Unexpectedly, Feng Ming dared to reprimand him face-to-face. Even with Zhuang Bufan’s composure, his expression slightly shifted. However, Feng Ming’s stern questioning bristled with righteousness and stood on the moral high ground, leaving Zhuang Bufan at a loss for words.
Elder Xun’s face seemed to carry a trace of displeasure as he scolded, "Feng Ming, step back now! You’re merely a disciple at the Ming Qi Third Realm. How dare you act so disrespectfully towards Vice Master Zhuang? When we return, I’ll be sure to have my elder brother properly discipline you."
Though his words sounded stern, a faint smile played on his face, his intent to side with Feng Ming clearly apparent.
Not only that, but he even turned to Zhuang Bufan with a smile and said, "Nephew Zhuang, Nephew Feng isn’t entirely wrong, is he?"
An angry glint flickered across Zhuang Bufan’s face, but he couldn’t retaliate. Not only did the words hold merit, but Elder Xun’s elder brother was also a sect elder and a Nascent Soul Third Realm cultivator. Unless Zhuang Bufan brought his own master, True Master Zhu, into the matter, it was unlikely he could suppress the other party.
With a cold tone, he said, "Junior Brother Feng, if you wish to condense your Xuan Guang by harnessing the energy of execution, you may proceed to the rear hall. Forgive me for not seeing you off."
Having said that, he flicked his sleeve and turned to leave.
Watching his retreating figure, Elder Xun let out a mocking laugh and patted Feng Ming on the shoulder, saying, "Nephew Feng, you don’t need to bother with him. This Zhuang Bufan—humph! I had initially thought that, with him serving as Vice Master, your cultivation process using execution energy could proceed more smoothly. Who would’ve expected his constant opposition? Mentioning sect rules and regulations with me and my brother! This time, I managed to pave the way with Vice Master Pan to get you in, so there’s no need to heed Zhuang’s attitude. Mark my words: before the grand sect competition, no matter what, you must break through to the Xuan Guang Realm. Don’t worry about anything else. You are, after all, my elder brother’s pupil. How could we let that Zhang Yan outshine you?"
Feng Ming shook his head and said, "Brother Zhang is now renowned within the sect. I’m no match for him. Besides, he once saved my life. I have nothing but respect for him."
Elder Xun chuckled darkly and said, "That Zhuang Bufan boy said one thing right—Zhang Yan is already a dead man walking. No matter how powerful he may be, so what? Ha! The Sixteen Swords in One Breath technique—such a formidable move! Since Luo Yuanhua’s Twelve Swords in One Breath decades ago, who else has achieved such mastery in the past hundred years? If he could survive, he would indeed dazzle during the Sixteen Sects Sword Competition. But that ’Four Symbols God-Slaying Formation’ is too perilous. There’s no way he could make it out alive! What a pity, what a pity."
Feng Ming couldn’t help but ask, "Is the ’Four Symbols God-Slaying Formation’ truly that fearsome? Is there truly no chance of survival for those who traverse it?"
Gravely, Elder Xun’s expression darkened as he spoke slowly, "This formation’s ferocity is unimaginable. Within it are three Demon Lords whose cultivation is no less than that of Cave Heaven True Masters. It’s said there’s even another individual whose mana rivals theirs. These four joined forces to construct this array, specifically for confronting Cave Heaven True Masters. No matter how strong Zhang Yan is, he’s just a Xuan Guang Practitioner. Once the killing array is activated, how could he possibly emerge alive?"
Feng Ming listened and fell into silence.
Ning Chongxuan and Qi Yuntian sat cross-legged on the peaks of two mountains, facing each other. Between them, a chessboard floated in the void, and they were intensely engrossed in their match. About an hour later, Qi Yuntian burst into hearty laughter and conceded the game by pushing the board aside.
"Brother Ning, your chess style is sharper than ever. However, there’s one flaw: excessive rigidity tends to break. If you added just a touch more resilience, I wouldn’t even dream of defeating you."
Ning Chongxuan replied indifferently, "For those of us on the path of seeking the Dao, our approach must be fierce and uncompromising. Any obstacle on this path—just cut it down with a sword. This time, Junior Brother Zhang’s actions were exemplary. Even Master Sun greatly praises him. Such boldness speaks to his unparalleled talent in Sword Dao."
Qi Yuntian nodded slowly and said, "Junior Brother Zhang managed to achieve the division of sixteen swords in one breath. I had originally thought his meridian constitution was the lowest Fog Phase. Even after having obtained the ’Lan Yun Secret Volume,’ I believed that, at best, with a steadfast Dao Heart, he could achieve some success in the future. But no matter what, I didn’t expect his talent in Sword Dao to be this astonishing. However..."
At this point, he, too, shook his head. Zhang Yan’s trial was a life-or-death gamble. Lending him a Dharma Treasure might increase his chance of survival, but after toppling the Six Rivers and Four Islands lineage, Qi Yuntian no longer saw it that way.
The twenty-six True Disciples from the noble family lineage were all injured by Zhang Yan, yet none voiced an objection. They knew Zhang Yan was fated to die. Further contention was futile. However, if he managed to survive by relying on the strength of a borrowed Dharma Treasure, how could they let it rest?
Qi Yuntian sighed faintly. As the foremost of the Third Generation Disciples, destined to inherit the position of Sect Leader, he couldn’t help but lament the loss of such a phenomenally talented disciple to the dead array. Sword cultivation was already a fraught and arduous path. Could reincarnation ever recreate such achievements?
Ning Chongxuan pointed a finger, and over three hundred chess pieces rose simultaneously, returning to the chess container. The chessboard revealed a new network of lines and intersections. He said firmly, "If Junior Brother Zhang perishes within the array, it will be in service to the sect. Should anyone tamper with his reincarnation afterward, let them know—this sword in my hand is not just for show."
Qi Yuntian was lost in thought for a moment before saying, "Brother Ning, are you planning to guide Junior Brother Zhang back into the sect to cultivate after his reincarnation?"
Ning Chongxuan nodded silently.
Qi Yuntian also nodded, expressing his agreement. "Our lineage lacks the profound heritage of the noble family sects. Naturally, we should show care and unity towards our disciples. Should Junior Brother Zhang truly fall in the Killing Array, we must safeguard his reincarnation spirit and ensure no harm befalls it. Only thus can we prevent disheartening the other disciples."
Ning Chongxuan smiled faintly and replied, "Indeed."
Qi Yuntian gave a slight nod, his tone heavy as he said, "The noble family lineage grows increasingly aggressive. In five days, the four Cave Heaven True Masters will clash with the Three Pools Lake Demons. Whether our lineage can seize this chance to restore the Qiankun balance will be determined after this battle."
... (Unfinished. If you enjoy this work, please visit Qidian (qidian.com) to vote with your recommendation and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation.)