241: Chapter 241 Qingyun Challenge

The Qingyun Sect is the most elite Sect in Qingzhou. When the Demonic Sect once wreaked havoc across the world, the major Schools joined forces to suppress them. As the hegemon of Qingzhou, the Qingyun Sect contributed the most, and naturally, they took the lion's share when dividing the Martial Kings Treasury.

However, the Qixia Sect's performance in that battle was also remarkably impressive. Although they did not receive as many treasures as the Qingyun Sect, it was enough to make the Qingyun Sect feel resentful—how could a mere Qixia Sect be entitled to stand on equal footing and share the spoils with the Qingyun Sect?

The Qingyun Sect had been holding onto this grievance for over half a year, and now, they had finally come knocking.

Naturally, the Qixia Sect was not afraid of this challenge. The Sect Master, accompanied by numerous Elders, personally descended the mountain to welcome them and invited the Qingyun Sect's party into the Sect.

Both sides took their seats in the grand hall, tea was served, and they exchanged a few pleasantries. The fair-skinned, beardless middle-aged scholar from the Qingyun Sect set down his teacup and got straight to the point—they had brought the strongest Prodigy from their Sect and wished to battle against the Qixia Sect's strongest Genius.

As soon as these words were spoken, everyone in the grand hall turned their gaze toward Peak Master Su Hanyan.

Because everyone knew that the Qixia Sect's current strongest Genius was not Cao Yun, nor Senior Brother Wang Yidao, but Peak Master Su Hanyan's Disciple—the undefeated champion of the Seven Peaks Tournament, Lin Tian.

Peak Master Su Hanyan sat upright in her chair, meeting the gazes of the crowd. She smiled slightly, set down her teacup, and said only four words: "No problem."

Both sides set the time. Half a month later, at the Qixia Sect's Martial Arts Arena, a single battle would decide the victor.

As for why it was scheduled so late, both sides understood each other without speaking—whether it was the Qingyun Sect or the Qixia Sect, both wanted to use this half-month to spread the news and let the various Families and Schools of Yunzhou come to watch the battle.

This was not just a duel between Prodigies; it was an excellent opportunity to showcase their strength. If they won, they would make a name for themselves and shake Yunzhou with their prestige.

Once everything was finalized, the people from the Qingyun Sect were arranged to stay. The Sect Master then convened a meeting with the Seven Peak Masters to delegate the task of spreading the news.

The subordinates took action immediately, utilizing carrier pigeons, fast horses, and sound-transmitting jade talismans. Within a few days, the news had spread through every street and alley of Yunzhou City, even crossing the provincial borders to reach Qingzhou.

Many Families and Schools heard that the Qixia Sect and the Qingyun Sect were going to have a duel between Prodigies and immediately set off to arrive. Inns were packed, taverns stayed open all night, and the town at the foot of the Qixia Sect was livelier than a festival. Everyone was looking forward to this battle.

However, only five days after the news had spread, an unexpected piece of news emerged from the Qingyun Sect.

Qingyun Sect Disciple Li Yun has made a Breakthrough and reached the 6th Grade Baodan Realm.

Once the news broke, everyone following the duel was stunned. As for Li Yun, although he was previously a Genius Disciple of the Qingyun Sect, he was far from being someone to be feared.

He was only thirty years old. Breaking through to the 6th Grade at thirty completely exceeded everyone's understanding. In inns, taverns, and on mountain paths, discussions were everywhere.

Some slammed the tables and exclaimed that the Heavens were truly incredible; a thirty-year-old Grandmaster was simply Heaven-Defying.

Others sneered, saying the news must be fake and that the Qingyun Sect was bluffing. After all, which of the Peak Masters from the Qixia Sect or the Qingyun Sect didn't become a Grandmaster only after the age of forty? A thirty-year-old Grandmaster had never been heard of before.

But soon, the Qingyun Sect officially released a statement—the news was true.

Li Yun had obtained a spiritual treasure from the Martial Kings Treasury and made a Breakthrough in one go, stepping into the Baodan Realm.

Now, everyone fell silent. A thirty-year-old Grandmaster, the real deal. This was the youngest Grandmaster of the Qingyun Sect; even looking across the entire Yunzhou and the entire Dynasty, he was the youngest Grandmaster.

Then, everyone thought of one thing—it was over; the Qixia Sect was going to lose. How could they fight this? The gap between a 6th Grade Grandmaster and a 5th Grade Martial Artist was a qualitative difference.

A single 6th Grade Grandmaster could take on ten 5th Grade Peak Martial Artists; this was not something that could be made up for with combat techniques. That Lin Tian from the Qixia Sect, who had won the Seven Peaks Tournament, was heard to be only at the 5th Grade Peak. With what could he fight a Grandmaster?