Chapter Forty-Seven: Summoned by the Sect Master

Originally, according to Yang Xiao’s plan, since he was to feign defeat this time, he needed to make it convincing. If he simply conceded without sustaining any injuries, others would surely doubt the outcome. So Yang Xiao deliberately allowed Ling Yunmei’s sword tip to graze him, thinking that a slight wound would be enough to deceive everyone.

However, to Yang Xiao’s dismay, although Ling Yunmei’s sword had slashed his arm, his cultivation in the Ninefold Golden Body had rendered his physique nearly invincible; not a single wound appeared on his arm, and only his sleeve was torn. Naturally, this was also because Ling Yunmei had not used her full strength—after all, she wielded a treasured blade, and had she struck with all her might, it would surely have harmed Yang Xiao.

To Yang Xiao, the performance was far from perfect, but it should still suffice to fool most eyes, since his arm had indeed been struck by her sword. In such circumstances, admitting defeat was understandable to the other disciples.

Ling Yunmei was also taken aback by Yang Xiao’s sudden action, but seeing that he was largely unharmed, not even bleeding, her worry eased.

Master Lingfeng, too, had witnessed this episode atop the dueling stage, though his eyes betrayed a flicker of suspicion, as if he had discerned something amiss.

Regardless, the tournament had come to its end, and Ling Yunmei had emerged champion.

Lingfeng then dispatched two disciples to inspect Yang Xiao’s injury. Upon learning that Yang Xiao was not seriously hurt, the master breathed a sigh of relief and publicly announced the results. He said, “All of you have performed with excellence, to my great satisfaction. The top eight disciples of this contest shall each receive a reward, which you may collect at my quarters shortly. As for the champion, Ling Yunmei, disciple of Elder Wither-Bloom, as promised, you will be named the Young Master of the Giant Spirit Sect. The formal investiture will take place in due time and will be a grand occasion for our sect, with attendance required of all disciples.”

His words were met with a wave of cheers. Though there had been surprises during the tournament, most believed that Qing Yuhe and Ling Yunmei, having the highest cultivation, were most suited for the post of Young Master. Though Qing Yuhe had lost to Yang Xiao and missed out on the position, Ling Yunmei enjoyed the disciples’ respect, and none objected to her appointment.

Afterward, Masters Lingfeng and Wither-Bloom withdrew from the arena.

Yang Xiao and the other seven finalists rested briefly, then made their way to Lingfeng’s residence to claim their rewards.

Ling Yunmei, worried about Yang Xiao’s injury, fussed over him solicitously as they walked closely together. This naturally aroused envy among the other disciples, for Ling Yunmei was the acknowledged beauty of the sect and the object of many affections. Now, seeing her so attentive to Yang Xiao, others could not help but feel discontent—none more so than Hao Gang, who nursed a growing resentment toward Yang Xiao. He swore to himself that one day he would challenge Yang Xiao to a duel, to settle matters once and for all, unwilling to let Ling Yunmei slip away so easily.

Before long, the eight arrived at Lingfeng’s quarters, where Wither-Bloom was also present, accompanied by another female disciple. She, too, had participated in the tournament but had been eliminated early and now stood by Wither-Bloom’s side, planning to return with her master.

Lingfeng looked over the eight finalists with great satisfaction, offering them words of praise and encouragement.

After his speech, he distributed the rewards: ten Spirit-Nourishing Pills for each of the eight.

When all had received their prizes, Lingfeng said, “That concludes the rewards. So long as you continue to cultivate diligently, the sect will never be stingy with its resources. Now, the top four, remain here; the rest may leave.”

The disciples ranked fifth through eighth obeyed, though one female disciple—Wither-Bloom’s other student—remained, standing quietly behind her master.

Lingfeng paid her no mind; after all, what he was about to discuss was not highly confidential, and he trusted Wither-Bloom implicitly.

“You four are the top finishers of this tournament, the elite among our disciples and the hope for the renewal of our sect. After careful consideration, I have decided to impart to you the Giant Spirit Art, our sect’s highest technique. Traditionally, only the sect master may cultivate this art. But with the changing tides in the Myriad Peaks, and as Elder Wither-Bloom and I grow old, the future of our sect rests with you. I hope you will study this art well and help restore our sect’s former glory.”

Lingfeng addressed Yang Xiao and the other three—Ling Yunmei, Qing Yuhe, and Hao Gang—earnestly.

He rose and approached the four, scrutinizing each in turn before focusing on Qing Yuhe. “Yuhe, I’ve already given you the first stage of the Giant Spirit Art, and you have made admirable progress. I have another stage to teach you shortly. I know you may bear some resentment over your loss to Yang Xiao, but for the sake of the greater good, you must not let this drive a wedge between you. Work together for the revival of our sect.”

“Master, I understand. My defeat was due to my own shortcomings. I will train harder and strive not to disappoint your teachings.” Qing Yuhe glanced at Yang Xiao, then replied to Lingfeng.

Lingfeng’s words made plain his intention that Qing Yuhe should not seek trouble with Yang Xiao. Qing Yuhe understood this well. Though he was unwilling to accept defeat, he could only bear it—since his own master had spoken so, it would be ungrateful to cause further discord.

Nevertheless, Qing Yuhe reasoned to himself that, even if he were to challenge Yang Xiao now, he would likely be defeated. It was better to devote himself to cultivation. As the saying goes, a gentleman exacts revenge only when the time is ripe. When he made another breakthrough, he would seek Yang Xiao out again.

Thus, his ready agreement to Lingfeng’s admonition was a convenient and timely gesture.

Hearing Qing Yuhe’s response, Lingfeng nodded in satisfaction, then turned his gaze to Ling Yunmei. “Yunmei, your victory did not surprise me. I am growing old, and the heavy responsibilities of the sect will soon fall upon your shoulders. I hope you will work closely with your fellow disciples to make our sect flourish once more.”

“Thank you for your trust, Elder. I will do my utmost to fulfill your expectations,” Ling Yunmei replied earnestly.

“Very good. Now, I will impart to you the formula for the Giant Spirit Art.” Lingfeng produced four jade slips, each containing the secret technique.

“I have copied the Giant Spirit Art into these slips. They are now yours to study. This technique is our sect’s greatest secret and must never be divulged to outsiders. Should any of you betray this trust, I will show no mercy.”

“We will obey, Master,” Yang Xiao and the others pledged in unison.

“Good. Your rewards have been given. Now, there is one more task for you. In a few days, the Sand Sea will enter its cyclical period of calm, when its storms subside. During this time, I want you to enter and seek out something for me.” Lingfeng’s eyes rested on them with an intensity that made it clear the matter was of utmost importance to him.