Ye Zhiqiu: The Peerless Sword Demon

The soaring sword intent caused Li Daoyi's expression to change drastically!

Regardless of Ye Zhiqiu's actual strength, just this sword intent alone already put Li Daoyi at a disadvantage.

After all, his own sword intent was still one step away from reaching perfection!

Yet Ye Zhiqiu, at such a young age, had already comprehended the pinnacle of sword intent? This young man's talent in the sword path was nothing short of monstrous!

Li Daoyi also released his own sword intent—otherwise, he wouldn’t even be able to grip his sword steadily!

Within the barrier, sword intent clashed violently, creating massive waves of energy.

"No way!"

"Ye Zhiqiu's sword intent can actually match Li Daoyi's?"

"What kind of eyes do you have? Clearly, Ye Zhiqiu's sword intent is superior—can’t you see who’s more at ease?"

"What? Ye Zhiqiu’s sword intent is stronger? Wasn’t it said that Li Daoyi’s sword intent was nearing perfection?"

"Nearing isn’t the same as achieving it. Ye Zhiqiu’s sword intent has likely already reached perfection."

"Perfected sword intent at just over twenty years old?"

"This… he’s a peerless sword demon!"

"Ye Zhiqiu’s sword intent may be strong, but Li Daoyi’s cultivation is higher. Ye Zhiqiu stands no chance against him."

"Exactly, that must be the case!"

As the crowd buzzed with discussion, Ye Zhiqiu’s sword suddenly moved.

A flash of sword light streaked through the air, its power so overwhelming that it sent a chill down everyone’s spine!

"This strike… is undoubtedly Supreme Realm-level combat power."

"As expected of a sword prodigy—his battle prowess is truly terrifying!"

"Don’t forget, Li Daoyi is also a sword prodigy. His strength is no joke either."

BOOM!

Li Daoyi also swung his sword, and the two sword lights collided violently, the resulting shockwaves battering the surrounding barrier relentlessly.

"You are indeed strong."

"Ye Zhiqiu, since that’s the case, I won’t hold back anymore."

"Let’s see if you can withstand this strike!"

Li Daoyi’s expression turned unusually grave, surprising even the Sect Master of Jiuxiao Sect—was Li Daoyi really going all out from the start?

"Bring it on."

Far from backing down, Ye Zhiqiu’s eyes burned with fierce fighting spirit.

"Good!"

Li Daoyi tightened his grip on his sword and entered the state of "unity between man and blade."

Terrifying sword energy surged from his body, swirling around him like a storm.

Ye Zhiqiu frowned slightly, shaking his head at Li Daoyi’s actions.

This is taking too long. In a life-or-death battle, who would stand around waiting for you to charge up?

While Li Daoyi might be trying to unleash his strongest attack, Ye Zhiqiu saw this as a flaw.

Between experts, victory was decided in an instant—right now, Li Daoyi was nothing more than a sitting duck!

If Ye Zhiqiu chose to strike without honor, Li Daoyi would suffer dearly.

"You’re taking too long."

"Watch closely!"

Just as Li Daoyi was about to bring his sword down, Ye Zhiqiu moved as well.

Hearing Ye Zhiqiu’s words, Li Daoyi frowned.

Watch what?

But in the next moment, Ye Zhiqiu swung his sword—a seemingly plain and unremarkable strike, devoid of any flourish.

Yet within this simplicity lay an astonishing force!

Li Daoyi didn’t dare underestimate it and immediately countered with his own slash.

BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

A series of explosions erupted within the barrier, the collisions so intense that the protective shield trembled violently.

Dust and debris filled the enclosed space, obscuring the battlefield entirely.

From the outside, the sheer intensity of the clash was terrifying to behold.

"Is this really a battle between Void Comprehension Realm and Supreme Realm?"

"Hell, I’d believe it was an Immortal Realm fight!"

"Both of them are extraordinary geniuses."

"Who do you think won that last exchange?"

"Hard to say… but even if Li Daoyi won, it’d still be a loss."

"Exactly. Being pushed to this point by Ye Zhiqiu means Li Daoyi can’t claim true victory."

Everyone understood—both were sword prodigies, but Li Daoyi had the advantage in cultivation, age, experience, and combat skills.

If he had won effortlessly, it would have been different. But now, even if he barely scraped a win, it would be no different from a defeat.

"Can anyone sense what’s happening inside the barrier?"

"Impossible. The Sect Master of Jiuxiao Sect personally set up this barrier."

"Why is there so much dust?"

"It’s all trapped inside. Without the barrier, it would’ve dispersed by now."

"If there were no barrier, how much destruction would their clash have caused?"

The crowd could only shake their heads—there was no telling, but the devastation would have been immense.

"Release the barrier."

At the Elder’s words, the Sect Master of Jiuxiao Sect nodded and dispelled the barrier.

The moment it vanished, everyone strained to perceive the outcome inside.

"This…"

"How could this happen?"

"Ye Zhiqiu… won?"

"How could Li Daoyi lose?"

The result stunned everyone—Ye Zhiqiu had actually triumphed!

With a wave of his hand, the Sect Master cleared the dust, revealing the scene within.

Ye Zhiqiu stood tall, sword in hand, while Li Daoyi knelt on one knee, his face twisted in disbelief.

Li Daoyi couldn’t comprehend it—where had he gone wrong? Why had he lost?

In that final clash, he had clearly sensed Ye Zhiqiu holding back. If he hadn’t… what would have happened?

Li Daoyi prided himself on being able to fight even against peak Supreme Realm ninth-level experts despite being only at the fifth level.

Yet Ye Zhiqiu, at merely Void Comprehension Realm seventh level, had defeated him?

Though this wasn’t a life-or-death battle and Li Daoyi had held back somewhat, a loss was still a loss—and a crushing one at that.

"Where did I fail?" Li Daoyi stood up, his gaze fixed on Ye Zhiqiu in confusion.

"You lacked focus."

Lacked focus?

The words struck Li Daoyi like a thunderbolt.

Though he was a sword prodigy, Li Daoyi had dabbled in too many techniques, always chasing after flashy moves and extravagant displays.

Ye Zhiqiu, on the other hand, pursued simplicity—his goal was victory. If one strike could end a fight, he would never use a second.

The simplest techniques, honed to perfection, became the strongest.

And the Peerless Sword Emperor Scripture passed down by Chen Chang’an embodied this philosophy—no unnecessary flourishes, just decisive, lethal strikes.

"So that’s it… I see now."

"Hahaha… I’ve lost. Lost in sword talent, lost in strength."

Li Daoyi looked at Ye Zhiqiu, his perspective shifting. No longer did he see him as a mere junior—but as a true equal.

"The outcome is decided. I, Ye, shall take my leave now."

"Wait."

"Ye Zhiqiu, hold on a moment."

Xuan Wudao and the Sect Master of Wuji Sect were currently grinning from ear to ear, their pockets overflowing—this was a clean sweep!

Hearing Ye Zhiqiu's intention to leave, Xuan Wudao immediately called out to stop him.

"Might I ask what else this senior requires of me?" Ye Zhiqiu looked at Xuan Wudao in confusion.

"Come with me to Wuji Sect. There’s something I need to discuss with you."

"I know your master—Chen Chang'an!"