formidable; he has brought such great honor to our Ji Family!"

An Elder of the Ji Family said excitedly.

Feeling the approving gazes cast by his clansmen, his heart was filled with a myriad of emotions.

In the past, because of his parents' deaths, he had been treated with cold indifference in the Ji Family and had even been wantonly bullied by others.

But now, he had won the respect of his clansmen with his own strength, although he did not need it.

Meanwhile, the other families in Wind City, seeing the Ji Family's morale boosted by Ji Mo's outstanding performance, were all secretly anxious.

Especially the Li Family and the Zhang Family; they already had a feud with the Ji Family, so they naturally did not want to see a Ji Family Disciple successfully enter the Peerless Sect.

In the finals, Ji Mo's opponent was a Disciple from a small Family, and although that small Family Disciple was also at the sixth level of the Acquired Realm,

any discerning person could tell that his Realm was likely forcefully raised by popping pills.

As soon as the two exchanged blows, the difference in skill was immediately clear; after only a few moves, Ji Mo had taken control of the situation.

But he did not deliver a killing blow, stopping just at the right moment.

That Disciple was also sensible, admitting defeat and leaving the stage with sincere conviction. Thus, Ji Mo logically secured a spot to enter the sect.

The subsequent matches followed one after another, and the remaining spots for the sect were determined one by one.

Because Li Gang was killed, the Li Family only had Li Boyu left to enter the Peerless Sect.

The Zhang Family became the biggest winner, with a full three Disciples obtaining the qualifications to enter the sect, among whom was Zhang Xuefeng.

The remaining seven spots were divided among the other families.

On the referee platform, The beautiful matron Nangong rose gracefully, her gaze sweeping over the Family Disciples below the stage, and she spoke:

"Very well, the Wind City selection tournament concludes here. During this time, the performance of a few Geniuses truly caught our eyes; coming here this time was not a wasted trip. I hope that after entering the sect, you will not slacken and will strive to achieve a Breakthrough to the Innate Realm as soon as possible."

As the competition ended, Ji Mo still regretted that Sister Ruoxi could not enter the sect with him.

However, he did not expect that there would be a turn of events next.

At this moment, the Li Family head, Li Batian, his eyes full of sinister malice, said through gritted teeth to the Zhang Family head, Zhang Zhentian:

"We absolutely cannot let anyone from the Ji Family enter the sect, especially that Ji Mo. His Aptitude is so outstanding that he will surely become a great threat in the future and bring us endless trouble."

Zhang Zhentian's face was as gloomy as water, and he sighed:

"But now the spots for the sect have been determined; we surely cannot make a move against him right under the eyes of the envoys."

A trace of ruthlessness flashed across Li Batian's face as he leaned closer to Zhang Zhentian and whispered:

"Brother Zhang, the Peerless Sect envoys only value Aptitude and talent when selecting Disciples. You might as well have the Zhang Family Prodigy, Zhang Hao, challenge that Ji Mo using one of the sect entry spots. The Ji Family certainly won't refuse, and I expect the envoys will agree."

Zhang Zhentian frowned, worriedly saying:

"Brother Li, that Ji Mo is by no means an ordinary person; Zhang Hao might not be able to slay him. Moreover, how can I let the Zhang Family bear this risk alone? In case of failure, not only will the Zhang Family lose a spot, but Zhang Hao will likely be in danger of losing his life."

Li Batian patted Zhang Zhentian on the shoulder, saying with confidence:

"Brother Zhang, rest assured; how could I not know the stakes involved? My Li Family is willing to give three-tenths of all our industries for the next three years to the Zhang Family. With this, would you be willing, Brother Zhang?"

After a moment of thought, Zhang Zhentian stood up abruptly and said respectfully to the referees on the high platform:

"Respected envoys, the Zhang Family wishes to issue a challenge to the Ji Family."

"Oh?" Referee surnamed Zhang, upon hearing this, immediately became interested and asked: "What kind of challenge?"

"The Zhang Family's Zhang Hao challenges Ji Mo. If we lose, the Zhang Family is willing to give one sect entry spot to the Ji Family."

Referee surnamed Zhang, upon hearing this, turned his head and looked at Referee Nangong with an inquiring gaze. Referee Nangong nodded lightly and said:

"That is acceptable."

Subsequently, Referee surnamed Zhang turned his gaze toward the members of the Ji Family.

Before the Ji Family members could speak, Ji Mo spoke up loudly first:

"I agree! However, I have one request. If I win, I hope to give this spot to my Sister Ruoxi."

As he spoke, he looked toward the Clan Leader. With such a good thing, how could the Clan Leader refuse? He nodded repeatedly.

"Since both sides have agreed, both contestants should prepare to take the stage."

Referee surnamed Zhang announced loudly.

Ji Mo and Zhang Hao arrived in the center of the arena and stood ten meters apart, both looking at each other with Killing Intent.

A wave of murderous aura swept through, blowing past like a cold wind, causing everyone to tremble involuntarily and subconsciously shrink their necks.

With two clangs, Ji Mo and Zhang Hao drew their swords simultaneously.

An astonishing Killing Intent billowed out, and Sword Qi crisscrossed. Streaks of fiery Sword Qi shot through the air, the crackling sounds making one's scalp tingle.

The bright sword light, like a bolt of silk, pierced the sky, following right after the unleashed Sword Qi, ravaging and destroying with swift and fierce power.

"So strong!"

"So fast!"

"The cultivation of these two is terrifying!"

"This Zhang Hao's Sword Qi is condensed, and his Rising Sun Sword Technique is near Perfection; every move is like a blazing sun crashing down, with tremendous power."

Referee surnamed Zhang praised.

"This Ji Mo is also not simple. Although it seems he only knows three moves of sword technique for some reason, he uses them with such mastery and supernatural skill. He faintly seems to have transcended the shackles of the sword technique itself, reaching the power of the Profound Rank; he is a Genius of the Dao of the sword!"

Referee Nangong exclaimed with admiration.

"Shadowless Steps"

Zhang Hao's face was ferocious as he gave a low shout, his feet seemingly blossoming with countless phantoms.

His speed accelerated significantly, and his sword, like lightning, thrust rapidly toward Ji Mo, determined to fight to the death.

Because he lacked a high-status Martial Skill, Ji Mo clearly could not keep up with Zhang Hao's speed.

He could only increase his output of spiritual energy, making the speed of the sword in his hand increasingly fierce to parry Zhang Hao's lethal moves.

After a burst of wild and fierce attacks, Zhang Hao, seeing he could not do anything to Ji Mo, gradually calmed down.

He knew that if he continued to attack forcefully like this, he would sooner or later run out of stamina, which would be disadvantageous for him.

Zhang Hao pondered inwardly, his gaze fixed tightly on the longsword in Ji Mo's hand, which was already covered in notches from the intense exchange of blows.

"Only by finding a Breakthrough can I slay Ji Mo. Seeing that he has been able to hold on until now, it is entirely thanks to that sharp and swift sword technique. As long as I break the longsword in his hand, he will have no choice but to wait for death!"

Thinking of this, Zhang Hao suddenly gathered his Qi, his spiritual energy billowing around him like a surging, raging tide.

"Sunrise in the East!"

He flourished his longsword, creating blossoms of sword light, just like the brilliant radiance of the morning sun rising.

A scorching sun, condensed from spiritual energy, appeared out of thin air, crashing fiercely toward Ji Mo like a meteorite falling to the ground.

Seeing this lethal move coming, Ji Mo had no way to dodge. His spiritual energy surged like a volcanic eruption, and his clothes flapped loudly.

He slashed his sword horizontally with fury.

"With a clang, the sword in his hand actually snapped."

Ji Mo was also blasted back four or five steps, though he stood his ground firmly.

This sudden sound of the sword snapping was like a heavy hammer striking everyone's hearts.

The Ji Family members' expressions changed drastically, while the Li Family and Zhang Family camps erupted in cheers.

But Ji Mo's expression remained unchanged.

"Hahaha! Ji Mo, your sword is broken; let's see what you have to fight me with."

Zhang Hao said triumphantly.

"Brother Mo, use my sword!" Ji Ruoxi said anxiously.

"No need, Sister Ruoxi, rest assured!"

Ji Mo looked at the triumphant Zhang Hao and spoke slowly:

"Since you want to die so badly, I will grant your wish."

After finishing his sentence, an ancient-looking golden bell appeared out of thin air.