Death... and me

2945  A Great Day

Rean could have shown a higher level of Sword Intent. However, that simple wooden sword definitely wouldn't be able to resist it, so he had to stop at the Second Stage. Nonetheless, seeing someone that young manipulating the Second Stage of Sword Intent definitely caught a few eyes.

*Arrrghhh!*

Suddenly, a cultivator was attacked just outside the platform. A deep cut and traces of Sword Intent appeared on his body, forcing him to flee straight away. He wasn't the only one, though. All around Rean's arena, more and more cultivators were forced away. Those who tried to hold their positions were killed right there.

Rean watched all of that with a smile. "Seems like they decided to change their target..."

The force that came to Rean's platform was the World Splitting Sect's cultivators. Within the fourteen regions of the Rusbav Country, the World Splitting Sect was considered the second strongest, only behind the royal family. This was a Sect dedicated to the sword and the sword only. No other type of cultivator could join it.

Initially, the World Splitting Sect had taken control of a different platform. However, after all those fights Rean went through, this Sect couldn't ignore it anymore. Rean was robbing their spotlight as sword cultivators. Yet, the final decision came from above. The Sect Master of the World Splitting Sect used his Spiritual Sense to tell his disciples that they should take Rean down. Initially, the order was to hold onto the other platform regardless of what happened. The disciples wanted to fight Rean, but they couldn't go against the Sect's orders. The fact the Sect Master himself changed the plans was the reason for them to come for Rean.

*Zush!*

One of the cultivators of the World Splitting Sect entered Rean's platform and took his sword from his back. Following that, the Second Stage of Sword Intent activated, showing the same power as Rean's one. "As a sword practitioner, I challenge you for a fight."

Rean's eyes showed a little surprise. "You are a lot more educated than those who entered previously. I thought you would come proclaiming that I shouldn't show off or some shit like that."

The guy shook his head. "Rule number one of the World Splitting Sect, never underestimate your opponent. Cultivation difference, age, experience, nothing matters. Always use your full strength. A sword should strike forth with conviction. Wooden sword or not, I will do my best to overcome it."

Rean nodded, satisfied. He assumed a more serious stance, and his Sword Intent seemed to concentrate more on his wooden sword. It was still the same Second Stage, Sword Ethereality, but the levels were definitely different. "Very well, friend. Someone who knows how to appreciate a sword, even if it is a wooden sword like mine, is someone I respect. What's your name?" This was the first time Rean asked any of his opponents' names.

"I'm Voerdi," the guy quickly answered.

Several glances from the other cultivators of the World Splitting Sect landed on Rean. His world earned a little more of their respect.

The minute was quickly over. Rean and Voerdi shot forward against each other. To swords came from different angles and met in the center. However, because Rean's sword was a wooden sword, it already suffered some damage even though Rean tried to compensate.

Rean faintly smiled. 'This guy is definitely on another level, and he doesn't even seem to be an important disciple of the World Splitting Sect.'

Rean quickly changed his position and pulled his sword back, trying to make Voerdi lose his balance. However, Voerdi seemed to expect it and put a foot forward. That gave him an advantage, which he took to slash at Rean once more. His Sword Ethereality continued unshakable, aiming straight at Rean's neck. If Rean tried to block with that wooden sword, Voerdi would definitely cut it in half and Rean's neck right after.

However, Rean's body suddenly fell back as his wooden sword changed position. The side of Voerdi's sword hit Rean's wooden sword in the same position and slid forward, parrying the sword attack. Finally, Rean completed the movement with a back flip, striking Voerdi's hand with his leg.

*Crack!*

The sound of a bone cracking echoed in the surroundings. Voerdi's wrist and several bones in his hands were broken instantly. It was the same hand that he held his sword.

*Vup!*

Rean landed a few meters away and looked at Voerdi's dark expression. "Impressive. Even in such a situation, you didn't let go of your sword."

Voerdi sighed and put his sword on his back again. The victor of this fight was obvious. "The only way for me to drop my sword is to cut my hand off or kill me. Nonetheless, seems like the formation also decided who won this battle."

*Zush!*

Immediately, Voerdi was teleported outside. He focused his Spiritual Energy in his hand and began to slowly heal it. He ignored the pain and looked back at Rean inside. "It was my honor to cross swords with such an expert. Thank you, friend."

Rean smiled and nodded. "Any time, friend." He then looked at the various other sword cultivators of the World Splitting Sect. "Seems like Voerdi wasn't the only one interested in fighting me. Come! I'm also a sword practitioner and shall not run."

Only one of the sword cultivators of the World Splitting Sect moved. From the looks of it, they had already decided on an order of fight. "I'm Guan Trilreian. I hope you aren't tired yet." Just like Voerdi, Guan's Sword also emitted the Second Stage of Sword Intent. "Oh! Another Sword Intent!" Rean seemed happy. "How many of those waiting outside can use it?"

Guan smiled just like Rean. "The very first requirement to enter the World Splitting Sect is to be able to use the First Stage of Sword Intent. As for those waiting outside this platform, they all can use at least the Second Stage."

Rean's expression changed while he looked at everyone outside. "Oh! This is going to be a great day!"

And as always, any Golden Tickets and Stones are welcome. ;)