The sword techniques of the Qingyun Sword Sect are unmatched by any other sect, and can even rival those of some Xuan-level powers. However, the problem lies in the fact that they only pass down sword techniques; this single-minded focus leaves them lacking successors. Even if one or two astonishing geniuses emerge, it doesn't help the sect much.

Of course, there are benefits as well. This approach saves a lot of effort, as there’s no need to study anything else—just focus on the way of the sword. Excelling in one path is very useful for early development.

Qingyun Sword Sect was originally a small sect. If they hadn’t given up on other pursuits and specialized in swordsmanship, they wouldn’t have achieved their current status—just slightly weaker than the Four Great Sects.

This method allows for rapid development in the early stages, but things slow down later on. However, that “later” is still far off. Even among Xuan-level sects, there are those who specialize in a single discipline.

As long as their reach expands and their reputation grows, more people will naturally join, though still fewer than other sects.

At that point, they can choose to continue down this path—focusing on one discipline and supplementing with others—or start building up other skills in earnest. These are all choices, each with its own advantages.

Naturally, Brian Clark doesn’t need to worry about any of this. Right now, he’s only thinking about how to showcase his swordsmanship in a moment. He’s been practicing for so long—well, about forty days now, which feels like a long time—so he should have a good chance.

Full of confidence!!

However, when Brian Clark took the stage, he found that his confidence vanished. It wasn’t stage fright; rather, his opponent turned out to be an old man—a mysterious and profound-looking elder.

It’s not strange to face an old man, but what’s odd is that this elder had been sitting on the sidelines watching the whole time, never once stepping in to test anyone. Yet when it was Brian Clark’s turn, he actually replaced the examiner, saying he would personally conduct the test.

Did he see Brian Clark’s talent?

No, that wasn’t it. It was simply Brian Clark’s bad luck. The old man had been sitting quietly, but someone had just chatted with him and flattered him a bit, which made him feel elated. So he decided to show off his swordsmanship.

It must be said, Brian Clark really can’t compare to Emily. Emily would never encounter such bad luck. She was being tested elsewhere and barely passed the Qingyun Sword Sect’s standards, becoming an outer disciple.

The Qingyun Sword Sect’s selection criteria really favored Emily. She was indeed very ordinary, with average talent in swordsmanship, but the problem was that the sect could only recruit so many people now. If someone had any talent in swordsmanship, they would accept them—at least if they had some talent.

It’s not that such people are rare, but rather that they don’t necessarily choose the Qingyun Sword Sect.

Back to the main point: Brian Clark now faces a rather unlucky situation. With the old man in such a buoyant mood, who knows if he’ll be able to control his strength? Plus, he might not be focused on doing his job properly, so Brian Clark could end up eliminated—or even get hurt.

Chapter 14: All Things Are Numbers (Part 3)

“Little brother, don’t be afraid. I won’t use inner strength, just sword techniques. Of course, you’re allowed to use yours.” The old man looked at Brian Clark and said with a smile.

It was obvious that Brian Clark hadn’t even succeeded in cultivating a single meridian; his bit of inner strength could be ignored. Plus, the old man was confident in his swordsmanship—he could suppress Brian Clark with technique alone, even if Brian Clark had cultivated more than one meridian.

The old man looked down on Brian Clark, barely giving him a glance. His mind was still on the flattering words his friend had just said, and he felt quite pleased.

“Mr. Parker, I heard your Qingyun Sword Technique has reached the mastery stage. Congratulations!”

“Mr. Martinez, you flatter me. It’s nothing…”

“How can you say it’s nothing? The Qingyun Sword Technique is one of the top sword arts in the Seven Stars Nation, already a Four-Star martial art. To master a Four-Star martial art—few in the Seven Stars Nation can do that! I’d love to witness Mr. Parker’s peerless swordsmanship, but unfortunately, I’ve never had the chance…”

“There’ll be a chance in the future. We can spar sometime!”

“Oh, let’s not spar—I’d definitely lose. How about this: you go up and test the newcomers. You can’t use the Qingyun Sword Technique, but ordinary sword techniques are fine. That way, I can enjoy the show…”

“That’s not really appropriate…”

“It’s fine!”

“……”

Now, that Mr. Martinez was watching from the side, so Mr. Parker had to put on a perfect performance—otherwise, how could he live up to those compliments?

Here, Mr. Parker was indeed the most powerful and skilled in swordsmanship. This recruitment wasn’t just for this county; this was just a small place. If the Qingyun Sword Sect weren’t short on people, Mr. Parker wouldn’t have come here.

Brian Clark drew his sword, looking calm—not because he was confident in his swordsmanship, but quite the opposite. He had no confidence at all. He felt certain he would lose; the outcome was inevitable. How could he possibly defeat such a senior?

Losing was a given, but as long as he could demonstrate a certain level of swordsmanship, he believed they would let him join the Qingyun Sword Sect as a menial disciple.

If he could win, that would be miraculous. Not only could he become a menial disciple, he could even become a true disciple.