飘零影音

Chapter 84 - Arc 7: Dragon Ascension Gate | Chapter 84: Winner

Translator: Lynn

Sponsored chapter (2/10)

Xu Ziqing is captivated by the ongoing battle.

As Ji Banlian danced gracefully, he couldn’t help but feel something extraordinary about her movements, though he was slightly dazed. Zhang Tiantai’s fierce sword spirit also made a deep impression on him. He recalled the sword aura he had witnessed before, secretly comparing it in his mind.

Mr. Zifeng’s sword energy was short but concise, appearing solid and robust. Compared to this Sword Qi’s knife shape, it naturally had the upper hand. And my friend Yun Lie’s sword energy was thin and sharp, capable of cutting through the air and inflicting harm. It could even be used through his arms and fingers. Compared to Mr. Zifeng’s sword energy, it was much superior. However, sword qi and saber qi were inherently different.

Sword qi was sharp and indestructible, while saber qi was dominant, strong, and forceful.

Both were formidable weapons, but in Xu Ziqing’s memory, the sword surpassed the saber. This was likely due to the different cultivation levels of those who wielded swords and sabers. If Zhang Tiantai were to build his foundation and advance further in his cultivation, his Dao Sword would undoubtedly undergo a transformation. It would no longer be suppressed by the ringing sound!

Xu Ziqing was also a formidable individual. While he acknowledged the power of Ji Banlian’s sound waves, he preferred sharp and violent weapons. The brocade silk and jade bracelets seemed too soft to his liking. As he observed the ongoing stalemate between the two fighters, he conversed with Yun Lie once again, saying, “Brother Yun, that girl Ji’s techniques are quite peculiar.”

From Xu Ziqing’s perspective, Ji Banlian’s movements when manipulating the brocade silk were identical to her utilization of the jade bracelets and jade bells to practice sound waves. Therefore, it must be derived from a specific set of exercises.

A cold voice suddenly interjected, saying, “That’s ‘The Wonderful Art of Tianyin Charming Dance.\'”

Xu Ziqing had merely brought up a casual topic for conversation, but his friend seemed to be well-informed, surprising him. “Brother Yun, you’re familiar with this?”

Yun Lie replied, “Qingyun Great World also has the Jingle Palace, where all the women practice this method.”

Xu Ziqing’s curiosity grew, and he asked, “If Miss Ji successfully establishes her foundation, can she directly join the Jingle Palace upon arriving in the big world?”

Yun Lie nodded and added, “At that time, someone will come for her from the Jingle Palace.” The “Jingle Palace” he mentioned naturally referred to the one in the Qingyun Great World.

Understanding the situation, Xu Ziqing said, “I see.” After contemplating for a moment, he continued, “Since Miss Ji’s techniques have been passed down in the big world, they must hold a high rank. In this fight, Fellow Daoist Zhang might be in danger.” Yun Lie responded, “Not necessarily.”

Xu Ziqing wasn’t particularly invested in the outcome of the battle. He had initially initiated this speculation to engage his friend in conversation, but now that it had succeeded, he smiled faintly and said, “Brother Yun, please enlighten me.” He cleared his throat, “Being able to watch the battle with you, Brother Yun, and listen to your insights… makes me quite happy. I apologize if I seemed a little…”

Yun Lie interrupted, saying, “It’s alright.”

Xu Ziqing continued, “Brother Yun, please proceed with your explanation.” Yun Lie pondered for a moment, then began to elucidate, “To persist under Tianyin’s charm dance to this extent, Zhang Tiantai possesses an unyielding will.”

His words carried a tinge of admiration, and Xu Ziqing found it rather commendable, causing him to listen more attentively.

Yun Lie continued, “Jingle Palace’s Tianyin Charming Dance excels at bewildering people’s minds. The deeper the cultivation, the more potent the sound waves become. However, it consumes as much as swordplay does.” Xu Ziqing contemplated the explanation, realizing that it explained why Ji Banlian had tried to exhaust Zhang Tiantai’s spiritual power through evasion.

As he pondered in silence, Yun Lie’s voice resumed, “This woman’s cultivation level is too low. She won’t be able to sustain it for even half a moment. Zhang Tiantai, on the other hand, preserves his spiritual power. Although the situation is challenging, he won’t be powerless in the future.” Just as Xu Ziqing had been raptly listening to Yun Lie’s words, his thoughts began to waver. At that moment, he felt a gentle touch on his cuff, jolting him back to reality.

It turned out that Su Xin was anxiously watching the battle. Unable to contain his curiosity, he grabbed Xu Ziqing’s sleeve and asked in a low voice, “Brother Ziqing, who do you think will win?”

Unaware that Su Xin was still beside him while conversing with Yun Lie, Xu Ziqing was momentarily taken aback when he realized this. “My dear brother Xin…”

Misinterpreting Su Xin’s question, Xu Ziqing replied with a hint of embarrassment, “In my opinion, there won’t be a clear winner.”

After pondering for a moment, Xu Ziqing understood what Su Xin meant and smiled, saying, “I believe Zhang Daoyou has the advantage.”

Su Xin’s spirit brightened upon hearing this and he eagerly urged, “Brother Ziqing, share your thoughts with me!”

Recalling what Yun Lie had mentioned earlier, Xu Ziqing carefully considered his response and said, “Look at Ji girl’s powerful sonic technique. It must require a considerable amount of spiritual power.” He gestured towards the sweat on the woman in the yellow shirt’s forehead. “Take a look, Brother Axin.”

Surprised, Su Xin followed Xu Ziqing’s gaze and remarked, “Indeed.”

Xu Ziqing continued, “On the other hand, Zhang Daoyou appears tense but keeps most of his spiritual power contained within his body, retaining a clear state of mind. His accumulation of spiritual power surpasses that of Miss Ji.” Su Xin also observed Zhang Tiantai closely and noticed his tension, but his eyes remained focused. Compared to earlier, he seemed more composed now, sensing something in his heart. Su Xin sighed, “Brother Ziqing, your insights are truly remarkable. It seems I might lose this time.”

Xu Ziqing smiled but said nothing, secretly expressing his gratitude to Yun Lie. “Brother Yun, I appreciate you sharing your wisdom with me.”

Yun Lie remained silent.

Xu Ziqing chuckled and joined Su Xin in watching the ongoing battle.

As Yun Lie had predicted, Ji Banlian was clearly nearing the end of her endurance. Her footsteps gradually slowed, and the jade bell in her hand emitted a different sound compared to before. On the contrary, Zhang Tiantai’s eyes grew brighter, and his complexion improved.

Observing this, Ji Banlian grew anxious. She twisted her waist sharply and resumed her dance with increased intensity. The ringing of the bell became more urgent, transforming from a gentle spring rain to a violent storm in an instant.

Xu Ziqing sighed, “Miss Ji is becoming desperate.”

In the next moment, Ji Banlian slipped in her steps, the bell rang chaotically, and the marvelous realm created by Tianyin Meiwu dissipated in an instant.

Seizing the opportunity, Zhang Tiantai shouted, “Break!” His muscular arms tightened, and he slashed upwards with his long knife. In an instant, the invisible blade cut through the remaining sound waves. Ji Banlian’s face turned pale as she became powerless.

But Zhang Tiantai followed up with a horizontal attack, this time intending to cleave Ji Banlian in half at the waist!

Just then, a male voice sounded, neither too high nor too low, elegant and pleasant.

It was Tang Wenfei. He calmly uttered, “Scatter.” With a gentle downward swipe of his index finger –

Everyone witnessed a beam of white light shooting forth, colliding with the knife strike.

Though the white light appeared delicate, it shattered the dominant blade upon contact. It dispersed into gusts of wind, harmless and unable to inflict any damage.

Witnessing such a casual resolution to the situation, all the monks were dumbfounded. They were captivated by the mysterious trace drawn by Tang Wenfei’s finger, their souls deeply affected.

This senior Tang possessed profound cultivation! What an astonishing technique!

Xu Ziqing also felt relieved.

It was best if no lives were harmed.

Ji Banlian was in a state of shock, her beautiful hair disheveled due to the approaching sword. It now hung loosely behind her back, giving her a slightly disheveled appearance, far from her celestial beauty.

Zhang Tiantai’s eyes initially overflowed with fanaticism, but it quickly dissipated. Regardless of how powerful that finger technique was, it was not a sword technique. He had chosen the sword as his path in life, unwavering in his commitment. No matter how mysterious other methods were, they could not shake his resolve!

Regaining his composure, Zhang Tiantai clasped his fists at Ji Banlian and said, “You lost.”

Ji Banlian’s chest heaved slightly, and her face flushed with a tinge of embarrassment. She clenched her silver teeth, unwilling to make herself appear any more unsightly. She forced a smile and said, “…This little sister is ashamed.” Turning to take her seat, bitterness filled Ji Banlian’s heart. How dare those from the Shendao Sect treat her, someone from the Jingle Palace, in such a manner? She vowed not to let them off in the big world!

Returning to their respective seats, the tags in Zhang Tiantai and Ji Banlian’s hands radiated with light. Zhang Tiantai’s tag bore the inscription of “victory,” while Ji Banlian’s tag was marked with the word “defeat.”

Gazing at the word “defeat,” Ji Banlian’s reluctance grew stronger. She raised her head to glance at Tang Wenfei, but he only nodded slightly, showing no signs of displeasure. This brought her a small sense of relief.

Even though Ji Banlian had lost, it didn’t mean she had no chance of remaining. After all, she was also a Qi Refining cultivator at the tenth level. She had merely lost a round. In the end, she still had the opportunity to challenge the winner and vie for that spot!

At that moment, Su Xin playfully poked Xu Ziqing’s arm and teased, “If you stay silent, someone will steal away your beauty.”

Xu Ziqing was momentarily taken aback, but then he heard a deep voice coming from beside him. He turned his head and saw a well-dressed young man engaged in conversation with Xu Zitang. After listening for a while, Xu Ziqing realized that the man was explaining the intricacies of the previous battle. It dawned on him why Xu Zifeng had wanted to sit next to Xu Zitang. It was for this reason. Understanding Su Xin’s remark, Xu Ziqing couldn’t help but laugh and cry, “Brother Ah Xin, don’t speak nonsense. Mr. Zifeng is Miss Zitang’s biological brother. It’s impolite to make such comments!”

Su Xin recoiled and admitted, “Yes, I apologize for my mistake.” However, he didn’t give up and continued, “Brother Ziqing only mentioned that they are siblings, but he didn’t say he has no intentions towards Miss Zitang…”

Xu Ziqing sighed and replied seriously, “I truly have no romantic interest in Miss Zitang. Let’s put an end to these jokes, and don’t bring it up again in the future.” He then spoke earnestly, “I can see that Brother Axin is genuinely concerned about Miss Zitang. If you truly admire her, you should be open about it and not play games. Otherwise, it may be hindered by fate.”

Su Xin was taken aback by Xu Ziqing’s serious tone and immediately shrank back, feeling a chill run down his spine. He truly had no romantic interest in Xu Zitang, but because Xu Zitang had initiated a conversation with Xu Ziqing the previous day, Su Xin found it amusing to occasionally tease Xu Ziqing. Little did he expect that Xu Ziqing would misunderstand him. He felt genuinely wronged by the situation…

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