Chapter 28 Who trained these disciples?! ...
One month later, I successfully cleared the border.
Xu Zangyu breathed a sigh of relief when he didn't see any suspicious people in the council hall and hurriedly returned to Zhuyu Peak.
Along the way, one could see many disciples diligently practicing, creating a more intense atmosphere than in previous years' competitions.
Even Chen Zhiguang, who wasn't very diligent, was constantly improving his swordsmanship.
Xu Zangyu leaned against the doorway, watching him. "Junior brother, this diligence is unlike you. And why do the others seem to have changed their ways too?"
"Third Senior Brother, you've passed the trial," Chen Zhiguang put down his sword, leaning on his shoulder as he slumped, exhausted. "Third Senior Brother, you may not know that Anxiang Tower submitted its invitation to the Disciples' Assembly, and the Sect Leader has accepted it."
"But I don't know who leaked the news, and in just a few days, the visiting cards from other sects piled up like a mountain in the sect leader's hall."
The Tianyi Sect's disciples' assembly has never been open to the public. In addition, the Tianyi Sect has always kept a low profile. The world only knows the name of a powerful martial arts sect, but has never seen its presence. Xu Cangyu couldn't understand why the sect leader, that old-fashioned old man, would agree to let other sects in.
"Something's not right with the sect leader! Why is he being so flamboyant this year?" Xu Zangyu pondered.
The two sat down to the side, and Chen Zhiguang poured him a cup of cold tea, saying, "I don't know which brat said that the reputation of our Tianyi Sect is all hype and that everyone is a coward. Everyone was indignant, so the sect leader opened up the permissions and let us prove ourselves with our strength."
"There's a difference between us competing on our own and having outsiders around. If we lose face, we'll be disgracing the reputation of the Tianyi Sect."
"Oh, right," Chen Zhiguang quickly added, "Everyone has prepared some nice new clothes, Third Senior Brother, would you like to prepare one too?"
It's clear that Tianyi Sect still cares about their image. Xu Cangyu looked at his almost plain clothes and thought he should buy a new one. He said goodbye to Chen Zhiguang and prepared to go down the mountain.
But halfway there, he was stopped by a junior disciple he didn't recognize. "Senior Brother Xu, please wait."
"Who are you?"
He had never seen this person on Bamboo Rain Peak. He looked young, about thirteen or fourteen years old, and seemed timid. He wondered if this person was a newcomer.
"Senior Brother Xu, I am an outer sect sweeping disciple. I've come to deliver your clothes. Considering that some disciples were not prepared in time, the sect leader specially prepared new clothes for some disciples."
"Thank you for your trouble."
He took the clothes from the tray and remained silent for a long time, mainly because the colors of the clothes were too intense, with bright red as the base and black gauze mixed in for decoration, and gold buttons fastening them in various places.
The black veil wrapped around her arms and waist from her chest, serving as the finishing touch and making the otherwise ordinary clothes stand out.
Xu Zangyu hesitated for a long time, not because the clothes were unattractive, but because they were too ostentatious. And were all the Tianyi Sect members this rich? The buttons were even made of gold beads.
Seeing his hesitation, the junior disciple said with distress, "There's nothing we can do. Senior Brother Xu, you came out late, and there's only this one left. All the others have been taken by the other senior brothers."
Xu Zangyu had no intention of making things difficult for an outer disciple, and accepted the gift with a smile: "It's alright, I was just afraid you'd made a mistake. The gold clasp on it isn't cheap. Who wouldn't be happy when something like this falls from the sky?"
The junior disciple, having finally completed the task, thanked them repeatedly. After they left, Xu Cangyu placed the clothes on the screen and touched the gold buttons with his fingers, discovering that they were actually solid.
"Why didn't anyone tell me that the sect was so rich?"
If you ever need money in the future, you can just unbutton your clothes and use the money directly.
Although he had never tried such bright clothes before, he happily wore them for the competition the next day.
Early in the morning, the mountain became lively. The familiar fellow disciples had all changed their style, looking quite respectable. Even Liu Yidao, who used to spend money only on his wife's knife, had changed out of his hundred-year-old plain clothes and dressed up as a decent man.
There was a commotion at the foot of Zhuyu Peak. It was unclear which sects the disciples came from, but they were ruthlessly stopped by the guards.
"The area ahead is a restricted zone; passage is prohibited."
The group protested, saying, "This is outrageous! We all came in with our visiting cards, so why can't we go in?"
The guard remained unyielding: "Rules are rules. If you're not allowed in, you're not allowed in. Who knows what you're up to?"
"You're spouting nonsense! What kind of treasure is so closely guarded that it can't be seen by anyone?"
"Please don't make things difficult for them. Even disciples of our sect are not allowed to trespass at will. I hope you can understand."
A bright red figure walked down the stone path amidst the dense bamboo grove. The clothes were flamboyant, but the person was unassuming. The warm smile was like snow gathered among red plum blossoms in winter, much more pleasing to the eye than the grumpy guards.
Several people were thinking of going up to strike up a conversation, but the man stopped in his tracks. Another figure appeared behind him, cold as a mountain.
"Junior brother, the competition is just around the corner, let's go to the arena, don't waste time here."
Watching the two leave, the group couldn't help but say, "The news from Chun Ci Fang was indeed correct; Tianyi Sect really does produce beauties."
"It's not like we're doing anything shameful. Why can't we have a friendly and open exchange? We won't do anything wrong."
The two guards gritted their teeth in anger, their eyes practically bulging out of their sockets as they stared at the group of people gathered around them.
"I knew they had ill intentions. They actually set their sights on Senior Brother Xiao. Do they really think we can't hear them?"
The group remained, craning their necks to look, but the red figure was always obscured by the pale ink behind him, making it difficult to see clearly. So, they approached the two guards and asked, "Who was that junior brother in red just now?"
"What junior brother? He's your junior brother, so you can call him that!"
The group of disciples were thoroughly humiliated, but as some of the top disciples in the sect, they had never been humiliated before. They retorted coldly, "If I really want to break through, do you think you can stop me?"
The two men were so angry that their faces turned red. The others heard them shout, "If you don't get out of here, I'll call my men!"
"Are all the disciples of Tianyi Sect this interesting?" the group joked in a roguish manner. "Go ahead and yell, yell all you want."
Suddenly, a gust of wind blew overhead, and soft bamboo leaves came flying like sharp knives. The group scrambled to deal with the attack and were cut in several places. With dark faces, they looked up at the mountain, where a figure in light ink slowly sheathed his sword.
Such powerful sword energy.
The guarding disciple straightened his back and sneered, "If you really break in, you'll have to ask your sect leader to collect your corpses."
The group felt ashamed to stay and left.
Xu Zangyu withdrew his gaze and sighed, "I think I understand why the sect leader didn't allow other sects to participate in the previous competitions."
With Xiao Mingxin and Chu Shu alone, the gates of all the peaks must be worn out.
"Your clothes today... though different from usual, are still quite nice."
Xu Zangyu responded naturally: "No matter how handsome you are, you are still more handsome than Senior Brother. Once you enter, everyone's eyes will probably be on you."
Xu Zangyu wasn't flattering him, but rather expressing sympathy.
Xiao Mingxin is like a piece of meat placed in front of a wolf's den; if someone sees her, who knows what kind of romantic trouble she'll attract.
Xiao Mingxin remained silent for a long time.
Upon entering, a swarm of eyes immediately surrounded him. Xu Zangyu couldn't help but marvel at the protagonist's charm; he felt immense pressure standing next to Xiao Mingxin.
I glanced away and saw Xue Wenxiang, the crybaby tyrant, sitting with other sect leaders in the stands, chatting and laughing. I don't know how he noticed someone watching him, but he suddenly turned his face and smiled sweetly.
This attracted the attention of the other sect leaders as well.
"What is Young Master Xue looking at?"
Xue Wenxiang then looked away: "I envy the gathering of heroes in the Tianyi Sect. I wonder when I will be fortunate enough to have a disciple with such good potential as the Tianyi Sect."
"Yes, yes, Xiao Mingxin's talent among the younger generation is indeed not to be underestimated."
Xue Wenxiang secretly rolled her eyes. Xiao Mingxin? Who's looking at Xiao Mingxin?
Hearing a gasp from those around him, Xu Zangyu squeezed his head out of the crowd and saw Chu Shu, who was dressed in a dazzling red dress. She was incredibly alluring, and her striking features complemented her beauty perfectly.
Sure enough, Chu Shu, a beauty like her, looks perfectly natural in red.
However, this outfit...
He looked down at himself.
Why does it look somewhat similar to what he has?
He had been avoiding Chu Shu for a long time, but Chu Shu didn't even glance at him. Standing on the stage, Chu Shu used a gilded fan to beat his opponent so badly that he had almost no chance to fight back.
Blood stained the edge of the golden fan, blocking the sword that suddenly thrust at him. A murderous face emerged from behind the fan, and the disciple holding the sword trembled and took several steps back.
"I lost, I admit defeat."
The disciple spoke frankly. He knew he was no match for Chu Shu and had originally intended to put up a fight, but Chu Shu's moves were almost enough to kill him. He didn't know who had offended Chu Shu, but he just happened to be caught in the crossfire.
Xu Zangyu knew those eyes weren't looking at him, but the gaze coming through the gilded fan sent chills down his spine.
Chen Zhiguang, who was standing next to her, also said, "Senior Sister Chu's moves are fiercer than before, and she even looks fiercer. Third Senior Brother, what do you think is wrong with Senior Sister Chu?"
Xu Zangyu forced a smile: "Who knows?"
"Whoever wants to talk to Senior Sister Chu is truly blessed. I admire their courage."
Xu Zangyu stopped speaking and could no longer laugh.
After leaving the field, Chu Shu fell silent instantly.
Only those who were close enough to Xu Zangyu and some distance away could hear the hushed conversations.
"Yes, yes, that's the look in their eyes! Why won't the Tianyi Sect allow other sects to go on stage and slap me? Slap me!"
"I can smell the fragrance from my senior sister's fan, it feels so good!"
Chen Zhiguang stopped laughing, because he was next on stage.
He fought with a dark expression, and the people didn't avoid him at all, shouting:
"Oh, it's a cute little brother. Big sister supports you!"
"My younger brother is small, but he has a lot of strength."
Chen Zhiguang almost dropped his sword in fright. Luckily, he fell for these people's despicable tricks and was embarrassed on the spot. Only after being glared at by his master did he regain his senses and quickly deal with the disciples of the other peak.
After stepping off the stage, Chen Zhiguang shrank behind Xu Cangyu, saying, "Why are people outside like this now? It's terrifying."
Xu Zangyu laughed at the words that were made by the surrounding heat, and felt much less stressed.
He comforted him, saying, "Don't be afraid, even our senior brother isn't afraid."
"That's true." Chen Zhiguang came to his senses; their senior brother was truly a peerless beauty.
The two looked towards Xiao Mingxin, eager to see what would happen, but unfortunately, Xiao Mingxin caught them.
"Laugh again, and I'll throw you both over there."
The two immediately sat up straight and watched Xiao Mingxin go on stage.
Upon seeing that his opponent was Xiao Mingxin, the disciple fighting against him immediately lost his momentum and was eventually forced to retreat step by step by the sword in Xiao Mingxin's hand that had transformed into a whip.
The disciples of Tianyi Sect watched the strange and fierce moves with admiration until they heard one sound after another.
"Holy crap! That feels so good! That's amazing!"
"What a special reward."
"..."
The man on the stage switched his whip back to his sword, and looked back at the crowd with a fierce killing intent in his eyes.
Although the sect leader on the high platform was displeased with the large crowd, he promptly reminded Xiao Mingxin not to punish the outer sect disciples below as well: "Today's competition is a friendly exchange!"
Xu Zangyu and Chen Zhiguang were laughing so hard they were numb.
As expected of the senior brother, the last person from Anxiang Tower who was slapped by Xiao Mingxin doesn't dare to show their face now.
These guys really dare to speak their minds.
The next person to step onto the stage was Xu Zangyu, who unfortunately drew Wang You, a formidable opponent from Chaolu Peak.
He was already in the late stage of the Golden Core realm, while Xu Cangyu was only in the early stage. Being eliminated in the first round was not only unlucky but also embarrassing. He stopped smiling and looked at the situation seriously.
Just as he was about to go on stage, Xiao Mingxin stopped him and said, "Win or lose, just do your best."
Xu Cangyu gripped the sword in his hand and returned a relaxed smile.
To be honest, he didn't want to lose.
His opponent, Wang You, probably thought the same thing. Wang You looked at him with some surprise, then said expressionlessly, "I won't let you have it."
Although Xu Zangyu did not understand his meaning, he still said politely, "Senior Brother Wang, there is no need to show mercy."
"You can't beat someone at the mid-stage of the Golden Core realm."
"Let's give it a try, who knows?"
Even if he loses, he can't lose easily; at the very least, people should know that he gave it his all.
The first move was more ferocious than he had imagined. Wang You said in a voice that the two of them could only hear, "The feelings of the disciples of Chaolu Peak are not something you can toy with as you please."
"Since you've chosen to follow Senior Sister Chu, you have to take responsibility to the end. If you bully Senior Sister Chu, I'll break your legs."
Xu Zangyu withdrew his attack, "...Is it possible that you've made a mistake, Senior Brother Wang?"
Who would dare to bully Chu Shu?
He ran away because he was afraid of being killed.
Wang You wouldn't listen: "Still trying to argue!"
Xu Zangyu had some suspicions that someone might have sabotaged things by sending people from Chaolu Peak to teach him a lesson, but no matter what, he was the one who was unlucky.
Chu Shu is indeed not someone you can easily provoke.
Fortunately, his time at the Ascetic Cliff was worthwhile; his mental sharpness improved significantly, allowing him to precisely dodge each attack before it came.
What should have been a one-sided battle dragged on for a long time.
The red figure was almost pierced by a sword, and everyone's hearts were in their throats, but it dodged at the last moment.
Her hair ribbon was broken, her black hair fell to her waist, but her eyes still shone with a tenacity that was unforgettable at first glance.
Having missed his chance repeatedly, Wang You lost patience and yelled, "Go ahead and hit me! Hit me then!"
The audience:
"No, that's not it, we're walking the monkeys."
"So, fighting someone of a higher level isn't an instant defeat after all."
"The Tianyi Sect has hidden many treasures; no wonder they don't let people see them."
A piece of hair ribbon, cut off, floated down from the stage and was caught by someone inexplicably. For reasons unknown, the person put it to their nose and smelled it.
It was suddenly snatched away by an outstretched hand.
Why did you steal from someone?
"Who said it's yours?"
You Fengchun put away the hairband and defiantly said under the other party's angry glare, "If you're not happy, you can come and take it."
The man saw the black hairpin in his hair, which looked like an ink brush, and immediately knew his identity. He only regretted that he was not as skilled as the man.
Xu Zangyu knew the time was right, and suddenly slid behind him, thrusting his sword forward. Wang You hurriedly blocked the attack and used his sword to defend.
With a crisp sound, the sword broke.
The sword that broke was Xu Zangyu's.
Only Wang You's sword remained, pointing at him.
Wang You was stunned, and so were the people watching.
Xu Zangyu picked up the broken sword, not feeling particularly sad. This sword had never been replaced since he first started learning it; it was nothing special, and it was already unexpected that it had lasted this long.
"Senior Brother Wang, I have lost."
“No, you didn’t lose.” Wang You suddenly raised his head. “Although the rules state that a broken sword means a loss, and falling off the platform means a loss, everyone can see that it was your sword that lost. You didn’t lose.”
"Are you trying to humiliate me with this broken sword? Fine, you win!"
Wang You said with a face full of shame and indignation, "I lost. I was not as good as him."
The verdict remained undecided for a long time on the stage. The sect leader hesitated, and Xue Wenxiang beside him said, "Sect Leader Chu can't possibly not see that he is more skilled, can he?"
"In a real fight against the enemy, even if the sword breaks, it can still be used for an instant assassination."
Chu Yang's expression remained unchanged. "Rules are rules. If they can be changed so easily, what credibility do they have?"
Xue Wenxiang scoffed inwardly, "What an old stubborn fool."
"This time, it's Wang Yousheng."
The audience erupted in cheers.
"That's not fair. What kind of loss is this? The sword is broken, but that doesn't mean it can't kill."
"A martial arts contest isn't about whose sword is better. If that were the case, you could just buy the most expensive and best one."
"Enough." Chu Yang stopped the argument. "According to the rules, Xu Zangyu should lose, but considering the special circumstances, he can be promoted and compete again."
Xu Zangyu paused for a moment before smiling and bowing respectfully towards the stage, saying, "Thank you, Sect Leader."
Only then did cheers erupt from the audience, and Xu Zangyu's laughter never stopped; her little face looked extremely beautiful.
"They fight so fiercely, but they're incredibly cute when they smile."
"I'll go up and say hello. He shouldn't be angry, right?"
"You've persevered for so long, you seem very capable."
Xu Zangyu was caught off guard by these words and almost fell off the stage, but managed to regain his balance in the end.
Those people even had the audacity to sigh:
"Hey, why didn't you fall into my arms?"
The sect leader slammed his hand on the grand master's chair, his furious roar like thunder.
"Who trained these disciples?!"
"Utter foul language, how can this be proper!"
Xue Wenxiang was also unhappy and added fuel to the fire: "If you can't behave properly, please take your disciples back."
Several sect leaders looked embarrassed, cursing their disciples for being unworthy, and then one after another tried to save face.
"Oh dear, Sect Leader Chu, don't be angry. We're all young people. Who hasn't been young before?"
"A young man who is not impetuous is not a true youth. These children are in the prime of their youth, so why should we old people be too harsh and stifle their natural instincts?"
Chu Yang: "Ha, they're all bluffing at me."
"It's our fault. We didn't teach our disciples well. We will definitely discipline them when we get back."
The group quickly brushed it off, and Chu Yang kept a straight face, pretending not to hear the buzzing below. To argue further would only make Tianyi Sect seem petty and unforgiving.
Xu Zangyu stepped off the stage, and Xiao Mingxin made way for him, brushing aside his long hair, which was as smooth as jade and hard to put down. "Where's your hairband?"
Xu Zangyu then remembered that the stage was empty and said, "It probably fell somewhere."
"Do I have any spare hairpins?"
Just as Xu Zangyu was about to take it, a sharp gaze pierced him. Chu Shu's cold, deep eyes were fixed on him, like a lurking evil spirit about to rush through the crowd and tear him to pieces.
He abruptly pulled his outstretched hand back, saying, "I'm all sweaty and just about to go back and take a shower. I won't trouble you any further, senior brother."
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