Youth must be seized early; one cannot remain forever young. Chapter 110: The Battle for the Shop
Soon, the day of the contest arrived as scheduled.
The martial arena was already teeming with people, bustling with excitement.
This place was the most official fighting ground within the Shuiying District. Usage required both parties to book in advance and conduct their duel under the watchful eyes of the witnesses from the Wuji Sect. It was commonly the final lawful venue for resolving disputes in the district.
The district never lacked onlookers eager for entertainment. Over the past month, news of this bout had spread far and wide, attracting many. Some even dubbed it the “Shop Rivalry between the Xuanyang Sect and the Iron Bone Cult.”
Many wandering cultivators arrived early, waiting for the battle to commence.
Veteran wanderers with experience in setting stakes quickly capitalized on the opportunity, opening betting pools at lightning speed, fueling an intense and lively atmosphere.
“Hey, fellow cultivator, who are you betting on for this match?” one wanderer asked his companion.
“Ah, it’s hard to choose. Both are Qi Refining stage, level seven. Either could win. I guess I’ll just go with my gut.”
At that moment, a thin wanderer chuckled slyly and whispered, “Don’t forget the previous arena tournament! Bai Qingzhou was a participant—and he even placed second! Surely, he’s the one to bet on!”
“No, no, you don’t understand. Zhou Cai isn’t bad either. I heard he often goes into the forest to battle beasts, and once even defeated a second-rank demon beast! So this fight has to go to him!”
Upon hearing this, another wanderer whispered lowly, “Besides... I heard Zhou Cai only accepted this 500 low-grade spirit stone bet because he has a hidden ace up his sleeve! I think betting on him is safer...”
“Hidden ace? Tell me more...”
“...”
The discussion among the wanderers continued endlessly, each holding their own views. Yet, most sided with Zhou Cai.
All these details were unknown to Bai Qingzhou, for he was still on his way.
Not long after.
“He’s here! He’s here!”
The crowd turned eagerly to the distant figure, growing excited.
As Bai Qingzhou approached slowly, the crowd courteously parted to clear his path.
Facing the various gazes, Bai Qingzhou remained composed, his white robe billowing in the wind, black hair flowing like a waterfall. His steps were steady and measured.
“Not bad, this young brother looks quite dashing.”
“Truly a hero emerging in youth!”
“I’ve noticed something—Xuanyang Sect cultivators are all quite handsome, haha!”
Upon Bai Qingzhou’s arrival, whispers spread among the female cultivators, some covering their mouths, giggling delightfully.
Hearing this, Bai Qingzhou’s cheeks flushed faintly, and he unconsciously quickened his pace.
Reaching the edge of the arena, he bent his knees and leapt onto the stage.
Zhou Cai had also arrived early, standing on the platform, holding a long sword, smiling at Bai Qingzhou without a hint of nervousness.
Bai Qingzhou’s expression flickered slightly, sensing that Zhou Cai’s aura was somewhat different from ten days ago.
Before he could ponder further, a sharp sound pierced the air, and within moments, a Foundation Establishment cultivator appeared above the arena.
It was Lu Chuanjiang, the stationed Foundation Establishment cultivator.
As Lu Chuanjiang hovered midair, the noise in the arena immediately subdued.
“Everyone! Today, as the referee, I am here to witness the duel between two Wuji Alliance cultivators!” Lu Chuanjiang announced loudly.
“The two are Bai Qingzhou of the Xuanyang Sect and Zhou Cai of the Iron Bone Cult!”
When their names were called, both Bai Qingzhou and Zhou Cai cupped their hands in salute to the crowd.
Lu Chuanjiang continued: “This contest shall follow the arena match rules: injuries and disabilities are uncertain. Fainting, leaving the platform, surrender, or even death—all shall be counted as defeat!”
Bai Qingzhou summoned the Azure Rainbow Sword, gripping it tightly, focusing his spirit, eyes sharp and cold.
Indeed, on this stage, life and death mattered not.
If one were to die by accident, it was only a reflection of one’s insufficient skill, with no one else to blame.
“According to the agreement, if Bai Qingzhou loses, he shall hand over the Beicao Hall shop in the northern city to the Iron Bone Cult. If Zhou Cai loses, the Iron Bone Cult shall pay Bai Qingzhou 500 low-grade spirit stones. After the duel, everything shall be settled, with no further claims!”
Lu Chuanjiang’s deep voice echoed all around.
The atmosphere instantly ignited once more.
After all, this was a bet involving hundreds of spirit stones; any onlooker would be thrilled.
“Alright! Fellow cultivators, are you both ready?” Lu Chuanjiang asked lightly.
Neither spoke; their swords pointed at each other, eyes sparking as if colliding with fire.
A chilling murderous aura spread through the air.
“Then… begin!” Lu Chuanjiang commanded.
No sooner had his words fallen than Bai Qingzhou swiftly slapped a talisman onto himself.
“Hiss!”
A pale yellow shield instantly materialized around Bai Qingzhou, enveloping him.
This was a mid-grade Earth Shield talisman of yellow rank.
Almost simultaneously, Zhou Cai also cast a talisman, encasing himself in a golden-yellow barrier.
A discerning cultivator immediately shouted, “That’s the Golden Armor Talisman!”
The Golden Armor Talisman was a top-grade yellow talisman, known as the most powerful defensive talisman within the yellow rank, typically costing over thirty spirit stones.
Bai Qingzhou’s eyes narrowed; he hadn’t expected Zhou Cai to start with such an extravagant move.
“Hmph!”
Yet he showed no fear, coldly snorting. Stomping his foot, he kicked up a cloud of dust and charged forward with great force!
Although defensive talismans were strong, without offensive power, they could only be worn down gradually.
“Overestimating yourself!” Zhou Cai thought silently.
Seeing Bai Qingzhou’s charge, Zhou Cai’s long sword trembled as spiritual energy burst forth, meeting the attack without hesitation.
“Clang!”
“Clang!”
The two swords clashed fiercely, emitting a series of piercing sounds.
For a moment, the arena was filled with dazzling sword light as the two combatants fought evenly matched.
Their movements were lightning-fast, constantly engaging, weaving and dodging within the small arena, leaving the crowd below dizzy with awe.
Suddenly, Bai Qingzhou seized an opportunity.
“Cloud Sword!”
He unleashed a spiritual energy strike, thrusting sharply forward as a piercing sword aura surged toward Zhou Cai!
Just as the sword aura neared the Golden Armor Shield, Bai Qingzhou’s heart leapt with joy.
But in an instant, Zhou Cai twisted his wrist, employing a strange sword technique to position his sword directly before him.
“Clang!”
Zhou Cai’s sword met the Azure Rainbow Sword.
“Leak!”
Zhou Cai roared fiercely.
With a sudden forward motion, he diverted the force of Bai Qingzhou’s strike.
“Hmph!”
Bai Qingzhou was not surprised. Over the past ten days, he had inquired about Zhou Cai and learned he often hunted demon beasts, proving himself formidable and not to be underestimated.
Hence, he was prepared.
With a thought, two talismans appeared swiftly between his fingers.
Spiritual energy surged in to activate them instantly.
“Whoosh!”
He forcefully cast them forward; the talismans shot like arrows, sticking against Zhou Cai’s shield!
They were the Golden Blade Talisman and the Fire Curse Talisman.
(End of chapter)