78 - Confession (Ying Cheng)

Chapter 78: Gale Yan Jue, fraught with agitation, returned to her room, only to spot from a distance a pristine copy of "The Chronicles of Five Dragons" placed at her doorstep. She took a moment to calm her restless mood before picking up the newspaper and closing the door behind her. Yan Jue put away the Yun Xu San, placing it back into her storage pouch, and then spread out the newspaper to read it carefully. She opened the first page. The content mostly provided an update on the ongoing competition. The people from Kongqing Prefecture also noticed that this time the competition had seen the rise of many newcomers. Particularly notable was Yan Jue, once deemed a waste, who had surprisingly survived to the fourth round. Tomorrow would mark the fifth round, and as the competition progressed, it increasingly seemed like she might face Qi Xianqing. The newspaper even reminded Yan Jue of an almost forgotten piece of trivia. The original Yan Jue, to challenge the male protagonist at that time, had repeatedly provoked Meng Hangjun and had once publicly declared in the crowded Five Dragon Square a challenge of life and death, proclaiming that she wanted to settle it once and for all with Meng Hangjun at the Five Dragon Summit. … Yan Jue then turned to the second page, which was entirely filled with gossip about Qi Xianqing. In this competition, Meng Hangjun had been performing very consistently. However, Yun Rang, who was often considered on equal footing with Meng Hangjun within the sect, had the misfortune of facing him in just the second round, resulting in being unable to continue further in the competition. Many thought Yun Rang could at least clinch second place, but now it seemed not even third was achievable. From yesterday's fourth round, it was apparent that Qi Xianqing's exclusive Zhenhuo Sect sword technique, “The Slice of Singular Thought,” had achieved mastery, and she might be invincible in the upcoming matches. Yan Jue glanced at the newspaper and couldn't help but frown slightly. The matches were growing harder as they progressed. Today, when facing Lin Xi, she distinctly felt the pressure. And if she continued, who knew whom she’d face next? Qi Xianqing... She absolutely didn't want to face that battle-crazed Qi Xianqing if she could help it. While Yan Jue was absorbed in her paper, she suddenly heard the flutter of wings outside the window. Startled, she glanced at the window to see the messenger crane of Five Dragon Mountain perched there once again without her noticing. In the bamboo basket tied around its neck was a letter. Yan Jue quickly unfolded the note, seeing it was indeed from Qi Xianqing. Qi Xianqing: Tomorrow, at the Cold Pond at noon. Undoubtedly, the information Yan Jue had shared with Qi Xianqing the previous day had borne fruit. And conveniently, Yan Jue had something to ask her. Filled with anticipation, Yan Jue returned to her bed. In the silence of the night, she placed her palm downwards and infused a sliver of true energy into the egg beside her bed, watching as the cracks in the shell flickered with light. Only then did she begin analyzing the words of the demon lord just now. From the conversation between the demon lord and Chu Fu, it seemed like Qi Xianqing might also be their target. Yet, for the moment, she was still safe. Barring any unforeseen events, tomorrow’s fifth-round match would be against Chu Fu... Chu Fu wished for her demise. It was clear that her troubles in the original story were not entirely over. She needed to be fully prepared. Yan Jue frowned, her thoughts spinning, already formulating a strategy to handle it. She opened her storage pouch and, after some rummaging, took out an icy blue pearl. Yan Jue summoned the Bai Hu: “This 'Thunder Avoidance Pearl' you spat out last time, what does it actually do? Does it guard against most lightning?” The icy blue pearl lay in Yan Jue's palm, emitting a cold sheen under the candlelight. This was what the Bai Hu had given her earlier. Bai Hu, somewhat caught off guard by being summoned, seemed a bit woozy. It peered at the pearl and nodded: “We foxes fear lightning the most; this pearl can even ward off heavenly lightning. It was a gift from the village elder of our tribe.” Yan Jue rubbed the pearl in her hand, placed it back into her storage pouch, and nodded, “Very good.” - Yan Jue awoke early the next morning. With thoughts of the male protagonist and the demon lord on her mind, she couldn’t sleep well. She dressed, practiced a set of martial arts in the courtyard, then bound bags filled with spiritual energy to her legs. When the time seemed right, Yan Jue headed to the Cold Pond. It was midmorning, the pond was cloaked in mist, and the air was thick with water vapor mixed with the scent of fresh grass. Before she even arrived, she saw someone standing by the pond. Qi Xianqing was clad in a sea-blue pleated skirt, a jade pendant adorning her waist, her jet-black hair pinned up with a hairpin, the rest cascading over her shoulders. Hearing footsteps, Qi Xianqing raised her head, looking at Yan Jue: “Junior Sister Yan, you’ve come.” Yan Jue averted her gaze, feeling a bit uneasy: “Senior Sister.” Seeing her demeanor, Qi Xianqing couldn't help but chuckle; after all, this was someone who had poured her heart out on paper just yesterday; why was she so timid now that they were face to face? Qi Xianqing retrieved something from her sleeve and waved it through the air. Yan Jue blinked, realizing it was a light-blue brocade pouch in Qi Xianqing’s hand. It was a storage container specifically designed for spirit stones. Transporting thousands of spirit stones without one would be cumbersome. Yan Jue was startled: “Where did so many spirit stones come from?” Qi Xianqing replied, “Bai Chuli overcharged you for the spirit stones; I had her return them.” “The three Mystic Beast Bloodline Pills, though precious, do not match the value of three thousand superior-grade spirit stones, so I had her return two thousand four hundred superior-grade spirit stones.” Yan Jue looked at Qi Xianqing, her lips involuntarily curving into a smile, and her previously gloomy mood vanished. She had already made a considerable fortune gambling the other day, and now Qi Xianqing had helped recover another portion for her. Qi Xianqing was her greatest ally on Five Dragon Mountain! Just as Yan Jue was about to retrieve her storage pouch, Qi Xianqing suddenly smirked and withdrew her hand: “How do you plan to repay me for this favor?” Yan Jue paused: “Repay…” An offhand comment from Bai Hu about repaying a favor with oneself flitted through her mind… Her ears turned beet red as she dejectedly suggested, “How about we split these spirit stones seventy-thirty?” Qi Xianqing: “……” Qi Xianqing laughed lightly, tossing the heavy pouch of spirit stones towards Yan Jue. Feeling the soft fabric of the pouch, Yan Jue felt her spirits lift once more, and her conversation with Qi Xianqing became naturally more intimate: “Senior Sister, I want to ask you something.” Qi Xianqing’s brow raised slightly: “Oh?” During the busy period of the Five Dragon Summit, she barely had time for Ice Peach Spring, and it had been a long while since Yan Jue last consulted Qi Xianqing on martial arts. Yan Jue inquired, “If one encounters a cultivator using wind-based divine abilities in the competition, what should one do?” Taken slightly aback, Qi Xianqing pondered aloud: “Wind disciplines typically hinder movement speed; when engulfed by gales, progress becomes difficult.” She continued, “But if it's a matter of using wind to blow you out of the arena, it shouldn’t be a concern; no one below the Spiritual Movement stage can achieve that. So, you need not worry too much, just ensure a solid foundation.” Yan Jue queried, “In the face of strong winds, if one's speed decreases noticeably, how can that be addressed?” Qi Xianqing responded, “It's not without solutions. The Tongling Art often serves well in such situations.” Indeed, the Tongling Art... Yan Jue frowned in thought and nodded. Qi Xianqing shot her a glance: “Who are you up against today?” “The fifth-round matchups for the Five Dragon Summit should have been posted earlier.” Yan Jue replied, “Chu Fu.” “……” An awkward silence enveloped the atmosphere. Qi Xianqing remarked, “What a coincidence?” Yan Jue grimaced: “Yeah... quite the coincidence.” Eyeing Qi Xianqing, Yan Jue suddenly asked, “Senior Sister, have you ever felt disoriented, or as though someone is controlling you from the shadows?” Her eyebrows knitted together in concern. Qi Xianqing shook her head: “I haven’t experienced that. Why do you ask?” Yan Jue, her mind heavy with worry, replied, “It's nothing.” Qi Xianqing's brows knitted together slightly. - In the afternoon, Yan Jue arrived at Five Dragon Square and proceeded straight to the matchup board. Golden letters shimmered in the sky... Yan Jue vs. Chu Fu. Those four words stood distinctly clear. Yan Jue frowned slightly. Indeed. Before coming, she had internally hoped the sect leader wouldn’t wield such significant influence, but the story's setting dictated that the sect leader held the greatest authority. With the power of the Five Dragon Sect Leader, altering the order of matches would be simple. The surroundings were abuzz with noise. Du Ming, standing next to Yan Jue, noticed her unusual expression: “What’s the matter, you wouldn’t still…” Mid-sentence, she paused, recalling the time Yan Jue had thrashed Chu Fu during Qi Xianqing's combat class. That scene remained vivid in memory. How could any feelings still exist between Yan Jue and Chu Fu? Du Ming encouraged, “You beat him last time, you should be able to do it again.” This time, Yan Jue truly wasn’t so sure. Firstly, Chu Fu had consumed large quantities of her pill supplies some time ago, advancing to the Fusion Realm. Moreover, Chu Fu had the support of the demon lord. Gazing at the names on the matchup board, Yan Jue’s expression turned serious. Backing down was not her style. She intended to challenge fate itself! She refused to believe that the demon lord could kill her openly during a fair competition in front of all the sects! Arena number five. Yan Jue approached the arena, her expression tense, and cast a glance at the sky above. Above the Martial Arts Platform, the array had yet to activate, but there was a distinct heaviness in the atmosphere compared to the surrounding area. Duan Lu Xi, still dressed in her green Daoist robes, held a book in her arms. Though she had been eliminated earlier, her spirits remained high, and she cheerfully addressed Yan Jue: "Junior Sister Yan, are you confident about today's match?" At the Jadeite gambling den that day, everyone had wagered that Yan Jue wouldn't last past the first round, yet here she was, already in the fifth. If she were to survive this round... it would mean she was nearing the very top tiers of competition. Gazing at Yan Jue’s seemingly innocuous face, Duan Lu Xi was truly surprised. After all, regardless of everything, Yan Jue was merely an outer disciple. For an outer disciple to reach the fifth round, she must have been exceedingly diligent. Duan Lu Xi could hardly imagine it. Yan Jue gave her a wry smile, registering the artifact she intended to use by handing over the booklet. Whatever she's comfortable using, she'll use. Once again, she chose the Northern Sea Black Iron. Yan Jue then asked Duan Lu Xi, “Senior Sister, this pearl is a protective item, not an artifact. Can I take it onto the platform?” Duan Lu Xi paused slightly, her gaze falling on the icy blue pearl at Yan Jue's waist. The pearl was tied to her belt, hanging like an ornamental jade pendant. Duan Lu Xi inquired, “Does this pearl have any special functions?” Yan Jue replied, “It’s for protection, not for attacks.” Duan Lu Xi instructed, “Wait here, Junior Sister.” She ran off, seemingly to converse with an elder. A grey-bearded elder approached, examined the pearl at Yan Jue's waist, and contemplated: “You can take it with you, but it cannot be used as an attack artifact, or the match will be invalidated.” Yan Jue breathed a sigh of relief, “Of course, naturally.” Suddenly, a commotion arose from the crowd. Chu Fu appeared, donning the generic robe of the Shui Yun Sect’s outer disciples, a long sword strapped to his back, as he leisurely ascended the platform. A protagonist indeed, his features were handsome under the sunlight, as if he carried an aura that drew the eye as he walked. The crowd whispered among themselves. “This is Chu Fu, remember just months ago he was still just in the Qi Refining stage, and now look at his cultivation speed...” “He’s an outer disciple hopeful; no surprise for a genius like him to progress at this pace.” “Hmph, what good is genius…?” Conversations among the spectators vacillated between awe and skepticism. Compared to three years ago, when Chu Fu first joined the outer sect, the evaluation of him now seemed decidedly more balanced. Chu Fu heard the murmurs, his expression darkening as he clenched his fist. This time, on the platform, he would kill that woman outright! Then see what anyone had left to say. "Dang—" A melodious bell echoed, and golden flashes faintly flickered across the sky. Chu Fu gazed darkly at Yan Jue. He was no longer the insignificant Qi Refining disciple of the past. Now his entire being resonated with the energy of a Fusion stage master, the demonic sigil given to him by the demon lord last night nestled comfortably in his pocket, its powerful spiritual energy perpetually seeping into him. He harbored no fear of Yan Jue now. Chu Fu cupped his hands towards Yan Jue, “Please, Guidance, Senior Sister Yan.” Yan Jue met his gaze with a somber expression, secretly rolling her eyes. The match had begun. The Heaven Array Triple Formation commenced operation, and the skies grew entirely overcast. A bolt of lightning flashed across the firmament, casting a sinister pallor over the girl's face. This round was set under the weather of a thunderstorm! Chu Fu closed his eyes, gradually extending his hands. The longsword slung over his back swiftly levitated, roiling violently in the air. In an instant, a fierce gale whipped up! A vortex of wind unfurled from his side, transforming the contest into a tumultuous and perilous zone. The audience widened their eyes in astonishment. This was indeed the rare Wind Manipulation Divine Power: Gale Sword Dance! The ferocious wind bowled people over; Yan Jue promptly executed the "Swallow Flight Step" to distance herself from the storm's center, taking no chances against Chu Fu and immediately bringing forth the Northern Sea Black Iron to meet the challenge. Abruptly, a shocking bolt of lightning struck down! Yan Jue froze, pupils shrinking sharply. The heavenly lightning blended with the gale's force, coalescing into a ferocious golden dragon in the air. Were it to strike her, she’d likely reveal her true form on the spot! Yan Jue sidestepped swiftly, but the howling winds completely constrained her movements. Though she managed a few steps forward, her vision suddenly flooded with white, the blinding light obscuring her surroundings, as electricity crackled forebodingly before her eyes. … Having just finished her own match, Qi Xianqing was leisurely making her way over. Zhou Leng, ahead of her, laughed, “At such a dull time, one must find entertainment…” Qi Xianqing inquired, “Entertainment?” Zhou Leng replied, “Naturally, it’s to see the grace of the Shui Yun Sect’s emerging disciple prodigy.” She was, of course, referring to Yan Jue. Though Senior Sister had many past grievances with Yan Jue, it seemed she had now turned over a new leaf and Senior Sister didn't hold grudges. Thus, neither did Zhou Leng. When the duo reached the sixth Martial Arts Platform, they were startled to see tumultuous lightning raging. Qi Xianqing knit her brows slightly, the spectators below holding their breath as they watched. They suddenly saw that the dragon-like lightning, just as it neared Yan Jue, abruptly veered aside, missing her! “Boom!!!” A thunderous crash followed, the lightning smashing into the platform, creating an immediate depression in the ground, its once-smooth surface rapidly cracking. Yan Jue instinctively glanced down, noting that the Thunder Avoidance Pearl at her waist flickered with a faint azure glow in the dim light. She exhaled in relief; it was precisely as she had anticipated. The match continued. Quickly, the audience discerned that something was amiss. Although… It seemed like Chu Fu had become a lightning rod of sorts. Why did the heavenly lightning seem to harbor animosity toward Yan Jue, persistently striking at her?! From just then till now, innumerable bolts of heaven's wrath had targeted Yan Jue. Thunder rumbled furiously, always narrowly passing by Yan Jue. The second lightning, the third... Yet the bolts seemed only to toy with her, each time narrowly missing Yan Jue’s body, striking her sides, leaving deep fissures in the ground. On the rain-soaked platform, Yan Jue’s soaked raven hair clung to her, leaving her utterly disheveled. She barely kept her eyes open, her pale hands blistered and charred from the residual lightning, yet she continued to bravely fend off each of Chu Fu’s assaults. With a motion of his hands, Chu Fu swiftly formed a decision, shouting coldly, “Qi Blades!” The air beside him twisted and condensed into thin, razor-sharp blades of air. The air blades howled relentlessly, barreling towards Yan Jue with immense force. This was a Fusion stage confrontation, leagues beyond the Aperture stage. The spectators, even standing below the platform, could sense the extreme danger emanating from it. Chu Fu formed hand seals, murmuring his incantation, and the storm around him intensified, the gusts swelling once more. Yan Jue steadied her stance; any laxity in her footing now would mean being swept away by the furious winds. This wouldn’t do. There was no reaching Chu Fu. Despite the myriad sword techniques belonging to ranged attacks, they remained constrained by a limited range… She was being pushed to the southern edge of the platform by the gale, with Chu Fu on the north side; her myriad sword techniques couldn’t precisely strike Chu Fu's body. Yan Jue gripped her teeth, attempting to inch forward. No, the winds blinded her, the torrential rain above her head poured down, and she couldn’t manage even a step forward! Her movements were entirely restricted. In the downpour, Yan Jue struggled to open her eyes, suddenly recalling something. Gale… Tongling Art! Chu Fu, maintaining his satisfactory attack distance, watched as Yan Jue was swept by the wind, unable to advance, and once more summoned his sword. Kill her. This would be his final blow! Chu Fu bellowed, “Wind Breaking Slash!” His iron sword suddenly surged in size, propelled forward by the gale's might, aiming directly at Yan Jue’s chest! Simultaneously, another lightning bolt struck towards Yan Jue but veered aside at the last moment, though the immense spiritual energy wave nearly made Yan Jue stumble and fall. This strike was sure to rip out that woman's heart. Chu Fu smirked; her heart belonged to him!