Chapter 238: Did Everyone Go to Cangwu Dojo?
The Tiandao Conference's Tong Xuan Realm duels totaled thirty matches, fiercely unfolding over three days.
The first day saw ten intense battles, the second day also had ten, and the third day concluded with the final ten matches.
The focus of public attention largely fell on the second day's schedule.
This was because the participants on the second day were more compelling than those on the first and third days.
As the midday sun hung high in the sky, a sword style as mighty as a collapsing mountain struck the Tianji Dojo. Lin Chuan, the only son of the thousand-year-old Lin Family, couldn't stop his hands from trembling slightly, and a trickle of blood escaped from his contorted mouth.
But before he could steady himself, a sword Dao imbued with chilling coldness ripped through the air, its sharp Sword Qi instantly dispelling the still-unsettled airwaves.
Lin Chuan's pupils constricted. He hastily raised his saber to block, and the sparking blade deflected most of the whistling Sword Qi, but a wisp of sharp Sword Qi still grazed his left shoulder, instantly tearing open his brocade robe. Crimson blood gushed out, staining the luxurious fabric a dazzling red.
Lin Chuan was no unknown. On the contrary, he was a well-known Prodigy in Feng Province.
Furthermore, the Lin Family had an in-law relationship with the Asked the Dao Sect's Shang Family. Although he did not enter an Immortal Sect due to his unruly nature, the cultivation resources he possessed were never less than those of Immortal Sect Disciples.
Here, Zhuang Zixin, standing opposite him, couldn't help but pant slightly after unleashing a sword strike, then raised his cold, clear eyes.
Under the gaze of the entire audience, Zhuang Zixin flipped his wrist, and a perfectly round sword shadow, like a silver moon in the sky, descended with a whistling wind, slashing swiftly towards Lin Chuan.
With a clang, sparks flew—
On the other side, at Qiyun Dojo.
Li Yunzhao, the younger brother of Li Yunlang, the second son of the former imperial Li Clan, met the challenge with an iron spear, like a cold Dragon emerging from its cave. However, facing his opponent's bizarre and unpredictable mother-son heavy swords, his rapidly circulating Spirit Origin gradually began to deplete amidst his rapid breathing.
A sword strike that directly struck his heart was fended off by his family's secret technique, the Sun Radiance Divine Art, but then the opponent's smaller sword was fiercely stabbed into his shoulder bone.
His opponent, Yan Hao, the grandson of Tianjian Peak's Peak Master, sustained minor injuries after an intense battle but was largely unharmed. He then ended the duel with a heavy sword strike, straightened his hair crown under the admiring gazes of the crowd, and stepped off the circular platform.
Yan Hao's duels were always known for being swift and decisive. Once his heavy sword was unleashed, it was like a thunderous mountain collapse, suppressing all directions.
Many people had followed his matches since the first round of the group stage.
They had always believed that Yan Hao's smaller sword was not strong, and its existence was purely to compensate for the disadvantage of the heavy sword's slow movement speed.
However, after today's battle with Lin Chuan, everyone discovered that the killing power of his fine sword was completely different from before; its lightning-fast strikes were simply impossible to react to.
Meanwhile, the intensity of the duels at Xingchi Dojo was no less than these two matches.
At that time, Li Yunlang, empowered by spells, was like a brilliant golden sun wheel. His entire body surged with Qi, his steps like the wind. The gleaming sword in his hand was even more piercing and swift, immediately suppressing a direct Disciple of a Lingjian Mountain Elder from the start, making it difficult for him to draw his sword or form a stance.
Such was the Sword Dao: if one could not continuously form a stance and gather Sword Qi, it would be difficult to unleash its inherent power.
However, Lingjian Mountain Sword Dao had countless variations, and this Elder's direct Disciple also possessed some skill. Several times he changed his Sword Intent, almost succeeding in a counterattack, but each time he was suddenly suppressed by his opponent's iron spear pursuit.
Finally, he was directly whipped off the platform by the spear shaft, colliding with the circular platform's barrier and being knocked dizzy.
But the Tiandao Conference's duels did not always unfold as expected; there were always unforeseen occurrences.
Just like in a duel at Qiyun Dojo in the afternoon, Wei Yingmeng, the daughter of the Mountain and Sea Pavilion's Branch Master, unexpectedly lost.
There are many female cultivators in Qingyun World. Because of their meticulous minds and ability to see the subtle, they have higher Comprehension Ability than men, and their cultivation speed is also a bit faster. However, the combat power of female cultivators is often not high, and they do not stand out too much in the same Realm.
However, this Wei Yingmeng was an exception.
It is said that she dressed like a boy from a young age, and in cultivation and combat, she was never inferior to anyone.
Many people had predicted that Wei Yingmeng would enter the top ten in this Tiandao Conference.
In the second round, she encountered an opponent from the Zhu Family of Qing Province named Zhu Shun.
Zhu Shun was not particularly well-known, far less eye-catching than his brother Zhu Yao, who had joined Asked the Dao Sect. In fact, before the Tiandao Conference began, few people paid attention to him.
But as their duel began, everyone noticed that Wei Yingmeng seemed somewhat dazed. After several clashes, she fell into a disadvantage and narrowly lost on the circular platform.
This result caused an uproar among the surrounding spectators, who all stood up and stared, feeling a sense of bewilderment.
"How could this be—"
"What kind of spell is that?"
"The Zhu Family's inherited Mingyang spell."
In the subsequent duels, the biggest highlight was on two individuals named You Bai and Hao Feng.
The You Family and Hao Family were not well-known within Kyushu, belonging to the lower-tier Worldly Sect. However, these two, like Ba Yang before them,
were all those who broke through their Realm just before the competition.
In the second round of the Tiandao Conference, both of them also achieved victory in their duels, forcing their opponents to withdraw regretfully due to the difference in Realm.
And those who lost to them were not unknown youngsters; one was a Disciple of a thousand-year-old Worldly Family, and the other was a Disciple of an in-law Worldly Family of the Chen Clan.
This shows that being one Realm higher truly makes a significant difference, which is difficult to compensate for in other ways.
In contrast to the fervent atmosphere throughout the Xianxian Garden, the mood of the Tianshu Academy Disciples was somber.
Wang Gaocen lost.
His opponent today was a direct Disciple of an Elder from the Mountain and Sea Pavilion. The two fought until the third round.
Wang Gaocen was considered to have decent combat power among the Tong Xuan Realm cultivators of Tianshu Academy, and he was evenly matched with this Mountain and Sea Pavilion Disciple. They fought an inseparable, perilous battle.
He used the orthodox Tianshu Academy's multi-spell empowerment. Although its power was not as great as that of his Senior Brothers and Senior Sisters in the Rongdao Realm, it was worthy of the Immortal Sect Disciple's name, moving like a swift wind and striking with heavy force.
Unfortunately, in the third match, he was still one move short of his opponent and was directly suppressed onto the platform by the Mountain and Sea Pavilion Disciple's Qi, almost being run through with a saber.
Fortunately, at the last moment, he used a defensive Magical Artifact, turned over, and forced his opponent back, but ultimately, his saber was struck off the platform.
At this moment, he walked out of Lingxi Dojo, his gaze somewhat dim as he looked towards Xianxian Garden.
He was the direct grandson of a Tianshu Academy Elder, accustomed to a life of luxury since childhood, and considered a Prodigy among his peers. His goal in participating in this Tiandao Conference was to contend for first place.
However, out of humility and caution, he had always publicly stated that he aimed for the top ten.
But everyone who came to participate in these duels was aiming to enter the deepest part of the Xianxian Holy Land.
Yet, this duel felt like a direct blow to his head, making him suddenly realize that he was actually weaker and more mediocre than he had imagined.
Looking at the long white marble Dao, he was about to return when he suddenly stopped. He didn't know how he should inform others that he had lost.
But just as he was dazed, a group of Tianshu Academy Disciples suddenly appeared from the Yuyu Dojo, adjacent to Lingxi Dojo. They hurriedly carried a bamboo-woven stretcher and ran out, heading directly towards the gate along the white marble Dao.
Wang Gaocen was stunned, his eyes involuntarily widening.
Because the blood-soaked man lying on the stretcher was none other than his fellow Disciple, Gu Zetao.
After gazing for a long time, Wang Gaocen saw Wei Han, a Disciple from the Master's Courtyard, who was accompanying Gu Zetao. He also had a solemn expression and dim eyes.
Wang Gaocen came back to his senses: "What happened to Zetao?"
Wei Han pursed his lips: "Junior Brother Gu lost."
"I remember his opponent was from Asked the Dao Sect?"
"Ye Qing of Asked the Dao Sect. He lost both matches, and his multi-spell empowerment was shattered by the opponent."
Wei Han had just been in Yuyu Dojo and had watched the entire duel of Gu Zetao.
This Ye Qing attacked fiercely, demonstrating immense Qi as soon as he entered the arena. Moreover, his combat experience far surpassed Gu Zetao's, and he predictably achieved victory.
At this moment, a Master-in-charge from the Master's Courtyard, who had heard the news, came before them. Listening to Wei Han's report and seeing Wang Gaocen's disheveled appearance with his shattered hair crown, his face turned extremely grim.
At this stage, among the Seven Great Immortal Sects, excluding Dan Sect which did not participate, every other Immortal Sect had suffered a defeat.
For example, Chen Shuo of the Chen Clan, and the daughter of the Mountain and Sea Pavilion's Branch Master.
But only their Tianshu Academy had lost two people in a single day, and Gu Zetao was even carried off the stage, which was truly a bit embarrassing.
Among the spectators, some were from influential Sect in the capital, such as Chong Wang and his entourage. They all emerged from Lingxi Dojo and Yuyu Dojo, their expressions somewhat tense.
They resided in Shengjing, quite close to Tianshu Academy, and their daily associates were also cultivators from Tianshu Academy, so their presence to watch the battles was not surprising.
However, they truly had not expected Tianshu Academy to lose two consecutive matches, with one even being seriously injured and unconscious.
Recalling the past, they had all watched the Tiandao Conference preliminaries.
They were unaware of the Elder Council's behind-the-scenes interference, but they all knew that Wang Gaocen and Gu Zetao were meticulously selected from thousands within the academy. Was this the result?
Amidst whispers, another group of pro-immortal officials arrived from Jingyang Dojo and joined them.
Upon learning that two Tianshu Academy Tong Xuan Realm cultivators had lost, these latecomers also brought another piece of bad news.
"Over in the Rongdao Realm, a Tianshu Academy Disciple almost lost as well."
"Who?"
"Xiao Hanyan."
"'Almost lost' means she didn't lose. The second round was very dangerous; being able to win is a skill."
"She was actually going to lose, but at the last moment, Xiao Hanyan secretly threw out a Magical Artifact."
"The Tiandao Conference doesn't prohibit the use of Magical Artifacts, so that shouldn't be anything, right?"
"It doesn't prohibit the use of Magical Artifacts, but it's customary to declare if you intend to bring a Magical Artifact onto the stage. Doing it secretly like this, well, it seems a bit of an unfair victory."
"How could this be? It's clearly the Great Xia Holy Sect's..."
"The Xianxian Holy Land was where Sacred Artifacts were passed down in the past. One year of cultivation there is equivalent to ten years elsewhere. It's normal to use some methods to enter it, but Tianshu Academy's reputation might not be so good from now on."
Spiritual Qi surged like a sea, and saber and sword lights flashed like lightning.
Coming and going, with victories and defeats, people constantly moved through the nine Dojos, some walking with their heads held high, clearly victorious, while others looked dejected and disheveled from defeat.
As for the onlookers, some young people felt their Dao Heart was hindered by the miraculous performances in the arena, feeling they couldn't keep up, while some Elders couldn't help but sigh, "I was certainly not as good as him in my youth."
In the past two years, there have always been rumors that the Human Race's Luck is running out, causing the Barbarian Race and Yao Race to harbor ill intentions, eager to attack Hantie Pass and enter Kyushu under the guise of trade, even attempting to form an Alliance—all these things have happened in the last two years.
But after watching the second round of this Tiandao Conference, many people felt that the talk of Luck running out was simply nonsense.
Look at this scene of blooming flowers; the Human Race should clearly be ushering in a prosperous era.
The Xianxian Garden has elegant scenery with pavilions and towers scattered in an orderly fashion, but it is ultimately too large a garden, not suitable for lively discussions. However, Zhongxing County, which has developed around the cultivators' grand gathering, has extremely suitable teahouses and taverns nearby. As the setting sun descends, the taverns in Zhongxing County are full, with thousands of red lanterns, and figures drinking together constantly discuss today's battles.
"Li Yunlang of the Li Clan from Zhongzhou performed even better than I imagined. I think a spot in the top ten is definitely his."
"I agree with that, but those Zhu family brothers also seem to be extraordinary individuals."
"Don't forget Zhuang Zixin; his performance was also very impressive, and his age is just right. My family still has a granddaughter who is not yet married."
"Speaking of Zhuang Zixin, his Senior Brother Zhuang You is also surprising. I heard that at noon today, he only used ten Sword Intent to defeat a personal Disciple of Xuan Yuan Immortal Mansion."
"The most formidable one must be Yan Hao from Lingjian Mountain. Watching the battles these past few days, I always feel that he hasn't used his full power yet."
"And there's Shang Zhou, the younger brother of Shang Xiyao from Asked the Dao Sect, and Wen Song from Xuan Yuan Immortal Mansion—"
"Everyone, don't forget, besides those you mentioned, there are also three who broke through their Realm during the competition in the Tong Xuan Realm battles. Although it's only a small Realm difference, they have ultimately crossed the threshold between Tong Xuan Realm and Rongdao Realm."
"In that case, the top ten spots are truly up for grabs."
"In the previous Tiandao Conferences, the top ten spots were basically determined by the second round. This year, however, it's still uncertain."
"Ah, don't forget there are ten more matches tomorrow; perhaps the number will continue to increase."
"Indeed, there must still be people who hid their strength in the group stage. This is beyond doubt, as some Sect Disciples have not yet competed. But speaking of Sects, Tianshu Academy seems to be in a bit of a difficult situation this time."
"It is said they lost two?"
"It's three."
"How could it be three?"
"Someone secretly used Magical Artifacts. In short, the result was somewhat controversial. The Tiandao Conference isn't about whose Magical Artifact is stronger. They won the battle but ultimately lost some reputation."
Ji You watched the battles all day and only learned upon returning that Tianshu Academy had lost two matches today, and Xiao Hanyan's match, though a victory, also seemed to be criticized. He thought to himself, no wonder the courtyard was so quiet today, with no one drinking tea.
Wen Siyuan even specifically came over to talk to him. He didn't mention the consecutive losses, but he solemnly instructed him to be careful in tomorrow morning's battle.
This sentence should not have been his to say, but rather an instruction from the Master's Courtyard.
The three Sect Masters, whose unwavering principle is to uphold the Sect's prestige, have already started to get nervous. Their expressions today were probably not very pleasant.
This is normal. Among the Seven Great Immortal Sects, only Tianshu Academy is crowned with the title of Holy Sect. Such a record is indeed somewhat undeserving...
As the second day of the Tiandao Conference's second round was exceptionally exciting, many people were looking forward to the third day's matches.
So, early on the second day, countless people departed from their respective gardens and inns, heading towards the Dojo in Xianxian Garden.
Some had chatted with friends all night and still carried a faint scent of alcohol when they left.
Meanwhile, the tavern Master-in-charge stayed up all night, counting his overflowing silver and smilingly seeing guests out the door.
Several personal Disciples of Lingjian Mountain, several personal Disciples of the Chen Clan, and the highly anticipated Prodigies from several Millennium Worldly Sect will all complete their matches today.
Among them, Zhu Yao, the newly ascended cultivation Genius from Asked the Dao Sect, Chen Ruiyang from the Chen Clan, and Murong Yu, the eldest daughter of the Murong family, are highly anticipated. Additionally, some individuals who performed quite impressively in the group stage are also receiving attention.
Along the white marble path, everyone walked towards the Nine Great Dojos, first passing by Qiyun Dojo and Tianji Dojo.
And as they passed by Cangwu Dojo, some of them couldn't help but pause slightly, then turned and walked in.
Chen Ruiyang's battle today was in Cangwu Dojo, and these people came specifically for his match.
Lou Family Head Lu Xiong also arrived at this time, aimlessly looking around, planning to find a Dojo to watch the battles.
Three of their Lou Family Disciples lost in the first round, while the remaining ones managed to enter the second round by Luck.
However, Luck is not always present, so they all lost in the second round.
But the Lou Family has some friendly Worldly Sect who have matches today, so he naturally wouldn't idle in the garden.
Just then, Lu Xiong met Lou Family Head Lou Jingzhi at the entrance of Cangwu Dojo.
Although the Lou Family and the Lu Family are not close, they do have some Spirit Stone business dealings, and both of them are currently staying in Lianxing Garden, where they have met and chatted a few times.
Lou Jingzhi looked at Lu Xiong at this moment, cupped his hands slightly, and said, "Brother Lu, good morning."
"Good morning, Brother Lou."
"Does the Lu Family have anyone competing today?"
Lu Xiong waved his hand upon hearing this: "My family's Disciples are not very competitive; they all lost yesterday. I probably can't sit still, so I decided to come out and watch the battles."
Lou Jingzhi nodded, then couldn't help but say, "After meeting Brother Lu a few days ago, I suddenly remembered something.
I've been thinking of finding time to have a good chat with Brother Lu."
"Oh? May I ask what it is, Brother Lou?"
"It's like this: my son is not yet married, and as a father, I'm quite worried. Then I suddenly remembered that Brother Lu's family also seems to have a marriageable daughter?".
Upon hearing his words, Lu Xiong naturally understood his underlying meaning was to hope for an opportunity for the two Sect to form an in-law relationship. He pursed his lips for a moment, then softly said, "So that's what Brother Lou means. I do have two daughters waiting to be married, but this matter still needs to be discussed with my wife."
Lou Jingzhi smiled after hearing this: "Then may I ask where Mrs. Lu is?"
"When I left, my wife had already departed. I don't know where she went."
"Perhaps she went to watch the battles."
Lu Xiong chuckled softly: "She's a woman; she's usually not interested in such things."
Lou Jingzhi heard that he didn't seem very interested and wasn't annoyed: "The Tiandao Conference won't end anytime soon, so there's plenty of time. Since it's not convenient this time, let's find another opportunity. Brother Lu, farewell."
"Farewell then."
Lu Xiong watched him walk into Cangwu Dojo and suddenly realized that the eldest son of the Lou Family was probably the one who withdrew from the competition a few days ago.
It was precisely because he withdrew that Ji You won the last match without a fight—
Lu Xiong looked at Cangwu Dojo, deep in thought for a long time, when suddenly his eyes narrowed, and he saw a familiar figure, his expression slightly surprised.
Cultivators have keen senses, and if they observe carefully, distant scenery can be seen clearly.
As the Lou family members entered Cangwu Dojo, he suddenly discovered that his wife had already taken her seat in the audience, her eyes fixed on the stage.
His conversation with Lou Jingzhi just now did indeed have some evasive intent, but most of it was serious.
He had woken up this morning to find his wife had left, and his wife was indeed not interested in fighting and killing.
Brother Lu originally thought she had arranged to go shopping with other wives from the Lingzhou Chamber of Commerce, but he never expected her to come here.
Moreover, seeing his wife's position so close to the circular platform, he felt that his wife seemed to have come early to secure a seat. In fact, Lu Xiong had the idea of going to Cangwu Dojo to watch the battle after he remembered the Lou family's son withdrawing, but he still didn't understand why his wife would be here.
After a moment of thought, Lu Xiong stepped into Cangwu Dojo.
And near where Lu Xiong had just stood, a group of Worldly Family young ladies were also walking along the path.
One of them was Qiu Hanyue, the young lady of the Qiu Family; the others were her sisters and new friends she had made in the garden recently.
"How does Hanyue feel about the Young Master we met at the tavern yesterday?
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"He's very good, gentle and refined, a true Young Master."
"I also think he's good. He's handsome and his strength is also good."
Qiu Hanyue had already told her sisters that she had successfully declined the marriage with the private cultivator from Feng Province through her efforts, and they were all very happy for her.
However, she was at a marriageable age after all; if she didn't marry this one, she would have to marry another.
Taking advantage of the Tiandao Conference, where talents gathered, the Qiu Family also re-selected several men for her.
Qiu Hanyue met a Young Master from a Worldly Family yesterday, accompanied by her sisters. He was indeed a good person and very strong, having made it to the second round.
Qiu Hanyue indeed thought he was good, and hearing her sisters also praise him, she thought to herself that her judgment was indeed good.
"Hanyue."
"Hmm?"
"It seems to be Huang Rou."
Qiu Hanyue raised her eyes and looked at the speaking woman.
This was one of her best sisters, named Sheng Xiyu. When she was distressed about marrying into Feng Province, it was Sheng Xiyu who suggested that she might bypass the He Family and the Qiu Family and directly talk to Ji You.
At this moment, she looked in the direction Sheng Xiyu pointed and immediately saw her other good sister, Huang Rou, in the audience of Cangwu Dojo, her expression slightly pleased.
Huang Rou had not been with them, her sisters, these past few days, and had been acting alone more often.
She had declined all invitations for leisurely strolls a few days ago and yesterday's banquet.
Qiu Hanyue originally thought Huang Rou wanted to spend time alone with her childhood sweetheart, but later she learned that her childhood sweetheart had already been severely injured and fallen unconscious during the competition.
So when she saw Huang Rou sitting in the Dojo, her eyes couldn't help but show a hint of confusion.
What confused her even more was that Huang Rou was staring intently at the stage, a hint of anticipation in her eyes, as if expecting to see the person fighting.
