Chapter 172 The Grand Competition (Part 1)

Outside Tianque City, the bloody slaughter of the wilderness was quietly wiped away. He walked with a calm gait, his Aura restrained, reverting to the appearance of an unremarkable Inner Sect Disciple of the Wandao Sword Sect. Mingling with the passing crowd, he calmly passed the routine inspection of the city gate guards and stepped into this massive cultivation metropolis.

The bustling noise inside the city remained, with peddling sounds from the market endless. Various Cultivators hurried by. Mu Changge did not linger much; he simply replenished some conventional consumables at several reputable Medicinal Pill shops and auction houses. He then went to the largest branch of the "Wanbao Pavilion" in the city, paying a hefty sum of Spirit Stones to purchase some fragmented intelligence regarding the recent activities of the four major Sects and that mysterious, transcendent power.

Having done this, he no longer delayed, heading straight out of the city. He summoned his Flying Sword, transforming into a brilliant streak of escaping light, and tore through the air in the direction of the Wandao Sword Sect.

Half a day later, the towering, continuous mountain gate of the Wandao Sword Sect, with its Sword Qi piercing the heavens, was already in sight. Floating immortal mountains stood like sharp swords plunged into the clouds. Amidst the swirling mists, cascading waterfalls and flowing springs were vaguely visible. Swords flew across the sky, and pavilions were tucked away among them, magnificent and vast—truly worthy of being a titan of the Righteous Path in the Eastern Domain.

Mu Changge lowered his sword light at the mountain gate. After the mountain-guarding Disciples performed their routine inspection and verified his identity jade token, they waved him through, their expressions normal, without the slightest anomaly. He walked calmly into the mountain gate, following the familiar path toward the courtyard of his own Earth Sword Peak.

Along the way, he encountered many fellow Disciples. Some were in a hurry, rushing to various Deacon Halls or cultivation chambers; others were in groups of three or five, whispering about recent Sect anecdotes or cultivation gossip; still others walked alone, contemplating Sword Intent. Seeing Mu Changge, everyone's reactions were no different from usual. Those who knew him might nod in greeting or just glance over indifferently; those who didn't know him treated him like a passerby. There was no pointing, no whispering, and certainly no rumors of "slaughtering fellow Disciples" or "ruthless methods" as he had expected.

It was excessively calm.

Mu Changge's expression remained unchanged, but his heart was clear as a mirror. He deliberately slowed his pace, his perception spreading out like an invisible spider web, meticulously capturing every wisp of Aura and every whisper flowing in the air.

"Have you heard? The Sect Grand Competition in three days has terrifyingly generous rewards! That's an Opportunity to reach the heavens in a single step!"

"It is said that Saint Jian Wushuang has made further progress in his Sword Dao recently and has already emerged from seclusion. In this Grand Competition, he will likely dominate, and no one can shake his position. If one can gain the Saint's favor, even just receiving a little guidance would be infinitely beneficial!"

"That's not necessarily true. I heard that several Core Senior Brothers and Senior Sisters who have been in seclusion or training outside for years have returned to the mountain, preparing to make a splash in this Grand Competition! Even some Core True Disciples who usually don't show their faces are rubbing their hands, seemingly having other plans."

The rumors were rife, but the most eye-catching thing, and the one that made countless Inner Sect and even Core Disciples heart-racing, was not just the internal rewards of the Sect.

"Do you know that the significance of this Grand Competition goes far beyond that?" A well-informed Disciple lowered his voice and said mysteriously to his companion, "According to my Core cousin from the Heavenly Sword Peak, this Grand Competition is actually also for selecting Disciples to go to 'that place'!"

"That place? Could it be... 'Yunmiao Holy Trace'?" Someone nearby gasped, whispering in shock.

"Yes!" The previous person nodded slightly and continued in a low voice, "Exactly! This is an ancient agreement between our four major Righteous Path Sects and the Yunmiao Holy Trace. Every sixty years, the four major Sects will each select their one hundred most outstanding Disciples to go to the 'Hanging Mountain' where the Yunmiao Holy Trace is located, and enter the 'Yunxu Secret Realm' controlled by the Yunmiao Holy Trace together!"

"Yunxu Secret Realm..." Hearing this name, the eyes of the surrounding Disciples revealed a mixture of yearning and awe. It was a legendary fragment of a Secret Realm from the Upper Realm, filled with countless opportunities, but also fraught with dangers, and it had always been controlled by the transcendent Yunmiao Holy Trace. For the four major Sects to be able to send Disciples in, they had to pay a considerable price (offering resources and Disciples), and the quotas were extremely limited.

"Exactly! I heard that in that 'Yunxu Secret Realm', not only are there ten-thousand-year-old Spirit Medicines and rare mineral veins that have long been extinct in the outside world, but there are also Immortal Caves and Legacies left by ancient Cultivators, and one might even find fragment spaces leading to ancient battlefields! If one can stand out and get into the top thirty of the Secret Realm trial, there is even a possibility of being directly favored by the Yunmiao Holy Trace and exceptionally accepted into their Sect! That would be truly leaping over the dragon gate, a smooth path to immortality from then on!"

These words were like dropping cold water into boiling oil, instantly making the surrounding Disciples even more excited and unable to hold back. Yunmiao Holy Trace! That was a transcendent power that stood above the four major Sects, rumored to have intricate connections with the "Upper Realm". Its Foundation was profound, and its Cultivation Techniques were mysterious, far beyond what ordinary Sects could compare to. If one could join it, even as an Outer Sect Disciple, the future would be limitless.

"No wonder this Grand Competition is so grand! It turns out it concerns the qualifications to go to the Yunmiao Holy Trace and the Huanhai Yunxu!"

"One hundred spots... excluding the Saints and Saintesses, Core Disciples, and those with deep backgrounds who have already reserved their spots, I'm afraid less than two-thirds can actually be fought for through the Grand Competition! The competition will inevitably be extremely fierce!"

"More than just fierce! I heard that for these one hundred spots, many veteran Core Disciples who have been in seclusion for many years have come out early, and some Senior Brothers and Senior Sisters who have been training outside and are not famous but possess formidable strength have also returned, all coming for this Opportunity! When the Grand Competition comes, it will likely be a bloody battle!"

"What are you afraid of? Wealth is sought in danger! This is an Opportunity to change one's destiny, let's go for it!"

Similar discussions were quietly circulating throughout the Sect. Going to the Yunmiao Holy Trace, exploring the Huanhai Yunxu, obtaining ancient opportunities, and even having the hope of joining a transcendent power! These keywords, like the hottest flames, ignited the wild ambitions in the hearts of almost all eligible Disciples. The Wandao Sword Sect, which had been calm for a long time, was now, undercurrents notwithstanding, filled with countless figures frantically cultivating and rubbing their hands for this Grand Competition in three days.

In the quiet room, Mu Changge slowly opened his eyes. The noisy discussions from the outside naturally could not escape his keen perception.

"Sect Grand Competition... top one hundred... Yunmiao Holy Trace... Huanhai Yunxu..." He repeated these terms in a low voice, a flash of dark light and calculation passing deep within his eyes.

So that was it. No wonder Jian Wushuang chose to endure and suppress the matter of Wang Meng. Compared to major events concerning the Sect's future Luck, the future of its Disciples, and even connections with the Upper Realm, such as the selection for the "Yunmiao Holy Trace" and the exploration of the "Huanhai Yunxu" Secret Realm, the "disappearance" or "fall" of a mere Core Disciple or Inner Sect Disciple, even if it involved the suspicion of "slaughtering fellow Disciples", would likely be temporarily set aside by the Sect's higher-ups as long as there was no conclusive evidence brought to light (besides, the Mu Family was not a small Family). Everything was prioritized for stability to ensure the smooth progress of the Grand Competition and subsequent selections. After all, if Mu Changge's scandals were exposed at this time, whether true or false, the damage to him would be negligible.

Jian Wushuang must also be aware of this. Therefore, he chose to wait. To wait for a more "suitable" time—such as the Sect Grand Competition, under the gaze of everyone. On such an occasion, under the watch of the Sect's higher-ups and all the Disciples, suddenly throwing out "ironclad evidence" to expose this "black sheep" and "scum of the Sect", the shock and effect it would cause would be incomparable. Not only would it drive him into the abyss, but it would also highlight his own "glorious image" as a Saint who "sacrifices personal feelings for justice" and "maintains the purity and reputation of the Sect", accumulating irrefutable prestige capital for him to lead the team to the Yunmiao Holy Trace and even compete for the position of Sect Master in the future.

"What a 'killing two birds with one stone'—no, 'killing three birds with one stone'." A cold arc curled up at the corner of Mu Changge's mouth. He had already seen through Jian Wushuang's calculations, guessing it almost exactly right. Using the stage of the Sect Grand Competition to deliver a fatal blow to him at the most glorious moment, while gilding himself and logically eliminating a potential strong enemy to ensure his own interests.

"Thinking quite beautifully." Mu Changge stood up and walked to the window, looking towards the direction of the main Peak of the Heavenly Sword Peak, where Sword Qi soared into the sky, and vaguely visible were countless escaping lights coming and going, making final preparations for the grand event in three days. "Treating me as a stepping stone to pave your road to the heavens?"

His eyes were deep, like a bottomless cold pool. "Unfortunately, this stone of mine might be a bit hard; be careful not to break your foot."

The selection for the Yunmiao Holy Trace, the Opportunity of the Huanhai Yunxu... these were all things he had to fight for! And he also heard that several Saintesses of other Sects, and even Dynasty Princesses and Empresses, were top-tier beauties.

Moreover, since Jian Wushuang wanted to make trouble at the Grand Competition, he would meet him head-on! In front of everyone, he would shatter his schemes, his pride, along with his Saint halo! Stepping on the "good name" of this "Saint", he would ascend to that top one hundred position!

Mu Changge already had a clear plan in his heart. He would not only win but win beautifully, winning in a way that left Jian Wushuang speechless, and everyone else speechless!

"Jian Wushuang... if you want to play, I will play with you to the end. Let's see who will be the one disgraced and turned into a laughingstock on this stage that draws all eyes in three days!"

Outside the Immortal Cave, the mountain wind was rising before the rain. The three-day deadline was approaching in the blink of an eye. This grand drama concerning honor, Opportunity, life, death, and the future was about to raise its bloody and gorgeous curtain on the martial arts arena of the Wandao Sword Sect.

...

Three days passed in the blink of an eye, amidst the anticipation or nervous preparation of countless Disciples.

At daybreak, before the light had even fully arrived, the main Peak square of the Wandao Sword Sect was already bustling with noise that reached the clouds.

The Sword Discussion Platform today held an extraordinary atmosphere. Surrounding the platform, eighty-one suspended jade viewing platforms of varying heights had already been erected according to mysterious Formations. These featured pavilions and towers, designated for the masters of each Peak, Elders, distinguished guests, as well as Core Disciples and True Disciples. In the center of the platform, over a hundred massive white jade arenas had been temporarily constructed. Each arena was paved with "Mysterious Heavy Grey Steel," making them incredibly sturdy, and they were engraved with layers of reinforcement, protection, and isolation Formations, sufficient to withstand the full-force clashes of Cultivators at the Soul Transformation Stage and even the Void Refining stage. The arenas were arranged according to the Heavenly Stems, Earthly Branches, and the Eight Trigrams, guarding the most magnificent and imposing "Main Arena" at the very center. It was more than ten times the size of an ordinary arena, dark silver in color, with faint sword-shaped patterns swirling across its surface. This was the Sect's precious treasure, the "Sword Attraction Arena," used only for the most critical competitions.

As the sun rose in the east, golden light broke the dawn, bathing the entire Sword Discussion Platform in radiance. Nine bell chimes echoed through the mountains, signaling the official commencement of the Sect competition.

Countless Disciples dressed in various sword robes poured into the main Peak square from all directions like a hundred rivers returning to the sea. The Outer Sect Disciples, mostly wearing grey and white sword robes, gathered in the outer area of the Sword Discussion Platform, waiting with eager anticipation. The Inner Sect Core Disciples wore black sword robes; though fewer in number, their Auras were distinctly condensed, mostly at the Nascent Soul Middle Stage to the Soul Transformation Stage. They gathered in twos and threes—some closing their eyes to meditate, others conversing in low tones—bearing an extraordinary air as they mostly flew directly to the suspended viewing jade platforms, where they had exclusive seats.

In the sky, streaks of light frequently cut through the air, their Auras either sharp as swords, heavy as mountains, or ethereal as clouds, as they landed one after another on the highest viewing jade platforms. These were the masters of each Peak, powerful Elders, and some reclusive Senior experts. Their arrival sparked ripples of low exclamations and commotion among the Disciples below.

Mu Changge mingled within the crowd of Disciples in the central area, still dressed in an inconspicuous, ordinary Inner Sect robe. He scanned the entire scene with calm eyes, taking in every powerful Aura and every familiar or unfamiliar face.

In the eastern area, the Aura was the sharpest and soared to the heavens; this was where the Heavenly Sword Peak Disciples were located. Most of them wore black sword robes trimmed with silver or gold, standing straight as swords with sharp gazes. Sword Qi faintly circulated around them, displaying the deep Foundation and arrogant spirit of Heavenly Sword Peak as the orthodox path of the Sect's sword cultivation. Standing at the very front were three particularly powerful young Disciples. The one in the middle, wearing a black sword robe embroidered with dark gold cloud patterns, had an upright posture, a handsome face, and eyes that were calm yet unfathomable. Just by standing there, he seemed like an unsheathed, peerless divine sword—restrained yet unreleased—causing the surrounding space to faintly stagnate. His cultivation had already reached the Late Stage Soul Transformation, with half a foot already stepped into the Peak Soul Transformation Stage! This was the leader of this generation of Heavenly Sword Peak Disciples, the Sect's Saint and Senior Brother, Yun Feiyang. Half a step behind him stood one person on each side. The young man on the left had a cold expression, carrying an ancient, sheathed long sword on his back with a grim Aura. The young woman on the right had a beautiful appearance, with a sword at her waist emitting faint light, her eyes lively. Although their Auras were slightly inferior to Yun Feiyang's, they were firmly at the Mid Spirit Severing stage, clearly Yun Feiyang's Junior Brother and Junior Sister, and also core figures of Heavenly Sword Peak.

In the western area, the Aura was heavy and steady; this was the camp of the Earth Sword Peak Disciples. Earth Sword Peak Disciples mostly wore white sword robes; they were relatively burly, and their Auras were condensed like mountains. The sword techniques they cultivated mostly excelled in weight, defense, and sheer power. The leader was a tall, sturdy youth with a simple, honest face named Shi Xin, who was at the Mid Spirit Severing stage.

In the southern area, the atmosphere appeared more agile and changeable; this was where the Human Sword Peak Disciples gathered. The attire of the Human Sword Peak Disciples had no fixed style—either grey or white—appearing more casual, yet each of them had bright eyes and harmonious Auras. They emphasized natural sword techniques that varied from person to person, with strange and changeable sword paths, excelling at overcoming strength with skill. Standing at the very front of the Human Sword Peak Disciples was a youth wearing a moon-white long robe, holding a book and appearing like a Confucian scholar; this was Feng Wunher, who was at the Late Nascent Soul Stage.

Besides these three clearly separated camps, in the inner circle area closer to the arena, many powerful Disciples were scattered. Most of them wore black robes, with small sword-shaped marks embroidered in gold thread on their cuffs or lapels—this was the mark of a Core Disciple! These black-robed Disciples numbered fewer than a hundred, but each one possessed a powerful Aura, at least at the Peak Nascent Soul Stage. Among them, there were no fewer than thirty whose spiritual power was surging, faintly affecting the surrounding environment—they were all Core Disciples at the Soul Transformation Stage! In the past, these Core Disciples and prodigies mostly lived in seclusion, cultivating hard and rarely seen, but today they were almost all gathered here. They were either closing their eyes to meditate or talking in low voices with those they knew. Although they appeared calm, the sharp light occasionally flashing in their eyes, and the powerful Aura faintly radiating from them that made the air tremble, all demonstrated their astonishing strength. Among them were even a few whose Auras were obscure and deep, like abysses or mountains, and even Mu Changge, sensing them from afar, felt a faint pressure. These people were the true protagonists of this competition, the strongest contenders for the top hundred, or even the top ten.

However, at one moment, everyone's limelight seemed to be completely eclipsed by a single figure.

"It is the Saint! Saint Jian Wushuang is here!"

Someone shouted, and suddenly, the eyes of the entire audience were drawn like invisible magnets, all casting their gazes toward the highest jade platform in the due north.

A dazzling golden sword light broke through the air from the direction of Heavenly Sword Peak! The sword light was vast and magnificent; wherever it passed, the clouds automatically parted to both sides, and a faint, awe-inspiring sound resounded across the sky, as if carrying a kind of supreme majesty of ruling the world, to which none dared disobey! However, that sword light faintly radiated a trace of cold Aura.

The sword light landed at the very front of the highest jade platform, its radiance converging to reveal a figure.

It was a young man wearing a black sword robe with gold edges, and a precious yellow jade belt tied around his waist. He had a tall, upright posture, a handsome face with sharp, sword-like eyebrows and star-bright eyes, a high nose bridge, and the corners of his mouth seemed to naturally carry a trace of indifferent curvature, as if looking down upon all living beings.

This was the contemporary Saint of the Wandao Sword Sect, recognized as the number one talent of the younger generation, Jian Wushuang! His cultivation had already reached the Late Stage Soul Transformation, and his Aura was flawless and complete, his Foundation was extremely deep, and there was faint Sword Intent circulating around his body, as if he could step into a higher level of Sword Intent at any time! He had not only broken through his Realm, but had recently cultivated a supreme sword technique; it was said that he had obtained its true meaning, and his strength was unfathomable.

"We welcome the Saint!"

"The Saint's Divine Might will surely win the championship in this competition and raise the prestige of our Sect!"

Below, immediate cheers and flattery erupted like a crashing tsunami. Many Disciples, especially the young female Disciples, had eyes filled with brilliant light, brimming with worship and admiration; it was clear that his prestige within the Sect was immense.

Jian Wushuang's expression was plain as his eyes swept over the ant-like Disciples below. Only when passing by certain powerful geniuses of the same generation did he pause slightly, a trace of an imperceptible, absolutely confident curve appearing at the corner of his mouth. Finally, his gaze, seemingly intentionally or unintentionally, lingered for a brief moment on an inconspicuous corner of the crowd below—the direction where Mu Changge was.

The gaze was calm, even carrying a trace of gentleness, as if it were just a casual glance. But Mu Changge clearly felt that hidden deep within that gaze was a touch of sinister scrutiny, as well as a trace of madness and... killing intent.

"Finally here, huh." Mu Changge sneered in his heart, but his expression remained calm. He even mimicked the Disciples around him, showing a just-right expression of "awe" and "yearning," and slightly lowered his head to avoid that gaze.

Jian Wushuang's arrival pushed the atmosphere to a climax. Immediately afterward, several more powerful Auras descended, landing on the jade platform beside Jian Wushuang. These were several powerful Elders of the Wandao Sword Sect, and... three old men whose Auras were particularly obscure, as if they had merged with the surrounding space. These three old men did not deliberately release their pressure, but where they stood, even the light seemed to be somewhat distorted—they were the reclusive Grand Elders of the Sect! Even they had been alarmed, which showed the importance of this competition.

Finally, the most vast Aura, as deep and unfathomable as the starry sky, covered the entire square. A blurred figure, as if condensed from endless starlight, appeared on the main seat of the highest jade platform. No one could see his face clearly, but everyone felt a connection in their hearts and bowed involuntarily.

"Pay respects to the Sect Master!"

The sound waves were like a tide. The Sect Master of the Wandao Sword Sect, Star River Sword Venerable, one of the top giants in the Eastern Region, had actually arrived in person! Although it was only an Incarnation, it was enough to show the importance the Sect placed on this competition.

"Exempt from the ceremony." A peaceful yet majestic voice resounded in everyone's heart, as if ringing directly in the depths of their Souls. "The Sect competition is a grand event for our Wandao Sword Sect to select talents and sharpen sword cultivation. This competition concerns the future Luck of the Sect, and even more so, your own supreme Opportunity. I hope all Disciples will strive to be the first and show the edge of our Sword Sect!"

"We follow the Sect Master's decree!" All the Disciples responded in unison, the sound shaking the nine heavens.