Chapter 10: One Strike to Defeat Ding Xuan! The Elder Is Shocked!

Very soon, Gu Yang and Ding Xuan stood facing each other in the dueling arena.

Their eyes locked in confrontation.

“So you’re Gu Yang, huh? You’ve got quite the tactics. Taking advantage of me going first and not showing my full strength, you staged a display to make yourself look stronger and win the elder’s favor!”

“But all you know are these petty tricks. In a real fight, one move… is enough to defeat you!”

Ding Xuan fixed his eyes on Gu Yang, letting out a cold chuckle.

His tone brimmed with confidence.

He clearly didn’t take Gu Yang seriously at all.

Hearing Ding Xuan’s words, Gu Yang was filled with question marks.

What the heck is this guy saying?

Petty tricks?

Sensing the absurd logic in Ding Xuan’s accusations, Gu Yang couldn’t help but doubt—

Do all these so-called outer sect prodigies have something wrong with their heads?

As if I could control the order of appearance after Ding Xuan. Petty tricks, really?

Of course, he had no interest in wasting words on the guy.

“All right, smart guy. Less talk, more action. If you’re gonna fight, hurry up. I don’t have time for your nonsense.”

Gu Yang waved his hand casually.

“Hmph! I once obtained a top-tier human-grade martial art and mastered it. Among those at the same level, I am invincible! Fighting above my level is nothing to me. I held back earlier—otherwise, do you really think you’re in my league?”

Ding Xuan sneered as an intense surge of pure true energy burst forth from within him.

Naturally, these words weren’t for Gu Yang.

They were aimed at the outer sect elders.

“He mastered a top-tier human-grade martial art?”

“No wonder Ding Xuan sounded so confident! He really was holding back!”

“In that case, maybe Gu Yang isn’t actually stronger. After all, even a perfected Vajra Fist might not rival a mastered top-tier technique.”

A number of outer sect disciples were shocked upon hearing this and voiced their amazement.

The outer sect elder, however, only narrowed his eyes at the statement—his reaction remained composed.

“Fall before me!”

On the field—

Ding Xuan didn’t hesitate. He struck out with his sword, unleashing a fearsome wave of black sword energy aimed straight at Gu Yang.

Seeing this, Gu Yang’s expression stayed calm. He slashed his own sword in response.

In an instant, a gust-like sword aura collided with Ding Xuan’s.

However, as the two attacks clashed, Ding Xuan’s strike was instantly shattered.

Gu Yang’s gale-like sword energy surged forward, smashing into Ding Xuan and sending him flying, a deep gash carved across his body.

The entire crowd fell silent.

Even Ding Xuan was stunned.

He stared at the sword wound on his body.

Only then did it sink in—he had lost!

“How could this be…”

Ding Xuan was completely dumbfounded.

The sword technique I took so much pride in… how did Gu Yang overcome it so easily?

“Looks like Gu Yang wins.”

Off to the side, the outer sect elder looked on, a rare trace of shock in his eyes.

Three top-grade human-level martial arts—

All mastered to perfection!

To think that such a prodigy with incredible comprehension existed within the outer sect!

What a surprise! An absolute surprise!

He had originally thought Gu Yang’s dual mastery was impressive enough.

But now… he realized he had still underestimated the boy!

As for Ding Xuan—

Though he was talented, compared to Gu Yang… he was still a far cry.

But Ding Xuan looked far from accepting his defeat.

“No! I haven’t lost yet!”

His face turned red, clearly unwilling to admit the result. Gripping his sword, he was ready to strike again.

Seeing this, Gu Yang’s brows furrowed, a trace of displeasure flashing in his eyes.

“Enough!”

Before Gu Yang could even act, the outer sect elder released a terrifying, overwhelming pressure.

It was so strong that Ding Xuan nearly collapsed on the spot, barely able to hold his sword!

“Gu Yang already showed mercy. Had he meant to kill you, that last strike would’ve ended your life!”

“And yet you still dare to push your luck—are you trying to challenge the sect’s authority?!”

The elder’s scolding made Ding Xuan break into a cold sweat, fear flashing through his heart.

Challenging the sect’s authority?

That was not a label he dared to wear.

He wasn’t a complete fool. He immediately bowed his head.

“You’re right, Elder. I was too reckless.”

“I admit defeat!”

Of course, he apologized to the elder—not to Gu Yang. His expression toward Gu Yang still screamed defiance.

“No need to apologize to me,” Gu Yang said flatly.

“You lost. So hand over the spirit stones. That’s your punishment for initiating the challenge.”

The elder’s voice was calm, but all the goodwill he had toward Ding Xuan had clearly vanished.

Had he not stepped in, Ding Xuan might’ve actually struck again.

And if that had happened, there would’ve been only one outcome—

Expulsion from Flowing Cloud Sect!

Hearing this, Ding Xuan bit his lip.

Reluctantly, he fished out five lower-grade spirit stones from his robe.

After several moments of awkward hesitation, he finally handed them to Gu Yang.

“Remember! These five stones are just a deposit. Don’t get too comfortable. I will surpass you and take them back myself!”

He glared at Gu Yang.

“Heh. Suit yourself.”

Gu Yang couldn’t care less. He pocketed the spirit stones without a second thought and ignored him entirely.

With the match concluded, the inner sect selection finally came to an end.

Under the guidance of the outer sect elder—

The four disciples who passed the selection were led into the inner sect.

The biggest difference between the inner and outer sect—

Was the atmosphere!

The outer sect was relatively lax and casual.

After all, its disciples were a mixed bunch, and their strengths varied greatly.

But the inner sect was another story.

Anyone who made it in—whether a prodigy or someone who broke through to the Qi Condensation Realm—was a true talent.

With so many geniuses gathered, the atmosphere was naturally much more intense.

Led by the inner sect steward—

The newly admitted disciples looked around curiously and in awe at every corner of the inner sect.

Even Ding Xuan did the same.

After a brief tour and learning a few of the inner sect’s rules—

Each disciple was led to their own private courtyard.

This was one of the biggest reasons outer sect disciples fought tooth and nail to enter the inner sect.

Every inner sect disciple got their own private courtyard.

To put it in Earth’s terms—it was like owning a villa.

Spacious, private, and worlds more comfortable than outer sect accommodations!

After bidding farewell to the steward—

Gu Yang stood in front of his new courtyard.

A sense of awe welled up within him.

“The treatment for inner sect disciples really is something else.”

“Not only do I get a private courtyard, but I also get to choose a top-tier human-grade cultivation technique and martial art?”

Recalling what the steward had said before leaving, Gu Yang felt a sense of anticipation.

Upon entering the inner sect, he could pick one top-tier human-grade cultivation technique and one martial art to learn.

This was not an opportunity to be wasted!

After setting down his belongings—

Gu Yang didn’t rest at all. He turned and made his way directly toward the Inner Sect Martial Pavilion.