[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-watching-the-immortals-fall":3,"chapter-watching-the-immortals-fall-watching-the-immortals-fall-chapter-239":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","Watching the Immortals Fall",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2260112,4410,"Chapter 239: Ten-Cut Slash","watching-the-immortals-fall-chapter-239",239,"\u003Cp>Today, the number of people coming to the Cangwu Dojo to watch was unusually large—that was Ji You’s first impression upon entering the Cangwu Dojo.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had a strong connection with this Cangwu Dojo; from the preliminary rounds until now, all his matches had been held here, yet the total number of spectators from previous matches didn’t even amount to one-tenth of today’s crowd.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After breakfast, Ji You arrived at the Cangwu Dojo and stood amid the crowd, scanning around, only to see that all four directions—east, south, west, and north—were completely filled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Most of them were unfamiliar, but some could be identified by the attire they wore.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That man is Chen Ruiyang.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ji You looked up and saw a man clad in a Chen Shixian robe, a broadsword strapped at his waist, his expression haughty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man appeared slightly older than him, his long hair tightly bound, his frame muscular, and with the broadsword at his side, his aura was overwhelming.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Chen Clan Immortal Sect is the only family-based immortal sect among the Seven Great Sects; Chen Ruiyang, born into the Chen family, was naturally a high-ranking relative.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wen Siyuan added: “The Chen Shuo we watched yesterday is likely his cousin. Chen Ruiyang’s cultivation base is deeper than his. Brother, pay close attention to his sword.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Understood.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While they spoke, Cao Jingsong, Wen Zhengxin, Ban Yangshu, and Pei Ruyi all arrived.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unlike previous days, they had changed their attire today.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cao Jingsong wore a brocade long robe, appearing quite affluent, like a comical wealthy merchant, while Wen Zhengxin and Pei Ruyi donned gauzy dresses, exuding an ethereal aura.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for Ban Yangshu, his scholar’s robe was clearly new—the fabric showed not a single wrinkle, and the cuffs and collars bore no signs of wear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wen Siyuan, dressed in a straight-cut Confucian robe, exchanged glances with them and wore an expression of mutual understanding.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yesterday, the news of Tian Shu Academy’s two losses and one lucky win had spread like wildfire, so that everyone in Zhongxing County knew of it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The inn where Cao Jingsong and the others stayed had thin walls and stood beside a noisy tavern; they had spent the entire night listening to mockery of Tian Shu Academy and felt thoroughly immersed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So this morning, they had all, without saying a word, put away their Tian Shu Academy robes and changed into spare clothes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for Ban Yangshu, he had rushed out and bought a new set on the street that morning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before leaving, they had been pondering how to explain their sudden change of clothes when they met in the inn’s front hall, but upon seeing each other, they all had changed—and instantly, no explanation was needed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ji You watched them and thought: Where’s that “Today I take pride in the immortal sect, tomorrow the sect will be proud of me” attitude? These people are so pragmatic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“After all, it’s academy disciples representing the immortal sect in combat. The lack of attention during the preliminary rounds was understandable—it wasn’t important—but why is only Siyuan here today?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cao Jingsong frowned at Wen Siyuan, resenting the administration’s favoritism.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He seemed uncomfortable in his new clothes, his hands restless inside his sleeves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wen Zhengxin and Pei Ruyi nodded in agreement: “We’re all Tian Shu Academy disciples—this treatment is indeed excessive.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wen Siyuan swallowed hard and quickly explained: “You’re mistaken. Master Qin and my other senior brothers are here too—look, they’re over there.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cao Jingsong and the others followed Wen Siyuan’s gaze, scanning the crowd—and indeed, as he said, they found Qin Rong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The reason they hadn’t noticed him earlier was because Qin, the administrator, had also changed out of his Tian Shu Academy robe and now wore a brown long robe, with a small mustache, resembling a private secretary at a government office.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sensing their stares, Qin and several other administrators dressed in mismatched clothes turned to look. They met Cao Jingsong’s gaze, then awkwardly looked away, as if not recognizing him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ji You chuckled inwardly: You all think alike.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cao Jingsong turned to Wen Zhengxin and the others: “Let’s find seats.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wen Zhengxin glanced around, frowning slightly: “It seems there are no seats left.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Cangwu Dojo had never been this packed; they arrived even later than Ji You, the competitor, so of course they couldn’t find a place.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pei Ruyi suddenly looked toward the opposite viewing platform: “Look, it’s Kuangcheng.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There, Xiang Kuangcheng and Wei Rui were walking along the circular platform toward a small building beside the Cangwu Dojo, already climbing the steps.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wei Rui led the way, her expression seemingly excited; in just a few steps, she left Kuangcheng far behind and vanished into the building.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ji You watched this scene, his eyes narrowing slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only major figures from the great immortal sects could watch from the small building.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wei Rui and Kuangcheng had no status and weren’t cultivators—they shouldn’t have been allowed up there unless invited in advance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hmph, stubborn, prideful brat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ji You turned to Cao Jingsong: “Kuangcheng must have a seat. You might as well join them.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cao Jingsong and the others knew Kuangcheng well—he was an official of the Si Xian Jian—and since this tournament was organized by the Si Xian Jian, it wasn’t surprising he had a seat on the second floor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without further thought, they headed toward the building Kuangcheng had entered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kuangcheng had just reached the middle of the staircase to the second floor when he heard footsteps and turned: “Master Cao, Sanweixianzhang , long time no see.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cao Jingsong looked up at him: “Indeed, it’s been a while. I asked Ji You why you didn’t come to watch earlier—he said you were doing ox and horse work. I didn’t understand what he meant.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ji Brother always makes such jests. Are you unable to find seats?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ji You said you had seats here.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Kuangcheng heard it was Ji You who told them, he glanced upward, then nodded lightly: “There are indeed seats…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cao Jingsong and the others, sensing nothing amiss, gripped the railing and climbed upward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But once they turned the staircase and reached the second floor, they all held their breath and froze in place.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For seated on the second floor was a woman of breathtaking beauty, wearing a red immortal robe embroidered with gold, turning to look at them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Junior Inspector of Lingjian Mountain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The four widened their eyes, momentarily at a loss.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, the Junior Inspector showed a thoughtful expression, then rose from her seat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cao Jingsong held his breath, thinking: Ji You’s little rascal really knows how to trap people—he felt offended but didn’t know how to explain, yet the Junior Inspector, after a moment’s thought, suddenly stood up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wen Zhengxin, Pei Ruyi, and Ban Yangshu were already tense, expecting a sharp rebuke and being thrown off the building.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, their presence here was a breach of imperial dignity, and relations between Tian Shu Academy and Lingjian Mountain were poor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the Junior Inspector of Lingjian Mountain merely stood up instinctively, saying nothing—as if rising was simply because she felt she shouldn’t remain seated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cao Jingsong bowed slightly: “Tian Shu Academy’s Cao Jingsong greets the Lingjian Mountain Inspector. We accidentally wandered in—we shall withdraw immediately.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The dojo is full; seats are hard to find. Since you’ve come, you’re guests. This space is large—it’s no issue.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yan Shuyi looked at Ding Yao and Zhuo Wanqiu: “Offer them seats.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Both bowed: “Yes, Inspector.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Six chairs were brought: two for Wei Rui and Kuangcheng, placed beside Yan Shuyi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The other three chairs were placed behind Yan Shuyi—for Wen Zhengxin, Pei Ruyi, and Ban Yangshu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for the final chair’s placement, Zhuo Wanqiu hesitated and turned to her Inspector.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yan Shuyi pondered long, then glanced lightly forward, signaling Zhuo Wanqiu to place the chair directly before her own.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In Qingyun’s mainstream, the immortal path is paramount, so respecting one’s teacher is a deeply rooted tradition.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cao Jingsong held his breath: “Madam, I could sit behind.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Inspector’s seat is not to be refused.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhuo Wanqiu whispered to Cao Jingsong, thinking: The Inspector must be worried that if she ever marries, someone might criticize her for being too lenient.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thus, Cao Jingsong was led to the frontmost seat, his entire body drenched in sweat…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wen Zhengxin, Pei Ruyi, and Ban Yangshu exchanged glances, bewildered by what they saw.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Junior Inspector of Lingjian Mountain was a Grand Master-level figure; even Lingjian Mountain’s own disciples rarely saw her. Today, she sat with them to watch the match, leaving them dazed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They realized they had underestimated Kuangcheng’s connections—and never imagined the Junior Inspector of Lingjian Mountain would be so generous, approachable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was touching.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cao Jingsong: Didn’t dare move.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, through the viewing platform’s corridor, they spotted Ji You, clad in white, sword in hand, stepping onto the circular platform.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ji You had stirred up much commotion in Qingyun over the past two years; his name was known, but until now, many in the crowd had only just matched his face to his reputation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Honestly, a rural self-cultivator reaching the Tian Dao Assembly’s arena was unprecedented, let alone advancing to its second round.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without ancestral influence or access to direct discipleship resources, to face off against immortal sect disciples on the same stage—even if he lost today, no one would deem it shameful; many would even see it as honorable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, in their eyes, if they had completely abandoned their ancestral privileges, they doubted they had the courage to face someone like Chen Ruiyang, a direct disciple of an immortal sect.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perhaps influenced by the crowd, Qiu Hanyue and her companions also stilled their spiritual senses, fixing their gaze on the man on the platform, feeling something unusual.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That feeling was like witnessing a man without lineage or background, unyielding, step by step, painfully climbing to this point.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though Qingyun valued family and heritage, such stories still inspired admiration.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Xiong, too, listened to the murmurs around him and nodded slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For if not for this, he would never have considered marrying his daughter to Ji You.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Lu family rose from spirit stones, but held no great cultivators—even he himself was only at the Ying Tian realm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ultimately, it was because the Lu family had no access to upper-tier resources.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thus, someone like Ji You, who reached this point solely through personal strength, was precisely the kind Lu Xiong wanted to recruit—especially with the Snowfield Demon Stone and the vast Fengzhou territory.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His wife didn’t understand these things, which was why she had originally been picky about Ji You.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In Lu Xiong’s view, regardless of the outcome of this match, his desire to marry his daughter to Ji You would not change.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet neither Lu Xiong nor Qiu Hanyue yet understood why others had rushed here to watch, or why their attitude toward them had shifted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, the barrier atop the platform began to slowly rise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ji You drew his sword, pointing it diagonally upward, his eyes glancing down at the broadsword in his opponent’s hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yesterday, he had watched Chen Shuo’s match and seen the Chen Clan Immortal Sect’s techniques—he was eager to see how Chen Ruiyang would strike.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the same time, Chen Ruiyang reached back with one hand, drawing his broadsword with a metallic clang, fixing his gaze on Ji You, waiting for the gong’s sound.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the northern immortal sects, Chen Ruiyang knew Ji You’s past and understood that victory today wouldn’t be easy—based on what he’d heard, this rural self-cultivator’s combat strength was indeed formidable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, a sudden clang of bronze gongs erupted around the circular platform.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the next instant, a powerful and domineering aura exploded like a tidal wave—everyone snapped their gaze forward, but still a second too late; Chen Ruiyang had already surged forward like an arrow released from a bow. The instant his long blade unsheathed, its razor-sharp slash wrapped in churning air currents transformed into a gale that swept across the entire arena.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Whrrrr—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Accompanied by a deafening explosion, the air currents lifted by the force were instantly split open by a narrow slit—and from within that slit, a blinding, icy blade of light screamed upward, flooding the entire arena with overwhelming energy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Amid the wild surging of the air currents, Chen Ruiyang moved with the agility of a soaring eagle, his long blade carrying the weight of a thousand jin as it slashed straight toward Ji You.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as disciples of Spirit Sword Mountain used only swords, disciples of the Chen Clan Immortal used only blades.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And they were uniformly forged: thick, short, broad blades of black iron, resembling kitchen knives.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although they did not elevate blade Zhidao  as the very foundation of their sect, as Spirit Sword Mountain did with swords, the Chen Clan’s blades were undeniably devastating in lethality.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, that razor-sharp blade qi tore through even the wind currents it itself had stirred, emitting a piercing whistle, and in the blink of an eye, it was already before Ji You’s eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Witnessing this, many in the crowd instinctively narrowed their eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Among them, those cultivators who had already passed the second round and secured qualification for the third showed expressions of grave concern.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In their view, this slash—whether in speed, power, or momentum—was nothing short of stunning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beneath the howling wind, Ji You moved instantly, raising his long sword forward in a graceful arc, meeting the deadly blade-light with a light, precise cut.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the high platform, the nine judges slightly furrowed their brows.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For they realized Ji You’s sword strike now was nearly half as strong as before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the moment the blade and sword clashed, sparks flew like falling stars; the shockwaves surged like a furious tide, crashing violently against the surrounding blue barrier, producing deafening clangs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, Chen Ruiyang’s pupils contracted; his wrist twisted like a spirit serpent, and the blade’s edge sliced diagonally downward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The brilliant blade-light grazed along Ji You’s sword spine, then slashed sideways at extreme speed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing this, Ji You immediately stomped backward, evading the close-range slash—then saw Chen Ruiyang’s aura surge violently; his long blade, howling in the gale, was drawn once more and slashed forward again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The barrier did not obstruct vision, so everyone clearly saw everything happening on the circular platform.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From the very beginning, their eyes had remained fixed on Chen Ruiyang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In their perception, Chen Ruiyang’s latest strike was far stronger than his previous one.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If that initial slash had been like a crashing wave against the shore, this one was like a tsunami rushing head-on.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As expected…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Power does not arise from nothing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ji You, his eyes glowing golden, silently murmured and raised his sword horizontally, meeting the blade head-on.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then came a clang—he slashed downward with his sword held horizontally before him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The three-foot iron sword instantly bent under the ferocious blade qi, its blade emitting a sharp, resonant hum—as if unable to withstand the pressure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing this, the disciples of the Chen Clan Immortal all showed expressions of surprise—but their surprise was directed at Ji You.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s the Ten-Section Slash.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What is the Ten-Section Slash?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Chen Clan Immortal has a blade technique where each strike is stronger than the last, but the true key lies in borrowing force.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Borrowing force?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Borrowing the opponent’s force and channeling it onto his own blade.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the pavilion above, Yan Shuyi’s eyes reflected the figure of the white-robed man, and she spoke softly, her eyelashes trembling slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Chen Clan’s techniques were no great secret; the Ten-Section Slash was famously known throughout Qingyun Realm, and someone of Yan Shuyi’s status could hardly be unaware.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But “ten sections” did not mean only ten strikes—it could continue endlessly; it was said that if the blade momentum was sustained to the end, it could cleave open heaven itself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet this was merely legend, for the Chen Clan’s recorded maximum consecutive strikes remained at thirty, since opponents were not stationary—and dead opponents could not provide force to borrow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The reason the Chen Clan disciples were astonished was that Chen Ruiyang’s second strike was so ferocious—its power derived precisely from Ji You’s previous parry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sword users rarely borrowed force to overpower; it was typically blade users who did so, with Yan Hao being the sole exception.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even he, who trained with heavy swords, required a blade of greater mass to complement his technique.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, Cao Jingsong suddenly understood why Ji You’s first strike had been so light—he must have confirmed this while watching Chen Shuo and Wei Bo’s battle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wei Bo’s family technique, Heavenly Light Guide, was not an offensive art; it returned very little force, so Chen Shuo could not borrow force for a horizontal slash, severely limiting the Ten-Section Slash’s potential.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was why Ji You had said Chen Shuo had failed to fully unleash the blade’s might.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meanwhile, the audience in the stands buzzed with murmurs; after learning the subtlety of the Ten-Section Slash, their mouths hung slightly open.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In truth, the Ten-Section Slash sounded arrogant and overwhelming, but it was not unbreakable—Wei family’s Heavenly Light Guide, or the Celestial Book Academy’s myriad techniques that accompanied the body, could trap it in a dilemma.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Ji You was a self-taught cultivator from the countryside; everyone in Qingyun Realm knew he had no formal technique lineage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His only advantage was the sword art he had stolen from Spirit Sword Mountain—and like blade art, sword art was among the most aggressive offensive arts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To the crowd, it now seemed as if Chen Ruiyang’s blade momentum grew ever stronger, and every counterattack by Ji You only made Chen Ruiyang’s next strike even more powerful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But whether he withdrew his sword or unleashed a furious slash, the end result would inevitably be the same: an iron blade piercing through his body, blood spraying into the air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In fact, the crowd’s thoughts were correct: when the second clash of blade and sword exploded like thunder, the instant Chen Ruiyang retracted his blade, the power of his black iron broadsword surged again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, he lowered his waist, planted his stance, gripped the hilt with both hands, and lifted the blade upward; its edge emitted a blazing white glow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a thunderous roar, his blade slashed downward like a river inverted from heaven, carrying force enough to shatter mountains; the intense blade momentum shook the surrounding barrier into rippling waves that spread outward endlessly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No wonder Ji You reached the second round—even from the stands, I can feel his sword is no weakling; his feat of blocking the Warlord’s punch in the Wilds was no lie. But the stronger he is, the higher Chen Ruiyang’s chances become.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I think Ji You still has a chance.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Spirit Sword Mountain has a supreme fast-sword technique called Willow’s New Hue. But the blade coming at him now cannot be stopped—he must use this sword, and to do so, he must channel all his spiritual energy to protect his body, endure the first slash alone, and break its momentum.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The cultivation experts in the crowd now mentally placed themselves in Ji You’s position, pondering how to break the blade’s momentum.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In their view, Ji You still had a chance at this moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But if he continued to engage, by the fourth strike, Chen Ruiyang’s slash would exceed the range any Spirit Awakening cultivator could withstand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, the brilliant iron blade sliced through the churning air again—but Ji You did not, as everyone expected, use his fast sword to seize an opening; instead, he raised his sword once more to meet the blade head-on.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing this, the crowd could not help but sigh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For if he missed this opportunity, he would barely survive Chen Ruiyang’s fourth strike.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clang! Another heavier, more powerful slash—figures on the platform interwove, colliding repeatedly amid the raging winds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Amid flashes of blade and sword, everyone silently counted, estimating at which strike Ji You would finally break.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When the sixth metallic clang exploded, the air above the platform seemed instantly cleaved in half.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing this, the spectators’ expressions grew even more grave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Ruiyang’s sixth strike was worlds apart from his opening one—but since Ji You had withstood it, it meant Chen Ruiyang’s blade power had not yet reached Ji You’s limit. Yet to those in the crowd, this was already near their own limit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And more puzzling still: Chen Ruiyang, whose force had been like a mountain-splitting strike, now moved slower; his expression had shifted from murderous intent to one of shock and confusion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Clang!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Another spark-spitting collision—metallic clangs piercingly sharp.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In their vision, Chen Ruiyang on the high platform suddenly switched to a two-handed grip; his arm muscles swelled like coiled dragons, veins bulging visibly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ji You retracted his sword, his golden eyes fixed intensely on Chen Ruiyang; his heavy footstep crashed onto the platform with a “thud,” then he raised his sword again and slashed—his posture like striking a wooden fish.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One sword. Two swords. Three swords…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An inexplicable, scorching heat began to rise from the platform, and simultaneously, a chilling sensation crept up from the hearts of the onlookers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Ruiyang, who should have been cutting through like a bamboo stalk with both hands, now retreated continuously—but he did not release his power, for the veins on his arms visibly swelled further, his blood surging like a tide.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soaring, then striking down!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ji You’s arm muscles also swelled, like a bowstring drawn to its limit, as he slashed down with terrifying force.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In an instant, the crushing weight made the platform tremble; where the sharp blade passed, it carved out a suffocating vacuum.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, the once gentle boy who had seemed made for the sword now resembled a beast with bared fangs; his entire aura slammed against the barrier, shaking it violently—even the overseer standing at the edge could not help but stare in shock.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Shhh!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, Ji You’s waist tightened, his blue blade arcing upward around the heavens.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A brilliant sword-light plunged down violently within the barrier; the previously churning air currents were crushed into a chaotic explosion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Ruiyang’s face twisted in agony; with a furious roar, he raised his blade and met Ji You’s sword with absolute resolve.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the moment the two blades met, the Chen Clan disciple’s figure suddenly sank lower—when the wind subsided, Zhongren  saw his left leg bent, his knee slammed hard into the platform, propelled backward several zhang, leaving a bloody trail.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Simultaneously, the iron blade clamped tightly in his hands trembled violently, its brilliant glow blindingly white.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Ruiyang’s blade technique had never truly broken, for combat, like force, was mutual.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For both combatants, it could be seen as you slashing me—or as me slashing you.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the onlookers’ vision, the short, broad iron blade now unleashed a power that turned every face pale—then, amid a spray of blood, it flew sideways and crashed with a clang against the barrier, snapping in two.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The arena fell silent for a long while. Eyes that had followed the flying blade now turned back—and saw Chen Ruiyang’s tiger’s mouth split open, blood oozing from nose and mouth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing this, the surrounding crowd fell utterly silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Among them, the Chen Clan Immortal’s twin direct disciples sat in the pavilion opposite Yan Shuyi’s, watching this scene.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They held teacups in hand; they had just taken a sip moments ago. Now, their hands froze mid-air, then instinctively lowered—but after several attempts, they could not place the cup on the table.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Spirit Fox Dojo next door was also hosting a duel, yet many in its audience now turned their gaze toward the Cangwu Dojo.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For the previous blade qi had been so overwhelming it had given them goosebumps; after exchanging puzzled glances, some left the Spirit Fox Dojo and headed toward the Cangwu Dojo.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They knew well the Chen Clan Immortal used blades.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They also knew Chen Ruiyang of the Chen Clan Immortal had a duel today at the Cangwu Dojo, so they were certain the blade qi came from him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thus, on their way to the Cangwu Dojo, all could not help but sigh, thinking: such overwhelming blade qi—Chen Ruiyang was far more terrifying than imagined.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But as they reached the entrance of the Cangwu Dojo, they saw standing on the platform a white-robed, sword-wearing man, his chest rising and falling heavily, sweat trickling slightly down his arms.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for Chen Ruiyang, whom they had spoken of, he now knelt on the ground, blood streaming from his nose and mouth, staring up at him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, the head of the Lou family rose slowly from the audience seats and walked silently toward the outside of the Cangwu Dojo.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After watching from start to finish, he could understand why his son had suddenly withdrawn from the competition.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meanwhile, on the small building across the way, Cao Jingsong and the other three remained silent but, with perfect unspoken coordination, took out their Celestial Book Academy immortal robes from their storage gourds and put them on.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",4192,"2026-06-19T15:28:41.422Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","fac7283b39e6d26bb062009ef4d133d9ecbe51fac4f05f0ce0c815e63d7ccaa3","watching-the-immortals-fall-chapter-240","watching-the-immortals-fall-chapter-238",430,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fwatching-the-immortals-fall-cover.jpg"]