Ch. 79
Today, with ample time, all battles were held on the same dueling platform.
The first match was the contest for third and fourth place, followed by the duel between Lu Xueqi and Qi Hao.
Lu Xueqi and Master Shuiyue rode their flying swords, bringing along the disciples of Xiaozhu Peak as they headed toward Tongtian Peak.
At that moment, the plaza atop Tongtian Peak was teeming with people. Numerous disciples surrounded the platform, eagerly awaiting the decisive matches.
Their minds were not idle, however, as they frequently turned their eyes toward the direction of Xiaozhu Peak. Murmurs of discussion occasionally rose from the crowd:
“When will Junior Sister Lu arrive? Her celestial beauty has haunted my dreams these past three days.”
“Yes, if Senior Sister Lu shows up soon, I’ll wash Junior Brother’s stinky socks for an entire month.”
Inside Dazhu Peak’s quarters, Tian Buyi was whispering instructions to Zhang Xiaofan.
He knew well that Zhang Xiaofan and Lin Jingyu were both from Caomiao Village, and he feared that Zhang Xiaofan might hesitate in today’s duel. Even though Dazhu Peak no longer had hopes of winning the tournament, Tian Buyi still wanted Zhang Xiaofan to defeat Lin Jingyu and thoroughly humiliate Cang Song.
Back during the Caomiao Village incident, Cang Song had chosen the gifted Lin Jingyu without a second thought, discarding Zhang Xiaofan like a worn shoe. Only because of this had Tian Buyi been forced to take him in.
Now, in just a few years, Zhang Xiaofan had reached the Seventh Level of the Jade Purity Realm and possessed formidable combat strength. Though the “Soul-Devouring Staff” had sparked controversy for its sinister nature, Tian Buyi had defended him with reasoned arguments and protected him from criticism.
Tian Buyi had even begun to consider grooming Zhang Xiaofan as Dazhu Peak’s future leader. Moreover, his daughter Tian Ling’er was fond of him, and if Zhang Xiaofan could become his son-in-law, it would be the best of both worlds.
“Xiaofan, listen carefully. Do not let personal feelings cloud your judgment in today’s fight. You must go all out and defeat Lin Jingyu.”
Tian Buyi urged.
Zhang Xiaofan nodded solemnly. In his mind, the image of Lu Xueqi gifting him the pill three days ago surfaced, warming his heart.
He quickly composed himself and bowed.
“Rest assured, Master. Today, I will do my utmost to defeat Lin Jingyu.”
Tian Buyi nodded with satisfaction.
Ever since his rebirth, Zhang Xiaofan had been baffled by the changes in this life. Junior Sister Tian Ling’er had not fallen for Qi Hao but instead grown close to him. He had cultivated to the Seventh Level of the Jade Purity Realm, surpassing the progress he had made in his past life. Even Lin Jingyu had jumped from the Fifth to the Eighth Level of the Jade Purity Realm.
Unable to understand the cause, he could only assume these shifts were the result of his rebirth.
Moreover, Lu Xueqi’s appearance and cultivation in this life far outshone what they had once been. All these changes stirred his emotions.
Seeing Zhang Xiaofan’s resolute response, Tian Buyi was filled with anticipation for today’s battle. Just three days ago, Cang Song had mocked Zhang Xiaofan as “a decayed piece of wood.” Today, he would prove that Dazhu Peak’s Zhang Xiaofan was no less than Longshou Peak’s Lin Jingyu.
As the Qingyun Sect disciples looked on in anticipation, a sharp whistling sound broke through the air from the direction of Xiaozhu Peak.
One after another, graceful figures riding swords appeared in the sky, stirring a wave of excitement across the plaza.
When the crowd spotted the white-robed figure beside Master Shuiyue, an uproar broke out.
“Senior Sister Lu is here!”
“Make way! Let the Xiaozhu Peak sisters through!”
“This way, Junior Sister Lu!”
Master Shuiyue looked down at the commotion, then turned to glance at Lu Xueqi. Her gaze held both pride and helplessness. This disciple of hers was simply too dazzling. Her beauty and cultivation were both otherworldly, attracting admiration not just from male disciples but also winning the affection of many female ones.
Feeling the intense stares from below, Lu Xueqi was filled with complex emotions.
Ever since her transformation, each of her appearances caused a sensation. Though she welcomed the admiration, there was a pang of sorrow in her heart as a woman—if only she were a man, she could pursue the one she desired openly and honorably.
Once everyone had landed, Master Shuiyue said to Lu Xueqi and Wen Min,
“I’m heading to the Jade Purity Hall to speak with the Sect Leader. Wait here.”
Seeing both nod in response, she departed with the other peak leaders.
Following today’s tournament, Qingyun Sect needed to plan for upcoming training expeditions to the mortal realm. With the cultivation world in constant flux, careful arrangements were essential.
As soon as Master Shuiyue left, disciples from various peaks gathered around. Wen Min led the Xiaozhu Peak sisters to closely guard Lu Xueqi.
Faced with the fervent admirers, Lu Xueqi watched them coldly, her heart as calm as still water.
At that moment, Qi Hao and Lin Jingyu of Longshou Peak finally got a clear look at Lu Xueqi’s transformed appearance.
Until now, they had assumed the rumors were exaggerated. But upon seeing her today, both involuntarily widened their eyes.
Qi Hao was especially stunned. Half a year ago, when he had secretly glimpsed her, she had already looked ethereal. Now, she seemed like a celestial maiden descended to the mortal world.
His resentment from being gravely wounded twisted into a lewd fantasy, and a perverse smile appeared on his lips.
Beside him, Lin Jingyu was also dumbfounded.
In his memories, Lu Xueqi had been beautiful, but nothing compared to the vision standing before him now.
After snapping out of his trance, he secretly curled his lip. Only someone like him was worthy of such a divine maiden. With that thought, he strode toward Xiaozhu Peak’s camp, drawing surprised stares from Longshou Peak’s disciples.
Qi Hao, stunned for a moment, quickly regained his senses. His expression changed as he hurried to catch up.
In his past life, he had been an obese shut-in who lacked the courage to pursue girls. Now, seeing Lin Jingyu act first, he felt both jealous and panicked.
Lin Jingyu arrived at Xiaozhu Peak’s station and greeted Wen Min with a cupped fist.
“Lin Jingyu of Longshou Peak greets Senior Sister Wen Min.”
Wen Min gave a slight nod.
She already knew that Lin Jingyu was a prodigy of Longshou Peak. In just a few years, he had reached the Eighth Level of the Jade Purity Realm, second only to Qi Hao in standing.
Noticing the way he kept glancing at Lu Xueqi, she immediately understood but felt displeased. She disliked outsiders coveting the sisters of Xiaozhu Peak.
“Junior Brother Lin, what brings you here?”
Wen Min asked directly.
“I wish to request an audience with Senior Sister Lu. Would you be willing to introduce me?”
Lin Jingyu replied frankly.
Wen Min eyed him for a moment, then shook her head.
“Apologies, Junior Sister Lu is preparing for her duel with Qi Hao. She isn’t receiving visitors.”
Lin Jingyu smiled.
“I simply have some intelligence to share regarding Qi Hao. It won’t take long, and I’ll leave immediately afterward.”
Wen Min hesitated. If the information could help Lu Xueqi, it might be worth hearing.
After thinking it over, she said,
“Wait a moment. I’ll go ask Junior Sister Lu.”
“Thank you, Senior Sister.”
Lin Jingyu bowed.
Wen Min walked toward the back. Lu Xueqi was resting with her eyes closed, but sensing someone approach, she opened her eyes and greeted her.
“Senior Sister Wen Min.”
“Junior Sister Lu, Lin Jingyu wishes to speak with you. He says it concerns Qi Hao. Will you see him?”
Lu Xueqi frowned slightly.
She knew Lin Jingyu was a transmigrator and remained cautious of him. But since he had not behaved as arrogantly as Qi Hao, she responded calmly.
“Let him come.”
Wen Min nodded and left, returning shortly with Lin Jingyu.
From a distance, seeing Lu Xueqi’s cold, elegant figure, Lin Jingyu couldn’t hide his excitement.
“Thank you, Senior Sister, for granting this opportunity.”
Wen Min replied with indifference and led him toward Lu Xueqi.