Gongyi Tianheng took Gu Zuo to sit among a large amount of Immortal Realm martial artists.
There were also some stone seats placed all around the Martial Prowess Platform.
That’s right, the Martial Prowess Platform.
It could also be called the Life and Death Platform or the Challenge Platform.
This elevated stage was only open to martial artists at the Immortal Realm and above. If two Immortal Realm martial artists bore hostilities, they could sign a life and death form and settle things on the Life and Death Platform. If there was someone who refused to comply, then it would change to the Challenge Platform.
The current battle between He Chenghong and Xiao Tianqi was undoubtedly a challenge.
Merely, during the challenge itself, while both sides might sometimes act impetuously, they absolutely couldn’t take the other’s life.
Of course, one side could directly cripple the other side. That was also a common occurrence. However, if it was only to cripple, so long as one spent a certain price, one could still recultivate and return.
As the sole Xiantian martial artist, Tianheng drew many side-long glances when he took a seat.
Some who were well-informed naturally knew about such a personage, but there were also some who weren’t mindful, and were dissatisfied with this action of his.
Seeing this, someone would reprimand him.
Suddenly, a person sat down in the stone seat next to Tianheng.
This person’s arrival made those disciples who wanted to scold Tianheng all shut their mouths.
The person who came was Xi Yangyun. His position in the Sect was rather high.
Tianheng both nodded and gestured at him: “Senior Sect Brother Xi.”
Xi Yangyun returned it with a benevolent smile: “Junior Sect Brother Gongyi got here quite early.”
Tianheng also smiled: “I came a bit earlier to avoid being rude.”
Gu Zuo didn’t look after these two people who were in the middle of exchanging conventional greetings. His attention was focused on what was within Xi Yangyun’s embrace.
Xi Yangyun hadn’t come alone. Carried in his arms was a tightly-swaddled, beautiful young girl. Her complexion was pale, but her temperament was untainted and free from vulgarity.
Gu Zuo recognized this girl. Wasn’t she Xi Shuangyun?
But could Xi Shuangyun already go out now?
Xi Shuangyun noticed Gu Zuo’s gaze and faintly smiled at him: “Junior Sect Brother Gu.”
Gu Zuo blinked his eyes: “Senior Sect Sister Xi.”
After Xi Yangyun sat down, Xi Shuangyun was placed by his side to sit together with him. In addition, an arm wrapped around her to properly protect and support her. At first, Gu Zuo was standing next to Tianheng as he talked with Xi Shuangyun. Then, Tianheng pressed Gu Zuo to his side, allowing Gu Zuo and Xi Shuangyun to sit and talk together.
Xi Shuangyun seemed to have a very good impression of Gu Zuo. At this moment, her jet-black, long hair draped over her shoulders, she wore a smiling expression, and her eyes carried a faint brilliance. She seemed to have clear expectations for her own future.
Gu Zuo carefully looked over, and found that Xi Shuangyun was indeed doing much better. After counting the days, she should’ve taken almost all of her medicinal pills. It probably wouldn’t take long for her to make a complete recovery. Later on, this little sister would properly practice martial arts. Based on her temper, which had been honed for so many years, while he couldn’t say that she would be better than his big brother, she would certainly outclass ordinary martial artists! Perhaps, a comparison could be made between her and Sister Ling Ziwei…
Xi Shuangyun’s tone was light as she talked with Gu Zuo: “I’ve heard that Junior Sect Brother Gu has gone to Danyun City this time around. With remarkable achievements, you’ve made many contributions to the Sect. Sure enough, Junior Sect Brother Gu is not an ordinary person.”
Gu Zuo gave a hollow laugh: “Senior Sect Sister Xi’s praise is too much. I just did my best…”
Xi Shuangyun’s lips lifted into a smile: “Junior Sect Brother Gu is modest.”
She animatedly asked about Xu Lingxiu’s performance, as well as about some interesting anecdotes during the pill battles between the numerous pharmacists in Danyun City.
Gu Zuo saw that she was interested. Although he didn’t know what she was thinking about, he diligently explained things to her. Occasionally, one would hear Xi Shuangyun close her mouth and lightly giggle as if she was very happy.
The two little ones were delightfully chatting close to each other. Xi Yangyun and Gongyi Tianheng watched the two of them, and also had smiles on their faces.
Xi Yangyun said: “I’ve never seen Shuangyun this happy before. It looks like her and Junior Sect Brother Gu actually make quite the pair.”
Tianheng’s gaze faintly moved: “Once Junior Sect Sister Xi recovers, what arrangements are there?”
Xi Yangyun didn’t hide anything: “Afterwards, Shuangyun wants to renew her studies. However, what she’ll specifically practice is still up to her preferences and suitability.”
Tianheng didn’t ask too much about this. After pausing, he suddenly said: “Senior Sect Brother Xi, do you already know about the matter of the Inner Sect mission I had to do?”
Xi Yangyun’s expression immediately turned solemn: “That’s right. Junior Sect Brother Gongyi, that mission of yours was quite fishy.” Shortly after, his expression loosened, “But that person behind the scenes definitely doesn’t know that this move of his has instead helped you to succeed. Through all kinds of fortuitous encounters, it has allowed you to obtain so many benefits.”
Tianheng also smiled, but immediately following which, his gaze turned cold: “Although it’s like this, deep down, I’m still dissatisfied. If it wasn’t for my good luck and that I had thought of some methods, I certainly would’ve fallen on this trip. The worst yet is that I would’ve also greatly lost face, and I would’ve even lost the identity of an Inner Sect disciple. Harming me in such a way, how can I resign myself if I don’t find him?”
Xi Yangyun’s expression slightly changed.
Tianheng continued: “Senior Sect Brother Xi, have you and Senior Sect Brother Xu found any clues? My foundations are shallow. Although I have some guesses, I don’t know for sure in the end.”
Xi Yangyun’s eyes flashed with traces of shame as well as traces of anger: “That’s right. Lingxiu and I really have found clues. However, we still don’t have proof.”
Tianheng’s eyes hung low: “How about Senior Sect Brother Xi and I both write down this person’s name and show it to each other?”
Xi Yangyun nodded his head.
Following which, the two simultaneously reached out their hands and applied their qi energy to etch something into the top of the stone armrests. In an instant, they both finished writing, and they looked at what the other had written.
[Lu Jiusi]
Indeed, it was exactly the same name.
Immediately after, the two used their powers once more to erase the name so that no one else would see it.
In a soft voice, Tianheng swiftly explained his own previous experiences as well as any conjectures about the matter of Lu Jiusi.
In the past, he hadn’t said anything. Firstly, because his own status was inadequate, there was no way to have a dialogue with the other party on equal footing. Secondly, because Lu Jiusi had a better relationship with Xi Yangyun, Tianheng was worried that he wouldn’t have been able to win the trust of the other party.
But now it was different.
Xi Yangyun himself had doubts about Lu Jiusi. As such, when he came to push this forward, the other side naturally had some plans.
As Xi Yangyun listened, his expression changed several times. Finally, he shook his head: “So it was like this. Sure enough, this many coincidences can no longer be considered a fluke.”
Tianheng also asked: “Why does Senior Sect Brother Xi suspect Lu Jiusi?”
Xi Yangyun forced a smile: “Our relationship was close. Originally, there wasn’t ever the least bit of doubt. Yet, when Shuangyun’s health had mostly improved and Lu Jiusi wasn’t present at one point in time, she warned us to be careful of Lu Jiusi.”
Tianheng’s brows rose: “Since Junior Sect Sister Xi has long harbored suspicions of Lu Jiusi, why did she give a warning only now?”
Xi Yangyun sighed: “Previously, Shuangyun simply didn’t like Lu Jiusi. If she had spoken before her body got well, I also would’ve had a hard time believing it. After all, a person’s likes and dislikes can easily affect one’s judgment. There weren’t any mistakes in any of Lu Jiusi’s performances, and rashly investigating him would’ve caused harm to the friendship between sect brothers. In addition, Shuangyun didn’t say anything before because she was worried that if we listened to her and hastily investigated, it would instead allow Lu Jiusi to sense this in advance. Then, he would hide even deeper, which would make harder to catch any traces.”
In these words, there were still some parts that didn’t tell the whole truth.
He didn’t trust her before, but he did now. Why was it worded this way?
In a low voice, Tianheng said: “Could there be other reasons among all this?”
Xi Yangyun paused.
This was something that was hard to mention.
Tianheng was very interested in this unmentioned reason, but if he intensely questioned the other side’s hidden secret, then that was just asking for trouble. Hence, he only thought about using other methods to make discreet inquiries. For the time being, he set aside the intention of getting to the bottom of things.
Yet, after Xi Yangyun hesitated for a moment, he lowered his head and looked at his younger sister who was still in the middle of chatting with Gu Zuo.
Xi Shuangyun’s heart sensed something. She raised her head and looked at her elder brother, showing a sweet-tempered smile.
Xi Yangyun pondered for a bit, then his tone of voice lowered even more: “I won’t hide this from Junior Sect Brother Gongyi. Although I didn’t understand it before, as Shuangyun recovered day by day, I discovered that Shuangyun is just like that Young Lady Ling who you brought back. She also has a special constitution.”
They, these few people, were close together, so these words were also heard by Gu Zuo.
Little Sister Xi Shuangyun also had a special constitution? What constitution was it?
Tianheng’s mind moved: “Does Senior Sect Brother Xi’s trust in Junior Sect Sister Xi have anything to do with that special constitution?”
This time around, Xi Yangyun didn’t hesitate. He solemnly nodded his head: “That’s right. Shuangyun really has the Heavenly Heart Body.”
Gu Zuo stared distractedly.
It was actually the Heavenly Heart Body?
In the blink of an eye, information on what type of physique the Heavenly Heart Body was immediately flashed through his memory.
The Heavenly Heart Body was a physique that could listen to the heartbeat of heaven and earth.
At the lower levels, this was a heart connection. It was classified as an innate skill. Anyone with this type of physique was naturally able to hear other people’s heartbeats, but every time they went to check, one would need to use up lots of power.
At the higher levels, what one could hear were the thoughts and feelings of all living things. Grass, trees, worms, and fish — Even magical powers, martial skills, and inner cultivation methods. The former would allow the Heavenly Heart Body to know all things through and through. The latter allowed one to know the strong and weak points of an opponent’s martial arts during battle as well as to predict the opponent’s upcoming attacks or defenses.
In any case, this was a huge advantage.
Gu Zuo couldn’t help but secretly praise in his heart.
Sure enough, this was a powerful physique… Among the numerous physiques, this could be counted as one of the more valiant ones.
However, despite its valiance, there were also weaknesses.
For example, if there was another person with a special constitution, one would need to spend twice the amount of power to listen to their heartbeat. If the strength of the other party’s realm was higher than one’s own and they actively guarded against it, then it would be very difficult to hear anything. As another example, while it was true that one could listen to the heartbeats of all living things in the world, too many sounds would cause a mental impact. A moment of carelessness would bring one to insanity. Further still, while it was true that one could listen to the strong and weak points of an opponent’s martial arts, one needed sufficient strength to defend, dodge, and grasp the opportunity to counterattack.
When it was said like this, this constitution seemed to be a bit of a chicken rib. However, all of this could be cultivated, and one really wouldn’t know how much stronger it would be compared to ordinary martial artists.
Tianheng had also looked through that item book. Since Gu Zuo clearly recalled it, then Tianheng naturally remembered it, too. But he remained calm and collected, and only showed a little bit of his own astonishment: “The Heavenly Heart Body? What is special about this special constitution?”
Xi Yangyun plainly said: “Previously, because Shuangyun had a congenital heart problem, the Heavenly Heart Body hadn’t awakened. There was only some faint responses to the moods of other people. In the beginning, the reason why Shuangyun didn’t like Lu Jiusi wasn’t because he harbored feelings for her. Rather, the feelings that Lu Jiusi gave to Shuangyun were hypocritical and false. His intentions weren’t the same as the sincerity he displayed outwardly.
He continued: “But in the end, this was just Shuangyun’s feelings, not the truth, which made her have hesitations the entire time. Afterwards, Shuangyun’s body gradually improved, and through this honing, the Heavenly Heart Body gradually awoke. One day when Lu Jiusi came to visit her, for some reason, she suddenly wanted to know what Lu Jiusi was thinking at the time. The moment she thought this, she unexpectedly heard some things! Even though it was just a few words and it immediately used up all of her power, it also gave her certain grounds for justification…”
Listening to Xi Yangyun’s words, Gu Zuo finally understood.
So to say, it was most likely that Xi Shuangyun had directly looked for Xi Yangyun, and she had laid her cards on the table. When Xi Yangyun didn’t believe her, it was her method of “listening” to Xi Yangyun’s thoughts that finally allowed Xi Yangyun to believe her.
Following that, Xi Yangyun privately tailed Lu Jiusi in many ways to covertly observe him. So long as Lu Jiusi had any imperfections, there would’ve certainly been an exposure when there was a bit of suspicious behavior. And at this moment, so long as Xi Yangyun could find a bit of a flaw, the doubts in his heart would continuously increase. Later on, no matter how Lu Jiusi tried to fool Xi Yangyun, Xi Yangyun wouldn’t trust Lu Jiusi completely. Rather, Xi Yangyun would always conscientiously observe and inquire about him.
…With regards to his younger sister and this “close friend”, Xi Yangyun clearly had more trust in his younger sister, whom he shared a mutually dependent bond with. Hence, the painted skin of that “close friend”, which had been kept hidden for many years, was also revealed without a hitch.
After learning about the truth, Xi Yangyun, who had such a good temperament, became furious. Nothing else had to be mentioned. In any case, while it didn’t really cause him any harm, Lu Jiusi had intended to deceive his younger sister’s feelings. This couldn’t be tolerated!
It was also because of this that he was forthcoming about this matter to Tianheng right now.
After all, Lu Jiusi had harmed Tianheng. Tianheng and Lu Jiusi were already enemies, and his present status was incomparable to before. Acting together as good friends was also very appropriate.
Tianheng understood this point. Tianheng was quite happy to listen to Xi Shuangyun’s secret and obtain Xi Yangyun’s friendship, which was done of his own accord. For Xi Yangyun, who had such robust finances and a knowledgable network, it just got better and better.
Right now, Xi Yangyun was an important figure in the younger generation of Grand Elder Xu’s bloodline. Xu Lingxiu and Gu Zuo had a pretty good relationship. And this bloodline of Grand Elder Xu was connected by marriage to the Sect Master’s bloodline. At the same time, after Tianheng crashed through the Great Tomb of the Human King and offered many things to the Sect, he obtained the rewards and favor of the Sect Master’s bloodline… It went without saying that they naturally could consider an alliance. Making the connection just a little tighter was a win-win situation.
Then, Tianheng said: “In that case, what does Senior Sect Brother Xi want to do in the future?”
Xi Yangyun said: “First, I’ll wait until Shuangyun completely recovers. After that, I’ll certainly be even more careful. Lu Jiusi has such wolfish ambitions. Someday, when he decides to act again, I’ll catch him red-handed. At that time, no matter what, I’ll hand him over to the torture chambers for punishment or…whatever else is appropriate.”
After Tianheng pretended to ponder, he said: “I previously mentioned the matter of the Demon Frenzy Pills and Spider Silk Powder to Senior Sect Brother Xi. Although I made some preparations then, I couldn’t beat him at his own game due to all kinds of things piling up. But in my opinion, if Senior Sect Brother Xi wants to find evidence, you can also look over these two medicaments.”
As he spoke, he patted Gu Zuo’s head: “Ah Zuo, make a copy of these two prescriptions.”
Gu Zuo didn’t object in the least, and promptly took out a paper and brush from his storage space. He casually brandished the brush. After that, he handed over those two sheets of paper: “Senior Sect Brother Xi, for you.”
Xi Yangyun reached out a hand to take them. Following which, he wore a grateful look: “Many thanks to Junior Sect Brother Gongyi and Junior Sect Brother Gu.”
This was obviously a free gift. Xi Yangyun couldn’t say anything about the matter of paying for it; otherwise, it would make it seem like Tianheng had done it on purpose. However, Xi Yangyun remembered this matter in his heart. Xi Yangyun wanted to repay him, and postponed it for another day.
Gu Zuo smiled and said: “Senior Sect Brother Xi can give these two prescriptions to Senior Sect Brother Xu. He has looked after me considerably. These two prescriptions don’t have much use, but they’re interesting. They can be given to Senior Sect Brother Xu to play with.”
Xi Yangyun had a smile on his face: “Alright. Lingxiu will surely like them.”
Tianheng also smiled and said: “I don’t have too much manpower in the Sect. In the future, I’ll have to ask Senior Sect Brother Xi to keep an eye on Lu Jiusi. If there are any matters that I can help with, Senior Sect Brother Xi only needs to say the word and I’ll fully cooperate.”
Xi Yangyun was very straightforward: “The matter of Lu Jiusi will be handed over to me. Junior Sect Brother Gongyi, rest assured. After this, he won’t have another opportunity to plot against you.”
Tianheng heard these words, and became increasingly satisfied.
With someone else moving to act, he naturally saved trouble.
And with his current position, what was even more important was to increase his strength. Some trivial matters that others found fault with were no longer considered to be things that he needed to personally get involved in.
During those times, he only needed to occasionally allow the Tianlong Guards to look things over and to bring back news.
Both sides talked about their own proper business and that of others. Meanwhile, more and more people came to watch the battle below. As it got closer to the time of the match, the atmosphere seemed to become a bit strained.
Gu Zuo abruptly detected the qi emissions of two approaching people coming from far away. His heart quivered, and he couldn’t be bothered with chatting anymore. He turned his head, and looked over.
High in the sky, a sense of agility and vigor flew over. In a brief period of time, it promptly appeared at the summit of a lofty stone pillar.
The stone pillars were the seats of the Sky Leaderboard’s top one hundred. What this person stood upon was the third seat.
His height was nearly three meters tall, his black hair was drawn up high, his figure was handsome, and his prestige was enormous. He stood with his hands clasped behind his back, and he possessed the bearing of an expert.
Looking at his appearance, there was a thirty to forty percent likeness to the previously seen He Chengfeng.
The pupils of Gu Zuo’s eyes suddenly contracted.
He Chenghong!
This man was certainly He Chenghong!
The one who arrived at almost the same time as He Chenghong was a large man who was even taller than the former. His appearance was rough, and he carried a large saber on his back. The entire person felt like a saber. When he dashed over, he sliced open layers upon layers of air waves. With shocking boldness, he stood upon the stone pillar of the second place seat.
He was the leader of the Hundred Rivers League. The Sky Leaderboard’s second place — Xiao Tianqi!
The arrival of these two people set off a huge upsurge.
Countless sect members raised their heads to look, and their expressions held a type of fervor that couldn’t be put into words.
It was a confrontation between Immortal Realm powerhouses!
It was a challenge battle for the qualifications of the Sky Leaderboard’s second and third places!
These kinds of fights were too few, and many years would pass without seeing a single one.
Such battles were also too precious. If they could comprehend some things from within, perhaps there’d be quite a few martial artists who could make consecutive breakthroughs after returning!
After this kind of fight, there’d always be many such martial artists who could obtain benefits. This would allow several powerful figures to spring up among the Sect’s younger generation.
These two people didn’t say anything.
An expert would have an expert’s pride. They had arrived, and they had arrived early. Nevertheless, it still hadn’t reached the exact time of the decisive battle. As a result, neither of them made a move.
Just when the feverish clamor was being constantly stifled by the two’s imposing auras, the pressure of the confrontation between both sides flowed between the countless martial artists. When it even made it difficult for some martial artists to move or breathe, there was a lengthy whistling noise. It was a whistling sound like that of a silver bell, which came from far away.
In the blink of an eye, quite a few silhouettes swept over.
It was only during that one instant. After several rustling sounds, quite a few people once more arrived at the summits of those hundred stone pillars. They stood upon the pillars one after another. Likewise, they possessed bearings worthy of pride.
As it turned out, among the top one hundred of the Sky Leaderboard powerhouses, many genius disciples had arrived in time!
Unlike the other martial artists who came to join in on the fun, the arrival of the strong was always timely and never late.
Not long after, more than half of the the hundred pillars were filled. The time of the duel approached bit by bit, and it seemed like there wouldn’t be any more martial artists arriving.
The air between He Chenghong and Xiao Tianqi was being continuously drawn out. Now, it was stretched taut to an unfathomable degree! Seeing this, perhaps it would break down at any time!
The next moment, a strange, shrill whistle could be heard.
This sound seemed like a ghost’s shrieking, like the mournful weeping of space being cleaved apart. Hearing it made one’s hair stand on end. And accompanying this sound, was the arrival of a figure. It was that sort of anomaly that one simply didn’t dare to look directly at, but when looking over, one had no way to move their line of sight away.
The person who came wasn’t considered too tall, and only approached He Chenghong’s height. This person’s figure was thin, like they had been peeled with a knife. The clothing covered most of the person’s refined skin, and what appeared was the figure’s flowing contours.
This person’s hair was very short, and each strand stood up. The skin was very white, and almost presented a translucent image. The lips were black. The outer corners of the eyes and the fingernails were also pitch-black.
This person appeared very bewitching, but that complexion actually made people feel that it was very handsome.
This person was so handsome that people couldn’t bear to look away.
Gu Zuo could clearly see this, and he couldn’t help trembling all over in shock.
Merely, this handsome individual… She was a woman!
A woman who was as sharp as the edge of a blade and as strange as a specter.
Moreover, this late woman who drew the attention of countless eyeballs was the person who held first place on the Sky Leaderboard!
T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.
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