"The next round of the competition will be the forging of the Flowing Patterned Sword," Zhao Zhenjie declared, lifting a piece of paper, his tone brimming with smug satisfaction. After speaking, he even shot Lin Tian a provocative glance.
"How could it be the Flowing Patterned Sword?" Zhao Xufeng's brow furrowed deeply upon hearing the announcement. Among the forging challenges set for the competition, the Flowing Patterned Sword was undoubtedly one of the most difficult. If this indeed was the task for the competition, it would not bode well for Lin Tian.
"Never thought we'd be competing in the crafting of the Flowing Patterned Sword," Li Minghui said with a triumphant smirk, glancing toward Lin Tian. The difficulty in crafting this particular sword stemmed from the fact that it required the etching of a pattern—resembling an array—into the blade.
The spiritual energy flows within the blade, following the etched pattern, unleashing power rivaling that of a perfected Qi Refining cultivator. However, engraving such a pattern was extremely taxing on one's mental energy, perhaps even more so than inscribing an actual formation at the level of a Qi Refining Great Perfection cultivator.
For a formation master, etching such patterns would be a simple task, but for a weapon forger, it was a strenuous endeavor requiring immense spiritual focus.
This was precisely why Zhao Zhenjie was so smug. After all, Lin Tian had spent most of his time at the Formation Peak since entering the sect. Zhao Zhenjie was confident that Lin Tian had never had the time to study formations. Hence, when it came to such an intricate task, Lin Tian would certainly be drained, and in his current condition, he likely wouldn't be able to finish crafting the Flowing Patterned Sword.
"Lin Tian, the crafting of the Flowing Patterned Sword consumes an immense amount of mental energy. You should just forfeit this round," Zhao Xufeng advised gently from the side. As an inner sect senior, he couldn't bear to watch Lin Tian push himself to such extremes. While forfeiting might be embarrassing, overexerting himself would negatively impact his future cultivation.
"Senior Brother, I want to give it a try," Lin Tian replied with a faint smile, cutting him off.
"Try? This is no small matter! You cannot joke with your future like this!" Zhao Xufeng's brows knitted in concern. To him, Lin Tian's decision seemed reckless, as if he were playing with fire.
"Senior Brother, don't worry. I won't risk my health. Since I want to try, I must have some confidence," Lin Tian reassured him. If it were any other weapon, perhaps he would indeed have to forfeit. However, the difficulty of the Flowing Patterned Sword lay entirely in the pattern, and after his extensive training in the Eight Formation Map, Lin Tian's mastery of formations was already on par with some of the inner sect disciples at the Formation Peak.
The flowing pattern that others might consider difficult was, to Lin Tian, as simple as basic arithmetic. Etching it would hardly require him to focus his spiritual energy at all.
"Very well, if you are so determined, then I will respect your decision. But remember, if you can't go on, don't push yourself," Zhao Xufeng warned, still full of concern.
"Can't believe you're still here, wanting to compete with me," Li Minghui remarked with a shake of his head. Since Lin Tian seemed intent on making a fool of himself, Li Minghui saw no reason not to oblige.
This time, he would defeat Lin Tian openly and in front of everyone, proving to them that the so-called genius was nothing more than a complete waste of space.
"Lin Tian must be out of his mind. After hearing that the competition involves crafting the Flowing Patterned Sword, he still wants to participate."
"Typical of these so-called geniuses. They love showing off. I can't stand people like that. Just wait, Lin Tian will collapse under the pressure and fail spectacularly."
"Even now, he's still trying to put on a brave face. Is he trying to gain sympathy or something?"
The outer sect disciples below the stage muttered derisively.
But despite the mocking words, the competition had already begun. After more than a month of training, Lin Tian's control over the pill flame had become increasingly refined. The flame in his palm now glowed a brilliant yellow, noticeably hotter than the orange flame that Li Minghui wielded.
When Li Minghui had just finished melting a metal, Lin Tian's metal had already fully melted. Li Minghui was momentarily surprised by this, but he quickly regained his composure. After all, the key to the Flowing Patterned Sword wasn't in the metal melting—it was in the engraving of the flowing pattern.
Even if Lin Tian was faster than him in melting the metal, if he faltered in the engraving of the pattern, the competition would still belong to Li Minghui.
"Never expected Lin Tian's pill flame to already be at the third tier," Zhao Xufeng remarked, his surprise evident. But his feelings of surprise were quickly overshadowed by anxiety. The next step, engraving the pattern, was the most crucial part.
Li Minghui, on the other hand, lifted his head with a sneer, clearly prepared to watch Lin Tian make a fool of himself during the engraving phase. The disciples below the stage shared his anticipation, their gazes tinged with a mix of mockery and excitement.
However, under the intense scrutiny of all present, Lin Tian's spiritual energy swiftly flowed from his palm, and in nearly no time at all, he had completed the engraving. With the final stroke, the Flowing Patterned Sword was fully forged.
At this moment, everyone in the arena was left completely dumbfounded. They couldn't fathom what had just occurred. Wasn't engraving the pattern supposed to be incredibly difficult? Why had Lin Tian managed to finish it so quickly?
Of course, the most stunned person was Li Minghui. He had been ready to watch Lin Tian fail, but instead, Lin Tian had not only succeeded but had completed the weapon much faster than him. He had only managed to forge half of his sword, while Lin Tian had already crafted a complete one. The disparity in their speeds was overwhelming.
"Wait a minute," Zhao Zhenjie suddenly spoke, breaking the stunned silence.