Shi Xuegang met Lady Feng on top of the stage. ‘He’s confident’ Lady Feng acknowledged the prince. Shi Xuegang was surprisingly confident even in front of Lady Feng who previously defeated and denied several candidates who could be considered geniuses and only accepted someone as ridiculous as Da Chang.

Shi Xuegang can not be considered talented. He was born as the youngest son of king Shi Wan and a concubine who died at childbirth. Feeling guilty over this Shi Wan has always favoured Shi Xuegang. This is why many people attributed Xuegang’s current cultivation to the privileged treatment he received. In fact Xuegang only possessed a Cyan grade talent something almost everyone who know or heard of him is already aware of.

His older brothers and sisters were all top geniuses in their own right. His oldest brother the crown prince Shi Xiuying was a renowned genius at the Exalted realm above Gazing Nirvana and only one step below Sky realm. He was among the top 100 of the younger generation ranking list and known as the Junior Lion King.

His second brother Shi Zhaode was also in the top 100 younger generation ranking list and also in the Exalted realm of power not loosing out one bit to Shi Xiuying. He’s also the main competitor for the crown against Shi Xiuying

His Older sister the third princess Shi Ya is also among the top 100 younger generation as a Gazing Nirvana realm expert. Together the 3 make up the Blazing Lion Trio. Because of this Xuegang was often overshadowed by his siblings. In the end he can only really rely on his father’s favouritism to survive in the political hell that is the royal family.

While Shi Xuegang is recognised as a national talent above many in his age group, he is still considered vastly inferior to his older siblings.

“Senior Feng lets get started” Shi Xuegang closed his eyes blocking out all other distraction. He opened his eyes focusing only on Lady Feng. In his hands materialised an almost invisible layer of energy washed over Lady Feng

‘He’s achieved sword force?’ Lady Feng was slightly surprised, for a cultivator from a mortal realm and merely at the early stages of Surpassing Mortality also called Xiantian in the spirit severing realm to achieve sword force something even immortals kings struggle to do. You see sword force is the realm above sword intent, a state where one no longer requires a sword to fight. Rather the swordsman themselves becomes the sword all the way from their Qi to their fingertip. In a sense the sword force encases the swordsmen making as sharp as any real blade.

“Ah? Sword intent?” Many of the officials showed surprise expression. In their minds, Shi Xuegang had just achieved sword intent something only Transcendence Realm experts are capable of. ‘Sword force, this kid is quite the scary talent. Alas these mortals lack to true understanding to grasp sword force, no wonder they mistake it for mere sword intent.’ Lord Hei too was surprised, a youth no older then 22 with only late Spirit Severing stage cultivation who achieved Sword Force is nothing short of a miracle even in the upper realms.

“Here I come” Shi Xuegang immediately sped off from his position. ‘So fast’ many of his fellow participants though. “Hah” the prince swiped his right hand at Lady Feng, Red coloured Qi forming an energy blade around his extended hand.

Seeing this Lady Feng raised on hand grabbing Xuegang’s wrist. Not giving up Xuegang jumped and kicked out with his left leg also encased with an energy blade. ‘His whole body is essentially one sharp blade’ Lady Feng was very impressed with this youth ‘even junior brother apprentice brother Ezzel only achieved this at the True Immortal realm’. She let go of his arm and swung her head dodging the attack, Xuegang landed on the ground and quickly got up and threw several stabs. Lady Feng held out her left hand towards the blade, “CLING” the energy sword shattered to pieces in Lady Feng’s palm. Seemingly unfazed by this Xuegang raised his left hand.

“VROOOM” a giant red energy sword appeared in his left hand “take this, Crimson Edge Crash”. The energy sword crashed down at Lady Feng ‘ah, it seems he’s going for an all or nothing attack’ she raised her right arm which then burst into flames. The energy sword picked up speed as it descended with huge power. At this point Xuegang’s power have long since surpassed Da Chang, In pure destructive power, Xuegang’s Crimson Edge Crash could probably shatter a large mountain and kill sky realm experts.

"SWISH" Lady Feng sipped her hand and slapped away the energy sword shattering it to pieces. Exhausted, Shi Xuegang fell to one knee “It seems I can’t go on” that last attack really did drain most of his energy. In truth, merely reaching the sword force state already drained more then halve of his stamina.

Dissolving her flames Lady Feng smiled back “most impressive young prince, you are now a disciple of the Sacred Beast Sect”. Hearing this Xuegang got up and smiled back “many thanks senior”. “Your siblings have long since joined and have a head start compared to you, but I’m sure that given time you’ll surpass them” Lord Hei also walked over to give praise, this young man’s aptitude with the sword was just too great. ‘Perhaps Ezzel will be getting a new apprentice soon’ Lord Hei was truely happy, this youth could be great addition to the main sect.

Seeing all this, Shi Wan smiled his heart finally at ease. He was afraid that his youngest son wouldn’t be able to become a disciple or survive the political and physical battle against his siblings but it seams he’ll turn out just fine.