Chapter 42: The Sword Named Billowing Waves

"I have heard that Junior Brother Lin Fei of East Ming Mountain possesses extraordinary mastery of the sword. I wonder if I might have the honor of seeing it today."

Yu Lin's voice echoed across the arena, laced with a hint of provocation.

He continued, "If Junior Brother Lin is present, I would very much like to seek his guidance. If he is not... well, then, never mind."

The atmosphere in the arena turned unnervingly silent, as if even the act of breathing had become a cautious affair. Yet, Yu Lin’s expression remained entirely composed. Whether Lin Fei was present or not was obvious to everyone in attendance. The spectator stands were right there; anyone could see at a single glance.

Yu Lin’s words were undoubtedly a blatant provocation in front of everyone. He had already destroyed Qin Qianqian’s ancient sword, and now, by challenging Lin Fei in public, he was effectively slapping Lin Fei across the face, time and time again.

Many wondered how Yu Lin dared to be so reckless. Lin Fei was not only a disciple personally acknowledged by the Sword Sect’s Sect Master but also a member of East Ming Mountain. Where did a mere disciple of Green Wing Peak find the confidence and audacity for such behavior?

Some disciples who were privy to the inside story cast furtive glances toward West Ridge Mountain. Upon catching sight of that towering figure, they quickly looked away, fearful that their thoughts might be detected.

Fa Zhao stood with his hands behind his back, wearing a half-smile, seemingly indifferent to it all.

On the spectator stand of North Wander Mountain, Di Yuan pondered for a moment before taking a step forward.

On the spectator stand of South Mi Mountain, Lu Shuili frowned slightly. The long sword on her back seemed to sense its master’s mood, vibrating without the touch of the wind. Xia Yi, who was now her junior uncle, had once told her that Lin Fei was the person he admired most. More importantly, she remembered that she still owed Lin Fei a favor.

As the last glimmer of sunset faded, Di Yuan’s foot ultimately failed to take that crucial step.

Lu Shuili gripped her sword hilt tightly, but the blade remained sheathed, for at that very moment, a golden invitation descended like a divine oracle, drifting slowly before the eyes of the crowd. This was the very invitation Mu Qi had once sent to East Ming Mountain, now reappearing here.

The clouds above Sunset Rock parted, and a small celestial skiff descended slowly, as if falling from the heavens. The crowd could not help but look up in astonishment. For days, the Imperial Sky Skiff had mysteriously vanished from the Sword Sect, and no one knew its whereabouts; no one had expected it to be hidden all along atop West Ridge Mountain.

A figure leaped lightly from the skiff and landed steadily on the ground. The youth’s gaze swept through the crowd, eventually locking onto Yu Lin. His voice was calm and resolute: "I heard you were looking for me."

The surrounding disciples of the Sword Sect rubbed their eyes, confirming what they saw. They were not mistaken; Lin Fei had truly appeared. The eyes of everyone from the thirteen peaks converged on the youth. The elders and disciples who had never met him looked on with curiosity and scrutiny.

A year had passed in the blink of an eye, and Lin Fei’s cultivation and strength had become a mystery to all. In the eyes of many, Xia Yi and Fang Zhenghua were the most outstanding disciples of this generation; they possessed Heavenly Sword Hearts, were born with great talent, and had advanced their cultivation rapidly.

In contrast, Lin Fei always seemed to be lacking something.

However, when some began to review Lin Fei’s journey over the past few years, they started to question that conclusion. During the entrance trials of North Wander Mountain, Lin Fei had easily defeated the ninth-stage Qi-refining Fang Zhenghua. During the expedition to Sword Burial Mountain, he had obtained the Sword Spirit Bloodline on his first attempt, becoming the second person in the Sword Sect’s thousands of years of history to do so. More importantly, he was the second disciple taken in by the Sect Master in recent years; this alone was enough to make everyone regard him with newfound respect.

Lu Shuili’s gaze pierced through the crowd, resting on that slender figure with flowing long hair. "He seems to have changed quite a bit," she whispered.

Su Yueke wore a playful smile, squinting as she said, "Time is a truly magical thing. It not only makes one grow but also makes one more handsome. It’s fortunate that the little one didn't come; otherwise, he would surely have been so excited he’d have leaped right over."

In the center of the field, hearing that casual inquiry, Yu Lin felt a surge of inexplicable tension. He struggled to steady his emotions, forcing himself to remain calm, and asked in a deep voice, "You are Lin Fei?"

Lin Fei did not answer him directly. He merely cast a faint glance at the green bird pattern on Yu Lin’s lapel before looking away to survey the surrounding environment. This indifferent attitude made Yu Lin’s complexion darken instantly. He sneered and provoked, "Please, Junior Brother Lin, grant me your instruction!"

Before the words had even faded, a sharp, emerald-green long sword appeared in his hand. The sword was exceptionally long, and the hilt pulsed with such a surge of spiritual energy that it seemed ready to burst forth at any moment. As Yu Lin held the blade, he felt as though the sword were guiding him, rather than him wielding the sword.

Some among the onlookers recognized the origin of the sword and could not help but curse in anger.

Di Yuan, on the North Wander Mountain stand, let out a cold snort, his tone full of disdain: "Truly, utterly shameless."

Su Yueke also shook her head helplessly, sighing, "Fierce competition among the younger generation is one thing, but for the older generation to disregard their dignity like this is truly disappointing."

Lu Shuili was confused. "Why do you say that?"

"That sword is called 'Surging Wave'."

A flash of realization crossed Lu Shuili’s face. The ancient sword *Surging Wave* was the personal blade of the Master of Green Wing Peak, a symbol of the peak master’s majesty and power. To pass such an ancient sword to a direct disciple at the critical moment of a sword tournament—the intent behind it was self-evident.

Some of the more astute observers thought even deeper. Had they anticipated from the very beginning that Lin Fei would appear at the Sword Trial Tournament, and thus prepared this nearly guaranteed victory in advance? If that were true, their schemes were truly profound and terrifying.

On the South Mi Mountain stand, Feng Qian had appeared beside Mu Qi at some point. His brow was furrowed, his tone laced with reproach: "I told you, do not engage in these meaningless acts."

Mu Qi spread his hands helplessly and pointed toward the figure in red robes at the very front. Feng Qian’s expression grew complex, but he said nothing more, watching the arena in silence.

***

Yu Lin stood in the arena, high-spirited, the feedback of spiritual energy from the sword making him feel stronger than ever before. The thought that he had the opportunity to defeat the genius disciple chosen by the Sect Master in front of the entire Sword Sect filled him with endless excitement and anticipation. Even if he had used some so-called despicable means, so what? To the victor go the spoils; it had been that way since ancient times.

With a roar, Yu Lin gripped the hilt with both hands and slashed downward. The sword energy was like a raging storm, whipping up sand and stone in a display of terrifying momentum.

Lin Fei moved nimbly. With a light tap of his toes, he leaped high into the air like an arrow released from a bow, avoiding the ground as it shattered beneath him, leaving behind horrifying, jagged chasms.

No sooner had he landed than Yu Lin was upon him like a shadow, wielding the sword in a heavy, earth-shaking overhead strike. Lin Fei twisted his body, dodging easily to the side. The long sword smashed into the ground, sending gravel flying and leaving a massive crater.

Yu Lin’s offensive did not cease; he struck down repeatedly, leaving countless pits in the ground. The long sword in his hand seemed like a peerless divine weapon; wherever the blade passed, rocks shattered, and the sheer dominance of the scene was shocking.

The younger disciples watched the battle with rapt attention, feeling that Yu Lin’s swordsmanship was incredibly powerful and that Lin Fei seemed to have no chance to counter, reduced to passive evasion.

In this magnificent duel, the layperson might only see the spectacle on the surface, but the experts could discern the essence. The elders of the thirteen peaks all wore grave expressions, their eyes locked on Lin Fei, marveling at his every movement. Although Yu Lin’s swordsmanship appeared flawless, it had failed to touch Lin Fei even slightly. The attacks that required Yu Lin to exert his full strength were avoided by Lin Fei with nothing more than a slight twist of his body or a simple bend of his waist.

What was even more shocking was that Lin Fei seemed not to have moved his feet for a long time. What could this possibly mean?

As the light from the ancient sword *Surging Wave* grew increasingly intense, Yu Lin’s breathing became ragged. His eyes were filled with unwillingness and confusion. "Why... why can I never strike you?"

At that moment, Yu Lin unleashed all his power, thrusting toward Lin Fei with every ounce of strength he possessed.

Unexpectedly, Lin Fei made no move to dodge.

A surge of wild joy welled up in Yu Lin’s heart, but immediately afterward, his expression stiffened. His sword could not advance a single inch further.

With just two fingers, Lin Fei had easily caught the sharp blade of the ancient sword *Surging Wave*.