Chapter 26: Weapons of the Mind

“Challenge, commence!”
With the sudden proclamation from that mysterious female voice, a beam of light descended from the dark heavens, enveloping Dugu Farewell in its radiance.
Whoosh—
The light possessed a peculiar power, capable of shifting people or objects through space. Dugu Farewell offered no resistance; he merely felt his body grow light as he slipped through the barrier of space and ascended onto an arena.
As his gaze swept across, an opponent appeared almost simultaneously on the opposite side. Above his head, his name was displayed: Jiang Liu—a new entrant, ranked precisely one thousandth. Though his position was at the tail end, anyone who could make it onto the ranking was by no means ordinary.
This man’s physique was robust, his sinews supple, his muscles bulging and brimming with power. Merely standing there, he radiated an oppressive aura that instinctively inspired fear, making one feel unworthy to be his match and thus, unconsciously, lessening one’s own momentum—a subtle influence upon one’s performance.
In his hands, he wielded a blade.
The blade measured six feet and six inches, its body broad and thick, the edge gleaming like water refracting sunlight, rippling with a cold luster.
“Weapons, too?”
Dugu Farewell was taken aback.
He had not been informed that weapons would be permitted. Hastily, he delved into the information within the Winds and Clouds Token, and indeed discovered that weapons did exist within the Winds and Clouds Arena.
These weapons, however, were ordinary, devoid of the qualities of Warblades or Soulblades. Nor were they real—they could not be taken out of this space. According to the explanation provided, such weapons were known as Mind-Forged Arms.
So long as one was in the Winds and Clouds Arena, none could withstand the edge of a Mind-Forged Arm. Those struck would be maimed or slain.
At most, when one’s rank rose high enough and their body was endowed with certain divine abilities, partial immunity was possible.
To acquire a Mind-Forged Arm, one must complete tasks or break through challenges—conditions set forth by the Six Sovereigns themselves. Succeed, and you would be granted the weapon of your choosing.
Lastly, it was mentioned that weapons could be seized and transferred.
Seeing this, Dugu Farewell smiled. Who would not delight in gaining without effort? What’s more, Jiang Liu’s weapon was a great blade—perfectly suited to his style.
He would take it.
Even before the battle began, Dugu Farewell’s mind was set.

“Senior, good luck!”
“Senior, you’re invincible!”
A chorus of hundreds of warriors cried out in excitement as they watched him ascend the arena, shouting their support. They formed a long line, pressing through the crowd and clustering at the foot of the platform, their faces fervent with anticipation. The surrounding warriors looked on in surprise, bewildered by this display.
“Are they cheering for you?” Jiang Liu laughed heartily, his tone mocking as he flipped his wrist and brandished his blade. “A mere fledgling at the Brave rank dares be called ‘senior’?”
“If you wish to fight, then fight—why waste words?” Dugu Farewell replied calmly, extending a hand in invitation. “This is no more than the Winds and Clouds Arena; rank does not dictate all. So long as I can defeat you, that is enough.”
“Since you know this is the Arena, has no one told you that no matter how special you are in the real world, it’s all useless here? Your rank is a form of suppression. And here, on the challenge stage, this advantage grows all the more obvious.” With a proud tilt of his chin, Jiang Liu sneered, “Today, your Grandfather Jiang will teach you a lesson. No matter how a mere Brave managed to reach the Warriors’ Square, or what reason brought you to challenge the Winds and Clouds rankings, stop being arrogant and looking down on others. Remember this lesson—harsh reality will change your attitude towards cultivation, and serve you well in the future. Should you succeed one day, do not forget Grandfather Jiang’s advice.”
Whoosh—
As he finished speaking, observing Dugu Farewell’s growing impatience and momentary lapse in focus, Jiang Liu suddenly attacked. The great blade cleaved down with terrifying force, roaring like a hurricane through fallen leaves, a streak of lightning in the night, slicing all in its path asunder.
Blade Cleaves the Eastern Wastes!
As he struck, Jiang Liu let out a wild cry, seemingly exhilarated. It appeared that deep within, he harbored a dark urge—a love for butchering his opponents. The sight of blood flying, the enemy’s cries of agony—these were his true delight.
Dugu Farewell had not expected this rough-looking man to be so cunning, launching a sneak attack. With a light sidestep, he slipped behind Jiang Liu, his gaze fixing on the back of his opponent’s head—there, at a vital acupoint, a fierce blow could mean instant death. All the talent in the world would be for naught, leaving only bitter regret.
Tap—
He retreated.
Dugu Farewell chose not to strike yet; he wanted to observe further, to ascertain whether the level of these ranked warriors met his own needs.
“He dodged? Such speed, such nimble reflexes!”
Jiang Liu’s strike missed, his pupils contracting in alarm. He knew his own weaknesses—the agile were always the most troublesome. Swift movement meant a protracted battle.
“No wonder he dared challenge above his rank—he must have something to rely on. Could it be… he, too, understands the special rules of the Winds and Clouds Arena?” Jiang Liu mused inwardly, but his hand did not falter. The blade flashed, scattering cold light like rain, a dense net of steel descending to ensnare his foe.
“This is somewhat interesting.”
In truth, Jiang Liu’s swordsmanship was accomplished, but to Dugu Farewell—a master who had spent his previous life perfecting the Farewell Blade—it was merely passable.

“Since you have some skill, let me apply more pressure and see whether you’ll surprise me.”
With this thought, Dugu Farewell did not retreat; instead, he advanced, charging into the net of blades. As the onlookers gasped in spite of themselves, he became as a dancing butterfly, weaving gracefully, effortlessly dodging each strike. At times, the blade’s edge came within half an inch of his body, the scene perilously tense.
The hearts of the hundreds of warriors below leapt with every movement he made, beating wildly then pausing, their breaths unconsciously held, worried lest they disturb their “senior’s” performance. At moments of danger, their palms were slick with sweat.
“What’s wrong with Senior? Why hasn’t he counterattacked?”
“Indeed—if he only dodges, sooner or later he’ll slip up. He’s already at a disadvantage…”
“Perhaps Senior is gauging the strength of the ranked experts.” One warrior hit the mark.
“Yes, that must be it,” the others concurred. “With Senior’s peerless technique, victory should be within easy reach.”
“Naturally. Once Senior loses patience, the outcome will be decided.”
“But I feel that Jiang Liu’s swordplay is quite formidable—his moves are fierce and precise…” one warrior voiced his concern. Another immediately retorted in annoyance, “That’s because your own skill is lacking, and your eye untrained. Look closely—Senior’s movements are effortlessly elegant, clearly holding back his true strength…”
“Holding back?” a warrior exclaimed, speculating, “Do you think, perhaps, Senior… doesn’t know that the rules of the Winds and Clouds Arena differ greatly from the real world, and is conserving his strength in preparation for the next match—perhaps even several fights?”
“Ah…”
The nearby warriors stared in disbelief. Reflecting on their interactions and conversations with “Senior,” it did seem possible.
In the real world, those of the Brave rank had limited stamina and could not fight continuously; overexertion could even shatter their Fountain of Power, ending their path of cultivation forever.
But here, in the Winds and Clouds Arena, it was different.
After every battle, one would automatically be restored to peak condition!