Chapter 107: Xuanyuan

Jiuxi darted ahead like a phantom, swiftly racing through the air above Guihai City, with Master Yunfa following closely behind. The old and the young streaked through the sky, and at first, Yunfa sensed nothing amiss. Yet as they progressed, an uneasy feeling crept over him. He began to perceive that Jiuxi was subtly emanating a peculiar spiritual energy—a sensation that unsettled him deeply.

With a rustle, Master Yunfa descended gracefully, his voluminous black robe billowing as he landed. Surveying the surroundings, he found himself amidst a dense grove of pines and bamboos, the breeze stirring the leaves with a whispering sound. Yet beneath this serene scene lurked a deadly aura. “Xi’er, why have you brought me here? Is there some matter that cannot be spoken of at the inn?” Yunfa finally asked, unable to contain his curiosity.

Master Yunfa nodded thoughtfully. “Very well. With no others about, you may speak freely. To my knowledge, there are no informants of ours in Guihai City.”

Jiuxi replied, “Third Senior Uncle is correct. Our Cloud Heaven Sect has always prided itself on its noble reputation, and thus we seldom station disciples in sensitive places like Guihai City. But that was your era’s way. I have already changed that tradition.”

Yunfa frowned sharply, chiding, “Jiuxi, just because you hold the position of Punishment Hall Master today, you must not misuse your authority or act recklessly.”

Jiuxi laughed heartily, as if hearing the greatest jest. “Third Senior Uncle, have you lost your mind? If I cannot pursue what I desire, then why chase such an empty title at all?”

Yunfa’s expression darkened, sensing something deeper. “What else do you wish to do? Is the position of Punishment Hall Master not lofty enough for you?”

Jiuxi smiled slyly. “My master has been in seclusion for some time. Growing under your guidance, I naturally learned some of your temperament and nature.”

Suddenly, Yunfa’s eyes lit with understanding. “So you covet the seat of Cloud Heaven Sect’s leader! Ha! Jiuxi, I don’t mock you lightly. I have reached great heights in our sect to even entertain such thoughts. And you—after just a few days—harbor such wild ambitions. It’s laughable.”

Jiuxi retorted loudly, “Third Senior Uncle, do you know why you failed?”

Yunfa was taken aback but couldn’t help asking, “Why?”

“Because you were arrogant, revealing all your plans so carelessly. Let me tell you, one destined for greatness never places all their bets in one place.”

Yunfa exclaimed, “You think Guihai City still harbors your future allies? Hmph. I’ll be frank: our master has issued an irrevocable order to help the Yihua Sect survive this catastrophe. That means Guihai City is doomed to fail. Don’t delude yourself into expecting help from the Guihai family.”

“You’re wrong,” Jiuxi roared fiercely. “My allies come from Guihai City—but not the Guihai family. I will carry out the master’s orders, and I will do so far more perfectly than you ever could!”

Yunfa was stunned, sensing Jiuxi’s boundless murderous intent. “Jiuxi, what are you trying to do?”

“Do?” Jiuxi sneered. “I brought you here, and you don’t know my purpose? How laughable! Yunfa, you have only yourself to blame for your misfortune. Instead of honestly repenting at Reflection Cliff, you come to muddy these waters. You not only show up, but you also want to uncover my plans. You truly deserve to die.”

Master Yunfa understood—it was his arrival and mistrust that provoked Jiuxi. The latter intended to strike him down. Yet who was Yunfa? He was one of the Cloud Heaven Six Sons, a renowned spiritual cultivator feared across the land. He would not be cowed by Jiuxi’s threats. With a deep, calm voice, he declared, “Jiuxi, Jiuxi, Heaven’s punishments may yet be survived, but self-inflicted ruin is inescapable. You think you can match me? Very well. Since you have chosen bloodshed, then let us settle the unfinished grudge from atop the Storm Cliff!”

Jiuxi mocked, “Old man, your repentance at Reflection Cliff these days has been in vain. You have squandered the Master Ancestor’s teachings and still cling to that old grudge.”

Yunfa shuddered inwardly, cursing himself for failing his master’s guidance. In that moment of regret, Jiuxi struck like lightning, rushing directly at him. Surprised but resolute, Yunfa unleashed seventy percent of his strength despite the suddenness. With a sweeping motion of both palms, a vast surge of spiritual energy burst forth, aimed at Jiuxi. “Jiuxi, even now you do not understand what you are doing!”

“Of course he knows,” a sharp male voice suddenly echoed through the air, filled with piercing spiritual energy and lethal intent. It came crashing down behind Master Yunfa.

Jiuxi’s heart steadied upon hearing that voice. He intensified the spiritual energy in his palms, preparing to exchange a fierce blow with Yunfa. Even if the strike failed to wound him, it would create an opening for the attacker from behind.

Yunfa faced the familiar Heavenly Dao spiritual energy but dared not confront it head-on. The energy behind him was far too sharp. He had never imagined anyone could wield such potent spiritual force. He resorted to a lesser tactic, lightly sweeping one palm at Jiuxi, then swiftly evading the incoming attack from behind.

But the spiritual energy was too swift. Despite Yunfa’s quick reflexes, it pierced his left arm, sending a sharp pang through him. Gritting his teeth, he turned to face his assailant. The man wielded a heavy sword gleaming with golden light. Suddenly, Yunfa understood the source of the overwhelming spiritual energy behind him.

“It’s…the Xuanyuan Sword!” he exclaimed in astonishment.