I Just Wanted To Live but I Somehow Became Better Than the Protagonist

“Mind control over the sword, a speed so swift it’s nearly imperceptible… This Ye Yong, I may have underestimated him.” The discussions of the previous bout quickly faded, all eyes now fixated on the two techniques Ye Yong had displayed.

Achieving sword intent at the Golden Core stage allowed for mind control over the sword; flying on a sword was a feat reserved for cultivators above the Golden Core level. To reach such mastery, one needed to possess extraordinary talent.

Even without revealing too much, Ye Yong’s mere display of these two moves was enough to shift the perceptions of his fellow disciples.

“This Ye Yong is impressive. Had he not intervened, the opponent would have surely pressed on, leading to inevitable punishment from the Law Enforcement Hall.” The old man, Xu Xian, sighed. “Moreover, he has managed to master the Earth-level movement technique, the Dragon’s Dance, to such a degree that he is on the verge of perfection. Such talent is not something just anyone can match.”

“Indeed.” From the brief exchange between Ye Yong and Ye Mao, Long Tian gleaned a crucial insight: the opening Ye Mao had shown was a result of Ye Yong’s message, pulling him back from his frenzied state.

There were no rules against sending messages to participants; in fact, some senior brothers and sisters would offer real-time guidance based on the techniques their juniors faced when stepping onto the stage.

Dragon Tian did not believe that his victory was due to Ye Yong; he had absolute confidence in his ability to defeat Ye Mao. Yet, with the current turn of events, Dragon Tian found himself quite pleased. Bai Song was already watching with keen interest, and Dragon Tian truly did not wish to be targeted by Ye Mao for no reason.

It seemed he owed him a favor now.

Dragon Tian glanced at Ye Yong’s seat, and just then, Ye Yong was looking back at him.

Dragon Tian gave a slight nod, a gesture of gratitude, and Ye Yong responded with a humble smile, returning the nod.

This is what they call a gentleman’s friendship, as light as water, he mused silently, turning to step down from the stage.

Damn it, I only glanced at you, must you be so sensitive?

On the other side, Ye Yong silently cursed Dragon Tian in his heart.

16 Just a Hollow Name

Once again, it was the much-anticipated segment of Ye Yong. The two techniques he had previously displayed undoubtedly piqued the crowd’s curiosity about his strength, and this time, his opponent was none other than Elder Jin’s grandson, Jin Liang.

Speaking of Jin Liang, the term ‘genius’ seemed tailor-made for him. At just 20 years old, he had already reached the fifth layer of crystallization, comprehended the initial sword intent of the Golden Core stage, and mastered two minor Earth-level sword techniques along with several major Mystical-level sword techniques. Among the new disciples in the Sword Pavilion, he was one of the best.

Of course, the vast majority of the audience did not believe Jin Liang could defeat Ye Yong, but they were certain that Jin Liang would be able to force out some of Ye Yong’s true power.

Indeed, the genius Jin Liang, who should have been the center of attention, was merely a tool to draw out Ye Yong’s strength. How could Jin Liang, who had grown up with a golden key, tolerate this? Wasn’t it just Earth-level body techniques and sword control? Who couldn’t do that?

“Grandfather, you must be pulling strings behind the scenes, arranging for the two strongest to meet early…” Geniuses have their own pride, and Jin Liang was no exception. He clenched his fist, resolute in his determination to bring Ye Yong down: “The whetstone you prepared for me, I will use it well.”

With his sword cradled in his arms, Jin Liang strode forward with an air of confidence, exuding the presence of a young sword king as he stepped onto the duel stage.

On the other side, Ye Yong also made his entrance. He moved leisurely, his steps light and carefree, as if he were out for a picnic rather than preparing for battle. With his appearance, the cheers and shouts of the female cultivators around him grew noticeably louder.

Jin Liang could not afford to make a sneak attack; his gaze remained fixed on Ye Yong, as if trying to see through him. After a moment, he let out a slightly displeased snort: “The exterior is impressive, but I wonder if you truly possess the strength everyone expects.”

—

As Ye Yong heard those sour words, it was clear he was yet another overconfident fool, struck down by his own handsome facade.

In the novel, Jin Liang had little role to play; after all, not every genius would provoke the protagonist. He was the kind of character who existed in the periphery, untouched by the main thread of the story.

A mere passerby, with a noble lineage and innate talent—Ye Yong couldn’t help but feel a pang of envy. He drew his weapon, the sword gripped tightly in his hand. The atmosphere, once so light and carefree, suddenly thickened with tension. What appeared to be an ordinary profound-grade longsword now felt like a divine weapon, radiating an aura of menace.

Jin Liang’s expression turned grave. Prideful he may be, but he was not a fool; he knew well which fruits were ripe for the picking. Ye Yong was undoubtedly a tough nut to crack, and a careless approach could lead to defeat.

“Please, instruct me.” Ye Yong maintained his humble demeanor, bowing respectfully to Jin Liang.

“Likewise.” Jin Liang’s brow furrowed deeper. Just by standing there, Ye Yong exuded an air of vulnerability, yet it felt as if he had no weaknesses at all, as if he were deliberately exposing them to lure him in.

If the enemy does not move, I shall not move. Jin Liang braced himself, treating this encounter with utmost seriousness.

“Please, take the first move.” Ye Yong, lacking any peculiar desire to lock eyes with the man, stood for a moment. When Jin Liang did not advance, he spoke up.

“You take the first move.”

Typically, the one who strikes first holds the advantage, and since his opponent insisted, Ye Yong saw no reason to waste time yielding to a mere passerby. He activated his Dragon’s Dance, closing the distance to Jin Liang in an instant, then thrust forward with a wind-pressure sword strike.

“Bang!” The air erupted with a sonic boom, accompanied by a visible wave of force. Jin Liang, caught off guard, skidded across the ground for quite a distance, stopping just two steps shy of the boundary.

Cold sweat poured down his brow as he felt his hands throb with pain from the impact.

Had Ye Yong pressed the attack just then, he might have already been disqualified, sent beyond the limits.

Truly, a top-tier Wind Spirit Root; the power of his wind-based sword techniques surged dramatically.

Jin Liang dared not underestimate Ye Yong any longer; he began to mount a counterattack.

Initially, when Ye Yong struck first, onlookers expected a thrilling duel. However, as Jin Liang retaliated, it turned into a one-sided display of countering techniques. Unbeknownst to him, he believed he was engaged in a spirited exchange with Ye Yong, reveling in the fight.

“To push me this far, Ye Yong, you are the first!” Jin Liang fought with unrestrained enthusiasm. Since entering the sect, he had never fought so freely; the more he battled, the more exhilarated he became, ultimately unleashing his most powerful techniques—sword control.

Separating body from blade, the sword continued to fight on its own, allowing him to employ other techniques from a distance, akin to battling two foes at once.

Mastering sword control was no small feat, yet Jin Liang accomplished it.