Chapter 150 The Duel

The morning light was faint, piercing through the thin mist to drape a layer of pale gold gauze over the continuous immortal mountain peaks of the Wandao Sword Sect. However, beneath this seemingly tranquil and peaceful surface, the undercurrents stirred by Mu Changge's (Xiao Ming) astonishing actions in the Scripture Pavilion yesterday were surging and converging with unprecedented speed.

Earth Sword Peak, Discussion Hall.

The atmosphere inside the hall was solemn, forming a sharp contrast with the bright morning light outside. Elder Di Jian sat upright in the primary seat at the head of the hall; his face was lean and his gaze was like lightning, though he currently appeared slightly lost in thought. Below him, several influential Elders and deacons of Earth Sword Peak sat in two rows. Their cultivation bases were all at the Nascent Soul Stage or above, and two among them possessed especially profound auras, having already reached the Middle to Late Soul Transformation Stage.

“Everyone, regarding this Disciple Mu Changge and the matter at the Scripture Pavilion yesterday, I presume you are all aware,” Elder Di Jian spoke slowly. His voice was not loud, yet it reached everyone's ears clearly. “In a single day, he 'comprehended' dozens of Earth-Grade Cultivation Method Jade Slips, and he appeared to do so with great ease.”

A serious-looking old man wearing a black Elder's robe stroked his beard and said, “This matter has already spread. Not only are the Disciples of our peak discussing it fervently, but I fear the Heavenly Sword and Human Sword Peaks, and even the Sect Head, have heard of it. Such Comprehension Ability can truly be called a Prodigy. However... a tree that stands taller than the forest is easily buffeted by the wind.”

Another Elder, a fat man with a kind face but sharp, restrained eyes, chimed in with a testing tone, “Is this boy truly just the Young Lord of the Mu Family? If so, why has he only now become an overnight sensation at such an age?”

Elder Di Jian nodded slightly, clearly having anticipated this. “Elder Liu's concern is exactly what puzzles me. I have already investigated; his origin from the Mu Family is beyond doubt. His performance in his youth was mediocre, even plain and unremarkable, far inferior to his sister Mu Wanning. However, just a few months ago, his strength suddenly began to advance by leaps and bounds, and his temperament seemed to shift as well. During the Sect entrance test, he revealed a cultivation base and solid Foundation that far exceeded his records. As for yesterday's actions...”

He paused, a sharp glint flashing in his eyes. “Is it youthful arrogance and a lack of restraint, or was it a deliberate move to attract attention?”

At this moment, a hearty Elder Qin with a ruddy face laughed, breaking the somewhat heavy atmosphere. “Who cares what he was like before, whether he obtained some heaven-defying Opportunity or was just hiding his strength! Since he has joined our Earth Sword Peak and displayed such peerless talent, it is a tremendous blessing for us!”

He turned to Elder Di Jian, his eyes filled with excitement and a hint of mockery. “Peak Master, if you ask me, with the Comprehension Ability he showed yesterday, given time, he might even surpass that Saint of the Heavenly Sword Peak! Haha, let's see if those people from Heavenly Sword Peak still dare to brag about their 'Saint's heaven-sent talent' all day long!”

As soon as these words were spoken, the atmosphere in the hall became slightly subtle. At the mention of the Saint, Jian Wushuang, the expressions of the several Elders varied.

The serious Elder Zhou immediately shook his head, his tone conservative. “Elder Qin, it is too early for such talk. Saint Jian Wushuang carries the Legacy of Heavenly Sword Peak and his cultivation has already reached Soul Transformation. He is the recognized leader of the younger generation in the Sect. Whether in cultivation, combat power, or reputation, Mu Changge is currently no match for him. Although this boy's comprehension is world-shaking, the path of cultivation is long; comprehension is only one part. Heart-Nature, perseverance, Opportunity, and resources are all indispensable. Comparing him to the Saint now is like hitting a rock with an egg; it will only invite ridicule and bring unnecessary trouble to the boy.”

The fat Elder Liu also chuckled and smoothed things over. “Elder Zhou's words are reasonable; it is indeed too early to compare. However,” his tone shifted, and a sharp light flickered in his eyes, “with such comprehension, this boy has infinite possibilities. The Saint is certainly brilliant, but if our Earth Sword Peak can nurture an existence who is not inferior to the Saint, or even... a future pillar of the Sect, how significant would that be for our peak? This is our chance to rise! The priority now is to clarify our stance and give him the attention and protection he deserves. At the very least, we must show the entire Sect that this boy is someone our Earth Sword Peak values. As for his Heart-Nature and secrets, we can observe and guide him slowly.”

These words were quite realistic and pointed out the core issue—no matter what secrets Mu Changge held, the terrifying comprehension he displayed was his greatest value, enough for Earth Sword Peak to place its bets. If nurtured well, he would be a blessing for Earth Sword Peak and the entire Wandao Sword Sect.

Listening to the arguments of the Elders, Elder Di Jian had already made up his mind. He raised his hand, and the hall immediately fell silent.

“Elder Liu's words are very much in line with my thoughts,” Elder Di Jian said solemnly. “Since Mu Changge is already a Core Disciple of our peak and has shown extraordinary potential, regardless of his past or future, he is currently the head of our Earth Sword Peak's Core Disciples, under the careful protection and cultivation of our Elders. Pass down my order...”

His voice turned sharp, carrying an unquestionable authority. “As of today, Core Disciple Mu Changge's cultivation resources are doubled, and the Sect's secret grounds are all open to him. If he has any confusion in his cultivation, you Elders must put in more effort and patiently resolve his doubts!”

Once the order was given, a hint of surprise flashed in the eyes of several Elders. This treatment was almost comparable to the Sect's Saint! Especially the ability to seek guidance from the Peak Master or Sect Elders at any time—this was an Opportunity many Core Disciples dreamed of. Elder Di Jian's move made his intent to support and value the boy as clear as day.

“Yes!” The deacon below immediately bowed in response.

“Also,” Elder Di Jian's gaze was like lightning as it swept over every Elder and deacon present. An invisible pressure permeated the air, and his voice was ice-cold. “Pass the word to all Disciples in the peak, especially those with active schemes. Mu Changge is a pillar of our peak. I am happy to see proper sparring and healthy competition between fellow Disciples. But if anyone dares to engage in dirty schemes, fratricide, or colludes with external peaks to harm our peak's Genius, no matter their identity or who is behind them, I will show no mercy!”

This was an extremely stern warning, not only to the Disciples within the peak but also a strong stance against potential hidden moves from other peaks, especially Heavenly Sword Peak.

“We shall obey the Peak Master's decree!” Everyone responded in unison, their expressions solemn. They all understood that Earth Sword Peak was going to protect Mu Changge at all costs. The undercurrents and competition surrounding this newly risen Genius were likely just beginning. And Earth Sword Peak had already declared its position.

Elder Di Jian's support and the tilting of resources were like a giant stone thrown into a calm lake; the ripples it created quickly spread to the entire Wandao Sword Sect. For a time, Mu Changge's (Xiao Ming) name was unrivaled in prominence. Envy, jealousy, curiosity, scrutiny... all sorts of gazes were cast from all directions, focusing on that quiet little courtyard on Earth Sword Peak.

The next morning, Xiao Ming's courtyard welcomed its first uninvited guest.

The visitor was a young man wearing the attire of a Heavenly Sword Peak Core Disciple. His face was decent enough, but his brow carried an irrepressible arrogance and scrutiny. He did not knock but instead used spiritual power to vibrate the courtyard gate's Restriction. His voice was not loud, but it clearly reached inside: “Is Junior Brother Mu in? I, Zhao Yuan, a Core Disciple of Heavenly Sword Peak, have come specifically to pay a visit. Please come out and meet me.”

His tone was not particularly polite, carrying a condescending flavor.

Inside the courtyard, Mu Changge, who was sitting cross-legged in cultivation, raised an eyebrow and suddenly opened his eyes. A playful arc curled at the corner of his mouth. They were here, and they moved quite fast. He had already sensed the aura of the person outside—a Peak Nascent Soul Stage cultivation, though his aura was slightly floaty and his Foundation wasn't very stable, a typical Core Disciple piled up by resources.

He did not respond immediately. Instead, he leisurely poured himself a cup of tea, took a sip, and only then stood up. He walked to the courtyard gate at an unhurried pace and opened the Restriction.

“So it is Senior Brother Zhao. I have heard much about you.” Mu Changge stood inside the gate, not stepping aside, and simply looked at the other man with a blank expression. “I wonder what advice Senior Brother Zhao has for me, coming all this way?”

Seeing Mu Changge's “negligence,” a flash of displeasure crossed Zhao Yuan's eyes. However, remembering Liu Ming's instructions—that this was a task from the Saint—he suppressed his anger and forced a slightly stiff smile. “I wouldn't dare offer advice. I simply heard that Junior Brother Mu displayed great Divine Might at the Scripture Pavilion yesterday with world-shaking comprehension. I, Zhao, admire you greatly and have come specifically to seek a bit of instruction. We Cultivators can only progress by validating ourselves against one another on the path of cultivation. Comprehension does not represent strength. I wonder if Junior Brother Mu dares to accept my request for a 'duel'?”

He deliberately emphasized the word “duel,” looking directly at Xiao Ming with clear provocation. According to the Wandao Sword Sect's rules, proper duels between Core Disciples were allowed and encouraged as long as they were not life-threatening. Elders usually did not interfere, as this was a way to temper Disciples and resolve personal grudges.

Before Mu Changge could answer, the door to Mu Wanning's room next door opened with a creak. Mu Wanning walked out, her pale golden eyes coldly sweeping over Zhao Yuan before landing on Mu Changge with an unreadable gaze.

She had naturally heard Zhao Yuan's words. Her initial reaction upon hearing someone wanted to “duel” Mu Changge was actually “Serves you right; you wanted to show off, and now you're being targeted,” feeling a slight, faint satisfaction at seeing him potentially suffer. But then, seeing Zhao Yuan's overbearing and clearly malicious appearance—especially the jade pendant at his waist that represented a Heavenly Sword Peak Core Disciple, identical to the Saint's—that bit of satisfaction was instantly replaced by a strange irritability and worry. Was Jian Wushuang already unable to hold back? Sending such a character to test him? She subconsciously took half a step forward but immediately stopped, feeling her reaction was perhaps a bit too tense. Her face heated up slightly, and she forced herself to maintain an air of indifference.

Mu Changge glanced at Mu Wanning, taking in her subtle movements and the instant changes in her expression. He found it somewhat amusing, but his face remained calm. He turned his gaze back to Zhao Yuan without flinching, his tone even sounding a bit nonchalant. “Oh? Senior Brother Zhao wants to duel with me?”

Zhao Yuan tilted his chin slightly and said arrogantly, “Exactly! I heard Junior Brother Mu has amazing comprehension, and I've been itching for a fight, so I came specifically to seek instruction. Junior Brother Mu wouldn't be afraid to accept the challenge, would he?” He used a goading tone, his eyes hiding a provocation.

“A duel, naturally, is fine,” Mu Changge's tone was still flat, as if they were discussing what to have for dinner. “The Sect rules say that duels between fellow Disciples are a good thing.”

[part:gemini-3.1-flash-lite]

Just as a hint of smugness appeared on Zhao Yuan's face, Mu Changge shifted the topic, continuing languidly, "However, just sparring seems a bit lacking. Since Senior Brother Zhao took the initiative to visit, it must not be as simple as just 'verifying what we've learned.' How about we add a wager? It would also save others from thinking that Senior Brother Zhao made a special trip to instruct this newly promoted Junior Brother of mine, all for nothing."

His words were polite, but they actually hinted that Zhao Yuan's actions were not merely for "seeking instruction," but had ulterior motives—You want to fight? Fine, but you have to bring something substantial to the table.

Zhao Yuan was stunned, clearly not expecting Xiao Ming to bring this up. His original intention was to follow the Saint's orders to test and suppress the other party, preferably "accidentally" causing heavy injury, so he hadn't considered the matter of a wager. But Xiao Ming's words were reasonable; if he refused, he would appear petty or guilty.

"A wager?" Zhao Yuan's eyes flickered as he calculated rapidly. He believed his cultivation was higher than the other party's (he perceived Mu Changge to be at the Nascent Soul Middle Stage, while he was solidly at the Peak Nascent Soul Stage), giving him a huge chance of winning. Since the other party was courting death, he didn't mind taking a little more benefit. "Very well! I'll agree to Junior Brother Mu's request. What does Junior Brother wish to bet?"

Mu Changge seemed to casually reach into his storage ring, and a fist-sized, dark golden crystal appeared in his palm. The surface of the crystal naturally bore mysterious and intricate dragon-shaped patterns that seemed to flow with life, faintly emitting a low and majestic dragon roar, while also radiating a terrifying aura that was as heavy as a mountain and incomparably sharp! Just lying there quietly, it seemed to be able to absorb the surrounding light, making one's heart palpitate.

"ancient dragon-vein crystal!" Zhao Yuan's pupils suddenly constricted, his breathing grew ragged, and he exclaimed involuntarily, the greed in his eyes almost overflowing! Although he had never seen it with his own eyes, he had heard of this legendary divine object! It was a supreme treasure material for forging top-tier divine weapons, and it had an immeasurable nourishing and enhancing effect on Dragon Clan Bloodlines! Such a large piece was of inestimable value; even His Highness the Saint would likely be tempted! This Mu Changge actually possessed such a precious treasure? And he was using it as a wager? Was he crazy, or so confident that he was stupid?

Not only him, but even Mu Wanning, who was eavesdropping in the courtyard, gasped, almost crying out in surprise. This bastard brother! Where did he get such a Heaven-Defying divine object? To just casually bring it out for a wager? What if he lost... She dared not even imagine it!

Mu Changge seemed not to notice the burning heat in Zhao Yuan's eyes, his tone remaining calm: "How about using this as the wager? If Senior Brother Zhao wins, it will be yours."

"Good! Good! Good!" Zhao Yuan practically shouted, fearing that Mu Changge would go back on his word. He hurriedly said, "Junior Brother is truly straightforward! I shall use this bottle of 'Qianyuan Creation Pill' and this 'Xuanguang Sword' as a wager!" He immediately took out a jade bottle brimming with Spiritual Qi and a gleaming Flying Sword. The Qianyuan Creation Pill was a top-grade Medicinal Pill that helped Nascent Soul Cultivators improve their cultivation, and the Xuanguang Sword was also a decent Earth Rank Low Grade Flying Sword. They were valuable, but compared to the ancient dragon-vein crystal, they were worlds apart. However, Zhao Yuan could not care about fairness at this moment; his mind was filled with that ancient dragon-vein crystal. Believing he would definitely win, he felt it was just a formality, and these two items would eventually be his again, plus he would get the divine object for free!

However, Mu Changge shook his head and tossed the ancient dragon-vein crystal in his hand, its dark golden light making Zhao Yuan's heart itch. "Senior Brother Zhao, these two items of yours, added together... I'm afraid they aren't worth a corner of my stone."

Zhao Yuan paused, his face flushing slightly. He knew the value gap was huge, but he simply didn't have equivalent treasures to bring out! "Then... what does Junior Brother intend?"

Xiao Ming put away his nonchalant expression, looked at Zhao Yuan, and the corners of his mouth curled into a half-smile as he slowly said, "If I, as a Junior Brother, am lucky enough to win, I don't want Senior Brother's Medicinal Pill or Flying Sword. I only need Senior Brother to stand on the Duel Platform and, in front of all our fellow Disciples, shout three times—" He paused, clearly spitting out five words, "'The Saint is a big idiot' will do."

Silence. A deathly silence.

The greed and excitement on Zhao Yuan's face instantly froze, turning into incredulous shock, followed by a furious crimson! "You! What did you say?" He almost suspected he had misheard, his eyes wide as saucers, staring fixedly at Xiao Ming as if he wanted to swallow him alive. Make him publicly insult the Saint? Wasn't this trying to kill him! Moreover, he was a member of the Saint's faction; was this Mu Changge crazy? How dare he insult the Saint like this?

Mu Wanning behind the door was also stunned, then suddenly covered her mouth to keep from screaming. This bastard! Did he know what he was saying? This was no longer just provocation; this was offending Jian Wushuang to death! And... this was too... too vulgar, too... outrageous! But for some reason, deep in her heart, a trace of indescribable, secret pleasure flashed by.

"It's just a spar, why must Junior Brother Mu be so humiliating and make things difficult for others?" Zhao Yuan squeezed the words through his teeth, his eyes cold. "If Junior Brother is afraid of fighting, then let's not fight!" He wanted to use a goading tactic, hoping Xiao Ming would retract this outrageous demand.

Upon hearing this, the smile on Mu Changge's face faded, revealing a mocking expression of "as expected." Without another word, he turned and walked away. "If we don't fight, then we don't fight. You were the one who proposed the duel, and now that I've made such a 'small' request, you don't dare to agree to it, so what the hell are you fighting for? Go home and play with mud." His tone was extremely contemptuous, his footsteps didn't stop, and he was actually going back into his room.

"Wait!" Zhao Yuan was anxious. The temptation of the ancient dragon-vein crystal was too great, and the Saint's order was to test and suppress; if he retreated without a fight, how would he explain it? Watching Mu Changge really about to leave, and thinking of the Saint's possible methods, Zhao Yuan's heart was in turmoil. Finally, gritting his teeth, he said viciously, "I... I agree!"

Mu Changge's steps paused, and he turned around, his face having recovered that half-smile: "Oh? You agree? Senior Brother Zhao is indeed 'straightforward.' However..." He drew out his tone, "Words alone are not proof. If Senior Brother goes back on your word then, I won't be able to do anything about it. After all, that's calling out 'The Saint is a big idiot,' not everyone dares to shout that."

Zhao Yuan's face twitched. He had indeed just had the thought of reneging if he lost, since no one else knew the specific details of the wager. But he hadn't expected it to be pointed out by Mu Changge just like that.

"Junior Brother, I, Zhao Yuan, have always acted uprightly and honorably; how could I go back on my word!" Zhao Yuan said, putting on a brave front, but his confidence was clearly lacking.

"Upright and honorable?" Xiao Ming sneered and shook his head. "We people of the Sword Dao keep our swords in hand, our Sword Hearts clear, and we value oaths above all else. Since Senior Brother is so honorable, why don't we make an oath with our Sword Hearts? Let the outcome of this duel be the wager; whoever reneges afterwards and fails to fulfill the agreement will have their Sword Heart tarnished for life, and their cultivation will be unable to advance even an inch. How about it?"

A Sword Heart Oath had extremely strong binding power for a Sword Cultivator. Although it was not as powerful as a Heavenly Dao oath, it would cause Heart Demons to arise on their own and was definitely not child's play. Especially "cultivation unable to advance," which, for a Cultivator, was a curse even more unbearable than death.

Zhao Yuan's complexion instantly became exceptionally colorful. He hadn't expected Mu Changge to be so ruthless, to actually want to set such a vicious oath! He was just about to refuse when he saw Mu Changge's eyes filled with undisguised mockery, as if saying, "See, I knew you wouldn't dare, coward." Thinking again of the ancient dragon-vein crystal and the Saint's mission, a surge of evil fire rushed to his brain.

"An oath it is! I, Zhao Yuan, am not afraid of you!" Zhao Yuan practically roared. He refused to believe he would lose to a kid who had just entered the Nascent Soul Middle Stage!

"Straightforward!" Mu Changge clapped his hands, then his expression became solemn. He joined his fingers like a sword, and forced a drop of essence blood glowing with a pale golden luster from his fingertip, outlining a mysterious sword-shaped rune in the air.

Seeing this, Zhao Yuan had no choice but to bite the bullet and likewise force out his essence blood to make the oath. The moment the oath rune sank into his forehead, his heart inexplicably palpitated, as if something invisible had been branded onto him, making him feel faintly uneasy. But there was no turning back once the arrow was loosed, so he could only force himself to remain calm.

"The oath is made. See you at the Sect Duel Platform in one hour." Mu Changge put away the ancient dragon-vein crystal, as if he had just done something insignificant, and turned to leisurely walk into his room, closing the door.

Zhao Yuan stood outside the courtyard, his face alternating between pale and livid. He had both a desire for the ancient dragon-vein crystal and fear of the wager's content, as well as a trace of frustration at being forced to make the oath. He glared fiercely at Xiao Ming's closed door, then turned and hurriedly left on his Flying Sword. He needed to quickly adjust his state and must defeat the other party with thunderous momentum in one hour!

The courtyard returned to quiet. Mu Wanning quietly stepped out from behind the door, looking at Mu Changge's closed door, then at the direction Zhao Yuan left in. Her pale golden beautiful eyes were filled with complex and unspeakable emotions. Shock, worry, annoyance, and a trace of being unable to laugh or cry. This bastard brother actually used such a precious ancient dragon-vein crystal as bait to force Zhao Yuan to make such... such an absurd and dangerous oath! What on earth was he thinking? Did he really have absolute certainty, or was he purely acting out of spite and playing with fire?

"The Saint is a big idiot..." She whispered this vulgar and unbearable phrase again. Her cheeks inexplicably felt a little hot, but she couldn't help thinking in her heart that if Zhao Yuan really lost and shouted this sentence in front of all the Sect Disciples... The scene would be too beautiful; she simply dared not imagine what expression Jian Wushuang would have.

"This troublemaker! Madman!" She could only stomp her feet hatefully in the end and curse in a low voice, but she had already made up her mind in her heart: in one hour, no matter what, she had to sneak over to the Duel Platform to take a look. She wanted to see what this bastard brother was relying on to be so confident!