81 - Confession (Ying Cheng)

Chapter 81: The Demon Suppressing Tower Yan Jue was momentarily confused but didn't dwell on it. She couldn't fathom how someone like Qi Xianqing would let her live if she discovered she was a monster without outright killing her. Qi Xianqing was reading the notes slowly and soon turned to the last page. "......" Just as Qi Xianqing closed the booklet, a flapping sound came from the window. A snow-white crane had paused by the window of Bing Taoyuan, a small bamboo basket dangling from its neck. Qi Xianqing pushed the chair back and took out a short letter from the bamboo basket, unfolding it. Yan Jue's gaze fell instantly upon the letter in Qi Xianqing's hand. It was a single line of text. Zhou Leng: Senior Sister, the Wulong Summit resumes in ten days. Can we train at the Demon Suppressing Tower of Wanghai Peak tomorrow? Yan Jue was slightly stunned. Wanghai Peak, Demon Suppressing Tower. What was that place? ... Thoughts cluttering her mind, Yan Jue returned to her room after leaving Qi Xianqing, closed the door, and pulled out several sheets of paper from a drawer. Yan Jue had a remarkable memory. Having listened to Qi Xianqing review all night, she'd memorized nearly everything from Qi Xianqing’s notes. Yan Jue took a pen and began to copy down from memory slowly. She quickly filled up five pages. Qi Xianqing had her own methods for remembering complex sword techniques. What was obscure and difficult to grasp in swordsmanship became clear and comprehensible under Qi Xianqing’s writing. Yan Jue sat at her desk, glanced at Qi Xianqing's notes, then knelt to pull out a box from under the table. She opened it and took out the dust-covered iron sword, the standard for outer disciples. "......" Yan Jue meticulously cleaned the iron sword with a cloth, then swung it through the air. A flash of light from the blade. While this iron sword wasn't as accommodating as an immortal sword, it was crafted from refined iron and was extraordinarily sturdy. When confronting sword practitioners, one must wield a sword. Beihai's refined iron could only transform into a small flying sword, making it no match against the long sword Candlelight. Yan Jue swung the iron sword a few more times in the room, then with her backpack, headed to the cold pond. By the cold pond, Yan Jue held the sword with both hands, its tip pointing skyward, as she slowly closed her eyes. The Five Elements Sword Technique. This technique required the fusion of one's innate "five elements" with the sword. For instance, her sword was originally just an ordinary iron attribute. But if she were to fuse it with her variant ice spiritual root... Yan Jue recited a mantra silently, and "Shao Yin Ice Soul Art" roared within her body. Intense frost energy surged through her bones, then spread through her hand. Suddenly, she opened her eyes, seeing the iron sword in her hands coated with a thin layer of frost! She swept horizontally with the sword again, as an immense release of spiritual power erupted from the tip, cold frost spreading around like icy blue ripples. This was the correct way to wield an iron sword! Could the Five Elements Sword Technique be combined with other techniques? Yan Jue furrowed her brows, recalling Qi Xianqing's notes from last night. Mentioned something about... Ah! A sudden inspiration struck Yan Jue. She stepped back and softly invoked, "Spirit Connection Technique!" The Beihai refined iron on her neck quickly released, forming a massive shield in the air; at the same time, she swung her sword fiercely, a towering ice wall forming before her! - After practicing the Five Elements Sword Technique by the cold pond, Yan Jue began experimenting with different sword styles. Combining Beihai refined iron with the Five Elements Sword, the iron served defensively, while the iron sword attacked. But after practicing this combination briefly, Yan Jue moved on. Since each competition only allowed registering one magical tool, using the iron sword meant Beihai refined iron couldn’t be used. Yan Jue focused, diligently practicing the sword techniques. Over a few days, her rest periods visibly decreased. Being new to swordplay, she had much to learn from scratch. Yan Jue practiced by the cold pond daily; her arms and wrists shaded with bruises from the sword, yet she persisted without quitting. Whenever she found spare time, she studied the notes diligently, reviewing her motions piece by piece. Consulting Qi Xianqing could have allowed her to avoid many missteps. But Yan Jue didn't want to involve Qi Xianqing now. Qi Xianqing had her burdens. As the lead disciple of Zhentian Sect, she carried the hopes of Master Yun Zhen. Asking her to teach at such a time could cause her discomfort. Yan Jue didn't want to trouble Qi Xianqing. She continued bringing her backpack to the cold pond each day, practicing a set of punches before engaging in sword training. Yan Jue had never realized how effective the once unusable iron sword could be upon grasping its techniques! Though victory might remain elusive, she would give her all. … In the afternoon. Yan Jue sat by the cold pond, furrowing slightly as she unstrapped the sandbags from her arms. She never ceased building arm and leg strength, and after removing the sandbags, she felt notably lighter. Imitating Qi Xianqing's stance, Yan Jue gripped the sword with both hands and slashed downward powerfully. The iron sword became a faint, ethereal afterimage in the air, as a sharp ice-blue sword light burst from its tip. She’d been practicing the sword techniques by the cold pond for days. Yet she still doubted if she was doing it correctly. Yan Jue had been clueless about swordsmanship before; even seeing Qi Xianqing wield a sword revealed nothing. Yet now the situation had changed. She longed to watch Qi Xianqing practice swordsmanship... Yan Jue suddenly recalled the little note Qi Xianqing had taken from the crane’s basket. She was going to train at the Demon Suppressing Tower. Where was the Demon Suppressing Tower? - Back in her room with her iron sword, Yan Jue knocked on Du Ming's door: "Do you know what the Demon Suppressing Tower is?" Du Ming paused: "Why the sudden interest?" "The Demon Suppressing Tower at Wulong Mountain is a training tower for disciples with twelve levels, each housing different monsters..." After Du Ming finished explaining, Yan Jue gained a basic understanding of the Demon Suppressing Tower Qi Xianqing had seen in the note. It was a place for disciples to practice divine abilities. To train at the Demon Suppressing Tower, disciples needed to schedule in advance with the supervising elder and enter to vanquish simulated monsters to enhance their cultivation. Yan Jue: "Does the tower have entry requirements?" Du Ming frowned: "The tower isn't exclusive to inner disciples; it's open to all, though outer disciples rarely visit." That made sense. Outer disciples often avoided challenges and wouldn’t frequent the Demon Suppressing Tower. Yan Jue smiled: "We haven't trained together in a while. How about we visit the Demon Suppressing Tower this time?" Du Ming, hearing this, bristled: "You're suggesting I usually don't train, aren’t you?" Yan Jue: "Wouldn't dare! I just haven't been to the Demon Suppressing Tower before and wanted Sister Du to guide me." Du Ming, having also gained insights from this competition and keen on advancing her cultivation, agreed, joining Yan Jue on the trip to the Demon Suppressing Tower. - The Demon Suppressing Tower resided in Wulong Mountain's Wanghai Peak. It was the sole peak offering views of the southwest sea. And one of Wulong Mountain's landmark constructions, the Demon Suppressing Tower, stood at Wanghai Peak's zenith. Upon reaching Wanghai Peak, Yan Jue and Du Ming found the air filled with drifting clouds, their noses tinged with the scent of the sea. Ahead of them, the towering Demon Suppressing Tower loomed, its twelve levels offering an indescribable grandeur. Approaching the tower, Yan Jue noticed a crimson glow emanating from above. Startled, she heard Du Ming ask the overseeing elder: "Elder, is it possible to enter the tower now?" The elder looked troubled: "A team is currently training inside." The Demon Suppressing Tower didn’t house real monsters. Instead, formations simulated the creatures. The tower's intense yin energy and the formations' realism could easily evoke fear, so entry always required a team. Du Ming: "Oh? I see..." The elder continued: "Nearby, some disciples are observing the training. If you're not in a hurry, you might learn by watching this team." "The current team inside boasts remarkable quality. Observing them seriously can teach valuable lessons even without entering." Just what Yan Jue hoped for, she quickly tugged Du Ming's sleeve: "Let's watch others today instead of entering." So Yan Jue and Du Ming went to the observation platform beside the Demon Suppressing Tower. Surprisingly, the observation platform was crowded. Everyone seemed fixated on the tower's interior with unwavering attention. Seeing the captivated crowd, Yan Jue felt an uneasy foreboding... She looked into the tower. Indeed, Qi Xianqing stood there, clad in her snowy white robe, long sword on her back, positioned at the end of the squad! This was Qi Xianqing's team from the Zhentian Sect! Yan Jue understood Qi Xianqing's predicament well, as the Wulong Summit involved the reputation of the Zhentian Sect. Thus, she refrained from asking Qi Xianqing to teach her martial arts during this period. The sect's junior disciples also needed Qi Xianqing's guidance. Instructor Qi was truly quite busy. Inside the Demon Suppressing Tower, the light was dim and the air was thick with a pungent stench. This was typical of the environments inhabited by most of the world’s monsters. Qi Xianqing stood with her hands behind her, her robe rustling sharply in the gale. She remained motionless, as her junior sisters valiantly battled ahead. Before them was a massive yellow weasel spirit, its pointed nose and bead-like black eyes affixed on them, clutching a lantern. With a sharp, eerie screech, it suddenly raised its hand. From the lantern swarmed a mass of tiny black bats. At the forefront stood Zhou Leng. With a flick of his hand, a small green leaf spun into existence before him. The vibrant leaf twirled in his hand. With a sharp bark, it flew out, splitting into hundreds of smaller fragments in the sky. Qi Xianqing commented lightly, “Too few.” Zhou Leng's face flushed crimson, and above him, the green leaves multiplied, splitting into countless tiny pieces. With a fierce sweep of his hand, the leaves swarmed the yellow weasel spirit. But the weasel's body was agile and swift, slipping right through the onslaught of leaves. Its hand raised high, the red lantern swung wildly, and the black bats nearly grazed Zhou Leng’s face. The simulated effect was terrifically convincing. The bats, with mouths agape revealing small fangs, were exceptionally menacing in the dim light. Zhou Leng stepped back abruptly, closing his eyes. In that instant, the sound of a dragon’s roar and a phoenix’s cry filled the air. A flash of green light, and the Sword of Candlelight streaked like a flame through the sky, piercing the weasel's chest. Blood splattered, and the weasel spirit, standing before them moments ago, was abruptly eviscerated. Precise and powerful. Yan Jue bit her lip, silently committing Qi Xianqing’s sword technique to memory. As the weasel spirit fell, all traces of the prior grizzly scene disappeared, leaving the once blood-perfumed air of the Demon Suppressing Tower spotless. With the monster slain, the formation was dispelled. Zhou Leng and several women clad in crimson robes turned to glance at Qi Xianqing. Qi Xianqing instructed, “Ascend.” Typically, a team must reach the twelfth floor of the Demon Suppressing Tower before exiting. Other teams could then have their turn. Zhou Leng, leading her junior sisters, moved ahead, with Qi Xianqing following behind, soon reaching the eighth floor of the tower. As Yan Jue watched, she suddenly heard gasps from those around her. The previously desolate eighth floor began to tremble, and a light red mist rose from the pitch-black ground. The crimson mist spread, veiling the few present within the tower. When the mist dissipated, a creature stood at its center. Yan Jue’s pupils constricted sharply. Before them, unbeknownst when it appeared, a colossal nine-tailed fox demon stood. While the creatures in the Demon Suppressing Tower were illusions, not real demons, the fox demon’s golden eyes, and its nine tails swayed like flames, rendered it sinistrally lifelike. Yan Jue suddenly remembered the pressure exerted by her own red fox bloodline, akin to this creature. Qi Xianqing watched the towering fox before her without any movement. For a moment, she was lost in thought. Qi Xianqing involuntarily thought of Yan Jue, a faint frustration rising within her. The competition was nearing, yet that mischievous fox hadn’t sought her out. What was she practicing so diligently? Could it be... had she found her lack of prowess embarrassing and turned to her master, Yun Zhen, instead? Beside her, a junior sister summoned her long sword. In the sky, the blade twisted, expanding to nearly double their height. With a soft chant, the junior sister unleashed it like a gust of wind. Something seemed to alert Qi Xianqing, and she glanced back. Yan Jue quickly lowered her head. She dared not look at Qi Xianqing for too long, for Qi Xianqing's spiritual sense was formidable; lingering glances could draw her attention. - Yan Jue spent the entire afternoon outside the Demon Suppressing Tower, observing and learning. While Du Ming yawned beside her, Yan Jue grew more invigorated. By dusk, when Qi Xianqing and her group exited the tower, Yan Jue had already filled two pages of notes in her portable notebook. ... Over the following days, whenever Yan Jue had the chance, she dragged Du Ming to the Demon Suppressing Tower. The iron sword in her hand felt increasingly lighter, its fusion with her ice attribute grew more seamless. Her comfort and familiarity with the iron sword strengthened over time. Given the difficulty of securing a daytime slot at the tower, she practiced at night. Under the moonlit night pouring into the Demon Suppressing Tower. Yan Jue gripped her sword, facing a yellow weasel spirit with a pointed snout, reciting her mantra. Instantly, frost condensed on the sword’s tip. The weasel spirit shrieked and turned into a shadowy blur, charging forward. Yan Jue sidestepped, avoiding its path, and swung her sword horizontally. With a flash of sword light, the weasel was severed in two. - Day ten arrived swiftly. Perhaps due to the previous suspension of matches, today’s excitement was heightened. "Come quickly! Come watch Meng Hang Jun's match!" Yan Jue observed the surging crowd, feeling slightly overwhelmed. She understood that at least half of today’s crowd at Wulong Square came for her and Qi Xianqing. A year ago, she had challenged Qi Xianqing to a life-or-death duel, claiming she would make Qi Xianqing pay at the Wulong Summit. Even if it had been a hotheaded provocation, those sensational words etched themselves into everyone’s memory. And now, they had indeed come to pass! Following the crowd to the martial stage, she felt a tap on her shoulder from behind. Yan Jue turned to see Duan Lu Xi smiling at her. Duan Lu Xi smirked, “Yan Jue, remember how a year ago you issued that life-or-death challenge to Senior Sister at Wulong Square, daring her to meet you here? Tell me honestly, did you come this far just to fight her?” Yan Jue replied, “Absolutely not!” Exasperated by the previous owner’s antics, she vigorously denied it, “I was just young and reckless back then. Let’s not bring that up!!!” Duan Lu Xi laughed, “Alright, alright, I won’t mention it. But no matter what, you've ended up alongside Senior Sister…” Yan Jue: "..." Today’s sixth round was the second match of the final three at the Wulong Summit. Since many had already been eliminated, the number of competitors dwindled. Yet the martial stage at Wulong Square wasn’t limited to just Yan Jue and Qi Xianqing’s duel. However, theirs attracted the largest audience. In front of the crowd stood a long table lined with elders. Elders clad in purple and blue robes sat there, and among them, Yan Jue spotted a familiar figure quickly. Yun Zhen wore a robe of drunken red silver-threaded gauze, her long hair styled into an immortal bun, her natural allure as enchanting as ever. Snow-white skin, her garments fluttered, giving her the appearance of a carefree celestial being as she sipped tea below the stage. Perhaps because the competition was nearing its final moments, elders from across the sect took it very seriously, even attracting Qi Xianqing's master, Yun Zhen. Yan Jue felt the weight of their scrutiny deeply. “Clang—” The melodious bell sounded from the distance. Yan Jue slowly ascended the stage. Her skin pale and her attire a light silvery pearl pleated dress, she bore a cross-collared narrow-sleeve top and her long black hair tied up, with the iron sword strapped to her back. Yet she felt anything but at ease, her fists clenched tightly, palms slightly damp. "A year ago, Yan Jue challenged Qi Xianqing to a life-or-death duel. Who would have guessed they'd face each other now? She must have been anticipating this for a long time, ready to unleash all her resentment on Qi Xianqing." "I've waited a year for this, betting Yan Jue will win." "But their power difference is immense, isn’t it? Yan Jue is an outer disciple without a master’s guidance, whereas Qi Xianqing is Yun Zhen's principal disciple." "Didn't you notice Yan Jue has already won five consecutive matches in this competition? Besides her solid cultivation, luck plays a crucial role too, you know." Yan Jue looked up at the girl facing her. Qi Xianqing donned a moon-white pleated gown, its hem fluttering in the breeze, with the immortal sword “Candlelight” strapped to her back. Qi Xianqing’s beautiful, almond-shaped eyes lifted slightly, gazing at her quietly, exuding an innate sense of nobility and grace. Yan Jue felt she knew Qi Xianqing well. Yet, meeting under such circumstances, they seemed unfamiliar. “……” Yan Jue looked at Qi Xianqing, into those clear almond eyes, once filled with warmth. Ten nights ago, she had held Yan Jue, softly reading sword technique notes. Qi Xianqing gazed at Yan Jue with an inscrutable expression, her thoughts unreadable. Meanwhile, Yun Zhen watched the match with great interest. The prior bouts had been trivial, but these final ones warranted her attention to witness her disciple's performance. “Clang—” The sonorous toll of a bell echoed once more. A palpable tension gripped the onlookers below. Would Meng Hang Jun seize the initiative this time? As the match began, with everyone holding their breath in anticipation, the expected clash of titanic forces was delayed. Yan Jue stood firm against the wind, quietly watching Qi Xianqing. The two of them remained silent, the anticipated thunderous clash yet to unfold as expected. An uneasy silence enveloped the audience. ? Qi Xianqing, renowned for her quick victories, didn't immediately strike? Looking at Yan Jue, Qi Xianqing slowly lowered the tip of her Candlelight sword. When instructing a disciple, the master often lowered their sword, allowing the other to make the first move. Other observers might have missed this subtle gesture, but Yan Jue caught it astutely. In an instant, she drew her iron sword and activated the "Five Elements Sword Technique." Utilizing her swift steps, she transformed into a shadow in the air, appearing before Qi Xianqing in a flash. The ordinary-looking iron sword was already sheathed in a layer of frost, making the surrounding air twist with cold. Yan Jue struck directly, prompting Qi Xianqing to lift her sword in defense with a solemn expression. “Clang!!!” The sound rang melodiously as the two swords clashed. With their swords crossed, they were drawn close. In the sunlight, Yan Jue could detect the familiar and comforting fragrance from Qi Xianqing and feel her close breath. Qi Xianqing lowered her gaze, examining Yan Jue. Her crimson lips and bright white teeth framed her clear amber eyes, which stared unblinkingly at Qi Xianqing. For a moment, Qi Xianqing felt a tremor in her previously unwavering resolve, a faint flush creeping onto her ears. Her lapse of concentration was brief. In the next heartbeat, Yan Jue leapt, retracting her sword, blade aimed downwards. A sharp glint of light flashed towards Qi Xianqing’s wrist. The audience erupted in astonishment. Yun Zhen, recalling something, nodded with a smile. Qi Xianqing hesitated for a moment, a frost-like edge appearing in her eyes. She exerted her strength, the Candlelight sword clanging down upon Yan Jue's iron blade. Yan Jue felt a sudden tremor, almost losing control of her weapon. Her grip tightened intensely around the iron sword's hilt. “My heavens… I nearly forgot the senior sister’s strength usually sends her opponent’s sword flying.” “Yan Jue managed to withstand her strike, indicating she has notable wrist strength…” The two of them retreated several steps. Qi Xianqing’s body tensed, suddenly morphing into an afterimage, appearing in front of Yan Jue in a heartbeat. Candlelight flashed with lightning-like azure light, as Qi Xianqing elevated it, and a huge, semicircular sword light emerged from the sky. The sword technique - One Thought. This exclusive Zhentian Sect technique claimed to vanquish all evils, previously demonstrated by Qi Xianqing in matches. The powerful sword aura struck Yan Jue head-on. She swiftly waved her hand, conjuring a terrifying ice-blue sword energy in the sky! The ice-blue and azure sword energies collided violently, shattering in the sky. With the gale sweeping through, the two stood opposite each other. One in red, the other in white—like a picturesque scene. Qi Xianqing wasn’t holding back; she was more serious than usual, conveying her utmost respect for Yan Jue. Yan Jue reciprocated. Qi Xianqing’s face was cold as snow, stepping back, her hands forming seals. Instantly, Candlelight became a celestial entity, splitting into hundreds of small swords. The Thousand Sword Technique! The diminutive swords danced like dragons in the sky at Qi Xianqing's command, charging towards Yan Jue like golden meteors. Yan Jue raised her iron sword once more, eyes shut tight. A searing sensation grew from her dantian, as an enormous reservoir of spiritual energy seemed to surge forth! She deftly drew her sword downwards. Suddenly, a thick ice wall manifested before her, curving downwards, eventually forming a sturdy barrier that encapsulated Yan Jue. The Candlelight-transfigured swords smashed into the ice wall, leaving white gouges on its surface. Qi Xianqing swiftly formed seals with her hands, issuing a sharp command as numerous small swords, suffused with azure light, reconvened in the air to reconstitute Candlelight. Candlelight swelled to human height, crashing down with the force to cleave the earth. The audience watched in breathless anticipation as the celestial sword “Candlelight” punctured through Yan Jue's ice wall defense! Known as one of the world's divine swords, Candlelight's power was well understood. A sigh passed through the audience—this junior disciple, who had won five consecutive matches, seemed poised to suffer severe injury. Even a few elders below gently shook their heads. Then, abruptly, someone gasped in surprise. Qi Xianqing paused. Behind her, a faint noise whispered. Qi Xianqing’s expression turned sharp, summoning Candlelight back instantly. In the next moment, the martial stage erupted from beneath! Yan Jue had emerged from the ground, her iron sword swinging forward, colliding again with Candlelight. A resounding explosion quaked the surroundings, pain flared in her chest, and the taste of blood rose to her throat. The Glacial Arts · Ice Escape. Shock whispered through the crowd. If not for Qi Xianqing’s quick reflexes, Yan Jue might have succeeded in her surprise attack! Dirt smeared across Yan Jue’s face as she clenched her sword, resolute eyes fixed on Qi Xianqing. Their shoes scraped the ground, and once more, their blades crossed in an invisible duel of wills. Qi Xianqing’s brow furrowed, meeting Yan Jue’s fierce, blood-tinged amber gaze. Her ordinarily gentle eyes now brimmed with aggression! In that moment, a faint golden light flickered within Yan Jue's eyes. Qi Xianqing halted, cold sweat forming on her brow. Why did she perceive an invisible force in Yan Jue’s gaze? Regaining her wits, Yan Jue clashed her iron sword once more. “Boom!!!” Yan Jue's formidable strength forced Qi Xianqing back two steps. The crowd exclaimed, "?!" Danger lay before them as they reached the edge of the martial stage, Qi Xianqing’s heel already resting on the boundary line. Another step, and she would topple over. A sharp pain pierced Qi Xianqing’s chest, oscillating between astonishment and delight. The sun blazed overhead. Qi Xianqing glimpsed Yun Zhen below the stage through the periphery of her vision. Yun Zhen, eternally ethereal, sat surrounded by men, her demeanor unparalleled. Yun Zhen rested her chin on her hand, contemplating Qi Xianqing with grave seriousness. Her mentor seemed displeased with her performance. A powerful sense of unease surged through Qi Xianqing’s heart; her principle had been to defeat opponents within half a cup of tea's time, but now nearly an incense stick's time had passed. Dangerously close, a critical misstep loomed. With a forceful jerk of her wrist, Qi Xianqing summoned the blue brilliance of Candlelight, which oscillated ominously in the air. She repelled Yan Jue’s strike, leaped gracefully, her robes whipped fiercely by the wind as Candlelight rang with a regal dragon’s cry. A flash of azure light. Candlelight descended with formidable might. Now familiar with Qi Xianqing’s rhythm, Yan Jue confidently blocked. Her arm quivered, eyes narrowing in sudden realization. An overwhelming surge of spiritual energy erupted from Qi Xianqing. In an instant, Yan Jue's iron sword shattered! The once sturdy iron sword for outer disciples crumbled under Candlelight’s might, reduced to ash and scattered by the wind... Woe befell Yan Jue, as she had momentarily forgotten that her sword paled in comparison to the divine Candlelight. Any ruthless strike from Qi Xianqing could split it. Qi Xianqing registered brief surprise; the sword gleamed as Yan Jue rolled away to dodge. Without her sword, she was entirely outmatched. Qi Xianqing hesitated before striking gently again, and immense spiritual power burst in the air. Her heart tightened, realizing she'd mismanaged her strength. Yan Jue was sent flying. The audience tracked the girl's trajectory with rapt attention as she traced a graceful arc through the sky, landing directly into Yun Zhen’s embrace!