I Pick up a Lost Godhood

Chapter 363 - 346: The Brilliance of a Single Strike

"I understand," Wang Meng said with a nod. He had been here once before, only to be completely ignored—a blatant show of contempt.

A fire lit in Wang Meng’s eyes. Across from him, Yi Fan found it a bit funny. ’What’s the big deal? In the eyes of those masters, any Sect ranked below fifty is hardly worth a second glance.’

But Yi Fan, having come from a renowned sect, still maintained his courtesy. "After you."

"After you!" Master Wang had made a habit of it—specializing in dealing with all sorts of condescension and sidelong glances.

SHING...

Yi Fan’s Long Sword slid from its sheath. From the hilt to the tip, seven stars seemed to shine with a life of their own.

Simultaneously, their Elemental Power began to calibrate. It was clear this place enforced absolute parity in Elemental Power.

This adjustment had little effect on Yi Fan. Elemental Qi surged into the seven stars on his Seven-Star Sword, which lit up as if activated. ’This is a top-tier Immortal Sword.’

Wang Meng gripped Broken Heaven Edge, gradually entering a combat trance. The opponent before him vanished; in his mind’s eye, there was only Moo Shan, only Wangtian!

All he needed was to recapture that feeling.

Yi Fan found it strange. His opponent seemed to be looking at him, yet at the same time, it felt as if he were looking right through him.

’Is this some kind of strategy?’

However, this flicker of doubt vanished from Yi Fan’s mind in an instant. The aura!

Wang Meng was exuding a peculiar aura. And that aura gave Yi Fan his answer: his opponent wasn’t looking at him at all. ’Is that... the kind of confidence that allows one to completely ignore their adversary?!’

Yi Fan didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. ’Shouldn’t it be the other way around?’ But the pressure from Wang Meng’s aura was truly out of the ordinary.

The two fighters’ auras climbed, each pushing against the other. As an expert from the Cyan Cloud Sect, Yi Fan’s skill was beyond question, and he steadily suppressed Wang Meng.

The five deans watched intently. This was a standard duel between Sword Cultivators. Their Elemental Power was equal, but how could a disciple of the Cyan Cloud Sect possibly lose to a no-name? The major Saint Cultivation Sects had always been unparalleled in this kind of training.

Their auras had built to a critical point, and by now, Yi Fan had completely gained the upper hand.

A glint appeared in his eyes. The seven stars on his Seven-Star Sword began to flash in sequence, from top to bottom.

Seven-Star Linked Movement—Seven-Star Heart Lock Slash!

A brilliant light bloomed as an Array flashed into existence at the tip of his sword. A torrent of Sword Qi erupted violently forth.

A Sword Technique is also a form of Magic, but a true Sword Technique is always augmented by an Array. This represents a higher level of mastery, the only way to unleash the full, devastating power of Sword Qi.

This was the power of the Cyan Cloud Sect!

The corner of Du Qingtian’s mouth curled into a smile. ’This is a fundamental difference in quality!’

’His aura is completely suppressed. It’s questionable if that kid can even mount an attack.’

But Du Qingtian didn’t have to wait long for the answer.

Broken Heaven Edge suddenly lashed out.

One Sword Cuts the Edge of Heaven and Earth!

HAAAAAAH—

BOOM...

A blinding light erupted. Before it, the magnificent Seven-Star Heart Lock Slash seemed to dim, its starlight fading.

How could mere starlight compete with the brilliance of the full moon!

POP...

BOOM...

The Sword Qi scattered into the air. Wang Meng didn’t even follow up. That one strike was enough.

Yi Fan’s Sword Qi was utterly shattered. An unstoppable force, vast enough to blot out the sky, crashed down upon him. His vision went black, and he knew no more.

Dead silence.

CLAP... CLAP... CLAP...

Lv Yuantian’s applause broke the silence. "My apologies, gentlemen. It seems my Starlight Academy has won yet again."

The other four deans exchanged glances, their expressions grim. Du Qingtian had already flashed into the middle of the arena.

This was the first time Wang Meng had seen the dean of the Starlight Cultivation Academy. A Master at the Great Perfection level could generate an immense, invisible pressure just by standing there.

Du Qingtian was inwardly surprised. The pressure he was exerting seemed to have little effect.

As he lifted Yi Fan to treat him, Wang Meng spoke up. "Senior, he just had the wind knocked out of him. It’s nothing serious."

Du Qingtian gave him a light pat, and Yi Fan gasped, his eyes fluttering open. He scrambled to his feet.

"I have failed you, Dean."

"Victory and defeat are common occurrences. No one can be invincible," Du Qingtian said, then gave Wang Meng a cool glance. "You are a Holy Hall Disciple?"

"Yes. I am a disciple of the Holy Hall’s Thunderlight Hall," Wang Meng replied.

"Good. I’ll remember that."

Yi Fan was back to normal after just a few breaths. Wang Meng was rather surprised himself. Even if it had just been the wind knocked out of him, that last blow wasn’t light. His opponent’s recovery was impressive.

"You’re incredibly strong. I hope we get a chance to spar again."

"Anytime."

Wang Meng smiled. ’Saint Cultivators really are different.’ The young man before him had shown considerable restraint in his attack, so Wang Meng had felt it wouldn’t be right to go all out either.

The other four deans were now looking at Wang Meng with curiosity. If the first match hadn’t left a deep impression, this one certainly had.

Although none of the four deans said a word, the image of that sword strike was seared into their minds.

Normally, they would have traded a few sarcastic jabs, but this time even the loser, Du Qingtian, remained silent. A light flashed from their Star Rings as the wager was paid.

"Old Du, how about we raise the stakes next time?"

"Heh, your Starlight Academy is wealthy. I’m fine with whatever," Du Qingtian replied.

"Good! Spoken with guts!"

Darkness descended, and Wang Meng felt his body go light. He was back in the academy.

Lv Yuantian was staring at Wang Meng so intently it was making his skin crawl.

"Dean, sir, as much as I appreciate you gazing at me so affectionately, I’m afraid I already have someone I like."

Lv Yuantian couldn’t hold back any longer. "Get outta here, you little punk! That Sword Technique of yours is impressive. Where did you learn it? The Holy Hall couldn’t have taught you that, and that Xuee Zhongnan certainly doesn’t have the skill!"

Wang Meng scratched his head, his eyes wide. "Isn’t it incredible, Dean? I invented it myself. After watching a lot of Magic recently, I just thought, why make things so complicated? Shouldn’t a Sword Technique be more powerful the stronger, faster, and more direct it is? So I just practiced that one thing over and over. And believe it or not, I really got a feel for it!"

Lv Yuantian didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. "How long have you been practicing?"

Wang Meng ticked off his fingers, mentally counting his practice duels against Moo Shan and Wangtian. "A few hundred thousand strikes, I suppose. I lost count."

Lv Yuantian’s jaw dropped. ’Damn, he’s a little lunatic.’

"Dean, am I practicing it the wrong way?" This was actually a question Wang Meng had been pondering. He used to prefer complexity, but recently he had grown to favor this direct approach. With every strike, he felt he could find the one fatal flaw in his opponent’s form—even in the most complex and seemingly perfect techniques, there was always a weakness.

Wang Meng knew it was effective in the short term, but what about in the long run?

Lv Yuantian didn’t answer right away, mulling it over for a moment. "Countless methods lead to the same peak. To be frank, a Cultivation Academy doesn’t so much teach as it does showcase. We lay out good Cultivation methods for you to choose from. The best one is the one that’s right for you. Forging your own path is difficult, but if you succeed, the rewards are unimaginable. In this matter, the only one who can give you an answer is yourself."

A smile spread across Lv Yuantian’s face. "However, the fact that you shut those four old bastards up... now that feels damn good. For that reason alone, I’d say it’s worth pursuing. Haha!"

In the past, even when they lost, they’d always have a few retorts. For Wang Meng to beat them so badly they were all left speechless made Lv Yuantian feel so good he couldn’t help but let a few curses fly.

"Then I can rest easy. I’ve been worried lately that I was heading down the wrong path in my cultivation," Wang Meng said. Lv Yuantian’s thinking was similar to his own, but having the Old Demon Dean’s approval gave him a much-needed confidence boost.

"Your Elemental Power is still a problem. Go to the Array Formation Pavilion, Third Layer, row one hundred thirty-six, and pick up an Array. It should be helpful for you and your friends," Lv Yuantian said.

"Thank you for the guidance, Dean."

"Alright, you’re a crafty one. No need to play the honest disciple with me. Spit it out. What do you want me to reward you with this time?"

"Ahem, I did cause some trouble last time... maybe we can skip the reward this time."

"Look at you, selling yourself short. Just say what’s on your mind."

Lv Yuantian was in high spirits, and seeing Wang Meng’s hesitant expression, it was obvious he had a request.

After seeing Wang Meng’s performance today, Lv Yuantian’s attitude toward him had shifted. Perhaps this boy could be a true asset, not just a pawn.

"As you know, I founded the Holy Hall Faction, but we don’t have enough members, and we’re getting pushed around all the time..."

Lv Yuantian waved his hand dismissively. "Stop with the sob story. Get to the point."

"Well, I was wondering... could I recruit a few of my junior brothers and sisters from the Holy Hall to come here?"

Lv Yuantian blinked. "That’s your request?"

"Yes. I hope you can help me, Dean."

Wang Meng knew it was a difficult request that went against the Star Alliance’s regulations. But if it were a simple matter, he wouldn’t have needed to ask the Old Demon Dean.

Lv Yuantian was speechless. ’I’m not even going to bother sugarcoating it. You call that a request? You really don’t seem to value the opportunities I give you.’

In Lv Yuantian’s mind, a real request should be for something valuable for Wang Meng himself, something difficult to obtain. For the kid to waste this chance on something so trivial felt like a slap in the face.

Wang Meng scratched his head. "I know it’s against the rules, but I truly believe my junior brothers and sisters are very talented. If they could come here, they would have much better opportunities to grow."

Lv Yuantian put a hand to his forehead. After all that, the kid still didn’t get it.

"Are you sure?"

"I’m sure!"

Lv Yuantian felt completely helpless against him. "What you’re asking does violate regulations. However, given the Holy Hall’s current situation, they probably can’t afford the tuition anyway. I have the authority to make special recruitments, but I can’t go too far. For now, you can pick one person to bring over."

Wang Meng was overjoyed but still hesitated. "Dean, you know I’m broke... about the cost..."

"Get out of here! You think I’d charge you for a little thing like this, you rascal!" Lv Yuantian scolded with a laugh. ’What does this kid take me for?’

"Haha, you’re the best, Dean! Thank you!"

Wang Meng hadn’t been sure Lv Yuantian would agree. ’Mission accomplished. This will make things much easier from now on.’

Wang Meng wasn’t a fool. He knew he could have asked for more, but you had to know your limits. If he pushed too hard now, there would be no future opportunities. Slow and steady was the way to go.

On the way back, Master Wang was ecstatic. One day, he would make the name of the Holy Hall revered throughout the Great Yuan Realm!

When Wang Meng returned to the Little Holy Hall, he found the group in high spirits. Yanm Yuyue’s arrival had injected new life into their small circle. Jiangg Qingqing, at least, was overjoyed. When it came to having fun, she and Yanm Yuyue were two peas in a pod.

They were all chatting and laughing animatedly. Fan Xiaoniao was trying his best to show off—what could he do? There were pretty girls around, and he couldn’t suppress his inner peacock. (To be continued. If you like this work, you are welcome to come to Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for it. Your support is my greatest motivation.)