“How about you give my sword a name, Great Hero Lu?” She held her sword next to Lu Chengsha’s long iron one. The two swords—one exquisite and ornate, the other dark and plain—were vastly different yet strangely complementary.
Lu Chengsha looked at them and pondered for a long while.
Hua Yan’s arm grew tired from holding up her sword. “Great Hero Lu, have you thought of a name yet?”
After much deliberation, Lu Chengsha finally said, “…Chunhua.”
Hua Yan was stunned, “…!!!”
Great Hero Lu, are you serious?
Seeing her reaction, Lu Chengsha hesitated slightly, “…Is it not good?”
“…No, let’s call it ‘Chunhua’!” Hua Yan nodded vigorously, “Chunhua Sword! It’s great!”
She looked at the exquisite, slender, and beautiful sword in her hand, feeling a bit teary-eyed inside. Poor thing!
As they neared the entrance of the Dongfeng Buye Tower Inn, they suddenly saw the young man from before, now holding a bundle, standing at the door.
Hadn’t he left?
The young man had changed into a new robe and nonchalantly approached, stopping a step away, a smile on his baby face. “Master, Senior Sister, from now on, I’ll be following you two!”
Hua Yan’s eyes widened in surprise, “…Wait a minute!”
The young man ignored her protest and continued, “I forgot to introduce myself. My name is Ning Chang. You can call me Xiao Ning or Xiao Chang! If you need anything, just let me know! As long as you don’t kick me out…”
Hua Yan was speechless. Could he really force his way in like this?
Ning Chang looked at them expectantly, his youthful face and big eyes shining like an abandoned puppy waiting for its owner.
Lu Chengsha glanced at Hua Yan.
Hua Yan glanced back at Lu Chengsha.
Reluctantly, Hua Yan had to tell him a harsh truth, “You can’t follow us.”
Ning Chang blurted out, “Why not?”
Hua Yan coldly replied, “Because tomorrow is the Sect Battle.”
I don’t even know if I can make it through, let alone you!
The final event of the Sword-seeking Tournament: the Sect Battle.
Initially, the Sword-seeking Tournament didn’t have this event. It was later added because the results of the conference often determined the influence of the sects in the martial world. The disciple battles’ results were too biased—any sect with a single strong disciple could stand out, failing to accurately assess the overall strength of the sect’s new disciples.
The Sect Battle takes various forms, not limited to one type, usually decided through consultation among the Five Great Sects.
In past battles, there have been simple and brutal free-for-alls where each sect sent five disciples, and the last sect standing won. There have been instances where each sect dispatched five disciples to eliminate a Demon Sect stronghold, with the sect achieving the best results winning. One year, during a severe famine, each sect sent disciples to provide disaster relief, and the rules were temporarily changed to judge the sect that helped the most people as the winner. That year, the unexpected winner was Cixin Valley.
This year’s Sect Battle rules were announced in advance. Each sect would send five disciples to an expedition site prepared beforehand. The goal was to incapacitate opponents, and the battle would last three days. The sect with the most remaining combat-capable disciples at the end would win. Senior sect members would also be hidden in the area to rescue injured disciples in time.
The Sect Battle not only measured the disciples’ strength but also their organization, adaptability, and teamwork. Although it was often not convenient to watch, it didn’t diminish the enthusiastic attention it received.
Hua Yan inquired and found that Qingcheng Sect had the most victories in the Sect Battle.
She felt it was both unexpected and understandable.
Hua Yan then asked Lu Chengsha, who bluntly replied, “Hmm, we haven’t won.”
Thinking about Lu Chengzhao and the other disciples of Tingjian Manor, Hua Yan thought, indeed, they couldn’t carry the team!
Knowing that Lu Chengsha would be staying there for three days, Hua Yan wondered if she should prepare some luggage. However, she was told that the organizers would provide each disciple with three days’ worth of food and a simple pack. This left Hua Yan feeling a bit down.
She had never been apart from Great Hero Lu for more than a day since they met!
What was she going to do for these three days?
The expedition site would be sealed off in advance, and no one else was allowed to enter or observe. They would have to wait for updates from Dongfeng Buye Tower.
Early in the morning, Hua Yan felt downcast. Ning Chang, sticking to her side shamelessly, also looked downcast—he seemed too afraid to approach Lu Chengsha.
Last night, Qingcheng Sect was lively as if they were going on an autumn outing. The blood-drenched wounds on Mu Xuelang were now almost unnoticeable.
Among the disciples of Dangshan Sect, Hua Yan spotted Chu Jun. Many people were discussing him as he stood there with his curly hair and a sullen face.
Zuo Jingshuang was talking to You Weitian nearby. You Weitian had a slight smile while talking to her, but at least he didn’t show any signs of madness. Hua Yan glared at them, mentally huffing.
Shishan Sect couldn’t gather enough people, so You Weitian and a few disciples from smaller sects were grouped together as one.
As Hua Yan looked around, a black figure caught her eye.
When Lu Chengsha approached, people instinctively moved aside, parting the crowd as if he was a dividing line, making everyone around seem insignificant, merely his backdrop.
Dressed in black, with black hair, a calm expression, and dark blue hairband and sword tassel fluttering together, he still looked cold, but his gaze was very gentle.
“Be careful,” Hua Yan began, thinking of what to say. “Though you’re very strong, watch out for sneak attacks… If others like Lu Chengzhao are in danger, don’t bother with them! And…” She took out an oiled paper packet from her pocket. “Some sweets from the west of the city. Take them! You can eat them on the way.”
Lu Chengsha silently accepted the packet and tucked it into his robe.
Hua Yan continued to ramble on for a while, but she realized she had nothing else to say. Yet… she wouldn’t see Great Hero Lu when she woke up tomorrow!
“Come back soon after you finish!”
Lu Chengsha nodded, “Hmm.”
With nothing more to say, they stood there, gazing at each other for a while.
Ling Tianxiao had already taken the stage, ready to explain the rules.
Hua Yan whispered, “…You should go.”
Lu Chengsha nodded once more, then turned and left.
Lu Chengsha lightly nodded, his black-and-white eyes slowly blinking twice.
Watching his figure gradually disappear into the distance, Hua Yan felt an inexplicable sadness. Then, turning her head, she saw Ning Chang’s stunned face.
Ning Chang was astonished, “Senior Sister and Master have such a good relationship…”
And they still say she’s not the master’s wife!
Hua Yan ignored him and sighed deeply, “Sigh.”
Ling Tianxiao briefly explained the rules, then announced that the winning sect in the Sect Battle would have the privilege of first deciding the fate of the Demon Sect’s leader, Xie Yingxian, during the upcoming trial. This statement elicited a chorus of responses from the disciples of various sects, all expressing their deep hatred for the Demon Sect leader.
Hua Yan worriedly wondered if Xie Yingxian would be able to handle it.
At that moment, standing next to Ling Tianxiao was a masked figure in red. The mask and clothing were extremely ornate and extravagant. Even You Weitian’s crimson robe was eye-catching, but this person’s attire was even more vibrant, with richly embroidered flowers in a riot of colors. The hem of the garment dragged on the ground, more flamboyant than any costume seen in the theater.
Hua Yan casually asked, “Who is that?”
Ning Chang replied, “That’s Jiang Louyue. Haven’t you seen him before, Senior Sister?”
“Who is Jiang Louyue?”
Ning Chang cautiously explained, “Senior Sister, you’ve stayed at Dongfeng Buye Tower Inn for so long, you should know the name of their owner…”
Sorry, I really didn’t know.
So this was the owner of Dongfeng Buye Tower. Hua Yan felt a bit of respect. To run so many chain inns and organize the Sword-seeking Tournament, he surely wasn’t an ordinary person. No wonder his appearance reminded her of the extravagant fairy-like Zhijian Multicolored Pagoda of Dongfeng Buye Tower.
After Ling Tianxiao finished speaking, it was Jiang Louyue’s turn to talk.
The moment Jiang Louyue started speaking, Hua Yan was reminded of the voice she had heard through the curtain when Lu Chengsha was gathering information at Dongfeng Buye Tower. The voice was still indistinguishable in age and gender.
“Looks so mysterious.”
Ning Chang immediately flattered, “Senior Sister is right! Jiang Louyue has been mysterious for a long time. According to the age, Jiang Louyue should be over a hundred years old, but look, he doesn’t seem like a centenarian at all… It is said that this is just a title. Every new owner of the inn becomes the new Jiang Louyue.”
Hua Yan nodded, suddenly feeling that having Ning Chang as Lu Chengsha’s disciple might not be so bad.
After Jiang Louyue finished speaking, it was soon time for the disciples to enter the trial grounds.
The trial ground was located in a dense forest not far behind the venue. Dongfeng Buye Tower had specially built a walkway leading to it.
The order of entry was still determined by drawing lots. The disciples of the first sect would enter the trial grounds, and after two quarters of an hour, the disciples of the second sect would follow. This process would continue until the last group of disciples entered, at which point the timing would start.
This process was long and tedious, and Hua Yan, growing impatient, decided to take a walk.
Her walk led her to a troubling sight.
From a distance, she saw You Weitian talking to someone whose appearance was obscured. The person handed him something before walking away.
Afterward, You Weitian also left.
In recent days, You Weitian had interacted with many people. To the average observer, his conversations might seem innocuous, but Hua Yan, knowing his background, was wary. She knew how poisonous the myriad of techniques from Wan Gu Sect could be.
She had always been suspicious of You Weitian’s intentions. This incident only deepened her concerns.
Coupled with his collaboration with Yu Ye, she couldn’t help but worry about what they might be plotting.
Hua Yan frowned deeply.
- ••
The Sect Battle was about to begin. Tingjian Manor drew the lot for the fifth entry.
Their group of five followed Lu Huaitian’s instructions, positioning themselves carefully and remaining vigilant. Lu Chengzhao, however, seemed dismissive of the need for caution. “Who would be dumb enough to choose Tingjian Manor for the first attack?”
The dense forest surrounded them, with shadows cast by the trees and only the faint sound of cicadas breaking the silence. He glanced at the person beside him.
Lu Chengsha’s cold gaze, filled with killing intent, made Lu Chengzhao shudder involuntarily.
Since his lover left, Lu Chengsha had grown increasingly cold toward him, often making him feel a chill down his neck and back.
He wasn’t afraid of ambushes from other sects, but he did fear that Lu Chengsha might turn on him midway.
Probably not, right? Even though she left, he still saw her plenty!
Absence makes the heart grow fonder. Lu Chengsha should thank him!
Lu Chengzhao shivered again at the thought.
Logically, the start of a three-day Sect Battle shouldn’t be too dangerous. As Lu Chengzhao tried to comfort himself, he kept a wary eye on Lu Chengsha, fearing he might suddenly lash out.
No one else could stop him!
Damn, if he had known, he wouldn’t have provoked Lu Chengsha recently! At least not until after the Sword-seeking Tournament!
But no, Lu Chengsha didn’t seem to care about his provocations!
Damn women really are trouble!
The trial grounds were vast, and after about half an hour, it was already past noon.
Lu Chengyang cautiously suggested, “Should we take a break and eat something?”
The tension had been draining, and they were indeed a bit tired. They chose a relatively open spot by the river, took out some dry rations, and chewed while keeping a wary eye on their surroundings. Lu Chengzhao, who had been reluctant to participate in the first place but was forced by his father, bit into the cold, hard rations with frustration.
Damn, only Lu Chengsha would eat this stuff!
He turned his head and noticed Lu Chengsha eating a packet of amber-colored, glass-like candy slowly.
Unable to help himself, Lu Chengzhao exclaimed, “Damn, where did you get that!”
Lu Chengsha shot him a cold look and continued eating.
Damn, what’s with this kid’s attitude!