Chapter 406: Liu Wu, Who Are You Looking Down On! (Requesting Monthly Tickets)

Chapter 406: Liu Wu, Who Are You Looking Down On! (Asking for Monthly Tickets)

Chen Yi scanned the surroundings, his gaze shifting slightly.

Where they stood at this moment was indeed a martial arts arena.

Vast and desolate.

The sky above was no longer laden with the previous dark clouds, replaced instead by seven-colored clouds and mist, casting a gentle light.

The ground was paved with smooth stone slabs, perfectly square and meticulously arranged.

All around stood rows of weapon racks, holding every manner of sabers, spears, staffs, and clubs.

Xiao Jinghong, Shui Hetong, and the others confirmed to have the privilege of watching the battle stood upon the arena.

Yet there were others.

—Those wanderers of the martial world who lacked the merit to watch had unexpectedly appeared here as well.

Chen Yi looked at the surroundings thoughtfully, "The Dao of Chess... is it?"

It seemed somewhat different from his own Dao of Chess.

Or rather, it felt more real.

The Dao of Chess used the spiritual energy of heaven and earth as a guide to construct an illusion, drawing the minds of others into it.

But what was false remained false.

Everything within it was fleeting and unsubstantial.

The spiritual energy of heaven and earth would also face constraints.

Yet here...

Chen Yi clenched his fist, feeling the true intent of his own Martial Dao; not only was there no sluggishness whatsoever, he could even exert his full strength.

The spiritual energy of heaven and earth suffered no restrictions.

Shui Hetong seemed to perceive his doubt and explained in a low voice, "This is the 'Changing of Heaven and Earth' manifested by my master, the old gentleman."

"It can briefly alter the heaven and earth of a single region."

Chen Yi raised an eyebrow slightly, "Not the Dao of Chess?"

Shui Hetong shook his head, "My master is not skilled in the Dao of Chess."

"This is his honor's Dao of Divination, also known as the Dao of 'Yi'."

"As for the specifics, among us disciples, only my Eldest Senior Brother has cultivated it to success; I have not received his honor's true mantle."

The Dao of Yi... Changing Heaven and Earth...

No wonder the Great Immortal Bai could suppress the martial world for decades; this single hand of Changing Heaven and Earth alone was difficult for anyone to withstand.

Xiao Jinghong, having heard their conversation, did not speak up, merely standing quietly beside the old master.

Zhang Xuan looked around, nodding in agreement, "Old Man Bai is decent enough, making this old man's journey worthwhile."

He was not the only one who thought this way.

The surrounding martial wanderers were all overjoyed.

They had originally thought they could only wait outside, merely joining in the bustle.

Never did they expect the two Terrestrial Immortals would allow them all to enter together, making the trip truly worthwhile.

For a moment, the empty martial arts arena grew lively.

"Good heavens, Senior Great Immortal is my savior, this is so damn liberating."

"We, to think we could also witness Senior's majestic demeanor..."

"Not a wasted trip, not a wasted trip..."

After the clamor, the many martial wanderers clasped their hands in unison.

"We thank Senior Great Immortal Bai and Senior Snow Sword Sovereign!"

The voices resounded through the arena, deafening to the ears.

Great Immortal Bai stood in the center of the field, looking at the crowd with a smile as he spoke:

"This old man has not appeared in the martial world for a long time. Descending the mountain now has actually stirred up such a storm, which truly makes me uneasy."

"Since you all have come, then come and watch."

"Should you gain anything from it, consider it a meeting gift from this old man."

The moment his voice fell, another wave of gratitude ensued.

Of course.

There were also those who were not so happy.

Such as Chen Yunfan.

He tilted his head back, glaring sideways at Great Immortal Bai, finding him more and more disagreeable the more he looked.

Originally, he had been somewhat thrilled at gaining the qualification to watch, thinking to make Cui Qingwu look at him in a new light, and thinking to display his prowess before the many martial wanderers.

Who could have guessed everyone would get in.

The admiring and envious glances he had anticipated from the crowd vanished.

"If I knew Great Immortal Bai would do this, why did I labor so hard for a whole day."

Cui Qingwu covered her smile, offering a few words of comfort in a low voice before his mood improved slightly.

Another person who was somewhat dissatisfied was Liu Lang.

To come and watch the battle, he had endured a vast amount of hardship, failed to defeat Shui Hetong in the end, and still thick-facedly clung to them to get here.

"If I knew it would be like this, why would I go beg..."

Hearing the sound, Shui Hetong turned his head and cursed with a laugh, "You scoundrel, you came to beg me, so I brought you along, and now you blame me instead?"

Liu Lang choked up, laughing cheekily, "Brother Shui misunderstands."

Shui Hetong glanced at him, resolving in his mind that upon returning, he would definitely seek him out for another spar.

Chen Yi ignored the two, his eyes constantly fixed on where Great Immortal Bai and the Snow Sword Sovereign stood.

To be precise, it was on a person behind them—a man clad in black brocade robes, tall and straight in stature, wearing a White Tiger patterned mask upon his face.

The clash of black and white colors made it hard not to draw attention.

Coupled with the White Tiger pattern on the mask... someone from the White Tiger Guards?

Chen Yi muttered to himself, why would Great Immortal Bai and the Snow Sword Sovereign, two Terrestrial Immortals, bring someone from the White Tiger Guards?

The General Star?

No.

Chen Yi's gaze swept across one of the martial wanderers on the other side, knowing that he was the true General Star.

Before he could think further.

A crystalline glint flickered in Chen Yi’s eyes, and he could not help but let out a soft, involuntary sigh.

The figure who seemed to be a White Tiger guard carried an aura distinctly different from that of an ordinary person.

This... clearly defied reason.

He...

At that moment, the man seemed to sense Chen Yi’s gaze and looked up.

When their eyes met, the masked faces—black iron and white tiger—held a calmness as deep as the abyss.

Yet in Chen Yi’s heart, a strange familiarity stirred, like... the Way of Chess?

Exactly.

He could confirm that the man wearing the white tiger mask harbored the Way of Chess, and his cultivation was no mean feat, at least not below his own level.

Such being the case, it all made sense.

Only one who had mastered the Way of Chess could stand beside the cultivators Public Mao White and Ye Ge Xian.

As for that man, Chen Yuan Ji, he met Chen Yi’s gaze, slightly pausing before turning his attention elsewhere without a trace of hesitation.

Yet within him, too, a ripple stirred.

—Yi Er, so you too carry the Way of Chess?

—A cultivator who has reached the Perfected Realm!

Those who excel in the Way possess a distinctive aura—long, flowing, and resonant, imperceptible to others yet intimately familiar to one another.

Thus it is, that those of noble bearing draw one another in.

Chen Yi mused silently, *Who might this be?*

Certainly not a common official of the Golden, Silver, or Iron banners; by the standards of the Star of the General, one could discern much.

The man in the white tiger mask must hold a position higher than his own.

A steward? Or perhaps someone else?

Unable to discern, Chen Yi merely observed him in silence.

After a moment, the crowd gradually dispersed, leaving the center open, and the clamor of voices faded until even the fall of a pin could be heard.

All eyes were fixed on the center, their gazes intense, some trembling with anticipation.

The pale-as-snow Leaf Sheng Xian’s expression remained calm, scanning the room before speaking coldly, “Begin.”

The great elder nodded with a smile, waving his hand, and three imperial scholar’s chairs materialized in the air, gesturing for him and Chen Yuan Ji to take their seats:

“Wait a moment.”

Leaf Sheng Xian, ever diligent, settled into the chair on the left.

Chen Yuan Ji slightly inclined his head, taking the right-hand chair, yet said nothing, continuing to gaze intently at the center.

His eyes, deep and enigmatic, held no clear focus.

The great elder stood before the central chair, smiling as he spoke:

“Before we begin, I have a few words to share.”

“For a century past, though the world has been at peace, the martial realm has grown languid, tinged now with corruption.”

“A century ago, we of the martial world lit lamps with a single breath, upholding ‘justice’ above all.

But now?”

The elder’s smile dimmed, his youthful face bearing an incongruous solemnity.

“I see this land of nine provinces and three prefectures, reeking of copper stench and power’s taint.”

“I understand that even in prosperous times, some endure hardship, driven by ambition and greed.”

“Yet once ambition and gain take root, they gnaw at the mind like a splinter in the bone. How can martial cultivation endure?”

He paused, his gaze falling upon the scholars among the crowd, “Scholars are no different.”

“This world belongs to you young ones in the end. Do not forget your original vow.”

The gathered martial practitioners flushed and reddened, as though struck at their spine.

After a moment of silence, they all spoke in unison: “We heed the venerable elder’s teachings.”

Though the elder might be seen as old and preaching to the young, his words carried no condescension nor force, earning him the people’s hearts.

Chen Yi, thoughtful, watched him in silence, thinking, *This one truly cares for the realm.*

Perhaps it was stirred by the impending “Hidden Immortal” conflict two years hence?

Some such possibility.

The elder, regardless of whether they truly listened or feigned it, concluded his words and turned on:

“Surely all know the old ways of sparring and dueling. I need not dwell on that here.”

“This first contest shall be between myself and the Sword Saint to choose a disciple to spar with.”

“First, to show that our lineage continues, not lost to time.”

“Second, to let you all witness the finest peers of our age, to see their prowess firsthand.”

Seeing their attention return to the contest, the elder glanced at Leaf Sheng Xian, slightly raising his hand.

“Please.”

Leaf Sheng Xian leaned back, gripping his long sword’s hilt, not even lifting his eyelids as he said, “Come.”

The crowd glanced at one another, none knowing whom he meant.

“The Sword Saint has always kept to himself. Have heard he has no disciples?”

“Since he came, there must be someone.” “Only, who is it?”

“The ‘East Sea Sword Saint’? In this gathering, besides General Xiao, no young one has reached the Perfected Realm in swordplay.”

“Perhaps it is General Xiao.”

“Unlikely. Earlier, I saw her depart with the water master of the Wind and Rain Pavilion, so her departure should have been sanctioned by the elder’s predecessor...”

It's best not to.

Chen Yi, upon hearing a murmur that Xiao Jinghong might have intervened on behalf of Ye Gu or Bai Da, immediately shook his head.

Among those present, anyone could be his opponent, but Xiao Jinghong—no, he alone could not be matched.

At that moment, Liu Lang tugged his sleeve and whispered, "Boss, are there any sword masters here more formidable than General Xiao?"

Chen Yi glanced sideways at him and said, "Who told you it had to be a swordsman?"

As he was about to rise, Chen Yunfan, seated a few rows away, muttered under his breath, "Who says there aren't skilled swordsmen?"

Liu Lang followed his gaze and looked up, saying, "I wonder who that is—this must be the graduate's younger brother, right?"

"What, you also want to spar with us?"

He looked at the sword at Chen Yunfan's waist and asked, "A swordsman?"

Chen Yunfan raised an eyebrow slightly, ignored him, and turned his gaze to Chen Yi, who wore a black iron mask: "Your man?"

Chen Yi met his gaze with a slight nod, "Pardon me."

Immediately, Chen Yi placed his hand over Liu Lang's face, pressing him firmly to the ground.

"Stay quiet, don't embarrass yourself."

Liu Lang stepped back, chuckled twice, and was about to speak when he saw Chen Yi continue walking towards the center, so he quickly called out, "Boss, where are you going?"

"This is a contest among the disciples of the Shu Zhou Sword Lord and Bai Da's descendants—don't disturb them."

Before he could finish, Chen Yi, without looking back, waved his hand and walked straight to the three figures of White Deer, Leaf Gu, and Chen Xuanji.

At once, the onlookers in the audience reacted.

"'Dragon and Tiger' Liu Five!?"

"It's really him!"

"Is he a disciple of the Shu Zhou Sword Lord's predecessor?"

"No wonder he rose so quickly—he must be a disciple of the Shu Zhou Sword Lord's predecessor!"

"Now the 'East Island Sword Master' and others have a grudge to settle."

"Before, they wanted to spar with 'Liu Five'—now they might have to swallow their teeth and gulp them down."

"Yes, how could the Valley of Flowers and the 'Ghost Sword' compare to the Shu Zhou Sword Lord's predecessor?"

Liu Lang opened his mouth, pointing at Chen Yi in the center, "H-he's... he's... he's..."

Chen Yunfan glared at him, "Stop staring, we're not here to watch."

He then looked at Chen Yi, thinking to himself.

Before the two Earth Deities and countless others in the martial world, Yi's disciple would surely showcase his talents...

Oh, Yi's disciple's reputation will be all over the place again.

Cui Qingwu noticed his unhappiness and gently patted him, saying, "In time, Chen Yunfan will also shine in his own right."

"I hope so..."

Chen Yunfan nodded, and then looked at Chen Yi, who was deep in thought, saying, "I wonder who his opponent will be?"

He certainly knew Chen Yi's strength.

Among those present, aside from the few beings at the top of the nine ranks, no one would be Chen Yi's opponent.

He was curious to see who would be so unlucky as to face him.

Shu He heard his words and chuckled inwardly, noticing the calm gaze of Xiao Jinghong, and whispered, "Don't overlook Liu Five's gun skills—he's reached the pinnacle, just a step away from the extreme realm."

"In addition, his other skills are no less formidable than those of a top-tier master at the nine ranks."

Xiao Jinghong gave a slight nod, gripping his sword silently without speaking.

No matter who the opponent, only she could win.

Because she had no choice but to succeed—if she couldn't even pass this place, how could she rescue her father from the southern barbarians?

Xiao Laotai's old face showed a mix of pride and concern, "This Liu Five... he's quite the remarkable fellow..."

Yuan Liu'er stood silently behind them, her eyes fixed on Chen Yi with unwavering focus, her thoughts a mystery.

Her master will surely be renowned throughout the world.

Even if it's under the name "Liu Five."

As for these...

Chen Yi paid them no mind, bowing his hands and saying, "Liu Five has met the three predecessors."

White Deer smiled and nodded, "I've heard of a talented young man from Shu Zhou—indeed, his talent is exceptional."

But in the next moment, his words shifted: "However, I think high talent should work hard, not idle just because of it."

"...I will follow the predecessors' teachings."

Chen Yi inwardly sighed, "This one pretends to be wise..."

He'll have to settle accounts with him eventually.

White Deer smiled even brighter, turning to Chen Xuanji, "What do you think of him?"

Chen Xuanji glanced at him and said in a low, hoarse voice, "Not bad."

"Even you think so, then he's quite good—haha..."

White Deer laughed heartily, but this left Chen Yi feeling perplexed, always thinking there was some deep meaning in his earlier inquiry.

He looked over Chen Xuanji, thinking, "Could he really be the head of the White Tiger Guard?"

At that moment, Leaf Gu spoke calmly, "It's your turn now."

White Deer's smile faltered, turning his head with some irritation, "You're in a bad mood today."

Leaf Gu remained unmoved, "The time is late."

White Deer nodded, then waved his hand towards Xiao Jinghong, saying, "Master, let's have a spar with this young man."

Chen Yi looked towards Shu He, thinking, "Indeed, it's Shu He... Master?"

Master?

Before he could react, a shadow emerged from the crowd and walked straight towards him.

It was his wife—Xiao Jinghong!

Chen Yi stared at her, then suddenly turned his head sharply towards White Deer, a flash of anger in his eyes.

You damn White Deer!

On his lips, he could only mutter a silent curse: “You shameless old man.”

Bai Daxian, who had been watching him, couldn’t help but burst into hearty laughter upon seeing that.

Even the stoic Ye Guxian beside him curved a slight smile.

They all wore the smiles of those who had triumphed in their schemes.

Only Chen Xingci paused, blinking once before shaking his head to himself.

This Bai Daxian was truly reckless, daring to pit his son and daughter-in-law against each other in a contest.

Thank the heavens Xiao Hong did not yet know Chen Yi’s identity, or else things might have ended badly by now.

The martial experts around them, clearly unaware of the truth, all cheered loudly.

Liu Lang and Yuan Lao’er, among others, shouted in support of Chen Yi.

Shuǐhé Tóng remained silent, but his eyes lingered on Chen Yi, a strange chill crawling up his spine.

He felt, inexplicably, that this master had perhaps gone too far.

Beside him, Chen Yunfan’s mouth widened. He glanced at Chen Yi, then at Xiao Hong as she approached, nearly laughing out loud.

As one in the know, he longed to shout across the distance: “Xiao Er, what do you think of this?”

By the gods, Bai Daxian’s legs!

Chen Yi’s mind was filled with a dozen curses.

It was plain to see how he felt in that moment.

Yet he could not act.

For one, he could not best Bai Daxian or Shénsword Master.

For another, Xiao Hong, Xiao Laotai, and Chen Yunfan were all present—he could not afford to show any signs of dissent.

But… monks may hide, yet they cannot escape the temple. Shuǐhé Tóng and Tang Huansha were still in Shuzhou.

Hmph.

Chen Yi hissed a silent “Hmph,” standing firm, waiting for Xiao Hong to join him beside the elder.

“Xiao Hong of Shuzhou bows to the three venerable masters.”

Bai Daxian finally restrained his laughter, introducing them all:

“My nephew, Xiao Hong, is a closed-door disciple of my former master Li Wudan. Equally gifted in his own right.”

“This time, let her spar with Liu Wu.”

The crowd murmured again.

Even those who had heard whispers of the matter were still stunned when Bai Daxian confirmed his connection to Li Wudan.

“A pair of divine immortals of the earthly realm, I… I…”

“I wonder, who is their master?”

“Is it the ‘Stone Emperor’ from a hundred years ago, or the benevolent ‘Master’ who taught people?”

Before they could dig deeper, Bai Daxian raised a hand, cutting through the chatter. Silence fell again.

He gave Chen Yi a sly wink, then said, “Begin.”

Chen Yi understood, suppressing the urge to roll his eyes, and spoke in a low voice: “Wait for me.”

Xiao Hong had already bowed respectfully, stepping to one side, hand resting on her long sword, coiling her energy for the strike.

Chen Yi, equally bowing, moved to the opposite side, ten zhang away, watching her intently.

My husband, you’ve been duped.

If you learn the truth someday, you must not bear me ill will.

Blame that shameless old Bai Daxian.

Xiao Hong, unaware of his thoughts, saw his reflection in the eyes beneath her helmet and said, “Please, teach me!”

Chen Yi’s face beneath the mask darkened, then replied, “Please.”

Just like that.

He had no intention of a serious contest with Xiao Hong, so after speaking, he gestured to the weapon rack and fetched a long sword.

“Having heard that General Xiao is master of both spear and sword, I’d like to test my sword techniques against his.”

To his surprise, Xiao Hong’s expression shifted instantly. Her voice hardened:

“If that’s so, then I’ll meet your sword style with my spear.”

“You… me…”

Before Chen Yi could continue, Xiao Hong hummed, sheathed her sword, and called for a long spear.

Chen Yi opened his mouth, his face growing more grim.

My God, Bai Daxian!

Wait for me!!

But it was too late. He could only grimly say, “Be careful.”

Xiao Hong said nothing, gripping the spear, thrusting it upward, her aura surging.

In an instant—

She surged forward like a dragon toward Chen Yi—the spear soared!

Chen Yi let out a silent sigh, raising his sword to parry.

*Clang!*

Xiao Hong knew her spear techniques were beyond Chen Yi, but her swordplay was also unmatched by him.

So she pressed on without mercy.

A burst of spear qi erupted.

Chen Yi stood straight, one hand holding his sword, effortlessly dodging each thrust as if strolling through a garden.

With his spear skills, he could easily spot Xiao Hong’s flaws, making evasion simple.

In just three breaths, they exchanged dozens of strikes.

Xiao Hong’s brow grew more creased with each blow. Finally, she stepped back sharply, her cold eyes meeting his:

“Liu Wu, you only defend and never attack—do you think you can look down on me?!”

(Chapter Complete)