Chapter 77: Showdown

Nangong Wentian shot Li Xun a murderous glare and snapped, “You’d better hope that’s the case. If the truth comes out and it wasn’t one of my disciples, I expect an explanation from you. Otherwise, don’t blame me for showing no mercy!”

“You may be strong, but I’m not afraid to see just how strong you really are! Let’s test out our skills and see exactly where I stand compared to you.” Nangong Wentian flexed his muscles, making a show for Li Xun.

Li Xun’s face remained blank at first, but a hint of a smile crept onto his lips before he let out a dismissive chuckle. “If it turns out your disciple really wasn’t involved, of course I’ll give you an explanation. As for the City Lord wanting to spar, I’m happy to oblige—how about we keep it friendly, just a light match?”

“Why isn’t this kid intimidated? I thought he’d back down, but he’s actually asking for a spar himself! There’s no way I can beat him!” Nangong Wentian’s eyes flickered with insecurity for just a moment. “I’ve already bragged, so I might as well agree and suffer through a beating if I have to… Saving face matters!”

“Very well, I’ll accept your challenge. We’ll keep it friendly! For now, I ask for your patience while my disciples finish their secluded cultivation—don’t do anything you might regret in the meantime!” Gritting his teeth, Nangong Wentian forced himself to agree.

“Naturally. I’m someone you can trust. I would never take advantage of such a situation,” Li Xun replied, a sly smile tugging at the corners of his mouth as he faced Nangong Wentian. “Since I’ll be sticking around for a while, I’ll rely on your hospitality, City Lord—let me experience all the sights and traditions your city has to offer!”

Nangong Wentian finally let out a long breath. “It’s good to hear you feel that way. I’ll do everything I can to make sure you enjoy the local culture of Xuanwu City.”

“You’ve built a pretty impressive academy here,” Li Xun remarked as, under everyone’s watchful eyes, he slowly descended into Tianwu Academy.

As Li Xun approached, an invisible force pressed down on the crowd, making it hard to breathe and nearly impossible to move. The closer he got, the heavier the pressure became.

…………………..

“Your academy really has it all. I can sense the powerful presence of rare treasures and spiritual energy here—clearly, your foundation runs deep. Honestly, your resources might even surpass those of the continent’s top sects,” Li Xun said, his eyes finally opening fully as he calmly took in the scenery around Tianwu Academy.

With sincere admiration, Li Xun added, “And your disciples are quite impressive too. At this rate, it’s only a matter of time before Tianwu Academy soars to become the most renowned name in the world!”

“You’ve got a good eye! Even though Tianwu Academy was only recently established, as its headmaster I promise it won’t be long before word of our reputation spreads across the continent!” Nangong Wentian couldn’t help but sound a little proud at the praise. “My disciples will finish their closed-door cultivation in a few days. When that happens, I’ll let you know right away. For now, you’re welcome to explore Xuanwu City however you please—think of it as my way of welcoming you!”

“You’re free to do as you wish now. I won’t keep you any longer.” Nangong Wentian pointed off in a direction, giving Li Xun space.

“Thank you for your hospitality, City Lord. Looks like I get to spend some time wandering around—it’s been ages since I’ve seen the world beyond these walls. Something tells me this trip won’t be boring,” Li Xun replied, letting out a relaxed laugh and nodding. Under the stunned stares of everyone at Tianwu Academy, he vanished in a flash, leaving behind only a fading afterimage.

“Finally, that overwhelming pressure is gone. I was about to collapse,” someone from Tianwu Academy gasped. The tension in the crowd melted as everyone sagged to the ground, legs trembling in relief.

The pressure Li Xun left behind was utterly terrifying.

Even just standing there without releasing his full strength, it felt like a formless force squeezed down on everyone, crushing the air from their lungs.

“You’ve all seen it now. Powerful cultivators can exert a crushing presence even without outwardly showing it. For ordinary people or those with weaker cultivation, just being near them is suffocating,” Nangong Wentian said, shaking his head at his disciples. “I could tell he was holding back. If he hadn’t, you lot would’ve been reduced to mincemeat in seconds. Remember, the world belongs to the young—train hard!”

“Headmaster, do you think we might ever reach the heights you and that senior have achieved?” one of the disciples asked, determination lighting up his face.

Nangong Wentian gave a dismissive snort. “Anything’s possible, but you only get rewards by putting in actual effort. If all you do is talk big but never act, you’re better off taking a nap. Enough chit-chat—focus on your training, your foundations need work!”

“Thank you for your guidance, Headmaster! We promise to pour our hearts into cultivation and raise our strength as soon as possible!” the disciples chorused, looking genuinely inspired.

【Sword Qi Continent Cultivation Levels: Ordinary Person, Sword Practitioner Realm, Sword Qi Realm, Sword Sea Realm, Sword King Realm, Sword Emperor Realm, Sword Saint Realm, (Demi-God Realm), Sword God Realm】

【The Demi-God Realm has never appeared in this world, so most have forgotten it even exists. It’s also known as the False God Realm, according to records in the Ancient Inheritance Scrolls.】