In the grand hall of the Azure Ethereal Conclave, Tian Yibei and Su Ru were seated in the places of honor, while the other disciples stood in orderly rows. Within this setting, two figures clad in white, Lin Jingyu and a handsome youth named Qi Hao, were presenting their respects to Tian Yibei. Zhang Xiaofan stood at the end of the row of disciples, watching Lin Jingyu with a mix of nostalgia and wonder.
Years had passed, and everyone had grown up.
At that moment, Lin Jingyu turned his head and met Zhang Xiaofan’s gaze. A warm smile spread across Lin Jingyu’s face, and Zhang Xiaofan felt a surge of emotion. He nodded in acknowledgment, feeling a myriad of thoughts swirling in his mind.
Tian Yibei’s gaze shifted from Qi Hao to Lin Jingyu, his expression darkening as he observed the two. He recognized that both of them possessed exceptional talent, far surpassing his own disciples.
Qi Hao, already renowned among the younger generation of the Azure Ethereal Vapors, was no surprise. But Lin Jingyu, a young man who could already wield a sword with such skill, had evidently achieved at least the fourth level of the Supreme Clear Dao within just three and a half years since joining the sect. His potential was truly astonishing.
As these thoughts crossed his mind, Tian Yibei involuntarily glanced at Zhang Xiaofan, standing at the back. The comparison did not sit well with him, and he coldly asked, “What brings you here on your master’s behalf?”
Qi Hao respectfully replied, “Master Tian, our master, Zhenren Cangsong, has been entrusted by Patriarch Daoxuan to oversee the preparations for the Seven Pules Martial Trials. Due to some changes, he has sent me and Junior Brother Lin to inform you.”
Tian Yibei snorted, scrutinizing Lin Jingyu from head to toe, and said, “Is he trying to show off his disciples’ abilities to me?”
Both Qi Hao and Lin Jingyu’s expressions changed, and Lin Jingyu was about to retort, but Qi Hao gently held him back, smiling, “Master Tian is known for his humor. We are all part of the Azure Ethereal Vapors, and Master Tian is highly respected. Our master would never show any disrespect.”
Tian Yibei’s expression remained grim, but Su Ru, with a gentle smile, interjected, “Please don’t mind, Master Tian is jesting. Now, what changes have occurred?”
Qi Hao respectfully explained, “In the past, the ‘Seven Pules Martial Trials’ involved four disciples from each of the seven pules, plus four more from the main branch, totaling thirty-two. The participants were drawn by lots, and the winners advanced through five rounds to determine the champion, who would receive the attention of the elders. However, after discussions with the Patriarch, our master proposed that each pule should send nine disciples, and the main branch ten, making a total of sixty-four. This would better ensure that no talent is overlooked.”
Tian Yibei and Su Ru exchanged a look, their expressions even more troubled. Tian Yibei’s Dazhufeng branch had fewer, less talented disciples, and this new rule clearly favored the more numerous and skilled main branch and Cangsong’s Dragon Peak.
Su Ru, noticing her husband’s distress, gave him a subtle shake of the head. Tian Yibei, understanding her silent message, coldly said, “Very well, I have no objections.”
Qi Hao smiled, “That’s perfect. Before we left, our master also instructed me to request that you allow my junior brother, Lin Jingyu, and your junior disciple, Zhang Xiaofan, to catch up with each other, as they are old friends.”
Tian Yibei waved his hand impatiently, “Fine, fine.”
Lin Jingyu, who had been waiting anxiously, immediately walked over to Zhang Xiaofan. The two old friends embraced, and Lin Jingyu, eyes misty, said, “You’ve grown, Xiaofan.”
Zhang Xiaofan, moved, nodded, “So have you. Have you heard anything about the tragedy in the village?”
Lin Jingyu shook his head, “I’ve asked my master many times, but there’s been no progress. What about you?”
Zhang Xiaofan sighed, “The same. Let’s talk outside.”
Zhang Xiaofan, hesitating slightly, looked back at Tian Yibei and Su Ru. Tian Yibei ignored him, but Su Ru smiled, “Go ahead.”
With a grateful nod, Zhang Xiaofan and Lin Jingyu left the hall, leaving Qi Hao as the only guest. He scanned the disciples, recognizing Song Daren, “Brother Song, it’s good to see you again. We met during the last trials.”
Song Daren, taken aback, said, “Brother Qi, you still remember me, the one who lost to you.”
This revelation caused a stir, and Tian Ling’er, standing beside her mother, whispered, “Mother, did Senior Brother lose to him?”
Su Ru nodded, “Yes. Your senior brother had won two rounds, and we were so happy. But in the third round, he faced Qi Hao and lost after a few moves. Qi Hao’s cultivation is truly remarkable, especially his sword, ‘Cold Ice,’ forged from ancient ice crystals. It’s incredibly powerful.”
At this, Tian Yibei, who had been silent, turned to Su Ru, their eyes meeting in a silent exchange. They both wished they had such talent in their own branch.
In the hall, Qi Hao was engaging the disciples in lively conversation. He was well-traveled and knowledgeable, and his words were witty and charming. Even Song Daren, who had once been defeated by him, now felt no hostility.
A burst of laughter followed as Qi Hao shared a joke. His gaze then fell on Tian Ling’er, who wore a famous ‘Amber Red Silk’ around her waist. He smiled, “Could this be the renowned Tian Ling’er, Junior Sister?”
Tian Ling’er raised an eyebrow, “How do you know me?”
Qi Hao, stepping closer, said, “Junior Sister, you are sixteen and already accomplished in the Supreme Clear Dao. I’ve long admired your talent. You are truly as famous as they say.”
Tian Ling’er blushed, “You haven’t seen me fight, how do you know I’m as skilled as they say?”
Qi Hao, smiling, “Junior Sister, you are not only beautiful but also sharp-witted. I am truly humbled.”
Tian Ling’er, flattered, said, “You’re too kind. Stop joking, you’re making me blush!”
Tian Yibei frowned, but Su Ru intervened, “Ling’er, don’t be rude.”
Qi Hao quickly apologized, “Forgive me, Junior Sister. As a token of my sincerity, I bring you this ‘Cooling Pearl.’ It’s not a rare treasure, but it can help with heat and, rumor has it, is good for skin. I hope you accept it as a small gift.”
Tian Ling’er, accepting the gift, said, “Thank you, Senior Brother.”
Qi Hao, pleased, continued, “There is one person whose talent can rival yours, and that is my Junior Brother, Lin Jingyu. In just three years, he has reached the fourth level of the Jade Purity Realm, a feat unheard of in a thousand years. Our master calls him a once-in-a-millennium prodigy, almost as great as the ancestor Qingye.”
Tian Yibei, hearing this, felt a mix of pride and envy. Just then, a loud crash interrupted them. Everyone turned to see Zhang Xiaofan, who had stumbled into the hall, followed by a worried Lin Jingyu.
Tian Ling’er, seeing her friend in distress, rushed to help, “Xiaofan, are you okay?”
Zhang Xiaofan, still dizzy, said, “I’m fine, nothing to worry about.”
Lin Jingyu, apologizing, said, “I accidentally—”
Tian Ling’er, angered, accused, “How dare you hurt my brother?” She activated her Amber Red Silk, and it shot towards Lin Jingyu like a bolt of lightning.
Su Ru and Qi Hao shouted, “Stop!”
But the Amber Red Silk was too fast. Lin Jingyu, composed, activated his ‘Dragon Slaying Sword,’ and a brilliant green light enveloped him. The sword clashed with the silk, and the entire hall was bathed in a blinding glow.
Tian Yibei, coldly, “Cangsong is generous, giving him the ‘Dragon Slaying Sword.'”
Qi Hao, relieved Lin Jingyu was unharmed, smiled, “Our master sees his potential and rightly cultivates him.”
The Amber Red Silk and the Dragon Slaying Sword were locked in a fierce battle. Tian Ling’er, floating in the air, chanted, “Bind the spirit!”
The silk grew, filling the hall, and wrapped around Lin Jingyu. Su Ru, rising, shouted, “Ling’er, stop!”
But the red silk tightened around Lin Jingyu. Suddenly, a deafening roar echoed, and the green light of the Dragon Slaying Sword intensified, shattering the silk. Lin Jingyu, sword in hand, charged towards Tian Ling’er, his form taking on a dragon-like appearance.
Everyone was shocked, but Tian Ling’er, forming a protective barrier, managed to shield herself. The two forces collided, and the hall was filled with a chilling aura.
Qi Hao, intervening, created a wall of ice, blocking Lin Jingyu’s advance. He pulled Lin Jingyu back, and Su Ru, protecting Tian Ling’er, retreated to Tian Yibei’s side.
The hall fell silent, the glow of the artifacts dimming, and the air thick with tension.
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