Volume 1, Chapter 36: The Sect Tournament (Part II)

Gu Mingxi had considered taking it easy when she heard about the tournament format. Her plan was to occupy a ring and serve as the reigning champion, as she would be required to hold the position for a full hour. If she were to finish off every opponent quickly, she would exhaust too much spiritual energy and have to face a far greater number of challengers—a trade-off that simply wasn't worth it. Therefore, it was better to take her time; this way, she could not only observe the techniques of other disciples but also better preserve her own strength. For those with weaker cultivation, she would take it slow, and for those with stronger cultivation, she would finish the match swiftly to avoid wasting energy.

Once the tournament began, Gu Mingxi found the nearest ring and stepped onto it. At this stage, everyone was still feeling each other out, and few were willing to step up as a reigning champion. But since Gu Mingxi had already decided to be high-profile, she might as well start that way from the very beginning. She figured that for the sect's grand tournament, she wouldn't need to reveal her trump cards. Since she didn't need to show her hand, it made little difference whether she used her other techniques or not. Her daily repertoire consisted of talismans, formations, sword techniques, and various minor spells. Gu Mingxi felt that this was more than enough.

As she stepped onto the stage, some disciples below noticed that Gu Mingxi was not only at the Great Perfection of Qi Refining but also a personal disciple. This stirred those at the Great Perfection level—both outer and inner sect disciples—to try their luck. If they could defeat a personal disciple like Gu Mingxi, they would surely make a name for themselves by stepping on her prestige. Gu Mingxi was well aware of their intentions, but as she had thought before, so what? If they weren't convinced, they could come and fight! A few rounds of combat would be enough to convince them.

The first to step onto her ring was an outer sect male disciple. Seeing a Great Perfection outer sect disciple challenging her, Gu Mingxi silently raised her guard. The outer sect was a place where all sorts of people gathered, and any outer sect disciple who could reach the Great Perfection of Qi Refining was bound to be someone of iron-willed temperament. Such a person would surely have a hidden trick up their sleeve, and she couldn't afford to slip up in the very first match.

First, both sides exchanged bows and introduced themselves.
"Xiaoyao Peak, Gu Mingxi!"
"Outer sect disciple, Li Jiaming!"
Li Jiaming was also surprised; he hadn't expected the ring he chose at random to be held by a personal disciple under Venerable Yuchen. The disciples below were whispering among themselves.

"It’s actually a disciple under Venerable Yuchen; this Junior Aunt Gu will surely win!"
"Perhaps the Venerable's disciple has no combat experience at all. I bet on the outer sect disciple, Li Jiaming!"
"I bet on Gu Mingxi of Xiaoyao Peak!"

Gu Mingxi was left speechless. They were already betting on who would lose? How reckless! She didn't strike first, intending instead to observe Li Jiaming’s techniques. Seeing that she had no intention of attacking, Li Jiaming realized she was waiting for him to make the first move. He did not hold back, drawing a heavy black sword and charging straight at her. A sword cultivator? She hadn't expected to encounter a sword cultivator in her first match, let alone one who wielded a heavy sword. Gu Mingxi drew her Zhaoxi Sword to parry.

Li Jiaming grew agitated as he saw Gu Mingxi only blocking and dodging, never attacking. Her footwork was graceful and ethereal, while his heavy sword was too clumsy to lay a finger on her. "Can a dignified personal disciple under Venerable Yuchen only hide?" he taunted. Gu Mingxi raised an eyebrow. Was he trying to provoke her? She had been dodging only to study his sword moves, and by now, she had already figured out his rhythm. Since he wanted her to attack, she would grant his wish!

"If that is what you want, then so be it!" Gu Mingxi smiled. Li Jiaming grew alert upon hearing her response; after all, she was a personal disciple, not to be underestimated. Though his intent had been to goad her into attacking, and while she hadn't been angered, his goal had been achieved. Gu Mingxi launched the third form of the Cloud Spirit Sword Technique at him. Her attack was fierce and overwhelming, leaving Li Jiaming struggling to parry. He barely managed to block the first strike, but her second was already upon him. Predictably, Li Jiaming lost.

Gu Mingxi smiled slightly. "I concede the victory to you—or rather, I accept yours."
Li Jiaming climbed to his feet, his face pale. "You are strong. You are worthy of being Venerable Yuchen's disciple!"
Gu Mingxi smiled; this was just the first step. Her match with Li Jiaming had lasted half a quarter of an hour, largely because she had spent the early part observing his style.

As soon as the match ended, another sword cultivator stepped onto the ring. Judging by his attire, he was an inner sect disciple, likely from the Sword Peak, though it was unclear if he had a master. He was also at the Great Perfection of Qi Refining, but unlike the previous opponent, he wielded a light sword, just as she did. Since he was a sword cultivator, Gu Mingxi planned to use the third form of the Cloud Spirit Sword Technique again, but she would observe him first to accumulate more combat experience.

"Sword Peak, Xu Zifeng," he said with a bow.
Gu Mingxi returned the salute. "Xiaoyao Peak, Gu Mingxi."
"Please!"
"Please!"

Gu Mingxi used the same tactic, letting Xu Zifeng lead. However, as she traded blows, she changed her mind slightly. Xu Zifeng was indeed strong, as expected of a disciple from the Sword Peak. Simple blocking wouldn't stop him, so she would have to feel out his style during the exchange. After parrying one of his moves, she didn't hesitate and unleashed the third form of the Cloud Spirit Sword Technique. Xu Zifeng, seeing her move, heightened his guard and deflected the attack.

The two went back and forth for a while. Once Gu Mingxi had mapped out his movements, she shifted her tactics. She switched to the first form of the Primordial Sword Technique and sent Xu Zifeng flying off the stage. The power of the Primordial Sword Technique was much greater than the Cloud Spirit, and Xu Zifeng, caught off guard, sustained a cut. Fortunately, it was only a minor wound on his arm; a single Rejuvenation Pill would suffice.