Chapter 29: Arcane Wonders

Once again, the night had deepened.

Zhang Xiaofan tossed and turned, unable to find sleep. Even the little monkey at his side, Ash, blinked its large eyes, watching him intently. The rest of his fellow disciples snored loudly, including the dog, Dahuang, who lay sprawled on the ground, fast asleep.

The moonlight streamed in like water, spilling onto the floor as if it were frost and snow.

Silently, Zhang Xiaofan rose from his bed, and immediately, Ash scampered into his arms. Holding the little creature, he patted its head and ventured out.

The corridor was silent, devoid of any human sound.

He let out a bitter laugh. Since arriving at Heaven’s Peak, he had hardly slept a full night. The thought of tomorrow’s match against Lu Xueqi made his heart race with an inexplicable tension.

Just then, Ash squirmed anxiously in his arms. Looking down, Zhang Xiaofan saw the monkey’s sharp eyes fixated on a shadowy figure in the distance.

A silhouette flashed through the darkness.

Driven by curiosity, Zhang Xiaofan followed.

The figure did not run fast, and it seemed to be shaking, as if crying. From a distance, Zhang Xiaofan recognized Tian Ling’er, which puzzled and troubled him further. Seeing her cry filled his heart with a strange sorrow.

Tian Ling’er ran until she reached the central arena, surrounded by the sea of clouds. Seeing no one around, she could no longer hold back and crouched down, weeping aloud.

Zhang Xiaofan had never seen his senior sister so broken. He hesitated, then slowly approached and called softly, “Senior Sister, what is…”

Tian Ling’er jumped, turning to see Zhang Xiaofan. Her heart eased, but the sadness welled up again, and she rushed into his arms, sobbing loudly on his shoulder.

In that instant, Zhang Xiaofan stiffened, feeling as if he had turned to stone. Her sobs echoed in his ears, and the warmth of her body seeped through to his soul, like a dream that had come true. A faint, elusive fragrance drifted to him.

He stood there, gazing into the distance, his heart torn between a desire to embrace her and a sense of helplessness.

Perhaps, if he truly embraced her, life would never be the same?

At that moment, Tian Ling’er pulled away. A void filled Zhang Xiaofan’s heart, and he sensed something lost.

His shoulder, wet with her tears, bore the mark of her sorrow.

Tian Ling’er rubbed her red eyes and, seeing his wet shoulder, blushed, saying, “I’m sorry, Xiaofan.”

Shaking his head, Zhang Xiaofan asked, “Senior Sister, what happened?”

Before Tian Ling’er could reply, a chirp came from below. It was Ash. She bent down, picking up the little monkey and cradling it.

“Never before, Xiaofan, never before.” Standing under the moonlight, her beauty tinged with sorrow, she confided, “Father and Mother have never scolded me like this.”

Seeing her grief-stricken face, Zhang Xiaofan felt a piercing pain, as if her sorrow was his own. Steadying himself, he asked gently, “Senior Sister, what happened? Why did they scold you?”

Hesitating, Tian Ling’er looked at him. This younger disciple had always been her closest friend, besides her parents. A fleeting thought crossed her mind: When did Xiaofan start being so gentle with me?

But the thought vanished quickly, replaced by her overwhelming sorrow. She cried, “It’s all because of Qi Hao!”

Zhang Xiaofan paled, clenching his fists tightly, nails digging into his palms.

“You don’t know, do you?” As she spoke, Tian Ling’er shed her defenses, while Zhang Xiaofan’s heart screamed, “I know, I know! I’ve known for a long time!”

The moonlight cast a cold glow over the world.

“Qi Hao and I are in love. I told them, and I really, truly love him,” Tian Ling’er said, more composed, not noticing how each word drained the color from Zhang Xiaofan’s face.

“But Father scolded me harshly, saying I didn’t understand. Even Mother, who has always doted on me, changed her tone and sided with Father. Why, Xiaofan?”

Head lowered, Zhang Xiaofan murmured, “How did they find out?”

Overcome with emotion, Tian Ling’er didn’t notice the flaws in his words. Tears welling up, she said, “I didn’t expect it, but later found out that my dorm mates from Xiao Zhufeng told Shuimuyi. She, in turn, told Mother. I trusted them, warned them so many times, but they still told. I… I…”

Tears streamed down her cheeks.

Zhang Xiaofan, his voice thick with emotion, said, “Maybe Father and Mother did it for your good. They would never harm you.”

Wiping her tears, Tian Ling’er cried, “What do they know? They only care about the sect’s reputation. Qi Hao is the favored disciple of Uncle Cangsong, and if we’re together, our heads will bow in shame. They never thought about me!”

With hurt and anger, she declared, “Compared to my happiness, what does their pride mean? I doubt they even value me as their daughter.”

Startled, Zhang Xiaofan looked at her, seeing the depth of her pain.

Desolate and alone, like a bird caught in a storm, her despair cut deep into his soul!

This look defeated him. A profound sadness surged within him, and if he could bear her pain, he would, regardless of the cost. But words failed him, and he could only whisper, “Senior Sister!”

“I must be with him,” Tian Ling’er said resolutely. More than speaking to Xiaofan, she addressed her inner self and her absent parents, “I will be with Senior Brother Qi Hao. We swore eternal love, and no matter what, even if the heavens and earth crumble, we will stay together.”

Gazing at the moon, she made her vow. The moonlight bathed her in a serene glow, making her seem like a lily blooming in the night, beautiful yet melancholic, a sight that overshadowed the shadow of despair beside her.

High above, the rising sun warmed Zhang Xiaofan’s body but not his heart. Standing motionless on the arena, he faced Lu Xueqi, as ethereal and radiant as a fairy.

Her contempt was unmistakable. Everyone knew he reached the semifinals more by luck than skill.

Behind her, Tianyah emitted a soft blue glow. Zhang Xiaofan, looking at the legendary divine weapon, thought fleetingly, “Soon, I’ll face this?”

But the thought faded. Since returning last night, his mind had been in a daze.

Only two arenas remained, but most of the disciples, drawn by the fierce competition between Lu Xueqi and the lucky Zhang Xiaofan, gathered here, leaving only a fraction to watch Qi Hao and Zeng Shushu’s match.

Among the elders, including Daoxuan, most sat near this arena.

As Lu Xueqi ascended the arena, cheers erupted, followed by hushed discussions of how soon Zhang Xiaofan would fall.

Below, Tian Yihui frowned, uncomfortable with the disdainful murmurs behind him. Beside him, Su Ru searched the crowd for their daughter, who had disappeared after last night’s argument.

Turning to Tian Yihui, she said, “Xiaofan seems off today, almost lifeless.”

Tian Yihui replied, “He’s just nervous, not surprising for a young boy.”

Silent, Su Ru did not speak further.

Zhang Xiaofan’s gaze returned to Lu Xueqi, whose exquisite face glowed in the sunlight. Feeling his gaze, she sneered.

But this time, Zhang Xiaofan did not flinch. Her beauty meant nothing to him now. Deep in his heart, a painful thought lingered, “She’s not here, she’s watching Qi Hao’s match.”

Lu Xueqi, keenly perceptive, noticed his distracted gaze. This was a first for her, and a trace of surprise flickered in her eyes.

A bell tolled, echoing across the peak. The crowd hushed.

Straightening, Lu Xueqi took a deep breath. Two more victories, and her dreams and her master’s expectations would be fulfilled. Tianyah’s blue glow intensified.

“Disciple Lu Xueqi of Xiaozhufeng requests your guidance.”

Jolted, Zhang Xiaofan’s first reaction was not to acknowledge but to scan the crowd, hoping to see the person he sought. Finding no one, his hope waned.

Lu Xueqi’s expression hardened, and the crowd stirred, shocked by his disrespect. Tian Yihui and Su Ru exchanged glances, realizing their disciple was truly off.

Slowly, Zhang Xiaofan turned, his face ashen, “I am Zhang Xiaofan of Dazhufeng. Please, Senior Sister, show no mercy.”

Stunned, Lu Xueqi noted the oddness in his tone. No one ever requested such treatment. His manner, however, suggested otherwise.

Firm in resolve, Lu Xueqi raised Tianyah, its blue light growing deeper and larger, bathing Zhang Xiaofan in a surreal glow. Yet, he felt no tension, only a hidden anticipation.

He withdrew the ugly, black staff.

The crowd roared with laughter, contrasting the majestic Tianyah with the unsightly stick.

And yet, the stick seemed animated, a cold energy pulsing through it, faster and stronger than before. If not held, it might have lunged at Lu Xueqi, or perhaps Tianyah, driven by a primal enmity.

Suddenly, Lu Xueqi’s face shifted. Tianyah’s power seemed unusual.

But Zhang Xiaofan did not dwell. Gazing at the radiant woman, he saw a cold reflection of his senior sister.

Unexpectedly, neither moved, their gazes locked.

Below, shock and chatter arose.

Lu Xueqi, roused, sensed an unusual energy in Tianyah. Focusing, she dismissed it. Clearing her mind, she chanted, and Tianyah, though not unsheathed, shone brilliantly.

“A gift from the heavens, please instruct.”

Zhang Xiaofan, startled, glanced below, searching in vain for the one he hoped to see.

Lu Xueqi, sensing his distraction, frowned. The crowd’s scrutiny weighed on her. Determined, she raised Tianyah, blue light erupting but still contained.

Since the tournament began, no one had forced her to draw Tianyah. Many wondered who would. Some guessed it might take someone of Qi Hao’s caliber.

The blue light washed over Zhang Xiaofan, casting no expression. His black staff glowed faintly, hovering before him.

Though familiar with the staff, this was the first time others saw him use it.

Du Bishu snorted, “If I hadn’t seen it, I wouldn’t believe my clumsy junior brother had become a genius.”

On the arena, Lu Xueqi’s expression hardened. Her hands formed seals, and Tianyah, glowing magnificently, turned, streaking towards Zhang Xiaofan with unstoppable force.

The black staff met it, greenish-black light clashing with the blue. Neither yielded.

To the crowd’s astonishment, Zhang Xiaofan, seemingly weak, was flung backward, the staff’s light dimming. It spun back, returning to him.

The Dazhufeng disciples stood, some shouting in dismay.

Crashing into the pillar, Zhang Xiaofan coughed blood, splattering the staff. Unseen, his blood absorbed into it.

Tianyah’s power stunned everyone!

Cold as ice, Lu Xueqi did not hesitate. With a flash, Tianyah descended ruthlessly.

Suddenly, the staff emitted black vapor, especially at its tip. Zhang Xiaofan, blood dripping from his mouth, rose, pale-faced, eyes bloodshot, features twisted with a feral look.

The staff, enveloped in black and green, charged Tianyah. Contacting, both weapons recoiled, shaking their wielders.

Blue and green lights clashed, scattering the arena’s wooden beams like paper. The noise was deafening.

The crowd, shocked, realized no match had been this intense. In moments, the arena was nearly destroyed.

The crowd retreated, witnessing Zhang Xiaofan and Lu Xueqi levitate, Lu Xueqi poised, controlling Tianyah, and Zhang Xiaofan, oddly, flailing in mid-air, yet the staff followed his commands, battling ferociously with Tianyah.

Despite this, Zhang Xiaofan suffered. Tianyah’s power far exceeded his expectations, each clash reverberating through his meridians. Only his secret practice of Tiantingshan’s Great Prajna kept him from collapse.

Lu Xueqi, unscathed, increased Tianyah’s power, overpowering the staff’s green and black energy.

Struggling, Zhang Xiaofan lamented internally. On the other side, Lu Xueqi, surprised by the staff’s strength and subtle draining of her energy, felt her blood surge, nearly losing balance.

Resolute, Lu Xueqi, with a growl, grasped Tianyah, the blue light engulfing her. Tianyah trembled, roaring like a dragon, merging with her, soaring skyward.

Forgetting all else, Zhang Xiaofan felt his connection to the staff intensify. A sinister energy surged, and he roared.

His roar echoed, altering the landscape. Black and green light shot upward, winds raging, clouds boiling.

A blue flash, a deafening shriek. A colossal column of blue light descended, threatening to cleave the mountains.

Face contorted, Zhang Xiaofan bled from every orifice. Yet, he showed no fear, grabbing the staff. Green and black light swirled in his grip, countering the blue column.

The young disciples watched, no longer dismissive. The elders, including Daoxuan, changed their expressions.

This match was a battle to the death, yet no one intervened.

A thunderous explosion, the entire mountain trembled. The blue light recoiled, revealing Lu Xueqi, clutching Tianyah, a trickle of blood on her lips.

Below, Master Shuimoyi leaped to her feet.

Amidst the gale, Zhang Xiaofan, eyes blurred with blood, heard the cries of his Dazhufeng brothers.

Su Ru, pale-lipped, urged Tian Yihui, “Let Xiaofan concede, quickly.”

Tian Yihui, staring fixedly, shook his head.

Feeling no pain, Zhang Xiaofan’s thoughts wandered, “Will she visit me if I die? Will she forget me in her happy future?”

Wiping the blood from his eyes, he faced Lu Xueqi.

Pain wracked her, blood surging through her veins, threatening to burst forth. Before the malevolent presence, she stood firm, wind cutting like knives.

This was a moment of life and death!

Lu Xueqi, summoning all her strength, drew Tianyah.

The blue light dissipated, concentrated into the sword. Silence fell on Heaven’s Peak.

The legendary Tianyah unsheathed!

Lu Xueqi, face like frost, recited incantations, stepping in the seven-star formation. Sword pointed skyward, her voice rang, “Heavenly might, transform into divine thunder. By the sword, summon it!”

Dark clouds gathered, thunder rumbling, lightning flashing. The air crackled with lethal energy.

Facing the tempest, Zhang Xiaofan remembered a distant memory.

Above, Daoxuan and the elders, astonished, turned to Master Shuimoyi.

After a pause, Tian Yihui said, “You have a remarkable disciple.”

Shuimoyi, indifferent to their stares, watched the sky, worry etched on her face.

“The Thundergod True Spell!”

Daoxuan, deeply shaken, marveled at the prodigy among the young.

But Lu Xueqi, pale and trembling, struggled with the spell.

Thunder roared, and Zhang Xiaofan felt an overwhelming force from the staff, as if it had awaited this moment for eons.

The sky darkened, a vortex forming in the clouds.