Sword Aura to the Heavens
Chapter 197 - 193 Outside the Dojo

Chapter 197: Chapter 193 Outside the Dojo

Outside the Shadow Bearing Sword Arena, towering stone walls were covered densely with sharp swords.

Beside each sword, there were engravings, vigorous and powerful, imbued with Sword Intent. These engravings filled the stone wall with an intangible Sword Aura, as if the swords and engravings were about to pierce through the wall.

This was the Sword Wall of the arena, forged from an extraordinary material. On the outer wall, the engravings belonged to the genius cultivators of the Green Cloud List from previous generations. To train in the Shadow Bearing Sword Arena, one must leave engravings on the wall—the stronger one’s talent in Sword Dao, the deeper the marks left.

The top geniuses could leave engravings that penetrated the wall by three inches.

However, for those with mediocre talent—such as those with weak foundations or lackluster Sword Intent—the engravings would fade away on their own, failing to leave marks on the wall.

If that happened, even cultivators from the Green Cloud List would be denied entry into the dojo.

Only those on the Green Cloud List who manage to leave engravings could enter the dojo.

At this moment, many people stood beneath the Sword Wall, gazing at it with awe.

Rumor had it there was another stone wall within the dojo. The swords embedded in it all belonged to Great Sword Cultivators, who left their engravings behind. Each character on the wall carried profound insights into the Sword Intent of the Great Sword Cultivators.

The myriad of characters on the wall varied. Some left their full names, some left only their surnames, while others etched unrelated characters, with varying depths and strengths.

Some engravings had plain Sword Intent, seemingly ready to dissipate at any moment, while others were vigorous and powerful, radiating Sword Intent that pierced through the wall.

In the center of the wall, one character stood out prominently—the character "Cang" (苍).

This "Cang" character appeared as if it would break through the wall, making it the most dazzling engraving on the stone wall.

The one who etched this character was none other than the former Green Cloud List champion, Cang Yunxuan.

Now, he had become one of the Shadow Bearing Sword Sect’s direct disciples, officially joining its ranks, and had advanced to the realm of a Five Realms Sword Cultivator. Even in Chi Xiao City, his status remained extremely exalted.

Being a direct disciple of the fifth-ranked sword cultivator in the world, anyone in such a position naturally held immense prestige and had a chance to compete for a spot on the Sword Ranking. Of course, it was only an opportunity.

The Sword Ranking had merely ten coveted slots.

At the base of the stone wall, many sword cultivators stood, their eyes fixed on the engravings, brimming with sharp resolve and eager anticipation.

These individuals were the pride of this year’s Green Cloud List—the most gifted among heaven’s chosen. They were all here to carve their names on the wall, for the people of Chi Xiao City to behold. Should their sword engravings shine like Cang Yunxuan’s—like sparks breaking through the wall—they would not only achieve fame but also have the chance to become direct disciples of Li Chengying.

Further off in the distance gathered a crowd of spectators, watching these cultivators of the Green Cloud List with rapt excitement.

A palpable sense of anticipation filled the air. Who would rise above the others today? Who would carve their name and let their mark pierce through the stone?

"That man, it’s Ren Yuzhi."

The crowd’s gaze turned toward a young man standing beneath the stone wall—Ren Yuzhi, the Quick Sword. This individual was heralded as the fastest sword cultivator in this year’s Green Cloud List. At only twenty-three years old, he ranked third.

There’s a saying among sword cultivators, "One sword to break ten thousand techniques, nothing withstands speed." Ren Yuzhi’s sword had achieved the pinnacle of speed.

When a sword is fast enough, it becomes sharp enough.

"Ren Yuzhi, your sword may be swift, but your Sword Intent isn’t strong enough. The character you engrave will likely lack depth," a voice called nearby. Ren Yuzhi turned his gaze toward the speaker—it was Han Zhong, carrying a heavy sword on his back.

"A defeated foe has arrived." Ren Yuzhi said indifferently, his tone lazy and unconcerned.

Han Zhong had once fallen to Ren Yuzhi’s Quick Sword. Han’s heavy sword wielded overwhelming, bold power, following a different Sword Dao from Ren’s—but his heavy sword was ultimately outmatched by Ren’s speed.

"Though I once lost to you, today’s outcome might be different." Han Zhong raised his head and remarked, battle intent swirling in his eyes, reflecting the constant rivalries among the sword cultivators of the Green Cloud List.

"The top two of the Green Cloud List haven’t arrived yet. What are you two fighting for?" A playful voice chimed in as a graceful figure approached—it was Xia Yao, ranked twelfth on the Green Cloud List.

"The strongest will always arrive last; otherwise, how would their distinction stand out?" Another person laughed as they joined, bringing a lively buzz to the scene.

"What’s the commotion over there?"

Someone turned their head toward a gathering in the distance, which was drawing just as much attention from the crowd—perhaps even more, given that nothing had officially begun here yet.

"Two newcomers to the Green Cloud List have some conflicts. They say Zuo Tu, only eighteen years old, is bound to challenge the top ten spots on the list in the future."

"Zuo Tu," they murmured, having heard bits and pieces about him before.

"Young folks can be so reckless. Resolving grievances at a moment like this—are they just trying to grab attention and rise to fame more quickly?"

Elsewhere in the gathering, Li Fan ignored their speculations, uninterested in their opinions.

The most effective way to prevent Su Chen from entering Li Chengying’s Sword Dojo to train was here and now.

If Su Chen entered the dojo to cultivate, settling accounts with him would become an impossibility. Even if irrefutable proof emerged later that Su Chen had sent assassins to kill him, it would mean nothing—Li Fan would have no means of exacting retribution.

Su Chen glanced toward the Sword Wall. The cultivators of the Green Cloud List were arriving in succession, preparing to engrave their marks, yet he stood detained by Li Fan.

"What are you asking of me?"

Li Fan looked at Su Chen, a sharp intent flashing between his brows. "When I first came to Chi Xiao City, I settled down in Seven Star Alley. We met; though not familiar, we knew each other. When I was playing chess, you deliberately provoked me with your words, attempting to disrupt my mental clarity—this is the first offense."

"At the Lu Mansion banquet, you targeted me with your words—not just me, but Yan Qi as well. He was someone unfamiliar to you, yet you humiliated him. You stepped over him to climb the Green Cloud List, fine; but then sought to crush his pursuit of the Sword Dao—cruelty and deceit—this is the second offense."

"At the Lu Mansion, when you lost to me, it fueled a grudge. Yet even so, it wasn’t enough to become a matter of life and death—I could have even forgotten your existence. Yet you sent a Five Realms assassin to kill me—this is the third offense."

"Su Chen, you tell me, what do I want?"

Li Fan’s voice wasn’t loud, but those nearby heard it clearly. Only now did everyone understand the deeper grievances behind Li Fan’s insistence on refusing to let Su Chen go.

However, if it was only one person’s word...

"Utter nonsense." As expected, Su Chen stared at Li Fan and said firmly, "I understand Brother Zuo distrusts me, but there’s no need for such slander. The chess match was nothing more than a jest. At the Lu Mansion gathering, Yan Qi appeared so wretchedly dressed, akin to a beggar loitering in a corner—I felt disdain and spoke sharply to him. That was my fault, I admit; but as for the assassination attempt, that’s wholly fabricated. If Brother Zuo experienced such an event, he should investigate properly before jumping to conclusions."

"I’ve not spent much time in Chi Xiao City. Since arriving in Seven Star Alley, I’ve scarcely left, except for attending one banquet—the Lu Mansion’s. Aside from that, I’ve had no interactions with anyone. There’s only one person with whom I’ve quarreled: you."

Li Fan stared into Su Chen’s eyes. Though he wasn’t interrogating him, the truth was already clear in his mind.

After all, it didn’t make sense for someone to want him dead without reason.

"So, Brother Zuo’s claims are really just speculation," Su Chen replied coldly. "Speculation alone, yet you smear my name with such accusations—is this the Sword Dao Sword Heart you cultivate, Brother Zuo?"

Just then, a figure approached from nearby—it was Yan Qi. Seeing him caused Su Chen’s brows to furrow; was this nobody here to trouble him too?

"You did it, why not admit it?" Yan Qi fixed his gaze on Su Chen.

"If I had done it, I would admit it. But for something I didn’t do, why should I? My character is well-known among many in Chi Xiao City. Will your mere words ruin my reputation?"

Su Chen turned his gaze to Li Fan. "Zuo Tu, I have always addressed you respectfully as Brother Zuo, acknowledging your exceptional talent in Sword Dao, seeking camaraderie. Yet you’ve pressed me incessantly whilst I’ve avoided conflict time and again. Today, however, is the day when the Shadow Bearing Sword masters are recruiting disciples. I hope our personal disputes won’t disrupt such a significant occasion—for any grievances you hold, let’s settle them on another day."

The murmurs around them grew louder, with many pointing fingers at Li Fan.

"This really does seem excessive."

"Brother Su’s integrity, we are indeed familiar with—righteous and honorable."

"Today is the Shadow Bearing Sword masters’ recruitment day; let’s not spoil the atmosphere."

Gradually, voices of agreement gathered, Su Chen’s careful networking now serving him well.

"As for the alleged attempt on his life, I cannot speak to its truth—but at the Lu Mansion banquet, which I personally hosted, there was indeed some conflict. Young Master Su did make sharp remarks against Mr. Yan." At this point, another voice joined—it was Lu Yuhuan of the Lu Mansion.

"Bitch," Su Chen cursed inwardly but maintained composure. Toward Yan Qi, he said aloud, "Looking back at how I treated Yan Qi on that day, I realize my actions were inappropriate. Here, I offer my apologies to Brother Yan."

With that, Su Chen bowed deeply to Yan Qi—a display of magnanimity that truly stood out.

Yan Qi remained unmoved, simply staring at him. He saw through it clearly: if Su Chen hadn’t been so intent on joining Li Chengying’s ranks, there’s no way he’d be apologizing. Such hypocrisy.

"Shattering someone’s Sword Heart with mere words, and you think an apology can resolve it?" Li Fan sneered.

"Zuo Tu, what exactly do you want?" Su Chen seemed to lose his patience, his anger now evident. The middle-aged sword cultivator behind Su moved forward, emitting a suffocating aura toward Li Fan, as Su Chen continued speaking: "I’ve already said this is the day the Shadow Bearing Sword masters recruit new disciples. I don’t want our personal matters to ruin this historic moment. If..."

"Both of us are members of the Green Cloud List. You hail from the noble Da Li Family, striving to join the ranks of the Shadow Bearing Sword masters—but when confronted with difficulties, you’re ready to rely on the swords of those behind you?" Li Fan interrupted, demanding, "Su Chen, are you even a sword cultivator?"

Su Chen’s face grew visibly ashen. Li Fan was clearly trying to provoke him into a fight. Yet, Su Chen knew he wasn’t strong enough to match Li Fan. If he faced public defeat, it would forever stain his reputation—especially here, outside the Shadow Bearing Sword Arena. How could the esteemed masters of the arena recruit such a figure?

"How about I play the role of peacemaker?"

A new figure stepped forward—a man of striking presence and elegant demeanor. As he appeared, low murmurs rippled through the crowd.

"The Gentlemanly Sword, Chen Xiao."

Ranked twenty-fifth on the Green Cloud List, Chen Xiao carried an excellent reputation, known for his generosity and honorable nicknamed Gentlemanly Sword.

"Though there is some bad blood between the two of you, today truly isn’t the time for conflict." Chen Xiao’s voice was smooth and diplomatic. "I am Chen Xiao, just like the two of you here for the Shadow Bearing Sword masters’ recruitment. Since we share the same goal, why not postpone settling your differences until after this significant event?"

To Chen Xiao, Li Fan was undoubtedly aiming to stand out by knocking Su Chen down here and securing his own entry into the dojo—but in doing so, Li Fan was undoubtedly a sharp one.

However, sometimes cleverness backfires.

"No postponing," Li Fan responded coldly. "My affair with Su Chen has nothing to do with you, Chen Xiao. Are you here for attention too?"

Chen Xiao hadn’t expected Li Fan to shut him down so bluntly and stood temporarily at a loss for words. After a pause, he tried again.

"Brother Zuo’s talent has been whispered about widely—young and extraordinary, the youngest Green Cloud List sword cultivator. But to stir up trouble at such a critical moment, ultimately it brings disgrace. Even for the sake of the Shadow Bearing Sword masters’ reputation, this should be resolved." He retorted more firmly, invoking the authority of the Shadow Bearing Sword masters. Let’s see if Li Fan would still press forward.

"Just another Su Chen," Li Fan thought privately.

"It has nothing to do with you," he stated calmly, giving no courtesy to Chen Xiao. Turning back to Su Chen, he said bluntly: "If you call yourself a sword cultivator, settle it with a sword. I will strike only once. If you can parry me, I’ll let it go."

His earlier words had already publicly revealed everything Su Chen had done. And now, by adding a single sword strike to the mix—it was more than enough.

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