Chapter 23: The Divine Sword

「Haha, Junior Brother Zhang!」

Suddenly, Zhang Xiaofan felt a heavy hand clap on his shoulder.

At that moment, all of Zhang Xiaofan’s attention was focused on the gradually receding figure of Tian Ling’er. He was completely unaware of his surroundings and jumped in fright, leaping to the side and turning to see who it was. It was Zeng Shushu, whom he had just met that morning.

Zeng Shushu’s face beamed with a carefree smile. He scanned Zhang Xiaofan from head to toe, then shifted his gaze to the little gray monkey beside him.

Seeing the annoying fellow approach again, Xiao Hui, the monkey, looked very unwilling. He made a grotesque face, showing his teeth, and hopped onto the back of Dahuang, the big dog. With a pat on Dahuang’s head, the dog barked twice at Zhang Xiaofan and Zeng Shushu before running off.

Zhang Xiaofan furrowed his brow and shouted, “Xiao Hui, come back, no more running around.”

Zeng Shushu laughed and said, “Don’t worry, don’t worry. The Three-Eyed Mystic Ape is very smart; it won’t get lost.”

Zhang Xiaofan shrugged his shoulders and turned to speak with Zeng Shushu. Suddenly, a thought struck him, and he turned to follow Dahuang and Xiao Hui with his eyes. Sure enough, they were heading towards the kitchen. His heart sank, and he exclaimed, “Ah! You rascally monkey, you’re off to—”

Zeng Shushu asked curiously, “What is it?”

Zhang Xiaofan coughed and forced a laugh, “N-nothing. By the way, Senior Brother Zeng, weren’t you supposed to participate in the competition? Why do you have time to find me?”

Zeng Shushu smiled, “Oh, I’ve already finished. Having nothing better to do, I saw you here and came over to say hello.”

Zhang Xiaofan was startled, “What, you’ve already finished? How did it go?”

Zeng Shushu snapped his fan shut and rubbed it against his dark hair, saying, “Eh, I accidentally won, hehe.”

Zhang Xiaofan, seeing Zeng Shushu’s nonchalant attitude, carefully asked, “Senior Brother Zeng, is your cultivation level very high?”

Zeng Shushu immediately waved his hands, “Oh, no, no, what are you saying, Junior Brother Zhang? My minor skills are not worth mentioning. If it weren’t for my father constantly pushing me to practice, I’d much rather spend my days tending flowers, feeding birds, and reading. What a carefree life that would be! But speaking of which,” he placed a hand on Zhang Xiaofan’s shoulder, leading him forward, and whispered, “I didn’t expect to find someone even worse than me at this Seven Vein Martial Trial.”

Zhang Xiaofan sighed bitterly, “There are many who are worse than you!”

Zeng Shushu shrugged, unconcerned, “So what if there are many? In any case, I dare not hope to win the final. But I must say, I’m very interested in your Three-Eyed Mystic Ape. Hehe, Junior Brother Zhang, why don’t you let me—”

Zhang Xiaofan, recognizing the sly look, immediately said, “Senior Brother Zeng, don’t get any ideas about my Xiao Hui!”

Zeng Shushu paused, his eyes darting, and said, “Well, I can trade something for him. You don’t know, but on Wind Return Peak, I have all sorts of rare and interesting creatures, like three-legged rabbits, black-and-white peacocks, turtles without shells, and winged snakes…”

Zhang Xiaofan couldn’t help but ask, “Are there really so many strange things?”

Zeng Shushu, with a proud smile, replied, “Of course, I’ve spent a lot of effort collecting these treasures, and I’ve been beaten and scolded by my father for it too. But I still fancy your Three-Eyed Mystic Ape. What do you want in exchange?”

Zhang Xiaofan shook his head, “No, I only keep Xiao Hui because we have a connection. As for those black-and-white rabbits, shell-less peacocks…”

Zeng Shushu quickly corrected, “It’s three-legged rabbits and black-and-white peacocks, and the shell-less one is the turtle!”

Zhang Xiaofan stuck out his tongue, “Oh, right, right. But I’m not interested in those. No need to trade.”

Zeng Shushu’s eyes flickered, and he pulled Zhang Xiaofan to a secluded spot. Looking around, he whispered mysteriously, “Junior Brother Zhang, I’ll show you something good. See if you like it.” He then pulled out a thick, blue-covered book from his pocket and handed it to Zhang Xiaofan.

Zhang Xiaofan took the book, noticing it had no title and an ancient, well-worn cover. It seemed quite old.

Zeng Shushu appeared casual, but his sharp, watchful eyes darted around, looking both alert and a bit eerie. His usually refined face now seemed somewhat sinister. Clearly, the book contained either a supreme secret or a unique, rare text.

Zhang Xiaofan shook his head, “Senior Brother Zeng, I can’t accept such a precious book. Besides, I’m not skilled enough for it to be of use, and I don’t want to trade Xiao Hui. You should keep it.”

Zeng Shushu glared at him and whispered, “Don’t judge it until you see it. Take a look, quickly.”

Curious about Zeng Shushu’s strange behavior, Zhang Xiaofan flipped through the book and was stunned. The pages were filled with both text and numerous illustrations, depicting naked men and women entwined in passionate embraces. It was a book of erotic art.

This was the first time Zhang Xiaofan had ever seen such a thing. The detailed, lifelike illustrations made his heart race, and he blurted out, “Senior Brother Zeng, how, how could you have such a thing…”

“Shh!” Zeng Shushu snatched the book and stuffed it back into his robe, then nervously glanced around at the other disciples. He glared at Zhang Xiaofan, “Don’t be so loud.”

Zhang Xiaofan, realizing his mistake, whispered, “Senior Brother Zeng, how, how, how could you have such a book?”

Zeng Shushu smirked, “What does it matter? Let me tell you, this is a wondrous book, and it’s a rare copy too. I spent a lot of effort to get it. I guarantee you, after reading it, you’ll be a master of seduction and win the hearts of all women. So, will you trade it for Xiao Hui…”

Zhang Xiaofan shook his head firmly, “No.”

Zeng Shushu fumed, “If not this, then what? Tell me, what do you want?”

Zhang Xiaofan replied honestly, “I don’t want anything.”

Zeng Shushu was at a loss, “You’re as stubborn as a log!”

Zhang Xiaofan chuckled, undisturbed, but his gaze drifted to the distant, misty horizon where a beautiful figure faintly appeared.

Resigned, Zeng Shushu put away the book and opened his fan again, waving it a few times. Suddenly, a resounding gong signaled the start of another match.

Zeng Shushu looked toward the source, smiled, and pulled Zhang Xiaofan along, “Come, I’ll show you the most popular figure at this year’s trials.”

Zhang Xiaofan was surprised, “Who is it?” He hesitated, then added, “Is it Senior Brother Qihao from Dragon Head Peak?”

Zeng Shushu raised an eyebrow, looking at Zhang Xiaofan in surprise, but shook his head, “Senior Brother Qihao is certainly renowned, but you haven’t heard? This year’s star is someone else.”

Zhang Xiaofan thought for a moment, “Who is it?”

Zeng Shushu, seemingly forgetting their earlier dispute, smiled mysteriously, “Just follow me and you’ll see!”

He led Zhang Xiaofan to the largest arena, the “Qian” Platform. As they approached, Zhang Xiaofan saw a sea of Azure Ethereal Conclave disciples, packed tightly, with at least four or five hundred people.

Calculating quickly, Zhang Xiaofan realized that at least half of the conclave members were gathered here, especially the younger male disciples.

As they neared, the noise grew louder, filled with the excited chatter of Azure Ethereal Conclave disciples.

“Little Bamboo Peak is famous for its beauties. This time, Lu Xueqi is said to be the most stunning beauty in five hundred years!”

“Of course, I saw her at the Jade Clear Hall the other day. She was absolutely breathtaking… Ow! Who hit me… Oh, Senior Uncle?”

A white-bearded old man growled, “Rascal, as a cultivator, you should be calm and composed. Why are you so distracted by beauty? If you go up on the stage, you’ll lose before even fighting!”

“Y-yes, Senior Uncle.”

“Hmph, I’ve always told the Grand Elder that beautiful women are a curse. Our Azure Ethereal Conclave shouldn’t accept female disciples.”

“Cough, Senior Uncle, you are indeed wise and insightful, but perhaps you should lower your voice?”

“What’s wrong, am I mistaken?” The old man glared and raised his voice.

“No, no, Senior Uncle,” the young disciples quickly surrounded him, smiling and whispering, “Master Water Moon is sitting inside.”

The old man lowered his voice, “Hmph, if it weren’t for the sake of our conclave, I would—”

The disciples all agreed, praising the old man’s profound cultivation and broad-mindedness.

Zeng Shushu and Zhang Xiaofan exchanged a glance. Zeng Shushu shrugged, and Zhang Xiaofan whispered, “Is the person you’re talking about a senior sister from Little Bamboo Peak?”

Zeng Shushu nodded and looked at the stage, “It hasn’t started yet, but you’ll see soon. But, ugh, there are so many people here.”

As they tried to navigate through the crowd, they found themselves stuck on the outer edges, with layers of disciples filling the inner circle, making it impossible to get through.

Zhang Xiaofan’s curiosity grew, clearly this mysterious figure was very popular, attracting so many disciples.

Zeng Shushu, growing anxious, muttered, “Darn it, no good spots left. I should have come here last night to queue up.”

Before Zhang Xiaofan could react, Zeng Shushu’s eyes lit up, spotting a group of Wind Return Peak disciples ahead. Without a word, he dragged Zhang Xiaofan forward.

The Wind Return Peak disciples, recognizing Zeng Shushu, smiled. One of them, a tall man, laughed, “Haha, late, aren’t you?”

Zeng Shushu ignored him and pushed through, the Wind Return Peak disciples stepping aside, allowing Zhang Xiaofan to squeeze in as well.

Soon, they found themselves in a prime spot with a clear view. On the stage, several prominent figures were seated, including the Azure Ethereal Conclave’s sect leader, Daoxuan, the Dragon Head Peak’s chief elder, Cang Song, and Little Bamboo Peak’s chief elder, Master Water Moon. Behind them, densely packed disciples filled the area, with the eye-catching beauty of Little Bamboo Peak’s disciples standing behind Master Water Moon, including Wen Min, whom Zhang Xiaofan recognized.

Closest to Master Water Moon stood the blue-robed beauty from the previous drawing of lots, her icy beauty attracting countless gazes.

“See, that’s her,” Zeng Shushu nudged Zhang Xiaofan, pointing to the blue-robed woman. Zhang Xiaofan looked at her, whispering, “She’s the one you mentioned?”

Zeng Shushu, smitten, said, “She might not be the strongest, but everyone says she is the most beautiful. She’s only been in the sect for a short time, and her cultivation is hard to gauge, but when it comes to looks, no one can compare!”

Zhang Xiaofan frowned, “Senior Brother Zeng, you look pretty creepy when you drool like that!”

Zeng Shushu, “Cough, do I, hehe, you must be mistaken. Look around at our fellow disciples.”

Zhang Xiaofan glanced around, seeing most of the younger disciples staring at the Little Bamboo Peak beauties, especially the blue-robed Lu Xueqi.

The beauties seemed accustomed to the attention, appearing indifferent. Lu Xueqi, in particular, remained expressionless, ignoring the male disciples’ gazes.

Zeng Shushu swallowed, whispering, “No wonder, with our sect recruiting so many young disciples, there are at least three or four hundred of us. We’re not as experienced, so we’re easily tempted.”

Zhang Xiaofan gave him a sideways glance, feeling that Zeng Shushu’s face, normally handsome, now seemed tainted, recalling the book, he felt the word “lust” written on his forehead.

Zeng Shushu turned, surprised, “Junior Brother Zhang, why are you looking at me instead of them? I brought you here as a friend. Which one do you think has the best figure?”

Zhang Xiaofan turned away, mentally labeling Zeng Shushu as a “wolf.”

Suddenly, the noise subsided as Lu Xueqi stepped forward, bowing to Master Water Moon, who nodded, saying, “Go ahead.”

Lu Xueqi acknowledged, straightening her robes and grasping her talisman. Her bright, luminous eyes scanned the stage.

The faint cloud of mist beneath her feet began to swirl and gather, forming a cloud of white vapor. Gracefully, Lu Xueqi ascended like a celestial being, floating above the clouds and landing on the stage.

The breeze caused the white vapor to dance like soft, beautiful silk. Her clothes fluttered, her skin as fair as snow, and her ethereal beauty was captivating, like a heavenly maiden descending to earth. The audience was awestruck, admiring and almost revering her.

Applause and cheers erupted, and Zhang Xiaofan was taken aback by the sheer popularity of Lu Xueqi. He, too, felt a tug at his heart, marveling at her beauty.

Master Water Moon, usually stern, now smiled slightly.

After a while, a young disciple from Dragon Head Peak, Fang Chao, stepped onto the stage, introducing himself, “Senior Sister Lu, I’m Fang Chao from Dragon Head Peak. It’s an honor to spar with you today.”

“Shh!” The audience hushed him.

Lu Xueqi, expressionless, replied, “Greetings, Senior Brother Fang. I’m Lu Xueqi from Little Bamboo Peak, and I humbly seek your guidance.”

Zhang Xiaofan, watching Lu Xueqi, felt a pang of pain. Just moments ago, Senior Sister Ling’er had also stood gracefully in the air.

In a daze, Lu Xueqi’s figure seemed to merge with Tian Ling’er’s.

Fang Chao continued to babble, as if hoping to delay the match forever. However, the audience, including Zeng Shushu, shouted, “Start already!”

“Pervert!”

“You’re chattering like a woman… Oh, this Senior Sister from Little Bamboo Peak, ah! Don’t, I didn’t mean anything else…”

Finally, the gong sounded, and Lu Xueqi’s face turned cold, fixing Fang Chao with a steely gaze.

Fang Chao, chilled by her look, hurriedly cast aside his smiles and summoned his silver immortal sword.

Zhang Xiaofan, frowning, recalled Senior Brother Qihao’s sword. Zeng Shushu grumbled, “All the Dragon Head Peak disciples, inspired by Qihao, cultivate these kinds of swords.”

Zhang Xiaofan, scanning the crowd, couldn’t find Qihao or the figure he most wanted to see. He lowered his head, feeling a wave of sorrow.

Suddenly, Zeng Shushu grabbed his arm, excitedly, “Xiaofan, look, it’s starting.”

Zhang Xiaofan looked up as Fang Chao launched his sword, the stage filling with a chilling aura. Yet, Zhang Xiaofan sensed that Fang Chao’s mastery of ice spells was inferior to Qihao’s.

Lu Xueqi, still expressionless, floated in the air, observing Fang Chao’s ice formation without attacking.

On her back, a sky-blue sword, though not merged with her body, radiated a powerful aura, feared by all.

In the realm of cultivation, some magical artifacts become one with their masters, but some, due to their overwhelming power, must be carried. These are often rare and powerful, like the ancient sword, “Immortalbane Nexus,” of the Azure Ethereal Conclave.

Fang Chao’s area froze, and the cold swept over the audience, including Zhang Xiaofan and Zeng Shushu.

But Lu Xueqi, unaffected, watched him coldly.

Fang Chao, under the pressure, pointed his sword at her, shouting, “Senior Sister Lu, be careful!”

The audience laughed, and Master Cang Song, displeased, glared.

Lu Xueqi, still floating, dodged the attack, and Fang Chao’s sword, faster, pursued. The audience gasped and sighed.

In a split second, Lu Xueqi flipped her sword, blocking the attack with her blue blade, unsheathed.

“Clang!”

The sound echoed, clear and pleasing.

Fang Chao’s sword rebounded, and he, along with Cang Song, paled.

Amidst the audience’s astonishment, Lu Xueqi, without hesitation, tossed her blue sword, unleashing a brilliant light, revealing its true power. Blue light enveloped the entire stage, and Fang Chao, alarmed, formed three ice walls.

In the sky, Lu Xueqi, her black hair and clothes billowing, was breathtakingly beautiful. She murmured a spell, her face cold, and the blue sword, roaring like a beast, shattered the ice walls effortlessly.

Fang Chao, shocked, summoned a protective shield, but Lu Xueqi’s sword crashed through, and they clashed.

“Boom!”

The impact sent shockwaves, and the audience staggered back. The collision was awe-inspiring.

When the dust settled, Lu Xueqi had landed, her sword returning to her hand. Fang Chao, pale, lifted his head, pointing at her, “You…”

Suddenly, his sword crackled, and a fissure appeared, breaking the sword in two. Fang Chao, coughing blood, collapsed.

The audience, stunned, held their breath.