"Disciples of True Person Cangsong of Dragon Peak, Qi Hao and Lin Jingyu, pay their respects to Uncle-Master Tian and Uncle-Master Su."
In the Hall of Tranquil Stillness, Tian Buyi and Su Ru sat in the seats of honor while the other disciples stood arrayed to either side. In the center of the hall, two figures clad in white — Lin Jingyu and another dashing young man named Qi Hao — were paying their respects to Tian Buyi. Zhang Fan stood at the very end of the disciples' row, his gaze fixed on Lin Jingyu.
After years apart, everyone has grown up.
At that very moment, Lin Jingyu also turned to look at Zhang Fan. Their eyes met, and Lin Jingyu gave a faint smile. A warmth rose in Zhang Fan's chest, a thousand feelings washing over him all at once, and he gave a quiet nod.
Tian Buyi's gaze lingered on Qi Hao for a moment, then drifted to Lin Jingyu. His expression grew somber. Both young men were striking in bearing, and with his practiced eye it took him only an instant to determine that their natural talents far outstripped any disciple under his own tutelage. Qi Hao needed no introduction — the young man had long since earned renown among the younger generation of Qingyun Sect. But Lin Jingyu, young as he was, had already shown just now that he could sword-ride
From the moment he arrived, one could already tell that he had cultivated the Taiji Xuanqing Dao to at least the fourth level. Given that he had been a disciple for no more than three and a half years, his aptitude was truly astounding.
Thinking of this, Tian Buyi instinctively glanced toward Zhang Fan, who stood at the very back. The comparison left him in a foul mood, and he said coldly, "What did your master send you all here to do?"
Qi Hao clasped his hands in a salute and said, "Reporting to Uncle-Master Tian, my master True Person Cangsong has been entrusted by Sect Leader True Person Daoxuan to oversee the arrangements for the Seven Peaks Martial Assembly two years from now. As there have been some minor changes, he has specifically sent Junior Brother Lin and me to come and inform you."
Tian Buyi let out a snort and looked Lin Jingyu up and down. "You did that on purpose to show off in front of me, didn't you!"
Both Qi Hao and Lin Jingyu's expressions shifted. Lin Jingyu was about to act on the spot, but Qi Hao reached out and stopped him, smiling as he said, "Martial Uncle Tian certainly has a way with jokes. We all belong under Qingyu's banner, and Martial Uncle Tian is a figure of great virtue and renown — our master intends absolutely no disrespect."
Tian Buyi's expression remained dark, showing no sign of improvement. It was Su Ru beside him who wore a warm smile, saying gently, "Pay it no mind — Uncle-Master Tian was only joking with you. By the way, what just happened with you? What was that about?"
Qi Hao bowed respectfully and said, "In reply to Uncle-Master Su, here is how it stands: in past years during the 'Seven Veins Martial Assembly,' each of the branches under Qingyun Sect would send forth four disciples, with the Main Gate's Tong Peak contributing an additional four, bringing the total to thirty-two. They would then draw lots to compete, with victors advancing round by round — five rounds in all. The final champion would be regarded as the foremost talent among Qingyun Sect's younger generation, and would receive the devoted guidance of all the sect elders."
Su Ru pressed her lips into a smile, her graceful bearing coming to life. "In the last grand examination, you were quite the standout figure. If I recall correctly, you placed second in the rankings—had Changmen not produced that Xiao Yicai, there's a good chance you would have claimed the top martial honors of Qingyu Sect."
Qi Hao's expression remained unchanged. He smiled and said, "Uncle Su flatters me too much. In the last grand examination, Senior Brother Xiao Yicai of the Head Hall displayed remarkable talent and profound cultivation — I was far his inferior. I accepted my defeat wholeheartedly and have nothing more to say. However, regarding the 'Seven Meridians Martial Assembly' two years hence, my master and the Sect Master conferred and have made certain adjustments to the rules. I have been specially sent to inform the two of you, honored martial uncles."
…What was going on with Tian Buyi and Su Ru both being so visibly moved?
Qi Hao said: "My master, True Person Cangsong, believes that the original intent of the Seven-Vein Grand Martial Assembly is to identify and nurture promising talents from among the disciples of each branch. Yet today, Qingyun Sect has nearly a thousand disciples in its ranks, with a particularly large number of newly admitted young disciples — and among them are no shortage of individuals of outstanding gifts. With that in mind, for an opportunity that comes but once every sixty years, each branch sends forth a mere four
...far too few. Therefore, my master proposed that each of the seven lineages contribute nine disciples, with the eldest branch—having the greatest number of members—contributing one additional disciple, bringing the total to sixty-four. On this basis, proceeding as always, lots would be drawn for matches across six rounds in total to determine the champion. This would also spare us the regret of overlooking any hidden talents.
Tian Buyi and Su Ru exchanged a glance, their expressions growing even more unsightly. Grand Bamboo Peak's line had few disciples and poor aptitude—at first glance it seemed they had gotten the better end of the deal, yet in truth the arrangement greatly favored Long Gate, Tong Peak, and Azure Pine's Dragon Peak, the branches boasting the greatest number of disciples and the finest talent.
Su Ru saw her husband's grim expression and gave a slight shake of her head, signaling him with her eyes. How could Tian Buyi not understand what his wife meant? Since the matter had already been discussed and settled between the Sect Master—his senior brother—and Cangsong, it was a foregone conclusion, and arguing would serve no purpose. He said coldly, "Very well. I have no objections."
Qi Hao gave a casual smile. "That would be the best arrangement. Also, before I set out, my master gave me one instruction—which is that this junior brother Lin of mine and a certain junior brother Zhang under Senior Uncle Tian's tutelage are old acquaintances,
"I only hope that Uncle-Master Tian will allow the two of them a chance to reminisce."
Tian Buyi was irritated. With a wave of his hand, he said impatiently, "Granted, granted."
Lin Jingyu had long since grown impatient with the wait, yet out of deference to the senior elder's standing, he had not dared to show it. Now that he heard the elder's consent, he turned at once and walked straight toward Zhang Fan. Zhang Fan's heart stirred with excitement as he stepped forward to meet him.
Lin Jingyu walked up to him and studied him carefully for a long moment. All at once, the rims of her eyes went red. "You've grown up, Fan," she said, her voice thick.
Zhang Fan's heart was a tumult of mixed emotions, and he kept nodding. "By the way, do you have any news about that tragedy in the village?"
Lin Jingyu shook his head. "I've asked Master many times over these past few years, but there's been no progress at all. What about you?"
Zhang Fan gave a bitter smile. "Same here."
Lin Jingyu caught him by the hand and led him outside to talk.
Zhang Fan hesitated for a moment, then turned to glance at Tian Buyi and Su Ru. Tian Buyi paid him no mind, but Su Ru smiled and said, "Go on."
Zhang Fan was overjoyed. He gave her a quick nod and hurried out with Lin Jingyu. In the main hall, Qi Hao was now the only guest remaining. Dressed in white robes, he carried himself with effortless grace, his expression utterly composed. His gaze swept over the disciples of Dazhu Peak one by one before finally settling on Song Daren. He cupped his fists and smiled. "You must be Senior Brother Song Daren. We did meet at the last grand examination, if I recall."
Song Daren hastily returned the courtesy. "Senior Brother has quite the memory — to still remember a defeated opponent like me."
At these words, the disciples were visibly shaken. Tian Ling'er stood beside her mother and quietly asked, "So our Senior Brother was defeated at his hands?"
Su Ru gave a small nod and lowered her voice: "Your senior brother fought so hard to win two matches in a row — your father and I were overjoyed. But then, quite unexpectedly, he ran into this person in the third round and was defeated in just a few exchanges."
Tian Ling'er stuck out her tongue. "Doesn't that make him incredibly powerful?"
Su Ru did not answer her right away. Instead, she turned to look at her husband, only to find Tian Buyi sitting there rigid, his face dark with displeasure, and could only shake her head. "Hao's aptitude does indeed far surpass your senior martial brother's. There were no tricks or deception in that day's contest. His cultivated immortal sword 'Cold Ice,' in particular, was forged from ten-thousand-year Arctic ice crystals and possesses tremendous power. Your senior martial brother simply cannot match him."
At that moment, Tian Buyi suddenly seemed to sense something, and he too turned his head to look at Su Ru. Their eyes met, and each could see the words buried deep in the other's heart, words that had not been spoken aloud — how wonderful it would be if Big Bamboo Peak had a disciple of such talent!
Down in the hall, Qi Hao was chatting away with the other disciples. He had made solid progress in his cultivation and earned the deep trust of his elders; having traveled widely under their guidance, he was experienced and broad in knowledge. Paired with a quick tongue and a gift for witty remarks, he soon won the goodwill of everyone around him—even Song Daren, who had once been defeated at his hands, had long since shed any trace of resentment.
A peal of laughter swept through the crowd—no one could quite make out what wretched joke Qi Hao had cracked—yet everyone burst into merriment all the same. Then Qi Hao's gaze happened to drift toward Tian Linger, who had been standing behind Su Ru all along. It landed at once on the "Amber Crimson Silk" coiled around her waist, and his eyes lit up as he smiled: "Could this young lady be none other than the illustrious Tian Linger, Junior Martial Sister Tian?"
Tian Ling'er raised an eyebrow. "How would you know about me?"
Qi Hao smiled faintly, stepped forward a few paces, and looked at her. "Junior Sister Tian is only sixteen, yet her mastery on the Taiji Xuanqing Dao arena is already extraordinary—this is something known to all in our Sect. I have long admired you. Meeting you today, I find your reputation is every bit as deserved."
Tian Ling'er's face flushed red, and she said crossly, "You've never even seen me in action — how would you know my reputation is well-deserved?"
Qi Hao was momentarily taken aback, then smiled and said: "Junior Sister Tian is not only as beautiful as a flower, but also remarkably perceptive — you've quite put this senior brother of yours to shame."
Tian Ling'er saw his tall, handsome figure standing before her, and hearing him praise her beauty, felt a sudden sweetness bloom in her heart—yet she still put on a reproachful expression: "All you ever do is talk nonsense. What kind of senior brother are you supposed to be? Shameless!"
Tian Buyi's brow furrowed, but Su Ru had already spoken: "Ling'er, none of that."
Qi Hao hastily turned to Su Ru and said, "Martial Aunt Su, please do not blame Junior Martial Sister in the slightest — it was entirely my own thoughtless tongue that gave her offense." He paused briefly, then reached into his robe and drew out a brocade box, offering it to Tian Ling'er with a smile. "Junior Martial Sister Tian, the 'Cooling Pearl' within this box came into my hands by chance several years ago when I accompanied my master, True Person Cangsong, on a righteous campaign to eradicate a band of vicious demon-sect villains. It is no rare or extraordinary treasure, yet wearing it on one's person can dispel summer heat and cool the body, and it is said to carry some benefit for a woman's complexion and skin care as well. I present it to you today as a token of my apology."
Tian Ling'er's face flushed red again. Before she could say a word, Su Ru spoke up: "Martial Nephew Qi, this Cooling Pearl is quite a precious treasure — Ling'er cannot accept it. You should put it away quickly."
Qi Hao smiled and said: "Uncle-Master Su may not be aware, but this Cooling Pearl is of little use to me — like a chicken rib, hardly worth keeping. Yet Junior Sister Tian is in the bloom of youth and beauty, so it suits her perfectly. Consider it a small token of my goodwill; I only hope Junior Sister Tian will not think it too humble a gift."
Tian Linger glanced at Qi Hao, her expression considerably softened. She reached out to accept the box and said quietly, "Thank you, Senior Brother Qi."
Qi Hao appeared tremendously pleased, his face wreathed in smiles. "No need to thank me, Junior Sister. You are gifted and perceptive — your future prospects are boundless. Though Qingyun Sect counts many talented disciples among its ranks, those with aptitude like yours are exceedingly rare. Even I must confess you surpass me."
Tian Buyi took the words to heart, and for the first time a smile crossed his face. Tian Linger said, "Senior Brother flatters me."
Qi Hao shook his head. "Not so. I too was guided up the mountain by my revered master, yet at your age, my Cultivation was far inferior to yours. However..."
Tian Linger, with her girlish heart, felt a deep fondness for Qi Hao upon hearing his praise. But when he added a "however," she couldn't help pressing him: "However what?"
At that moment, even Tian Buyi and Su Ru turned their heads, eager to hear what Qi Hao meant by "however." They heard him say: "However, if we speak of aptitude alone, there is indeed someone who can rival Junior Sister Tian."
Tian Ling'er was momentarily taken aback. "Ah?"
Qi Hao smiled and gestured toward the figure outside the Hall of Tranquil Stillness. "That is my Junior Brother Lin. Since he was taken as a disciple by our master, True Person Cangsong, three years ago, his progress has been nothing short of astonishing. In the path of cultivation he possesses a genius that none among our lineage's disciples can rival—he broke through to the Fourth Layer of the Jade Clarity Realm in a mere three years, a feat unheard of in a thousand." Here Qi Hao's voice warmed with unmistakable pride and affection. "Master praises Junior Brother Lin without end, calling him a once-in-a-millennium talent—one who might almost stand alongside Patriarch Qingye himself in the days of old!"
A sharp crack rang out, startling everyone. They turned toward the source of the sound, only to see Tian Buyi, his face an ashen iron-grey, his expression utterly ghastly — the solid sandalwood armrest beside him had been wrenched clean off by his bare hands.
Qi Hao was momentarily taken aback. He leaned toward Su Ru and murmured, "Martial Aunt Su, did I do something wrong?"
Su Ru forced a laugh and was about to speak when suddenly a shout rang out from beyond the hall: "Aiyo!" Before the sound had even faded, a figure came crashing through the entrance and slammed onto the floor with a heavy thud, the momentum carrying him rolling backward several times — face caked in dust and grime, in a state of utter embarrassment. When everyone looked closely, who else could it be but Zhang Fan?
Everyone from the Dazhu Peak lineage had gone pale. Tian Ling'er and Zhang Fan were the closest of friends — she rushed forward first, helped him to his feet, and asked anxiously: "Fan, what's wrong with you?"
Zhang Fan had taken no light fall from that tumble; his head was still swimming with dizziness, yet he forced the words out all the same: "What? I'm fine."
Just at that moment, Lin Jingyu came running in through the door as well, his face etched with anxiety. "Fan, are you alright? I lost control for a moment…"
The moment Tian Ling'er heard this, she knew the man had bullied her junior martial brother. Fury surged within her, and on top of that, Qi Hao had just praised Lin Jingyu to her face—with the unmistakable implication that she herself fell short of him—leaving her even more aggrieved. Without another thought, she shot to her feet and snapped, "What gives you the right to bully someone?" She formed a hand seal and pointed, and in an instant a blaze of rosy light erupted as the Amber Crimson Silk was summoned forth, streaking straight toward Lin Jingyu with a resounding cry.
Su Ru and Qi Hao cried out in unison: "Stop!"
But the Amber Crimson Silk moved like lightning, rushing before Lin Jingyu in the span of a heartbeat. Though startled, he kept his composure. A riot of color blazed before his eyes — he recognized an immortal Artifact at once. Without hesitation he stepped back three paces, raised his left hand in a pointing gesture, drove his right toward the ground, formed the sword seal, and bellowed: "Rise!"
A dragon's cry rang out with a resounding clang, echoing throughout the Hall of Serene Stillness. Lin Jingyu's entire body blazed with azure light as a radiant azure immortal sword rose into the air—its blade pure and clear as autumn water, auspicious energy wreathing around it. In that instant, it not only held back the fierce streams of rosy light pouring from the Amber Crimson Silk, but cast the face of every person in the Hall of Serene Stillness in shades of jade green.
Tian Buyi suddenly let out a cold snort. "Cang Song is truly generous," he said icily. "To think he even passed the 'Dragon-Slaying Sword' on to him."
Seeing that Lin Jingyu was unharmed, Qi Hao felt relieved and smiled from the side: "My master once said that Junior Brother's talent surpasses others and he is destined for greatness — so it is only fitting to devote such effort to cultivating him."
Tian Buyi's expression turned even uglier.
At that moment, the Amber Crimson Silk and the Dragon-Slaying Sword were locked in a stalemate. Then Tian Ling'er's beautiful eyes flew wide open; with a sharp thrust of both arms, her crimson robes billowed around her as she rose slowly into midair. She crossed her hands over her chest, fingers poised in the orchid-petal seal, and cried out: "Divine Binding!"
The words had barely faded when the rosy radiance flared. The amber-red silk ribbon, some three chi long, that had floated before her suddenly pulled back and flew to hover in front of Tian Ling'er. With a crisp snap it blazed into blinding splendor, swelling in the wind with breathtaking speed—in a single instant it had grown manifold, filling the entire sky above the Hall of Serene Stillness and smothering the azure light of the Dragon-Slaying Sword beneath it. Moments later it unraveled into ten thousand silken ropes that surged toward Lin Jingyu, coiling around him on every side until not a breath of air could pass through.
Su Ru rose to her feet and cried out into the air, "Ling'er, behave yourself!"
Yet even as she spoke, the ten-thousand-zhang crimson ribbons had already wound themselves tightly around Lin Jingyu, sealing him completely within. Not only could the onlookers no longer see Lin Jingyu — even the figure of Tian Ling'er, hovering in midair, was obscured layer upon layer, strip after strip, by the scarlet silk.
Zhang Fan stood there dumbstruck, utterly awestruck, when he suddenly heard someone behind him exclaim in admiration: "The Amber Crimson Silk — truly worthy of its legendary name!"
He turned his head, only to find Qi Hao staring fixedly at the arena, lips moving in a low murmur, yet without the slightest trace of worry on his face.
Just as Tian Ling'er's victory seemed all but assured, a harsh tearing sound split the air. A gap had suddenly appeared amid the layered red silk ribbons, and through it leaked a sliver of cyan light.
Tian Buyi and Su Ru changed color at the same time.
A tremendous roar erupted, like a wrathful dragon screaming in fury, its sound shaking the nine heavens. In an instant, the breach expanded a hundredfold; the azure light blazed forth once more with overwhelming brilliance, tearing through silk as it burst free. Lin Jingyu became one with his sword, the form of a dragon flickering faintly across his entire body — and like an arrow loosed from the bowstring, he charged toward Tian Ling'er with unstoppable force.
Everyone's face drained of color. Yet Tian Ling'er, startled as she was, did not panic—her hands flew up before her chest, swiftly tracing a Taiji diagram in the air. In an instant, layer upon layer of scarlet ribbons fell back into place before her, forming countless barriers. The sound of shattering rang out without pause as Lin Jingyu's Dragon-Slaying Sword pierced through one layer of scarlet silk after another; though its momentum slowed somewhat, the relentless, unstoppable force behind it did not diminish in the slightest. It seemed as though the two would very soon determine a victor—and a fate between life and death.
"Clang!"
A chill swept through the air, and the Dragon-Slaying Sword recoiled as though it had struck rotted cotton, shuddering back in his grip. Lin Jingyu's face drained of color. He looked up and saw that in the span of a single breath, another ice wall had formed between himself and Tian Ling'er — cold radiating off it in biting waves. The Dragon-Slaying Sword carried fearsome momentum, yet it could not breach that barrier. As for Qi Hao, none had noticed when he had darted to Lin Jingyu's side; he seized him and hauled him backward a full zhang.
On the other side, Tian Ling'er's face had gone pale—yet in the blink of an eye Su Ru had already darted forward, pulling her into her arms and falling back to stand beside Tian Buyi.
The two immortal Artifacts in the arena, no longer under anyone's control, gradually dimmed and flew back to their respective masters' hands.
Within the Hall of Tranquil Stillness, not a sound could be heard.