“Qi Hao and Lin Jingyu, disciples under Reverend Cangsong of Longshou Peak, pay respects to Uncle-Master Tian and Aunt-Master Su.”
In Shoujing Hall, Tian Buyi and Su Ru sat in the seats of honor, while the other disciples stood in rows to the side. In the middle of the hall, the two men in white—Lin Jingyu and another handsome young man named Qi Hao—were paying their respects to Tian Buyi. Zhang Xiaofan stood at the very end of the disciples’ line, looking at Lin Jingyu in the hall.
After several years apart, they had all grown up.
Just then, Lin Jingyu also turned his head and looked toward Zhang Xiaofan. Their eyes met. Lin Jingyu smiled faintly, and warmth surged in Zhang Xiaofan’s heart. Filled with countless emotions, he nodded.
Tian Buyi’s gaze shifted over Qi Hao, then glanced at Lin Jingyu, and his expression darkened. Seeing that the two were both handsome and spirited, with his eyesight he had already perceived in a moment that both their aptitudes far surpassed those of the disciples under his own door. Qi Hao went without saying; among the younger generation of Qingyun Sect, he had long been renowned. But Lin Jingyu, young as he was—judging from how he had just arrived by riding his sword, he had at least cultivated to the fourth level or above of the Taiji Xuanqing Dao. Considering he had entered the sect only three and a half years ago, such aptitude was truly astonishing.
Thinking of this, Tian Buyi subconsciously looked toward Zhang Xiaofan, who stood at the very back. Comparing the two, his mood worsened greatly, and he said coldly, “What did your master send you here for?”
Qi Hao cupped his hands and said, “Reporting to Uncle-Master Tian, my master, Reverend Cangsong, has been entrusted by Sect Leader Reverend Daoxuan to handle the various matters for the ‘Seven Peaks Martial Tournament’ two years from now. Because there have been a few changes, he specially ordered Junior Brother Lin and me to come together and inform you.”
Tian Buyi snorted. He looked Lin Jingyu up and down and said, “He’s deliberately trying to show off to me, isn’t he!”
Qi Hao’s and Lin Jingyu’s expressions both changed. Lin Jingyu was about to flare up on the spot, but Qi Hao reached out and stopped him, smiling as he said, “Uncle-Master Tian certainly knows how to joke. We all belong to Qingyun Sect, and Uncle-Master Tian is a man of high virtue and prestige. My master would absolutely have no intention of disrespect.”
Tian Buyi’s face remained gloomy, showing not the slightest sign of improving. Su Ru, beside him, however, wore a gentle smile and said warmly, “You needn’t take it to heart. Your Uncle-Master Tian was only joking with you. Right, you said just now that there were some changes. What is this about?”
Qi Hao said respectfully, “Reporting to Aunt-Master Su, the matter is this. In previous years, for the ‘Seven Peaks Martial Tournament,’ each branch of Qingyun Sect would send four people, and in addition the main branch, Tongtian Peak, would send four more, making a total of thirty-two. Lots would be drawn for duels; the winner advanced. After five rounds, the final victor would be deemed the outstanding talent of Qingyun Sect’s younger generation and would receive careful cultivation from the various elders.”
Su Ru pursed her lips in a smile, graceful and charming, and said, “Speaking of the last tournament, you were quite the prominent figure. I remember you placed second in the end, didn’t you? If not for that Xiao Yicai from the main branch, perhaps you would have seized the martial champion title of Qingyun Sect.”
Qi Hao’s expression did not change. He smiled and said, “Aunt-Master Su praises me too much. In the last tournament, Senior Brother Xiao Yicai of the main branch was a rare genius, with profound cultivation. I was far inferior to him, and my defeat left me fully convinced, with nothing to say. However, regarding this ‘Seven Peaks Martial Tournament’ two years from now, after discussion between my master and the Sect Leader, some changes have been made to the rules. I have been specially ordered to come and inform the two Uncle- and Aunt-Masters.”
Tian Buyi and Su Ru were moved at the same time and said, “What changes?”
Qi Hao said, “My master, Reverend Cangsong, believes that the original intent of the ‘Seven Peaks Martial Tournament’ is to discover promising talents among the disciples of each branch and nurture them. As of today, Qingyun Sect has nearly a thousand disciples, among whom there are especially many new disciples of the younger generation, including no shortage of remarkably gifted figures. Thinking on this, with an opportunity that comes only once every sixty years, for each branch to send merely four people is truly too few. Therefore, my master has proposed that each of the seven branches send nine disciples, while the main branch, having the greatest number of people, send one more, making a total of sixty-four. On this basis, everything will proceed as before: lots will be drawn for duels, six rounds will be held in all, and the victor will be decided. This will also spare us the regret of leaving pearls lost in the sea.”
Tian Buyi and Su Ru exchanged a glance, their expressions becoming even uglier. The Dazhu Peak branch had few disciples and poor aptitude. At first glance, it seemed as though they had gained an advantage, but in truth, this greatly benefited the main branch, Tongtian Peak, and Cangsong’s Longshou Peak, which had the most people and the most talent.
Seeing her husband’s dark expression, Su Ru shook her head slightly and signaled him with her eyes. How could Tian Buyi not understand his wife’s meaning? Since this matter had already been discussed by the Sect Leader Senior Brother and Cangsong, it was a foregone conclusion; arguing would be useless. He immediately said coldly, “Very well. I have no objections.”
Qi Hao smiled easily and said, “That is for the best. In addition, before I set out, my master instructed me on one matter. This Junior Brother Lin of mine and a Junior Brother Zhang under Uncle-Master Tian are old friends and acquaintances. We hope Uncle-Master Tian will allow the two of them to reminisce.”
Tian Buyi was angry in his heart. With a wave of his hand, he said impatiently, “Granted, granted.”
Lin Jingyu had long since been impatient from waiting, but because Tian Buyi was an elder of the previous generation, he had not dared act out. Hearing that permission had been granted, he turned his head and walked toward Zhang Xiaofan. Zhang Xiaofan was excited as well and came out.
Lin Jingyu walked up to him and looked him over carefully. Suddenly his eyes reddened, and he said in a hoarse voice, “You’ve grown up, Xiaofan.”
A hundred feelings welled in Zhang Xiaofan’s heart. He kept nodding and said, “You too. Right, do you have any news about that massacre in the village?”
Lin Jingyu shook his head and said, “I’ve asked Master many times these past few years, but there’s been no progress. What about you?”
Zhang Xiaofan smiled bitterly and said, “It’s the same for me.”
Lin Jingyu took his hand and said, “Let’s go outside and talk.”
Zhang Xiaofan hesitated for a moment, then turned to look at Tian Buyi and Su Ru. Tian Buyi ignored him, but Su Ru smiled and said, “Go.”
Zhang Xiaofan was overjoyed. He nodded to her and hurried out with Lin Jingyu. In the great hall, Qi Hao was now the only guest remaining. Clad in white, handsome and outstanding, without the slightest awkwardness in his expression, he looked over the Dazhu Peak disciples one by one. Finally his gaze landed on Song Daren, and he cupped his hands with a smile. “This must be Senior Brother Song Daren, yes? We met during the last tournament.”
Song Daren hurriedly returned the courtesy and said, “Senior Brother Qi has a good memory, to actually still remember a defeated opponent like me.”
As soon as these words were spoken, the disciples all stirred in surprise. Standing beside her mother, Tian Ling’er quietly asked, “Mother, was Eldest Senior Brother defeated by him?”
Su Ru nodded and lowered her voice. “Yes. Back then, your eldest senior brother finally managed to win two matches in a row, and your father and I were extremely happy. Who would have thought he would encounter this man in the third round? After only a few exchanges, he lost.”
Tian Ling’er stuck out her tongue and said, “Then isn’t he very formidable?”
Su Ru did not answer her at once, but turned to look at her husband. Seeing Tian Buyi’s face livid as he sat there motionless, she could only shake her head and say, “Qi Hao’s aptitude is indeed far superior to your eldest senior brother’s. That day in the contest, there were no false moves or tricks. In particular, that immortal sword he cultivates, ‘Hanbing,’ was forged from ten-thousand-year Arctic ice crystal. Its power is tremendous. Your eldest senior brother cannot compare to him.”
At this moment, Tian Buyi suddenly seemed to sense something and also turned his head to look at Su Ru. Their eyes met, and both saw the words hidden deep in the other’s heart, though neither had spoken them aloud: if only Dazhu Peak had such talent under its door, how wonderful that would be!
Below the hall, Qi Hao was chatting with the disciples. His cultivation had achieved success, and he enjoyed the trust of his elders. He often traveled the world, was widely knowledgeable, and had an eloquent tongue, his clever words flowing like pearls. For a time, everyone developed a sense of closeness to him; even Song Daren, who had once been defeated by him, no longer had any hostility.
After a burst of laughter, Qi Hao had evidently told some joke, and everyone was laughing heartily. Then, his gaze inadvertently fell on Tian Ling’er, who had been standing behind Su Ru all along. Immediately after, he noticed the “Amber Scarlet Silk” coiled around her waist. His eyes lit up, and he smiled. “Might this young lady be the famous Junior Sister Tian Ling’er?”
Tian Ling’er raised her brows and said, “How do you know me?”
Qi Hao smiled faintly, walked a few steps closer, and looked at her as he said, “Junior Sister Tian is only sixteen, yet your attainments in the Taiji Xuanqing Dao are already extraordinary. This is something known throughout our sect. I have admired you for a long time. Seeing you today, your reputation is indeed well deserved.”
Tian Ling’er’s face reddened, and she said petulantly, “You haven’t even seen me make a move. How do you know my reputation is well deserved?”
Qi Hao was stunned for a moment, then smiled and said, “Junior Sister Tian is not only as beautiful as a flower, but also keen of mind. It makes me, as your senior brother, feel ashamed.”
Seeing his tall, handsome figure standing before her, and hearing him praise her beauty, Tian Ling’er felt a sudden sweetness in her heart. On her face, however, she still pretended to be annoyed and said, “You only know how to talk nonsense. What kind of senior brother are you? Aren’t you embarrassed!”
Tian Buyi frowned. Su Ru had already said, “Ling’er, don’t speak nonsense.”
Qi Hao hurriedly said to Su Ru, “Aunt-Master Su, please do not blame Junior Sister. It was all because I spoke without thinking and offended her.” At this point, he pondered slightly, then reached into his robes and took out a small brocade box, handing it to Tian Ling’er with a smile. “Junior Sister Tian, the ‘Cooling Pearl’ in this little box was something I obtained by chance several years ago when I accompanied my master, Reverend Cangsong, in upholding justice and exterminating a faction of Demon Sect villains. Though it is not some rare treasure, carrying it on one’s person can dispel summer heat and lower warmth. In addition, it is said to have some benefit for a woman’s complexion and skin. Today, I give it to Junior Sister as my apology.”
Tian Ling’er’s face reddened again, and before she could speak, Su Ru had already said, “Nephew Qi, this Cooling Pearl can be considered a treasure. Ling’er cannot accept it. You should put it away at once.”
Qi Hao smiled and said, “Aunt-Master Su may not know this, but the Cooling Pearl is of little use to me, rather like a tasteless scrap one is reluctant to discard. But Junior Sister Tian is young and beautiful; it suits her perfectly. Consider it a small token of my regard. I only hope Junior Sister Tian will not disdain it.”
Tian Ling’er looked at Qi Hao, her expression already much gentler. She reached out and took the small box, saying softly, “Thank you, Senior Brother Qi.”
Qi Hao seemed extremely pleased. Smiling broadly, he said, “No need to thank me, no need to thank me. Junior Sister, you are naturally intelligent, and your future is limitless. Speaking of it, although Qingyun Sect has many talented people, those with aptitude like yours are few and far between. Even I am willing to admit defeat.”
Hearing this, Tian Buyi’s face showed a smile for the first time. Tian Ling’er said, “Senior Brother praises me too much.”
Qi Hao shook his head and said, “Not at all. I, too, was brought up the mountain by my honored master when I was young, but when I was your age, my cultivation was far inferior to yours. However…”
Tian Ling’er was a young girl by nature. Listening to Qi Hao’s praise, she felt great goodwill toward him, but when she heard him add the word “however,” she could not help pressing, “However what?”
At this, even Tian Buyi and Su Ru turned their heads, wanting to hear what Qi Hao meant by this “however.” They heard Qi Hao say, “However, if speaking purely of aptitude, there is indeed someone who can compare with Junior Sister Tian.”
Tian Ling’er was stunned and said, “Who?”
Qi Hao smiled and pointed outside Shoujing Hall. “It is this Junior Brother Lin of mine. Since my master, Reverend Cangsong, accepted him into the branch three years ago, his progress in these short years has been astonishing. In the path of cultivation, he is even more a genius by nature, unmatched among the disciples of our branch. In just three years, he broke through to the fourth level of the Yuqing realm. In a thousand years, I have never heard of such a person.” At this point, Qi Hao’s expression was filled with affection and care. “My master cannot stop praising Junior Brother Lin, calling him a peerless genius seen once in a thousand years, almost comparable to the Patriarch Qingye of old!”
“Crack!” A crisp sound rang out, startling everyone. They turned toward the source of the sound, only to see Tian Buyi with a livid face, his expression ugly to the extreme. The hard sandalwood armrest beside his hand had actually been snapped off by force.
Qi Hao was stunned. In a low voice, he said to Su Ru, “Aunt-Master Su, did I say something wrong?”
Su Ru forced a smile and was just about to speak when a shout suddenly came from outside the hall: “Aiya!” Before the voice had even fallen, a figure came tumbling in from outside the hall and fell to the ground with a thud. His momentum had not yet spent itself, and he actually rolled backward several times, covered in dust and looking utterly wretched. When everyone looked closely, who could it be if not Zhang Xiaofan?
Everyone of the Dazhu Peak branch changed expression. Tian Ling’er was closest to Zhang Xiaofan, and she was the first to rush over. She helped him up and asked urgently, “Xiaofan, what happened to you?”
Zhang Xiaofan had taken a heavy fall and his head was still somewhat dizzy, but he still said, “N-nothing. I’m fine.”
Just then, Lin Jingyu also ran in from outside the door, anxiety on his face. “Xiaofan, are you all right? I lost control for a moment…”
As soon as Tian Ling’er heard this, she knew this person had bullied her junior brother. Anger surged upward. Added to the fact that Qi Hao had praised Lin Jingyu to her face just now, faintly implying that she could not compare to him, she felt even more deeply displeased. At this moment, she thought no further. Rising to her feet, she said angrily, “What right do you have to bully people?” As she spoke, she pointed with a hand seal. At once, rosy light flashed, and the Amber Scarlet Silk was already summoned. With a “whoosh,” it charged toward Lin Jingyu.
Su Ru and Qi Hao shouted at the same time, “Stop!”
But the Amber Scarlet Silk was as fast as lightning, and in an instant it had already rushed before Lin Jingyu. Though startled, Lin Jingyu did not panic. Seeing the dazzling colors before his eyes, he knew it was an immortal treasure. He immediately retreated three steps, pointed his left hand to the sky and his right hand to the ground, formed a sword seal, and shouted, “Rise!”
With a ringing clang like a dragon’s cry, the sound immediately resounded through Shoujing Hall. Lin Jingyu’s whole body was enveloped in azure light, and a radiant azure immortal sword was summoned. Its blade was clear as autumn water, auspicious energy steaming around it. For a time, not only did it block the surging bands of rosy light from the Amber Scarlet Silk, it also cast everyone’s face in Shoujing Hall into a greenish hue.
Tian Buyi suddenly snorted and said coldly, “Cangsong is truly generous, to have even passed the ‘Dragon-Slaying Sword’ to him.”
Seeing that Lin Jingyu was unharmed, Qi Hao relaxed. Standing to the side, he smiled and said, “My master once said that Junior Brother’s talent is exceptional and that he will surely become a great vessel. It is only right that he put effort into nurturing him.”
Tian Buyi’s expression became even uglier.
At this moment, the Amber Scarlet Silk and the Dragon-Slaying Sword were locked in a stalemate in the hall. Tian Ling’er’s beautiful eyes were wide open. With a shake of both arms, her red clothes fluttered, and her body actually rose slowly into midair. Crossing her hands before her chest and forming orchid-finger seals, she shouted, “Bind the God!”
No sooner had her voice fallen than the rosy light suddenly surged. The Amber Scarlet Silk, originally only about three feet long before her, abruptly retreated and flew to stop in front of Tian Ling’er. After a crisp sound, the rosy light blazed brilliantly. Meeting the wind, it grew, swift beyond compare. In the blink of an eye, no one knew how many times longer it had become, filling the entire air above Shoujing Hall. It immediately suppressed the azure light of the Dragon-Slaying Sword. A moment later, it transformed into countless silk ropes and charged toward Lin Jingyu, surrounding him in the middle so tightly that not even wind could pass through.
Su Ru rose to her feet and shouted into the air, “Ling’er, you must not act willfully!”
But in the time it took her to speak, the endless red silk had already wrapped Lin Jingyu up completely. Not only could everyone no longer see Lin Jingyu, even Tian Ling’er’s figure in midair was covered by layer upon layer, strand after strand, of red silk.
Zhang Xiaofan stared in utter amazement, feeling it was almost divine. Suddenly, he heard someone behind him praise, “The Amber Scarlet Silk truly lives up to its reputation!”
He turned his head and saw that it was Qi Hao, staring unblinkingly into the arena. He was murmuring to himself, yet there was not the slightest hint of worry in his expression.
Just as it seemed Tian Ling’er’s victory was certain, everyone suddenly heard an ear-piercing “rip.” Within the layers of red silk, a gap abruptly appeared, revealing a bit of azure light.
Tian Buyi and Su Ru’s expressions changed at the same time.
“Roar!” A tremendous sound rang out, like an enraged dragon’s wild scream, shaking the nine heavens. In an instant, that opening expanded a hundredfold. The azure light surged once more, tearing through the silk and bursting out. Lin Jingyu, man and sword as one, the faint shape of a dragon appearing around his entire body, shot toward Tian Ling’er like an arrow loosed from the string, unstoppable.
Everyone lost color. Tian Ling’er, however, though startled, did not fall into panic. She held both hands before her chest and quickly traced the Taiji diagram, drawing through the void. In a moment, layer upon layer of red silk returned before her, transforming into countless barriers. The sounds of tearing rang out without end. Lin Jingyu’s Dragon-Slaying Sword pierced through one layer of red silk after another. Though his momentum slowed slightly, that indomitable force did not diminish in the least. In the blink of an eye, the two were about to decide life and death, victory and defeat.
“Zheng!”
A wave of cold passed through. The Dragon-Slaying Sword, as though striking rotten cotton, rebounded. Lin Jingyu was greatly shocked and looked up, only to see that in the space of a moment, an ice wall had formed between him and Tian Ling’er. Its cold air was piercing. Though the Dragon-Slaying Sword’s might was astonishing, it could not break through this ice wall. At some unknown moment, Qi Hao had already rushed to his side, pulling him back a full zhang away.
On the other side, Tian Ling’er’s face was pale, but Su Ru had already rushed forward in the blink of an eye and pulled her into her arms, retreating to Tian Buyi’s side.
In the hall, the two immortal treasures, no longer controlled, gradually lost their radiance and each flew back into its master’s hand.
Shoujing Hall fell into silence.