Super Combat Soldier
Chapter 769 - 768 [The Battle Among the Younger Generation]

Chapter 769: Chapter 768 [The Battle Among the Younger Generation]

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One Sword Taoist glanced at Old Hunchback and Ye Tianchen, signaling them to step back. Among all the people present, the only one who could contend with Bei Lengshi by sheer strength was One Sword Taoist.

Old Hunchback retreated to the group of independent martial artists, and Ye Tianchen also returned to Dongfang Meng’s side, still in the guise of a woman, otherwise she would have exposed her true identity.

"Tianchen, are you alright?" Dongfang Meng quickly and carefully transmitted her concern through Divine Thought.

"I’m fine. Now that One Sword Taoist has arrived, I hope he can stop Bei Lengshi’s conspiracy," Ye Tianchen responded while observing One Sword Taoist, who was seated among the Wudang Sect, using Divine Thought to communicate with Dongfang Meng.

"Don’t worry, One Sword Taoist is a contemporary of Master Fang Zheng and Senior Feng Qingyang and is one of the three venerable elders. With him intervening, even if Bei Lengshi is arrogant, he most likely won’t succeed," Dongfang Meng said with conviction.

At that moment, when Bei Lengshi saw One Sword Taoist arrive, he gave a knowing look to a disciple of Songshan Sect. The disciple quickly left, his purpose unknown, while another disciple from Songshan Sect stood up and said, "The arrival of Wudang Sect’s One Sword Taoist is an honor for our Songshan Sect, and further emphasizes the necessity of this Ancient Martial World conference. We thank One Sword Taoist for his support to our Songshan Sect. Now I declare, the election for the leadership of the Ancient Martial World shall officially begin..."

"Wait!" Du Wanli stood up and interjected.

"May I know what objections you have?" The disciple from Songshan Sect asked Du Wanli.

"Our Sect Leader of the Five Poison Sect has not arrived yet. The conference of the Ancient Martial World cannot proceed without him," Du Wanli stated as he surveyed everyone in attendance.

"Humph, what a joke. Just because your Sect Leader of the Five Poison Sect isn’t here, should all of our martial arts fellows here wait for him? Isn’t that a bit too presumptuous, and too disrespectful of all the martial arts fellows present?" The disciple from Songshan Sect mocked Du Wanli, his words laced with venom.

"You..."

"Alright, the time has come, the conference of the Ancient Martial World shall now begin. Such a senior like One Sword Taoist has arrived, and the Sect Leader of your Five Poison Sect really holds himself in high regard, not showing up till now and not considering all the martial artists here worthy of waiting. Shall we really wait for him?"

Seething with anger, Du Wanli trembled all over but couldn’t argue back. He also knew the situation was dire, that even with the Poison Saint Intense Flame Banner at his disposal, he was no match for Bei Lengshi. With only himself sent ahead by Du Tianqi of the Five Poison Sect, it was impossible to confront Songshan Sect, leaving him no choice but to swallow his pride and wait for his father Du Tianqi to arrive.

"Fellow martial artists, this time our Songshan Sect, for the sake of peace in the Ancient Martial World, and for the benefit of all martial arts fellows, has called this conference to elect a leader for the Ancient Martial World to manage it wholly, to avert fragmentation. Many martial arts fellows have shown kind support by nominating our Songshan Sect’s Sect Leader Bei as the leader. Does anyone have any objections?" the disciple from Songshan Sect asked loudly.

"I object!"

"I object."

"I object..."

Unexpectedly, as soon as the disciple from Songshan Sect spoke these words, many people present loudly disagreed, which not only embarrassed the disciple from Songshan Sect but also humiliated Bei Lengshi. His face could hardly contain the shame, yet he dared not act rashly in the presence of One Sword Taoist.

"Well, if there are differing opinions, then please nominate another candidate for leader," the disciple from Songshan Sect grudgingly said.

"One Sword Taoist."

"One Sword Taoist."

"I agree."

"If not One Sword Taoist as the leader of the Ancient Martial World, I definitely won’t accept it."

All at once, nearly everyone burst out speaking, and with One Sword Taoist’s arrival, many felt assured and no longer frightened. They spoke up boldly, knowing that with One Sword Taoist there, even if Bei Lengshi was aggressive, he would probably think twice before making any bold moves like killing someone in front of witnesses.

"One Sword Taoist, since everyone has elected you as the leader of the Ancient Martial World, please would you take charge?" Bei Lengshi, looking at One Sword Taoist, asked with a smile.

"Heh, Master Bei, I have no intention of becoming the ruler of the Ancient Martial World. I’m almost three hundred years old and don’t have many years left. Being the ruler of the Ancient Martial World is pointless. However, I’ve noticed that there are many exceptionally talented youths here, all with extraordinary cultivation talent. Let’s give more opportunities to the younger generation. I believe you think the same, right?" One Sword Taoist said with a smile, looking at Bei Lengshi.

Indeed, One Sword Taoist was unsuitable to be the ruler of the Ancient Martial World. He was nearing three hundred years of age, and living to this age was extremely rare, even for martial artists—especially on today’s Earth, which is no longer conducive to cultivation. It’s tough to break through to a higher state of cultivation without Immortal Elixirs to extend one’s life. At the age of One Sword Taoist, the only path left is to sit and transform into energy.

This time, One Sword Taoist had only one goal—to stop Bei Lengshi’s conspiracy. Master Fang Zheng of Shaolin had already transformed into energy, while Feng Qingyang of the Huashan Sect was a "madman." The only person left was him, One Sword Taoist. If he did not intervene, the Ancient Martial World would truly fall into Bei Lengshi’s hands.

"Exactly, exactly. We are all elders of the Ancient Martial World and of considerable age, so of course, we won’t compete with these younger successors. That would indeed lack the dignity befitting our status as seniors," Bei Lengshi pondered for a moment and then agreed with a smile.

"That’s right, we should give more opportunities to the young people. Earth is no longer suitable for cultivation, and the seals of the Ancient Martial World are weakening year by year. If it collapses, it will be a sorrow for all martial artists. Therefore, we need the younger martial artists to be strong. Even if young people become rulers, we can still assist them from behind," continued One Sword Taoist.

"Alright then, let’s select an outstanding individual from the younger generation to fill the position of ruler of the Ancient Martial World. As martial artists defy the heavens, without exceptional cultivation and strength, one cannot win the respect of others. Thus, we’ll need to hold a martial arts competition to determine the most suitable person," said Bei Lengshi, looking at One Sword Taoist.

"Yes, a competition is needed where every young person gets a chance. We’ll stop at the right moment, and you and I will be the judges, how about that?" One Sword Taoist nodded and proposed.

"Good!"

What seemed like a simple exchange was loaded with profound truths. One Sword Taoist and Bei Lengshi were speaking with hidden meanings, each trying to restrain the other. Ultimately, they decided to select the ruler of the Ancient Martial World through a competition among the younger generation, effectively ruling out Bei Lengshi for the position. Yet, Bei Lengshi agreed readily, as if he had been prepared all along and had great confidence in the disciples of the Songshan Sect.

Without delay, upon reaching an agreement between Bei Lengshi and One Sword Taoist, the Songshan Sect quickly set up a formation to protect the martial arts training ground from being destroyed. The contestants would compete within this formation, and the last one standing would become the ruler of the Ancient Martial World.

Clang!

The sound of a bell signified the start of the struggle for the position of ruler of the Ancient Martial World. The competition was conducted in pairs, and any young person who aspired to become the ruler could participate, continuing until they defeated the final challenger to claim victory.

As expected, a disciple of the Songshan Sect entered the arena, wearing a mask made of special material. Even concentrating martial arts true power in one’s eyes was not enough to discern the person’s face—it was unclear what game the Songshan Sect was playing.

"Who will step forward to challenge him?" the host from the Songshan Sect asked with a sneer.

Among the martial artists present, besides those from sects, most were independent practitioners. There weren’t many from established sects, like the Flying Knife Sect, which only had Xie Yuhe and Jiang An present. The Five Poison Sect had only Du Wanli, the Yaochi Sect had only Qingcheng Yue, and the Ancient Tomb Sect had Dongfang Meng and Ye Tianchen. The rest were mostly independent martial artists, all of whom were already quite displeased with the Songshan Sect.

Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!

Three flying knives were launched with force, and the Songshan Sect disciple in the middle of the arena unleashed three massive sword energies that tore through the void, startling everyone present. Judging by the strength shown by this Songshan Sect disciple, few among the younger generation in the entire Ancient Martial World could match him.

"Such powerful martial arts true power."

"Such formidable sword energy; if one were hit by it, they’d be finished if not dead."

"There aren’t many here in the younger generation who can stand up to him. The Songshan Sect has grown dramatically in strength over the years; truly unfathomable!"

Some martial artists couldn’t help but discuss among themselves; no one dared to enter the arena lightly. The masked Songshan Sect disciple had demonstrated strength that was indeed astonishing.

"Has no one the courage to step forward? Then should I, Old Camelback, take the lead?" Old Camelback stood up and declared with a hearty laugh.

"Old Camelback, do you count as a member of the younger generation?" the host from the Songshan Sect asked disdainfully.

"Why not? I’m only ninety this year, not even a hundred, and according to the divisions among martial artists, under a hundred years old is still considered young by the standards of the common folk, right?" Old Camelback replied with a laugh.

"You..."

"Let him fight. I want everyone to see this old fool get killed by a Songshan Sect’s disciple, to intimidate these martial artists who don’t know how high the sky is or how deep the earth is," Bei Wei whispered maliciously to the Songshan Sect disciple hosting the competition.

(To be continued. If you like this work, please come to Qidian to vote for recommendation tickets and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please go to m.qidian.com to read.)