He had never suffered a major loss at the hands of his peers in the same year. These three were the only ones among his peers who had injured him, and today he was here to settle that score. As for other grudges, he would let them go.

William Harper had heard plenty of ridicule and mockery from his peers, but he had neither the time nor the interest to return every single jibe.

Upon hearing William Harper's confirmation, a hint of joy appeared on the faces of Richard Foster and the other two. The three of them drew their swords, standing in a triangular formation, their blades pointed at William Harper.

Since this challenge was initiated by William Harper, it was only right for William Harper to make the first move.

All the disciples' gazes focused, their spirits high, and their interest in this battle greatly increased.

Richard Foster, Steven Blake, and Thomas Perry were all on the same level as Samuel Hayes in terms of strength, but when the three joined forces, their combined power far surpassed Samuel Hayes. With good coordination, their strength was more than just three times as great.

Why was William Harper so confident in facing three opponents alone? Did he really possess such overwhelming strength?

Instructor Sarah Bennett's gaze was also fixed intently on William Harper. If William Harper, at the third level of Condensing Essence, could defeat three opponents at the fifth level working together, that would indeed be extraordinary—an even greater feat than his previous ability to challenge higher levels when he was only at the first level.

Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, William Harper moved, thrusting his sword forward.

William Harper used a basic sword technique—a simple, straightforward thrust.

But in William Harper's hands, this thrust was incredibly fast, making an ordinary move extraordinary.

Especially with William Harper's fierce sword intent, which condensed into a powerful sword force, pressing down as he struck.

Richard Foster and the other two felt the crushing pressure of the sword force, their expressions changing. It was as if an invisible giant sword was cleaving toward them, filling them with fear and instantly weakening their momentum.

The three of them struck at the same time, their swords crossing to meet William Harper's incoming blade.

Ding—

A crisp sound rang out as the three swords were shaken apart. Richard Foster and the others felt a tremendous force transmitted through their blades, forcing them to take a step back.

The watching disciples all showed looks of astonishment.

With a single strike, William Harper had forced back all three of them at once. Wasn't the power of this sword too terrifying?

Whoosh—

The sword light flashed like a cold star as William Harper immediately launched a second attack, even faster than before.

Still using basic sword techniques, the moves were straightforward and direct. But when the speed and power reached a certain level, even ordinary techniques could unleash tremendous might and terror.

Richard Foster and the others hurriedly raised their swords to block. The three blades crossed and clashed with William Harper's sword. Another crisp "ding" sounded, and the three were forced back once again.

William Harper strode forward, attacking again. One strike after another, his moves were simple yet upright, his overwhelming force dominating the rhythm of the battle, which was now completely under his control.

Despite joining forces, Richard Foster and the others were repeatedly pushed back by William Harper's sword, left with no choice but to defend passively.

The watching disciples were secretly amazed, and instructor Sarah Bennett's eyes shone brightly. William Harper's display of strength exceeded all their expectations.

William Harper unleashed five consecutive strikes, forcing Richard Foster and the others back five steps.

With each attack, William Harper's sword force grew stronger, while with each retreat, Richard Foster and the others' sword force weakened.

After five exchanges, the sword force of Richard Foster and his companions was already on the verge of collapse.

The sixth strike!

William Harper changed his attack style. Suddenly, he leaped into the air, spinning horizontally, and his sword drew a 180-degree arc as he slashed down with the momentum of his rotation and descent.

This strike, coming from above and powered by the spin and fall, was even more terrifying in its force.

Richard Foster and the others gritted their teeth, crossing their swords overhead to block.

Clang—

A resounding crash rang out as the swords in Richard Foster and the others' hands were knocked down by William Harper's powerful slash, and they felt a terrifying force crushing down on them.

Thud! Thud! Thud!

As their swords fell, Richard Foster and the others could no longer stand and dropped to their knees, their knees slamming hard into the ground.

Their swords were struck to the ground by William Harper's blow.

In midair, the spinning William Harper pressed down on their swords and unleashed a flurry of kicks.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

Just as Richard Foster and the others knelt, each took a kick to the chest, groaning in pain as they were sent flying backward.

William Harper landed, sheathed his sword, and stood at ease, making no further moves.

Richard Foster and the others crashed to the ground more than ten meters away, all coughing up blood, staring at William Harper in shock and terror.

From among the watching disciples came a collective gasp.

The male disciples looked at William Harper in astonishment, while the female disciples gazed at him with admiration, all deeply impressed by William Harper's overwhelming strength.

"Bravo—!"

A voice of praise rang out as instructor Sarah Bennett clapped his hands, his eyes fixed on William Harper with excitement, as if beholding a treasure.

Richard Foster and the others now understood Samuel Hayes's earlier frustration. Hearing Sarah Bennett's praise, their internal energy faltered, and they spat out another mouthful of blood.

Chapter 8: Sword Essence Art

Outer Sect of the Ancient Sword Sect, Martial Arts Pavilion.

Here were stored the cultivation methods, martial techniques, and various martial arts books for the outer sect disciples.

The next day, William Harper arrived at the Martial Arts Pavilion.

"That's William Harper. I heard this good-for-nothing has made a comeback?"