Sword Aura to the Heavens
Chapter 189 - 185: Light

Chapter 189: Chapter 185: Light

Everyone’s gaze fell upon Li Fan. Today’s sword debate took a rather dramatic turn.

First, there was the clash between Su Chen and Li Fan, yet Su Chen deliberately held back.

Then, Tang Huan, ranked thirty-sixth on the Green Cloud List, lost to the Wandering Swordsman, Yan Qi.

Just as everyone believed Yan Qi would ascend to the Green Cloud List, the previously understated Su Chen suddenly made a bold move. With an exceedingly arrogant demeanor, he stepped forward, defeated Yan Qi, and even attempted to shatter Yan Qi’s mental state.

And he almost succeeded—Yan Qi’s mind had indeed suffered a blow.

Although Su Chen’s methods veered toward darkness, they were undeniably powerful. As an opponent, he was absolutely fearsome.

Yet Li Fan had offended Su Chen before. If there were no surprises, Su Chen’s next target would undoubtedly be Li Fan. Just as he aimed to crush Yan Qi’s mental state, he planned to do the same to Li Fan.

Under normal circumstances, Su Chen—who had shown weakness before Li Fan—could now easily overpower him with his newfound aggressiveness. *For Li Fan, this would be a fatal blow.*

But what truly intrigued people was that, upon witnessing Su Chen defeat Yan Qi, Li Fan voluntarily spoke up...

And, like Su Chen, he exuded an aura of strength, hinting at his own edge.

In this simple sword debate, the Green Cloud List had already seen two changes.

*Could there be yet another?*

What’s more, Li Fan was the youngest among the gathered crowd—even younger than Tang Huan.

If he entered the list... he would likely become famous very quickly.

As Su Chen looked toward him, Li Fan picked up his wine cup, took a small sip, then set it down. Only then did he slowly rise and walk toward the outside. The crowd’s eyes followed him, their expressions increasingly animated.

It was clear their speculation was correct.

Li Fan was going to draw his sword.

Seated in the main position, Lu Yuhuan watched the unfolding scene before her, a faint glimmer of anticipation in her beautiful eyes. Though she knew Li Fan was extraordinary, she initially held little hope for him—he was, after all, the youngest.

But at this moment, her heart harbored traces of expectation.

Li Fan had witnessed Su Chen’s sword but still dared to take action. Clearly, he had confidence in his own sword.

Li Fan walked lightly across the snow, his pace neither hurried nor slow, until he stood opposite Su Chen, appearing almost casual.

Su Chen looked at him, still wearing his characteristic smile. This man was calculating and deeply reserved, his emotions carefully concealed. Even under provocation, he remained impassive. Yet based on his treatment of Yan Qi, Li Fan knew Su Chen undoubtedly harbored hatred for him.

Furthermore, even if he hadn’t stepped forward, Su Chen would not have spared him anyway.

"Does Brother Zuo seem quite confident in your sword?" Su Chen asked with a smile.

"It’s not confidence in my sword," Li Fan shook his head, "but a lack of confidence in people like you."

Su Chen waited for him to elaborate.

"As Sword Cultivators, only with a clear heart can we forge ahead and triumph." Li Fan explained. "Those with dark and twisted minds may have some talent in the Sword Dao, but they will never achieve greatness. And you, precisely, are such a person."

"So your sword..." Li Fan trailed off, but the crowd had already grasped his meaning.

"Then let me see Brother Zuo’s sword."

As soon as Su Chen finished speaking, a sharp aura exploded forth. Threads of golden swords encircled him, and even his eyes sparkled with golden radiance.

With a flicker of his intent, streams of golden swords shot outward, charging at Li Fan.

Li Fan stood silently amidst the snow. Before him, countless sword shadows materialized, standing tall like sturdy heavy swords, forming a Sword Wall.

The golden swords struck the Sword Wall—though sharp, they couldn’t break through.

"Such strong Sword Intent."

Everyone here was a Sword Cultivator; the moment Li Fan made his move, their eyes gleamed sharply. Lu Yuhuan’s beautiful eyes brightened. Just from Li Fan’s first move, it was evident he was a genius Sword Cultivator.

Su Chen naturally perceived the formidable Sword Intent emanating from Li Fan but maintained his composed facade. Golden Sword Aura surged around him like a storm, growing fiercer with each moment. Centered on his body, a golden tempest ripped through the space, sweeping away all snow.

The golden Sword Aura storm engulfed Li Fan in an instant. Yet the Sword Wall surrounding him stood immovable, like a mountain. The piercing sounds of the storm reverberated incessantly as it attempted to breach Li Fan’s defense.

"Buzz..."

Su Chen’s figure disappeared, hurtling forward as he became shrouded in the storm. His body spun in midair, golden Sword Rain swirling around him. He unleashed a singular, resounding strike—one of breathtaking brilliance.

Falling snowflakes seemed to freeze in place, while the golden sword light pierced the space, bypassing the Sword Wall to attack Li Fan.

At this critical moment, a dragon’s roar echoed. Li Fan’s posture remained upright, his spine straight like a dragon’s. A heavy sword materialized in his hand, condensed from Sword Aura. He swung it forward, unleashing its might.

The sword resembled a dragon’s form, domineering and fierce. With a thunderous clash, the golden Sword Rain scattered as the heavy sword blasted Su Chen backward, breaking his momentum entirely.

Su Chen retreated swiftly, landing firmly on the ground, his sharp eyes fixed upon Li Fan.

"All show, no substance." Li Fan spoke calmly. "You’re even weaker than I anticipated."

Those around them fell silent upon hearing Li Fan’s words.

Su Chen had defeated Yan Qi, and Yan Qi had defeated Tang Huan of the Green Cloud List.

And yet, Li Fan claimed Su Chen was weak...

Su Chen gripped his sword tightly with his right hand as Sword Aura stormed forth once more.

He darted into the air without hesitation.

Li Fan followed, wielding his sword as he ascended.

"Buzz..."

A golden sword light burst forth. Li Fan’s sword struck against it, yet as the second, then third sword flew toward him—one after another—an endless tide of blades rained from the sky.

Li Fan’s sword swept forward, while the Sword Wall continued to guard him. He stood with apparent ease, steadfast like a True Dragon, unmoved.

Su Chen charged again, consolidating the Sword Rain into a single strike. Like a torrent of blades cascading in succession, it aimed for Li Fan.

Li Fan thrust his sword ahead, and once more, the dragon’s roar erupted. The cascading Sword Rain scattered further as Su Chen was driven backward once again.

"A person’s heart is like their sword. What kind of person you are determines what kind of sword you wield." Li Fan remarked, his gaze fixed on Su Chen. "Your sword lacks open righteousness and grandeur. Su Chen, you will never become a Great Sword Cultivator."

Su Chen’s expression shifted; the smile finally faded from his face.

The crowd stared in stunned silence at the scene before them, their focus on Li Fan.

It dawned on them that Li Fan was giving Su Chen a taste of his own medicine—destroying his Sword Heart.

"Watch carefully and understand what it means to possess the might of a true Sword Cultivator." As Li Fan spoke, he stepped forward. His Sword Aura surged like a dragon, with lightning tearing through the void. A Dragon Shadow materialized as dominion and force swept across the battlefield. Li Fan launched his attack, and Su Chen felt as if a True Dragon were roaring toward him in a deadly charge.

Su Chen swung his sword, conjuring a flurry of Sword Rain. Yet beneath the weight of Li Fan’s awe-inspiring momentum, the rain seemed pitifully fragile, breaking apart in seconds.

A dazzling sword radiance emerged from Su Chen’s brow, shooting toward Li Fan’s own forehead.

"Roar..."

A dragon’s bellow reverberated, shaking his Divine Soul. The overwhelming Sword Intent pressed fiercely against Su Chen’s Sword Seed, rendering his resistance futile.

The blade descended—not upon Su Chen’s figure but rather through his essence, leaving only the Sword Intent. With a sputter, Su Chen was blasted away, vomiting blood.

Li Fan cast a cold glance at him, then gracefully maneuvered his sword to return to his seat, sheathing his Sword Aura. He poured himself a cup of wine and drank it in one motion.

The crowd remained silent, watching him intently.

It was Lu Yuhuan who finally broke the tension.

"Young Master Zuo, may I inquire about your age?" Lu Yuhuan asked.

"Eighteen and a bit more," Li Fan replied. "No longer young."

The surrounding Sword Cultivators: "..."

Lu Yuhuan blinked in mild surprise before raising her cup with a smile. "Congratulations to Young Master Zuo for moving onto the Green Cloud List."

"Congratulations to Young Master Zuo for moving onto the Green Cloud List," the Sword Cultivators echoed as they raised their cups in unison. This signified that the leader of today’s sword debate had emerged, and there was no longer any contention for a place on the list.

Of course, they wouldn’t stand a chance anyway.

"Thank you." Li Fan replied simply.

"Considering Young Master Zuo’s youth and skill, it’s likely even the thirty-sixth place on the Green Cloud List won’t hold against you..." Lu Yuhuan remarked thoughtfully. Li Fan’s strength clearly exceeded the lower tiers.

She recalled that he had only recently arrived in Chi Xiao City, settling in Seven Star Alley.

Today’s battle marked his first within Chi Xiao City, his introducing of his brilliance.

Lu Yuhuan had realized that, and so had everyone else.

The Green Cloud List was about to grow thrillingly unpredictable.

Li Fan’s emerging talent suggested his aim was far beyond merely reaching the thirty-sixth rank.

Meanwhile, Su Chen landed heavily and quietly withdrew from the scene. Li Fan glanced at his retreating figure. Su Chen, it seemed, would hold this grudge, but it mattered little—Su Chen’s abilities posed no threat to anyone around him.

No one—he couldn’t defeat anyone.

"Take this sword, Young Master Zuo." Lu Yuhuan presented a sword box, handing it to Li Fan.

"I came here today for the sword debate alone, with no intention of contending for a treasured blade," Li Fan stated. "Besides, I already carry a sword that suits me. Adjusting to another might be troublesome. I noticed Brother Yan could use a better sword—how about lending this one to him?"

Yan Qi looked over at Li Fan.

It was true—his sword was indeed lacking.

Yet accepting a sword from Li Fan...

"Brother Zuo’s intentions are appreciated, but I cannot accept such a reward," Yan Qi replied, shaking his head.

Li Fan drew the sword and walked over to Yan Qi, unsheathing it. Its gleaming light was breathtaking.

"It’s a loan," Li Fan clarified. "In the future, you’ll return it to me."

He placed the sword back into its scabbard and handed it to Yan Qi.

"A senior once said, ’A gentleman stands upright. If his Sword Heart shines brightly, his sword will triumph wherever it goes,’" Li Fan remarked.

Yan Qi looked up at Li Fan and asked, "Why help me?"

"A bright Sword Heart," Li Fan replied simply.

Yan Qi fell silent for a moment before accepting the sword from Li Fan’s hand.

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