Sword Aura to the Heavens
Chapter 187 - 183 Discussing Swordsmanship

Chapter 187: Chapter 183 Discussing Swordsmanship

"There are so many remarkable figures in the world; Chi Xiao City gathers the genius sword cultivators of the Da Li World, but elsewhere in Da Li, there are still many extraordinary people. In the future, they too will compete for a place on the Sword Saint List."

Lu Yuhuan said, "Let us all strive together."

The Sword Saint List ranks the ten strongest sword cultivators across the Da Li World. Even if someone has never been to Chi Xiao City, their renowned battle achievements will shift their position on the list.

The Sword Ranking operates similarly.

However, the Green Cloud List struggles to account for sword cultivators outside Chi Xiao City.

One must come to Chi Xiao City to earn a place in the Green Cloud List. Yet even being ranked doesn’t necessarily mean they are the strongest Sword Dao geniuses in Da Li.

After all, people like Jiang Taie and Li Fan of Li Mountain exist.

"Strive together." The sword cultivators raised their cups in harmony. Discussing swords over wine stirred pride and ambition. *Sword cultivators are inherently competitive, each possessing a spirit to press forward without hesitation.*

"Having talked about the heroes of the world, it’s time to speak of swords." At that point, Lu Yuhuan smiled and said, "Today, I’ve invited everyone here to discuss swords—no hostility, no forcing anyone, victory and defeat shall be brief and decisive. What do you think?"

"Certainly."

None objected. Even those unwilling to join the Sword Inquiry weren’t compelled; they could simply watch.

Those who wished to participate had the chance to showcase their skill and claim the spotlight.

The Sword Inquiry was a frequent event during youthful gatherings in Chi Xiao City—it allowed people to gauge one another’s strength and recognize their place within the hierarchy.

Of course, *due to the competitiveness inherent in sword cultivators, true flames often ignited during these inquiries.*

*After all, how could a sword cultivator admit defeat easily?*

"If that’s the case, everyone, please proceed." Lu Yuhuan said.

Glances were exchanged, and then one individual stood up—none other than Shi Zhong. He said, "Allow me to lead by throwing a stone to elicit jade."

"Young Master Shi is modest." Lu Yuhuan said, "Shi Zhong, the Young Master of the Shi Family in Hezhou, hails from a Sword Dao lineage; his family history runs deep. His mastery of the Meteor Swordsmanship is exceptionally refined."

Clearly, Lu Yuhuan had a solid understanding of the sword cultivators present. After all, not everyone was as mysterious as Li Fan.

Shi Zhong’s gaze swept over the crowd, eventually landing in Li Fan’s direction. He addressed Miss Lu, "I’ve only recently entered the Foundation Establishment Realm. May I inquire about Miss Lu’s cultivation level and seek her guidance?"

Previously, he had greeted Lu Yuan, but she hadn’t acknowledged him. Consequently, *his desire to challenge Lu Yuan wasn’t out of animosity—he merely believed that she, with her pride, looked down on him somewhat.*

*Thus, he had no choice but to prove himself with his sword.*

Lu Yuan blinked in surprise, not expecting Shi Zhong to single her out.

She had recently entered the Foundation Establishment Realm herself.

Her beautiful eyes glanced at Li Fan nearby. Seeing him, he replied, "It’s your decision."

Lu Yuan nodded gently, then rose and walked towards the nearby open clearing.

Everyone’s gaze turned to them as the two stood opposite one another.

"Let’s begin."

"Let’s begin."

They both spoke simultaneously, drawing their swords.

"Be careful, Miss Lu." As Shi Zhong finished speaking, his Sword Aura flared like starlight. His figure instantly disappeared from where he stood, moving as fast as lightning to strike at Lu Yuan.

"How swift his movement technique is!" Lu Yuhuan praised. Lu Yuan stepped forward, her sword dancing with grace as a mighty force surged forth—like a tidal wave sweeping out to meet Shi Zhong’s sword.

When their swords clashed, the Sword Aura roared furiously. Snowflakes scattered, an invisible storm enveloping their bodies as it soared upwards. The flying snow churned within the storm, forming a terrifying cyclone.

Their bodies ascended higher and higher as onlookers tilted their heads skyward. Countless afterimages painted the air—each of them Shi Zhong, appearing to attack Lu Yuan simultaneously from different directions. Every shadow transformed into a beam of sword light, cutting through the void.

Lu Yuan’s sword danced, a gale swirling around her as layers upon layers of Sword Aura swept forward. Her Sword Intent resembled crashing tidal waves.

"Blending hardness and softness—her swordsmanship is so elegant, yet so violent. It’s surprising; Miss Lu is not only beautiful herself but has mastered a beautiful sword." Su Chen marveled, gazing upwards at the battlefield. Many sword cultivators around him agreed, instinctively glancing in Li Fan’s direction.

Li Fan calmly sipped his wine. He knew Lu Yuan hadn’t fully displayed her strength. If these sword cultivators wished to challenge her, they would first have to defeat her.

As for Su Chen... he seemed like an annoying fly, buzzing ceaselessly.

In the battlefield, the two battled in midair with Sword Control.

At this moment, as Shi Zhong grew more serious, Sword Aura surged at the center of his brow. Shimmering sword light erupted, filling the heavens and earth with a deafening roar. Swords descended like meteors, each aimed at Lu Yuan, all resembling falling stars.

"Miss Lu may be in trouble..." someone remarked. The Meteor Sword Rain encased Lu Yuan’s form, but she raised her sword towards the heavens. With a downward motion, her sword guided the falling snow like a waterfall.

Snow danced with her sword; an intense chill spread frighteningly. The furious Meteor Sword Rain seemed to slow, becoming encrusted in frost.

The Sword Intent surrounding Lu Yuan intensified, sucking the Meteor Sword Rain into itself. With a single swipe of her sword, the endless snowstorm transformed into a blade of cold light, severing through the skies.

"Boom!"

A deafening explosion resounded. Shi Zhong’s body was flung backward, as if pierced through by Sword Intent. He let out a muffled groan, then paused, raising his gaze to Lu Yuan.

He had lost.

"Thank you for letting me win." Lu Yuan said softly, returning to her seat.

Shi Zhong appeared dazed as he descended back to the ground before walking to his seat to sit down.

*He had traveled from Hezhou, born to a Sword Dao lineage. Though he knew that Chi Xiao City was teeming with talented individuals and was unlike Hezhou, he hadn’t anticipated such a crushing defeat. His original intent had been to challenge swords and prove himself, but all he felt now was disheartenment.*

"Amazing."

Breaking the awkward silence, Lu Yuhuan spoke, "Young Master Shi’s Meteor Swordsmanship is dazzling and fierce, while Miss Lu’s blends strength and grace. This first match of the Sword Inquiry has been eye-opening for me."

"Indeed, incredible," Su Chen remarked, "Miss Lu seems to have held back somewhat. Should she go all out, I wonder how strong her swordsmanship would be. If that’s the case, then Brother Zuo’s sword must be..."

At this, Su Chen paused, flashing a knowing smile, leaving the rest to imagination.

Unsurprisingly, the sword cultivators’ gazes soon landed on Li Fan.

*Sword cultivators are proud by nature. If asked to challenge Lu Yuan, defeating a woman—even if victorious—would hardly bring glory. Yet if defeated, like Shi Zhong, their esteem would plummet.*

*However, challenging Li Fan was entirely different.*

"Brother Su, are you curious about my swordsmanship?" Li Fan asked Su Chen.

Su Chen shook his head, replying, "I am merely deducing. Surely, Brother Zuo’s swordsmanship must be extraordinary."

Li Fan chuckled. Su Chen’s insidious intentions knew no bounds.

*If Li Fan’s swordsmanship proved powerful, it would stir competitiveness among the sword cultivators.*

*If his techniques were weak, even inferior to Lu Yuan, Su Chen’s prior comments would publicly shame him.*

"Since it’s a Sword Inquiry, why rely on deduction?"

Li Fan smiled, his thoughts shifting. The wine in his cup floated in mid-air, forming a straight line that gradually shaped itself into a sword.

"Why not test it directly for yourself?" As Li Fan spoke, the wine-formed sword whistled through the air and shot toward Su Chen.

Su Chen’s eyes flashed with sharpness as he stared ahead. "Bang!" The liquid scattered in mid-air, falling as droplets, while Sword Intent briefly surged around Su Chen’s body before vanishing.

"I fear I am no match for Brother Zuo," Su Chen laughed, deliberately yielding.

Li Fan was mildly surprised—he had expected Su Chen to retaliate given the provocations, but Su Chen didn’t seem to care about saving face.

Li Fan grinned faintly, choosing not to press further.

Su Chen sipped his wine leisurely, his demeanor as calm as ever, yet a cold smile graced the corners of his lips.

*Test his sword?*

*He would give them an unexpected surprise.*

*Of course, today’s gathering wasn’t about Li Fan.*

"I desire this sword. Does anyone object?"

A voice rang out, drawing everyone’s attention. Turning their gazes, they saw Tang Huan’s sharp expression cutting through the crowd.

Youthful arrogance.

That was the phrase the group thought of.

Among those present, Tang Huan was one of the youngest.

Only Li Fan and Lu Yuan appeared younger than him.

Yet Tang Huan had already entered the Green Cloud List,

earning him the right to be audacious.

Even Lu Yuhuan was slightly surprised. She brought out a sword case, placing it before her, smiling as she said, "Who is willing to challenge Young Master Tang in a Sword Inquiry?"

The Green Cloud List’s lowest-ranked, comparatively weaker among the names listed—but in Chi Xiao City, where geniuses abound, the list fluctuates often.

Thus, no one could hold their position on the Green Cloud List permanently.

However, merely being listed was already proof of considerable skill. Tang Huan’s capabilities were beyond dispute.

Although he appeared brash, no one responded immediately.

From a corner, Yan Qi—who had been quietly drinking—lifted his gaze and glanced toward Lu Yuhuan.

"I’ll challenge."

Yan Qi’s mellow voice carried an air of weight, prompting the crowd to turn their attention to him with skeptical expressions.

*Him?*

"Yan Qi." Lu Yuhuan looked at him and asked, "Would you like to?"

"Certainly," Yan Qi replied with a smile. Lu Yuhuan concealed the ripples in her heart.

*She knew Yan Qi’s sword was fast—but could it outspeed the sword cultivators listed on the Green Cloud List?*