Demon Sword Immortal

"Miss Bai, there are rumors circulating that you will be going up on stage to compete in swordsmanship with Master Liu. Is this news true?"

"Ms. Bai, many people are questioning how you, at the age of 17, could defeat seven different opponents. Was yesterday's report accurate? Could you please explain the details to everyone?"

This is a journalist who had previously failed to establish connections and didn't even dare to visit the Bai family's Taoist temple, so he can only desperately seize the opportunity he has now.

"Who are you? Huh? Who are you?" an agitated young man with glasses shouted shrilly through the crowd. "What are you! You dare to try and scam Senior Sister Chai! You should just die! Do you understand?"

There were quite a few people around him, but after hearing what he shouted, some of them immediately pushed aside to distance themselves from this guy.

It's true... After yesterday's written report and overnight fermentation, most people have come to realize one thing: Bai Xiang is indeed more talented than the Chai Xuan senior sister who was promoted.

Although Chai Xuan won many matches in the National Martial Arts Tournament and her powerful image was deeply ingrained in people's minds, the gap between forging a sword and solidifying its form was simply too great.

Forging the sword, contemplation, spiritual union, and physical manifestation.

There are two levels of difference between them.

Regardless of whether these two levels are considered minor levels by some people, in the eyes of the general public and in the prevailing propaganda, they represent a chasm that normal people can hardly cross in their entire lives.

Small swordsmanship, small sects, no secret techniques, no inheritance, they can never cross the Nascent Soul stage in their entire lives.

So, in many people's eyes, this is no longer considered a 'talent'.

What hasn't been realized is what we call talent.

You've already surpassed many of the older generation, and you still call that talent?

That's fucking skill!

How could Chai Xuan possibly compare to this person?

This is simply bullying Chai Xuan!

Because of this buffer, when the delayed news aired last night—the one about Bai Xiang giving an interview on the steps and uttering his "classic quote" that so many people are useless—many people weren't really angry.

What are you angry about?

The Great Yu Dynasty valued and respected martial prowess!

They're just telling the truth! What's there to be angry about?

However, judging from the fact that Chai Xuan was surrounded by people, it is clear that the announcements from the Red Dragon Army and the Road Administration have not yet been issued.

The public is not yet aware of the personal grudges between Chai Xuan and Bai Xiang. Even if they understand it in their hearts, they will still complain about her 'arrogance'.

But there's no rush to think about it.

The collective will can be influenced by multiple factors, leading to behaviors that impair intelligence.

She doesn't need to defend herself. As long as things eventually turn around, the negative public opinion will immediately reverse, and all her subsequent actions will be labeled as reasonable.

After the Bai family entered, many people gathered outside the venue, staring at the huge screen displayed in the square.

Since the morning news broadcast is only broadcast early in the morning, many people are already up. Those who live nearby simply gather together to join in the rare excitement.

Bai Xiang was unaware that some of her acquaintances were among them.

"Stop pushing! Stop pushing!"

In the queuing area, her deskmate Chen Jing brought back a bag of snacks from outside. She squeezed through the crowd to the inner area and, sweating profusely, distributed the food to her classmates.

That's right—because Bai Xiang is indeed a student at No. 1 Middle School, and with such a big commotion she caused, it's impossible for No. 1 Middle School not to respond.

So they directly used public funds to bring several classes that had resumed classes here to watch the sword fight.

During the distribution, Chen Jing could hear her classmates excitedly discussing the 'mysterious Bai Xiang'.

It is indeed mysterious.

How long has it been since we moved here?

Before they'd even gotten to know each other well, he suddenly became a big shot!

"I still think that Bai is a bit too sharp!"

A short, bespectacled boy was giving a serious analysis to someone nearby.

"She condensed her spiritual form at the age of 17, surpassing many junior Dao masters. That's truly remarkable!"

"But there have been similar examples before. She's not that kind of... that kind of 'pioneer' person. So her value isn't actually that high!"

"Then she shouldn't have acted so assertively, which unnecessarily made many people dislike her."

"Just you wait and see. If she goes up there and wins, that would be great."

"If she really loses, just wait and see how people outside will criticize her."

"Cheng Chen!" Chen Jing poked her head in angrily, "You're not allowed to talk bad about your classmates!"

How did I say anything bad about him?

Cheng Chen, the class's publicity officer, became even more enraged by the woman's retort, "Hey! She said I was talking badly about her! I'll say she was talking badly about me too!"

"Putting everything else aside, just that one word 'trash'—isn't that insulting all of our older siblings as well?"

Cheng Chen was good at being a propaganda committee member, and her quick wit was far superior to Chen Jing's, which made Chen Jing stammer, "You... in short, what you said is wrong!"

"I think Cheng Chen makes a better point..."

"Yes... Bai's remarks were a bit too sharp. My dad also said that it's not good... It goes against the natural principle of moderation..."

The others whispered among themselves, but most of them supported Cheng Chen.

Chen Jing was still angry when she heard a commotion in front of her. She and her classmates looked up and saw a notice on the big screen announcing a temporary change to the competition rules.

"We added a chief sword duel as an appetizer."

Cheng Chen looked at the big screen and pushed up his glasses.

"As expected, this was exactly what I anticipated."

Then, the next second, he and many of his classmates stared wide-eyed as the screen suddenly changed.

On the right is the poster, still featuring 'Liu Mengqing' in that cheongsam and halter top outfit.

But on the left was a young female swordsman wearing an antique-style white dress with black trim, a slender waist, and sandals! It was Bai Xiang!

Both of them were fully exposed, with their bodies turned slightly to the side, posing as if facing each other.

Liu Mengqing had black hair, which was tied up in a bun, dressed like a married woman, with a small fan inserted in her hair.

Easygoing and mature.

Bai Xiang had a head of white hair, which she tied up in a high ponytail, with her bangs parted to reveal her forehead and face.

Calm, sharp.

This must have used special technology; the figures in the image seem to breathe, as if they have vibrant life.

"I retract all my previous statements."

Then Chen Jing heard the propaganda committee member speak again.

"As a class leader, I am willing to do everything I can to support this student who has a bad temper, even if it means going through fire and water."

Get lost...

Chen Jing opened her mouth, but really didn't know what to say.

Inside the venue, Bai Xiang and Bai Shengju were temporarily separated from the rest of the Bai family and were led to the lounge by staff who asked them if they needed makeup or styling.

"unnecessary."

Bai Shengju, of course, didn't play that game.

"It's almost time."

Let's get started soon!

"I still want to do my morning exercise!"

The staff member's smile twisted slightly, and he said he needed to ask for instructions before respectfully leaving the room.

How have I performed along the way?

After she left, Bai Shengju turned to Bai Xiang and asked, "I didn't do anything wrong with that high-class etiquette, did I?"

Bai Xiang was taken aback for a moment, then felt a little touched.

This Bai Shengju... he's a shrewd old fox. If Shen Xuelan can see it, how could he not see it?

Moreover, given his knowledge and experience, even without access to information, he could easily guess that the New Movement faction and the Traditionalists were vying for power behind the scenes. Therefore, he could naturally also guess the ultimate purpose behind Bai Xiang's series of actions.

But he didn't say anything; he was cooperating with her through his actions.

That's why the Seven Swords Sect was able to survive by challenging the sect, and why Tao Xingxuan's servants were killed as soon as she drew her sword.

You harbor murderous intent and want to get your hands on these things.

If I don't teach you a lesson, what's the point of my lifelong sword training?

"Grandpa did everything right."

Bai Xiang reached out and pressed down on Bai Shengju's aged hand.

"Relax."

"It should be over soon."

"Okay, okay..." Bai Shengju smiled, his wrinkles particularly noticeable.

Just then, the employee returned and informed Bai Xiang that he could go on stage for the 'Chief Battle'.

After comforting Bai Shengju, Bai Xiang followed the employees into the narrow tunnel. Suddenly, she felt Bai Shengju stop and slip something into her hand.

It's headphones...

Just as he began to grasp the outline, a sudden burst of cheers erupted from all directions, engulfing Bai Xiang like a tidal wave.

Directly in front, a two-meter-high circular fencing platform stands in the center of the arena. The surrounding stands are almost full, filling all 34000 public seats.

One, two... all the cameras were focused on Bai Xiang. At this moment, whether inside or outside the venue, it could be said that in the entire Chilong Road, and in a small part of the south, every screen in every household displayed her image and face.

She gazed at the arena and saw a familiar face meditating on it.

Jiang Haojing?

Is there anything to rely on for such rudimentary skills?

"If I were you, I would listen to what they say before considering it."

An employee nearby covered her mouth and said something, implying that she was holding the earphones.

But Bai Xiang threw down his things, rolled up his sleeves, and stepped onto the stage in black stockings and sandals.

She walked with a steady pace.

Along the way, they trampled this technological creation into pieces.

Chapter Fifteen: Beheading

Bai Xiang entered the venue, and her unique costume and bright appearance won cheers from the audience.

Many people who were originally prejudiced against her found that her real appearance made their resentment lessen, and they began to have some different expectations for the sword match.

Up in the largest VIP box, many people were whispering among themselves because of her outfit.

Upon closer inspection, there were about eighteen or nineteen people in the private room. Half of them were dressed as Westerners, wearing suits and ties, and occasionally pointed to the center of the room, their brows showing a hint of displeasure.

The other half were all dressed in ancient robes, and they mostly smiled while discussing the topic, frequently nodding as they looked at the white-haired girl on the screen.

Fang Xiaochun pushed the door open and grinned when he saw this scene.

The seemingly insignificant move that appeared out of nowhere actually turned out to be the right one?

Cao Chuan is good; I'll make a note of that.

As he walked in, he greeted the other officials. They were the ones who bowed to Fang Xiaochun, while he only needed to nod slightly in response.

Only when he reached the very center did he become serious and bow respectfully to a long-bearded man dressed in an antique-style robe, saying, "Lord Xu."

"Lord Fang, please don't do this!" Xu Shilin, who was squinting at the big screen, quickly stood up to help him up. "I'm just here to do some inspections. Lord Fang still has the final say in Qizhou. If people see this, they'll say I'm overstepping my bounds."

“As the governor, Lord Xu is in charge of the imperial family’s will, so how can he be bound by ordinary rules?” Fang Xiaochun insisted on bowing, and after some polite refusals, the two finally took their seats.

Immediately, servants came up to serve tea to Fang Xiaochun, but he didn't move much, instead looking up at Xu Shilin's left.