I Can Add Points Infinitely - Chapter 14
“Hey, what gives you the right to kick us out? There are plenty of empty arenas here!”
“Yeah, this is a public area designated by the sect, not your personal playground.”
“So what if you’re True Disciples? It’s not that big of a deal. We have a True Disciple here too!”
The group’s arrogant behavior sparked discontent among the gathered disciples. The two inner disciples who had been sparring stopped, leapt off the stage, and stood with the others, confronting the newcomers.
“A True Disciple? Ha… You mean him?”
A haughty-looking young man stepped forward, clearly the leader. He glanced disdainfully at Shen Lian, noticing the insignia on his sleeve, and his expression grew even more dismissive. “So you’re from the Seventh Elder’s line…”
“You look unfamiliar. Are you the one who just got promoted?”
Shen Lian remained calm, giving a slight nod. “Shen Lian. I just joined the Seventh Elder’s line yesterday.”
“So, you don’t know the rules?”
“What rules?” Shen Lian asked, puzzled.
“Ninth Brother, educate this newcomer on the basics of the Inner Sect.”
The youth sneered, seemingly too lazy to explain further.
A chubby disciple behind him stepped forward, speaking in a deep voice.
After listening to the explanation, Shen Lian and the other inner disciples finally understood. The so-called “rules” were just an unwritten code between ordinary inner disciples and True Disciples.
There were many inner disciples in the Azure Cloud Sect, but only one Martial Arena. When the number of disciples wanting to use the arena exceeded its capacity, regular inner disciples were expected to yield to True Disciples.
If both sides were True Disciples, then strength determined who stayed. The weaker disciple would withdraw.
If there was any dispute, they could settle it with a duel; the loser had to leave.
In short, the one with the bigger fist makes the rules.
While all disciples were part of the Azure Cloud Sect, each elder’s disciples practiced different techniques and specialized in unique areas. True Disciples were highly protective of their training, especially when disciples from other elders were watching.
The sect’s higher-ups understood this, which is why they allowed this “rule” to exist.
“So, what do you think? Kids, don’t say I didn’t give you a chance. Since you, Shen Lian, are a True Disciple like us, I’ll give you the opportunity to challenge us.”
“But I won’t bully you as a newcomer. Instead, you can duel our recently joined junior brother.”
“The winner gets to practice here. How about that?”
The young leader eyed Shen Lian arrogantly.
True Disciples under the Third Elder were numerous and ranked first within the entire Azure Cloud Sect’s Inner Sect. With their formidable strength and backing, they had developed an overbearing demeanor, seeing Shen Lian as beneath them.
They had originally come to the Martial Arena to help Lian Hong, their newly inducted junior brother, get accustomed to Qi Refining combat after his breakthrough. When they ran into Shen Lian, the leader saw it as a chance to teach him a lesson.
Though Shen Lian carried the label of a prodigy who reached the peak of level one of the Qi Refining stage, he couldn’t compare to Lian Hong, who had fought his way into the sect through battle.
As expected, Shen Lian appeared hesitant upon hearing the challenge.
Seeing this, the young leader sneered. “Afraid? If you’re scared, then leave already. Stop wasting my time. And remember, if you see us in the future, you’d better step aside.”
Shen Lian frowned. He had no intention of getting involved in this petty dispute. He had only come to the Martial Arena out of curiosity, with no obligation to stand up for other inner disciples he barely knew.
But the leader’s words were so obnoxious that even the most patient person would feel a flicker of anger.
His voice turning cold, Shen Lian replied, “I’m fine with the duel, but I’m not particularly interested in this arena. How about we add a little wager?”
“Oh? What kind of wager?” The young leader’s interest was piqued.
“How about ten lower-grade spirit stones?” Shen Lian said calmly.
“Ten lower-grade spirit stones…”
“Wow, that’s a lot…”
As soon as Shen Lian finished speaking, there was a collective gasp from behind him.
Spirit stones were valuable currency among cultivators, highly sought after. As newly promoted Inner Sect disciples, they didn’t have many to their name—usually only one or two stones each.
To hear Shen Lian casually suggest a bet of ten lower-grade spirit stones naturally left them astonished.
Even Lian Hong appeared hesitant, awkwardly gripping his storage pouch. Though he was a True Disciple, he had only just joined and barely had four spirit stones.
The young leader saw his expression and understood immediately. Stepping forward, he patted Lian Hong on the shoulder and whispered, “Don’t worry, Junior Brother. It’s just spirit stones. I’ve got you covered. Focus on beating him; don’t worry about anything else. If you lose, I’ll take care of it.”
“Thank you, Senior Brother,” Lian Hong replied gratefully.
“No problem.”
The leader waved dismissively before turning back to Shen Lian. “Alright, we’ll go with your terms. Ten lower-grade spirit stones as the stakes.”
“Fine.”
Seeing that the other side had agreed, Shen Lian wasted no time and stepped onto the nearest stage.
Lian Hong followed, taking his place opposite Shen Lian, ready for the duel.
The surrounding disciples gathered below to watch the match unfold.
Lian Hong took a deep breath, his demeanor suddenly shifting to a calm and composed state. His eyes locked onto Shen Lian’s, showing no hesitation.
“Clang!”
His sword was drawn, unleashing a sharp, oppressive aura.
“No wonder he fought his way in; this guy’s got some skills.”
Shen Lian silently acknowledged Lian Hong’s strength, drawing his own sword with a relaxed grip.
In the next moment, Lian Hong surged forward, his sword targeting Shen Lian’s chest in a direct thrust.
“That’s the Azure Cloud Sword Technique…”
Shen Lian instantly recognized Lian Hong’s moves. The Azure Cloud Sword Technique was one of the most widely practiced techniques in the Azure Cloud Sect, with countless disciples honing its moves. Shen Lian himself had already mastered it to perfection.
As soon as Lian Hong made his move, Shen Lian’s mind quickly analyzed countless ways to counter and dismantle the attack, even predicting Lian Hong’s next moves.
If he wished, Shen Lian could easily break the assault and reverse the situation, defeating Lian Hong in an instant.
But as Lian Hong’s attack neared, Shen Lian’s thoughts shifted. A gleam of calculated intent flashed in his eyes, and he deliberately moved with exaggerated slowness, blocking the strike with his sword.
“Clang!”
The clash of blades echoed with a crisp sound.
Lian Hong’s eyes gleamed with excitement, and using the force of the rebound, he switched techniques, thrusting his sword toward Shen Lian’s throat like a striking snake.
Shen Lian feigned shock, his face paling as he staggered back, barely evading the blow.
“Hmph, so this is the so-called prodigy? You’re nothing special!”
Seeing Shen Lian’s clumsy retreat, Lian Hong’s confidence soared. Pressing his advantage, he pursued relentlessly, his sword strikes clinging to Shen Lian like a shadow.