Immortals of the End Times

Chapter 114: Sword Contest Among Prodigies, Struggle for First Merit (Bonus Chapter 412 for Monthly Tickets)

In the side hall of the Hall of Merit, a jade crane-beak censer was emitting blue smoke.

Hou Baichang, the peak master of Guyun Peak, put down his teacup, looked up at Elder Li of the Hall of Merit, and said in a voice as ethereal as clouds and mist, "Junior Brother Li, has the assessment of the first merit been reviewed by the cave master?"

"It's natural."

Elder Li glanced at Ji Mobai behind him, and a jade scroll slid out from his sleeve. He said, "Nephew Zhao assisted Elders Wen and Jiao in killing Yun Feng Xue Wuchang. The image of his corpse and the sword token of the sword energy used have been handed over to the Cave Master for review. The Cave Master personally commented that he was brave and resourceful, and a brilliant genius."

"A prodigy."

Ji Mobai suddenly crushed the teacup in his hand and said coldly, "A Qi Refining Stage 3 cultivator can assist in killing a Qi Refining Stage 8 cultivator? I've always suspected that someone is secretly behind this."

"Mo Bai!" Hou Baichang flicked his sleeves, causing the tea table to tremble slightly. "The cave master has discerning eyes; how dare you interfere?"

Seeing this, Elder Li laughed and said, "Nephew Ji, you may not know this, but Zhao Wuji is indeed a sword prodigy. At the crucial moment, he activated the sword energy within the sword token and accurately struck Kang Youyuan, who was in the Earth element at the time."

"How can someone at the third level of Qi Refining cultivation launch a close-range sneak attack without a Qi Refining eighth-level cultivator noticing?"

Ji Mobai waved his white sleeves, and the Lone Cloud Sword at his waist rang out, its sword energy rising like clouds, causing the surrounding teacups to tremble violently. "Later on the merit-discussion platform, this disciple will personally test the true quality of Junior Brother Zhao's swordsmanship! I will not use force to suppress him, but will only judge him on swordsmanship!"

A subtle glint flashed in Hou Baichang's eyes.

He knew this disciple's personality best.

He was aloof and arrogant, intolerant of any falsehood, just like his younger self.

That's why he's so bothered by the fact that the credit went to someone else this time, and because of the rumors circulating in the cave, he wants to prove himself.

He tapped the tea table lightly and reminded him in a deep voice, "After all, your Uncle Hua saved me during Yun Feng's ambush last time. This time, you are testing Zhao Wuji. Regardless of the outcome, I hope you will stop when you have the chance."

“Master, you are wise!” Ji Mobai raised his sword finger, his expression resolute. “Even if that Junior Brother Zhao is unworthy of the title.” He paused, his fist clenching slightly beneath his sleeve. “This merit will not be taken back by force.”

He had his pride. Since the credit had already been awarded to Zhao Wuji, he wouldn't take it anymore. But he wanted to prove himself to his fellow disciples who were spreading rumors.

Hou Baichang nodded, letting his disciple have his way, and then stood up with a flick of his sleeve: "Let's go, don't delay Elder Li's ceremony of awarding merits."

"Yes!"

As Ji Mobai looked up, he saw Hou Baichang's back already at the palace gate. The solitary cloud pattern embroidered with silver thread on his robe flickered in the morning light, making him appear aloof and unfathomable.

Inside the Hall of Merit, the morning sun shines through the glazed tiles onto the jade floor, making the eighteen dragon-carved pillars gleam.

Hundreds of disciples in green robes and blue gowns who participated in the counterattack came to the Hall of Merit to participate in the discussion and reward of their merits.

As the commander of Mingxia, Zhao Wuji was only considered the lowest-ranking among the nine commanders before the expedition.

Now, when it comes to rewarding merits, they are ranked first and receive honors and rewards first.

However, at this very moment, on the right side of the high platform of the Hall of Merit, Hou Baichang, the peak master of Guyun Peak, was sitting upright, seemingly resting with his eyes closed.

Standing behind him was Ji Mobai, the commander of Qingluo, dressed in a purple robe. His face was slightly gloomy, and the cold light in his eyes seemed to pierce through him.

The Tiger River Commander Mei Jin and others beside him also stared intently, as if trying to see through him inside and out, which attracted attention from all sides.

"It seems that winning the first merit this time has indeed placed me in the spotlight."

Zhao Wuji thought to himself, but his face remained as still as a mountain. Now that he had won the first merit, he was naturally determined to get the storage bag.

In this degenerate age, even ordinary elders do not possess treasures like storage bags.

This time, the cave has suffered a huge loss.

Soon, Elder Li of the Hall of Merit, holding a golden book, stood on the high platform. After delivering a eloquent speech praising his disciple's merits, his voice booming like a great bell:
"In the battle against the invasion of Yunfeng Cave Heaven, the one who made the greatest contribution is Zhao Wuji of Hanyue Peak, the commander of Mingxia! He is hereby awarded a storage bag!"

Before the words had even finished, a clear shout, like an ice blade, pierced through the clamor within the hall.

"Wait a minute!"

Qingluo's commander, Ji Mobai, suddenly stepped forward, bowed, and said coldly, "This Junior Brother Zhao is only at the third level of Qi Refining. What ability does he have to assist in killing an enemy cultivator at the eighth level of Qi Refining?"

He suddenly raised his eyes, a sword aura flashing within them. "Disciple humbly requests that the authenticity be verified again!"

The hall erupted in an uproar, the eight generals displaying a variety of expressions. Some crossed their arms and sneered, some squinted and scrutinized, while others watched with amusement.

However, when their gazes fell upon Hua Qingshuang's figure sitting on the high platform, they all wisely fell silent.

Now that Senior Brother Ji, a disciple of the Purple Robe Secret Sect, is willing to step forward and expose the inside story, with the Peak Master of Lonely Cloud Peak also present, everyone wants to see what Zhao Wuji, this newly entered disciple of the Cave Heaven, is capable of.

"hateful!"

Li Shiyu clenched her nails into her palms. The bloody battle of that day was still vivid in her mind, but now her battle achievements were being questioned.

Yan Boyuan and the others behind him also looked indignant. They had all witnessed Zhao Wuji's strength and believed that Zhao Wuji's achievements were genuine and earned with his life.

Many disciples in green and blue robes whispered among themselves, their eyes darting back and forth between the two parties involved, treating the Hall of Merit as a stage for a performance.

Elder Li, ostensibly stroking his beard in contemplation, feigned a glint of shrewdness in his eyes. "How should we verify the truth?"

Ji Mobai snorted and stepped forward, bowing to Zhao Wuji and saying, "I have long heard that Junior Brother Zhao's swordsmanship is profound and his sword control is superb."

His eyes were bright. "I, Ji, am also quite accomplished in sword control. Why don't we have a sword duel to determine the truth? I will suppress my cultivation level."

On the high platform, Hou Baichang, the peak master of Guyun Peak, looked at Hua Qingshuang sitting opposite him and bowed apologetically.

"Junior Sister Hua"

Hua Qingshuang interrupted calmly, saying, "Let the juniors handle their own affairs. Wuji's sword control technique is no less than mine."

Hou Baichang was taken aback, then smiled and nodded, taking it as a polite remark from Peak Master Hanyue to protect his disciples.

Little did they know that when Hua Qingshuang lowered her eyes, a hint of amusement flashed in them; her words were actually a very mild understatement.

"Since Senior Brother Ji is willing to compete in sword control, Junior Brother will gladly oblige."

Zhao Wuji took a step forward, his green robe fluttering even without wind.

As he clasped his hands in a respectful bow, a surge of spiritual pressure at the fourth level of Qi Induction spread out like a tide, startling the surrounding disciples whose robes fluttered in the wind.

"I had a sudden realization on the brink of life and death, and I just broke through the barrier last night." He smiled. "Senior brother, there's no need for you to suppress your cultivation and yield to me."

"boom--"

"Fourth level of Qi Refining?" "He's only been a beginner for a year."

An uproar erupted inside the hall.

The surrounding fellow disciples stared in astonishment, their expressions a mixture of surprise and envy.

Even among true disciples, the fourth level of Qi Refining is considered high-end combat strength, enough to compete for positions such as the National Preceptor of the Xuan Kingdom or steward of important locations in the grotto heaven.

The key question is, how long has Zhao Wuji only been a beginner?

Other superior immortal beings would be considered quite good if they could cultivate to the second level of Qi Induction at this point.

"I didn't expect this kid to break through so quickly! After he took the pills to break through, I thought he would hit a bottleneck soon, but he broke through it on the verge of death!"

In a corner of the hall, Steward Zhang of the True Inheritance Hall stared in astonishment at Zhao Wuji, who was radiating spiritual power, and felt somewhat annoyed.

I misjudged him. I should have just given that robe to Junior Nephew Zhao last time.

"Junior Brother Zhao is indeed amazing!" Yu Zishan looked at Zhao Wuji's figure with admiration and amazement.

Among all the generals, he was probably the only one who believed that Zhao Wuji would surpass Ji Mobai and display surprising strength, and he was the only one who truly benefited from following Zhao Wuji.

"Ji never takes advantage of others."

Seeing that Zhao Wuji had actually displayed the strength of the fourth level of Qi Induction, Ji Mobai narrowed his eyes slightly, but his mind did not waver in the slightest. With a 'clang', the Lone Cloud Sword was instantly drawn.

Upon seeing this, the surrounding blue-robed disciples hurriedly retreated like a tide, and on the cleared jade ground, two sword shadows began to emit a cold light.

"Senior Brother Zhao!"

Li Shiyu gazed at Zhao Wuji as he entered the arena, her slender fingers gripping the hem of her skirt, her beautiful eyes sparkling.

Seeing her like this, Li Nianwei smiled slightly, not pointing out the feelings of the imperial concubine. But looking at the dazzling figure in front of her, she couldn't help but feel a sense of loss.

I still remember the scene when I accompanied my uncle to visit the Imperial Physician's residence; it truly was a case of "a single glance at Wu Ji ruined half a lifetime."
"please!"

In the open space, Zhao Wuji lightly raised his sword finger, and the Cold Soul Flying Sword shot out, drawing a deep blue ice trail in the air. Frost flowers condensed around the sword, and even the ground was covered with spiderweb-like ice patterns.

"What a fine Cold Soul Sword!"

Ji Mobai's eyes flashed with a sharp light, and the Lone Cloud Sword suddenly uttered a long chant.

"But there is another flying sword in the cave, which is the Lone Cloud Flying Sword in my hand!"

As his sleeves billowed, a sword intent seemed to surge within him, like a lone cloud soaring into the sky, overlooking all the mountains below, feeling the chill of the heights.

One mountain is higher than another, one person is stronger than another; a lone cloud and a flying sword, a celestial being descending from the heavens, seem to surpass even the coldest soul and frost.

"Catch the sword!"

With a clear shout, Ji Mobai activated his sword technique, and the Lone Cloud Flying Sword suddenly transformed into a streak of silver-white light, like a lone cloud emerging from a mountain peak, instantly slicing through the stagnant air within the hall.

The sword's momentum was ethereal and unpredictable, like churning clouds and a celestial being descending from the heavens. Its sword intent was lofty and sharp, aimed directly at Zhao Wuji's face!

The disciples in the hall all felt a blur before their eyes, and the lone cloud sword shadow seemed to split into countless parts, like flowing clouds pouring down.

Amidst the flashing sword light, it was impossible to distinguish between reality and illusion; it seemed that every sword shadow was a killing move, and every glint of cold light could be fatal!
"What a magnificent Lone Cloud Sword Technique! It's like flowing clouds surging, making it impossible to distinguish the sword's shadow!" a disciple exclaimed in surprise.

Zhao Wuji remained expressionless, made a hand seal, and pointed his sword finger, causing the Cold Soul Flying Sword to tremble suddenly.

The sword exuded a bone-chilling coldness, and the sword energy was so fine and condensed that it wove into an invisible sword net in front of him, blocking the sword shadows of the lonely clouds in the sky one by one!

"Sword Qi condensed into threads?!" On the high platform, Hou Baichang, the peak master of Lonely Cloud Peak, narrowed his eyes and felt a slight shock in his heart.

The ability to condense sword energy into threads is a very high level in sword control, requiring extremely precise control over sword energy to achieve.

Even when he was at the fourth level of Qi Refining, he was not able to master this sword control technique so skillfully.

"So he really does have some skill?"

Seeing this, Ji Mobai's fighting spirit intensified, and he changed his sword technique.

The Lone Cloud Flying Sword suddenly retracted, transforming into a dazzling silver streak, like a cloud flying from the sky, piercing straight into Zhao Wuji's chest!
"Whoosh!"

This sword strike was as fast as a startled swan and as powerful as a thunderbolt. Its sword intent was lofty and unparalleled, as if it would decide the outcome of the battle with a single strike!

Zhao Wuji remained calm, his hand forming a hand seal as the Cold Soul Flying Sword suddenly trembled, its sword energy surging dramatically, transforming from condensed silk into a rainbow.

A streak of icy blue sword light, like a rainbow piercing the sun, shot straight up towards the lone cloud sword shadow, arriving first despite being behind!
"Sword energy transforming into a rainbow?!"

Hou Baichang and Elder Li of the Hall of Merit were both immediately astonished and found it hard to believe.

The transformation of sword energy into a rainbow is a realm that countless sword cultivators dream of.

With a single sword strike, it swept across the sky like a rainbow, its momentum unstoppable!
How could someone comprehend such sword control techniques at the disciple stage?
“Ding-dong—!”

The icy blue sword rainbow and the silvery white lone cloud collided violently.

The sword energy surged and the air waves churned, causing the surrounding teacups to shatter and the glazed tiles on the dragon pillar to rattle!

But in the next instant, the Lone Cloud Sword Shadow suddenly shattered amidst the successive collisions of the Sword Rainbow, and the Lone Cloud Flying Sword fell back.

Ji Mobai groaned and took three steps back, his face slightly pale, his eyes filled with astonishment and confusion.

This sword strike nearly shattered his confidence. The gazes around him felt like stinging slaps, and he could almost hear mocking laughter, causing him to lose his composure for a moment.

He originally wanted to expose the injustice and uncover the truth, and to persuade his master to intervene. He was willing to bear the pressure of defying the elders and take a risk to prove himself.

But the result of the test made him feel even more ashamed.
His expression was complex, his emotions were turbulent, and his sword technique suddenly changed, causing his spiritual pressure to rise uncontrollably to the sixth level of Qi Induction.

The Lone Cloud Overturning the Heavens Technique requires the use of sword intent to draw upon spiritual power. At this moment, with his mind in turmoil, he could no longer suppress his cultivation.

"I don't believe it; this sword strike shattered the veil of darkness."

The Lone Cloud Sword rose again, its momentum even stronger than before, like a white rainbow piercing the sun, with the clouds and rivers of the nine heavens pouring down.

Before the sword light even arrived, the sharp sword energy had already carved a furrow several feet deep into the jade ground, reflecting Zhao Wuji's astonished and bewildered expression.

This season's senior brother has no martial ethics!
(End of this chapter)