Naked Sword Art

"Let's see you stop this!"

Dozens of knives rained down like a silver storm—dozens, then hundreds, every trajectory calculated to overwhelm even the most experienced sword cultivator.

But none landed.

A whirlwind of steel stopped just short of her body, scattering around her like petals before a divine wind.

The challenger's jaw dropped.

"That's… that's not possible! Just how fast are you!?"

The crowd leaned forward, gasping and murmuring in disbelief. Many were beginning to believe she was simply moving faster than they could see, but they didn't think such a thing could be possible.

Then—for the first time—Xun Wei spoke.

"Would you like me to show you?"

She took a step.

Or rather—she appeared to.

Just as her foot was about to touch the ground, her image distorted. There was no flash of light. No sound. Just absence.

She vanished.

Not a blink. Not a blur.

Gone.

Gasps erupted throughout the stadium. Not because she disappeared, but because the moment she did, she reappeared behind her opponent.

He froze. The cold edge of a throwing knife kissed the skin of his throat.

Xun Wei stood behind him, arm raised, her face as tranquil and emotionless as ever. She wasn't even holding her own weapon. She had caught one of his mid-air.

"I… surrender," the Flowing Blade disciple muttered, barely able to breathe with the cold steel still grazing his throat.

FWOOM—the golden flare ignited high above the stage, signaling the end of the match.

For a heartbeat, the entire stadium stood frozen.

Then—chaos.

Roars of disbelief, cheers of triumph, and gasps of confusion echoed like thunder across the coliseum.

…

The Flowing Blade side were shambles trying to figure out what just happened.

"Did she just… travel over fifty meters in an instant?"

"No way, we must've missed something."

"Don't be fooled! The Black Paradise girls are nothing but illusionists and trickery!"

"Still… just how many tricks does that girl have?!"

…

On the Matriarch's elevated platform, the atmosphere was quite different. Supreme Elder Song shook her head slowly, her expression was of disappointment and a bit of relief, while Matriarch Shi Lan daintily covered her mouth, laughing into her sleeve.

"Look at their faces, they have no idea," Shi Lan said, her voice velvet-smooth with amusement.

Beside her, Supreme Elder Yao Wu was nearly in tears from laughter.

"Hahaha, they're completely shaken. I can't believe that actually worked. That sly little girl—gods, I'm proud of her!"

"She's lucky," Shi Lan said, her laughter dying down into a more measured tone. "That full-body [ Illusory Clone - Mimic ] and [ Stealth ] combo bought her a lot of mystique. Their confidence is going to crack at the seams after this."

But Supreme Elder Song remained cautious.

"She can't afford to try that trick again," she said, folding her arms. "The moment they realize she's using [ Stealth ], they'll adapt. Once the illusion is broken… she'll be fighting on much thinner ice."

However, Yao Wu had a different opinion,

"Don't forget, she wields the [ Nine Winds of the Azure Dragon ] spirit attribute, and her swordsmanship is also fairly exceptional. She won't be easily losing to anyone even if they find out what she can do."

The three women exchanged a brief look—a silent agreement passing between them.

Xun Wei had won the battle. But she was only going to be facing stronger opponents now.

.

.

.

Outside the towering black gates of the Black Paradise Sect, a trio approached.

Xiao Fang walked at the front, his black robes dusted from the road, his expression calm but sharp. On his back, he carried the unconscious body of Fei Lin, swathed in a thick traveling cloak. Her breathing was steady, but her spiritual energy remained faint—still unawakened from the incident last night.

As they stepped through the massive, vine-carved gates, a pair of Outer Court disciples blocked their path.

"Halt! Identification," one of them said, eyeing Xiao Fang warily before recognition flickered across her face. "Wait... aren't you Da Long?"

Xiao Fang smiled wearily.

"I forgot that's what you girls used to call me," he replied before making the invisible inner court insignia glow on his upper arm. Xiao Hei then did the same.

The disciples immediately stood straighter. "Apologies, senior! Please, proceed."

No one had heard from the infamous 'Da Long' in weeks, so many believed he must've entered the Inner Court.

Their gazes shifted to the unconscious girl on Xiao Hei's back.

"Who is she?" the second disciple asked cautiously.

"She's under my protection," Xiao Fang said. "I'd appreciate it if you can issue her a temporary guest pass."

The two guards hesitated, but nodded, summoning a jade slip and inscribing a temporary spirit seal over Fei Lin's wrist.

"Guest access granted. She'll be confined to the Outer Court unless personally escorted otherwise. If she doesn't leave within a week, an Elder will escort her out." the first guard informed.

"Thank you."

Xiao Fang and Xiao Hei walked passed them, but just as they did, one of the guards asked,

"Da Long…"

Xiao Fang turned upon hearing her voice.

"Do you think we could, um…" suddenly, as if thinking of a good idea, she excitedly said, "Can I get an autograph?"

"An autograph?" Xiao Fang replied. It was at that moment that Xiao Fang realized he wasn't blindfolded, so he quickly caught on. "Sure, why not."

"Ah, but I don't have anything to write with. I have a paper and brush inside, please come with me?"

The other guards clenched their jaws hearing how shameless she was being. No one thought her plan would work, but unexpectedly, Xiao Fang agreed to go with her.

"Lead the way."

Although he wanted to refrain from cultivating with just anyone, what kind of dual cultivator turns down a session if offered.

{"Xiao Hei, stay with her in the Outer Court until I return."} Xiao Fang said to her through a spirit transmission.

Xiao Hei grunted in acknowledgment. {"Understood."}

"Right this way," the outer court disciple said.

Taking Xiao Fang to her private quarters, she silently handed him a brush, then turned with her hands resting behind her back, gazing at him expectantly.

"Where do I sign?" he asked.