"What proposal?"

No matter what, Gu Huaqiu is the second disciple of the Great Elder, so Sword Venerable Ling Xiao naturally has to show some respect.

Gu Huaqiu glanced at Liu Zixuan, then stepped forward and said, "Since you are determined to duel with Liu Zixuan, why not first let a few elders spar with Liu Zixuan for a few rounds? It would serve as a prelude and also give the fellow disciples a chance to witness. If Liu Zixuan cannot match the elders in Sword Dao insight, what qualification does he have to duel with you!"

As soon as these words were spoken, the disciples nearby nodded in agreement.

Sword Venerable Ling Xiao also showed a thoughtful expression.

After all, what Gu Huaqiu said was indeed reasonable.

Everyone found no fault with the suggestion, but Liu Zixuan sensed something different.

It doesn’t really matter whom Liu Zixuan duels with; it is a well-known fact that Gu Huaqiu cannot defeat Liu Zixuan.

So no matter which elder steps up to fight, Gu Huaqiu won’t gain any benefit.

But then why did he make the unnecessary suggestion for the elders to fight?

Liu Zixuan couldn’t guess Gu Huaqiu’s true intentions, but deep down he felt a bad premonition, suspecting a conspiracy was at play!

"What Hua Qiu said is reasonable, so which elder is willing to take the challenge?" Sword Venerable Ling Xiao asked after a moment of contemplation.

The elders exchanged glances, each showing an unusual look.

If they won, it wouldn’t be an issue, but if they lost, wouldn’t it be a disgrace? A dignified elder losing to a new disciple would surely make the disciples look down on them in the future.

Thus, most hesitated.

However, the Second Elder stepped forward: "Sect Leader, let me do it."

"Second Elder..." Sword Venerable Ling Xiao nodded and said, "Zixuan, the Second Elder is famous for his domineering Sword Dao, his blade sharp. In terms of understanding Sword Dao, he’s ranked top three in the Profound Sword Sect, so you must be cautious!"

Liu Zixuan cupped his hands and smiled, "Second Elder, it’s just a friendly match, and I hope you will hold back!"

"Rest assured, dealing with a newcomer like you, why would I use all my strength?" the Second Elder said with a meaningful smile.

Unknowingly, hearing the Second Elder’s words, Liu Zixuan suddenly felt a chill down his spine.

Soon, the crowd cleared space in the grand hall and looked towards the two ready to duel.

The Second Elder slowly drew his long sword from its scabbard, revealing a seven-foot entirely black sword to the crowd.

"This sword is named Celestial Fall! It was forged from an extraterrestrial meteorite, integrated with Profound Iron over eighty-one days, then hammered for forty-nine days to take its true shape!" the Second Elder proudly explained.

The black sword emitted sword intent that caused palpitations, seeming to gain the upper hand even before making a move!

Liu Zixuan smiled slightly and took out the Nameless Sword: "In front of someone of Second Elder’s status, I am just a newcomer without identity. Before your Celestial Fall Treasure Sword, my sword is indeed nameless, so I won’t introduce it. Please make your move!"

"You go first, lest they say I’m an elder bullying you!" Although the Second Elder was smiling, his eyes were full of disdain.

Liu Zixuan nodded slightly and advanced with his sword to attack the Second Elder.

As always, the Nameless Sword stayed sharp, soon clashing with the Second Elder’s Celestial Fall Sword.

The two swords showcased entirely different styles.

Liu Zixuan’s Nameless Sword was bright like nighttime stars, its techniques fierce, hinting at the might of dragons crossing rivers.

While the Second Elder’s Celestial Fall Sword, with its dark body truly resembled that meteorite, with techniques profound like a roaring tiger atop a mountain!

As the two long swords clashed, the nearby disciples appeared just as spectators.

"I’ve long heard of Second Elder’s powerful Celestial Fall Sword, finally seeing it with my own eyes today!"

"Indeed, though thanks to Liu Zixuan, we get to bear witness, one must say Liu Zixuan is quite reckless, challenging the elders and Ling Xiao Sword Venerable!"

"Haha, when he loses, let’s see how he survives in the sect!"

In comparison, to many disciples, Liu Zixuan had some skills as he had defeated many of them. Yet to their eyes, neither Sword Venerable Ling Xiao nor the elders could be defeated.

Thus, no matter how strong Liu Zixuan was, he couldn’t be compared to the elders.

In this battle, Liu Zixuan was destined to lose!

As they say, outsiders view the spectacle, insiders see the insights.

Those disciples lack understanding of Sword Dao; they determine victory or defeat only based on their thoughts. But figures like the Great Elder and Sect Leader can immediately discern between the Second Elder and Liu Zixuan who is stronger or weaker.

The Great Elder chuckled: "Who thought he’d comprehend so much of the Sword Dao in just a few days here!"

"Indeed, Zixuan’s talent for Sword Dao far surpasses Hua Qiu and Sword Fool," Sword Venerable Ling Xiao said, then turned to Xiaoxiao, smiling affectionately: "Entrust Xiaoxiao to her, and I can have peace of mind!"

"It’s a pity..." The Great Elder sighed.

"A pity for what?"

"A pity he can’t stay in the sect long-term. With continued cultivation, he could become a legendary figure in the sect," the Great Elder explained.

Hearing this, Sword Venerable Ling Xiao also showed a slightly forlorn expression, clearly wishing Liu Zixuan would truly become part of the Profound Sword Sect.

Their conversation went unheard by the disciples, but Gu Huaqiu overheard it all.

Before Liu Zixuan came, he was the sect’s genius and pride. But since Liu Zixuan arrived, he stole all the glory. How could Gu Huaqiu not resent Liu Zixuan?

Grinding his teeth, his eyes flashed with a vicious gleam, silently plotting: no matter how talented he is, after today, Liu Zixuan must die! How can a dead man compete with me for Xiaoxiao or the title of genius!

Bang!

A spray of sparks burst forth, Liu Zixuan and the Second Elder’s duel reached an intense phase. The once heavy Celestial Fall Sword shone brilliantly, seemingly suppressing Liu Zixuan further in everyone’s eyes. 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝚠𝚎𝚋𝗻𝗼𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝚘𝐦

The two drew closer, nearly touching at this point.

Just then, the Second Elder whispered: "Liu Zixuan, inside the grand hall, it’s difficult to maneuver, how about you compete with me outside?"

"Afraid of you?" Liu Zixuan smiled slightly, moving outside while still sparring with the Second Elder.

The crowd watched, quickly rising to follow outside.

But as the two exited first, before the crowd could come out, the Second Elder’s left hand suddenly conjured a crystal-clear small knife, quietly hissing as it shot toward Liu Zixuan’s heart...

"Offending those you shouldn’t have, go die!" The Second Elder’s originally kind smile twisted into ferocity!