Su Yuan pondered briefly before changing direction and heading toward where the Divine Extremes Peak disciples were observing the matches. Many noticed his movement and found it rather peculiar. With quick, light steps, Su Yuan soon arrived at the Divine Extremes Peak area and walked straight up to Yang Mengting.
Yang Mengting's expression turned slightly solemn, unsure of Su Yuan's intentions. "Senior Sister Yang, I have an unusual request. Would you be willing to hear me out?" Su Yuan spoke up.
"What do you want to say?" Yang Mengting asked.
Su Yuan smiled. "I think these arena matches are progressing too slowly. I'd like to invite you to battle elsewhere for a quick resolution! Don't worry, I'll have an overseer supervise the match!"
After a moment's hesitation, Yang Mengting nodded. "If you can get an overseer to supervise and validate the results, I agree."
Su Yuan grinned and nodded. "Good. Wait here a moment—I'll go speak with others."
Yang Mengting watched Su Yuan's rapidly retreating figure with confusion, completely unable to discern his true motives.
Su Yuan then circled around to where the Pill Extremes Peak disciples were gathered. Sun Hong had already noticed Su Yuan's strange movements and waited for him to approach.
Standing before Sun Hong, Su Yuan said with a smile, "Senior Brother Sun, these arena matches are too slow. How about we find another place to spar first? Some techniques aren't suitable for public display—you understand what I mean, right?"
Sun Hong replied indifferently, "Not interested."
Su Yuan grinned wider. "Oh? Is Senior Brother Sun afraid?"
"Childish," Sun Hong retorted coldly.
"Is that so? Then how about now?" Su Yuan suddenly unleashed a powerful aura, pressing it entirely onto Sun Hong.
Sun Hong's expression immediately turned serious, his earlier dismissiveness vanishing completely as he stared intently at Su Yuan. "Fine. I accept!" Sun Hong's eyes burned with battle fervor.
Su Yuan instantly understood—Sun Hong was an aloof battle maniac!
Su Yuan then visited the other peaks, personally inviting Sima Jikong from Technique Extremes Peak, Lan Sishan from Artifact Extremes Peak, Lei Youqin from Thunder Extremes Peak, Helian Yu and Dongmen Wan from Spiritual Extremes Peak—and even casually mentioned it to Wei Wen and Huang Ye.
Finally, Su Yuan turned to the sect master and whispered, "Old Brother Gu, could you arrange a more private venue? I plan to finish the Inner Sect Competition in one go!"
Sect Master Gu, having observed Su Yuan's actions, transmitted his voice: "What are you up to, kid?"
"Nothing much. The arena matches are randomized, and the top ten will have to fight each other later anyway. So why not settle it all now and speed things up?" Su Yuan replied.
"You're quite confident. I'm curious to see what trick you're hiding!" Sect Master Gu, intrigued, proceeded to arrange everything as requested.
Soon, observing disciples noticed that the top ten contenders had all left the Martial Arts Plaza and entered another grand hall together—accompanied by three Foundation Establishment overseers. This sudden movement left everyone bewildered.
"What's going on?"
"Not sure. It seems the top ten have gathered early. Are they going to fight now?"
"Why not fight in the arena? Why hide? I placed bets—what if there's foul play?"
"Unlikely. Didn't you see all the peak masters enter? Even the sect master went in!"
"Ah, does that mean we won't get to see the top ten matches?"
"Hard to say. Let's wait and see!"
Though puzzled, many suspected Su Yuan was behind this, given his conspicuous earlier actions.
Inside the Martial Arts Hall, within a massive training chamber, ten elite inner sect disciples had gathered: Sun Hong, Yang Mengting, Wei Wen, Sima Jikong, Lan Sishan, Lei Youqin, Helian Yu, Dongmen Wan, Huang Ye, and Su Yuan.
"How will the matches proceed? Five simultaneous bouts?" Sun Hong asked, glancing suspiciously at Huang Ye—who had already been eliminated.
Sect Master Gu watched curiously from the spectator seats.
Su Yuan chuckled and addressed the other nine: "Let's not complicate things. I challenge all of you—one against nine!"
The nine were stunned, their expressions shifting to disbelief.
Wei Wen immediately objected, "Su Yuan, don't be ridiculous! How could you possibly take on all nine of us alone?"
Sun Hong frowned. "I refuse to team up with others."
Su Yuan laughed heartily. "That's not up to you!" With that, he activated the Seven Stars Flowing Light Steps, leaping into the air.
A massive sword case materialized behind him. With a thought, nine flying swords shot out, encircling Su Yuan in a dazzling array of colored lights, making him appear like a sword sovereign. An invisible pressure weighed down on everyone present, causing their expressions to shift drastically.
The surrounding spiritual energy within a hundred-meter radius began churning violently, with metal-attribute energy becoming especially active—its normally invisible form now shimmering gold.
The very heavens seemed to respond as countless golden threads extended from the nine swords, connecting to the ambient metal spiritual energy and amplifying their terrifying aura.
The nine disciples paled, hurriedly mobilizing their spiritual power to resist the overwhelming pressure.
"What is this?!" Sun Hong's eyes still burned with fighting spirit, but confusion was evident.
The other disciples were equally baffled.
On the spectator platform, the seven peak masters and Sect Master Gu all stood abruptly, their faces filled with shock.
The Divine Extremes Peak master, her fair face flushed with excitement, exclaimed, "This—this is an intent! A metal-attribute sword intent!" As a peak Golden Core cultivator, comprehending intent was her greatest need—yet she hadn't achieved it. She looked to Sect Master Gu for confirmation.
Another peak master murmured, "Indeed. 'Power' can generate the influence of heaven and earth, creating a favorable domain. But 'intent' directly manipulates ambient spiritual energy, harnessing it for one's use—doubling its might! But how is this possible?"
All eyes turned to Sect Master Gu, though only Wang Siming seemed unsurprised—already recognizing this as sword intent.
Regaining his composure, Sect Master Gu sighed. "Correct. This is indeed intent—a metal-attribute sword intent. Sharp, cutting, yet fluid. A unique sword intent! Though only a trace, it's genuine comprehension."
The peak masters intently observed Su Yuan's movements, hoping to glean some insight.
Su Yuan glanced calmly at the observing sect leaders—this was all deliberate. Why? For future peace!
By demonstrating his talent and potential now, he could refuse future troublesome missions and demand resources without restraint. Rather than making a scene each time, he'd make one grand display—visible only to the higher-ups, keeping his capabilities hidden from outsiders. Perfect!
Turning his gaze to the nine tense geniuses, Su Yuan asked lightly, "Ready?"
"Bring it on!" Sun Hong roared. The others readied their magical instruments, preparing for battle.
Su Yuan formed a hand seal. "Seven Stars Mystic Truth Sword Canon—First Form: Stars' Descent!"
Boom!
Modeled after sword hymns, the first form of his sword canon was a downward-striking technique—except now, seven swords descended simultaneously, forming the Big Dipper formation. The remaining two swords became hidden stars, following the formation down.
For a moment, it seemed real stars were crashing to earth—the sheer pressure alone forcing everyone down. Simultaneously, the nine swords resonated, producing a soul-rending melody that assaulted the nine's consciousness.
Yang Mengting's expression changed. She immediately activated the Divine Extremes Peak's specialized spiritual sense attack technique. In her consciousness, a green illusory sword hovered within a protective pagoda. The invading soundwaves transformed into seven sword beams, striking rapidly!
Yang Mengting maneuvered her green sword to block one beam—the collision producing audible clangs in her mindscape. Though the green sword shattered partially, it held. But the remaining six beams smashed into her pagoda, reducing it to ruins—only the foundation remained. Though barely surviving this assault, she knew worse was coming.
Indeed, upon reopening her eyes, she saw nine flying swords already upon them—with four disciples already down.
"Impressive!" Sun Hong gritted his teeth, gripping his fire-tipped spear tightly as he thrust at an incoming sword.
The spear and sword clashed midair—but after only a moment, Sun Hong's spear was sent flying, embedding into a wall with a mournful hum. The sword pierced through all his defenses before halting at his forehead.
Sun Hong stared at the hovering sword, then at Su Yuan—memorizing this moment.
Sun Hong defeated in one move—the others fared no better.
Wei Wen, another Qi Refining genius, stood frozen with a blue sword poised at his chest.
Yang Mengting sighed. Specializing in spiritual attacks, she now faced someone surpassing her in that very field. The sword hymn's soul attack was merely an opening note—yet already overwhelming. What kind of monster was Su Yuan?!
With a wave, Su Yuan recalled all nine swords. The sword case shrank to ruler-size before disappearing into his sleeve. Cupping his hands, he bowed slightly. "Senior brothers and sisters, I appreciate your courtesy in this match."

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