"Xiaofan, didn't you say you were looking for Xiao Hui and that big yellow dog? Why did you bring me to the kitchen?" Zeng Shushu followed behind Zhang Xiaofan, walking into the kitchen and chattering incessantly.
Zhang Xiaofan carefully looked into the kitchen, only to see that it was who-knew-how-many-times more spacious than the Big Bamboo Peak's kitchen, and the lighting was much brighter too. While looking around, he said, "Although I haven't seen them since early this morning, I bet they're most likely here!"
Zeng Shushu shrugged his shoulders and said, "Impossible. What do you take the Three-Eyed Spirit Monkey for? That's a naturally born spiritual creature; compared to humans, it's even superior. Why do you look at it as if it's a thief, and the greedy kind at that!"
Under Zeng Shushu's dumbfounded expression, Zhang Xiaofan lifted Xiao Hui out from behind a jar in the corner of the kitchen. Xiao Hui, held mid-air by him, screeched "zhi zhi" nonstop. Then Da Huang ran out from behind the jar and barked loudly at the two of them.
Zhang Xiaofan glanced at Zeng Shushu, who had an expression caught between laughter and tears.
Holding Xiao Hui in his arms, Zhang Xiaofan cursed at Da Huang, "Damn dog, stop barking. Do you want people to come catch us?"
Da Huang seemed to understand his words. Looking at Xiao Hui huddled in his arms, the dog whimpered "wu wu" a few times and fell silent. Zhang Xiaofan looked around and saw that most things were intact and unmoved. It seemed these two little thieves hadn't succeeded yet. He couldn't help but feel very fortunate and hurriedly carried Xiao Hui out. After two steps, he noticed Da Huang hadn't followed. Turning back, he saw Da Huang with his tail between his legs running to behind that jar again, fiddling around, then trotting over with a huge meat bone in his mouth.
Zhang Xiaofan glared at Xiao Hui in his arms. Xiao Hui split his monkey mouth in a silly giggle. Zeng Shushu watched from the side and shook his head.
The two of them sneaked out of the kitchen with monkey and dog, afraid of being discovered, for if they were, that lifelong stigma could never be washed away. Only after running far away with great difficulty did the two finally breathe a sigh of relief.
Zhang Xiaofan panted for a moment and said, "Right, I haven't congratulated you yet. You won another match."
But Zeng Shushu didn't care at all. His eyes only carefully examined Xiao Hui in Zhang Xiaofan's arms. He said, "What's so great about that? I'll lose to someone sooner or later anyway. Why is Xiao Hui so dirty? How many days has it been since you gave him a bath?"
Zhang Xiaofan was stunned for a moment and said, "Never washed him."
Zeng Shushu looked about to faint, striking his forehead with his hand. "How, how, how could you treat him like this!"
Zhang Xiaofan was greatly unconvinced inwardly, thinking to himself that this monkey climbed up and down all day; how could he ever be kept clean? But seeing Zeng Shushu's heartbroken expression, he knew this person was unreasonable on this issue. He let out a dry laugh and changed the topic. "Right, did you know? In tomorrow's third round of the competition, Lu Xueqi's opponent is my senior sister Tian Ling'er."
Zeng Shushu was indeed startled. "It's your senior sister? That Tian Ling'er who uses the Amber Zhu Ling?"
"That's right." Zhang Xiaofan reached out and rubbed Xiao Hui's head as it climbed onto his shoulder. "These past two days, that Lu Xueqi has been very much in the limelight. I'm a bit worried about my senior sister."
Zeng Shushu nodded. "You're right. Leaving aside other things, just that 'Tianya' in Lu Xueqi's hand alone is unbearable."
Zhang Xiaofan was somewhat worried. "Shushu, do you think my senior sister will be in danger? Look, in Lu Xueqi's first match, she destroyed her opponent's immortal sword. In the second, I heard that senior brother from the main peak was also quite badly injured."
Zeng Shushu glared at him. "You're overthinking. I think your senior sister's cultivation is much higher than yours. You should worry about yourself. Going forward, each one is stronger than the last. According to what you yourself said, you haven't even cultivated to the third layer of the Jade Pure Realm of the Taiji Xuanqing Dao. Won't you get split in two by a sword by then! Give Xiao Hui to me to hold."
Zhang Xiaofan hesitated a moment, then handed Xiao Hui over. Zeng Shushu happily held it in his arms. Xiao Hui, however, was greatly dissatisfied and screeched "zhi zhi".
Zhang Xiaofan sighed. "You're right. Senior sister has profound cultivation and is beautiful too. There are so, so many people who love her. How could it be my turn to care about her?"
Zeng Shushu held Xiao Hui tightly, staring at him with wide eyes, as if afraid that looking away for even one moment would be a loss. His mouth said carelessly, "It's good that you know. Better think about how to save your life tomorrow. I'm telling you, your opponent tomorrow—my Fenghui Peak's senior brother Peng Chang—his cultivation absolutely cannot be compared to today's Chu Yuhong. Especially that immortal sword magic treasure 'Wu Gou' he cultivated, forged from thousand-year fire copper. It's incredible."
Zhang Xiaofan made a bitter face, brows tightly furrowed. "All of you are covered in magic treasures. What can I do?"
Zeng Shushu didn't even raise his eyes, still looking at Xiao Hui, and strode forward. "Xiao Hui, come back with me. I'll give you two bunches of bananas, okay? Uh, Xiaofan, what did you just say?"
Zhang Xiaofan walked shoulder to shoulder with him and sighed. "I really envy that you all can drive and use magic treasures. What does that feel like?"
Zeng Shushu shrugged. "It's just like that. After training with an immortal sword for a long time, naturally the magic treasure will have some resonance with you. Relying on this, using thought power and spiritual power to drive the magic treasure—going to heaven or into earth, splitting mountains or cleaving seas—is all up to you."
Zhang Xiaofan was stunned for a moment beside him. "Resonance—is it a kind of cool, silky feeling?"
Zeng Shushu's eyes were all on Xiao Hui. He answered offhandedly, "Not necessarily. It depends on the material of the magic treasure."
Zhang Xiaofan thought for a while, but ultimately shook his head, abandoning the vain imaginings in his mind. "Shushu, for a divine object like Tianya, who knows how it was forged back then? The scene must have been spectacular, right?"
Zeng Shushu looked at Zhang Xiaofan strangely. "How would I know? It's my first time seeing this legendary divine object too." Saying this, he lowered his head again to look at Xiao Hui, ignoring Xiao Hui's furious face, beaming as he stroked Xiao Hui's fur. He continued, "But speaking of resonance, I've read in ancient books before that the magic treasures that truly connect heart and mind with a cultivator aren't actually these so-called divine objects and rare treasures."
Zhang Xiaofan said in surprise, "Then what are they?"
Zeng Shushu said, "They are some magic treasures refined and created using the master's own essence blood. Using blood as the medium, the magic treasure often carries demonic and fierce qi, but it has a flesh-and-blood connected feeling with the master. Although the books say these are all heretical paths, and what they refine are mostly ferocious evil things that the righteous path won't do, only those possessing the master's blood qi can drive and use these magic treasures. Unlike the magic treasures we cultivate now—if they fall into the hands of a senior with profound cultivation, they are subdued. Huh!"
Zeng Shushu stopped his steps and found no one beside him. Turning back, he saw Zhang Xiaofan had stopped at some unknown time, standing behind him in a daze, staring at him with a very strange expression.
Zeng Shushu felt strange in his heart. "What's wrong, Xiaofan?"
Zhang Xiaofan's body shook. He forced out a smile. "N-nothing."
Zeng Shushu looked at him once more, thinking he was worried about tomorrow's competition. Smiling, he walked over and patted his shoulder. "Rest assured. I've already spoken to Senior Brother Peng. In tomorrow's match, he won't strike you heavily. He'll let you lose with some dignity so you can have an excuse before your master and Shiniang."
Zhang Xiaofan seemed absent-minded, but still nodded. "Oh, thank you."
The two walked a few more steps forward. Zeng Shushu was busy scrutinizing Xiao Hui in his arms, while Zhang Xiaofan seemed full of thoughts, silent. After a while, Xiao Hui seemingly could no longer endure Zeng Shushu's inhuman gaze. It angrily screeched a few times and extended its claws to swipe at Zeng Shushu. Zeng Shushu had seen that Xiao Hui had been quite obedient since earlier and had momentarily let down his guard. Caught off guard by the sneak attack again, this time he truly couldn't dodge. Several scratch marks immediately appeared on his fair, clean face, hurting so much that he loosened his hands at once.
Xiao Hui regained freedom and leaped about happily, but didn't return to Zhang Xiaofan's side. Instead, it sprang to the ground and ran quickly forward. In a few steps, it ran to two people coming face-to-face and "swoosh"—leaped onto one of them.
Zhang Xiaofan was stunned for a moment. Raising his eyes to look, he saw that woman with a flower-like smile, standing amidst drifting white clouds, her clothes lightly stirring, a red silk at her waist, incomparably beautiful and pure—it was none other than Tian Ling'er. Joy immediately welled up in his heart. Just as he was about to speak, suddenly the hot blood throughout his body turned cold again, chilling straight into his heart. Beside Tian Ling'er stood a handsome, elegant man like a jade tree in the wind—who else could it be but Qi Hao?
At this time, Tian Ling'er was also startled. Normally Xiao Hui only clung to Zhang Xiaofan. She hadn't expected that today he would suddenly change his nature and become affectionate with her—utterly unexpected. Actually, in her heart, she also quite liked this clever and lively monkey. Immediately, she stroked Xiao Hui and smiled toward here. "Xiaofan, why are you here?"
Zhang Xiaofan was expressionless, lowering his voice. "I came here for a walk with a friend."
Qi Hao, standing beside Tian Ling'er, glanced at Zeng Shushu. A smile appeared at the corner of his lips, and he cupped his hands. "Junior Brother Zeng, we meet again."
Zeng Shushu didn't dare be negligent and returned the salute. "Senior Brother Qi, greetings."
Tian Ling'er looked at them and said in surprise, "You know each other?"
Qi Hao smiled. "Junior Brother Zeng is the beloved son of Uncle Zeng from Fenghui Peak. His family learning is profound, and his cultivation is deep. At this Seven Peaks Tournament, he is a great rival to us!"
Zeng Shushu smiled. "Senior Brother Qi, your fame shakes Qingyun. Among the young disciples of Qingyun, naturally we revere you. How would I dare be presumptuous!"
Qi Hao laughed loudly. "Junior Brother Zeng overpraises me. I don't dare accept, I don't dare accept."
Tian Ling'er saw Zhang Xiaofan's expression was somewhat strange and walked over. "Xiaofan, what's wrong?"
Zhang Xiaofan shook his head. "Senior sister, tomorrow you're going to compete against Lu Xueqi of Little Bamboo Peak. You must be careful!"
Tian Ling'er smiled faintly. She turned to look at Qi Hao. Qi Hao smiled without speaking. Tian Ling'er returned the smile, then turned her head back to Zhang Xiaofan and said, "I understand in my heart. Look, Senior Brother Qi has profound cultivation and is warm-hearted too. Because we hit it off, he specially invited me out to give me some pointers on the key points for tomorrow's match."
Zhang Xiaofan lowered his head. After a long time, he said in a hoarse voice, "Senior sister, when you compete tomorrow, I also happen to have my match against Senior Brother Peng of Fenghui Peak. I won't be able to cheer for you. Please be careful yourself!"
Tian Ling'er said indifferently, "It's fine, Xiaofan. Dad and Mom both said they'd come watch my match. Besides," she gazed at Qi Hao with tender affection, then continued, "Senior Brother Qi will also come watch my match. With his profound cultivation, after his guidance, I definitely won't lose."
Qi Hao laughed from afar. "Then I can't guarantee that."
Tian Ling'er turned her head back and glared at him, then couldn't help but laugh out loud. Her skin like white jade surpassed frost and snow in fairness, faintly revealing a light pink. She was so luminously beautiful that it almost made people stare dumbfounded.
Only Zeng Shushu, standing at the side, clearly saw Zhang Xiaofan's gaze and complexion rapidly dim, almost devoid of any vitality. He couldn't help but furrow his brows.
※※※
Night had deepened. A cold moon hung high in the sky.
Above the sea of clouds, there was no sound of people. A lonely figure wandered in the cold moonlight, amidst faint, ethereal mist, walking aimlessly, walking.
Unknowingly, he walked onto the Rainbow Bridge and arrived again at the side of that Jade Water Pool. The water surface was like a mirror, unperturbed and waveless, reflecting the sky full of stars as if they had all fallen into the water.
Beautiful scenery in fine time—too lovely to take in fully.
But this person seemed to pay no attention to any of this. He only stood blankly by the water, gazing at the surface as if recalling something. After a long time, his body suddenly trembled. His hands gripped tightly; he looked to be in great pain.
Then, he slowly turned his head and looked at that small dark woods beside the Rainbow Bridge, and slowly walked over.
Moonlight shone on Zhang Xiaofan's face, somewhat mournful.
Should he always stand in this dark corner, quietly watching others' happiness while tasting his own pain?
From afar, faint footsteps approached.
Darkness quietly lurked in this small grove.
"It's so late; why did the Sect Leader senior brother call us here?" Along with the voice, six figures appeared. Zhang Xiaofan hid in the dark and was greatly startled. Those were the six branch heads of Qingyun Mountain excluding Tongtian Peak, and Tian Buyi was among them. The one speaking was Chaoyang Peak Head Shang Zhengliang.
Daoist Cangsong, walking at the very front, said, "I heard that today the Sect Leader senior brother has already used a spirit communication technique to test with the Spirit Venerable. I'm afraid there have been some discoveries, and he wants us to go discuss."
The "Spirit Venerable" Water Qilin was the Qingyun Sect's mountain-guarding spirit beast; it was of great significance. Everyone fell silent upon hearing this, their expressions grave. After a moment, they walked far away.
Only after these exalted figures had been gone a long time did Zhang Xiaofan dare to emerge from the small woods. Subconsciously, he looked at the Jade Water Pool and saw the water surface was as calm as usual. It seemed the Spirit Venerable had long since slept in the water.
He raised his head and stared blankly at the cold moon in the sky. Just as he was thinking of returning, he reached into his bosom and took out that black firestick. The words Zeng Shushu said during the day had given him a great shock, making him startled and suspicious. But at this moment, there were no other thoughts in his mind; there only floated the image of Senior Sister Ling'er and Qi Hao standing together, well-matched.
His heart had constantly felt as if pierced by needles, but by now, it had become numb, empty and hollow, as if his three souls and seven spirits had scattered.
Slowly lifting the firestick, beneath its deep green-black surface, threads of tiny blood-red lines were clearly visible, like blood vessels, densely distributed across the entire stick. Even inside that pearl at the top.
Is this my blood?
Zhang Xiaofan thought faintly in his heart. At the moment he heard Zeng Shushu's words, he had almost immediately felt the impulse to throw away this firestick. However, the subsequent Qi Hao and Tian Ling'er gave his heart an even greater impact, making him completely unconcerned with this so-called evil object.
"Hmph!" He smiled bitterly in a low voice. "Even if it's an evil object, it's still a magic treasure of unmatched power. How could I have such good fortune to be worthy of such things? What's with me is nothing more than an ugly firestick, isn't it?"
A cold feeling slowly emanated from the firestick, roaming in his body as if comforting him.
"Magic treasure? Magic treasure?"
Zhang Xiaofan bit down hard. "What kind of thing am I? How could I use a magic treasure?" Toward the end, his voice carried a few sobs. Even that cold aura seemed to be startled by his sadness, a pulsing sensation, as if becoming active.
Zhang Xiaofan sensed it but completely didn't take it to heart, assuming it was just the mountain wind making his body cold. He slowly raised his head, looking at the firestick in his hand. In his mind floated the scene from back then when he went with Tian Ling'er to that secluded valley. For a moment, it seemed like a different lifetime.
The threads of blood-red lines in the firestick's deep green-black color slowly lit up, as if sensing something. Zhang Xiaofan unintentionally saw this; his heart thumped, and he was startled. At the same time, he recalled Zeng Shushu's words from daytime. In his heart, there suddenly surged an uncontrollable impulse.
He closed his eyes.
In an instant, that cold feeling traveled through his entire body without the slightest chill. All around was silent, but from the depths of his heart, he so clearly heard a mad roar, as if countless wronged souls beneath the Nine Netherworlds were screaming, carrying endless resentful qi, surging upward.
White bones, fresh blood, sharp screams, the stench of blood!
Zhang Xiaofan suddenly opened his eyes, gasping for breath. However, after a moment, he held his breath.
His hand spread out flat, fingers extended or bent, forming an incantation seal. And that black firestick had already flown away from his palm, standing horizontally in mid-air, black qi billowing, green light bursting forth.
In front of the firestick, a tree directly facing him at the front of the small woods that had originally been full of life had in this short moment completely withered, its branches and leaves falling. It was as if something had in an instant sucked away all its life.
For the first time in his life, Zhang Xiaofan felt that he and this firestick were so intimately close. Although the stick hovered in mid-air, across that distance, he distinctly felt as if he were holding it. That familiar cold qi also became unprecedentedly powerful. Within it, there seemed to be threads of an inexplicably fresh aura being drawn from that black stick and traveling through his entire body.
Right at this moment, from behind Zhang Xiaofan in the distance suddenly came a low whistling sound. He turned his head in fright and saw the water in the Jade Water Pool suddenly churn into chaos, as if something had been startled. He thought no more and subconsciously broke into a run, quickly running onto the Rainbow Bridge. Without looking back, he ran forward until he had crossed the Rainbow Bridge and arrived at the Sea of Clouds. Only when he no longer sensed anything unusual behind him did he stop to pant heavily.
After a long time, he once again gazed at that black firestick in his hand. At this moment, the firestick was just as it had been in the past—plain and ordinary, ugly and quietly lying in his hand.
※※※
The next day, the Qingyun Sect's Seven Peaks Tournament entered its third round.
Sixteen Qingyun disciples happened to be distributed across eight dueling platforms, competing simultaneously. Among the three from Big Bamboo Peak, Zhang Xiaofan was arranged to compete on the "Kan" position platform, Song Daren on the "Li" position platform. As for the match between Tian Ling'er and Lu Xueqi, it was arranged on the largest and most conspicuous "Qian" position platform.
According to Zhang Xiaofan's friend Zeng Shushu—whom he had known for only three days but was already extremely close to—the arrangement of the platforms had big problems with those old fellows of Qingyun. Actually, it was no wonder. The match between Lu Xueqi and Tian Ling'er was the focus of ten thousand eyes. There was no need to even mention Lu Xueqi, who carried "Tianya"; these past few days, whenever this young Qingyun disciple appeared for a match, she was inevitably surrounded by three layers inside and three layers outside, impassable. And Tian Ling'er of Big Bamboo Peak had originally had a reputation for early wisdom in Qingyun. These two days, she had especially displayed her prowess, defeating strong enemies in succession, drawing everyone's attention. Moreover, her appearance was also incomparably beautiful and pure, rivaling Lu Xueqi for a time, with gossipers making many comments in private.
Today, these two most outstanding young female disciples of the Qingyun Sect in the past hundred years had met too early. Among the elders, there might be feelings of regret, but the young disciples were all jubilant, having long surrounded the Qian platform like an iron barrel.
Song Daren and Zhang Xiaofan both stood before Tian Buyi to bid him farewell. Tian Buyi looked at Song Daren and said, "Today your opponent is Chang Jian of the main peak. This person has a persevering nature and has cultivated the Dao for many years. His Dao techniques are extremely strong in defense, exactly opposite to the immortal sword 'Ten Tigers' that you cultivate. You must be careful."
Song Daren respectfully said, "Yes, Master."
Zhang Xiaofan's heart stirred. He felt this name was somewhat familiar. After thinking for a while, he recalled that five years ago when he first ascended the mountain, it was Chang Jian who led him and Lin Jingyu to the Jade Pure Hall. Thinking of this, he couldn't help but feel concerned for Lin Jingyu again. He heard that yesterday this childhood friend had also won his second match, his strength outstanding, regarded by everyone as a prodigy. It was just that he himself had no time to go congratulate him.
Tian Buyi turned to look at Zhang Xiaofan standing beside Song Daren. This unexpected little apprentice stood there with head lowered, not uttering a sound. Tian Buyi furrowed his brows. "Old Seven, you be careful too. If it doesn't work, surrendering is fine too. Take care not to get injured."
Zhang Xiaofan's body shook. Others couldn't tell what he felt inside. He only said in a low voice, "Yes, Master."
Song Daren looked into the distance and said to Tian Buyi, "Master, the hour is late. Little Junior Brother and I will go now."
Tian Buyi nodded. Su Ru, standing at the side, smiled and said, "Be careful in all things."
Song Daren acknowledged and walked with Zhang Xiaofan toward the outside of the circle. Along the way, he faintly felt that this little junior brother was somewhat off today, silent and sullen, unlike usual. So he said to Zhang Xiaofan, "Little Junior Brother, why haven't you said a word today? Are you nervous?"
Zhang Xiaofan glanced at his senior brother, forced a smile, but didn't answer.
Song Daren laughed brightly. "Don't think so much, and don't take victory or defeat too heavily. Although Master and Shiniang care very much about face, they definitely won't blame you. Understand?"
"Yes." Zhang Xiaofan responded. In his heart, he secretly thought: They have no expectations of me whatsoever, so of course they won't blame me.
Song Daren nodded. At this time, the two walked out of the crowd. It wasn't easy to squeeze in, but getting out was rather relaxed. Song Daren chuckled. "Little Junior Brother, we have to part ways here. Good luck to you. I hope you win another match in a moment." After speaking, without waiting for Zhang Xiaofan's reaction, he himself laughed heartily.
Zhang Xiaofan sighed softly and walked toward his own competition platform.
Below the "Kan" position platform, most of the Fenghui Peak disciples were gathered. Zhang Xiaofan also saw that group of Senior Brother Gao among them. Fenghui Peak was a major branch of Qingyun, with over two hundred disciples, second only to Tongtian Peak of the main branch and Longshou Peak. Clearly, the Fenghui Peak crowd had heard something from Zeng Shushu; each and every one of them had relaxed expressions. Seeing Zhang Xiaofan, they actually smiled and nodded quite friendlily.
For some reason, Zhang Xiaofan suddenly felt that all those kind smiles in front of him were so detestable—all of them a kind of contempt toward him. Expressionlessly, he walked onto the platform. Behind him, below the platform, everyone stood on the opposing side. This time, even Zeng Shushu wasn't there, because he also had his own match.
But even if he had come, he should be cheering for his same-branch senior brother, right?
In Zhang Xiaofan's heart, there suddenly welled up an unspeakable loneliness. Standing on this high platform, looking over the countless gazes surrounding the base of the platform, he didn't have even one friend.
For what reason, for what reason, must he always face everyone alone, without even one friend to be seen!
The sixteen-year-old youth silently cried out in his heart, biting his lip stubbornly and lowering his head.
A mountain wind blew in gently, brushing past his face.
"Dang!"
The sounds of bells and cauldrons near and far rang out almost simultaneously, echoing at the peak of Tongtian and spreading far away. Zhang Xiaofan's heart skipped a beat. His first thought was: Senior Sister Ling'er should have started her match too. I hope she doesn't get injured.
Immediately his heart soured, and he thought darkly, "Whether she gets injured or not, how is it your place to care? Not to mention Master and Shiniang are both there, but even that Qi Hao said he'd rush over as soon as he quickly takes care of his opponent. Heh, quickly take care of his opponent—how impressive, how confident. Truly treating his opponent like nothing."
Thinking this way in his heart, he forgot that he himself was also on the platform until his opponent standing opposite shouted for the third time: "...Junior Brother Zhang!"
Zhang Xiaofan suddenly started awake. Raising his head to look, he saw that at some point a senior brother from Fenghui Peak was standing opposite—tall in stature, his expression rather gentle. It was just that seeing Zhang Xiaofan in a daze, his expression involuntarily became somewhat strange.
Zhang Xiaofan's face flushed red. He only heard a burst of laughter below the platform.
Peng Chang smiled and cupped his hands. "I am Peng Chang, disciple of Fenghui Peak. Please grant me your guidance, Junior Brother Zhang."
Zhang Xiaofan hurriedly returned the salute. "I am Zhang Xiaofan, disciple under Big Bamboo Peak. Greetings, Senior Brother Peng."
After exchanging courtesies, Peng Chang smiled faintly and sized Zhang Xiaofan up from head to toe. Then he lowered his voice. "Junior Brother Zhang, Junior Brother Zeng has already told me about your matter. I..."
Zhang Xiaofan's body trembled. Suddenly, uncontrollably, he blurted out, "Senior Brother Peng, please come at me with full force."
Peng Chang was startled. He carefully looked at Zhang Xiaofan. After a long while, he put away his smile, nodded, and swept his right hand before him. With a "zheng" sound, an immortal sword emitting red light, almost as if surrounded by burning flames, was summoned.
"This sword is 'Wu Gou,' forged from thousand-year fire copper. Please grant me your guidance, Junior Brother Zhang." For some reason, Peng Chang's entire bearing became stern and grave, his aura imposing—rather like he was speaking to a well-matched great enemy.
Even from far away, Zhang Xiaofan felt that scorching qi rushing toward his face. And this blazing aura was fierce and intense, completely different from the gentle and righteous qi of yesterday's Chu Yuhong's Shaoyang Immortal Sword from Chaoyang Peak. It carried a bit more overbearing dominance.
Zhang Xiaofan's heartbeat involuntarily quickened. Even thinking about the outcome he would face in a moment, he was so nervous that his body had slight tremors. But he bit down hard, using all his strength to control himself, and took out that black firestick from his bosom.
From below the platform, a burst of piercing mocking laughter came.
As if pricked by needles, Zhang Xiaofan's body shook.
Peng Chang, standing opposite him, didn't laugh. He glanced at that black firestick and said solemnly, "Junior Brother Zhang, please!"
Zhang Xiaofan looked at this opponent. Behind those burning flames, Peng Chang was like an ancient Fire God—his entire person was different. The scorching flames caused waves of smoke to float in the air, making even his face seem somewhat blurred.
Gripping the black stick tightly, Zhang Xiaofan once again felt that flesh-and-blood connected feeling. As if knowing its master's mood, that cold feeling boiled up once again.
The black and ugly firestick slowly rose into the air, leaving his palm, emitting a deep green-black light. Although ugly, although faint, it stood in mid-air. Facing the seemingly unstoppable, all-powerful flames ahead, it and its master didn't have the slightest intention of retreat.
One person, one firestick, facing the entire world!
Below the platform, the mocking laughter slowly subsided. People didn't know why, but they held their breath.
That massive ball of flames grew increasingly fierce. One couldn't tell what it was burning to blaze so intensely. The Fenghui Peak disciples far below the platform all felt the heat pressing close. Disciples with shallower cultivation even retreated backward. Some who were on good terms with Zeng Shushu and knew inside information, like Senior Brother Gao and others, all changed complexion. Everyone could see that Peng Chang at this moment didn't look like he was holding back at all—it was completely an appearance of going all-out, fighting with his life on the line.
The fire dragon grew even larger, baring fangs and brandishing claws, almost covering the sky above the platform. From afar, looking at Zhang Xiaofan standing on the platform, his clothes and pants, even the tips of his hair and eyebrows, all seemed to show signs of scorching. One could imagine the feeling of being inside a furnace at this moment—it made one's hair stand on end.
Yet that youth stood there. Although there was pain on his face, he didn't retreat at all. Although there was fear in his eyes, it was also fanatical. The flames deep in his heart seemed to also burn in his eyes.
A whistling sound, and the huge fire dragon lunged over, devouring everything in the world.
As if in an instant, yet solidifying a lifetime.
Zhang Xiaofan raised his head to the sky and roared long. The firestick's green light shone thus, rushing into the flames.
Great sounds and sharp screams within the raging flames were deafening.
Below the platform, Senior Brother Gao and the others looked at each other. After a while, stamping their feet, they sighed, "How did it turn out like this!"