Chapter Sixty-Seven: The Arena

Under the blue sky, one wields the sword; under the clear sky, one admires the flowers.

The air, freshly cleansed after the rain, was pure and sweet. Riding the wind, he soared toward the arena he had visited the previous night.

Strangely, there were few people traveling through the air. Was there some unusual regulation? No one had warned him…

“Wait. Zhou Cangsheng did remind me,” Xu Xing thought with a jolt. But he was already on his way; it hardly mattered now.

As expected, Xu Xing was fined. Upon arrival at the arena, he was intercepted, and a spiritual sensing and collection was conducted. His spiritual energy was absorbed into a spiritual stone, specially designed to contain various energies.

He had feared he would be recognized, but unexpectedly, the guard made no trouble for him.

“I know who you are. You killed the Azure Sun Swordsman, those hundreds, and the Nine Swordsmen. But don’t worry; in this world that values strength, when some fall, others will rise to take their place.”

As Xu Xing approached the arena, a guard spoke with firm, resonant words, expressing approval.

Even from outside, the clamorous sounds from within could be heard. This time, Xu Xing was determined to shine—his brilliance would burst forth, and none could stop him.

He entered via a long corridor, stepping into the arena, which instantly felt vast and empty—much more so than outside.

At the end, three doors stood: South Mountain Sect, North Sea Sect, and Zhuoding Sect—the three sects recruiting today. Without hesitation, Xu Xing chose the North Sea Sect.

He had chosen North Sea Academy in Sea City before, and now North Sea Sect again, seeking the contract stone. Even if he didn’t find it, he would still choose North Sea Sect.

The door to the North Sea Sect was covered in a deep blue, calming and tranquil. Leisurely, Xu Xing stepped through—and was stunned.

He found himself at the center of the arena, on a large platform, which had been shrunken by spatial arts. Around him, other platforms were tightly arranged.

“This is…? Truly astonishing,” Xu Xing couldn’t help but marvel. The world was vast and full of wonders, and he realized he had once wasted his life, never seeing its breadth.

A stern voice came from above.

“Entrants, please read the notice board.”

Glancing sideways, he saw a stone tablet in the audience seating, inscribed with several lines.

Testers: Comprehend the Xuanwu Plate, activate the Spirit Root Tree, then perform object flight. If you succeed, you may proceed to the next test.

There were also several other lines, but they were blurred and unreadable for now; he was certain, though, that rewards awaited.

At that moment, a few more people appeared on the platform.

Four in total. To Xu Xing’s surprise, one was familiar.

It was Zhou Yuan’s sister. But why was she here? Shouldn’t she be at North Sea Academy? Xu Xing searched his memory, trying to recall the reason.

He hadn’t seen her at North Sea Academy before; perhaps there was a hidden story. Accompanying her were three other men.

When Zhou Yuan’s sister saw Xu Xing, she smiled and walked over.

“Long time no see—well, not that long. I heard you really went to North Sea Academy. My brother saw you then, but I wasn’t in Sea City anymore; I had already moved south—here, to Lantern City.”

Xu Xing smiled politely, uncertain what to say, as they had only met once.

“Hmm, I heard from my brother that you were accompanied by Senior Sister Ziyan. Why… why isn’t she here today?”

Indeed, where was Ziyan? Xu Xing smiled bitterly—because of him.

Last night, after learning the truth, he realized that the golden core-level bloodsucker bug wasn’t the main cause of her coma; it was the demon-sealing formation set up by one of the Nine Swordsmen, blocking Ziyan’s spiritual energy.

On top of that, Ziyan was invaded by the bug, which had been deliberately arranged by the Azure Sun Swordsman. When they had wandered the streets together, that too had been orchestrated…

Thinking of it made him angry. He stomped his foot—yet the Nine Swordsmen were dead, all slain for Ziyan!

No pity whatsoever.

“She’s unwell and couldn’t come. She’s recuperating, though it shouldn’t be a big problem,” Xu Xing replied with a bitter smile.

“Xu Xing, you don’t need to hide it from me. Your battle last night is known throughout Lantern City, though no one knows your clan identity. I won’t reveal it. I’m here only to find a tool to deal with the bloodsucker bug infestation in Sea City.”

Leaning close, Zhou Yuan’s sister whispered, and Xu Xing felt enlightened.

“All right, but what I said is true—Ziyan is recuperating. She’s weak at the moment.”

“By the way, what’s your name? I don’t know it yet—let’s get acquainted.”

“Zhou Lingyan.”

It seemed fate had brought him and Zhou Lingyan together—perhaps some people were destined to meet.

“All right, Zhou Lingyan. Are you assigned to the same platform as me? Please help me out when the time comes.”

Xu Xing smiled, uncertain about Zhou Lingyan, and noting how her name resembled Ziyan’s and Zhou Lingya’s. Could it be…?

Just as he asked, the three men who had entered with Zhou Lingyan approached and faced Xu Xing.

“Well, isn’t this the legendary Xu Xing, who fought a hundred men alone? Last night’s battle made you the talk of the town.”

“Ah, don’t say that. It’s just rumors. Who knows if it’s true or just more hype?”

Xu Xing was accustomed to such mocking—it was common for people to envy others’ power, and when they couldn’t have it, they tried to destroy it.

“It might not have been me—maybe someone else is spreading tales,” Xu Xing replied calmly.

“Why are you all talking? Can’t you mind your own business? Have you ever reflected on yourselves? Always belittling others—have you considered why the praise isn’t for you but for him?”

Zhou Lingyan scolded, pouting and looking disdainfully at the other three.

“No matter. Jealousy is normal, but the person last night wasn’t me—I was sleeping then.”

Xu Xing disliked exaggerated praise; he didn’t want to fall hard later. Gold will shine on its own.

His words settled the atmosphere, leaving the others unsure how to respond, so they fell silent.

The platform would only reveal the Xuanwu Plate once everyone had gathered. For now, all waited for the appointed time.

“Your sword seems valuable—mind letting us take a look?”

One of the three, with a sly glance, eyed Xu Xing’s sword greedily.

“That depends on whether you have the strength to take it.”