Chapter 767: Sword Duel Finals
Luo Capital, Mirror Lake.
The Crimson Tower Sword Duel has finally reached its final day.
Over these days, the spectacular matches have left countless spectators spellbound. The magnificent battle scenes will likely be discussed for the next ten years.
On the pavilion of the western hillside, Lolan Hill watched with interest at the massive banner hanging on the Crimson Tower. Eight names were written on it, representing the eight finalists in this grand event.
According to the tradition of the Crimson Tower Sword Duel, the top 100 participants would receive a purple embroidered tassel sword穗, the top 30 silver embroidered ones, and the top 8 golden embroidered tassels.
Now, these eight individuals mostly matched the expectations of the crowd, though there were some surprises. They are:
Qinglian Xijian Palace, Sudeng Lou
Red Dust Illusion Magic Workshop, Yi Miaoxin
Hu Xiao Jiu Huang Mountain, Huai Chang
Scorching Sun Xiangyu Sect, Gu Lie
Huainan Royal Residence, Xiao Yubing
Northern Army, Zhuo Fengtang
Yunhe Gate, Lord/Lady of Lingshan
Crimson Immortal Sect, Xie Zhuyan
Compared to the initial favorites, a few were unfortunately eliminated along the way.
Bi Xin from Wanzihong Valley, despite reaching Sequence 7, lost narrowly to Xie Zhuyan’s mysterious poison techniques from the Crimson Immortal Sect. Notably, Wanzihong Valley is renowned for its medical arts, alchemy, and pharmaceuticals. Even their chief disciple fell to this talented individual from the Crimson Immortal Sect, indicating that the sect might soon regain its former glory.
Additionally, Hai Biqing from Bibo Tianhai Pavilion was defeated by Huai Chang from Jiuhuang Mountain. Despite possessing six upper-tier treasures, including coral-grade artifacts, he could not withstand the assault from Jiuhuang Mountain’s leader.
Most surprisingly, Dao Jinzhi, the chief disciple of Red Dust Illusion Magic Workshop, who was considered a strong contender for first place, was unexpectedly defeated by his own junior sister. During the match, she unveiled her face, revealing a beauty so captivating that all who saw her willingly conceded.
This woman, named Yi Miaoxin, won without ever drawing her sword.
Zhuo Fengtang hails from the northern frontier of the dynasty and is the son of General Zhuo Mu Ye. Lord/Lady of Lingshan comes from an unknown small sect in the south.
Xiao Yubing, daughter of King Huainan, entering the top eight was the biggest surprise of the competition. Her impressive talent and strength as royal blood have made many reassess her potential. Some even speculate that her grandfather may gain favor with the emperor due to her success.
Finally, the last battles began on Mirror Lake.
First up was Sudeng Lou against Gu Lie from the Xiangyu Sect.
Standing atop cliffs on either side of the canyon, the duel commenced when a white-feathered bird announced from the sky.
Gu Lie leapt off the cliff, transforming into a stream of golden particles. A dragon figure emerged, soaring towards the heavens.
Its glass-like golden scales shimmered under the sunlight, sharp edges like blades causing awe and fear. A powerful roar shook the air, shattering rocks below.
Below, Sudeng Lou, dressed in white, slowly drew his three-foot-long sword, glowing like autumn water. Infusing it with pure magic, lotus patterns emerged.
In an instant, he ascended into the sky, his sword slicing through the azure, forming a luminous arc aimed at the dragon’s head.
As the clashing sounds of sword and roar echoed, spectators noticed lingering traces of lotus-shaped energy in the sky.
Sudeng Lou wields the Angel Sequence 7· Qingyun Zhanlian Sword, allowing him to step on air-born lotuses for effortless aerial movement.
Using agile footwork and swordsmanship, he dodged Gu Lie’s attacks, cutting through the dragon’s scales.
Seeing his disadvantage, Gu Lie changed tactics, ascending rapidly like climbing a waterfall.
But Sudeng Lou’s speed exceeded Gu Lie’s, pursuing him upward. Just as he prepared another strike, the dragon suddenly turned, its golden eyes locking onto Sudeng Lou’s, stunning him momentarily.
Taking advantage of this, Gu Lie struck with his claw, leaving three deep wounds, turning Sudeng Lou’s white robes red.
“Cough,” Sudeng Lou evaded the second attack, spitting out blood.
His bloodied sleeve wiped across his blade as he descended, then rose again with wings of magical energy. His sword grew increasingly radiant, like a new star cleaving the sky.
Minutes later, both combatants landed. Gu Lie had reverted to human form but was impaled by three white light swords, bleeding profusely.
“Truly worthy, Sudeng Lou. I concede.” Gu Lie bowed respectfully despite his injuries.
“Thank you for holding back… cough,” Sudeng Lou replied, also coughing up blood.
Though battered, Sudeng Lou emerged victorious.
Watching this scene, Lolan Hill felt a pang of regret. Gu Lie was one of the strongest contenders, unlucky to face Sudeng Lou so early.
Next was Huai Chang from Jiuhuang Mountain versus Lord/Lady of Lingshan from Yunhe Gate.
Lord/Linghsan was an unexpected competitor, surprising everyone by achieving Sequence 7 in magic within such a minor sect.
Dressed as a fisherman, he seemed unremarkable but consistently defeated opponents using precise strategies, leading some to suspect he had foresight abilities.
However, Huai Chang’s combat experience proved too much. From start to finish, he maintained pressure until Lord/Lady of Lingshan wisely conceded.
“Can’t fight this guy, sis. He’s a fighting maniac,” Lord/Lady of Lingshan joked to his sister afterward.
“I feel he didn’t even use his full strength. In a life-or-death situation, I’d die first. So for your sake on the way back, I had to preserve myself,” he explained further.
“Sister actually knows when to stop. That’s rare,” his sister teased, though she didn’t blame him. Reaching the top eight was already beyond expectations.
The third match featured Xiao Yubing against Zhuo Fengtang, a princess contender versus a general’s son.
After a long and intense battle, Xiao Yubing stood in her golden embroidered white gown, showing signs of damage, yet retaining her breathtaking beauty.
Zhuo Fengtang’s armor was shattered, his halberd barely intact. Pointing it at Xiao Yubing’s throat, he panted heavily.
“Do you dare pierce me? I’m the only legitimate daughter of King Huainan,” Xiao Yubing challenged.
Zhuo Fengtang hesitated, then slightly pushed forward, leaving a thin trail of blood on her neck.
“You really did it,” Xiao Yubing said, dropping her sword and closing her eyes in surrender.
“North Army, Zhuo Fengtang wins!” the white-feathered bird announced.
Applause erupted from the audience, celebrating both talents.
Opening her eyes again, Xiao Yubing said, “I’ll remember you.”
Then she disappeared from Mirror Lake.
Watching her leave, Zhuo Fengtang sighed, knowing being remembered by this capricious princess wasn’t necessarily good.
There’s nothing to be done now, he thought, retreating slowly.
The final semi-final match was between Xie Zhuyan and Yi Miaoxin.
One hailed from the famous Red Dust Illusion Magic Workshop, the other from the declining Crimson Immortal Sect. Both were relatively unknown before this event.
“Please guide me,” Yi Miaoxin said elegantly, wearing a beautiful red flame dress.
“My apologies.”
Xie Zhuyan appeared simple, like a rural farmer, wearing a bamboo hat and plain hemp clothing. She pulled out a rusted iron sword shaped like seedlings.
Seeing this, Yi Miaoxin smiled, removing her veil to reveal her stunning beauty, unmatched among all competitors.
Her beauty wasn’t just visual; it subtly adjusted to each person’s preferences, mesmerizing them completely.
Until now, she hadn’t needed physical combat to reach the finals.
Suddenly, black ants began crawling up her dress.
“Ah!” Yi Miaoxin exclaimed cutely, spinning her skirt to ignite flames around her feet, incinerating the insects.
After ensuring they were gone, she looked at Xie Zhuyan innocently, questioning her actions.
Witnessing this, Lolan Hill became intrigued by Yi Miaoxin.
She seems like a witch, her beauty transcending mere attractiveness, closer to a concept. Perhaps calling her a bewitching enchantress would be more fitting.
If there were gods of love and beauty, she might resemble their earthly form.
Yet, she’s quite bold to display her powers openly, Lolan Hill thought. Either she’s unaware of certain taboos or simply finds amusement in participating.
As she pondered, the battle began.
Surprisingly, Xie Zhuyan resisted Yi Miaoxin’s charm, unleashing her poison techniques instead.
A faint red powder passed over, corroding Yi Miaoxin’s red dress.
Xie Zhuyan moved swiftly, her sword flashing green as she struck toward Yi Miaoxin’s flawless face.
Two delicate fingers caught the blade.
“This isn’t right, Xie Zhuyan,” Yi Miaoxin blinked seductively.
It didn’t work this time.
Xie Zhuyan shattered Yi Miaoxin’s protective barrier and attacked her neck with astonishing speed.
Forced to fight seriously, Yi Miaoxin engaged fully.
Half an hour later, the white-feathered bird announced,
“Crimson Immortal Sect, Xie Zhuyan wins!”
With this, the East Continent volume nears its conclusion.
Recent writing conditions have been challenging, but updates will increase after the holiday.
