Chapter 2043: Sword Emperor Qualifications’ Third Trial(2) Shortly after Yuan defeated his second opponent, a third figure emerged—once known as the Mad Sword Emperor, one of the most infamous Sword Emperors in history for the atrocities he committed. However, with his cultivation only at the Silver Immortal level, he posed little challenge to Yuan and was swiftly defeated as well. The fourth and fifth Sword Emperors arrived soon after, and, as expected, Yuan defeated them both with ease. The spectators were left utterly speechless—and some, especially those who had suspected Yuan of cheating, were visibly enraged. "What the hell is this?! Why are all of his opponents so damn weak?! Compared to the first two trials, this one is laughably easy! Hell, many of us here can clear it without any issues!" "Right?! Are we still watching the Sword Emperor Qualifications or something else?!" "I’ll be right back," Senior Bai said to the resting participants before stepping off the platform to address the situation. The platform was protected by a soundproof formation, preventing any of the spectators’ voices from reaching the participants. Still, the participants could sense that something was wrong, judging by the crowd’s restless movements and increasingly agitated expressions. It wasn’t just the spectators’ voices that were blocked—the participants were also unable to see the display screens showing the ongoing trials. This measure was in place to prevent them from gaining any foresight, ensuring the trials remained fair for everyone. After leaving the platform, Senior Bai used a voice amplification technique, his words rippling through the entire space, reaching every corner, no matter how far the listeners were. "I understand your confusion, but I assure you there is nothing wrong with the trials," Senior Bai began, his voice steady as it echoed through the space. "Everything is progressing exactly as intended." He then went on to explain the nature of the third trial. "In the third trial, participants must face a series of opponents, each possessing superior cultivation. These opponents are none other than Sword Emperors from the past, and the participants must rely solely on their sword techniques to prevail." Lastly, he addressed the reason behind the apparent disparity in Yuan’s opponents. "As for why Yuan’s opponents are only at the Immortal Realm," Senior Bai continued, "it is because his true cultivation is only at the peak of the Immortal Ascension Realm." "What?!" "Impossible!" Upon hearing that Yuan was only at the Immortal Ascension Realm, countless figures sprang to their feet in utter disbelief, their faces frozen in shock. Across the Nine Heavens, stunned gasps echoed from those watching from afar, unable to comprehend what they had just heard. "Th-that’s his true cultivation...? He’s participating in the Sword Emperor Qualification as a mortal...?" From the spectators gathered at the Gates of Heaven to the Tian Family watching from their estate in the Supreme Heaven, it was, without question, the most shocking revelation of the entire event. None of them had ever heard of a mortal comprehending the Supreme Sword Aura, let alone participating in the Sword Emperor Qualifications. "If you still doubt my words, I will verify his cultivation before everyone once he comes out of the third trial," Senior Bai added. Hearing this, the crowd could no longer complain without looking foolish and disrespectful. And so, everyone waited in quiet anticipation for Yuan to complete his third trial, which, unsurprisingly, didn’t take long at all. Just a few hours after it began, Yuan had defeated a total of ten opponents and cleared the trial, completing it even faster than his first. When Yuan returned to the platform, the others were still resting—at least until they saw him emerge so soon. "For you to be back already, you must’ve given up on the trial! Hahaha!" the Holy Sword King laughed loudly, assuming Yuan had used the talisman to forfeit and disqualify himself. Yuan slowly turned to the Holy Sword King, his voice calm and composed. "If you have the energy to laugh that loudly, perhaps you should start your second trial. You won’t beat me by sitting there." The Holy Sword King scoffed, his tone defiant. "So what if I’m a little behind? In the end, only the final result matters—and you’ve already forfeited! Once I pass the third trial, that’s my victory!" "Forfeited? Says who?" Yuan replied. "What...?" The Holy Sword King’s expression stiffened. If Yuan hadn’t forfeited, had he actually completed the third trial, which was supposed to be even more difficult than the first two, in even less time? "There’s no way..." he muttered under his breath, his voice barely audible, like a whisper carried by a mosquito. "Speaking of the third trial..." Senior Bai’s voice suddenly resounded, and moments later, he approached Yuan. "I’m sorry, but due to some complications, I have to verify your cultivation." "Complications...? I knew it! You were cheating this whole time!" The Holy Sword King exclaimed. However, Senior Bai quickly corrected him, "No, he’s not being accused of cheating. We just need to verify his cultivation to clear up some misunderstanding and confusion." "That doesn’t make any sense!" Senior Bai didn’t bother trying to explain further and merely said, "The trial is still ongoing. If you continue to disturb the other participants, I’ll have to disqualify you." The Holy Sword King clicked his tongue in annoyance but said nothing further. Rising to his feet, he turned and silently made his way toward the door leading to the second trial. Meanwhile, the other participants stayed behind to see what the deal with Yuan was. "Go ahead and test my cultivation," Yuan said to Senior Bai, his voice calm and without the slightest trace of displeasure. He trusted Senior Bai and knew he wasn’t acting out of malice. Senior Bai gave a silent nod and signaled to someone. Moments later, a middle-aged man stepped onto the platform, carrying a cultivation-measuring device—one of the most advanced and accurate tools in all the Nine Heavens. The middle-aged man activated the treasure, and without requiring any action from Yuan, a series of intricate formations unfolded around him, encircling him in a shimmering array of light.