Chapter 1005: Beheading Match

This round of the Sword Debate was a Beheading Match.

Regarding this type of match, Mo Hua had an even better plan in mind, but since the Xuan Division had only fought a few bouts so far, it was still early in the competition, and revealing too many of his trump cards now would be unwise.

Besides, Mo Hua wanted to vindicate the Fireball Technique.

He wanted to prove a point: there are thousands of Daoist arts, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. It’s not necessary to wield a top-grade technique to be powerful.

As long as one studies diligently, uses it well, and hones it to perfection—even an ordinary Fireball Technique could not be underestimated.

The Dao Debate bell tolled—the Sword Debate began.

Both sides’ disciples started to move.

The Xuan Division’s Beheading Match arena was larger, with more complex terrain—mountains, forests, streams, swamps, and woodlands.

Starting positions were random.

It was entirely possible for both sides to run into each other immediately, so no one could afford to be careless.

Led by Qin Cangliu, the Yin Water Sect disciples released their divine sense the moment they entered the field, swords in hand, on guard.

After confirming the surrounding area was safe, they formed up around Qin Cangliu, their “leader,” advancing while scouting for the enemy.

They chose to attack.

Mo Hua’s side, however, chose to defend.

In a Beheading Match, the opposing leader was strong, while he himself was a “weak” leader.

Mo Hua didn’t even need to think about it—of course the other side would choose to press the attack.

If he were in their shoes, he’d do the same.

After all, a “fragile” leader who could be killed with a single sword strike was far too tempting a target.

Thus, Mo Hua planned to “wait by the tree for the rabbit.”

Unlike the Yin Water Sect’s vigilant approach, Mo Hua entered the arena with complete composure.

His divine sense was so strong that just a single sweep let him grasp the surrounding terrain. Pointing to a small forest several li to the right, he said:

“We’ll go there.”

Linghu Xiao and the others nodded.

Ouyang Xuan, though he didn’t nod, followed obediently.

Once they reached the forest, Mo Hua began setting up formations and arranging their defensive positions.

Meanwhile, the Yin Water Sect’s five disciples circled the swamps and slopes a few times without finding anyone, and eventually headed toward Mo Hua’s little forest.

They were close—within a quarter of an hour, they’d meet.

Outside the Dao Debate field, after a long, dull wait, the spectators’ anticipation began to build.

“At last, we’re going to see something good…”

“That Qin Cangliu of the Yin Water Sect isn’t just any disciple. He’s from the Qin family, whose lineage can even be traced back to an aristocratic clan of the Dao Prefecture’s Dao Court.”

“I heard he’s actually a Dao Prefecture native, only fostered with the Qian Prefecture Qin family to study.”

“Really?”

“I said I heard…”

“Rumor or not, his status is high. I also heard many daughters of fifth-rank noble families in the Qianxue region have tried to arrange marriage with him through the Qin family, but couldn’t even get through the door.”

“His marriage has already been arranged in Dao Prefecture.”

“That kind of thing can’t be faked. Without a solid background, there’s no way. And apparently, he’s inherited an exceptional sword art.”

“The Yin Water Sect’s Yin Water Sword Art?”

“No, it’s not the Yin Water Sect’s swordsmanship—it’s his Qin family’s Canghai Turbulent Tide Sword Art. It’s a top-tier, upper-grade water-element sword art, the Qin family’s ultimate treasure. Very few can learn it…”

“How does he compare to Linghu Xiao?”

“Hard to say. Linghu Xiao’s sword heart is clear and his fame is well-known, but Qin Cangliu is the image of a reserved, steady aristocratic heir—never ostentatious.”

“Probably the type to polish his blade for ten years, waiting to amaze everyone at this Sword Debate.”

“That’s the thing about geniuses. Some are all hype, all flowers and ribbons, but under the glory there are those who can’t live up to it. You only know who’s real gold and who’s gilded once they cross swords.”

“Then this match will be worth watching…”

“A true duel between sword prodigies!”

Almost everyone’s attention was fixed on the clash between Linghu Xiao and Qin Cangliu, these two paragons of swordsmanship.

Still, quite a few people remembered Mo Hua—the formation master who knew Fireball Technique.

“This is a Beheading Match, and that Mo Hua somehow ended up as ‘leader.’ No way he can just stand aside now…”

“If he doesn’t stand aside, what else can he do?”

“Throw fireballs again?”

“That last guy, Wu Ming, was a fraud. He was from Kun Prefecture—a land of nouveau riche. Disciples there don’t train hard, just cover themselves in flashy spiritual tools and think they can compete here…”

“Wu Ming lost because he was incompetent. Qin Cangliu’s different—he’s a legitimate sect-bred prodigy. No way he’d be caught off guard by a mere Fireball Technique.”

“Maybe Mo Hua won’t even have time to cast before Qin Cangliu kills him with one strike…”

“That’d be a shame. Then we wouldn’t get to see the two sword geniuses face off.”

“Hopefully Mo Hua lasts a bit longer. If he loses too quickly, there’s no fun in watching…”

While the crowd chattered, the two sides finally met outside the small forest.

Qin Cangliu’s five wore black water-patterned Daoist robes, holding cold-water-colored long swords, facing the Taixu Sect’s Linghu Xiao, Ouyang Xuan, Cheng Mo, and Situ Jian.

Mo Hua was absent.

The four of Taixu Sect stood in a defensive formation, blocking the forest.

Qin Cangliu’s gaze passed over them to the dense woods behind, where a faint aura could be felt—someone was clearly hiding inside.

“That formation master is of little use in a duel. Might as well make him the leader and have him hide in the woods, so the other four can fight without restraint…”

“Not a bad plan, given the circumstances.”

His eyes flashed, and he gave a low command:

“Kill!”

The other four Yin Water Sect disciples moved as one—their bodies swift as wind, their sword light flowing like water—as they charged toward the Taixu Sect disciples.

The Yin Water Sect reported directly to the Dao Court.

Most of its disciples would later enter the Dao Court’s offices, starting as functionaries and working their way up to full administrators.

Their every move showed the disciplined decisiveness of Dao Court officials—orders followed without question, killing done without hesitation.

The four disciples, all using Yin Water Swords, coordinated their strikes flawlessly, quickly clashing with Ouyang Xuan and the others.

Meanwhile, Qin Cangliu drew his long sword and engaged Linghu Xiao.

Both were sword prodigies. Though their personalities differed, they shared the same innate pride. Since childhood, they had practiced tirelessly, pouring heart and soul into the way of the sword.

The moment their blades met, they knew—the opponent was a formidable sword cultivator, not to be underestimated.

Their expressions hardened, eyes flashing, and neither held back.

Sword qi roared, blades clashed, and the two prodigies locked in deadly combat.

One move was enough to tell—this was a fight between true experts.

Outside, the spectators couldn’t help but praise:

“As expected of two sword geniuses!”

“Just a few exchanges and you can already see how extraordinary they are.”

“Linghu Xiao’s sword qi is pure and his comprehension is high; Qin Cangliu’s swordplay is steady and vast as the sea…”

Even some elders nodded approvingly:

“At their age, to temper their swordsmanship to this degree—both are worth cultivating.”

Some disciples watching even looked on with longing envy.

The audience was thrilled.

But inside the arena, the situation began to shift.

Linghu Xiao and Qin Cangliu’s duel was evenly matched, but the rest of the battle was more one-sided.

It was four against three.

Two Yin Water Sect disciples pinned down Ouyang Xuan, one fought Situ with the Lihuo Sword, and one clashed with Cheng Mo’s twin axes.

All participants were elite disciples. Without using ultimate killing moves, pure technique alone couldn’t bridge the gap in numbers—even for prodigies.

The Taixu Sect’s side was slowly being pushed back, their defense growing harder to maintain.

Finally, Ouyang Xuan—forced to fight two at once—was the first to slip. Though talented, he couldn’t fight four hands with two fists. Frustrated after prolonged defense, he swung a slash that missed.

Sensing danger, Ouyang Xuan quickly pulled back into defense to avoid the treacherous Yin Water Sword.

But nothing happened.

The Yin Water Sect swordsman didn’t press the advantage. Instead, he broke away and sprinted toward the small forest.

His target was clear: the beheading.

This wasn’t a free-for-all match.

Wounding Ouyang Xuan would change little, but killing Mo Hua would win them the match instantly.

This was Qin Cangliu’s plan from the start.

This was the Sword Debate—a contest of prodigies—but the purpose of the contest was to win, not just to prove oneself in a duel.

Seeing the Yin Water Sect disciple charge for the forest, Cheng Mo roared, leapt forward, and swung his twin axes.

The strike was fast and fierce. The disciple couldn’t dodge in time and had to block, halting his rush. That moment of delay was enough—Ouyang Xuan thrust forward again, reengaging him.

The fight reset to a stalemate.

But just then, another Yin Water Sect disciple blurred into a water shadow, disappearing—only to reappear within ten zhang of the forest.

The sudden move caught everyone off guard.

Cheng Mo and the others were alarmed.

The cultivators outside the arena were also in an uproar:

“What’s going on?”

“Is that… Yin Water Sect’s Water Shadow Step?” someone knowledgeable said.

“Water Shadow Step is Yin Water Sect’s signature art. For a seemingly ordinary disciple of Yin Water Sect to have cultivated Water Shadow Step to such a refined level in the late Foundation Establishment stage is truly remarkable…”

“Seems like his talent in movement techniques is not bad…”

“As expected, Qianxue Prefecture is full of outstanding people.”

Inside the sword debate arena, once Cheng Mo recovered from his surprise, he immediately swung his massive axe again, with Ouyang Xuan covering for him. But his axe once more hit nothing but air.

That Yin Water Sect disciple’s figure dissolved into water mist and slipped away. When he reappeared, he was already at the edge of the small grove.

Cheng Mo, being a big man, was at a disadvantage in speed and couldn’t catch up for a while.

The Yin Water Sect disciple sneered coldly, then gripped his icy longsword and strode toward the grove.

Mo Hua was far too “fragile”—one sword was all it would take to kill him.

It didn’t matter who killed him.

As long as Mo Hua died, Yin Water Sect would win this round.

He was confident in his movement technique. That short-legged array master who couldn’t run fast would definitely “die” under his Yin Water Sword.

The Yin Water Sect disciple had just stepped into the grove—

From the dense woods came a sudden whoosh as a fireball shot out.

This fireball was incredibly fast.

The Yin Water Sect disciple wasn’t surprised; his gaze turned cold as he swung his longsword horizontally, blocking the fireball.

But in the next instant, his expression changed.

Flames exploded, airwaves surged, and the sword in his hands trembled violently, numbing his tiger’s mouth and even forcing him back two steps.

“This thing… is Fireball Technique?”

He found it hard to believe.

On the surface it didn’t look much different—just a slightly darker color—but its power was on a whole other level compared to ordinary Fireball Technique.

Without taking a direct hit, one simply couldn’t feel it.

“As expected… he’s the Array Dao leader after all, he’s got some skill…”

The Yin Water Sect disciple thought silently.

But Fireball Technique was still just Fireball Technique.

After finally seizing this chance, as long as he killed Mo Hua, they’d win.

Even a lion uses its full strength to hunt a rabbit.

At this point, he had to go all out—there was no room for the slightest carelessness.

With determination in his eyes, he used the same trick again, turning into water mist. Relying on Water Shadow Step’s concealment, he charged into the grove to drag Mo Hua out.

But just as he initiated Water Shadow Step, his body turning into mist, a fireball—as if it had “eyes”—smashed into him with pinpoint precision. The Debate Jade dimmed slightly.

The burn and blast pain spread through him.

Shaken back several steps, the Yin Water Sect disciple’s expression grew more and more incredulous:

“How… am I still getting hit by Fireball Technique?”

“What’s going on?”

“I clearly used my refined Water Shadow Step, with mist to confuse the eyes, how could he possibly still hit me?”

The Yin Water Sect disciple was baffled.

Inside the grove, Mo Hua sneered coldly to himself:

“Using Water Shadow Step in front of me? That’s like a little grandson paying New Year’s greetings to his grandmaster—ridiculous to the point of losing teeth from laughter…”

He pointed a finger, and another fireball shot out with a whoosh.

The Yin Water Sect disciple had no choice but to block again, and once more he was driven back several feet, the “health” on his Debate Jade dropping further.

Irritation and panic stirred in his heart.

“It must be a coincidence!”

“I’ve trained in Water Shadow Step for over ten years, pouring in endless effort—how could it be so easily seen through? I don’t believe it!”

He pressed on with Water Shadow Step toward the grove, and unsurprisingly, was blasted back by another perfectly accurate fireball.

This Fireball Technique was fast, accurate, and fierce—like it had eyes locked solely on him.

No matter how he pushed Water Shadow Step to the limit, he couldn’t escape this death-chasing Fireball Technique.

The Yin Water Sect disciple nearly coughed blood.

“Damn it! Just how bored does someone have to be to cultivate Fireball Technique to this level?!”

At the same time, regret gnawed at him.

Dashing in with Water Shadow Step, then being driven back by Fireball Technique—after several rounds of this, the window to “behead” Mo Hua in the grove was long gone.

Cheng Mo, Ouyang Xuan, and Situ Jian had already closed in.

Now the fight was once again locked in a stalemate.

The Great Void Sect was still at a four-to-five disadvantage—

Only this time, it was different, because from the grove, fireballs would occasionally streak out, slamming into Yin Water Sect disciples with pinpoint accuracy.

Not only were they fast, but also powerful enough to demand constant attention and force the enemy to stay on guard—mentally exhausting them.

The disciples of Yin Water Sect instantly felt the pressure.

With Mo Hua’s Fireball Technique providing support, the Great Void Sect’s formation also shifted.

Cheng Mo still held the front, his paired mountain-splitting axes swinging with intimidating momentum.

Situ Jian switched to defense, guarding Linghu Xiao with his Leaving Fire Sword, blocking enemy attacks to buy Linghu Xiao time to gather Chongxu Sword Qi.

With someone protecting the front, Linghu Xiao could focus on offense, killing with sword qi.

Ouyang Xuan acted as the vanguard, harassing and drawing enemy attention.

Mo Hua hid in the grove, using Fireball Technique to coordinate and assist, overseeing the entire battle and controlling the flow.

One on defense, one on guard, one attacking, one as the vanguard—

Plus Mo Hua as “support.”

This way, the Great Void Sect’s formation was beginning to take shape.

In front of the grove, figures darted back and forth, sword qi clashed, fireballs flew—it was a fierce battle.

Against Yin Water Sect’s frontal assault, they didn’t fall behind. But the most troublesome factor was Mo Hua’s Fireball Technique.

In every exchange, if a Yin Water Sect disciple showed an opening, they would inevitably be struck by a fireball.

If someone tried a strong offensive, a fireball would stop them.

If someone used water escape, a fireball would blast them.

If someone was injured, a fireball would “add insult to injury.”

It combined suppression, saving allies, interrupting skills, revealing tricks, and adding damage all in one.

Mo Hua’s Fireball Technique was used to a state of perfection.

Especially since he stayed hidden in the grove, never showing himself, participating solely through Fireball Technique—the mystery of the unseen threat only added to the immense pressure on Yin Water Sect.

That was how the Yin Water Sect felt.

The audience outside had a completely different view.

The Yin Water Sect disciples couldn’t see Mo Hua, so to them he was mysterious. But the audience could see him.

On the massive Sky Projection Screen, Mo Hua’s image was shown clearly.

He was just “crouching” in the grove, flicking his fingers, pew pew pew, tossing out fireballs—looking like he was playing a children’s game.

From the Sky Projection’s wide-angle view, they couldn’t feel the speed, power, or precision of the Fireball Technique, nor the suffocating helplessness of being suppressed by it in person.

To them, it looked “ridiculous.”

This was Qianxue Prefecture. This was the Sword Debate Conference—a grand gathering of the top talents from the Nine Provinces, from the Four Sects, Eight Gates, and Twelve Streams—heroes gathered, crossing swords at the highest level.

In such a prestigious tournament, when had entry-level Fireball Technique ever appeared on stage?

And worse—someone was afraid of Fireball Technique?

“That Yin Water Sect disciple who can use Water Shadow Step—he was already at the edge of the grove. If he just rushed in and beheaded Mo Hua, wouldn’t they win?”

“Got blasted by two fireballs and actually backed off?”

“It’s just Fireball Technique—what’s there to be afraid of?”

“Exactly. And those other Yin Water Sect disciples—they look like useless rice buckets. They’ve been fighting this long and eaten every single fireball—haven’t dodged a single one.”

“How could anyone not dodge that?”

“This Fireball Technique is dragging down the entire standard of the Sword Debate Conference…”

“Agreed completely…”

Most ordinary disciples and common cultivators who hadn’t personally experienced it were chattering away.

But some elite disciples, along with sect elders and the higher-ups of aristocratic families, were all frowning.

They were experienced and had deep understanding of spells.

Even though they were watching through the distorted images of the Fangtian Illusory Projection, they could still sense something fishy.

It wasn’t that the Yin Water Sect disciples were incompetent—this Fireball Technique truly was extraordinary…

——

On the field, the sword debate battle continued.

Relying on the Fireball Technique brought to the point of perfection, the Great Void Sect gradually began to gain the upper hand.

Qin Cangliu furrowed his brows.

He knew full well that in this situation, it was no longer realistic to sneak into the small grove and behead Mo Hua, the so-called “commander.”

Since that was the case, there was no choice but to attack head-on.

Defeat Linghu Xiao, “kill” the other Great Void Sect disciples, and then charge into the small grove to behead that despicable Fireball-throwing Mo Hua.

In such circumstances, it all came down to the performance of the true prodigies.

To change the tide of battle, to turn the situation around against all odds—this was what made one a true “Chosen of Heaven” among the great families.

If you can’t break the stalemate, you don’t deserve to be called a prodigy.

Ribbons of waterlight, like the surging expanse of a vast ocean, gathered onto Qin Cangliu’s sword. In an instant, his sword radiance flared explosively, exuding a terrifying might.

His gaze was cruel and cold, locked firmly onto Linghu Xiao.

Linghu Xiao’s expression was calm, but within his eyes, battle intent surged, and sword qi burst forth from his entire body.

The two locked eyes, and in the void between them, sword qi sharpened like invisible blades.

All the cultivators watching felt their hearts tighten, and then their eyes lit with anticipation.

They knew—the battle to come would be the true essence of the Qianxue Sword Debate, the real “duel of prodigies”…

(End of this Chapter)