The Extreme Alchemist of the Mighty Cauldron

Chapter 1769: Chapter 1866: Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon

The Pavilion Master’s third Sword Qi lasted longer than the previous two, causing even greater hardship for the swordsmen on the Ask Sword Platform.

One by one, the swordsmen fell, leaving fewer than a hundred still standing.

Among them, most were swordsmen from the Nine Countries, while only a small portion came from the three sects.

This phenomenon made the forces from the Nine Countries atop the peaks feel quite gratified, at least in terms of numbers, more swordsmen from the Nine Countries remained.

However, in fact, the number of swordsmen from all around the Nine Countries Seven Seas was originally more significant, and among the three sects, almost no one from the Buddhist Sect came to participate, mainly Taoists and Confucians.

In both Taoist and Confucian circles, the number of swordsmen was not particularly high, naturally far less than the flourishing Sword Tao of the Nine Countries’ forces.

Yet, although there weren’t many swordsmen from the three sects, those who could stay on the Ask Sword Platform were indeed truly capable.

When this third Sword Qi finally ended, there were only about eighty swordsmen left on the Ask Sword Platform.

This number, compared to the previous overcrowded scene on the Ask Sword Platform, was truly tragic.

Even the various forces hadn’t expected that this was just the beginning. How did over ten thousand swordsmen dwindle to just over eighty?

The people of the Sealing Sword Pavilion found it quite ordinary; if so many swordsmen in the world could withstand the Pavilion Master’s three Sword Qi, then the Pavilion Master wouldn’t be worthy of being called the pinnacle of contemporary Sword Tao.

The Pavilion Master looked at the more than eighty swordsmen below, remaining calm and nodding slightly as he said, “The remaining among you will draw lots, those who draw a red lot will be the ringmaster, and the other swordsmen will challenge. The winner stays as the ringmaster, and the loser is eliminated.”

This kind of rule is the most common in past Sword Head rankings, where one swordsman serves as the ringmaster, and others challenge, ultimately determining the ranking order of the Sword Head List.

Moreover, with the presence of the array on the Ask Sword Platform, even the first swordsman drawn as the ringmaster need not worry about being at a disadvantage. The array will suppress everyone’s cultivation and quickly restore each swordsman’s strength, avoiding the scenario of being defeated after vanquishing several powerful foes due to lack of stamina.

Only swordsmen of truly superior strength can stand unyielding in the ringmaster’s position until they defeat all challengers.

Of course, in many people’s eyes, drawing to become the ringmaster might still seem a bit disadvantageous.

After all, becoming the first ringmaster means that each of your moves is observed by other challengers. They’ll ponder your techniques, trying to defeat you, and the longer they watch, the higher the chance of being beaten.

Therefore, among those eighty swordsmen, the majority do not wish to become the first ringmaster.

The drawing process was quite simple, conducted under the watchful eyes of many. Whether it was the swordsmen or the various forces atop the peaks, they could clearly see, with no underhanded tricks involved.

In the end, the first to draw the lot to become the ringmaster was a nondescript middle-aged swordsman, unknown to most, and no one had heard his name.

After drawing the lot, the middle-aged swordsman was unfazed and stood calmly on the Ask Sword Platform, casting his gaze toward the other swordsmen outside the Ask Sword Platform.

“Zhang Wenze of Ling Country, willing to learn from you all,” said the middle-aged swordsman, introducing himself.

However, the name Zhang Wenze was hardly known, though some forces from Ling Country found it somewhat familiar.

“Zhang Wenze? I remember some years ago there was a master named Zhang Wenze, but there’s been no news since,” an elder from Ling Country remarked with furrowed brows.

“I have some impression too, but I’m not sure if it’s him,” another person from Ling Country commented.

No one focused on Zhang Wenze, as Ling Country was just part of the Middle Three Kingdoms, and a swordsman from there, likely an Independent Sword Cultivator with no affiliation, didn’t merit much attention.

Of course, as Zhang Wenze’s opponent, those more than eighty swordsmen still had to pay attention. After all, anyone who could endure the Pavilion Master’s three Sword Qi must be strong.

“I’ll battle you.” Soon, someone rose with a sword, flying into the Ask Sword Platform to face Zhang Wenze.

“Dong Tianbai of Green Sword Villa,” the opponent declared his identity and immediately attacked Zhang Wenze with sharp sword moves.

Zhang Wenze, calm and composed, wielded an ordinary-looking longsword, confidently responding to Dong Tianbai’s moves.

The two exchanged blows for dozens of rounds; it became clear Zhang Wenze’s sword techniques were more exquisite, each move interconnected. At first, Dong Tianbai could hold his own, even gaining a slight advantage, but gradually he was overshadowed by Zhang Wenze, ultimately having a sword laid across his neck.

“I concede,” Zhang Wenze said coolly.

Dong Tianbai looked displeased. Green Sword Villa was a renowned Sword Tao sect of the Nine Countries, and he was one of its top masters, yet he lost to an Independent Sword Cultivator—a significant blow to his pride.

But losing was losing; acknowledging his skill was inferior, Dong Tianbai left the Ask Sword Platform without further words.

Subsequently, several swordsmen challenged Zhang Wenze, but without exception, all were defeated by Zhang Wenze within twenty moves.

This caught everyone off guard, who hadn’t initially regarded Zhang Wenze with much esteem.

“He managed to defeat eight swordsmen consecutively, impressive indeed.”

“Seems we underestimated this Zhang Wenze.”

“Among Independent Sword Cultivators, there are such hidden talents.”

“His sword techniques are intricate, like needles hidden in cotton, as deep as an unfathomable old well, truly formidable.”

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Zhang Wenze indeed made a splash as an Independent Sword Cultivator previously overlooked and drawn as the first ringmaster, a role most thought he’d quickly lose without much notice.

But this Independent Sword Cultivator defeated eight Sword Tao masters continuously, all in under twenty moves, earning him significant renown across the Nine Countries based on such a record alone.

“Though the techniques are exquisite, being observed for so long, many should have found ways to counter them,” Fang Lin remarked, eyes on the Ask Sword Platform.

“Perhaps he hasn’t shown his full strength, holding back all this time,” Dugu Nian softly suggested with a smile.

ps: First update is here. Continuing to write, remember to vote, everyone.

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