Chapter 61 Oath Must Be Pure and Tranquil: "Today, in this Cloud Candle Tower, no matter..."
Ning Hong was vomiting blood due to her severe injuries. It turned out that the meridians in her left arm had all been damaged by the dull pain from Qing Hu Yue's Jade and Stone Burning.
Seeing this, Ning Chengshan quickly helped her up and treated her injuries.
Ning Chengshan said, "I'm afraid this kind of injury will require one or two years to heal."
Ning Hong: "I will definitely kill that Qinghu Yue in the future!"
Ning Chengshan: "She may not survive."
But then they saw Qinghu Yue lying in Liang Bucheng's arms, covered in blood and unconscious.
His face gradually turned pale, a sign that life was slipping away.
Zhen Lingfu, sitting in the audience, gritted her teeth, tears welling in her eyes, unable to believe or accept the result.
Ling Fu: "After my father left, I was all alone and helpless, and few people were kind to me. This Sister Qinghu Yue disregarded my status and has been taking care of me all this time. If I were to leave like this, leaving Yun Er's family to cause trouble, then it would truly be a case of God being blind!"
Zhou Fuling also came over and pressed down on Qinghu Yue's spiritual veins. They were indeed very weak; she was about to die.
Zhou Fuling's mood was also somewhat heavy.
She was inherently cold-blooded.
But she also felt a bit envious and touched by what Qinghu Yue had done for her senior sister.
If I die one day, will anyone remember me? Will anyone do this for me...? Zhou Fuling drifted off into thought.
But having been a demon for so long, she had no feelings for Qinghu Yue. She was touched, but she couldn't be heartbroken.
Zhou Fuling calmed down and tried to feed Qing Huyue all the precious medicine she had obtained yesterday, but there was no improvement.
Zhou Fuling said with a deep look in her eyes, "I'm afraid he won't survive. Unless..."
“I have come to deliver the spirit,” said Minister Liang, coughing sadly.
Zhou Fuling looked up: "Are you sure?"
Minister Liang: "Confirmed. Do you expect me to watch Hu Yue die?"
Zhou Fuling: "'Spirit Transmission' healing means you have to use ninety percent of your power to heal her, after which you won't be able to use martial arts."
This is very bad news for Zhou Fuling.
She knew, however, that she couldn't dissuade her.
Liang Bucheng said sadly, "I only regret that my skills are not good enough."
In fact, in this world, "spirit transmission" can also be called "life sharing" for cultivators below the first rank.
When a cultivator is seriously injured, in order to save her, a powerful being can transfer a large amount of their power to repair her spiritual veins.
If a powerful being is below the first rank, although they haven't reached the ultimate realm, they are strong enough to pull someone back from the brink of death.
However, repairing a spiritual vein is extremely difficult, requiring vast amounts of spiritual power and energy. After the repair, the powerful being himself will also suffer great damage.
Except for the first grade.
Because the first grade has reached the pinnacle, its power can form a loop within the two people's bodies. When repairing, only a small amount of power is needed to circulate and repair within the two people's bodies, thus saving their lives.
However, at this time, there was no one at Zhigetai, and Liang Bucheng was not at ease letting Qinghuyue go, so he could only treat her himself.
Zhou Fuling looked at Yun Er's side again, and Ning Chengshan fed Ning Hong medicine.
He frowned, seemingly hesitant, and helped her lie down on the ground.
Ning Hong: "Mom, it hurts so much! It hurts so much!"
Ning Chengshan touched her face: "Good Hong'er, bear with it."
They simply let it go and didn't transmit the spirit.
Meanwhile, on the other side, Song Huo and Ning Bai were also engaged in fierce combat.
Just as Zhou Fuling had predicted, Song Huo almost completely overwhelmed Ning Bai.
Because Song Huo won first place in the first part of the wisdom test, he was qualified to choose a trial ground and chose a demon valley as his trial ground.
It was probably a place she was familiar with.
Ning Bai lost his advantage and his skill was inferior to Song Huo's, so he was beaten badly.
Logically speaking, Ning Bai should have lost long ago.
However, his formation was very solid.
After a hundred moves, Ning Bai suddenly unleashed his power, his footwork ghostly, and he actually created a giant array of a thousand pounds, pressing down on the fire.
Song Huo suddenly said, "Go!"
She pointed to her heart, and countless sparks flew out, like streaks of fire.
With a thud, Ning Bai fell to the ground, having lost as well.
Zhou Fuling suddenly looked up, her palms sweating, and thought to herself, "What is this? Song Huo's skill is actually no less than Kuang Yun Chu's. How can she fight like this? How can she possibly fight? I still have to fight both Song Huo and Ning Cheng Shan?"
But suddenly, with a "poof" sound, Minister Liang coughed up blood and almost fainted.
Zhou Fuling helped Liang Bucheng up.
Qinghu Yue, who was in Liang Bucheng's arms, looked better.
"Xu Yan!"
A voice called out; it was Miao Shanzhu calling for Liang Bucheng.
Liang Bucheng stood up, his breathing extremely disordered.
Zhou Fuling thought to herself, "In his current state, he might as well just admit defeat."
But then he realized that Minister Liang couldn't admit defeat on his own. As a high-ranking official, he couldn't surrender without a fight.
This is similar to Xu Qingning, who has an unyielding temper... even when his meridians are completely destroyed, he will fight to the bitter end.
She glanced at Xu Qingning below the stage again.
Xu Qingning hid in the crowd and saw her slightly shift her gaze, but then seem to remember that she didn't need to, and looked back with a concerned look.
But then a bell tolled, deafeningly loud—
The martial arts competition has resumed.
As Zhong Dashan ascended the sword-wielding platform in the third part, Liu Wuxing said from behind him, "Godfather, let him admit defeat!"
Zhong Dashan grunted in response, his voice neither loud nor soft.
Liu Wuxing's attitude was not due to a change of heart.
Liu Wuxing naturally wanted to applaud Liang Bucheng's injuries.
However, the dedication and tireless efforts of a good teacher in saving his disciple would move any group. Now, atop the Cloud Candle Tower, disciples from various groups gazed at Minister Liang, many with expressions of sympathy in their eyes.
Liu Wuxing didn't want to make things too ugly.
After all, what had happened before had greatly diminished his power, and Shu Minglian was still watching him closely. He was now thinking that he couldn't afford to make too many enemies.
When Liang Bucheng stepped onto the stage, he made a perfunctory fist salute to Zhong Dashan, but he was unsteady on his feet.
Zhou Fuling thought to herself: Minister Liang should just admit defeat quickly to avoid suffering. However, I understand if you don't admit defeat, because you don't know I'll be making moves later.
Zhou Fuling was getting a little annoyed. She wished that Minister Liang would fight a little longer. Now it seemed that she would have to make her move soon.
At the same time, Ning Chengshan and Long Shi also started fighting.
Zhou Fuling didn't want to miss out.
But given her current status, she needs to keep an eye on Minister Liang.
So, while pretending to be on the battlefield where Wang Liangbu Cheng was a sure thing for her, she secretly focused her attention and thoughts on Ning Chengshan.
However, a sudden exclamation was heard! The voice was very familiar; it was Ling Fu.
"Bu Cheng!"
A shocking turn of events.
As Zhou Fuling turned around, she suddenly heard a strong gust of wind.
Liang Bucheng fell into a pool of blood.
Zhong Dashan pressed down from above.
Bang, bang, bang!
He channeled his spiritual power into each punch and slammed them into Liang Bucheng's temple, causing Liang Bucheng to collapse helplessly.
Zhou Fuling couldn't see Liang Bucheng's expression at all, nor could she hear any sound from him.
"He attacked us from below!!" Ling Fu shouted hoarsely from below, but her voice softened considerably when she thought about her current predicament.
"He launched a sneak attack."
It turned out that after Liang Bucheng walked up shakily, he exchanged a perfunctory greeting with Zhong Dashan, making a gesture that everyone knew as a gesture of courtesy—meaning that the two of them would stop there. Zhong Dashan returned the greeting.
When Zhong Dashan first made his move, he merely raised his sword and said, "Since this is a gesture of courtesy, I hope you will show mercy, Minister."
Miao Shanzhu also said, "In the past, Xu Yan's techniques were most effective against Zhong Dashan. Now that Zhong Dashan has made the first move, Xu Yan is powerless and will definitely agree not to use that technique. Alas."
As expected, Liang Xuyan returned Zhong Dashan's greeting and said, "I know Zhong Xiu's intentions, so I will agree to Zhong Xiu's request." Liang Bucheng then made a few more concessions.
However, after a few exchanges, just when everyone thought they were about to have a "fight," Zhong Dashan suddenly attacked Liang Bucheng's meridians while Liang Bucheng was coughing.
Although the martial arts manual does not explicitly forbid such moves, such a move is almost indistinguishable from a sneak attack.
Then came the brutal beating of Liang Bucheng's vital points.
Bang!
Liang Bucheng fell to the ground again, his body covered in blood.
Zhou Fuling was shocked: "This is a deadly fighting style."
Liu Wuxing also said, "Godfather, what are you doing?!"
Zhong Dashan's gaze drifted south, and Zhou Fuling followed his gaze, only to be startled once more.
That's the direction of the second part, where Ning Chengshan and the others are!
In a flash, Zhou Fuling said, "In the fourth division, Minister Liang Xuyan concedes defeat!"
Zhong Dashan then unleashed another punch, his spiritual power surging like a torrent. Liang Bucheng, already weakened, was struck, his meridians shattered, and he collapsed, coughing up blood. The fourth disciple was incredulous, weeping bitterly.
Liang Bucheng was carried off the stage, barely recognizable as a human. Only Zhou Fuling remained conscious at Zhigetai, and she quickly embraced Liang Bucheng.
Upon seeing his Daoist companion in such a state, the Miao Mountain Master nearly fainted: "Quickly, carry him down!"
However, an elder sighed and said, "Master Miao, please calm down. According to the current rules, unless the Fourth Division admits defeat, the participants cannot leave the Zhige Platform."
That's indeed the regulation. That's also why Zhou Fuling prepared the medicine earlier.
Miao Shanzhu felt a sudden dizziness.
A disciple from the Fourth Division roared through tears, "Zhong Dashan, why did you kill the Minister Liang? Minister Liang never made things difficult for you!"
Zhong Dashan arrogantly raised his head and said indifferently, "Hmph, Minister Liang has failed in his teachings and should learn a lesson."
Everyone was completely bewildered. Liu Wuxing was also furious and wanted to distance himself from the matter, but in a flash, he suddenly broke out in a cold sweat: "Godfather, good heavens, Godfather... what you just used was the Tiger-Swallowing Blade! You, you... you've long been with Zhongzhou..."
Liu Wuxing shook his head in disbelief, feeling as uncomfortable as if he had swallowed a fly.
Everyone suddenly realized what was happening. The Tiger-Swallowing Blade… Zou Lanci's four masters were all beast masters. He created four sword and blade techniques, which he gave to cultivators he wanted to recruit. Ning Tingyue had practiced them when he was young.
“You’re from Zhongzhou?!” Ning Chaoxue asked.
Miao Shanzhu suddenly took two steps back and lost his balance.
I understand.
Now everything is clear.
Clearly, this Zhong Dashan was someone Zou Lanci had been trying to win over long ago.
...Kuang Yunchu will make arrangements for her, and Zou Lanci will naturally have her own people as well. Yes.
Could it be that she harmed her younger brother?
The Miao Mountain Master, usually so intelligent, is now in complete disarray.
Zhou Fuling looked at Zhong Dashan and thought:
The timing of this person's attack is very strange. If he wanted to surrender, wouldn't it have been better to directly challenge the first one?
No, that's not right. Zhong Dashan was probably not completely bribed during the bribery process.
Choosing to attack Liang Bucheng now is an act of opportunism and cowardice, a way of currying favor with the weak.
Zhou Fuling looked around again, and her thoughts became clearer.
Liang Bucheng was far weaker than the three from the first part, and just now Liang Bucheng's disciple, Qinghu Yue, seriously injured Ning Hong.
If Zhong Dashan kills Liang Bucheng and surrenders, then the fourth division can be divided among the first, second, and third divisions.
This way, he wouldn't completely offend the first and third parts, and he could also please Ning Chengshan in the second part.
That's a really good calculation!
Zhou Fuling helped Liang Bucheng and fed him a few precious pills and spiritual medicines.
Liang Bucheng swallowed it, and his breathing seemed to stabilize for a moment, but then it scattered again like a burst dam. He was severely injured and could not be saved by medicine; it could only stabilize his life to a certain extent.
Upon seeing this, the Miao chieftain wept uncontrollably.
Her heart was in turmoil, gripped by the fear of losing her Daoist partner.
She wanted to beg Zhou Fuling to give up the competition, but she also knew that if she spoke up, Kuang Yunchu would be furious, and what kind of trouble her sect would face...
She suddenly felt the sky darken and the world go dark, she couldn't see anything clearly, and there was nowhere in the world for her to stay.
At this moment, Xu Qingning received a message. He looked towards Tianji Gate and then towards Huo Yue. He wanted to go over, but seeing how sad the Mountain Lord Miao was, he whispered a reminder: "Mountain Lord, there is no need to grieve so much. This matter can be resolved."
He transmitted his voice, which only the two of them could hear. The Miao chieftain angrily said, "My brother is about to die, why do you say there's no need to grieve?"
Xu Qingning replied, "She will break through to the first-grade realm and save Minister Liang, so please rest assured."
The Miao Mountain Lord was stunned: "What?! First-grade Perfect Realm?! First-grade Perfect Realm???"
Previously, the Miao Mountain Master was unaware of Zhou Fuling's true cultivation level, only knowing that she had been poisoned by Kuang Yunchu and could not be easily attacked, so he held little hope. But now that he knew Zhou Fuling's cultivation level, he was greatly shocked.
The highest level of cultivation is the highest grade, the most supreme cultivation technique in the world.
The Miao Mountain Master said, "No...wasn't it said that her power shouldn't be used recklessly? How could that be?"
Xu Qingning said, "She killed Ning Tingyue before. She can also defeat me, so why is it impossible?"
Miao Mountain Master: "Can she save people?"
“Why not?” Xu Qingning said. If it were a month ago, Xu Qingning would have been obsessed with Zhou Fuling, and she would have been ruthless towards him, and he wouldn’t have believed her. But today, after receiving the sword from her, Xu Qingning had a gut feeling that Zhou Fuling would save people.
Just then, Xu Qingning received a message that He Yin had woken up.
Xu Qingning said, "Don't worry for now. I have something to take care of, so I'll go first."
The Miao Mountain Master felt much more at ease.
-
Indeed, as Xu Qingning said, Zhou Fuling planned to save Liang Bucheng. Now that she was about to become the sect leader, losing the Fourth Division would be like cutting off her own arm—a huge loss. However, now was not the time.
Zhou Fuling will have to wait until the next round of martial arts competition begins before she can receive treatment. This will delay the onset of the poison.
The thought of fighting Ning Chengshan and Song Huo at the same time made Zhou Fuling feel uncertain.
Zhou Fuling used pills to prolong Liang Bucheng's life, but her gaze fell on the fight in the distance.
The duel between Master Long and Ning Chengshan was incredibly exciting. Master Long's martial arts were passed down through generations, ancient and profound; Ning Chengshan's skill was also very strong. In the blink of an eye, the two had exchanged a thousand blows, and many disciples with lower cultivation levels fell to the ground, vomiting blood.
Zhou Fuling, however, was very annoyed.
Ning Chengshan's mastery of the Yun Ning martial arts technique had reached a pinnacle. She seemed to have completely grasped the mental cultivation method written in the underground chamber.
break!
Long Shi was not weak, but Ning Chengshan suddenly changed his moves. His moves seemed both illusory and real, but every move was precise and accurate. In the end, Long Shi was defeated and coughed up blood.
Ning Chengshan's skill level is probably at least at the high level. Zhou Fuling was extremely annoyed.
"Cultivator Lingfu, please choose your opponent for the next round." The elder came over and asked her to select her opponent for the second round, as she had won the intelligence test.
Amidst the expectant gazes of the crowd, Zhou Fuling pondered and said, "Zhong Dashan."
Zhong Dashan scoffed, unsurprised by the outcome, but said, "Ling Fu, if something happens to you too, the Fourth Division will be completely wiped out. I think you'd better admit defeat. I... I don't want to touch you either."
Upon hearing this, many members of the Fourth Division cursed and swore, deeply resenting Zhong Dashan's hypocrisy.
What Zhong Dashan said was true. Zhou Fuling had once proposed such a good strategy, but it wouldn't look good for her to be hurt. But this was just a small wish.
Ning Hong suddenly coughed and raised her voice, "Zhong Xiu, go ahead and kill her. Neither my mother nor I will blame you."
Ning Chengshan gave Ning Hong a reproachful look. But she didn't want Ning Hong to take back her words, so she turned her gaze to the crowd, trying to find Xu Qingning, whom she had seen with Ling Fu earlier.
Ling Fu is such a talented person that she cannot be an enemy; the only option is to recruit her.
Her informants reported that Ling Fu was now keeping everyone at arm's length, only allowing this unknown senior brother to keep watch at night. This senior brother appeared to be only a fourth-rank cultivator; if she could control him, she could definitely subdue Ling Fu.
However, since Ning Hong had spoken out, Ning Chengshan didn't want to disappoint his own family, so he didn't stop her.
However, when the gaze swept towards where Xu Qingning was, it was seen that Xu Qingning squeezed out of the crowd, as if she had arrived late. Where had she been?
Ning Chengshan has now stopped the fighting.
On the platform of Ceasefire, one must not descend, but once a round is over, one may summon a trusted confidant to deliver a message and give instructions.
She then summoned her trusted confidant and instructed him:
"That Fan Xiu is probably Ling Fu's lover. You should send some people to keep an eye on him. On my command, subdue him and hide him away."
Ning Bai was filled with resentment upon hearing this, but he dared not speak out.
Ning Chengshan: "Also, go and talk to Ling Fu. Now that Minister Liang is seriously ill, his life is in Ling Fu's hands. She's a smart woman."
The elder replied, "Yes."
Below the Zhige Terrace, where the Fourth Division is located, weeping fills the air. It is the Fourth Division's members weeping for the wounded Liang Bucheng. Liang Bucheng remains unconscious, while the instigator, Zhong Dashan, has already entered meditation, closing his eyes to recuperate.
Zhou Fuling asked in surprise, "Why is Zhong Dashan asleep?"
After a while, observing his aura, she realized that the surroundings seemed to have solidified into a golden shield. "Oh, Zhong Dashan's recuperation technique is like a golden bell shield, which requires isolation from external things to recuperate. I'm afraid he will recover his qi and blood in a little while."
Zhou Fuling snapped out of her daze and waited for the results of the first part's choice of opponent.
The results are in.
Ning Chaoxue chose Ning Chengshan.
The Fire-Singing Immortal Master chose Ning Hong.
This was completely unexpected by Zhou Fuling, but she also understood it.
It seems that after some discussion, the First Division no longer dared to be so arrogant as to forcefully elevate Ning Chaoxue to the position. Now, as long as the sect leader falls into the hands of the First Division, that's sufficient. Ning Chaoxue is paving the way for Song Huo. After all, the later Song Huo makes his move, the more he will know Ning Chengshan's trump cards.
By kicking Ning Hong away, Master Song Huo can also preserve his strength.
Zhou Fuling's aura also deepened... This meant that she would most likely have to fight against two experts at the same time in the final sect master duel.
But that's all we can do.
Zhou Fuling's face was somewhat pale.
A series of resounding bells and tripods pierced the sky, announcing to everyone that the second round of the final battle would begin in half an hour.
The elders announced the rules: "The second round of the martial arts competition is about to begin. Please remain at the Zhige Platform to prepare for the battle. The second round of the grand final will consist of three simultaneous matches: 'Ling Fu vs. Zhong Dashan,' 'Ning Chaoxue vs. Ning Chengshan,' and 'Song Huo vs. Ning Hong.'"
Then another arena appeared.
"After the second round of the competition, the Sect Master's Grand Martial Arts Showdown will take place. Those who participate in the Grand Martial Arts Showdown can decide whether their sect members stay or leave the Ceasefire Platform. In addition, before the second round, unless a sect loses completely, no one from that sect may leave the Ceasefire Platform. Nor may the sect invite others to the Ceasefire Platform."
As Zhou Fuling pondered, Liang Bucheng's condition worsened, and blood trickled from the corner of his mouth.
"Ling Fu, little cultivator." Just then, a gentle voice came, and an elder from the second department walked over. Behind him, a disciple was carrying a brocade box. "This is the Immortal Dew Enhancing Pill, made from the condensed immortal dew of the upper heavens for ninety-nine nights. It is an elixir that can only be exchanged in three cities. If Minister Liang takes it, he may survive, but his power will be greatly reduced... But as long as the green hills remain, there will always be firewood. Don't you agree?"
"Is this true?" Among the members of the Fourth Division, some were already overwhelmed by grief. A cultivator named Zhong Sixin's eyes widened in shock. "What are your conditions?"
But then a clear, cold voice rang out. Xu Qingning stepped forward, standing with his hands behind his back: "The Immortal Dew Enhancing Pill is indeed a spiritual medicine, but such a pill requires not only the Immortal Dew of the Upper Heaven, but also the blood of the evil dragon from the Heavenly Desolation Ravine. The Immortal Dew is used to counteract the poison, and then the poison is used to activate the meridians. It can indeed save the Minister's life. But once taken, all his cultivation will be destroyed, and he cannot stop taking the medicine."
"The medication cannot be stopped. Minister Liang's life is in the hands of the Second Department, isn't it?"
He possessed an otherworldly air and had previously been taciturn; his sudden appearance drew everyone's attention.
Ning Bai already harbored hostility towards him. Seeing him like this now only fueled her disgust. She resolved to teach this man a lesson and make Ling Fu take notice.
The elder sighed and said, "Young friend Ling Fu, I know you are quite hostile towards the second part. But Liang Bucheng's current serious injuries can only be cured by a first-grade 'Spirit Dispersing' medicine and strong medicine. However, all first-grade medicines are currently on the Ceasefire Platform. If Liang Bucheng does not take this medicine, there is no other way."
Ning Bai said, "Hey, Ling Fu, don't worry. Mother wanted you to take this medicine too, but I persuaded her not to."
He hesitated for a moment, then suddenly made up his mind and said loudly, "As long as you are willing to return to the second part, I am willing to protect you and forgive your past mistakes!"
He glanced at Xu Qingning again.
With no power, no influence, and nothing to his name, what can he possibly use to fight him?
He glanced at Xu Duanwu again, feeling disgusted but not daring to say anything too harsh.
He closed his eyes, solemnly and loudly proclaimed: "From now on in the second part, whoever I am among the men will be whoever you are among the women. Aside from becoming partners, I can give you anything. Hey, Ling Fu, did you hear me?!"
Upon hearing this, all fell silent.
Ning Bai's words were a huge promise and declaration of love, and in the current situation, they were a bombshell. Many people went to look for Ning Bai's fiancée, Xu Duanwu, whose face was pale, for this was indeed a great humiliation.
Master Xu was also furious.
But then a woman said, "Pah! Do you think she cares?"
Her voice was clear and resentful; she was the real "Ling Fu," disgusted by these words and unable to hold back her outburst.
Now, with everyone watching her, she knew to hide behind the elders.
But Xu Qingning said, "How ridiculous."
Ning Bai was already increasingly obsessed with Ling Fu, and now that he heard Xu Qingning speak like this, he was furious and about to lash out.
Xu Qingning looked at Zhou Fuling and said, "Fumei, don't be fooled by him."
Zhou Fuling said, "Of course not."
Ning Bai said, "I didn't lie." He looked at Zhou Fuling, and since he had already said it, he didn't care about anything else. "My feelings for you... are real!"
Xu Qingning sneered, suddenly cutting his index finger to draw a talisman, and swore to the heavens: "I, Ling Qing, hereby swear that today, in this Cloud Candle Tower, no matter what happens, I will be with Fu-mei through life and death, never abandoning her, and never letting anyone harm her in the slightest." He exchanged a glance with Zhou Fu-ling, then looked away at Ning Bai, "Do you dare to make such a vow? If not, then don't speak of your true feelings. I'm afraid that if anything happens that doesn't go your way, you'll turn on Fu-mei."
His incantation was a spiritual oath. If it was broken, it would cause backlash to the meridians.
Ning Chengshan frowned, wanting to stop him, but how could Ning Bai admit defeat in a battle between men?
He gritted his teeth and followed suit, drawing the incantation and swearing an oath to the heavens: "Fine, I swear this to the heavens in vain!" He looked at Zhou Fuling, his eyes full of sincerity, "The oath I swear today is absolutely true! My heart is as firm as stone! And no matter what happens today, I will not harm Fuling in the slightest! If I break this oath, may my meridians be severed!"
Because he wanted to compete with Xu Qingning and wanted Zhou Fuling to submit, Ning Bai swore an oath to also call her "Fuling" like Xu Qingning. He originally wanted to swear an oath to never abandon her, but thinking that he would definitely turn against Xu Qingning, he changed his wording to avoid harming Zhou Fuling.
But that was enough for Zhou Fuling.
Zhou Fuling and Xu Qingning looked at each other from afar, their gazes unusually smiling, as if to say, "Well done, senior brother."
Xu Qingning heard a system notification in her ear:
[Villain's favorability +10%]
She also smiled slightly at Zhou Fuling.
The two looked at each other and smiled gently, which, to onlookers, was undoubtedly a sign of deep affection and loyalty.
Ning Chengshan thought to herself, "Ling Fu values this person so much, and she doesn't even care about Minister Liang being injured. She seems to be a simpleton. This person must be brought under control."
Ning Bai was furious and said, "Fu-meizi, why are you looking at him? I swear for you!"
Zhou Fuling said, "Oh. So what? You have to swear an oath yourself."
Ning Bai wanted to get angry, but lowered his voice as if he was about to explode: "Fu Mei, quickly give that medicine to Minister Liang. I won't hold it against you."
The sound was like a husband disciplining a disobedient wife.
Xu Qingning said, "What is your relationship with her? If you care, would you care or not?"
Zhou Fuling also threw down the Immortal Dew Revitalizing Pill.
"Take it. Minister Liang has no use for it."
Ning Chengshan also stood up, coldly saying, "Is Miss Ling Fu really so heartless? For the sake of so-called pride, she wants Minister Liang dead? Or is it that if Minister Liang dies, what benefit will you, as his only disciple, gain?"
These words were tantamount to putting Zhou Fuling in a very difficult position.
Sure enough, some of the fourth group's followers turned pale with fright and tried to persuade Zhou Fuling to get up. Master Miao said, "Wait."
Ning Chengshan was somewhat surprised and said, "What? Does Master Miao not care about his partner's life or death?"
"Who said only the Immortal Dew Revitalizing Pill can save us?" A leisurely voice rang out as Yu Shi strode forward, accompanied by Ning Chengsong. "What you did in the second part, wasn't that taking advantage of our misfortune?"
The Rain Master also sent a disciple to deliver medicine, saying, "This kind of elixir can temporarily stop Minister Liang's acute illness. After the martial arts competition, the Fire Immortal and the Dragon Master can treat Minister Liang... However, you must agree to a small condition from our First Division. The alliance agreement has already been sent to the elders of the Fourth Division for review."
He was sent by Ning Chenghan.
Zhou Fuling accepted the alliance agreement without speaking. However, an elder from the Fourth Division couldn't contain his anger and roared, "What's the difference between this and taking advantage of our misfortune? First, you want us to reform our system and give you 50% of our mountain mines every year. Second, you want 50% of the spiritual energy tax. Third, you want all disciples below the fifth rank to tutor your disciples. Why don't you just roast the Fourth Division and swallow it whole? Wouldn't that be faster?!"
Zhou Fuling pondered for a moment, then smiled and said, "Aren't you all dreaming too much? This mine comes from the Fourth Division's sacred land, and all the departments within the Fourth Division depend on it for survival. That's bad enough, but the 50% spiritual energy tax is just adding insult to injury for our Fourth Division. And the reform of disciples below the fifth rank means that our future is in your hands..."
Ning Chenghan, surrounded by his entourage, approached Zhou Fuling and said, "It's only been a hundred years. Returning some of our resources would be better than the death of the Minister and the Fourth Division being divided up by the other three. Think about it carefully."
Zhong Sixin, a cultivator from the fourth level, was furious: "Don't sign! If you sign, what chance do low-level cultivators from the fourth level have to survive?!"
Another elder, Lü Shoude, looked at Zhou Fuling and tentatively suggested, "How about... how about taking that Immortal Dew Enhancing Pill?"
Ning Chengshan's subordinates, however, held up the Immortal Dew Enhancing Pills. Ning Chengshan coldly said, "You can eat them, but Ling Fu Xiaoxiu was just rude to us. She should apologize and swear allegiance to our Second Division before she can eat them."
Amidst the chaos, Zhou Fuling remained silent.
Then another bell rang, signaling that the competition would begin after one incense stick's time.
The Fourth Ministers were anxiously calling for her. Zhou Fuling, however, sat down cross-legged and looked at Ning Chengshan and Ning Chenghan: "Have you two finished talking?"
Ning Chenghan and Ning Chengshan were both puzzled. Ning Chengshan said, "You're quite stubborn."
Zhou Fuling helped Liang Bucheng up and placed her hand on his shoulder: "Please go back. I need to treat Liang Bucheng's injuries."
Ning Chenghan and Ning Chengshan were taken aback.
...Was she heartbroken?
Ning Chengshan said, "Stop! Minister Liang is in such great pain that he needs acupuncture and manipulation by someone of the highest rank. If you do this, I'm afraid it will only make things worse for him!"
Ning Chenghan said, "Are you trying to kill Minister Liang?"
Many people in the fourth part were also shocked and surprised by Zhou Fuling's actions.
"Ling Xiu, Ling Xiu... No!" A voice came from above Zhou Fuling; it was Xu Duanwu.
She had been watching the show from above, but because Zhou Fuling had embarrassed Ning Bai, she had developed a certain fondness for her and hurriedly stood up to remind her, "You're only at the third rank. If you force your cultivation and make a mistake, your meridians will be ruined. Stop, stop."
Zhou Fuling said, "No need."
He closed his eyes and focused on healing, channeling his spiritual energy into Liang Bucheng's body to find his broken meridians and repair them with his spiritual power.
Zhou Fuling should have rarely done such things in the past hundred years, but because Xu Qingning's meridians had been severed, she had examined his meridians on his chest while they were wandering. Although she hadn't performed any treatment, she had mentally rehearsed it hundreds of times. At this moment, Liang Bucheng's injuries were far less severe than Xu Qingning's had been, and Zhou Fuling quickly found the key to the problem.
*Pfft pfft...* Liang Bucheng spat out a mouthful of blood. Half-asleep, he felt someone treating him.
This skill was incredibly strange yet exceptionally powerful, repairing and restoring all his meridians as silently and effortlessly as a gazelle hanging its horns.
Who was the expert who treated him?
He glanced back and saw Zhou Fuling. The two looked at each other, and Liang Bucheng was so shocked that his blood rushed to his head and he fainted again.
Ning Bai exclaimed, "A last burst of energy! Ling Fu... stop! Don't be reckless, or you'll regret it!"
Ning Hong asked, "What's going on? Why didn't Master Miao stop them?"
Elders of the Fourth Department, such as Lü Shoude and Zhong Sixin, deeply cherished Minister Liang. Now, seeing Ling Fu seemingly heartbroken and fearing that Minister Liang was about to suffer a terrible fate, they exclaimed, "Ling Fu, no!! You're going to harm both of you, and also the Fourth Department!"
The Zhigetai was surrounded by clouds and mist.
However, judging from this barrier, if the cultivator is powerful, the pressure can penetrate it. Although it is far less powerful than when facing it directly, it is still useful.
Both of them were at the fourth rank and were about to break through to the third rank. Their strength was not great, but they couldn't care less about that and joined hands to crash into the barrier.
I just wanted to remind Zhou Fuling to stop and not do anything reckless.
The two had just left.
Two loud "poof" sounds were heard, and a powerful pressure swept in from behind the barrier, like a mountain pressing down.
As Zhong Sixin and Lü Shoude's clothes fluttered, they felt their legs lose all strength, as if their entire bodies were being crushed by an invisible force.
Thump, thump! They knelt on the ground, their knees pressed firmly into the stone steps, unable to move or stand up!
"Ouch!!"
The oppressive force struck again, and the two men's eyes rolled back as they lost consciousness.
The real Ling Fu wept in the crowd, thinking, "They knelt down and begged her for Liang Bucheng's sake, and then fainted from grief. There's truly genuine emotion in the fourth part!"
She shouted at Zhou Fuling on the stage, "Stop! Don't harm Minister Liang! They've been so good to us!"
The fact that Lü Shoude and Zhong Sixin acted this way prompted the elders of the second division to react first.
These two idiots, with their level of cultivation, dare to break through the barrier of the martial arts technique!
She considered herself a second-rank official, rolled up her sleeves, drew her sword, and walked towards the barrier, pointing at Zhou Fuling:
"Ling Fu, did you get your brain caught in a door...?"
*Snap!* A powerful pressure emanated from behind the barrier.
The elder felt as if he had been slapped hard on the head, the force of which was like the Buddha's palm slapping a watermelon.
She screamed and was thrown off the stage, her forehead hitting the corner of the hidden door.
His head rolled back and forth between the hidden door and the door frame, and before he could even make a sound, he was knocked unconscious.
"Elder!"
Yu Shi and Ning Chenghan also sensed something was wrong.
The two picked up their magical artifacts, became more cautious, and carefully proceeded to check the condition of the Zhige Platform.
However, as soon as they approached the fourth stop platform, they all cried out in pain.
The oppressive force was like a violent storm!
The two of them were of the highest rank and had seen all sorts of storms, yet they couldn't stand steadily. Forced back several steps by the pressure of the barrier, they collapsed to the ground!
The disciples and attendants behind them, who were protecting them, were also bumped.
Splash—
The crowd fell like dominoes, tumbling over each other in a chaotic mess.
The only one that didn't get involved in this mess was the third installment.
"What?"
"What happened?"
Liu Wuxing and Shu Minglian, two people who don't get along, stood together for once, rubbing their eyes, not understanding what had happened.
This was a rare moment of perfect understanding between them.
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