My Swordsmanship Has No Upper Limit

Now that she understood Zhong Ming’s importance, she naturally wouldn’t reprimand him.

However, his rash rejection of the partnership with Cuixiang Mountain, which pushed a potential ally into opposition, was still a thorn in her side. So, even after acknowledging Zhong Ming as the new leader of their generation, she frowned and asked, "Why did you reject the alliance proposal from Cuixiang Mountain?"

"Even if you’re powerful, you should understand the value of win-win cooperation, shouldn’t you?"

"By partnering with them, we could secure a higher rank."

With the assessment drawing near, Zhong Ming no longer bothered to hide his true thoughts.

He stated bluntly, "Because I want to restore the glory of Longxi Peak and make the Seven Profound Sect cultivate Sword Cultivators once more."

"To do that, we can’t rely on anyone else. Only by taking first place through overwhelming power will the Sect increase its investment in Sword Cultivators!"

At this, Zhong Ming spoke to Mo Shuying with stark frankness. "Master, by pinning the hopes of reviving Longxi Peak on others, your heart is in turmoil."

"..."

Zhong Ming’s words left Mo Shuying speechless.

She knew, of course, that pinning the hope of Longxi Peak’s revival on cooperation with others was not ideal.

But she understood Longxi Peak’s current situation even better.

Without cooperating with Cuixiang Mountain, forget about competing for the top three—it wouldn’t be surprising if Longxi Peak dropped to third from last. In a situation like this, how could she possibly stand firm?

Zhong Ming’s current fiery spirit was admirable, but she wanted to tell him that the Seven Peaks tournament couldn’t be won on spirit alone. 𝕗𝗿𝕖𝐞𝐰𝗲𝕓𝐧𝕠𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝐨𝚖

"..."

In the end, however, she just sighed and said nothing.

Although she didn’t believe Zhong Ming could overcome all opposition with just the sword in his hand, as the Master of Longxi Peak, she wouldn’t undermine his and the others’ morale before a fight.

’But that kind of spirit is a double-edged sword. If it allows them to forge ahead relentlessly, they’ll be unstoppable and develop an aura of invincibility.’

’But who in this world can claim to be invincible? Who can say they will never taste defeat... Alas, I need to think of a way to console Zhong Ming and the others after they lose.’

Worrying herself sick over Zhong Ming and the others, Mo Shuying was already contemplating how to console them after their defeat to prevent their Sword Hearts from shattering completely.

Meanwhile, Zhong Ming looked at Mo Shuying and offered a silent apology.

’I’m sorry, Master. You’re a good person, but the only reason I’m willing to fight for Longxi Peak... is because it will be *my* Longxi Peak!’

...

Yi Yunya woke Zhong Ming just as the time for the gathering was approaching.

Not long after he arrived at the Profound Secret Hall, the gathering officially began.

This time, the one presiding over the Seven Peaks tournament meeting was not the Sect Leader, but a slender old man with a piercing aura.

HUMMM!

The moment he appeared, a piercing aura enveloped the entire hall.

"..."

The aura instantly silenced the noisy, chaotic hall, making everyone feel the sharp sensation of a blade pressed against their necks.

Zhong Ming, however, was stunned:

’This is... a Sword Domain. That old man is a Sword Cultivator?!’

’We still have an expert like that on Longxi Peak?’

Just as he was wondering, the old man spoke. His voice was strong and vigorous, carrying an unyielding authority and a sharp edge:

"My name is Wei Jingcheng, an elder of the Law Enforcement Hall. I have summoned you all here today to inform you of one thing."

"In this assessment, besides you from the Seven Peaks, some of the families from around Jade Lake City will also send disciples to participate."

"Their official reason is that they want their family’s disciples to gain some experience, interact with our Seven Profound Sect disciples, and foster friendly relations..."

"Heh..." At this, Wei Jingcheng’s gaze turned sharp, and his tone became bone-chillingly cold. "But I am telling you, that is all a lie!"

"Those surrounding families are having their best disciples participate in the Seven Profound Sect’s tournament for one reason only: they think the Seven Profound Sect has grown weak, and they want to re-divide the region’s resources!"

"This tournament is a clash between us and them. More than that, it’s their attempt to test our strength!"

"And what you must do is defeat them utterly! Crush the claws they have dared to extend!"

"Tell me, can you do it!"

As he asked this final question, the Law Enforcement Hall elder’s gaze didn’t fall on everyone in the Profound Secret Hall, but rather focused on two peaks in particular—Molten Fire Peak and Dharma Seal Peak.

And this, in turn, made Zhong Ming understand something in an instant.