Chapter 153 - Arc 11: The Sect's Grand Competition | Chapter 153: Master's Concern
Translator: Lynn
Today was the day of the foundation-building period cultivator competition, and naturally, everyone wanted to go to the martial arts arena where Xu Ziqing would be participating, hoping for his support.
Xu Ziqing retrieved his Sect’s token and noticed an additional number on it: “five.” These tokens were impossible to replicate and bore the sect’s unique aura, making them the medium for urgent secret orders from the sect. Seeing the number, he announced, “I’ll be in the fifth martial arts arena.”
Upon hearing this, Master Qiu He smiled warmly, saying, “Then let’s make our way there together.”
As everyone began to move, a voice called out from a distance, “Ziqing!”
Xu Ziqing turned to see several young cultivators hurrying toward him, a smile forming on his face. “Ah Yao, you’re here.”
From the other side, voices chimed in, all saying, “Greetings, Master Qiu He and Master Yun.”
Luo Yao and his companions had come to greet Xu Ziqing upon spotting him.
Luo Yao glanced up and noticed the white-clad swordsman standing beside Xu Ziqing. It didn’t faze him, but the chubby old man next to him caught his attention.
Despite being surrounded by eight female cultivators, the old man’s gaze was calm and affectionate, devoid of any lecherous intent. This made Luo Yao hold a favorable impression of him.
He thought, “As expected of the elders who raised Yun Zhenren and Ziqing. They carry themselves with integrity.”
However, Long Xuan, Yue Jun, and Qiu Ze immediately noticed Yun Lie and were captivated by his presence.
It wasn’t their fault; despite being young cultivators, they might actually be older than Yun Lie in terms of age, but their cultivation levels were far behind his. Although they didn’t feel a sense of rivalry, curiosity was certainly present.
After surreptitiously observing Yun Lie for a while, the three of them directed their attention to the azure silhouette beside the white-clad swordsman.
As they gazed upon him, their eyebrows raised in astonishment.
Was this Xu Ziqing?
Examining his aura, it was evident that he exuded a gentle and amiable demeanor. While his cultivation was impressive, his youth couldn’t be denied. With their keen eyes, how could they not discern that Xu Ziqing was but a budding talent?
To attain such a level of cultivation at such a young age spoke of his innate aptitude, profound comprehension, and likely a series of adventurous experiences. He seemed destined to become another future genius.
Unaware that Qiu Ze and the others had formed such a favorable opinion of him in such a short span, Xu Ziqing glanced at Luo Yao’s friends and found them rather agreeable. They shared some resemblance to Luo Yao, displaying a casual and likable demeanor.
At this moment, he recalled his senior brother’s previous advice. Luo Yao remained reserved except when he delved into the study of talismans; perhaps there was much pain buried deep within his heart.
After their brief encounter, Xu Ziqing and Luo Yao grew more acquainted with each other. Xu Ziqing inquired, “Ah Yao, I’m in the fifth martial arts arena. Which one are you in?”
Luo Yao couldn’t help but be surprised. “Coincidentally, we are in the same arena.”
Xu Ziqing chuckled and suggested, “In that case, let’s go together. It’ll save us a lot of trouble.”
Indeed, if they were in different martial arts arenas, even if they wanted to support one another, they would need to navigate around, which could be quite exhausting.
With the grand competition about to commence, the group didn’t linger outside. After exchanging a few words, they walked together along the central path and entered the fifth martial arts arena.
Inside, they discovered numerous stone platforms neatly arranged, which served as the battlegrounds for many foundation-building cultivators. On both sides, a spacious area devoid of stone platforms accommodated cultivators who came to watch the competitions.
Due to a slight delay outside, many cultivators were already present, including Golden Core stage Daoists and Huayuan stage cultivators who had come to support their disciples.
Among them, the Golden Core stage Daoists held the highest status. They each occupied an area, constructed stands, and separated themselves from the disciples, ensuring no one would disturb them.
Master Qiu He followed suit, raising his arm and projecting a white light from his sleeve. The light struck an open space, and in an instant, a raised platform emerged from the ground. It spanned several feet in diameter and emitted a sturdy and radiant presence.
Seeing the platform erected, the others retreated one after another. Master Qiu He beckoned to them, signaling them to ascend. He surveyed the surroundings once more; this was standard protocol for all Golden Core stage cultivator, though the methods they used varied.
Xu Ziqing turned his gaze towards Yun Lie, expressing concern, “Yun Shixiong, what about you?”
Many Golden Core stage cultivator in the field had their designated high platforms. Despite being the personal disciple of the master and already a Golden Core stage cultivator, Xu Ziqing couldn’t fathom Yun Lie’s intentions. He was grateful that the master had come to support him, but if Yun Lie wished to choose a different location, he might not be able to join him. A sense of reluctance lingered as he considered this.
Yun Lie responded, “I can sit with the Master.”
Xu Ziqing chuckled, “Is that so, Shixiong?”
Yun Lie nodded slightly, affirming, “Let’s go together.”
Xu Ziqing then addressed Luo Yao and his friends, “Ah Yao, you all, come quickly.” With that, he and Yun Lie leaped up, landing swiftly on the high platform.
The eight female cultivators hesitated to follow the senior brothers, uncertain of their relationship with the four foundation-building cultivators and the second senior brother. They exchanged glances, unsure of their next move.
Qiu Ze and his companions displayed graciousness, and Yue Jun grinned, saying, “Ladies, please go ahead.”
Upon seeing this, the eight female cultivators smiled coyly, then cast a fleeting glance at them before moving forward.
Subsequently, Luo Yao and his companions followed suit.
Upon reaching the high platform, everyone found a seat.
Master Qiu He possessed a benevolent demeanor, and although Yun Lie carried an air of indifference, he interacted well with others. Thus, Qiu Ze and his friends swiftly shed their initial reservations, adopting a more natural attitude.
Numerous high platforms emerged from the ground, and soon the martial arts arena was filled with participants.
Suddenly, an even taller platform arose across from the martial arts arena. In the blink of an eye, an imposing black eagle puppet was perched upon it.
Observing from a distance, Xu Ziqing was momentarily lost in thought. Memories resurfaced of the times he had accompanied his senior brother during disciple recruitment and execution of punishments. His senior brother had also possessed a black eagle puppet and donned black robes, which had imparted a somewhat austere impression.
Now, as he beheld the overseer of the competition, he felt as though he had glimpsed his brother in that distant memory. Yet, a familiar aura emanated from the overseer, grounding him in the present.
With a smile, Xu Ziqing turned his head towards Yun Lie and inquired, “Yun Shixiong, do you know that man?”
Yun Lie cast a glance at him and replied, “The one in the sixth seat of the Sixing Peak.”
Accepting this explanation, Xu Ziqing nodded and commented, “I noticed that he possesses a certain sword energy. It’s somewhat akin to Shixiong’s demeanor.” He contemplated for a moment, then inched closer to Yun Lie and questioned, “Yun Shixiong, has that man comprehended sword intent?”
Yun Lie responded, “I have never comprehended it.”
Xu Ziqing chuckled, “Indeed, when it comes to swordsmanship, Shixiong undoubtedly excels.”
Yun Lie raised his gaze and uttered, “Don’t underestimate the talents in the world.”
Xu Ziqing smiled slightly and affirmed, “I have never encountered a swordsman more skilled than my Shixiong. Naturally, I regard Shixiong as the paramount figure in this regard. If I ever meet someone surpassing Shixiong, then I will acknowledge it.”
Yun Lie didn’t offer further commentary.
Yet, Xu Ziqing pondered inwardly, realizing that even if he encountered a more skilled swordsman than his senior brother, his brother would always remain preeminent in his heart.
These thoughts, however, he couldn’t voice to his brother, for fear of being reproached as “stubborn.” Contemplating this, he chuckled to himself.
Before long, Xu Ziqing found himself deeply engrossed in conversation with Yun Lie. It was his first Sect’s Grand Competition, and he unconsciously introduced new topics for discussion.
Although Yun Lie didn’t initiate conversation and maintained an unenthusiastic demeanor, he responded to each query.
Nonetheless, onlookers were astounded by their interaction.
Qiu Ze and his companions sat together. Due to their unfamiliarity with Master Qiu He, who was closer to the two senior brothers, they had engaged in their own discussion earlier.
However, when they observed the exchange between Yun Lie and Xu Ziqing, their amazement only grew.
Yue Jun couldn’t help but murmur, “Luo Yao, do they always get along like this?”
Luo Yao had noticed too and replied, “This is how it’s always been. Don’t make a fuss.”
Qiu Ze sighed, “Daoist Yun Zhenren is known for his indifference. He’s not someone who lavishes affection on juniors like this. At first, when I heard your descriptions, I couldn’t quite believe it. Now, seeing it with my own eyes, I understand that it’s not an exaggeration, but the truth.”
Long Xuan chimed in, “Why didn’t I harbor doubts in my heart? I’d heard that even if you worship at the highest peak, sect members vie for the favor of the master in order to secure more resources. When I heard from Luo Yao that Daoist Xu remained at Xiaolu Peak, I assumed that Master Qiu He didn’t wish to teach him, so he passed the responsibility to his eldest disciple. However, upon observing this, it’s apparent that not only is it not Master Qiu He’s intention, but the two of them share a remarkably close relationship. This may be why Master Qiu He allows it. It’s more than mere friendship.”
The four exchanged sighs, especially the three who held no animosity in their hearts. When they gazed at Xu Ziqing, their eyes radiated envy.
Individuals like them within the inner sect found it challenging to secure apprenticeships, let alone attain elevated statuses after becoming disciples. Obtaining a prestigious master was even more elusive. Xu Ziqing had managed to secure all these advantages, making him exceptionally fortunate. Nevertheless, envy, though present, was not accompanied by any bitterness. Their expressions remained honest.
From Master Qiu He’s perspective, he merely twirled his short beard, sporting a kindly smile.
These individuals possessed impeccable character, with no hidden agendas, and thus, they harbored no fears of ulterior motives. He momentarily reconsidered, shaking his head and sighing. Evidently, Yun Lie must possess immense confidence in his heart to be so unconcerned about this elderly man.
Just then, another group of individuals entered through the Martial Arts Field’s entrance. The leader was undoubtedly handsome, yet a trace of hostility marred his features. Upon arrival, he surveyed the surroundings and eventually fixed his gaze upon this group.
Xu Ziqing, perceptive as ever, ceased speaking and directed his attention in that direction.
The group was led by a lavishly dressed young cultivator, someone who appeared vaguely familiar. However, his eyes conveyed irritation, leaving Xu Ziqing puzzled.
Who could this person be?
Soon, Xu Ziqing discerned that the young cultivator’s penetrating gaze wasn’t directed at him, but rather… He turned his head, and his eyes settled on Luo Yao.
Could this individual be a friend of Luo Yao’s?
Yet, Xu Ziqing promptly discarded this hypothesis.
This was because the young cultivator’s eyes traversed the figures of Qiu Ze and others before finally sweeping across Xu Ziqing himself, a process that exuded a sense of malicious intent.
Yun Lie’s frigid gaze brushed past them, causing the young cultivator to avert his eyes as though nothing unusual had transpired. He then proceeded towards a specific high platform on the opposite side.
Puzzled, Xu Ziqing hesitated briefly and inquired, “Ah Yao, do you know that person?”
Luo Yao was taken aback, quickly glanced in the direction Xu Ziqing indicated, and furrowed his brows, “That individual is called Du Zihui. Ziqing, You need not pay him any mind.”
Qiu Ze and the others had crossed paths with Du Zihui numerous times and held unfavorable opinions of him. They chimed in, “That fellow tried to recruit Luo Yao on several occasions, but Luo Yao refused. Consequently, he occasionally harassed him, proving to be quite irritating and hateful.”
Xu Ziqing grasped the situation, nodded in understanding, and opted not to dwell on the matter.
Before long, the overseer of the high platform released a black dragon into the air, where it circled for a brief period.
Subsequently, his voice resonated, “All foundation-building cultivators in attendance, offer your tokens to draw lots for your opponents!”
At this moment, the Sect’s Grand Competition officially commenced.
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