Chapter 364: All Bow Down

“Cough, cough...” Lou Fengcheng’s injured body fell from the sky. Although he remained expressionless due to the influence of the Square Inch Book, his body’s instinct still made him cough up several mouthfuls of blood.

“My Sky-Mending Rainbow Cloud Robe is a third-tier magic garment, capable of blocking even third-tier Divine Thunder of Yimu. Why couldn’t it stop that sword light he just unleashed?”

As Chen Mobai had never previously displayed the Azure Flame Sword Qi, Lou Fengcheng’s knowledge base contained no information about it. He still perceived the cyan-colored radiance he had just witnessed as mere sword light, albeit one whose power had been elevated to the third tier.

But even a powerful sword light shouldn’t have been able to pierce his third-tier magic garment so effortlessly!

“Fortunately, he avoided my vital organs, so the injury isn’t severe. I can still use the Square Inch Book’s power to maintain my peak condition...”

Lou Fengcheng reached out to cover the bleeding hole on his right shoulder, his palm shimmering with colorful light. He was about to staunch the bleeding before forcibly using the Square Inch Book to control his body, activate his potential, and make a final, decisive move.

*Hiss!*

The palm he had just placed on his shoulder was suddenly pierced by a streak of cyan-colored radiance.

Under the influence of the Square Inch Book, Lou Fengcheng’s expression and eyes remained unaltered.

He raised his palm. The streak of cyan-colored radiance burned like a flame at the wound, transforming into torrents of searing heat that coursed through his blood vessels, causing his entire body’s blood to boil in an instant!

With a sudden whoosh.

Clear, shimmering flames ignited on Lou Fengcheng’s shoulder and palm, as if his body was burning from within. His flesh seemed to turn into fuel, and the intense heat of the flames began to erupt and vent through the wounds.

The Square Inch Book, which had been suppressing various negative states such as physical weakness, pain, and intense burning, suddenly disengaged automatically at that moment.

The three-dimensional golden linear figure of Chen Mobai in Lou Fengcheng’s left eye abruptly disintegrated. His face contorted in an instant, and he collapsed onto the lake surface, his eyes filled with pain, gulping down the water like a dragon drinking from a river.

“Oh, so the Square Inch Book is quite intelligent? Did it detect that you would die if you continued to maintain that ‘flawless’ state?”

This was Chen Mobai’s first real-world application of Sword Qi against an opponent, making Lou Fengcheng the initial subject to be hit by the Azure Flame Sword Qi.

It now appeared that the Sword Qi’s power far exceeded his expectations.

The third-tier Sky-Mending Rainbow Cloud Robe was pierced due to the Azure Flame Sword Qi’s “scorching” and “armor-piercing” properties, combined with a focused attack, making the garment seem incredibly fragile.

After the Sword Qi entered his body, Lou Fengcheng initially perceived the injury as minor. However, under the continuous effects of “blood burning” and “scorching,” he immediately felt his own blood begin to boil.

Had the Square Inch Book not been truly exceptional, disengaging from the flawless state at that crucial moment, Lou Fengcheng would likely have continued fighting until his internal organs were effectively cooked and his life force completely expended.

“This is… Sword Qi!?”

On the Stargazing Academy’s platform, Ding Chunzhi, who had been idly observing, couldn’t help but exclaim in shock.

Hearing his words, over a hundred Foundation Establishment true cultivators, who had previously been awestruck by the power of Chen Mobai’s sword light, were now dumbfounded, staring at the elegant young man at the center of the lake with expressions of disbelief.

At Pure Yang Academy, this year’s chief wore a blank expression, stiffly turning his head to look at Xiahou Weihuan, whose face had turned ashen.

He was the first among those present to recognize the Sword Qi.

However, he was unwilling to admit that, besides himself, another Foundation Establishment true cultivator had actually mastered Sword Qi.

“This is impossible!”

Pei Qingshuang, always radiating self-assurance, shook her head, her eyes wide with disbelief.

No one understood the difficulty of condensing Sword Qi better than she did.

Setting aside the Earth Fiend Qi, simply refining one’s sword light to its pinnacle and imbuing it with spirituality is a monumental task. Furthermore, both one’s spiritual consciousness and physical body must be capable of withstanding the Sword Qi’s backlash. This is simply not something a Foundation Establishment stage sword cultivator should be able to achieve.

Pei Qingshuang could manage three of those requirements, but her physical body lacked the necessary strength to withstand the Sword Qi entering it.

After all, Sword Qi wields third-tier power. Although she was a natural prodigy with abundant resources, she still lacked the capability to master a third-tier body tempering method while in the Foundation Establishment stage.

On the platform of the Jumang Daoist Academy, after Wenren Xuewei confirmed it was Sword Qi, an inscrutable expression crossed her beautiful eyes.

“If he had used this Sword Qi against me, would I have been able to endure the pain of my flesh burning and blood boiling?”

While Wenren Xuewei was confident that her Evergreen Art could nullify the Sword Qi’s destructive power, she knew her spiritual consciousness had limits. If the pain from multiple physical injuries surpassed her threshold, she might still lose consciousness.

“If I were to truly activate the power of the Great Chun Tree’s true form…”

Wenren Xuewei mentally simulated a battle against Chen Mobai at full power, wielding his Sword Qi. She realized that it was fortunate she had initiated a truce yesterday, otherwise, it could truly have resulted in a mutual defeat.

Even if she could harness the power of the Great Chun Tree to suppress the Sword Qi, her spiritual consciousness would undoubtedly be overwhelmed, causing her to lose consciousness on the spot.

What she didn’t know, however, was that Chen Mobai possessed more than just one Sword Qi.

Once the Square Inch Book ceased its operation, Lou Fengcheng’s rationality returned. He gulped down a significant amount of lake water; while this offered some relief from the internal burning, the horrifying heat that made him feel as if his very life was being consumed left him utterly weak and powerless.

“Doctor!”

Witnessing Lou Fengcheng’s withered appearance and his skin beginning to dry and crack, the Foundation Establishment true cultivators of the Sky-Mending Daoist Academy could no longer restrain themselves. Two immediately leaped from their platform, shouting and waving frantically towards the Grand Medical Academy.

“The sparring match has not concluded. By the rules, we cannot interfere.”

However, the two practitioners from the Grand Medical Academy, despite standing at the platform’s edge, hesitated. They glanced at Chen Mobai and then spoke words that made the Sky-Mending Daoist Academy’s Foundation Establishment cultivators fume in frustration, yet left them utterly helpless.

“I… surrender…”

Within the strictly hierarchical Sky-Mending Daoist Academy, Lou Fengcheng knew his two juniors wouldn’t dare surrender on his behalf. However, with his rationality restored, he no longer clung to his pride, raising his hand with his last ounce of strength and declaring his surrender.

The two students from the Grand Medical Academy immediately breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing this. They swiftly moved to Lou Fengcheng’s side and, after a quick examination, could only awkwardly appeal to Chen Mobai for assistance.

“Chief Chen, we require you to withdraw this Sword Qi power before we can begin our rescue efforts.”

Chen Mobai nodded slightly. With his right hand loosely cupped, tendrils of clear, reddish fire light seeped from the bleeding wound on Lou Fengcheng’s shoulder, gathering like fiery threads into his palm.

Traces of crimson blood mist evaporated over the lake surface as the Sword Qi returned. The Sword Pill, now fully reformed, once again shone with a pure, cyan jade-like luster, emitting a vibrant cyan radiance.

Then, to the utterly aghast expressions of everyone present, Chen Mobai opened his mouth and swallowed the Sword Pill whole!

This victorious combatant is actually a third-tier body cultivator?!

It is widely known that Sword Qi is a third-tier power and one of the most formidable offensive techniques in sword cultivation. To physically withstand and cultivate it, one would require at least a third-tier body tempering realm.

“No, his physical body isn’t that robust. Compared to his thunder arts and sword techniques, it could even be considered a weakness.”

Lu Qiulong, who had previously sparred with Chen Mobai, slowly shook his head, offering a definitive answer.

“It’s a spiritual body perfectly suited to Sword Qi’s power! It must be a ‘Fire Spirit Body.’ With such a physique, the Sword Qi’s power ceases to be a burden; instead, it nourishes the Fire Spirit Body. And as the Fire Spirit Body strengthens, it, in turn, can cultivate the Sword Qi, enhancing its power even further.”

The speaker was a seventh-tier Foundation Establishment cultivator, leading the delegation from the Five Thunder Academy this time.

As the academy most proficient in body tempering and renowned for its expertise in body cultivation within the Immortal Sect, their research into various spiritual bodies was exceptionally profound.

Upon witnessing Chen Mobai swallow the Sword Qi with an unperturbed expression, even appearing slightly invigorated as if greatly replenished, they deliberated for a moment before arriving at the most accurate conclusion.

“Chief Chen, there’s no need for our sparring match tomorrow. I am no match for you; I concede now.”

Just as Chen Mobai was about to turn and depart, Tao Mingqing’s voice suddenly rang out. The prodigy from the Grand Primordial Academy revealed a wry smile, stood on the platform, and cupped his hands towards Chen Mobai, signaling his surrender.

“Oh, sparring with me is a rare opportunity, especially since there’s no risk to life. Are you truly going to forfeit?”

Chen Mobai had not anticipated that the mere display of his Sword Qi would not only vanquish the ‘flawless’ Lou Fengcheng but also prompt Tao Mingqing to concede voluntarily.

While subduing an opponent without a fight was certainly advantageous, Chen Mobai had intended to use his next few opponents to refine his practical application of Sword Qi. As Tao Mingqing was ranked above Lou Fengcheng, he would undoubtedly have been a formidable opponent.

“I cultivate the Five Elements Art, which merely provides a deep foundation. In terms of actual combat prowess, I’m even weaker than your two previous opponents.”

“Originally, I had hoped to rely on the comprehensive nature of my Five Elements spells to hold out for a while, thus saving face for the Grand Primordial Academy. However, the moment your Sword Qi appeared, I reviewed every spell I’ve cultivated and found nothing that could block it.”

“Since I’m going to lose anyway, why should I endure more pain? I might as well concede now.”

Tao Mingqing spoke with a helpless expression. If he had even a slight chance, or could see a glimmer of hope, he would never have chosen to surrender in such a public setting.

But the problem was, that was Sword Qi!

Furthermore, it clearly possessed armor-piercing power. Although he had also borrowed a third-tier magical artifact, he wasn’t confident it could withstand the Sword Qi.

Even if it managed to block the attack, what if the artifact sustained damage from the Sword Qi? That would be even worse.

Even if repaired, he would likely still face reprimand from the academy upon returning it.

“In that case, I accept your surrender.”

Since Tao Mingqing had expressed it this way, Chen Mobai couldn’t very well force him to participate. He could only nod regretfully.

To be honest, he had been quite eager to experience the Five Elements Art at the Foundation Establishment stage.

That Tao Mingqing could be ranked fifth on the Foundation Ranking using this cultivation method attested to his profound mastery, likely having received the true lineage from his idol, Venerable Qingping.

It seemed, however, that his personality also mirrored his master’s teaching; upon realizing he couldn’t win, he completely cast aside his pride and surrendered immediately.

Chen Mobai then shifted his gaze towards the Kunpeng Daoist Academy.

With Tao Mingqing’s concession, his next opponent was Qi Huanzhi.

Would he fight, or would he also concede?

Everyone’s gaze followed Chen Mobai. Qi Huanzhi stood on the platform, his expression calm, pondering for a moment before finally sighing and shaking his head.

While he was confident he could partially block the Sword Qi’s immense power, the crucial issue was that his Grand Brightness Shield’s attribute was directly countered by Chen Mobai’s fire-attributed Sword Qi.

To withstand the third-tier Divine Thunder of Yimu, he would be forced to deploy the Grand Brightness Shield.

However, having witnessed all of Chen Mobai’s duels over the past few days, they knew his mastery of both thunder arts and sword techniques was consummate. His transitions were seamless and fluid, as if forged through a thousand refinements.

If Chen Mobai were to suddenly unleash his Azure Flame Sword Qi while he was using the Grand Brightness Shield to counter the Divine Thunder of Yimu, even relying on the profound mysteries of the Six Imperials Scripture’s Bright Division, he might manage to resist for a brief moment, but the ultimate outcome would inevitably be defeat.

Furthermore, his Grand Brightness Shield, which he had painstakingly refined for a long time and with which he shared an emotional bond, was highly likely to sustain considerable damage under the Sword Qi’s onslaught.

After considering all possibilities, although Qi Huanzhi deeply wished to engage Chen Mobai in battle and personally ascertain the extent of this combat victor’s fearsome power, he ultimately chose to concede.

It was merely a sparring match; losing was acceptable. At worst, he would simply relinquish his position as the Daoist Academy’s top disciple.

After all, it was one Daoist Academy losing to another, which was not shameful.

His earlier decision to ally with Lou Fengcheng and others stemmed from his belief that defeating Chen Mobai was still possible. He had been confident that with a full-force attack, combining the Six Imperials Scripture’s Bright Division with his Grand Brightness Shield, victory was not out of reach.

But now, with the Sword Qi revealed, everything had changed.

This was the third-tier power of a sword cultivator!

He shared Tao Mingqing’s sentiment: there was no need to put himself at risk for Xiahou Weihuan’s sake.

“I am no match either.”

When Qi Huanzhi spoke these words, although most people had already anticipated them, hearing the confirmation still left everyone visibly shocked.

“However, I still wish to fight you once. After this event concludes, if you have time, would you be willing to invite me for a private duel in the Minor Scarlet Heaven?”

Just after Chen Mobai, with a slightly hollow expression, accepted Qi Huanzhi’s concession, the latter unexpectedly added another remark.

Hearing this, Bian Jingchun cast a look of pity upon Qi Huanzhi.

“Agreed.”

Within the Minor Scarlet Heaven, unburdened by concerns, Qi Huanzhi’s chances of victory were even slimmer. However, given that he had shown due respect, and remembering the many favors he had received from Lan Haitian, Chen Mobai nodded in agreement.

“I won’t concede, boy. Don’t imagine you’re the only one who has mastered Sword Qi!”

As Chen Mobai’s gaze landed on the Pure Yang Academy, Xiahou Weihuan already spoke with a cold sneer.

Simultaneously, a brilliant orange-red light shimmered within his eyes. A captivating sharpness and heat emanated from him, causing those on the platform to recoil in awe, none daring to remain standing.

Sword Qi!

Xiahou Weihuan truly lived up to his reputation as Pure Yang Academy’s second greatest talent in the last three hundred years, after Nangong Xuanyu; he, too, had managed to master Sword Qi.

“Oh, you’ve mastered the Primordial Yang Sword Qi!”

Chen Mobai couldn’t help but feel a flicker of surprise upon seeing the familiar orange-red hue in Xiahou Weihuan’s pupils.

“Your Sword Qi should be the Azure Yang Sword Qi, correct? The Azure Yang Sword Art is a lesser sword art derived from the Primordial Yang Sword Art. I will demonstrate just how fragile your Sword Qi is in the face of my authentic Pure Yang lineage Sword Qi.”

Xiahou Weihuan’s confident declaration brought a peculiar expression to Chen Mobai’s face.

He instinctively lowered his head, his hand touching the yellow gourd at his waist.