Rise of the Sword Son-in-Law

Chapter 518: Strong Start

The next matches proceeded swiftly. The first to compete was Shao Yanlong from the Crimson King’s Mansion. His opponent was an Eighth Rank Peak Cultivator from the Flying Sky Sect.

The outcome of the match was hardly a surprise—Shao Yanlong won with just one move, securing an easy victory.

The second match was even simpler. Crown Prince Jiang Yu was pitted against an Eighth Rank Peak Cultivator from the Lin Xian Sect.

His opponent didn’t even step onto the stage, choosing instead to admit defeat directly.

The third match was Zong Xuan of the Ancient Palace against a prodigy from the Lingxi Sect, who was also at the Eighth Rank Peak.

The two were evenly matched, but in the end, Zong Xuan exerted his full strength to defeat his opponent.

The first three matches concluded quickly, and it was soon Xu Ping’an’s turn in the fourth match.

Many thought there was no suspense about this fight either.

Although Xu Ping’an had shown remarkable talent and strength before, he still had a significant gap when compared to the Fifth Princess Jiang Lan.

"This round, Wu Qing is probably going to be knocked out," said Huo Yu of the Heavenly Moon Sect with a sneer.

By his side, Wang Xiaxue nodded her head. Losing to ’Wu Qing’ was something she found extremely frustrating, even somewhat humiliating.

Therefore, she believed that ’Wu Qing’ had relied on some special methods to get this far and that it wasn’t a result of genuine strength.

If it were a real fight to the death, she was confident she could have killed him.

"Wu Qing isn’t our main concern. It was merely his luck to have made it this far. After this battle, he may earn some reputation in the imperial capital, but without making it to the top five, he’s not worth considering," Ning Shaocong said with disdain.

"Exactly, Wu Qing’s just got some talent. If the Eldest Senior Brother obtains the imperial capital’s inheritance, Wu Qing will simply have no chance of catching up," added Huo Yu, ingratiatingly.

"Brother Ning, your opponent Li Qingyi isn’t so simple though. Although she’s at the Eighth Rank Peak in Cultivation, her Combat Power is no less than that of the Ninth Rank," Wang Xiaxue chimed in.

"I know. But like Wu Qing, Li Qingyi is just someone with a bit of talent. Overcoming levels is only applicable to mediocrities. I’ll show them how vast the difference in realms truly is," boasted Ning Shaocong arrogantly.

"Exactly, they’ll realize that you’re the true genius, Brother Ning," Huo Yu exclaimed excitedly.

Wang Xiaxue, however, remained silent.

Similar dialogues were also emerging among the talents from the various factions.

"Junior Sister Li, who do you think will win?" Luo Yong’an asked with a smile, turning to Li Qingyi.

Li Qingyi didn’t respond, as if she hadn’t heard.

A shadow flickered through Luo Yong’an’s eyes, but it quickly dissipated, and he continued with a smile, "This battle might mark the end of the road for Wu Qing, given Fifth Princess Jiang Lan’s strength. Frankly, for a Seventh Rank to have come this far is already defying the heavens."

Upon hearing this, Li Qingyi still didn’t speak, but her brows unconsciously furrowed slightly.

...

"Little sister, don’t take your opponent lightly. He’s not simple," Crown Prince Jiang Yu said with a smile in the rest area of the imperial family from the capital.

"Do you think I could lose to a Seventh Rank?" Jiang Lan retorted.

"Of course not. But I do think there’s something unusual about Wu Qing. Up to now, I haven’t seen him exert his full strength. He’s always been hiding his true capabilities, which is unlike any ordinary Seventh Rank. You haven’t forgotten, a Seventh Rank Cultivator was capable of slaying a Ninth Rank, and not just one," Jiang Yu said, as if recalling something.

"You’re talking about Xu Ping’an, who killed Jiang Feng, right? That fool Jiang Feng wasn’t strong enough yet he dared to venture to the Heavenly Star Palace. But that Xu Ping’an isn’t as formidable as you say. His ability to slay a Ninth Rank wasn’t due to his own real strength," Jiang Lan said haughtily.

"It’s still noteworthy. To be able to survive amidst the pursuit of so many factions, Xu Ping’an shouldn’t be underestimated. And he is said to have grown up with the Thirteenth Princess," Jiang Yu pointed out.

"Thirteen has been unable to forget him, allegedly rejecting the suitor from the Fire Divine Palace because of Xu Ping’an. I truly want to meet him to see what he’s like, although he’s unlikely to dare to come to the capital," said Jiang Lan with a light laugh.

"Perhaps he has already arrived, hiding somewhere we don’t know?" Jiang Yu laughed.

"Then this time, the imperial capital’s grand ceremony is somewhat interesting, otherwise it would be too boring." Jiang Lan said with a smile, a hint of anticipation in his eyes.

"It’s your turn to go on stage, fight well, and don’t take it too lightly." Jiang Yu laughed.

"Don’t worry, even if I underestimate him, he won’t stand a chance against me. Within three moves, I’ll defeat him," Jiang Lan said, lifting her snow-white neck and heading towards the platform.

Xu Ping’an had also stepped onto the platform at this moment, and as he watched Jiang Lan approaching, he noticed she did indeed bear a slight resemblance to his little aunt.

Since she’s the sister of the little aunt, it’s probably best not to offend her.

He had inquired with Situ Xingfeng before, and it seemed that the relationship between the Fifth Princess and the little aunt was quite good; she was one of the few royal family members who showed concern for the little aunt.

So, after understanding this, Xu Ping’an had planned to take this duel seriously.

"Greetings, Fifth Princess," ’Wu Qing’ began.

"No need for courtesies. I only recognize capable people. If you can’t demonstrate the strength that I acknowledge, I frankly couldn’t care less about knowing you," Jiang Lan said bluntly.

’Wu Qing’ gave an awkward smile, somewhat at a loss for words.

Jiang Lan’s temperament was indeed very straightforward.

He was originally just trying to make a good impression, but since she said that, he had no choice but to show his true ability through actions.

"Since that’s the case, then please make your move, Princess," Xu Ping’an said, no longer wasting words, directly summoning his Immortal Blade.

Seeing Xu Ping’an summon the Immortal Blade, the surrounding audience all showed surprised expressions.

So this Wu Qing has a blade, they thought he could only use his fists to perform swordsmanship. Does that mean he hadn’t been using his full strength before?

Seeing this scene, Wang Xiaxue’s face turned ashen, feeling deeply scorned.

Jiang Lan was also somewhat surprised and smiled at Xu Ping’an, "Not planning to hide your true strength anymore? I thought you would continue to fight with your fists against me at the start."

"Against a high-level expert like you, Your Highness, I naturally give it my all," Xu Ping’an said with a smile.

"Haha, not bad. Then let me see what you’re really capable of," Jiang Lan laughed, seeming to have taken a liking to Xu Ping’an.

Xu Ping’an gave a slight smile, feeling a touch of shame for the act of flattering himself.

But it didn’t matter; after all, it was all for the little aunt.

Perhaps he would need the Fifth Princess’s help in the future; it was a good time to sell a favor now.

Of course, he still had to win, Xu Ping’an was not one to pull punches.

"Excuse me," Xu Ping’an said with a light shout.

He slashed with his blade, instantly creating a shocking blade light.

This blade light was terrifying, tearing through the void, sweeping towards Jiang Lan with unmatched might.

"Forty-eight Layer Slash? It even contains the essence of Spatial Cutting? Wu Qing is using his killer move right away," Situ Lie immediately stood up in surprise.

Everyone was incredibly astonished because the power of this blade was no less than that of the Ninth Rank First Layer Realm peak.

Was Xu Ping’an demonstrating such formidable combat power right from the start?