Naked Sword Art

In the grand hall of the Black Paradise Sect, Inner and Core Court Elders stood in disciplined rows, their expressions solemn as they awaited the beginning of the morning meeting.

At the head of the hall, Matriarch Shi Lan sat upon her ornate throne, her posture regal and authoritative. Her long black hair was bound by a silver hairpin shaped like a coiling serpent, its eyes glimmering with tiny teal sapphires that caught the flicker of spiritual flames lining the chamber.

Li Lian, among the distinguished Elders, took her seat with quiet grace, her eyes sharp and attentive.

Matriarch Shi Lan folded her hands neatly on her lap before raising her gaze to the assembly. "Let us begin," she commanded, her voice smooth and composed. "Supreme Elder Yao, please announce the results of the mock tournament."

Yao Wu stepped forward, her expression calm as she produced a scroll from her sleeve. With a fluid motion, she unfurled it, her eyes scanning the names written in bold calligraphy.

"There were a few exceptional disciples who chose not to partake in the tournament," Yao Wu began, her voice clear and authoritative. "But that was to be expected. Even among this group of young disciples, there are many strong figures on this list."

Youngest generation, under 25 years old:

1. Li Lian

2. Li Qin

3. Gao Fen

4. Song Wei

5. Gao Rui

6. Lin Yue

7. An Rou

8. Qing Suyin

9. Tan Yi

10. Xun Wei

Hearing the results, many were astonished to see Li Lian's name sitting proudly at the top of the list. Mere weeks ago, she had been an Outer Court disciple—unremarkable in status and strength. But ever since she acquired the Heavenly Fire spirit attribute, her progress had been nothing short of extraordinary.

Murmurs spread quietly among the Elders, whispers of disbelief and admiration. To ascend so quickly through the ranks was nearly unheard of, especially in a sect as competitive as the Black Paradise Sect.

No one seemed prouder than Matriarch Shi Lan herself, whose eyes gleamed with satisfaction. A hint of a smile graced her usually stern expression as she regarded Li Lian with unspoken approval.

Further down the list, another name sparked curiosity.

"Xun Wei ended up in tenth?" one of the Elders remarked in surprise, arching a brow.

The voice belonged to none other than Supreme Elder Song, her gaze flickering with both curiosity and mild disbelief. She had experienced Xun Wei's swords skills first hand, even amongst geniuses, she didn't think she'd score so low.

Yao Wu, who stood beside the Matriarch, released a sigh.

"Her hand-to-hand sword skills are exceptional—the best among her peers," she began, her tone carrying a touch of regret. "But when faced against advanced illusory techniques, she was helpless to defend herself against them."

A few Elders exchanged knowing glances. Xun Wei was the youngest of the ten names called, and for someone of her age to even place on the list was an accomplishment in itself. Her growth showed promise, but her vulnerabilities were apparent.

"And what about that boy... Long Wang?" Supreme Elder Song asked, leaning forward slightly with anticipation. "Did he participate in the tournament?"

Although Matriarch Shi Lan maintained her composed expression, there was a flicker of curiosity in her eyes as well.

Yao Wu shook her head. "He did not," she replied simply.

A frown formed on Supreme Elder Song's face, her dissatisfaction evident. It seemed she had been looking forward to seeing the boy's capabilities firsthand. And she wasn't alone, the Matriarch did as well.

Several of the Elders exchanged puzzled glances, murmuring quietly among themselves. None of them had ever heard of the boy Supreme Elder Song mentioned. For someone to catch her attention yet remain unknown to the rest was unusual, and it only deepened their curiosity. What kind of talent did this mysterious 'Long Wang' possess?

"That's fine," Matriarch Shi Lan finally said, her voice breaking through the whispers. "The Flowing Blade Sect arrives tomorrow. Let us make sure we are prepared."

A collective nod of agreement swept through the hall. The atmosphere grew tense with anticipation, for the Flowing Blade Sect's arrival was no ordinary visit—it marked the beginning of something far more significant.

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.

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Meanwhile, in a bustling tavern, Xiao Fang was having breakfast with Yin Fei and Xiao Hei when he suddenly sneezed.

Yin Fei looked up at him, blinking curiously. Rubbing his nose, Xiao Fang chuckled.

"Someone must be talking about me," he said casually.

Yin Fei tilted her head. "Do you want the rest?" she asked, nudging her half-finished bowl toward him.

"You can't finish it?" Xiao Fang replied, eyeing the food.

Yin Fei shook her head, and Xiao Fang gladly accepted her bowl, wasting no time in polishing it off.

Eating tiered beasts for breakfast was the same to body cultivators as consuming spirit pills was for spirit cultivators. It wasn't essential, but it significantly boosted their cultivation progress.

Perched comfortably on Xiao Fang's lap, Xiao Hei wore her usual thin black gown, her body subtly shifting on top of him. To any casual observer, it seemed like she was just sitting close—but Yin Fei, sitting across from them, knew better. Beneath the fabric, Xiao Hei was riding Xiao Fang slowly, her movements deliberate and controlled, their faces giving away nothing.

Yin Fei tried not to stare, but she couldn't help it. The way Xiao Hei's eyes sparkled with mischief and how Xiao Fang maintained his calm demeanor while eating was almost hypnotic. Xiao Hei eyed Xiao Fang's food as if she wanted a bite, but she was already being filled in a far different way.

Yin Fei's face grew warm as she watched their secretive exchange, her imagination running wild despite her best efforts to control it. Gradually, a subtle heat began to spread through her body, her thighs squeezing together beneath the table. She couldn't tell if it was the thrill of their public display or simply the effect of Xiao Fang's presence. His eyes seemed to find hers often, their violet depths carrying that same magnetic pull she was growing increasingly familiar with.