70 - Confession (Ying Cheng)

Chapter 70: The Five Dragon Summit Yan Jue's face turned beet red. "Because... because..." Qi Xian Qing watched her intently. Yan Jue continued, "Because she's just so cute! Even though she's a demon, I want to form a master-slave contract with her!" This was indeed a matter of open rivalry. As Yan Jue spoke, she took care to ensure her fibs seemed more coherent all the way through. If the concern was about her identity being exposed... the master-slave contract imposes severe restrictions on demons, but the master cannot simply search the demon's memories. Even if Qi Xian Qing temporarily forms a contract with the Little Wild Boar, she wouldn't need to worry about her identity being exposed. But just the thought of Qi Xian Qing forming a contract with the Wild Boar and becoming inseparable from her... for some reason, Yan Jue didn't quite like that idea. Qi Xian Qing studied Yan Jue for a while. "But don't you already have a spirit pet? Isn't that a bit unfair?" Hmm? Yan Jue instinctively petted the head of the white fox beside her, then looked up defiantly. "Well, I'm an expert in raising pets. I love taking in these demons." Qi Xian Qing remained silent, her calm gaze sending chills down Yan Jue's spine. Suddenly, Yan Jue suggested, "How about we do this? Let's see whom this Little Wild Boar prefers. Whoever she chooses can be her master." The Little Wild Boar unexpectedly found herself called to the center of the room, looking at the two people whose tension was palpable. One wore pristine white and looked over at her with a serene expression. The other sat weakly on the bed, looking at her like a frail patient. Feeling the pressure from Yan Jue's gaze, the Little Wild Boar hesitated. "…" The young girl walked over to Yan Jue's side, holding onto her sleeve. Qi Xian Qing: "..." Yan Jue pinched the Little Wild Boar's cheek and grinned like a blossoming flower. "Sorry, it looks like she likes me more." Qi Xian Qing was silent for a few seconds, then chuckled through gritted teeth as she looked at the Little Wild Boar and quietly asked, "Why didn't you choose me?" The girl held back for a long time before managing a few fragmented words. "Fox sister, has." Yan Jue was stunned for a moment, then suddenly felt a chill spread through her entire body. Qi Xian Qing, however, immediately understood what the Little Wild Boar meant. She had a small fox to care for. Qi Xian Qing's gaze lingered on Yan Jue, then drifted out the window, her eyebrows slightly furrowed. — Later, Yan Jue and Qi Xian Qing discussed and decided on a name for the Little Wild Boar. Since she had become a spirit, her surname would be Zhu (meaning "wild boar"). And with summer approaching, the lotus flowers in the pond were about to bloom, so she was named Zhu He. With Qi Xian Qing's help, Yan Jue formed a temporary master-slave contract with the Little Wild Boar, set to last only three years. The righteous path sects bear deep malice towards demons that have taken human form. If discovered, such demons rarely face good outcomes. Therefore, upon discovering a Little Wild Boar that had transformed, establishing a contract was a way to protect her. Should a righteous cultivator capture Zhu He in the future, the mark from the contract might prevent her from being killed on the spot. On this point, Yan Jue and Qi Xian Qing were in agreement. Furthermore, Yan Jue wasn't the type of master who would restrict a spirit pet's freedom. Aside from the white fox, who willingly followed her, Yan Jue naturally believed that the Little Wild Boar could go wherever she wished. — Once Yan Jue recovered from her injuries, she returned to the Shuiyun Sect. ... Yan Jue hadn't expected that in just two months, Qi Xian Qing would end up taking care of her twice. Once during the heavenly tribulation, and now again. Someone as cold as Qi Xian Qing turned out to be surprisingly attentive. Whether applying medicine or helping her with it, she was incredibly thorough. Luckily, the injury at the sword practice field hadn't been severe. She had simply drunk too much, and thanks to Chu Fu's two demonic artifact beads, Qi Xian Qing had bled a bit forcibly extracting them. After a few days of recuperation, Yan Jue's wounds were nearly healed. Just in time for the upcoming Five Dragon Summit. Yan Jue, along with the Little Wild Boar Zhu He and the white fox, arrived at the Shuiyun Sect's entrance and paused. Zhu He looked up at her, staring blankly, mouth slightly open, revealing two small canine teeth. Zhu He was a slender girl, wearing a light, cross-collared short sleeve with her shoulder draped in a cloak woven from withered reeds. Her hair was a bit tousled by the wind. Having taken human form, excitement sparked in her eyes. Yan Jue patted her head. "If anything comes up in the future, feel free to come find me." Yan Jue wouldn't restrict the movement of spirit pets, and if the Little Wild Boar didn't want to live with her, she wouldn't force her. Zhu He looked at her, nodded as if understanding. Even though she had transformed, she still preferred living in the mountains. Unexpectedly, footsteps sounded behind them. Yan Jue turned around to see Du Ming carrying a large bronze statue across the bridge. The statue was exceptionally large and heavy, causing Du Ming to struggle, staggering and panting heavily. Du Ming: "Yan Jue, give me a hand!" Just as Yan Jue was about to step forward, Zhu He opened her mouth, shuffled over with tiny steps, and single-handedly took the bronze statue from Du Ming's grip. Yan Jue: "..." Good heavens... Zhu He's petite frame hoisted a stone triple her size, showcasing just a hint of her muscular strength. She placed the statue at Du Ming's room entrance, then told Yan Jue, "I'm off." Yan Jue nodded. "Go on." Du Ming watched her retreating figure in shock, disbelief washing over him. "Who is that little girl? I've never seen her before." "And I almost felt... a hint of demonic aura from her," Du Ming said, stopping short of elaborating, since discussing demons within the Five Dragon Sect was a sensitive matter. Yan Jue chuckled awkwardly. "That's my newly bonded spirit pet." Du Ming's eyes widened instantly. "What's she?" Yan Jue: "A wild boar." "…" Du Ming: "Oh, I thought maybe a fox or something. I've been wanting one." Yan Jue tugged at her lips. "…Why the fondness for foxes?" Du Ming: "The most charming, seductive creatures are foxes, who wouldn't want one?" "When they're foxes, they can fawn over you, and when they're not, they can... keep you company." Yan Jue: "?" Yan Jue: "Not all foxes are like that, are they?" Du Ming: "You never know. What if you find one that appreciates the finer things?" Yan Jue: "..." — After returning to her quarters and tidying up her belongings, Yan Jue stepped out again. Earlier, upon entering her quarters, she noticed a brief note on her desk—a letter from Duan Lu Xi. The letter mentioned that the "Seven Light Stone" Yan Jue had given her for enhancement was ready, and she could pick it up from Mu Yin Sect when available. As Yan Jue ventured up the mountain path, Bai Ying, who had transformed into a bracelet, still complained, "She hasn't seen the fierce side of us foxes... if she had, she wouldn't speak like that." Yan Jue couldn't help but chuckle. The world often claims foxes are naturally seductive, favoring charm spells, but that’s not entirely accurate. Many foxes use charm to achieve their own ends. Yet foxes can be quite fierce. This was a point Yan Jue wholeheartedly agreed with. Yan Jue soon arrived at Mu Yin Sect. Duan Lu Xi opened the door to let her in. "Check it out!" She then handed something over. Yan Jue was slightly taken aback. It was a slingshot! Underneath the slingshot was a small brocade pouch. Yan Jue opened it to find the rough, uneven stone inside. Duan Lu Xi explained, "This slingshot is made from spirit resonance wood, enhancing the stone's attack power far more than throwing it by hand." Yan Jue secured the stone to the slingshot, pulled it taut, released, and watched as it shot forward with incredible speed, piercing straight through a massive tree in the distance. About to ask if the stone could only be used once, she heard the whoosh of wind as the stone returned from the bushes, firmly lodging itself back onto the slingshot. Duan Lu Xi said, "I analyzed the stone's elemental properties and infused a bit of its spirit resonance into the slingshot. So no matter where it flies, it can always come back." "Use it well, and it can function like a boomerang." Yan Jue genuinely praised, "That's amazing." Duan Lu Xi coughed softly. "Ten premium spirit stones." "Spirit resonance wood isn't cheap." Yan Jue laughed, pulling spirit stones from her bag and handing them over. Duan Lu Xi felt slightly bashful. "Once I pass the Artifact Refining Hall exam and join, it won't be as expensive. The hall has plenty of materials." Yan Jue: "Thank you very much." — Upon returning from Duan Lu Xi's, Yan Jue shut her door and summoned the white fox. "Come out." The bracelet on her wrist transformed into a faint silhouette, slowly drifting down to the floor. Bai Ying looked at her tenderly. "What orders do you have, Master?" Yan Jue glanced at the sky. Evening was approaching. Yan Jue instructed, "Chu Fu will undoubtedly attend the Five Dragon Summit. After consuming all those pills that day, he's likely healed now. Go check the cave and see if he's there." White fox: "Understood." In the darkness by the cliffside, no one noticed as a tiny fly quietly flew into a hidden cave beneath the cliff. Yan Jue sat on her bed, eyes closed, trying to perceive everything Bai Ying saw through her senses. She couldn't help but furrow her brows. The cave remained eerie, filled with a strong stench of blood. Despite the considerable distance, through her celestial senses, Yan Jue could feel an intensely unsettling aura. Deep within the cave, the male protagonist, clad in a pale robe, sat against the cave wall, his face ashen. Yan Jue couldn't help but marvel. He truly was the male protagonist; despite suffering such devastating injuries just days ago, he still managed to present himself before the Demon Lord. Inside, there was no other sound except for the rushing water. A hoarse, aged voice came from behind the water curtain: "Your cultivation has improved significantly. It's clear you've obtained her yin essence." Chu Fu sat silently on the ground, his gaze lowered. He couldn't recall much of that night. All he remembered was pushing Yan Jue onto the bed, and after that, his memories ceased. Now, sitting there, he felt a surge of spiritual power rising from his dantian to his chest. This was undeniably a sign of nearing the Fusion Realm. Chu Fu knew that the pure yin body's constitution came with many peculiarities. Perhaps the entry of the yin essence into his body had provided him immense spiritual power, while also disturbing his consciousness. "Even though Qi Xian Qing was drawn in, that doesn't matter. Our objective has already been achieved." Chu Fu's face was gloomy, his mood evidently sour. He clenched his fist, and when he punched the rock wall, his spiritual power, unstable from just breaking into the Fusion Realm, spread through the air, forcibly cracking the hard stone in front. Chu Fu: "But the Senior Sister hit me. What does that mean?" "It means that in her heart, I am completely insignificant." "In her heart, I'm not even as worthy as Yan Jue, that nobody!" The fly quietly clung to the stone. Yan Jue had no interest in listening to Chu Fu vent his negative emotions. She spoke in a low voice, "Fly in." The fly slowly glided forward, unnoticed, and passed through the waterfall. With her eyes closed, Yan Jue visualized through Bai Ying's perspective, scanning beyond the waterfall. Then something caught her attention, her pupils contracting suddenly. As she suspected, behind the waterfall, there was no one. Only a mangled corpse lay there. It belonged to the Demon Lord of Broken Soul Mountain. Alive just days ago, now he lay in an extremely odd position on the ground, clutching a black beast egg, with a visible break on his neck. Clearly, he was dead. Then who was talking to Chu Fu? Yan Jue, using the white fox's senses, quickly found a thread of faint light in the air. That faint light was communicating with Chu Fu. Celestial Spell: World Perception. Someone was transmitting messages to Chu Fu using a celestial spell from afar. No way. Yan Jue was stunned, suddenly overcome with a chill. The Demon Lord was dead. So through whose body was his soul now living? — Tomorrow would be the Five Dragon Summit. Night fell. Yan Jue lay on her bed, clutching the slip labeled "26," tossing and turning, unable to sleep. Tomorrow would be her first match. Before the competition, the Five Dragon Mountain did not disclose specific matchups. Yan Jue had no idea who else drew the number 26. Could it really be, as Du Ming said, that she was doomed to be used as a stepping stone for the experts? Having narrowly escaped a deadly ordeal, Yan Jue was already quite pleased. Though she wasn't particularly concerned about the competition's outcome, facing such an event for the first time inevitably made her nervous. Unable to sleep, Yan Jue put on her inner garments and stepped outside, spotting Du Ming pacing anxiously in the courtyard. Yan Jue: "Why aren't you sleeping?" Du Ming: "Do you think I can sleep under these circumstances? Do you think I can possibly sleep?" "All my fellow disciples are cultivating. One even advanced to the late awakening stage last night, but despite my efforts, I can't seem to break through. It's driving me insane…" — Returning to her room, Yan Jue locked the door, instantly transforming into a little red-furred fox. Slipping out of the window, she trotted up the mountain path with tiny steps. On such an important night, she'd decided to see how Qi Xian Qing was faring amidst anxiety. What does Qi Xian Qing look like when she's anxious? Harboring these mischievous thoughts, Yan Jue soon arrived at the icy Peach Orchard. Having frequented it so often, Yan Jue was quite familiar with the place. As Yan Jue, her interactions with Qi Xian Qing took place in the Zhenhuo Sect dormitory. As the little fox cub, their meetings occurred by the cold pond. Crossing into the orchard, she smelled a strong aromatic fragrance wafting through the air. Qi Xian Qing had set up a stove in the orchard, cooking something. Under the dim light, Qi Xian Qing wore a pitch-black long dress, her fair face was flushed from the heat, and her lips tinged slightly red. Holding a bowl in her hand, Qi Xian Qing had one foot curled up, the other pressed down, swaying slightly. She gently leaned forward, fishing something out of the large pot. It was... beef tripe. Yan Jue: "..." On such a nerve-wracking night, this woman was having spicy hot pot! Is she even human? She's clearly a temptress. Upon hearing footsteps, Qi Xian Qing glanced up, distracted, "You're here." Yan Jue approached Qi Xian Qing, sitting on the ground next to her, watching. After finishing her hot pot, Qi Xian Qing set the bowl down, leisurely wiped her mouth with a handkerchief. She then squatted down, looking directly into the little fox's amber eyes that resembled those of a certain someone. As Qi Xian Qing's gaze met Yan Jue's, something in her heart seemed to jolt. Then, the girl's cold fingers moved, gently stroking the fox's sensitive body, first the collarbone, then towards the waist. The night was peaceful. At first, Yan Jue thought Qi Xian Qing was simply petting the fox as usual, until she gradually realized something was off. Qi Xian Qing's fingers moved through the fur, almost as if probing. Almost as if checking for wounds. The little fox suddenly realized something, baring her teeth and retreating a step, refusing to let herself be touched. Qi Xian Qing's eyes narrowed slightly, a sudden smile playing on her lips. She rubbed its head, then stood up, "Fine, I won't touch you. Shall we go inside?" The moonlight was like water, and the girl's voice was gentle. Yan Jue felt as if her heart had been gently shocked. Regaining her composure, she warily watched Qi Xian Qing, slowly following her inside. Upon returning to the room, Qi Xian Qing temporarily set aside the matter, sitting down in contemplation over a new issue. The sect leader master was famously hostile to the Demon Sect, yet when he saw the two demonic beads that day, he said nothing. It was curious. Moreover, someone had clearly set Yan Jue up this time, making it all the more odd. Regardless of the sect master's stance, or anyone else's, she wouldn't let it go so easily. — The following day's dawn slowly crept over the mountain, morning air blending with the scent of the wild. It was also the beginning of the Five Dragon Summit. The competition's venue was the Five Dragon Plaza. By the early hour of mao, the plaza was already crowded with people. Six competition arenas, arranged in a ba gua pattern, were spread out in the vast open space. To liven up the event, the Echohermit Sect had called upon disciples to perform. Delicate girls sat at the forefront of Five Dragon Plaza, gracefully playing their instruments, rendering "The Fisherman of the Vast Sea." The bold, majestic melodies echoed over the plaza, adding a touch of excitement. When Yan Jue and Du Ming arrived at the venue, it was already bustling. Du Ming pulled Yan Jue southward, "Come on, let's see the matchup board." Yan Jue hesitated slightly. The enormous matchup board hovered in the sky, gleaming with a brilliant golden hue, likely inscribed using some extraordinary artifact. Yan Jue clearly saw, next to her name, another prominent one: Ke Shuang. Yan Jue suddenly felt a chill at the back of her neck, as if someone was watching her. She turned around, meeting the eyes of a young woman. The woman appeared to be about eighteen or nineteen, with cute features, her hair styled in a returning heart bun, dressed in a pale pink long dress, gazing at her with a calm expression. Yan Jue vaguely found her familiar. Du Ming remarked, "You're truly in bad luck, facing Ke Shuang, the junior sister closest to Li Hao, right off the bat. I heard she reached the late awakening stage the day before yesterday. Are you still going to fight?" Yan Jue suddenly remembered. No wonder Ke Shuang seemed so familiar. She recalled the day at the Drunken Spring Pavilion when Li Hao had brought this senior sister along, and they had a small altercation over the culprit's matter. She remembered Li Hao had addressed her as his junior sister then. Both had been in the early awakening stage at the time, yet now she'd advanced to late awakening. The Five Dragon Summit's procedure was quite similar to modern events. First, a speech by the venerable elders of the Five Dragon Sect. Then, the matches would begin. Du Ming drew number seven, competing before Yan Jue. So Yan Jue went to watch Du Ming's match on the martial stage. Du Ming was dressed in the standard aqua-colored robes of an inner disciple of Shuiyun Sect. With fitted sleeves and pants, she stood with a serious expression as she warmed up on the martial stage. Even though her face betrayed no emotion, Yan Jue could still discern her nervousness. Just as Yan Jue was about to wave at her, she noticed something peculiar about the martial stage. A faint blue barrier surrounded the perimeter. Some sort of formation, it seemed. "Excuse me, senior brother," Yan Jue inquired of a nearby spectator, "what's that barrier?" The man responded enthusiastically, "You don't know? This Five Dragon Summit has adopted the latest competition format, incorporating formations into the rules." "It's called the Three Absolute Heavenly Array, which simulates weather to pose certain obstacles for the competitors." Yan Jue was taken aback, looking up. On Du Ming's stage, the sunlight appeared much stronger than below. Casting her gaze to the far-left stage, she saw it was being swept by a dust storm, with one disciple unable to open his eyes from the sand, stumbling before being thrown off by another. "…" Du Ming wielded her trusty water-attributed celestial sword, "Flying Waterfall," facing an unexpected challenger. Her opponent was ironically a powerhouse. She stood opposite Yun Jie, the senior sister from the Qidun Sect, who had joined them on the mission downhill days ago. To Yan Jue, this senior sister, as the star disciple of the Qidun Sect, stood on par with Qi Xian Qing. From afar, the resonating chime signaled the start of the match. Du Ming sprang forward, her celestial sword, "Flying Waterfall," creating a graceful arc in the air as waves of water light emerged! Yan Jue was momentarily struck by the display, but noticed Yun Jie remained unmoved. Just as the waves of water light neared, Yun Jie tossed something into the air. Qimen Dunjia technique. Wooden talisman transformation! A slender wooden talisman expanded into a talisman soldier, half-human-sized, silhouetted briefly in the air before shielding Yun Jie with towering wooden arms. A deep brown protective barrier materialized instantly! All of Du Ming's water light was blocked and deflected back. Sweat dotted Du Ming's forehead as the sharp sunlight overhead made her squint. Then Du Ming raised her sword, shouting, "Cold Waterfall!" Suddenly, a leaping waterfall materialized in front of her, the roar of cascading water echoed even to where Yan Jue stood below, as Du Ming swung her right hand, sending the massive water current surging toward Yun Jie. Yun Jie stood calm and unflinching. Since childhood, she'd only ever considered Qi Xian Qing of Dream Heng Master her true rival. She paid no mind to others. Yun Jie chanted, "Seven Stars Moon of a Millennium, Universe Ocean Ring." Her talisman soldier started trembling intensely. Suddenly, it lengthened its arms, embracing Yun Jie tightly, and darted east like an arrow from a bow. It was astonishing how such a clumsy talisman soldier could exert such explosive power, carrying Yun Jie effortlessly from the east to the west of the stage, narrowly avoiding Du Ming's cascading waterfall. The oppressive sun blazed overhead. Yun Jie adhered to a strategy of attrition, refraining from attacking and maneuvering the talisman soldier to merely evade Du Ming. Du Ming, meanwhile, was gradually running out of stamina. The simulated harsh sunlight formation was incompatible with her water-based cultivation technique, and during a momentary pause to catch her breath, Yun Jie's lips barely moved as if silently reciting an incantation. The talisman soldier then charged directly at Du Ming, delivering a punch mid-air. Du Ming was propelled out of the arena, landing hard on the ground. Yan Jue was taken aback, quickly flashing over to support Du Ming, "Are you okay?" Du Ming, looking forlorn, lamented, "I'm so unlucky to face Senior Sister Yun Jie from Qidun Sect right off the bat…" Yun Jie performed a hand seal, and the talisman soldier flickered back into the talisman pouch at her waist. She gave Du Ming a cold glance, then turned to leave. Yan Jue hurried to console her, "It's just a competition. Winning isn't what matters; what's important is learning from the experience and ensuring you don't make the same mistakes next time." "Thanks, Yan Jue," Du Ming replied, "Senior Sister Yun Jie is practically a celebrity in our sect, second only to the Senior Sister. I don’t really mind losing to such a beautiful sword." Yan Jue was about to respond when the next resonating chime sounded. The numbers on that martial stage rotated before the golden spiritual energy condensed into a large "26." Her match was starting. Yan Jue: "I'm heading for my match now." Du Ming: "Sure, I'll come watch once I've rested." Du Ming hesitated a bit, aware that Yan Jue was up against Ke Shuang, Gold Strength Sect's junior disciple. Ke Shuang was a renowned prodigy in cultivation, and Du Ming wondered how long Yan Jue could hold out against her? After exchanging a few words with Du Ming, Yan Jue proceeded to her designated match area. Third martial stage. The area was a sea of people. Duan Lu Xi, dressed in an emerald robe, stood below the third martial stage, book in hand for record-keeping. Seeing Yan Jue, she approached with a look of good luck, lightly patting her shoulder, "It's only about half a cup of tea's worth of time on stage, so don't be too anxious, Yan Jue. What's your weapon?" For each match, disciples were allowed to use only one artifact. If one could use all their artifacts, matches would devolve into artifact tossing contests, which wouldn't be fair to disciples with fewer resources. Before the match, participants needed to register with the records disciples. Yan Jue thought for a moment before writing on the register: North Sea Black Iron. Duan Lu Xi collected the book, and Yan Jue curiously asked, "Sister Duan, didn't you register for this tournament? How do you have time for this task?" Duan Lu Xi frowned slightly, "I didn't really want to, but my master said they were short-handed for this competition and insisted I register as a records disciple. My matches are much later, so I don't have to worry about time constraints." Yan Jue was about to continue when she caught sight of a graceful figure in the corner of her eye. A girl in a light pink dress gracefully leaped from the crowd, her wide sleeves flowing ethereally in the air. She landed with poise on the martial stage. Ke Shuang wore a pale pink flowing fairy dress, her black hair styled into a returning heart bun, her complexion snow-white, looking every bit the celestial maiden. Across the large stage, she fixed Yan Jue with a stern gaze. Yan Jue offered an awkward but polite smile and stepped onto the martial stage. A hush fell over the crowd, whispers quickly spreading. "Oh my, Yan Jue's first round is against Ke Shuang..." "I heard Junior Sister Ke is exceptionally talented in cultivation, being in the late awakening stage now. What's Yan Jue even bothering to compete for? She should just step down." "That's not necessarily true. Didn't Yan Jue beat Li Hao right here at Five Dragon Plaza?" "That was because Li Hao underestimated his opponent! Junior Sister Ke has a rare ice spirit root, highly skilled in long-range attacks. There's no way she'll let Yan Jue close the distance." Ke Shuang coldly regarded Yan Jue, clasping her hands, "Gold Strength Sect, Ke Shuang." Yan Jue returned the gesture, "Shuiyun Sect, Yan Jue." Another resonant chime echoed. The match began. The crowd scarcely breathed as they watched intently. Ke Shuang felt fortunate to face Yan Jue this time. Things were different now. She was no longer the vulnerable girl hiding behind her senior brother at Drunken Spring Pavilion. She had reached the late awakening stage, and overcoming Yan Jue was a simple matter. Although this was a competition, it was also her chance to avenge Li Hao. Ke Shuang knew Li Hao wasn't a perfect man. He was pampered growing up, a bit petulant. But he had his gentle side. Li Hao would cheer for her from the sidelines during the martial duels she found terrifying. He remembered to give her a luminous fire mushroom on her forgotten birthdays. He comforted her with gentle kisses on her lips in her times of sorrow… In short, Li Hao was a wonderful person! Yan Jue's public confrontation with Li Hao was disgraceful—Elder Li had noted that such shame could potentially impact Li Hao's Dao heart. If the Dao heart were shattered, future cultivation would be exceedingly tough! Ke Shuang looked at the beautiful, fair face opposite her, tightening her fists. She wouldn't allow anyone to ruin Li Hao's future. Absolutely not! She intended to teach Yan Jue a lesson on this martial stage today! The "Three Absolute Heavenly Array" activated. Yan Jue instinctively glanced up, expression serious. On the martial stage, the weather shifted dramatically. The sky darkened before a purple-blue lightning bolt suddenly streaked across the sky. The previously clear day turned into a heavy downpour! Suddenly drenched and looking like a soaking wet kitten, Yan Jue: "..." What rotten luck. Lightning is the most potent counter to demon creatures, and yet her match began in a thunderstorm. Thunder rumbled loudly as Ke Shuang summoned her long sword, a faint frost spreading from her. Yan Jue was momentarily stunned to realize her opponent also had a rare ice spirit root! When both opponents wield ice spirit roots, the key determinant becomes the depth of their inner strength. Yan Jue squinted, eyeing the approaching sword imbued with the power of frost and snow. With a swift side-step, she evaded, and an instant later, a thick ice wall materialized before her. Ke Shuang's icy sword emitted a piercing shriek as it sliced through the air, cutting straight through the ice wall and aiming for Yan Jue's throat, as though it intended to end her life. Yan Jue flipped gracefully through the air, threading herself through a gap in the attack, and formed seals with her right hand. In that instant, the North Sea Black Iron fell from her neck, writhing through the air like a nimble snake, wrapping itself around Ke Shuang's sword. The crowd gasped in collective shock. Ke Shuang's face turned pale; her sword, filled with the power of frost, thrashed wildly but was firmly ensnared by the golden thread. Incredibly, the golden thread began etching a deep groove into her celestial blade! Muttering an incantation, Yan Jue waved her left hand through the air. The mischievous golden thread, still entwined around the sword, weaved its way ten miles away. Yan Jue then looked up at Ke Shuang, casually strolling toward her. Since current sword cultivators primarily focus on swordsmanship, not many emphasize physical conditioning. Now defenseless on the stage, Ke Shuang was no different from an ordinary person. Ke Shuang bit her lip, "Return my artifact—" Yan Jue steadily advanced. Ke Shuang recoiled in alarm, having heard of Yan Jue's formidable martial prowess, she dared not engage in close combat. Thus, a brief chase ensued on the martial stage. The crowd: "..." Yan Jue, like a cat playing with a mouse, employed the Fleet-footed Swift Steps, placing her hand on Ke Shuang's shoulder. As Ke Shuang let out a terrified scream, Yan Jue, feeling a shiver down her spine, lightly pushed her off the stage. Ke Shuang tumbled down from the martial stage. The referee raised the flag, declaring Yan Jue the victor. Despite exerting little force, Yan Jue had effortlessly sent Ke Shuang flying several feet off the stage. Suddenly, a purple-red figure darted from the crowd. Li Hao, donned in Gold Strength Sect robes, deftly caught the airborne Ke Shuang. Li Hao glared at Yan Jue, seething, "You scoundrel! If you have an issue, take it up with me! What kind of skill is it to target a girl?" Yan Jue: "..." Meanwhile, the screen on the stage shifted once more. It displayed two characters: seventy-six. Ke Shuang stared tearfully at Li Hao with her doe-like eyes. Heart aching, Li Hao stroked her face, "Ke Mei, wait for me. I'll settle scores for you after my match." Ke Shuang warned, "Senior brother, be cautious. Your opponent this time is—" Before she finished, Li Hao leapt onto the martial stage. Li Hao approached this match with great confidence. In the last Five Dragon Summit, luck had favored him, leading him to emerge with top honors. His cultivation had far surpassed that occasion, now hitting the late awakening stage. Li Hao was certain he'd secure impressive results this time too! Once on stage, the raucous crowd quieted. Then, almost simultaneously, they parted, creating a path. "…" Li Hao then witnessed Qi Xian Qing, clad in sleek black attire with a long sword on her back, step forward. Dream Heng Lord?! Qi Xian Qing ascended the martial stage, her beautiful peach blossom eyes lifting slightly to cast a glance his way, seemingly only assessing her opponent, devoid of extraneous emotion, and yet exuding an inherent aura of majesty and elegance. A bead of sweat trickled down Li Hao's forehead. The crowd surrounding the martial stage swelled. The Five Dragon Plaza featured six martial stages, dispersing spectators accordingly, which typically ensured no match drew too big an audience. Yet this time was different, for it was Qi Xian Qing competing. "This is going to be exciting. I heard Dream Heng Lord's master, Yun Zhen, is well-connected with Elder Li. Could this be a familiar encounter on stage? Plus, I heard Li Hao's been on two primary missions led by Dream Heng Lord." "I wonder if Dream Heng Lord will go easy on Li Hao. Aside from their usual rapport, Li Hao previously helped discipline Yan Jue for her sake." "Well... although the discipline attempt failed. But, isn't Dream Heng Lord most annoyed by Yan Jue?" Upon overhearing the whispers below the stage, Li Hao forced a smile, "Senior Sister." Qi Xian Qing: "Mm." Li Hao felt a sudden chill. — After exiting the stage, Yan Jue followed the crowd to Qi Xian Qing's match venue. There, she recognized a familiar figure. Xue Shuang Xing, wearing a black cloak and standing straight-backed below the martial stage, watched the competitors intently, seemingly focused on learning. Yan Jue had meant to thank Xue Shuang Xing for stepping in at the Five Dragon Banquet, so she approached, offering a salute, "Fellow Daoist Xue." Xue Shuang Xing, engrossed in observing the martial stage, was momentarily startled but then returned the salute, "Fellow Daoist Yan." She lacked expression, her formal demeanor surpassing even Qi Xian Qing. Yan Jue grinned and asked, "Why isn't that big tiger mastiff with you today?" Xue Shuang Xing explained, "Afraid it would scare fellow Daoists, I reduced its size." Yan Jue: "Hmm?" Xue Shuang Xing raised her hand, pointing to the tiger pendant on her neck. I see, she had shrunk the mastiff… what a plight for it. Yan Jue's gaze then shifted to other disciples of the Royal Beast Pavilion wearing cloaks below the martial stage. Some had little monkeys, little rabbits, little snakes... Yan Jue: "..." The resonant chime sounded again, soft golden light pulsating from above the plaza. The match began. … Li Hao eyed Qi Xian Qing, instinctively tightening his grip on the sword. Surely Senior Sister would go easy on him... After all, they'd shared so many meals. Moreover, he was the son of an elder. Surely, the Senior Sister wouldn’t dare act recklessly. Besides, Senior Sister and Yan Jue have always been at odds. Just yesterday, he even helped reprimand Yan Jue on her behalf. Considering that, she wouldn’t strike that hard against him, right? Licking his parched lips, he dared not delay, immediately summoning his great sword. Li Hao was confident in this sword. Just like a phoenix rises anew from the ashes, the "Thunderous Earl" had been reforged from broken shards and further enhanced with fifty-six formation patterns! Li Hao, never short on resources, had invested at least a thousand premium spirit stones in this sword. In cultivation duels, the contest hinged on realms and artifacts. Li Hao believed he had the resources to rival Qi Xian Qing. The silver great sword "Thunderous Earl" sliced through the air, unleashing potent electrical currents that rippled outward with each swing, charged with thunderous might! A hush blanketed the audience. Because Li Hao was well-known for his ostentation. As a result, nearly nine out of ten disciples in the sect were aware of the celestial sword's origin. The celestial sword "Earl," an exceptionally costly blade, had once been broken and later mended at the cost of thousands of premium spirit stones. Qi Xian Qing stood at the stage’s edge, arms behind her back, as Zhu Ying unsheathed. Lightning clashed with lightning, transforming the small stage into a thunderous battleground. Li Hao invoked, "Taishang Stellar Barrier, immovable, strike!" The Earl sword leaped aggressively, its immense force charging at Qi Xian Qing. Gale winds swept past, Yiqing flickered in their wake. Qi Xian Qing’s form morphed into a fleeting shadow, narrowly skirting the Earl’s celestial blade. Then, abruptly, Li Hao's Thunderous Earl sword split into two. "Thud—" The broken sword halves clattered to the ground. So swiftly was it done that one couldn't discern the form—Zhu Ying had already re-sheathed. The crowd: "……"