The light sound of the Red Flame Sword returning to its sheath seemed to draw this wonderful sword duel to a close. Wave-Touching Sword Sect Lin Tao's frank acknowledgment of defeat earned him much respect from the audience below, while also pushing victor Tang Xiaoqi to a whole new height.
Being able to defeat (face-on) the Wave-Touching Sword Sect's chief disciple known for swordsmanship—this was enough to prove Tang Xiaoqi's strength absolutely didn't only rely on uncanny movement technique and that peculiar wok. His pure and unique Guardian Sword Intent had already drawn many swordsmen and senior cultivators' attention.
"Clearness Void Sect... Tang Xiaoqi... This youth not only has amazing attainments in movement technique, his sword dao cultivation is also so profound!"
"That Guardian Sword Intent, seemingly defensive, actually contains infinite variations, combining attack and defense. Tremendous potential!"
"Seems we all underestimated him before. His ability to snatch treasure from the realm's core was absolutely no fluke!"
Discussions surged toward the just-descended Xiaoqi like a tide. Gazes held amazement, curiosity, examination, and naturally the increasingly cold jealousy like Yan Feng's.
Xiaoqi was deaf to surrounding discussions. He walked directly to where Cleanness Void Sect disciples gathered. Senior Brother Mu Qingfeng came forward. His usually composed face also couldn't hide relieved joy. He (patted) Xiaoqi's shoulder: "Little Seven, well done! Brings glory to Clearness Void Sect!"
Third Sister Liu Yun, though still that cold proud appearance, her gaze at Xiaoqi also added a trace of acknowledgment, slightly nodding. Second Senior Brother Luo Feng made faces, lowering his voice: "Good job, Little Seven! Hidden depth! Later you must tell Senior Brother whether that wok of yours has any other (clever uses)?"
Zhao Tiezhu excitedly threw an arm around Xiaoqi's neck, the force making Xiaoqi nearly choke: "Hahaha! I knew it! My brother is the best! What Wave-Touching Sword Sect, my brother beat them into submission!"
Seeing the genuinely happy Senior Brothers, Sister, and companions around him, Xiaoqi's heart also warmed. He didn't fight for fame, but being able to earn respect for his sect through his own strength—this felt good.
After brief rest and heated discussions, the remaining fourth round battles also determined victors one after another. Mu Xue's bye naturally secured an eight finals seat. Situ Hong, relying on his exquisite "Light-Splitting Shadow-Separating Sword," again easily defeated a strong enemy, striding forward. On several other arenas, victors were also decided.
When the final battle's ending bell rang, this Heavenly Axis Ask-the-Heavens Conference's eight finalists were officially born!
Besides Mu Xue with her bye and Situ Hong as expected by public sentiment, the other six were absolutely all true elites who had fought through countless battles from hundred, to fifty, to twenty-five, to sixteen. Among them were both core true disciples from Central Plains' major sects and renowned independent cultivators. There was even a female cultivator from overseas who wielded strange shell artifacts.
Tang Xiaoqi was undoubtedly the most eye-catching and special among these eight.
Clearness Void Sect, before this, could only be considered a small-to-medium sect in the southeast region of Central Plains cultivation world. Tang Xiaoqi, before participating in this conference, was even more unknown. Yet he, relying on co-first place on the Ascending Heaven Ladder, snatching treasure from the tiger's mouth in the realm, and continuous victories on the arena revealing astonishing strength and endless means, had hard-fought his way to the final eight!
From unknown nobody to rising fame, from being questioned to universal attention—he (only needed) several battles' time.
"Dark horse! Absolutely the conference's biggest dark horse!"
"With Foundation Establishment Great Circle cultivation, defeating strong enemies to enter top eight. Tang Xiaoqi's future is limitless!"
"Clearness Void Sect truly found a treasure this time! With this person, the sect's rise is within reach!"
"I wonder who his next round opponent will be? Can he continue creating miracles?"
Countless gazes focused on Xiaoqi. At this moment, no one dared underestimation him because of his background or cultivation. "Tang Xiaoqi" these three characters, along with his uncanny movement technique, mysterious wok, sharp Red Flame Sword, and unique Guardian Sword Intent, spread like a whirlwind, rapidly throughout Heavenly Axis City and even faster to wider regions.
He was no longer merely "Clearness Void Sect Disciple," but a rising new star with glaring light on this Heavenly Axis Ask-the-Heavens Conference!
On the high platform, several Heavenly Axis City elders supervising the conference also gazed at Xiaoqi multiple times, (in low voices) exchanging. Obviously they were extremely concerned about this suddenly emerging talented youth.
Xiaoqi calmly accepted all this. Fame brought not only glory but also invisible pressure. He clearly understood that among those entering the eight finals, not one would be an easy opponent. Every battle ahead would be hard battle among hard battles. Mu Xue, Situ Hong... these people's strengths were all unfathomable.
He took a deep breath, clearing miscellaneous thoughts. Regardless of opponent, he only needed to give his all. His goal had never been merely the top eight. The path of cultivation is like sailing against the current—you must continuously advance, climbing higher peaks.
Eight finals seats confirmed. Next came the draw determining final ranking. The true dragon contest would soon unfold among these final eight. The entire plaza's atmosphere also became more tense and anticipatory. Everyone wanted to know how far this biggest dark horse could go? Could he continue subverting recognition and create greater miracles?