Chapter 518: Swallow’s Cove

Xian Kai’s subtle movement utilized the sword intent of the “Flying Dragon Sword Technique”—hidden yet potent. As the flying dragon emerged, a chill spread across the wearer’s purple robes, as if trapped in an ice cellar! Only when he sensed Xian Kai releasing the energy lock and the sword intent disappearing did he finally breathe a sigh of relief. By then, his back was already drenched in sweat.
“Impressive.”
The others also felt that fierce, impending aura—so deadly yet barely visible—that sent a chill deep into their hearts. If he was already this powerful without activating his cultivation level or even attacking, how devastating would he be once he did?
“What kind of sword intent was that? So powerful?”
He Shiyi, who was quite close to Xian Kai, knew he wasn’t as aloof as described in the external legends, so he asked softly.
“It’s the Flying Dragon Sword Technique. I’m ashamed to say I’m not yet at the master level,” Xian Kai replied, his expression unchanged, as he continued walking.
“Compared to the ‘Eighteen Dragon Subduing Palms,’ which one is stronger?” He Shiyi pressed further, determined to get to the bottom of things. “Your ‘Eighteen Dragon Subduing Palms’ also doesn’t seem to have reached the master level.”
“There’s no comparison at all.”
“…”
Hearing Xian Kai’s answer, He Shiyi and the eight team members, who were listening intently, all showed expressions of shock.
No one could possibly think that Xian Kai meant the “Eighteen Dragon Subduing Palms” was inferior to the “Flying Dragon Sword Technique”! Since he said so, it must mean the latter was far superior.
The pure sword intent, devoid of any cultivation level, was already hard to resist. If the “Eighteen Dragon Subduing Palms” was truly as extraordinary and powerful as Xian Kai claimed, how many people here could even withstand a single move?
For a moment, the group fell silent!
…
Soon, the group arrived at Swallow’s Cove!
The people from “Mandora Villa” were already waiting there—ten elegant female warriors in flowing dresses, standing side by side behind Lady Wang of Mandora Villa.
Beside Lady Wang stood two men and two women:
The women were graceful and poised—Miss Murong and someone from Peach Blossom Island, though it was unclear which one; the men—one was refined and distinguished, while the other had an arrogant air, radiating an overconfident demeanor, especially when he glanced at Miss Murong with disdain and anger.
“The disciples of the Murong family have arrived. Indeed, this generation of the Murong family is full of talents…”
It was Lady Wang of Mandora Villa who spoke on the large training ground. Her gaze swept over Xian Kai and the others before she subdued her sharpness.
Xian Kai and the others felt a chill in their hearts:

Truly worthy of being the mother of Wang Yuyan, once the most beautiful woman in the martial world. Though over forty, she still retains a youthful appearance and a graceful figure with delicate curves, along with an elegant demeanor. Her martial skills seem to far exceed those of ordinary masters as rumored.

“Madam Wang, you flatter me. How could the disciples of the Murong family compare to the teachings you’ve received from a hundred martial arts schools? My father has always said that with the support of Mantuo Villa, the Murong family could produce many talents skilled in ‘Dou Zuan Xing Yi’.”

“Hmph, it seems you two are quite compatible!” The middle-aged man with a majestic appearance spoke in a loud voice. “But it’s too early to discuss such things now. Wait until the disciples of the Nangong family, along with those from the Valley of Heartlessness and Peach Blossom Island, arrive, and we can have a proper competition to see whose disciples are the best.”

“The head of the Nangong family is right. The fame of Huang Yaoshi, the master of Peach Blossom Island, is well-known. I’m also very curious about how talented the disciples he has trained are.” The refined middle-aged man smiled—likely from the Valley of Heartlessness.

The woman from Peach Blossom Island spoke calmly and steadily, “Time is pressing. Let’s not waste it. If Madam Wang and Miss Murong have no objections, why not let the disciples of Mantuo Villa compete first with those from the Murong family? Those who are weaker can be eliminated immediately.”

“I have no objections.”

Miss Murong glanced at the Murong family disciples approaching and said, “Both sides should choose their opponents. One win earns one point, one loss deducts two points. After three battles, those with a negative score will be disqualified. The rest will face off against the top masters from the other three major sects.”

“…This is too unfair.” The disciples of the Murong family and Mantuo Villa looked troubled but said nothing. With Madam Wang’s approval, both sides stepped into the arena.

“Stop at the first sign of danger! We’ll intervene if we think any disciple is in peril.”

The people from Mantuo Villa breathed a sigh of relief.

As for those from the Murong family, they had already heard much about them—most were members of the Murong family with extraordinary skills. Among those who came this time was also a legendary top master, rumored to be the strongest in the martial world—Happy.

Facing such an opponent right from the first battle—claiming not to be nervous would be a lie!

Yet, the group of female warriors still mustered up the courage to choose their opponents…

“Please teach me, senior brother!”

Happy’s opponent was a seemingly ordinary disciple from Mantuo Villa, with decent looks, but it seemed she didn’t yet realize who she was facing.

Smiling slightly, she lifted the hem of her clothes, spread her palms, and made a gesture inviting her opponent to fight.

The opponent’s face turned red as he drew his long sword. With a sharp cry, he rushed forward like lightning, creating three silver flashes of sword moves in an instant, aiming straight at Happy’s face.
“What a ‘Three Blossoms of Plum’!” Happy’s eyes lit up as he exclaimed in approval. He stepped forward slightly, causing the opponent’s sword strike to miss. Without drawing his own sword, he struck the opponent’s hand just as it was about to turn, making the latter cry out in pain as his sword fell to the ground.
The battle was decided in just one move; with the opponent now weaponless, Happy stood calmly in front of his fallen sword.
“Xueqing, come back.”
A hint of seriousness appeared on Lady Wang’s face. Her bent fingers finally stopped moving as she calmly called back her first defeated disciple.
Miss Murong remained calm, showing no emotional reaction to Happy’s quick victory. In contrast, the head of the Nan Gong family, the master of the Heartless Valley, and the woman from Peach Blossom Island stared intently at Happy’s face, their expressions grave. “Is this the young hero who rescued the six major sects—‘Happy’?”
“That’s right. He is indeed Murong’s disciple ‘Happy,’ the eldest junior master of the Murong family,” Miss Murong said, a faint pride appearing on her face.
The four of them grew solemn.
“He has a perfect understanding of his techniques, showing the demeanor of a master. No wonder he can achieve great things.”
“Yes, his movement is steady, and his techniques come naturally. With just a slight use of the ‘Snow Plum Sword Technique,’ his flaws were exposed, allowing him to knock away the opponent’s weapon in one move. What’s more remarkable is his kindness, which prevents him from harming others. No wonder the leaders of the six major sects highly praise him.”
“Hmm.”
Even the head of the Nan Gong family and the master of the Heartless Valley couldn’t help but nod in approval, their expressions growing even more serious. “Now I can’t help but wonder what title would be fitting for this young man as he shines brightly in the martial world in the future.”