novelraw Chapter 93 – Who doesn't want to see the big shots fight?
Chapter 93 – Who doesn't want to see the big shots fight?
Prince Yanxuan held a deep disdain for those who came from sect backgrounds, especially those so-called "martial fanatics." He believed such people lacked brains and had foolish ideas. If it were up to Prince Yanxuan, he would never give the Nianling Sect any breathing room. Even if the notion of "breaking through to the Tribulation Crossing stage in four days" sounded utterly fantastical and boastful, Prince Yanxuan would not wait four days but act immediately. In this world, anything is possible, no matter how improbable it seems. Believing the arrogant words of the weak and waiting would only mean missing out on opportunities and appearing foolish. Why should the strong accommodate the weak?
What concerned Prince Yanxuan more was that Xiao Ling might actually reach the Tribulation Crossing stage within four days. How did that guy manage it?
"The thoughts of sect members are their own business," the Sunflare Emperor waved his hand, signaling Prince Yanxuan not to worry about how many holes Huang Li's brain might have or whether they could be filled. "What's important now is that the duel between Huang Li and Xiao Ling must not result in any casualties! Otherwise, it would be detrimental to our Sunflare Empire."
Prince Yanxuan nodded in agreement. He had somewhat guessed why the emperor had summoned him. The emperor did not want to see the two newly emerged Tribulation Crossing stage cultivators of the Sunflare Empire suffer any potential losses. They were valuable, especially in the empire's external conquests. However, if they were to fight over past grievances and end up severely injured, the loss to the Sunflare Empire would be significant. Moreover, the next major imperial campaign was only a few months away. The Sunflare Emperor could not stand by and let his vassals waste such an advantage due to internal strife.
"So, Brother wants me to oversee them and ensure they don't go too far?" Prince Yanxuan immediately grasped the Sunflare Emperor's intention. If the Nianling Sect and the Wasteland Sword Sect were not to fight to the death, the royal family had to intervene to suppress the matter. The Sunflare Emperor trusted none more than his own brother, Prince Yanxuan, who was also a formidable cultivator at the sixth level of the Tribulation Crossing stage.
The Sunflare Emperor returned to his desk, picked up a brush, and began writing. His calligraphy, infused with the Dao, carried a profound sense of authority, each stroke exuding majestic power. He finished writing, sealed it, rolled it up, and handed it to Prince Yanxuan. "Depart for Withered Cloud Prefecture tonight. Have them prepare a grand gift for the Nianling Sect elder. Remember, ensure they don't fight too fiercely; those two are too valuable to lose."
"Understood!" Prince Yanxuan accepted the decree with a salute.
...
Morning at the Gu Family Medicine Hall. The second floor was quiet, with only the scent of herbs lingering in the air. Qin Yiyao sat in a bath, enveloped in dense spiritual energy, arms crossed over her chest, eyes closed in meditation. When the time came, she stepped out of the bath and stretched. She opened her mouth slightly, exhaling a hot breath with a faint dragon's growl. In her dantian, robust true energy flowed. Her body still retained some of her past life's talents. Two medicinal baths had cleared most of the impurities accumulated from her "death," remnants of the Immortal Slayer poison. If not removed, these could cause more trouble in the future. After two baths, most impurities were gone, except for those deep in her bones, which required higher cultivation to eliminate.
She dried herself, took a white dress from the wardrobe, and dressed. She then tied her hair into a ponytail with a white silk ribbon. Ready, she descended the stairs for breakfast.
On the first floor, Gu Heng had already prepared congee with some side dishes. The master and disciple sat down and began discussing the previous night's disturbances.
"I heard there was quite a commotion from the Nianling Sect last night," Gu Heng remarked, sipping his congee.
"It was noisy," Qin Yiyao replied with a raised eyebrow, a hint of disdain in her voice. She knew someone was breaking through to the Tribulation Crossing stage, causing a celestial phenomenon. It was undoubtedly the Nianling Sect's Supreme Elder. Her master had even given him an eighth-grade pill to enter the Thousand Sword Hunting Grounds, though ultimately for her benefit. Qin Yiyao always felt the trade wasn't worth it. However, there was an upside. The Nianling Sect, the strongest sect in the region, now owed her master a significant favor, ensuring their mundane lives wouldn't be disturbed by those with ulterior motives.
"I also heard that the Nianling Sect's Supreme Elder and the Wasteland Sword Sect's Sect Leader are set to duel this afternoon in Desolate Valley," Gu Heng mentioned, having picked up the news from the clothing shop owner next door. The two major sects of Withered Cloud Province planned to settle a century-old grudge once and for all—a duel. Gu Heng had never witnessed such an event. Many in Cloud Spirit City were planning to go watch. The news had spread, but he had no interest in attending. Watching powerful cultivators fight from afar, at best, one could feel the earth-shattering tremors.
"Master, I want to go out and see it," Qin Yiyao expressed her intention. After her resurrection, her memories were fragmented, especially her insights from past cultivation breakthroughs. She needed "stimuli" to recall them. This "stimuli" meant watching strong cultivators battle. Although two newly advanced Tribulation Crossing stage cultivators might not put on the most spectacular show, it was an opportunity Qin Yiyao didn't want to miss.
"You want to go?" Gu Heng looked up, surprised.
"Yes..." Qin Yiyao hesitated, then nodded. He wasn't keen on his disciple going to watch the commotion. The battles of such powerful cultivators could be dangerous, leaving nothing behind if caught in the crossfire. But seeing her eager eyes, Gu Heng hesitated. She loved practicing swordsmanship and was passionate about honing her body. She likely shared his past dreams of becoming a cultivator and growing stronger. Now, with a duel happening, it was understandable she wanted to see it.
"In that case, go ahead, but be careful," Gu Heng finally agreed after some thought. "Remember to keep a safe distance."
Qin Yiyao beamed with a bright smile. "Don't worry, I'll be back in time for dinner tonight!"