Chapter Forty-Two: An Encounter with the Jade-Crested Crane

Only four remained on the stage: Yang Xiao, Ling Yunmei, Qing Yuhe, and Hao Gang.

At that moment, Hao Gang noticed Yang Xiao had reached the final four. He cast a sidelong glance in Yang Xiao’s direction, clearly hoping for another chance to face him. With the four contestants, the matches would proceed in pairs, and based on their tokens, it was quite possible Hao Gang would be matched against Yang Xiao. He was determined this time to defeat Yang Xiao and avenge his previous loss. Now that his strength had improved, he was confident he could overcome Yang Xiao. Moreover, Hao Gang harbored an even greater ambition—to seize the overall championship, which would grant him the coveted position of Junior Sect Leader.

Yang Xiao, however, responded to Hao Gang’s look with a touch of disdain. He had little interest in the championship, so he paid little mind to Hao Gang’s provocation. Still, Yang Xiao knew that Hao Gang’s chances of winning were slim, as both Ling Yunmei and Qing Yuhe were stronger. The final champion would most likely emerge from between Ling Yunmei and Qing Yuhe.

With his token in hand, Yang Xiao arrived at the arena. This time, his token indicated he would compete at Arena One. To his surprise, his opponent was Qing Yuhe.

Qing Yuhe, the favored disciple of Master Lingfeng, was well known to Yang Xiao. It was said that Qing Yuhe had already reached the ninth level of the Spiritual Awareness Realm, just a step away from entering the Qi Condensation Stage. Among the disciples, Qing Yuhe was deemed the most likely to break through first. Ling Yunmei had also reached the ninth level, but Qing Yuhe had done so earlier; thus, most disciples believed he would surpass Ling Yunmei and become the third Qi Condensation master of the Giant Spirit Sect.

The two announced their names at the arena and prepared to face each other.

Then, a voice sounded in Yang Xiao’s mind—it was Qing Yuhe, speaking via spiritual sense: “Junior Brother Yang, I advise you to withdraw quickly, or you can’t blame me for showing no mercy.”

Yang Xiao glanced at Qing Yuhe; his lips had not moved, making it clear he was using spiritual transmission. This demonstrated Qing Yuhe’s powerful spiritual awareness, as ordinary disciples could not utilize such a technique.

Qing Yuhe’s lips curled into a faint sneer, his expression full of contempt.

Yang Xiao found Qing Yuhe’s arrogance distasteful. In the past, he had admired the senior disciple, hearing much about his exceptional cultivation. But now, seeing the real Qing Yuhe, he realized that beneath the impressive exterior was a petty, dark soul. With this thought, Yang Xiao’s intentions shifted. He had originally planned to forfeit the championship, exchanging a few blows before withdrawing. But witnessing Qing Yuhe’s hypocrisy, he resolved otherwise.

If Qing Yuhe was truly so insidious, should he ascend to Junior Sect Leader and eventually Sect Leader, the Giant Spirit Sect would be thrown into chaos. Though the sect’s future mattered little to Yang Xiao, he still felt some attachment as a disciple. Entrusting the sect to someone like Qing Yuhe unsettled him.

Yang Xiao intended to leave the sect soon, but he hoped it would flourish after his departure. Thus, he wished to contribute, however modestly, to its future. Now, his dislike for Qing Yuhe was so intense that he decided to teach him a lesson, preventing him from ascending too easily.

Seeing Yang Xiao unmoved by his words, Qing Yuhe sent another message: “Junior Brother Yang, you saw what happened to the disciple who fought me earlier, didn’t you? If you know what’s good for you, withdraw now. Otherwise, you’ll end up just like him.”

Yang Xiao had indeed watched Qing Yuhe’s previous match. Qing Yuhe’s skills were formidable, and his attacks merciless. The defeated disciple was carried off, gravely injured—his cultivation likely crippled, never to advance again.

Qing Yuhe’s ruthlessness toward his fellow disciples was evident. Such a person would surely bring havoc to the sect as its leader. Yet, Master Lingfeng favored Qing Yuhe, which only fueled his arrogance.

Yang Xiao resolved to extinguish Qing Yuhe’s arrogance for the sake of the sect’s future. He replied via spiritual transmission: “Senior Brother Qing, everyone desires the Junior Sect Leader’s position. I am no exception. Why would I relinquish it at your mere word?”

Qing Yuhe was annoyed by Yang Xiao’s reply, yet somewhat surprised. He had not expected Yang Xiao to be capable of spiritual transmission as well, indicating that Yang Xiao’s spiritual awareness was equally formidable. In fact, Yang Xiao’s abilities stood out among all the disciples.

Still, Qing Yuhe retained his confidence. His reputation as the sect’s foremost disciple was not for nothing. In cultivation and skill, he considered himself unparalleled—how could an obscure junior possibly challenge his authority?

“If you refuse a polite offer, don’t blame me for being harsh,” Qing Yuhe said coldly, this time aloud.

He unleashed the aura of the ninth level of Spiritual Awareness, preparing to strike.

Yang Xiao was not intimidated. He too released his aura, ready for combat, though it still appeared to others as that of the seventh level—just as he had shown when facing Kunshan.

A ninth-level versus a seventh-level—such a match seemed absurd to the disciples below the stage, as stark as sun and moon. Everyone believed Qing Yuhe’s victory was certain; his status as Senior Brother was deeply ingrained and not easily challenged.

“This disciple really doesn’t know his place, daring to challenge Senior Brother Qing Yuhe.”

“Indeed, if it were me, I’d have conceded long ago—better to avoid serious injury and the ridicule of others.”

“Is Senior Brother Qing Yuhe so easily challenged? This disciple is bound to lose.”

The disciples below murmured, all convinced Qing Yuhe would surely defeat Yang Xiao.