Chapter 69: Though the Body Is Feeble, the Blade Is Sharp—Dominance Across a Thousand Miles

“Cadet Zhou Yan…” The staff member wore an apologetic smile as he began patiently explaining the functions of several pieces of equipment. “The suit you’re wearing is the protective gear specifically designed for sword and halberd events. Not only does it ensure you won’t be injured, but each part is fitted with special sensors. If you’re struck with sufficient force by one of these custom practice swords, the corresponding section of your armor will lock up, simulating an injury as realistically as possible.”

The staff continued, “So, in the upcoming free-for-all, your objective is to incapacitate everyone else and become one of the last four ‘survivors.’ Is that clear?”

Zhou Yan glanced down at the armor, which felt as solid and intricate as genuine plate, astonished by its sophistication. He nodded to show he understood.

Seeing this, the staff member fastened the final piece—the helmet—over Zhou Yan’s head. “Go on. Step through that door and walk to the end. When the battle begins, the door at the end will open. Remember, if your head, neck, or torso take a heavy blow from a blade, your armor will lock up completely, and you’ll be deemed ‘dead.’ Don’t let your guard down.”

“Understood,” Zhou Yan replied, gripping the standard-issue sword in his right hand and heading straight into the designated room.

He passed through a long tunnel and soon reached its end, where a countdown glowed on the metal gate ahead.

‘It’s just like an ancient Roman coliseum—or a gladiator arena…’ Zhou Yan thought wryly, adjusting his grip to a reverse hold. ‘Let’s get this over with quickly…’

As the countdown neared zero, the rules of the competition played repeatedly in his ears. Zhou Yan silently lowered his visor.

The moment the timer hit zero, the heavy metal door slid open. Amid the gasps from the crowd, Zhou Yan burst forth at blinding speed, vanishing into the dense forest ahead.

“How reckless.”

“Interesting. Who would have thought the disabled one would make the first move?”

“He’s fast. How long can he keep that up?”

A few whispers rose in the stands. Luo Ke reached out, grabbing Luo Xuan’s hand. “Zhou Yan dashed off so quickly—won’t that just tire him out?”

Luo Xuan’s expression also grew tense. She’d assumed that with Zhou Yan’s skills, if he played it safe, he could easily secure a spot against these lower-ranked cadets. Yet now…

*

Whatever was happening outside, Zhou Yan couldn’t have cared less as he dove into the forest, dense and humid as any true tropical jungle. For days, he had endured scorn and contempt. Even before that, he’d been suppressed by that inscrutable Elder Zhang Daosheng…

All the pent-up frustration in his chest, combined with this unique competitive setting, became the fuse to an erupting volcano.

‘Let them see for themselves what I, with this broken body, can truly unleash…’

A wild grin curled beneath his mask as he darted through the undergrowth, his speed undeterred by branches or tangled vines; the hiss of his passage sounded like a beast in pursuit.

Barely ten seconds later, he sensed someone up ahead with uncanny clarity.

Zhou Yan surged forward, bursting from the foliage in a powerful leap.

Swish!

His unlucky target had just begun scanning the surroundings, drawn by the rustle of movement. Turning his head, he saw Zhou Yan descending upon him.

In midair, Zhou Yan reversed his grip and slashed down, swift as a hunting falcon.

Falcon Strike, Third Form—Azure Sickle!

Crack! The practice sword landed cleanly across the man’s neck. Instantly, the armor locked up, rendering the victim motionless as he collapsed to the ground.

Zhou Yan didn’t pause to look back. He landed lightly and slipped away, vanishing deeper into the forest.

“One eliminated!”

The announcement echoed through the trees and the arena.

A sudden uproar broke out among the spectators!

The remaining “survivors” in the woods strained to listen, faces pale with shock.

Barely seconds into the match, and already someone was out?

Outside, in the swelling commotion, Cong Shiyun—seated in the center of the front row—opened his eyes, his interest piqued.

Elsewhere, beside Xiang Ping, a white-bearded elder straightened and asked, “Which school is that cadet from?”

Xiang Ping chuckled. “Master Bai, I can’t say for the others, but this young man and I spoke this morning—he’s representing Luo Xuan Sword Hall. His name is Zhou Yan.”

“Luo Xuan? That young woman is formidable herself, but I hadn’t realized her teaching bore such fruit,” the old man nodded approvingly. “Truly, the next generation is something to behold!”

Behind them, Luo Ke cheered softly, her small hand squeezing Luo Xuan’s thigh, only to be glared at fiercely in return.

…

‘This is only the beginning…’

Zhou Yan dashed through the forest, his breathing steady despite his speed—his physique and senses twice as sharp as any ordinary person.

His maximum speed was not much greater than before, but his agility and endurance were leagues beyond normal.

Another ten seconds passed, and his keen senses caught a glimpse of white through the shifting shadows.

Accelerating, Zhou Yan repeated his tactics, lunging from the cover of trees.

This time, his opponent reacted faster, turning and raising his sword to block Zhou Yan’s charge.

Unfazed, Zhou Yan pressed forward.

His left foot angled out.

His body contracted and sprang.

He raised his sword to parry, swept past, and slashed—all in one fluid motion, the blade tracing across his target’s throat as his right foot stepped through.

The two passed as if in a choreographed dance.

Zhou Yan didn’t glance back, continuing at a steady pace, disappearing once more into the foliage.

“Huh?!”

Behind him, the struck cadet uttered a bewildered exclamation from beneath his mask, just as his armor locked and he crumpled to the ground.

“Two eliminated!”

Came the call from the loudspeakers.

A double kill!

But it didn’t end there.

As the noise outside grew, Zhou Yan’s figure persisted across the screens, quickly tracking down the third, fourth, and fifth opponents…

Aerial strikes, darting slashes, sword-wielding rushes—

Three eliminated, four eliminated, five eliminated.

Six eliminated!

Minutes later.

Breathing only slightly heavier, Zhou Yan emerged from behind a large tree to find two competitors standing back to back, swords raised, warily guarding one another.

“Are you two forming an alliance?” Zhou Yan’s voice carried from behind his mask, tinged with curiosity.

“That’s right, man! Come join us, or you’ll get picked off by that monster!” one of them replied urgently.

“Monster?” Zhou Yan frowned. He hadn’t heard of any ‘monster’ in the rules.

“Exactly!” the other chimed in. “Six people gone in just a few minutes—what else could it be but a monster? Damn, what rotten luck!”

Oh… So the ‘monster’ you speak of is me.

***