217: Chapter 216 The Arrival of the Blazing Fire Sect

Half a month later, just as the sky was beginning to brighten, Hu Nan received a voice transmission from the Sect Head, summoning him to the Main Sect Hall immediately.

A short while later, Qin Changsheng controlled Hu Nan's body and arrived at the Main Sect Hall.

At this moment, more than ten people were already standing below the hall.

Jiang Lijuan, Lin Hao, Senior Brother Wu Yong, and others were also present.

“Greetings, Sect Head!” Hu Nan bowed toward Sect Leader Xuanyangzi at the head of the hall.

Sect Leader Xuanyangzi glanced at Hu Nan and gave a slight nod.

At this moment, Sect Leader Xuanyangzi's gaze toward Hu Nan held a hint of surprise.

Back then, Sect Leader Xuanyangzi had thought it was a stroke of pure luck that Hu Nan reached Foundation Establishment.

He hadn't expected that in just a short decade or so, Hu Nan would achieve such startling results.

Not only had his cultivation broken through repeatedly, but he had even easily cleared the Trial Tower.

Shortly after Hu Nan arrived, Fairy Qingling, Lin Zhentian, and Elder Qingxuan also entered the hall.

Elder Qingxuan walked into the hall and scanned the room, his gaze first falling on Lin Hao before shifting to Hu Nan.

Once all the Elders were seated, Sect Leader Xuanyangzi stood up and said, “I have gathered everyone here today for the exchange convention with the Flowing Fire Sect, which will take place in one month.”

“As you all know, in the past several exchange conventions between our two sects, the Heavenly Sword Sect has always been at a disadvantage. Each time, we returned in defeat, losing all of the Heavenly Sword Sect's face.”

“This time, I hope you all will work together with one heart and give it your all. You must defeat the Flowing Fire Sect and restore the prestige of our Heavenly Sword Sect!”

The crowd spoke up one after another: “Rest assured, Sect Head, we will certainly go all out!”

Sect Leader Xuanyangzi nodded slightly and said, “To encourage you all, I hereby promise that whoever performs exceptionally well in this exchange convention will be allowed to enter the Heavenly Sword Sect treasury and select one treasure!”

Upon hearing Sect Leader Xuanyangzi's words, everyone became extremely excited.

After all, the treasures within the Heavenly Sword Sect treasury were highly coveted.

If they could obtain a single item from the treasury, their strength would increase substantially.

Hearing Sect Leader Xuanyangzi's words, Qin Changsheng was also very excited.

This was because the heavenly dao fragment was inside that treasury.

If he could take the top spot at the exchange convention,

Then he would be able to obtain the heavenly dao fragment.

He would then be able to upgrade another Golden Trait into a Heavenly Dao Trait.

Seeing everyone's reaction, Sect Leader Xuanyangzi was very satisfied. “Alright, I won't say anything more. There is only one month left until the exchange convention. Time is pressing, so everyone go back and prepare well.”

“As you command!” the group responded in unison.

Sect Leader Xuanyangzi waved his hand, and everyone cupped their hands toward him before withdrawing.

Just as Hu Nan stepped out of the hall, he saw Elder Qingxuan hurrying over.

“Greetings, Elder!” Hu Nan stopped in his tracks.

Elder Qingxuan smiled and asked, “Nephew Hu, how do you find that Blood Nourishing Technique?”

Far away in the small courtyard, Qin Changsheng instantly understood Elder Qingxuan's intent.

Elder Qingxuan wanted to probe Hu Nan's progress with the Blood Nourishing Technique to see if Hu Nan was suitable to become a physical vessel.

“Thank you, Elder. This technique is exquisite and profound; I have been cultivating it for a few days but have not yet reached the Beginner level.” Hu Nan nodded.

Hearing that Hu Nan had not yet reached the Beginner level, a flash of disappointment crossed Elder Qingxuan's eyes.

“Nephew, you should Cultivate diligently!”

“This Blood Nourishing Technique can enhance both your blood vitality and your dharma power!”

“I will keep your teachings in mind, Elder Qingxuan, and will certainly practice hard.” Hu Nan responded respectfully.

Elder Qingxuan gave a few more instructions before walking toward Lin Hao.

Upon hearing that Lin Hao had already reached the Beginner level of the Blood Nourishing Technique, Elder Qingxuan's eyes were filled with excitement.

He even began to give Lin Hao pointers on cultivating the technique.

...

A month passed in the blink of an eye.

On this day, above the Heavenly Sword Sect, the clouds shifted slightly as a majestic spiritual power quietly spread out.

At the edge of the horizon, an entirely crimson flying vessel broke through the clouds and slowly approached. The vessel was surrounded by a faint red spiritual light, and its hull was carved with intricate flame patterns. From afar, it looked like a burning fire dragon, grand in Aura and full of Pressure.

This was the exclusive flying vessel of the Flowing Fire Sect, the fire cloud skiff.

The fire cloud skiff was massive, its body crafted from rare Red Flame Wood, which was extremely resistant to high temperatures and spiritual power. The prow was carved with a lifelike fire phoenix pattern that looked ready to take flight. Every line of the carving contained dense fire-attribute Spiritual Qi. As it traveled, the surrounding air was heated until it shimmered, and even the clouds were dyed a faint crimson.

On the vessel, more than twenty Flowing Fire Sect Cultivators dressed in red daoist robes stood in a tidy formation. Their breathing was steady, and their Spiritual Qi was condensed, fully displaying the style of a Prodigy.

On the front deck of the vessel, Elder Huoyun stood with his hands behind his back.

He gazed into the distance at the Heavenly Sword Sect's mountain gate below, a hint of anticipation in his eyes.

Elder Qingxuan had already led Hu Nan, Lin Hao, Jiang Lijuan, Senior Brother Wu Yong, and others to wait before the mountain gate.

The fire cloud skiff descended slowly and came to a steady stop on the plaza outside the Heavenly Sword Sect gate. The crimson spiritual light gradually receded, and the flame patterns on the hull softened.

As the vessel's hatch slowly opened, Elder Huoyun was the first to step down.

Following closely behind, Shen Bing and more than twenty Flowing Fire Sect prodigies stepped off the vessel in sequence, forming a grand and imposing line.

“Brother Huoyun, your arrival at the Heavenly Sword Sect is a great honor. Please forgive us for not greeting you further out.” Elder Qingxuan walked forward with a smile.

Elder Huoyun's gaze was not on Elder Qingxuan, but rather looking toward the area behind him.

Soon, a flash of disappointment crossed Elder Huoyun's eyes.

“Brother Huoyun, what is the matter?” Elder Qingxuan asked.

“Nothing, it's nothing. It's just... why do I not see Fairy Qingling?” Elder Huoyun inquired.

The smile on Elder Qingxuan's face stiffened slightly, and his expression became somewhat awkward. After hesitating for a moment, he slowly spoke: “Brother Huoyun, Junior Sister Qingling... she is currently in secluded cultivation and it is not convenient to disturb her.”

“Seclusion?” Elder Huoyun's body jolted. The anticipation on his face froze instantly and then faded away bit by bit, replaced by deep disappointment and embarrassment.

He completely failed to understand why every time he came to the Heavenly Sword Sect,

Fairy Qingling was always in seclusion.

Elder Huoyun's lips moved as if he wanted to say something more, but he found his throat tight, and not a single word would come out.

“What's wrong with Elder Huoyun?”

“You don't know yet? Elder Huoyun has always liked Fairy Qingling!”

“It's just that Fairy Qingling is very cold toward Elder Huoyun!”

“No wonder a while ago, when Fairy Qingling heard Elder Huoyun was coming, she went straight into seclusion!”

“I heard that over fifty years ago, Elder Huoyun even fought an Elder from the Azure Cloud Sect for Fairy Qingling's sake!”

Many Heavenly Sword Sect Cultivators began to gossip in low voices.

Hearing the discussions of the Heavenly Sword Sect Disciples, Qin Changsheng was also somewhat startled.

He hadn't expected that there were such grievances and affections between the Elders.

He also wondered which Elder from the Azure Cloud Sect Elder Huoyun had fought.

Elder Qingxuan spoke up, “Brother Huoyun, Senior Brother Sect Head is already waiting there.”

“Thank you for the trouble, Brother Qingxuan!” Elder Huoyun had returned to normal by now and led the Flowing Fire Sect prodigies toward the hall.

A short while later, everyone arrived inside the hall.

Sect Leader Xuanyangzi warmly hosted Elder Huoyun and his group.

Sect Leader Xuanyangzi invited Elder Huoyun to the seat of honor and arranged for Shen Bing and the Flowing Fire Sect prodigies to be seated in turn. He himself sat in the main seat, looking at Elder Huoyun with a gentle gaze as he slowly spoke.

“Fellow Daoist Huoyun, there is no fixed date for the exchange convention. You have all just arrived at the Heavenly Sword Sect and the journey was tiring. Why not rest for a few days to recuperate? Once you are all full of energy, we can then hold the exchange convention. What do you think?”

But as soon as he finished speaking, Elder Huoyun slowly shook his head. “There is no need!”

“I have important matters to attend to and cannot stay for long!”

Sect Leader Xuanyangzi nodded upon hearing this and said, “Since Elder Huoyun's mind is made up, then we shall do as the Elder says.”

With that, Sect Leader Xuanyangzi stood up. “Fellow Daoist Huoyun, I have already set up the arena in the plaza. After you!”

“Please...” Elder Huoyun also stood up and followed Sect Leader Xuanyangzi toward the plaza.

The rest of the group also followed behind Sect Leader Xuanyangzi and Elder Huoyun.

At this time, an arena had already been set up at the Martial Arts Arena.

Opposite the arena was a high platform, which was filled with tables and chairs.

Sect Leader Xuanyangzi and Elder Huoyun sat together on the high platform of the Martial Arts Arena, on either side.

“Junior Brother Qingxuan, you shall be the one to announce the rules!” Sect Leader Xuanyangzi looked toward Elder Qingxuan.

Elder Qingxuan cupped his hands to Sect Leader Xuanyangzi and then stood on the arena to announce: “Today is the exchange convention between the Heavenly Sword Sect and the Flowing Fire Sect, aimed at sparring skills and exchanging insights, as well as testing the strength of the younger generation of both sects.”

“Entrusted by the Sect Head, I shall announce the rules of this exchange convention.”

“This competition will use a one-on-one arena challenge mode. Foundation Establishment Cultivators from both sects will take turns stepping onto the stage. They may choose any Cultivator from the opposing camp to challenge, or they may accept a challenge from the other side.”

As his voice fell, everyone nodded slightly. One-on-one matches were the standard mode for exchanges and sparring in the cultivation world, so there were no surprises.

Elder Qingxuan continued to supplement, his tone becoming increasingly serious as he clarified the criteria for victory: “During the match, victory must be decided on the arena. Lives must not be harmed; the match ends once the point is made. If a Cultivator voluntarily surrenders, runs out of spiritual power and cannot fight further, or is knocked out of the arena, they will be judged as defeated.”

“The most important point,” Elder Qingxuan emphasized his tone, “this exchange convention has no fixed number of matches. Until the Foundation Establishment Cultivators of one side are no longer willing to step onto the stage to challenge, and no one can step onto the stage to answer a challenge, the other side will be judged the winner of this exchange convention!”

As soon as these words were spoken, a low wave of discussion instantly rose above the Martial Arts Arena.

The Heavenly Sword Sect Disciples had varying expressions: some were surprised, some were solemn, and some were somewhat unwilling.

If no one else stepped onto the stage, it meant defeat. This undoubtedly placed the face of both sects completely upon the arena.

The prodigies of the Flowing Fire Sect, however, looked indifferent and even carried a bit of confidence. After all, they were all the top talents of the Flowing Fire Sect.

On the high platform, Elder Huoyun nodded slightly and cupped his hands to Elder Qingxuan, his tone flat: “What Fellow Daoist Qingxuan says is correct. These rules are fair and just; my Flowing Fire Sect has no objections.”

To him, regardless of the rules, the strength of the Flowing Fire Sect Disciples was enough to win. Moreover, such rules could even more thoroughly demonstrate the Flowing Fire Sect's power.