Chapter 432 - 261: The Day of the Arranged Battle (2)

Chapter 432: Chapter 261: The Day of the Arranged Battle (2)

"I have a bad feeling about this."

Su Xing fell silent for a moment as he read the text from Li Longxuan. ’What on earth is Jile Valley trying to do, stirring up so much trouble all at once? Could they be doing all this to find someone for their Valley Master?!’

’Cang City... Who could they possibly be looking for there?’

’And for what reason? Why go to such great lengths to find this person? What would they gain from finding them?’

Su Xing felt he had too little information to analyze the situation properly. Then, he saw Li Longxuan’s final message.

"Su, be careful from now on."

"...Mm."

After replying, Su Xing put his phone down. He returned to his duties in the Cyan Cloud Sect and started attending his online classes. It wasn’t much, but since he had nothing better to do, he was happy to earn a few extra Sword Dao Points.

Additionally, Su Xing had invested all the Sword Dao Points he’d earned over the past three days into his Immortal Root. Although it wasn’t enough to break through to the fifth tier of the Qi Cultivation Realm, he had at least reached the Tier Four Peak.

With his current level of strength, such a minor change was barely perceptible to him. His three swords, however, had undergone a massive transformation. The Black Sword, in particular, could now actually speak.

It could only manage simple words, and its intelligence was likely less than that of a child, but Su Xing was still thrilled. He realized that Spiritual Qi could nurture a Sword Spirit.

’If I had Sword Spirits,’ he thought, ’I could even let them fight on their own in the future. I wouldn’t have to put in so much effort myself.’

At this thought, Su Xing stared at the Black Sword in his hand. The sword seemed to sense his intense gaze and trembled, then struggled to speak in a voice that sounded very much like a child’s:

"Ah... Eek... Don’t..."

"..."

Su Xing stared at the sword. To be honest, he’d always imagined a Sword Spirit would at least have a humanoid form. That would make it easier to understand how it was speaking. A sword producing sounds out of thin air was just plain weird.

Unfortunately, the Black Sword’s intelligence was still too low. It could barely form words, let alone help him in a fight. Thinking this, Su Xing shook his head in resignation and returned the Black Sword to his Dantian.

If all three of his swords could one day develop mature Sword Spirits, it would be like having three new fighters—and the most trustworthy fighters at that. His own strength would likely see a massive boost by then as well.

’So be it...’

Su Xing gazed at the night sky outside his window. Tomorrow was the day of the duel. ’Kill Chi Yu?’ he murmured to himself. The memory of his last fight with Chi Yu flashed through his mind, and his expression turned grave.

He knew that the last time he fought Chi Yu, who was disguised as one of the Black and White Impermanence, his opponent wasn’t even using his full strength. Yet, it had been a struggle for Su Xing. This time, even with Li Ye and Tong Yinyin, they probably wouldn’t have an easy time. But Su Xing would not lose.

With that thought, Su Xing sat on his bed and began to cultivate his Qi. Time flowed by as he practiced, and soon, the next day arrived.

The ten-day duel was finally here.

In the Cyan Cloud Sect’s plaza, all the sect’s prominent and high-ranking elders were gathered, seemingly waiting for someone. Without a doubt, they were waiting for Tong Yinyin and Li Ye.

"CAW... CAW..."

A piercing cry rang out, causing Su Xing and all the elders to tense up and turn their gazes toward the entrance. Elder Lu’s brow furrowed deeply. He said in a grave voice:

"The caw of a crow... The Demoness is here!"

"Everyone, on your guard!"

Gu Che let out a sudden, mighty shout that jolted everyone present. They immediately focused their attention, preparing for the imminent battle.

"I climb the white sedge to gaze afar, our rendezvous set for dusk."

"Angelicas grow by the Yuan, orchids by the Li; I long for my lord, yet dare not speak. But it is for your sake that I have pondered to this day."

A familiar, operatic voice drifted through the air as two figures appeared within the Cyan Cloud Sect. They strode in so brazenly that even the sect members, who had been expecting them, felt a surge of disbelief.

"I am Yin Crow, Tong Yinyin. Greetings to you all."

Tong Yinyin said with a slight bow.

"Li Ye, so you’ve truly come with this Demoness?"

Gu Che said, staring at Li Ye.

"..."

"The Sect Leader once said that over a decade ago, Li Ye had already mastered the Cyan Cloud Swordsmanship. I wonder what level his skills have reached by now?"

Elder Lu gazed at Li Ye, a sigh rising in his heart as he thought of his own long-standing failure to master the Cyan Cloud Swordsmanship.

"I am Caged Bird, Li Ye. Greetings to you all, and to... my esteemed Master."

Li Ye said, also cupping his fist.

"Hmph! I’m surprised you still remember that you were my disciple. If that’s the case, then why did you kill Gu Yan?!"

Gu Che, shedding his usual calm demeanor, glared at Li Ye with a furious expression and demanded.

"I did not kill Yan’er. It’s just that no one has ever believed me."

Li Ye said, shaking his head.

"Years ago, you tried to assassinate Sect Leader Gu, but you missed and killed Gu Yan by mistake! It happened in front of everyone, and the evidence is irrefutable. Are you still trying to deny it?!"

Seeing this, Elder Lu shouted in a rage.

"I explained these matters far too many times back then. There is no need to say anything more now."

Li Ye said calmly.

"If there’s no need for an explanation, then why have you come to my Cyan Cloud Sect with this Demoness today?"

Gu Che narrowed his eyes, his tone slowing as he continued to speak.

"Brother Ye is here to help me get my revenge, of course."

Just then, Tong Yinyin interjected. But as soon as she spoke, Elder Lu cut her off.

"Hmph!"

"Two murderers, coming to our Cyan Cloud Sect to behave so atrociously!"

"Enough of this nonsense!"

"Tong Yinyin, it was bad enough that you spread rumors about me, but you shouldn’t have come to the Cyan Cloud Sect to provoke me so brazenly! And Li Ye! You traitor to the Cyan Cloud Sect! Today, I will deal with you myself and cleanse our sect!"

"Well said!"

Su Xing suddenly interjected.

’If I’m going to put on an act, I have to go all the way,’ Su Xing thought. He had to make his stance clear from the start. He continued speaking:

"For villains who stop at nothing, I will naturally stand with Elder Lu to eradicate you both!"

With that, Su Xing grabbed Elder Lu and instantly appeared before the pair. To onlookers, it looked as if Su Xing and Elder Lu had flown forward together. The move was so swift that not only were the spectators stunned, but even Elder Lu himself didn’t realize he had been carried along by Su Xing.

"Heh, Brother Ye, do you want to handle this one yourself for fun?"

Tong Yinyin said with a smile.

"Your target is Elder Lu. I’ll take this little fellow from Cang City. Let’s see how sharp your sword is."

Li Ye said seriously. He then clenched his right hand, and a Cyan Blade Longsword instantly materialized in his grasp. This was a technique Su Xing had never seen anyone but himself use before. A flicker of curiosity about Li Ye’s true strength sparked within him.

"Demoness, don’t be so arrogant!"

Elder Lu knew full well that he was no match for the Demoness. After all, he was only at the seventh tier. And while the Demoness was beautiful, she was no pretty face with no substance. In a one-on-one fight, he would have no way to retreat.

"This is the Cyan Cloud Sect! It’s not your place to cause trouble here! Sect Leader Gu, activate the array!"

Halfway through his shout, Elder Lu whipped his head around to look at Gu Che. Sect Leader Gu’s expression was grim. Hearing Elder Lu’s suggestion, he immediately bellowed:

"Elders, activate the array!"

As his voice fell, everyone present—aside from Su Xing, Tong Yinyin, and Li Ye—expertly fell into their respective positions. From a distance, they formed the shape of a great longsword.

The Cyan Cloud Sword Array was activated.