Within Shuangyun Hall.
Xi Yangyun sat upon a tall seat. At a position below and slightly to his side was a beautiful young girl with long hair that hung to her waist. She wore a full-length, light-yellow robe. Like a fairy, her complexion was quiet, exquisite, and free from vulgarity.
This was precisely his biological, younger sister — Xi Shuangyun.
Down below, there was a fit and muscular young man with a high-spirited stature of three meters, as well as an unconstrained, elegant youth. The former was the Society Leader of the Wild Martial Arts Society, and the latter was the Association Head of the Autumn Waters Association. Accompanying the Association Head was a beautiful woman whose expression was as limpid as autumn waters and whose figure was as elegant as jade. She was his beloved wife. There was a brother and sister pair whose temperaments were extraordinary. Each of them had exuberant and heroic appearances, and they were both the Pavilion Masters of the Clear Water Pavilion.
There was also a pair of beautiful sisters. One of them wore a blue robe. Her aloof beauty was threatening, and her almond-shaped eyes contained a fiendish light. The other sister wore a full-length white robe. Her black hair reached her ankles, and her features were picturesque. They were the pair of Pavilion Masters of Mingyue Pavilion — Hua Yuerong and Hua Xueyin.
The other numerous, exceptional figures were all masters of forces that were established by Earth Leaderboard powerhouses.
And of the numerous people present, those who were ordinary bosses were at least Xiantian stage eight, and those who were masters of a few larger forces were Xiantian stage nine or infinitesimally close to the Immortal Realm.
At first glance, one’s eyes would be filled with good-looking and well-favored men and women, leaving a person dazzled. The qi emissions that lingered in this palace hall also revealed their mighty capabilities without any doubts.
Only, no matter their bearings or majesty, none of them could compare to that handsome young man sitting up high.
Xi Yangyun said: “Everyone has been working hard recently. Chongyun Sect’s fierce momentum requires that we join hands to face a common foe. Only then can we maintain the Sect’s prestige.”
Down below, the masters of those forces all said: “This is a matter of duty for us.”
Xi Yangyun, who established Shuangyun Hall, had achieved the Immortal Realm and possessed an influential position within Grand Elder Xu’s bloodline. Regarding the masters of these second class forces, he originally should’ve been a personage who was difficult for them to contact. Now, whether for the sake of the Sect or the futures of their own organizations, they could approach this kind of person and discuss the matter of taking punitive actions against Chongyun Sect. This was undoubtedly an ideal opportunity.
Seeing these people talk in such a way, Xi Yangyun faintly nodded. Soon after, he looked to Xi Shuangyun at his side. His voice was so low that it almost couldn’t be heard: “Shuangyun, how is it?”
Xi Shuangyun seamlessly gave everyone a glance, and lightly nodded her beautiful head: “They’re all okay. None of them are harboring treachery. They’re all treating elder brother sincerely.”
Xi Yangyun was satisfied.
If one wanted to command the Xiantian martial artists below to battle Chongyun Sect, it was necessary to have an Immortal Realm individual to take the lead. But it wasn’t only him who was trying to rope in everyone. There were also other bloodlines or forces of famed Immortal Realms that had surfaced in order to gather the masters of these Xiantian Realm second class organizations.
Xi Yangyun was classified as an Immortal Realm martial artist whose identity, forces, and position were all at the very peak. Although he had never once deliberately gone to challenge the Sky Leaderboard due to his previous and constant worry over his biological younger sister’s health, his own strength was close to the mid Immortal Realm and his connections were abundant. Compared to other Immortal Realm martial artists who’d shown up to meddle, he was the more attractive choice.
Thus, among those who now convened under his command, he had almost monopolized several second class forces that had the best development — As for the ones that couldn’t be summoned, it was that Earth Leaderboard fifth ranked Duanshui Hall, and Earth Leaderboard third ranked Helin Palace. Of those two, although Duanshui Hall’s Hall Master, Li Duanshui, was somewhat capable, he had inferior moral qualities and was petty-minded. Additionally, he didn’t have any connections or backers. What was more noteworthy was instead that Palace Master of Helin Palace — He Chengwu.
He Chengwu was a member of the He Clan. Perhaps, due to Mingyue Pavilion being enemies with Duanshui Hall, and joining Xi Yangyun’s subordinates, Duanshui Hall colluded with Helin Palace and became a dependent of the He Clan. This time, a certain Immortal Realm martial artist of the He Clan came out to suppress things, and allowed He Chengwu to attract many forces. This let He Chengwu become another power that could compete with Xi Yangyun.
During the instance of Chongyun Sect’s provocation, Qingyun Sect’s disciples had come out on their own, but later on, they gradually assembled together. Some disordered gatherings had already slowly vanished. After a few more integrations, two large alliances had finally formed.
Currently, what the Chongyun Sect disciples clashed with were mainly these two forces.
At this time, Xi Yangyun was once again holding a meeting with his subordinates, inquiring about how the recent situation of their battles with Chongyun Sect was unfolding — The number of wins, the number of losses, specific outcomes, and so on.
Then, the male Pavilion Master of Clear Water Pavilion, Xie Yufei, stood up and spoke: “Presenting to Senior Sect Brother Xi, I have a new battlefield report to relay.”
Xi Yangyun said: “Very well. Sit down and speak.”
After Xie Yufei saluted, he sat down and talked about the situation: “Four hours ago, someone from my Clear Water Pavilion encountered Chongyun Sect at the Inner Sect’s entrance. A conflict broke out where it was seven versus seven. My side had five seriously injured people, and there were even those who were crippled. The battle situation is far from ideal.”
Xi Yangyun furrowed his brows and said: “There are those who’ve been crippled?” A trace of fury flicked across his face, “Those Chongyun Sect lowlives are becoming more and more unscrupulous. They actually dare to act so heavy-handedly?!”
Xie Yufei forced a smile: “My side’s people are amateurs.”
The palace hall was silent.
Indeed, it was like this. Amateurs.
During this period, how many times had they heard the word “amateurs”? Even though they decided to pledge on never backing down in the beginning, to maintain the reputation of the Sect and of themselves, it was still hard to avoid becoming dispirited under these kind of circumstances.
They had still underestimated Chongyun Sect’s strength! When one’s vigilance fell short, such consequences were brought about.
Speaking of which, it was quite laughable. Usually, the magnificent Qingyun Sect only had those who made things difficult for others, not the other way around. And if there was a spar, they always suppressed anyone who was at the same realm. They weren’t supposed to be suppressed by others like now.
At that time, who would say that they were amateurs? Usually, it was the other side who were amateurs.
Xi Yangyun saw that the morale had slightly declined, and plainly said: “This Xi also has some medicinal pills available. I’ll bring a few bottles for Junior Sect Brother Yufei so that you can give them to those wounded Junior Sect Brothers. Once those juniors recover, if there’s a lack in resources, you can also come find me to receive them. I hope those juniors can succeed soon, and step upon the path of martial arts once more!”
Xie Yufei thanked him at once.
After Xi Yangyun handled this matter, he said: “On the Martial Prowess Platform beneath the Earth Summit, the disciples who’ve emerged from Chongyun Sect have become increasingly valiant. At that time, I’m afraid I’ll need everyone to act.”
The masters of the numerous forces each said: “We shall not be shirked without dishonor!”
However, that Hua Xueyin abruptly opened her mouth. Her voice was slow and gentle, carrying a type of indescribable cadence: “When we act, which realm should face against Chongyun Sect?”
When these words were uttered, everyone hesitated again.
In equivalent realms, the other party’s strength was a bit higher than that of Qingyun Sect. However, if it was during a fair fight, whenever the other side sent out a Xiantian stage seven, Qingyun Sect would send out a stage eight, and when the other side sent out a stage eight, Qingyun Sect would send out a stage nine… In fact, there was no need to compare. It was a huge loss of face.
On the contrary, if the other side didn’t lose with stage eights against stage nines or stage sevens against stage eights, it was already a win for them. And if the other side’s participant happened to be a genius who could fight against higher ranks, then it would instead be a lower realm prevailing over a higher realm. After Qingyun Sect’s face was lost, it was stepped on by a thousand and trampled upon by ten thousand. This was an unspeakably difficult situation.
Xi Yangyun said: “Ladies and gentlemen, each of you are geniuses who can fight against higher ranks. Later on, we’ll only be facing against those at equal realms. Our Sect also has some superb talents who’re in secluded cultivation. When there are no other alternatives, we can ask them to come out.”
The masters of these numerous organizations immediately let out sighs of relief.
At this time, Xie Yufei suddenly said: “This Xie has someone in mind, but I don’t know if I should mention it…”
Everyone’s lines of sight moved to look at him.
Xie Yufei calmly said: “Just then, when a few fellow disciples under my command were returning, they originally said that they were going to be completely wiped out, but someone came to their rescue. And with the strength of one person, the other side’s seven people were continuously repressed, and all of those Chongyun Sect disciples were left seriously injured and humiliated. It was extremely formidable.”
Xi Yangyun’s interest was piqued: “Oh? Who was that? What was their realm?”
Xie Yufei said: “I heard it was a young man only at Xiantian Realm stage six. It looked like he had only just reached twenty years of age. His name was…Gongyi Tianheng?”
Xi Yangyun immediately laughed: “So it turned out to be him.”
For some of the people among Clear Water Pavilion and Mingyue Pavilion, their complexions were somewhat astonished: “Gongyi Tianheng?”
Xie Yufei said with surprise: “Senior Sect Brother Xi recognizes him?”
He looked at Hua Xueyin: “Junior Sect Sister Xueyin, could it be that you’ve heard of this person?” Then, he also looked at his own younger sister’s unusual expression, “Yuxia, you also know him?”
Xie Yuxia was the first to answer: “Elder brother, Suying once mentioned this person to me, but this little sister didn’t care about it at the time. Therefore, I only have a vague impression.”
Then came Hua Xueyin’s soft laughter: “When my pavilion and Duanshui Hall were at a stalemate, that Junior Sect Brother Gongyi sold some needed things to us, which brought great help to the pavilion.”
Soon after, Xi Yangyun smiled and said: “If it’s Junior Sect Brother Gongyi, this matter isn’t strange at all. His foundations are sturdy. Although he doesn’t usually reveal his talents, his strength is actually outstanding and he far surpasses his peers. He also has somewhat of a friendship with me.” Speaking up to here, he asked, “Before Junior Sect Brother Gongyi left, did he give medicinal pills for those couple of wounded juniors?”
Xie Yufei said: “That’s right. How does Senior Sect Brother Xi know this?”
Xi Yangyun said: “Junior Sect Brother Gongyi has a capable person under his command whose pill refining isn’t below Lingxiu’s. There are usually many good things in his possession. If there were several juniors who were heavily wounded, Junior Sect Brother Gongyi certainly would’ve lended a helping hand.”
Xie Yufei sighed with regret and said: “Indeed, it was like that. Otherwise, I’m afraid it would’ve been a lot harder for those heavily wounded juniors to make a recovery.”
At this time, Hua Xueyin spoke up: “Since that Junior Sect Brother Gongyi’s strength is outstanding, why don’t you ask him to take action, and rectify our Qingyun Sect’s prestige? Senior Sect Brother Xie, how strong were those subordinates of yours when they acted against the Chongyun Sect disciples at that time?”
Xie Yufei’s gaze slightly sank: “A few were Xiantian stage seven, and most were Xiantian stage eight. My side’s disciples are also like this.”
Hua Xueyin immediately looked to Xi Yangyun: “From this, it can be seen that Junior Sect Brother Gongyi’s capabilities are at least able to triumph two realms above his own. Indeed, his battle prowess couldn’t be more ideal. I earnestly request Senior Sect Brother Xi to invite him to take action, and redeem the Sect’s face.”
Xi Yangyun nodded and said: “I’ll send someone on this side to go and invite him. With Junior Sect Brother Gongyi’s strength, compared to those few secluded cultivators, perhaps he isn’t lacking. When Junior Sect Brother Gongyi is present, this will also increase our side’s odds of success.”
The moods of the many powers were complicated, but at this moment, they all spoke with deep feelings: “What Senior Sect Brother Xi says is true!”
It was agreed upon just like this. Xi Yangyun didn’t delay, and promptly wanted to call someone forward.
Just then, Xi Shuangyun suddenly opened her mouth: “Elder brother, let this little sister deliver the invitation card.”
Xi Yangyun hesitated somewhat: “Shuangyun, you…”
Xi Shuangyun gave a gentle and mellow laugh: “Elder brother doesn’t need to worry about this little sister. The road isn’t long. This little sister will go over and come right back.”
The present Xi Shuangyun had already started practicing martial arts. Under the hastening of countless resources, she swiftly ascended the realms. Although it was only this brief period of time, she was already a Meridian Condensing martial artist. It was clear that her many years of hardship truly weren’t without use. It had all been transformed into the accumulation that which she now used to advance by leaps and bounds.
Based on his heart as an elder brother, Xi Yangyun greatly cherished her, but he was even more aware of the fact that she needed to be swept by the wind and battered by the rain if this little sister wanted to stand above that person.
Anyway, this was only delivering an invitation card… She wouldn’t encounter that kind of rabble who didn’t have eyes to see.
Hence, after a little hesitation, Xi Yangyun agreed straightforwardly. He took out some calligraphy implements, and brandished a large brush to write down an invitation. Then, he handed it over to this younger sister of his: “Shuangyun, go quickly and return swiftly. Just ask Junior Sect Brother Gongyi to meet at the Earth Summit.”
Xi Shuangyun gracefully set forth: “This little sister understands.”
After that, Xi Shuangyun departed in an elegant manner. Her body was like flowing clouds. Unexpectedly, what she used was an extremely good body technique. In just a flash, her silhouette vanished at the palace hall’s entrance.
Xi Yangyun said: “Ladies and gentlemen, we’re leaving for the Earth Summit together!”
All of the masters of the numerous forces said: “Onwards!”
Back to Gongyi Tianheng and Gu Zuo.
The two had reunited after a short separation. They were right in the middle of asking each other about their recent experiences, and their interactions were a warm comfort. Although they also discussed some business, it was relaxed and delightful.
Most of all was Gu Zuo, whose heart was smooth and steady. It was as if he had eaten a pill that had set his mind at ease. He only felt that, no matter what bitter experiences came, none would be able to shake him.
Just at this moment, a Tianlong Guard suddenly rushed over. He announce that someone had arrived, and sought a meeting.
Gu Zuo paused: “Ah? Who is it?”
It shouldn’t have been Xu Lingxiu ordering someone to call on him to pay a formal visit to those great personages, right?
Tianheng had a smile on his face, but didn’t speak. He allowed Gu Zuo to raise the questions.
The Tianlong Guard respectfully said: “Reporting to Pharmacist Gu, it is a woman who claims that her surname is Xi. She came to deliver an invitation card.”
Gu Zuo blinked his eyes.
A woman with the surname Xi… Of the people they were familiar with, it seemed that there was only Xi Shuangyun.
But this woman surnamed Xi was initially recovering from a serious illness. She should’ve been safeguarded under the wings of her big brother, Xi Yangyun, so why did she come over at this point in time?
Gu Zuo couldn’t help asking: “Who else came with her?”
The Tianlong Guard replied: “She came alone.”
Gu Zuo: “…”
Senior Sect Brother Xi Yangyun’s heart was truly big.
Tianheng looked at Gu Zuo’s expression, and couldn’t help laughing. Soon after, he said: “Since she came, something must have happened. Dragon Four, invite this person in.”
Dragon Four accepted this order and left.
Gu Zuo said with puzzlement: “Big brother, tell me. What does Xi Shuangyun want to do by delivering this invitation card?”
Tianheng smiled: “Naturally, it’s on behalf of Xi Yangyun.”
Gu Zuo nodded his head.
Okay. He also realized that it certainly wasn’t that Little Sister Xi came to find his big brother on her own initiative.
“In that case, why is Senior Sect Brother Xi looking for big brother?”
Tianheng flicked Gu Zuo’s forehead: “Before this, he looked for you on behalf of Xu Lingxiu. You and Lingxiu fought together for Qingyun Sect against Chongyun Sect. Now, he is looking for me, and it’s probably for the same matter.”
He considered things. Perhaps, those Qingyun Sect disciples who he previously saved had some connections with Xi Yangyun.
Gu Zuo also understood this point, more or less: “Then, big brother… Are you going to go or not?”
The corner of Tianheng’s smile deepened, and his voice was unhurried: “Why not?”
Not long after, Dragon Four led a remarkably beautiful girl, who slowly walked in.
The girl’s beauty was exquisite. The actual person matched the name. Like a cloud of frost on the horizon, she was pure and without flaws.
After walking in, Xi Shuangyun straightened her robes and observed the proper etiquette: “Shuangyun greets these two Senior Sect Brothers.”
Gu Zuo blanked a little bit: “Xi…”
Didn’t she call him Junior Sect Brother Gu before? Why did she suddenly switch her terms of address?
Xi Shuangyun smiled. It was as if a snow flower had blossomed: “Experts take priority. This Shuangyun’s age and realm are both inferior to that of Senior Sect Brother. Naturally, I’ll address you in this way. Previously, I was negligent. I hope that Senior Sect Brother won’t blame me.”
Gu Zuo made a helpless expression: “En, I won’t blame you. Junior Sect Sister Xi.”
Originally, he had entered the Sect late, and believed that it depended on the sequence of entering the Sect… The terms of address were really arbitrary.
Tianheng gently said: “Junior Sect Sister Xi, please sit. Has Junior Sect Sister come over personally because of an important matter?”
Xi Shuangyun raised a hand, and clasped between her slender, jade-like fingers was an invitation card. She softly spoke: “By order of my elder brother, I’ve come to deliver this invitation card. I hope that after these two Senior Sect Brothers read it, you can journey together with this little sister.”
Tianheng extended his hand to take it. Then, he lowered his head and read it.
Gu Zuo also moved closer to look at it. Sure enough, the written contents were due to his big brother’s strength being very outstanding. It went on about how Chongyun Sect was vile and hateful, that everyone should join hands against a common enemy, and that they would go together to get rid of Chongyun Sect, those sons of bitches.
Tianheng raised an eyebrow: “Senior Sect Brother Xi has invited me with such great kindness, how could I dare to not go? Junior Sect Sister Xi, what is the appointed location and time?”
Xi Shuangyun lightly sighed and said: “There have been constant provocations lately, and the fights have also been unending. Elder brother has already led a cadre of people to the Earth Summit’s Martial Prowess Platform. He has instructed this little sister to ask Senior Sect Brother Gongyi to proceed towards the Martial Prowess Platform at once to meet him in person.”
Tianheng nodded his head: “Fine. Then, I’ll leave immediately.”
Xi Shuangyun’s smile became even more gentle and beautiful: “Many thanks, Senior Sect Brother Gongyi.”
Shortly after, Tianheng reached out a hand and lifted the back of Gu Zuo’s shirt collar, pulling him up from his seated position: “Ah Zuo, you’ll go with me, too. Okay?”
Gu Zuo: “Eh?”
Tianheng laughed and said: “Hasn’t Ah Zuo wanted to see what realm this elder brother has entered during this period of time?”
Gu Zuo responded resolutely: “I do!”
Tianheng ruffled his hair with a hand: “Then, does Ah Zuo want to go?”
This time around, Gu Zuo was even less hesitant: “Let’s go!”
After going through life and death battles, Gu Zuo really wanted to know what kind of frightening strength would be revealed from his big brother’s Tiandu Body once he sparred with someone.
Once everything was settled, under Xi Shuangyun’s guidance, Gu Zuo and Gongyi Tianheng arrived at the Inner Sect’s Earth Summit.
Just like the location of the Sky Summit’s Sky Leaderboard, there was a Martial Prowess Platform down below, which was often used by Immortal Realm martial artists to battle. As such, the Earth Summit was the location of the Earth Leaderboard. In general, those who wanted to challenge the Earth Leaderboard would do so on the Martial Prowess Platform beneath this Earth Summit.
Compared to last time’s Sky Leaderboard battle, there were even more people in the vicinity of the Earth Summit. The Immortal Realms among them were actually very few in number, but the Xiantian Realm martial artists covered swaths of land — Practically any Xiantian martial artists who were even a little bit hotblooded or ambitious were willing to set aside this period of time’s solitary cultivation to come over and watch the clashes between their own Qingyun Sect and Chongyun Sect.
Xi Yangyun had led members from some of the forces under his command to occupy a stone platform.
When Gu Zuo and Tianheng followed Xi Shuangyun over, they were directly brought to that place.
Tianheng smiled and cupped his hands: “Senior Sect Brother Xi, long time no see.”
Xi Yangyun was very candid: “Junior Sect Brother Gongyi, I’ve heard that you went out adventuring with Huang Ji? Now that you’ve returned, am I right to think that it has been a big harvest?”
Tianheng said: “I’ve made some headway. It’s not worth mentioning.”
Xi Yangyun smiled and said: “You’re too humble.”
After they finished speaking, Xi Yangyun moved some seats out for these two people, allowing them to sit close to him.
On the Martial Prowess Platform, figures from both sides were right in the middle of fighting.
Gu Zuo asked: “Senior Sect Brother Xi, which side is our Sect’s?”
Xi Yangyun appreciated and greatly regarded Tianheng. Thus, he loved the house and its crow, and also regarded Gu Zuo importantly. As a result, he was quick to answer Gu Zuo: “Junior Sect Brother Gu, take a look. That person with the meandering sword techniques is our Sect’s disciple, who is fifteenth on the Earth Leaderboard. His realm is Xiantian stage eight, and the might of the heavy sword in his hands is out of the ordinary. The other person who uses his bare fists is a Chongyun Sect disciple. His realm is also at Xiantian stage eight.”
Gu Zuo looked over. Indeed, there was a person who was very calm, but his weak points were also very clear. It was that his speed wasn’t fast enough. At this time, the person on the other side who didn’t use weapons raised his palms and made circular motions around his body — Ah, that was wrong. It should be said that this was a one-sided match. The Chongyun Sect disciple’s speed was fast and his body techniques were agile. Unexpectedly, he delivered a palm to the other.
It looked, it looked like Qingyun Sect’s side had fallen to a disadvantageous position…
Soon after, Gu Zuo saw the expressions of the surrounding Qingyun Sect disciples. They were all unsightly.
So, he hadn’t seen wrongly?
At equivalent realms, being unable to defeat the other side was like a huge loss of face.
The thing that was the most exasperating was the Chongyun Sect disciple seemed to be toying with the Earth Leaderboard’s fifteenth place. After making unexpected strikes seven or eight times, he appeared to casually find a gap in his opponent’s defenses and directly slapped the Earth Leaderboard’s fifteenth place down the platform. The other party unexpectedly didn’t care about that heavy sword’s power in the least. The Chongyun Sect disciple seemed to be very familiar with the flaws of that heavy sword’s moves. From the start, it was like he wasn’t diligent at all, and he had already won.
The Earth Leaderboard’s fifteenth place was also counted as an expert on the public side of the Inner Sect. It was said that he was someone who could contend with Xiantian stage nines. Surprisingly, he had lost so bitterly in this place.
After he got off the platform, there was shame across his whole face. He carried the heavy sword on his back once more, and promptly left.
Reportedly, he was going to continue to cultivate painstakingly. He strove to wipe away this disgrace as soon as possible!
Gu Zuo inwardly nodded.
This loss was a loss. Fortunately, it wasn’t a stumble that one couldn’t rise from…
But very quickly, Gu Zuo realized that it was too early for him to be happy.
During the next match, it was still this Chongyun Sect disciple. The opponent was the Earth Leaderboard’s thirteenth place disciple. However, this time around, the Chongyun Sect disciple acted excessively. That he used a weapon would’ve really been normal, but the weapon he used was a dagger. And the Earth Leaderboard’s thirteenth place was a woman whose stature was somewhat robust. While the Chongyun Sect disciple spiraled one-sidedly around this woman, he used the dagger to thrust out from time to time. His thrusts were also very normal, but these attacks didn’t stab the woman. Rather, each strike would pierce and slice a portion of the woman’s clothing!
It didn’t take long for the woman’s clothes to be shredded into many pieces. The holes and pinpricks revealed the glistening and supple skin underneath…and it was seen by everyone here.
At first, the woman didn’t notice anything. But after she sensed that something was wrong and looked down, she was immediately and incomparably ashamed.
Right away, the woman vigorously rose up and attacked. However, the final palm of that Chongyun Sect disciple still struck the woman’s lower abdomen. He sneered and said: “What are you worried about? Just based on these looks of yours, you’re delivering yourself up to me in vain. I loathe women who aren’t beautiful or soft enough!”
T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.
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