novelraw Chapter 43 – Tonight, let's have a good sparring session
Chapter 43 – Tonight, let's have a good sparring session
As Li Ruoxu announced the end of the Outer Sect Elder finals, Yun Wange cleared her throat, suppressing the murmurs of the crowd. She stood up and announced loudly, "Fellow disciples and elders! The Yunqi Peak Grand Tournament is nearing its end. Tomorrow, we will hold the final battle of this tournament—the Inner Sect Elder finals! At that time, we will determine the last five Inner Sect Elder positions to represent Yunqi Peak in the Sect Grand Tournament! I hope everyone will attend on time tomorrow and not miss it!"
Her voice was clear and authoritative, instantly drawing everyone's attention back.
The Inner Sect Elder finals! This was the true climax of the entire Yunqi Peak Grand Tournament!
Today, the Outer Sect Elder event was essentially just one match, so Mu Xiaochuan returned early to the Listening Bamboo Pavilion.
"Sigh..." Mu Xiaochuan let out a barely audible sigh.
"Elder, are you sighing?" Lin Yue was carefully massaging his temples and immediately stopped upon hearing him, asking with concern, "Are you worried about tomorrow's finals?"
Su Yao also came over and said softly, "Elder, there's no need to worry. Elder Liu is blessed and will surely win!"
Mu Xiaochuan felt a warmth in his heart, realizing that they were grateful and loyal disciples. Liu Ruyan had taught them diligently in cultivation, yielding remarkable results! Not only did it greatly increase his thrill points, but it also unexpectedly strengthened their bonds.
He smiled and patted the hands of the two women, "I'm not worried about her losing, it's just... it's been a while since I've seen her, and I do miss her."
"Go quickly, Elder!" Su Yao urged with an understanding smile on her face. "Elder Liu has been very kind to us sisters, and she's been guiding us a lot these past few days!"
"Yes," Lin Yue nodded obediently, her eyes full of anticipation, "Elder, please go and come back quickly!"
Mu Xiaochuan laughed heartily, got up, and flew towards Purple Mist Peak.
...
At the top of Purple Mist Peak, outside Liu Ruyan's cave abode, it was tranquil. The moonlight was like water, spilling over the meticulously tended spirit herbs, emitting a faint medicinal fragrance.
As Mu Xiaochuan approached, the cave door silently opened. Liu Ruyan, dressed in a simple white dress, stood quietly at the entrance. The cold moonlight fell on her, making her look like a fairy from the moon palace. Only her eyes, filled with tender affection, were warm as they gazed at Mu Xiaochuan.
"Senior Brother, you're here." Her voice was soft, with a hint of reassurance.
"Yes, I came to see you." Mu Xiaochuan walked forward, naturally taking her hand as they entered the cave abode. "The finals are tomorrow. How are your preparations? Are you confident?"
Unexpectedly, Liu Ruyan was not at all nervous. Instead, she smiled confidently, like a blooming flower, "Rest assured, Senior Brother! With the 'Profound Ice Dustless Sword Manual' and 'Ice Soul Glazed Body' you bestowed upon me, along with this Ice Soul Cold Light Sword, I feel stronger than ever! Facing a Foundation Establishment Stage Six opponent, or even Vice Peak Master Shen Jinglan, I dare to fight!"
Her brows exuded unprecedented confidence and vigor, the kind that comes from strength!
Seeing Liu Ruyan's confident demeanor, Mu Xiaochuan felt reassured.
"Hahaha! Good! That's the spirit!" Mu Xiaochuan laughed heartily.
"Yes!" Liu Ruyan nodded emphatically, then nestled into Mu Xiaochuan's embrace, looking up with her beautiful eyes shimmering, "Senior Brother, will you stay with me tonight?"
Holding the beauty in his arms, her fragrance intoxicating, Mu Xiaochuan's heart wavered. He was about to lean down to kiss her alluring lips when Liu Ruyan gently stopped him.
"But... Senior Brother," Liu Ruyan's eyes flashed with a hint of mischief, "shouldn't you also go see Senior Sister Ye Qingyu today? After all, she's the Hall Master of Heaven Vault Pavilion and will also participate in the finals tomorrow. As the current Outer Sect Elder of Heaven Vault Pavilion, you can't just focus on me, an 'outsider,' right?"
Mu Xiaochuan was taken aback, then chuckled. Liu Ruyan was becoming more considerate of him! But she was right; it was only proper to visit Ye Qingyu, the Hall Master, before the finals.
"Alright, Junior Sister is right." Mu Xiaochuan kissed her forehead gently, "I'll be back soon, and then I'll 'guide' you properly!"
"Yes, Junior Sister will wait for you." Liu Ruyan blushed, watching Mu Xiaochuan leave.
...
Mu Xiaochuan arrived at the back hall of Heaven Vault Pavilion, outside Ye Qingyu's cave abode.
After announcing his presence, he was quickly invited inside.
Ye Qingyu, still in her simple Daoist robe, sat cross-legged on a mat, surrounded by circulating spiritual energy, clearly in meditation. Seeing Mu Xiaochuan enter, she slowly finished her practice, opened her eyes, and smiled peacefully.
"Junior Brother Xiaochuan, please sit."
"Senior Sister." Mu Xiaochuan bowed and, after sitting down, asked directly, "Are you confident about tomorrow's finals?"
"Hehe, is Junior Brother here to cheer me on?" Ye Qingyu smiled, full of confidence. "Don't worry. Although there are many strong contenders in tomorrow's finals, the real variables are not that significant."
She explained, "There are eight Inner Sect Elders participating. Peak Master Yun Wange is at the peak of Foundation Establishment Stage Eight, Vice Peak Master Shen Jinglan is at Stage Seven, Law Enforcement Hall's Chen Xuanfeng and Elixir Hall's Mu Qingyao are at Stage Six; and I have just broken through to Stage Six as well. The remaining three are Technique Transmission Hall's Li Ruoxu, Artifact Refining Hall's Sun Qian, and Spiritual Herb Garden's Liu Ruyan, all at Stage Five."
To read the uncut version, go to [pawread.com].
She paused, summarizing, "In other words, we three at Stage Six against three at Stage Five. Although I've just broken through, with the consolidation over these days and the current momentum of Heaven Vault Pavilion, securing a spot shouldn't be a problem! We will surely bring more glory to Heaven Vault Pavilion!"
Ye Qingyu's analysis was logical and confident.
Mu Xiaochuan nodded in agreement, "Senior Sister's analysis is correct. I wish you victory in tomorrow's finals."
He didn't linger much longer, exchanged a few more pleasantries, and then took his leave. After all, his heart had already flown back to the gentle embrace of Purple Mist Peak.
...
On the ninth day, the last day of the Yunqi Peak Grand Tournament, also the most climactic day—the Inner Sect Elder finals!
The sky above Lan Yun Terrace was clear, with the sun shining brightly. Yet, the atmosphere was more solemn than any previous day, as if an invisible pressure permeated the air. The viewing platform was packed, even attracting many Peak Masters and Elders from other peaks, eager to witness this decisive showdown for Yunqi Peak.
Yun Wange, in a golden phoenix-patterned gown symbolizing her status as Peak Master, sat in the main seat, her demeanor solemn and commanding respect without anger. Vice Peak Master Shen Jinglan remained as gentle and refined as ever, seated beside her.
Below, in the arena preparation area, the six Inner Sect Elders—Chen Xuanfeng, Mu Qingyao, Ye Qingyu, Li Ruoxu, Sun Qian, and Liu Ruyan—stood in sequence, each with different expressions. Chen Xuanfeng's face was stern, with flickers of lightning around him; Li Ruoxu exuded an immortal aura, calm and composed; Mu Qingyao remained aloof, but her eyes held a hint of battle intent; Ye Qingyu was serene and confident, her gaze radiant; Sun Qian, burly and holding a massive refining hammer, exuded a steady presence; Liu Ruyan, in a purple dress, hand on her sword hilt, her beautiful eyes full of confidence.
"Boom—Boom—Boom—!!!"
Three soul-stirring chimes echoed!
Yun Wange slowly stood, her cold voice resonating throughout the venue, "The Yunqi Peak Inner Sect Elder finals officially begin!"
Yun Wange paused briefly before continuing, "To expedite the process, you may first challenge Peak Master Yun Wange or Vice Peak Master Shen Jinglan. The winners advance, the losers are eliminated!"
All six Inner Sect Elders indicated they would not challenge.
Yun Wange continued, "With no objections, Peak Master Yun Wange and Vice Peak Master Shen Jinglan secure two spots. The remaining six elders will draw lots to determine opponents, with three matches. The winners advance, the losers are eliminated! The final three spots will be decided! Senior Brother Li Ruoxu, please start the draw!"
Li Ruoxu stepped forward, holding a jade tube with a solemn expression. Everyone's heart was in their throat! This draw would directly determine the fate of many!
Mu Xiaochuan, sitting on the viewing platform, appeared calm, but his palms were slightly sweaty.
Li Ruoxu reached into the jade tube and slowly drew out two jade lots.
"First match! Law Enforcement Hall, Elder Chen Xuanfeng, versus Artifact Refining Hall, Elder Sun Qian!"
Sun Qian's face fell; facing Chen Xuanfeng, at the peak of Stage Six, he had almost no chance of winning. Chen Xuanfeng remained expressionless.
Li Ruoxu drew again.
"Second match! Technique Transmission Hall, Elder Li Ruoxu, versus Elixir Hall, Elder Mu Qingyao!"
Li Ruoxu's expression remained unchanged, but he had little chance against Mu Qingyao at Stage Six.
Only two jade lots remained in the tube!
No need to draw again!
Li Ruoxu took a deep breath, casting a complex glance at Ye Qingyu and Liu Ruyan, finally announcing loudly:
"Third match! Heaven Vault Pavilion, Elder Ye Qingyu, versus Spiritual Herb Garden, Elder Liu Ruyan!"
Mu Xiaochuan felt his head buzz!
This was a disaster!
One was a woman he had supported, the other his superior. How could they fight?!
He instinctively looked at the two below the arena.
Ye Qingyu remained confident, given the vast gap in their levels, like a chasm. Liu Ruyan was only at the initial stage of Foundation Establishment Stage Five!
Yet Liu Ruyan's lips curled into a confident and slightly provocative smile, her beautiful eyes directly meeting Mu Xiaochuan's on the viewing platform, as if saying: Senior Brother, watch how I win this for you!
Mu Xiaochuan: "..."
The matches began quickly.
In the first match, Chen Xuanfeng faced Sun Qian. It was no contest; Chen Xuanfeng, with his powerful lightning techniques and higher cultivation level, defeated Sun Qian within thirty moves, easily securing the first spot.
The second match, Li Ruoxu versus Mu Qingyao, was fiercely contested! Li Ruoxu, experienced and steady in his techniques; Mu Qingyao, calm and mysterious, with endless elixirs and magical artifacts. They battled for a full stick of incense's time. Ultimately, Mu Qingyao, with her level advantage, advanced smoothly.
The third match!
Heaven Vault Pavilion's Ye Qingyu versus Spiritual Herb Garden's Liu Ruyan!
The two ascended the arena, facing each other from a distance.
Ye Qingyu smiled, cupping her hands toward Liu Ruyan, "Junior Sister Liu, please teach me!"
"Senior Sister Ye, please!" Liu Ruyan smiled confidently, flipping her wrist to reveal... not the chilling Ice Soul Cold Light Sword, but her previous low-grade spiritual artifact—the Purple Lightning Soft Sword!
What?!
Mu Xiaochuan was stunned!
She... she wasn't using that immensely powerful high-grade spiritual artifact?!
The match began!
Ye Qingyu attacked first, quickly forming hand seals. A thick, majestic yellow spiritual power instantly condensed around her, becoming tangible!
"Shield of Thick Earth!"
A massive, solid earth shield, glowing with runic light, appeared in front of her! Simultaneously, the ground trembled as if shaken by an invisible force. Countless sharp stone spikes suddenly erupted from the ground, like a swarm of venomous snakes, rushing toward Liu Ruyan with bone-chilling speed! This was a typical earth cultivator's attack-defense tactic!
However, facing this seemingly unbreakable defense and fierce attack, Liu Ruyan merely smiled slightly.
She moved!
The seemingly ordinary Purple Lightning Soft Sword in her hand came alive!
There was no earth-shattering power, no dazzling brilliance, only a sense of... fluidity and grace, like clouds and flowing water, like an antelope hanging its horns!
Her movements were as light as the wind, deftly avoiding the deadly stone spikes. Meanwhile, the Purple Lightning Soft Sword in her hand seemed to resonate with her intent, trembling gently as the sword tip traced an elegant arc.
"Slash!"
An almost imperceptible purple sword energy, following an incredible trajectory, precisely pierced through the most subtle gap in the runes of the massive earth shield, as if splitting the air itself!
"Crack!"
A crisp sound! The seemingly indestructible Shield of Thick Earth shattered like glass, instantly covered in cracks, then collapsed!
"What?!" Ye Qingyu was shocked! Her Shield of Thick Earth could withstand a full-force attack from a cultivator of the same level! Yet Liu Ruyan broke it with a single sword strike?!
Before she could react, Liu Ruyan's sword momentum unfolded like a continuous river!
It was the high-grade Profound Ice Dustless Sword Manual!
Sometimes like gentle spring rain, with a dense sword net blocking all of Ye Qingyu's retreats; sometimes like waves crashing against the shore, with a majestic sword momentum forcing Ye Qingyu to retreat repeatedly; sometimes like fish swimming in water, with unpredictable sword strikes always finding unexpected angles to attack!
Ye Qingyu was completely overwhelmed!
She had the abundant spiritual power of Foundation Establishment Stage Six, yet felt like she was punching cotton, constantly restrained! Her earth techniques were either deftly avoided by Liu Ruyan or precisely broken by the seemingly ordinary sword energy! Her proud defenses crumbled like paper against Liu Ruyan's antelope-like sword moves!
She even felt that Liu Ruyan wasn't using her full strength! She was merely sparing her dignity!
The spectators were dumbfounded!
What... what was happening?!
Foundation Establishment Stage Five's Liu Ruyan was dominating Foundation Establishment Stage Six's confident Ye Qingyu?!
On the viewing platform, Mu Xiaochuan was equally bewildered!
The power of the Profound Ice Dustless Sword Manual was astonishing.
Amidst the crowd's shock, the outcome of the arena battle was already decided!
Liu Ruyan seized a gap in Ye Qingyu's defense, flicked her wrist, and the Purple Lightning Soft Sword, like a snake, instantly touched Ye Qingyu's wrist holding the hand seal!
Ye Qingyu felt a numbness in her wrist, her spiritual power interrupted!
Liu Ruyan took advantage, advancing and lightly touching her sword tip to Ye Qingyu's smooth forehead.
"Senior Sister Ye, I concede." Liu Ruyan sheathed her sword, her face still wearing that calm, confident smile.
Ye Qingyu stood frozen, her gaze fixed on the cold sword tip before her forehead, then shifted to Liu Ruyan's nonchalant smile, her lips curling into a bitter smile, "I concede."
Liu Ruyan, victorious!
The third Inner Sect Elder spot went to the Spiritual Herb Garden!
Foundation Establishment Stage Six lost to Stage Five?!
This... this was the second upset of the tournament! The second surprise!
Yun Wange stepped forward and announced loudly, "The Yunqi Peak Inner Sect Elder finals are over! The final top five: Yun Wange, Shen Jinglan, Chen Xuanfeng, Mu Qingyao, Liu Ruyan!"
She paused, then added, "Additionally, after consultation with the sect, considering the outstanding performance and great potential of Leng Yunjian and Ye Lingxuan, they are granted the qualification to participate in the Sect Grand Tournament Inner Sect Disciple selection!"
The announcement sent the crowd into another uproar!
"Now, I declare!" Yun Wange's voice echoed through the sky, "The Yunqi Peak Grand Tournament, held every five years, has officially concluded! All forty-one disciples and elders qualified for the Sect Grand Tournament selection, please proceed to Yunqi Heavenly Palace to receive your rewards!"
Thus, the nine-day-long Yunqi Peak Grand Tournament, filled with countless surprises, joys, reversals, and shocks, finally came to a close!
...
Mu Xiaochuan went to the Hidden Heaven Pavilion, seeing Ye Qingyu looking a bit forlorn, he approached and softly called, "Senior Sister."
Ye Qingyu turned, seeing it was Mu Xiaochuan, filled with self-reproach, "I thought... I could secure the spot easily, but who would have thought, Junior Brother, you advanced strongly, and I... I became the one holding us back..."
Mu Xiaochuan stepped forward, gently comforting, "Senior Sister, victory and defeat are common in battle, why dwell on it? Besides, Heaven Vault Pavilion's performance in this tournament was remarkable, with four Inner Sect and two Outer Sect members advancing, almost overshadowing the Main Hall. You have made great contributions, there's no shame in that."
Ye Qingyu looked up at Mu Xiaochuan's sincere eyes, her disappointment slightly alleviated, "This tournament owes much to Junior Brother..."
...
After comforting Ye Qingyu, Mu Xiaochuan returned to the Listening Bamboo Pavilion, where Su Yao and Lin Yue were already waiting.
Mu Xiaochuan thought of the previous day's events and said to Lin Yue, "It's inconvenient for me to guide you, better to invite Elder Liu Ruyan over."
As night fell and everyone gathered, Mu Xiaochuan said, "Tonight, let's have a good sparring session."