Daoxuan Zhenren was startled by Ji Changfeng's words.
What did he mean?
Caomiao Village was massacred by Monk Puzhi?
How could that be possible?!
"Monk Puzhi's Buddhist cultivation is profound. He wouldn't commit such an atrocity," Daoxuan said, frowning slightly.
But at that moment, Cangsong Daoren seemed to recall something and interjected, "Sect Leader Senior Brother, Monk Puzhi once retrieved the Blood-Devouring Pearl, a supreme treasure of the demonic Blood Refining Hall, from the Western Great Marsh!"
"He carried that evil artifact with him and was gravely wounded by me…"
Cangsong trailed off.
But those who understood knew what he meant.
Carrying such a malevolent object for so long would inevitably taint one's spirit, especially after sustaining severe injuries…
Daoxuan's eyes flickered. He sighed, "Very well. Tomorrow, we'll summon Zhang Xiaofan for questioning. That should reveal the truth."
"Sect Leader Martial Uncle, that might not be wise," Ji Changfeng said, shaking his head gently. "Xiaofan is stubborn. If he promised someone to keep a secret, he'd rather die than break his word. You…"
"Likely won't get anything out of him."
Daoxuan frowned, a trace of displeasure in his heart. But out of respect for Ji Changfeng, he held his tongue.
"So be it. Tomorrow, I'll send a letter," Daoxuan said. "I'll ask Tianyin Temple's Abbot Puhong what this is all about!"
_
The Next Day
Tongtian Peak was a sea of people.
Countless disciples gathered in the plaza.
Today was the final battle of the Seven Peaks Martial Assembly.
The champion of this tournament will be decided!
"Who do you think will win? Senior Brother Ji or Senior Brother Qi?"
"Senior Brother Qi, obviously!"
"Come on, after that sword strike from Senior Brother Ji yesterday, can Senior Brother Qi even block it?!"
"I think Senior Brother Ji has the edge."
"Me too…"
The crowd buzzed with discussion.
Despite Ji Changfeng's mere five years in the sect, they called him "Senior Brother." Clearly…
They were utterly convinced by the cultivation he displayed yesterday!
In the cultivation world, strength reigned supreme!
Ding—
The presiding elder lightly struck the bronze bell.
In an instant, the entire plaza fell silent.
Everyone held their breath, awaiting the start of the match.
"This battle is the final match of this Seven Peaks Martial Assembly!" the elder declared. "Dazhu Peak's Ji Changfeng versus Longshou Peak's Qi Hao!"
As the elder's voice rang out, swish—
A figure flashed.
Ji Changfeng appeared on the arena.
At the same time, Qi Hao ascended, gripping his Ice Sword.
His expression was heavy, his gaze toward Ji Changfeng filled with wariness.
Last night, he had visited his master, Cangsong Daoren, hoping to learn the extent of Ji Changfeng's cultivation. But…
Cangsong had only shaken his head and said, "Hao'er, don't compare yourself to Nephew Changfeng. You can't match him."
Qi Hao had been dumbfounded.
What?
Can't match him? What's that supposed to mean?!
His face darkened. He gripped the Ice Sword tightly, vowing to reclaim what was his!
"Ji Changfeng! You've got this!" a clear voice called out.
Ji Changfeng glanced back.
Tian Ling'er stood below the arena, cheering him on, joined by the other Dazhu Peak disciples.
"Seventh Senior Brother, go for it!" Zhang Xiaofan shouted encouragingly.
Qingyun's second-greatest Ji Changfeng fan, Zeng Shushu, had dragged a group of Fenghui Peak disciples over as well.
"Junior Brother Ji, you can do it!"
The support for Ji Changfeng was overwhelming.
In contrast, Qi Hao's supporters were few, mostly Longshou Peak disciples.
Swish—
At that moment, Ji Changfeng noticed a cool, piercing gaze.
He turned slightly and spotted a familiar figure at the edge of the arena—a cold, aloof girl clutching the Tianya Divine Sword.
Lu Xueqi.
She had come to watch the championship battle.
Ji Changfeng flashed her a gentle smile.
Instantly, Lu Xueqi turned her head, a faint blush spreading across her aloof face. Her mind drifted unbidden to the warm embrace from yesterday…
She considered leaving.
But…
"Ji Changfeng! You've got this!" Tian Ling'er's voice rang out again, halting her steps. She returned to her spot, unable to bring herself to cheer aloud for Ji Changfeng.
Yet her clear, bright eyes said everything.
_
Ji Changfeng turned back.
He looked at Qi Hao, who gripped his treasure tightly, tension radiating from him.
Ding—
The bronze bell sounded.
The presiding elder announced, "The match begins!"
Neither combatant moved first.
After a moment's hesitation, Qi Hao spoke. "Junior Brother Ji, I know my cultivation is inferior to yours, so…"
"Let's settle this in one strike!"
"Very well," Ji Changfeng nodded.
Hoo— Qi Hao took a deep breath.
Under every gaze, he slowly raised his Ice Sword.
"Junior Brother Ji, be careful."
With those words, Qi Hao soared into the air.
He ascended to the Nine Heavens, his expression resolute. The Ice Sword in his hand gleamed with radiant chill.
Whoosh—
A dense wave of cold air spread outward.
Qi Hao was going all out from the start!
If he still lost after this…
So be it.
At least he would have tried.
Rumble—
The icy aura spread relentlessly.
Qi Hao unleashed his most familiar technique—the Heavenly Ice Plummeting Earth Technique!
"Nine Heavens' Pure Cold, Ice Crystals for Ten Thousand Miles!"
The chill grew denser.
Yet Ji Changfeng, on the arena, remained motionless.
He watched Qi Hao perform his sword art, a faint smile curling his lips.
Ji Changfeng turned his head.
His gaze settled on a spot behind him.
Tian Ling'er was there.
Lu Xueqi was there.
"Senior Sister, witness this sword!"
His clear voice rang out.
In an instant, a dazzling sword light flashed and vanished.
The Dragon-Slaying Sword was unsheathed!
"Hm?" Tian Ling'er caught his glance, her eyes sparkling with delight.
Was he… looking at me?
Further back, Lu Xueqi froze.
Senior Sister? Was he calling me?
Clang—
A crisp sword cry echoed in everyone's ears.
Ji Changfeng smiled faintly.
"This sword will be spectacular!"
He grasped the Dragon-Slaying Sword, formed a sword gesture, and recited an unfamiliar incantation that sent a shiver through the crowd:
"The righteous qi of heaven and earth, enduring eternally!"
"I seek not to slay immortals, but to cut down ghosts and gods!"
As his words fell, a colossal sword intent surged skyward!
The unstoppable Dragon-Slaying Sword, uniting ten thousand swords to vanquish ghosts and gods!
On the high platform, Master Shuiyue shot to her feet.
Her eyes locked onto Ji Changfeng, a look of disbelief shimmering in their depths.
_
[…]
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