The Ninth-Mile. After Jian Xinghe, Ning Jiang was the second person to set foot there.

"From this day forward, the name Ning Jiang of the Yanyue Sect will become truly famous throughout Qing Province, a name everyone will recognize."

"Well said. Even experts at the Primordial Spirit Fourth Tribulation Realm will remember this name."

Gasps of amazement echoed without end. Although Ning Jiang had previously overpowered Yuwen Chi and made a name for himself, many experts of the Primordial Spirit Fourth Tribulation Realm had paid it little mind.

But now, the terrifying strength Ning Jiang displayed by stepping into the Ninth-Mile forced them to take him seriously.

In the minds of the many experts at the Primordial Spirit Fourth Tribulation Realm, there was now another person who made them wary—in addition to Jian Xinghe, there was Ning Jiang.

"If this young man is allowed to grow, he will surely surpass me," one of the Primordial Spirit Fourth Tribulation Realm experts declared.

"It seems the Yanyue Sect is not fated to perish after all. With a disciple like him, they are certain to reclaim their glory, perhaps even reach greater heights."

Many envious gazes turned toward the Yanyue Sect. What kind of dumb luck did a declining sect like Yanyue have to stumble upon a treasure like Ning Jiang?

"Remember this: from now on, do not start any trouble with the Yanyue Sect. Understood?"

The Sect Leaders of several smaller sects solemnly warned their disciples. They might not have cared about the Yanyue Sect before, but the current Yanyue Sect had Ning Jiang—a dragon in hiding.

"Grand Elder, it seems we all underestimated the Ninth Elder."

The Elders of the Yanyue Sect exchanged glances, none of them having expected Ning Jiang to be so astounding.

"I originally thought the Eighth-Mile would be his limit. Who would’ve thought he could step into the Ninth-Mile? Truly unexpected," Meng Nanfeng’s gaze was filled with wonder, and his heart churned with emotion.

"The Ninth Elder joining our Sect is truly a blessing for Yanyue."

The other Elders were filled with gratification, having overheard the leaders of other sects warning their disciples not to provoke the Yanyue Sect.

Just like that, the Yanyue Sect’s status had risen significantly because of Ning Jiang. While they hadn’t returned to their peak, at least the smaller sects would no longer dare to provoke them.

"Xinghe, it seems you have a rival."

Of the five viewing platforms, the one belonging to the Star Sword Sect was situated in the center, overlooking all four directions.

The person in the seat of honor was the Vice Sect Leader of the Star Sword Sect. As for their Old Sect Leader, the one at the Earth Martial Realm, he had not made an appearance.

The Vice Sect Leader asked, "If you were to face him, how confident are you that you could win?"

"One hundred percent."

A hint of fighting spirit flashed in Jian Xinghe’s eyes. His answer was curt and unhesitating.

Such was his self-confidence.

As the number one talent of Qing Province’s younger generation, he had his pride. Looking across all of Qing Province, who had ever been his match?

"Huh? Why did he suddenly leave?"

With countless eyes fixed upon him, Ning Jiang reached the Ninth-Mile mark, then simply turned and walked away.

"Strange. Just like Jian Xinghe, he didn’t challenge the final mile. What’s the secret behind it?"

"Whatever the secret is, you’d only know by standing there yourself. I’d love to go feel it," the crowd chattered amongst themselves.

"Ninth Elder, what happened? Why didn’t you try the final mile? Surely the Ninth-Mile isn’t your limit?"

After he returned to Meng Nanfeng’s side, a few Elders couldn’t help but voice the question on their minds.

From the way Ning Jiang had entered the Ninth-Mile, he clearly had energy to spare.

"I couldn’t go in. The Sword Intent in the final mile isn’t actually that strong—someone at the Primordial Spirit Fourth Tribulation Realm could resist it. But for a certain type of person, that place is a forbidden zone," Ning Jiang said slowly.

"What type of person?" the others asked, confused.

"Those who have comprehended Sword Intent!" Ning Jiang said gravely. "If someone who has comprehended Sword Intent steps in there, they will trigger all the Sword Intent within the entire ten-mile range and be attacked by it."

The final mile is like a barrel of oil, and a person who has comprehended Sword Intent is like a spark of flame.

When a flame falls into a barrel of oil, the barrel explodes.

"Are you saying you’ve comprehended Sword Intent, Ninth Elder?"

The Elders all understood the implication. The reason he couldn’t enter was that he had comprehended Sword Intent.

"My Sword Intent is not complete, just Half-Step Sword Intent."

Ning Jiang nodded, admitting it. He had never comprehended anything like Sword Intent in his past life, so in this one, he had to slowly figure it out and comprehend it on his own.

Of course, with his past life’s experience, he would be able to comprehend Sword Intent much faster.

For instance, it had only taken him three days to successfully comprehend Half-Step Sword Intent.

"So Jian Xinghe must have stopped at the Ninth-Mile because he also comprehended Sword Intent, right? I wonder if he has Half-Step Sword Intent or the complete version?"

If he had complete Sword Intent, it would be a major event that would rock all of Qing Province.

"His is likely incomplete as well. With complete Sword Intent, he could have entered the tenth mile without fear of the Sword Intent rampaging."

If you were to compare the ten-mile range to an ocean, Half-Step Sword Intent is like a leaky boat. Given enough time, it will capsize. Only complete Sword Intent is a seaworthy vessel.

’If I have time, I could try to comprehend the Sword Intent here in the Celestial Sword Grand Canyon. It might be enough to push my Half-Step Sword Intent to the complete stage,’ Ning Jiang thought.

"I hereby announce that the three trials are now concluded! The elimination tournament will begin this afternoon," Ge Changming’s resonant voice declared.

Upon hearing the two words "elimination tournament," the members of the younger generation felt a mix of excitement, apprehension, anticipation, and unease.

Time passed. The sun climbed high into a vast, clear sky.

In that moment, countless Martial Artists waited with bated breath.

In the center of the canyon, enormous chains, each as thick as a stone pillar, were now connected. Attached to these chains were massive fighting arenas.

Ten massive arenas in total were held aloft by the chains, suspended in a line over the center of the canyon—a truly spectacular sight.

Ge Changming stepped forward, accompanied by ten other figures.

"Everyone, I will be presiding over the upcoming elimination tournament. These ten individuals will serve as the referees for the ten arenas. In this tournament, we will treat everyone fairly, regardless of who you are. If your strength is lacking, we will not show favoritism, no matter what your status might be."

Ge Changming spoke with righteous conviction, his voice firm.

"Now, I will explain the rules for the elimination tournament."

The rules for the elimination tournament were unchanged from previous years.

The one thousand-plus participants would be divided into ten groups by drawing lots. From each group, only ten would be chosen to advance.

This meant that, on average, over a hundred people in each group would be competing for just ten spots. One could only imagine how brutal the competition would be.

"Alright, let the drawing of lots begin."

The many members of the younger generation began drawing lots to determine their groups.

"I’m in Group One."

"I’m in Group Three."

"According to the old rules, each group gets assigned a seeded player. I wonder who we’ll get this time?"

From among all the participants, the referees would select the ten they deemed the strongest. These ten would not need to draw lots.

These ten would then be assigned to separate groups, thus preventing the strongest contenders from facing each other too early in the tournament.

"Jian Xinghe, Group One."

"The Twin Sword Sons, Group Two."

"Li Kuangba, Group Three."

"..."

"Ning Jiang, Group Ten."