Chapter Sixty-Six: Entering the Pavilion
Hiss, shhhh!
The Four-Fingered Demon’s finger-strumming technique vanished without a trace, as if sinking into mud. At last, Ping Yichen, the Four-Fingered Demon, began to regard the young man before him seriously. For someone of his stature, especially when launching a surprise attack, there were perhaps fewer than ten people in the world who could so easily neutralize his skill—and among those ten, certainly none were as young as this man. Excellent, excellent. With a friend near the Nalan family, I can peacefully go watch the excitement at the Lingjue Tournament.” With that, he burst into hearty laughter, gave a wave of his hand, and several maids scattered yellow chrysanthemums. Amidst the sea of flowers, the Four-Fingered Demon departed with flair.
Meanwhile, Nalan Xin’er noticed the unusual event: “Brother Mo, what was that old man trying to do? Why should he decide who protects whom? Hmph.”
Mo Bai replied, “Perhaps he meant well for you. The Four-Fingered Demon has been renowned for his exquisite skills for quite some time.” Suddenly, he changed tack: “Wait, how do you know he’s an old man? Judging by his appearance, he isn’t much older than me.”
Wu Luohua chuckled mischievously: “Mo, don’t you get it? In Xin’er’s eyes, your age already makes you an old man.”
A bead of sweat appeared on Mo Bai’s brow. Nalan Xin’er quickly explained: “Brother Xiao Hua is talking nonsense. I could tell that those four fingers are maintained by spiritual cultivation to preserve his youthful looks. Wait, why aren’t you calling him Brother Mo anymore?”
Wu Luohua replied with meaning: “Since you stopped, I suppose I should change my address too. Besides, Mo once said he didn’t like being called ‘big brother.’”
Nalan Xin’er asked, “Does Brother Mo actually prefer being called ‘uncle’?”
Mo Bai’s forehead was now covered in sweat, but his heart felt glad for Nalan Xin’er’s progress; the Nalan Violet Eye was rapidly developing under constant stimulation.
“Miss Gan, do you think there are any good spots left at Guihai Pavilion?” Mo Bai suddenly asked Gan Yu.
“I fear all the best places have already been taken by beautiful ladies and handsome gentlemen.” Gan Yu replied.
Xiao Hua gave a cry of, “Oh my!” and dashed off in the direction where Li Tong had disappeared, leaving behind a trail of Gan Yu’s tinkling laughter.
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“The old master is truly shrewd. The Lingjue Tournament hasn’t even started, yet people are already itching for a fight in Guihai City.” In a spacious hall, a young man in his thirties, dressed in white, spoke with confidence. Opposite him sat an elderly man who seemed drowsy, but the sliver of light in his half-closed eyes burned with brilliance. This was none other than Guihai Xin, the old city lord of Guihai City.
He was also the one who initiated this Lingjue Tournament, announcing it to the world as a man nearing seventy. Guihai Xin let out a languid sigh: “How much longer will I live? If I don’t take this chance to experience the spiritual cultivation world of Linglong Continent, I may never have another opportunity.”
A trace of clarity flashed in the white-clad young man’s eyes as he thought to himself, “Even at this age, the old fellow still yearns for glory—truly not to be underestimated.”
Guihai Xin continued: “Yuer, how is the Spirit-Locking Array I instructed you to set up? Guihai City is the blood and sweat of generations of the Guihai family. We cannot let the tournament destroy it.”
Yuer, the white-clad youth, bowed respectfully: “Yuer has completed all preparations. The area around the Lingjue Tournament is fully covered with spirit barriers we purchased at great expense. Should anyone make a move during the tournament, the spiritual energy will never escape. The citizens of Guihai City will witness spectacular duels, but will suffer no harm. As for outside, I cannot say.”
Guihai Xin slowly rose, walked out of the hall, and gazed at the sky: “The rise of an era always comes with sacrifice.”
“Wow, what an imposing pavilion!” Gan Yu, rarely venturing beyond Gan Fortress, was amazed to see such a grand place in Guihai City, especially the Guihai Pavilion prepared by the city lord for the Lingjue Tournament.
“The Guihai clan is a prestigious family. Though not as renowned as the Wu or Luo families among the spiritual sects of Linglong Continent, their wealth rivals any major clan.” Wu Luohua replied, obviously familiar with the Guihai clan.
“Haha, haha! I knew I’d meet Brother Mo here! You’ve made your brother wait so long!” As the group admired the Guihai Pavilion, a middle-aged man approached. He was none other than Tian Huashan, the Cold-Faced Gentleman and leader of the Haikun Gang, followed by Zhang Biao, Purple Lilac, and others. The fourth master, Liu Shuyi, was absent, most likely avoiding Mo Bai out of fear.
Mo Bai clasped his hands in greeting: “Brother Tian, you are indeed here. It seems everyone attending the Lingjue Tournament must stay at the Guihai Pavilion.”
Tian Huashan pulled Mo Bai aside and whispered: “Brother Mo, you may not know, but the Guihai Pavilion isn’t necessarily the best place for cultivators.”
Mo Bai was puzzled: “Why? Is there something more to it?”
Tian Huashan coughed: “Though the pavilion claims to welcome all participants, most who come are here to support the old city lord. Frankly, it’s become a haven for his allies. If outsiders enter, they’re threatened by those loyal to the city lord. So despite its grandeur, few actually stay here.”
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Mo Bai nodded. Wu Luohua remarked: “But we saw members of the Yihua Sect move in, didn’t we?”
Tian Huashan glanced around warily. This formidable leader outside Guihai City became timid within its walls. “Young Master Wu, you’ve noticed as well. The old city lord’s intentions in holding this Lingjue Tournament are clear. For centuries, despite turmoil, only five major spiritual sects have dominated Linglong Continent, known as the Five Great Sects. There have been rises and falls, but never a new sect. The old city lord’s actions are a direct challenge to this tradition. The very name ‘Lingjue Tournament’ signals the rise of a new spiritual sect.” He looked outside again, lowering his voice: “The closest major sect to Guihai City is the Yihua Sect. Alas, I failed to investigate thoroughly, and now I’m forced to oppose them—a troublesome situation indeed.” Clearly, Tian Huashan was growing uncertain.
Mo Bai counseled: “Then, Brother Tian, why not avoid the conflict? Take your brothers back to Haikun Fortress—feasting, drinking, and dividing gold and silver, what could be more satisfying?”
Tian Huashan gave a bitter smile: “Too late. Even though I’m part of the Five Great Sects, one must bow to circumstances. I’ve already submitted the Haikun Gang’s invitation to the old city lord. Now that I’ve moved into the Guihai Pavilion, it means my brothers and I are tied to Guihai City.”
He shifted topic: “Do you know why Yihua Sect disciples entered the pavilion? To find out who opposes them, so they can eliminate threats swiftly.”
Mo Bai thought, Tian Huashan, you clearly hoped to use this tournament to raise your standing in Guihai City, but now you risk getting caught in your own trap.
Tian Huashan looked at Mo Bai and suddenly burst into laughter, startling the group. They wondered how the calm, shrewd man outside the city could seem so foolish here.
Realizing his own lapse, Tian Huashan coughed: “Look at me, forgetting that Brother Mo is here. Hmph! With Brother Mo’s help, what need I fear from the Yihua Sect? Even if Master Gu Meng herself arrives, I’ll face her head-on!” His spirit was indeed high.
Mo Bai gave a wry smile. Just then, a cold voice sounded from above: “Hmph, you dare to mention my esteemed master’s name?”
PS: Wishing everyone a Happy New Year!
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