Volume One, Chapter 18: An Underhanded Move

The disciples gathered nearby were initially quite focused on the battle unfolding before them. Some stood, others sat, all with their eyes fixed intently on Ye Chen and Jiang Wu, afraid to miss a single thrilling moment.

However, as the fight progressed, some began to sense that something was amiss.

“Strange,” a disciple murmured, furrowing his brow, his eyes filled with confusion.

“What do you mean?” another asked curiously.

“Don’t you feel that Ye Chen’s true energy is a bit... unusual?” the first disciple continued.

“Unusual?”

“Yes, it seems to carry a hint of sinister energy.”

The disciple nodded, his tone uncertain.

“Sinister energy? That can’t be! Maybe you’re just mistaken,” another disciple frowned, his gaze flickering between Ye Chen’s seemingly calm exterior, searching for any sign of abnormality.

His voice betrayed his disbelief at his companion’s suspicion.

“Maybe... perhaps it’s just the Qi-Blood Martial Path,” the first disciple replied hesitantly, a complex emotion shimmering in his eyes.

He understood well that the Qi-Blood Martial Path was an immensely powerful and profound system within the cultivation world, its strength capable of stirring awe.

Yet, like two sides of a coin, if this power was not properly controlled, it could lead a cultivator down a perilous path.

“This kind of pursuit might foster a bloodthirsty nature, even cause one to lose control and fall into demonic madness,” he added quietly, a barely perceptible worry lacing his voice.

He looked at Ye Chen, as if he could sense from the subtle rise and fall of his chest a surging, overwhelming Qi-Blood force—powerful yet dangerous.

At that moment, the aura Ye Chen displayed bore a subtle resemblance to demonic energy, an indescribable pressure that involuntarily inspired fear.

Yet, upon closer inspection, this aura also contained the unique purity and resilience of the Qi-Blood Martial Path, as if teetering between extremity and balance—both perilous and captivating.

“Enough, you must be mistaken,” another disciple said soothingly, gently patting the first on the shoulder in an attempt to dispel his doubts.

Though the first disciple nodded slightly, accepting the reassurance, his brow remained furrowed, and the shadow of doubt lingered in his eyes.

Moments later, he seemed about to speak again, his lips moving as if hesitating.

At that moment, a new disciple hurriedly joined the group, interrupting the unfinished conversation.

“Stop talking and look! It seems they are about to decide the victor,” he said urgently, eyes locked on the space between Ye Chen and Jiang Wu, where a heart-stirring battle was quietly brewing.

Prompted by this urgency, the two previously debating reluctantly ceased their discussion and focused their attention fully on the duel.

Ye Chen stood tall and poised, the blood-red spear in his hand seeming to come alive, fierce and vigorous, each swing accompanied by the sound of tearing air.

Yet, to a true spear master’s eyes, though Ye Chen’s spear technique was vigorous and imposing, it still showed signs of inexperience, lacking the steadiness and refinement born of time.

Even so, Ye Chen was no ordinary opponent. His previous status as a sword prodigy endowed him with profound swordsmanship skills.

This solid foundation in swordplay allowed him to demonstrate remarkable talent even when transitioning to spear techniques.

Therefore, despite his spear skills still being somewhat raw, his long spear unleashed formidable power in battle, subtly holding the upper hand against Jiang Wu, who was his equal in realm.

“What? The sword prodigy doesn’t seem to be Jiang Wu’s match?” a disciple whispered in disbelief.

“Looks that way,” another nodded, their gaze following every movement between Ye Chen and Jiang Wu, afraid to miss any detail.

“Could it be that the spear’s length gives Ye Chen the temporary advantage?” This suggestion immediately sparked discussion.

However, the notion was quickly denied by others present.

“The length of one’s weapon is important, but it’s never the sole factor deciding victory,” a disciple asserted confidently, eyes scanning between Ye Chen and Jiang Wu as if seeking deeper clues within their duel.

“Strange—when did Ye Chen start practicing spear techniques?” another suddenly asked, raising a question no one had previously considered. His words instantly drew a chorus of agreement.

“Yes, Ye Chen has always been renowned for his swordsmanship. When did he switch to spear?” The crowd expressed confusion and curiosity, their eyes wide with wonder.

“I don’t know, but he definitely hasn’t practiced spear as long as he did sword,” said a disciple familiar with Ye Chen, his voice tinged with subtle concern.

Those words instantly plunged the group into deep thought.

They began reevaluating the duel, trying to discern traces of Ye Chen’s swordsmanship within his spear technique and how he had managed to reach such a level in so short a time.

“If that’s the case, then Jiang Wu, who has trained in swordsmanship for so long, shouldn’t be no match for Ye Chen, who’s practiced spear for who knows how long... Could it be...” Someone seemed to have an insight but swallowed the words, unwilling to voice such a harsh truth before Jiang Wu’s supporters.

“Nonsense! Jiang Wu is just testing Ye Chen’s strength; he hasn’t shown his true skills yet!” A devoted follower of Jiang Wu suddenly interrupted, his tone tinged with excitement and indignation, as if making excuses for Jiang Wu’s setbacks.

His words seemed almost magical in effect.

Under the watchful eyes of all, Jiang Wu shifted his stance suddenly, his long sword flashing like a dragon emerging from the sea, carrying an overwhelming and fierce sword intent.

With a powerful slash, he forced Ye Chen to retreat several steps.

Yet, the cultivation aura contained in that strike had noticeably intensified compared to before, becoming more substantial and overwhelming—hinting at a power transcending the common realm.

“See! I told you Jiang Wu was only testing that kid Ye Chen!” a junior sister exclaimed excitedly, jumping up with admiration and reverence for Jiang Wu shining brightly on her face.

Her words immediately garnered nods of agreement from many other junior sisters nearby, their eyes sparkling with endless admiration and hope for Jiang Wu.

“That’s right! How could Senior Brother Jiang Wu possibly lose so easily to Ye Chen?” some junior brothers echoed, though deep down they sensed that Jiang Wu’s recent strike had likely tapped into power beyond the common realm.

Yet, caught in the tide of adoration, they chose to remain silent.