Cyclebreaker: Rise of the Martial Emperor

Chapter 27 – Grade-Two Martial Arts Perfection

After stepping down from the dueling platform, Luo Xiu felt the complex gazes of awe, admiration, jealousy, and envy directed at him, yet he remained calm and composed.

Undoubtedly, after this battle, he would surely catch the attention of the higher-ups in the Martial Hall following the Grand Martial Tournament. He might even be exceptionally admitted into the Advanced Elite Class, receiving various martial arts resources.

Some Martial Hall students, who usually had no interaction with him, began to approach him, eager to curry favor and establish connections.

"Luo Xiu, I didn't expect you to advance so quickly. My sixteenth birthday is in a couple of days, can you come to the party?"

Liu Yuxin also approached Luo Xiu, her smile as refreshing as a spring breeze, her bright eyes sparkling with charm, pure and ethereal, captivating the heart.

Hearing this, Luo Xiu frowned slightly, "I still need to train, I'm afraid I don't have the time, sorry."

He once had a crush on this girl, and it was because of her that many things happened later. However, this young lady from a noble family was very realistic, so Luo Xiu no longer wanted to have any unnecessary interactions with her.

Hearing Luo Xiu's rejection, Liu Yuxin was taken aback, feeling a bit embarrassed. With her beauty, countless people sought to win her favor, and she knew Luo Xiu liked her. She thought she could use her beauty to win over Luo Xiu, but at this moment, she suddenly felt a sense of defeat.

Watching Liu Yuxin's embarrassed figure leave, Luo Xiu remained unmoved. He understood very clearly that in this world, only great strength is eternal. If one day he could reach the pinnacle of martial arts, what kind of woman couldn't he have?

"You ungrateful thing, Yuxin personally invited you, that's a blessing your ancestors earned for you, and you dare to refuse?" Xu Fei couldn't help but step forward to stand up for Liu Yuxin.

Luo Xiu's expression turned cold as he looked at Xu Fei indifferently, "You're just a waste flaunting your family's background, you'd better watch your mouth!"

"Who are you calling a waste?" Xu Fei was furious, his face turning red.

"Am I wrong? You've consumed countless pills and spent countless silver on advanced martial arts, yet at seventeen, you're only at the seventh layer of Body Refining. You're too afraid of embarrassment to even participate in the Grand Martial Tournament. If that's not wasteful, then what is?" Luo Xiu sneered.

Back in the Library Pavilion, Xu Fei had put on airs and even threatened Luo Xiu to stay away from Liu Yuxin.

Now, Luo Xiu could easily defeat ten Xu Feis with one hand. In this Martial Hall, where strength speaks, he naturally didn't need to take him seriously.

"Luo Xiu, you're courting death!"

Being called a waste by Luo Xiu in front of so many people made Xu Fei's veins pop in anger.

"Want to fight?" Luo Xiu's lips curled into a cold smile, "You're not even qualified to take one move from me."

"You..." Xu Fei was extremely angry, "Just you wait, don't think being at the ninth layer of Body Refining is impressive, someone will deal with you!"

"I'll be waiting." Luo Xiu replied with a disdainful smile.

Xu Fei left in a rage, his teeth nearly grinding to pieces, as he quickly made his way through the crowd to a young man in white, holding a blade.

"Cousin, that Luo Xiu dared to humiliate me, you must avenge me!" Xu Fei said to the young man.

This young man had a refined appearance and an air of sharpness. At eighteen, his name was Zhao Qishuang, ranked fourth on the strength ranking board!

"Luo Xiu?" Zhao Qishuang raised an eyebrow. He looked down on this cousin of his, whose martial talent was average and had only reached the seventh layer of Body Refining by relying on his status as the Xu Clan's eldest son and using a lot of resources.

Zhao Qishuang's family was quite ordinary. Although he had decent talent, without the Xu Clan's support, he might not have achieved his current accomplishments. So when Xu Fei asked him to teach Luo Xiu a lesson, he couldn't refuse.

"If I encounter him, I'll help you teach him a lesson." Zhao Qishuang said with a smile. Although Luo Xiu's displayed strength was impressive, he didn't take it to heart.

"Thank you, cousin. It's best if you hit him hard, cripple him if you can!" Xu Fei said venomously, "If I become the head of the family in the future, I won't forget your help."

"Hehe, no problem." Zhao Qishuang replied with a smile, though he felt disdain in his heart. Once he broke through to become a Qi Sea Martial Artist, even if he couldn't become an Outer Sect Disciple of the Free Spirit Sect, he could still join the Azure Guard. What was a small Xu Clan compared to that?

However, Zhao Qishuang also knew that to become a Qi Sea Martial Artist, he still needed the Xu Clan's resources.

After defeating Lin Jie, the competition continued. As the tournament progressed, those who could still win and advance were mostly advanced class elites at the ninth layer of Body Refining.

Zhao Qishuang also paid attention to Luo Xiu's matches, thinking, "This Luo Xiu's fist and movement techniques are impressive, but I heard he's only been practicing sword techniques for two months. He carries a sword but has never drawn it, so his sword skills should still be lacking."

He had heard that Luo Xiu chose the Thunderstorm Sword Art, known to be one of the more difficult Grade-Three sword techniques to master. Even someone with great talent would take two to three months to reach entry-level, and at least half a year to achieve minor achievement.

"Boom!"

Another figure fell off the platform as Luo Xiu defeated his opponent once again, advancing to the next round.

"Luo Xiu's displayed strength is solidly in the top five. I wonder how he compares to Zhao Qishuang, who is ranked fourth."

"I think Zhao Qishuang is probably stronger. Luo Xiu's Dragon-Tiger Fist and Inch Step are ultimately Grade-Two martial arts, with limited power."

The crowd below the dueling platform was abuzz with discussions, comparing the strengths of various individuals.

Apart from Luo Xiu's outstanding performance, the advanced class elites who ranked high on the board were also making their way through the competition, with many opponents choosing to forfeit when facing them.

For instance, Xu Qiusheng, ranked first, was incredibly popular. It was said that he had received guidance from the Master of the Martial Hall and was expected to become a Qi Sea Martial Artist before the age of nineteen.

Eighteen was a threshold; as long as one became a Qi Sea Martial Artist before turning eighteen, they were eligible to participate in the assessment. Once passed, they could become an Outer Sect Disciple of the Free Spirit Sect.

The Free Spirit Sect was the true dominant force in Yunlong Prefecture, capable of covering the sky with one hand. The minimum standard for Outer Sect Disciples was the Qi Sea Realm, and they had to be under eighteen years old.

Rumor had it that to become an Inner Sect Disciple of the Free Spirit Sect, one had to be at the Innate Realm and under twenty-five years old, with strength comparable to the elders of the Qingyun City Martial Hall!

Above the Inner Sect Disciples were the Core Disciples, possessing even greater strength.

Compared to the Martial Halls in various cities of Yunlong Prefecture, the Free Spirit Sect was the true sacred ground for martial arts. Outer Sect Disciples could freely choose Grade-Four martial arts to practice, and the top-tier martial arts of the core inheritance were legendary Grade-Seven martial arts!

The most advanced cultivation methods in Qingyun City were only Grade-Four. Grade-Seven martial arts were indeed like legends to students like Luo Xiu in the Martial Hall.

Becoming a disciple of the Free Spirit Sect was actually one of Luo Xiu's goals. At fourteen, he was already at the peak of the ninth layer of Body Refining, and it wouldn't be long before he became a Qi Sea Martial Artist, eligible to take the assessment for Outer Sect Disciples of the Free Spirit Sect.

"Slap!"

A figure landed on the dueling platform, and Luo Xiu looked intently at his opponent, the elite ranked fourth on the stone tablet, Zhao Qishuang.

"Luo Xiu, now that you've encountered me, you have no chance of advancing to the next round. Your proud fist and movement techniques stand no chance against my Seven Star Blade Technique."

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Zhao Qishuang stood proudly, as if looking down from above, and said with a smile, "I heard you're practicing the Thunderstorm Sword Art. Do you dare to draw your sword and spar?"

His words were full of disdain, but in reality, Zhao Qishuang was quite wary of Luo Xiu's major achievement in fist and movement techniques. However, he was certain that in just two months, Luo Xiu couldn't have mastered the sword technique to a high level.

So he planned to provoke Luo Xiu with words, hoping to make him use his sword technique, making it easier for him to win.

"You want me to draw my sword?" Luo Xiu's lips curled into a playful smile.

"Of course, if you think your sword skills are too embarrassing, you can keep it as a decoration." Zhao Qishuang squinted and smiled.

With Luo Xiu's intelligence, how could he not see through Zhao Qishuang's intentions? However, he couldn't be bothered with such petty tricks.

"If you want me to draw my sword, let's see if you have the ability." Luo Xiu said with a smile.

Zhao Qishuang's smile froze, his expression turning grim, "You're quite arrogant. In that case, I won't even give you the chance to draw your sword!"

Stepping forward, Zhao Qishuang held the blade in his left hand, gripping the handle with his right. His eyes flashed with a sharp light as he suddenly drew the blade, the cold gleam radiating.

"Blade Draw Technique!"

This was the most basic blade technique, yet extremely powerful, emphasizing a swift and lethal strike at the moment of drawing.

The speed of this strike was incredibly fast, with inner qi enhancing it, the blade shimmered with light, carrying an overwhelming pressure.

Luo Xiu remained calm and composed, his body shifting slightly to the side, allowing the blade's light to pass just above his head without harming him.

"Hiss!"

A gasp echoed from below the dueling platform, as no one expected Luo Xiu to be so confident, daring to dodge such a fierce and swift strike in this manner.

"What an impressive movement technique. Though it's a Grade-Two technique, the precision and subtlety in its execution make it comparable to Grade-Three techniques." Someone exclaimed in admiration.

"Hmph, do you think you can dodge like this?" Zhao Qishuang's lips curled into a cold smile, the blade's light sweeping horizontally, like a constellation of seven stars, causing the air to crackle with pressure.

On the dueling platform, the blade's light flickered continuously, with Luo Xiu relying on his movement technique to dodge repeatedly, leaving him with no chance to counterattack.

"Yes, this Zhao Qishuang is quite good. His Seven Star Blade Technique has reached minor achievement." An elder on the pavilion nodded in approval.

"Seven Star Water Severing!"

On the dueling platform, Zhao Qishuang shouted angrily, channeling all his inner qi into the blade, pushing the Seven Star Blade Technique to its limit.

This was his strongest strike, and with the blade technique at minor achievement, he was certain Luo Xiu couldn't dodge it.

Blades and swords have no eyes. If Luo Xiu couldn't dodge this strike, he would either be severely injured or worse.

However, Luo Xiu's expression remained calm. The countless life-and-death battles during his training at Yaqi Mountain had already honed a steady mindset.

"Slap!"

With a simple lateral shift of his footwork, the gleaming blade passed just above his chest.

"He... actually dodged it?" Zhao Qishuang's full-force strike missed, leaving him with a feeling of punching into thin air.

"Soaring Dragon Stance!"

At that moment, a loud shout reached his ears, and Zhao Qishuang felt a sharp pain in his chest, his body instantly flying backward, nearly falling off the dueling platform.

He flipped over and stood up, his face dark with shock and disbelief.

He thought he could take down Luo Xiu, but he didn't expect this guy's movement technique to be so formidable, placing him in an invincible position.

"What an impressive movement technique!"

"It's not just the movement technique. Luo Xiu's composure and calmness in the face of danger make him truly invincible!"

"Unless someone masters a Grade-Three martial art to major achievement, I'm afraid no one can handle Luo Xiu."

The crowd below the dueling platform was filled with exclamations, making Zhao Qishuang's face darken to the point of dripping water.

"I don't believe you can dodge again. It must have been luck just now..."

Zhao Qishuang roared, once again unleashing the Seven Star Blade Technique, charging at Luo Xiu with fury.

Luo Xiu remained expressionless, already noticing Zhao Qishuang's unbalanced mindset. In martial combat, a martial artist's mindset and state of mind were crucial. An unbalanced state easily exposed flaws.

With a few simple steps, Luo Xiu easily dodged three strikes, keenly catching a slight flaw in Zhao Qishuang's movements.

"Boom!"

A Tiger Stance strike landed on Zhao Qishuang's shoulder, causing him to tremble and retreat several steps.

Since it was a martial competition and not a life-and-death battle, Luo Xiu didn't strike with full force.

"Haha, your inner qi is too weak. Is that all you've got? Die! Die!"

Zhao Qishuang, appearing deranged, completely abandoned defense, attacking relentlessly.

Luo Xiu chuckled silently. Clearly, he had held back, yet this guy thought his inner qi was too weak to harm him?

To think there are such ungrateful, insatiable people in this world...

Luo Xiu shook his head, realizing his heart was still too kind.

On the pavilion, an elder watched the match intently and suddenly said, "This Luo Xiu is only fourteen, yet his combat skills are so refined, like a seasoned expert. His mindset is also calm and composed. Such a promising talent, I want to take him as my disciple!"

"Hmph, Elder Li wants to take a disciple, but he might not be willing. This Luo Xiu, without guidance and from a poor background, has already surpassed major achievement in Grade-Two fist and movement techniques, reaching a state of perfection. Can you achieve that?"

Zhuang Nantian pursed his lips, "If you can't even do it yourself, how can you be his master?"

"What do you mean, Zhuang?" Elder Li's face turned red with anger.

Though he was an Innate Martial Master, his achievements were the result of decades of cultivation, not due to exceptional talent. Reaching a state of perfection in a martial art requires talent and comprehension, not just high cultivation.

"My meaning is clear. We all know our own limits. Letting us teach such a genius would be a disservice. Only the Hall Master in Qingyun City can teach him." Zhuang Nantian said with a smile.

At these words, everyone turned to look at the Master of the Martial Hall, who wore a gentle smile.

The Master of the Martial Hall smiled calmly, "Luo Xiu is indeed a promising talent. Our Qingyun City Martial Hall is ultimately too small. The Free Spirit Sect is where he truly belongs."

At this moment, a commotion erupted near the dueling platform as Luo Xiu and Zhao Qishuang's match came to an end.

Luo Xiu, no longer holding back, seized the opportunity and delivered a punch to Zhao Qishuang's chest, sending him flying off the platform, rolling down to the ground.