Chapter 158: Following the Ancient Tradition of a Life-and-Death Duel

Chapter 158: Following the Ancient Tradition of a Life-and-Death Duel

"I killed Yin Xuege?"

Upon hearing the news, Shen Mo couldn't help but laugh.

For the past few days, he had been preoccupied with his cultivation and exploiting the Heavenly Water Sect's resources.

Why would he randomly go out and kill such a minor character?

The excuse the Heavenly Water Sect had come up with was completely unreasonable.

Shen Mo didn't pay much attention to it and continued his cultivation, focusing on elevating his realm as much as possible.

The initial losses suffered by the Qingxuan Sect were only due to being caught off guard.

In reality, the gap between the Qingxuan Sect and the Heavenly Water Sect wasn't that large.

Moreover, the Verdant Vine Sect was pressuring the Heavenly Water Sect, making them hesitant to act recklessly.

Even with reinforcements from the Thunderfire Sect, the Heavenly Water Sect only held a slight advantage.

This stalemate was highly unfavorable for the Heavenly Water Sect.

If the battle dragged on, even a victory would be a pyrrhic one.

The overall strength of the Heavenly Water Sect would not improve; instead, it would decline, making it the weakest among the Five Sects of Xuanjing River.

And when that happened, the outcome was obvious.

The Heavenly Water Sect would become the nourishment for the other four sects, especially the Divine Sword Sect, which was most likely to devour it first.

That was certainly not what Zhang Mo wanted.

Thus, if the Heavenly Water Sect couldn't secure a swift victory, they were already on the brink of failure.

Shen Mo was still waiting.

Zhang Mo would inevitably seek the help of the "Demon Armor."

He was waiting for that day.

...

Three days later, Blackrock City fell to the Heavenly Water Sect.

On the fourth day, the Qingxuan Sect recaptured Blackrock City.

On the sixth day, Flying Fish City was ambushed by the Thunderfire Sect.

On the eighth day, the Qingxuan Sect, together with the Storm Rain Sect, counterattacked and retook Flying Fish City.

On the tenth day...

The battles went back and forth.

The situation remained at a stalemate.

From south to north, from east to west, Xuanjing Prefecture was focused on this conflict.

This was a battle between one of the Five Sects of Xuanjing River and a top-tier sect.

But after nearly half a month, there was still no decisive outcome.

The Heavenly Water Sect had only a slight upper hand, failing to make any significant breakthroughs.

This left everyone watching with great interest.

The Five Sects of Xuanjing River—was this all they had?

In contrast, the Qingxuan Sect's formidable resilience and determined resistance made various sects view it with newfound respect.

Once upon a time, the Qingxuan Sect was just a second-rate sect.

Now, it was actually standing against one of the Five Sects of Xuanjing River!

...

In the Grand River City, at the government office.

Ji Shilong stood with his hands behind his back, gazing southward.

Luo Shuanghan stood respectfully beside him, recounting the details of the battles between the Heavenly Water Sect and the Qingxuan Sect.

After listening, Ji Shilong burst into laughter.

"Heavenly Water Sect, oh, Heavenly Water Sect. With this performance, you still harbor ambitions to break free from the Divine Sword Sect's control and become the leader of the Five Sects of Xuanjing River?"

"The gap between you and the other four sects is a bit too wide."

Luo Shuanghan replied in a low voice, "After all, two of the three first-tier sects under the Heavenly Water Sect have already been destroyed. The disparity is understandable."

Ji Shilong nodded slightly.

Normally, first-tier sects acted as the Heavenly Water Sect's enforcers and puppets.

During battles, they served as the Heavenly Water Sect's cannon fodder.

But now, two of the three "cannon fodders" had been seized by the enemy, while the remaining one was in a state of decline.

It was no wonder the Heavenly Water Sect's strength had significantly diminished.

"Zhang Mo must be quite worried now. With no swift victory, the Heavenly Water Sect is already being roasted over the fire."

"On the surface, the Verdant Vine Sect and the Thunderfire Sect are aiding both sides, but in reality, they are waiting for the Heavenly Water Sect and the Qingxuan Sect to weaken each other so they can divide the spoils."

"As for the Divine Sword Sect and the Rising Sun Sect, they likely have the same idea."

"Now is the right time for us to intervene."

Ji Shilong smiled faintly.

Luo Shuanghan bowed respectfully, "Please give your instructions, Lord Governor."

Ji Shilong replied calmly, "Send Zhang Mo a gift. She will certainly appreciate it."

"In return, I need a promise from her."

"After annexing the Qingxuan Sect, she must secretly submit to the imperial court and suppress any ambitions from then on."

Luo Shuanghan nodded. "What shall I send her, Lord Governor?"

Ji Shilong replied flatly, "Send an Ice Infant Lotus."

Luo Shuanghan shuddered. "That was left for you by the State Governor to nurture your Nascent Soul!"

Ji Shilong chuckled softly, "If I can pacify the sect turmoil in Xuanjing Prefecture, what can't I obtain in the future? Why worry about a single Ice Infant Lotus?"

Luo Shuanghan's respect for Ji Shilong deepened.

This man truly had immense ambition.

A top-tier Earth-grade Ice Infant Lotus, and he dismissed it as if it were nothing, gifting it away just like that.

If it were him, he would have refined it the moment he got his hands on it, never waiting until now.

Ji Shilong continued, "Also, pass along a message for me."

"The imperial court does not wish to see Xuanjing Prefecture reduced to ruins and desolation."

"If the sects are at an impasse, why not settle this in a different manner—using the ancient tradition of a life-and-death duel to determine the victor?"

"This way, further casualties among cultivators can be avoided, which benefits both sides."

Luo Shuanghan's eyes lit up. "Understood, I will go at once!"

...

In Profound Frost City.

Luo Shuanghan stood before Zhang Mo, his demeanor neither arrogant nor servile. "...That is the message from Lord Governor. Has Sect Master Zhang heard it in full?"

Zhang Mo frowned. "What did Governor Ji send you with? What is it, and where is it?"

Luo Shuanghan retrieved a square jade box from his storage ring.

It was as long as an arm, and faint water sounds could be heard from within.

Zhang Mo opened it and immediately widened her eyes. "The Ice Infant Lotus?!"

Luo Shuanghan nodded. "Precisely. This item was left to the Lord Governor by the Prefect of Yu Province, and now the Lord Governor is gifting it to you, Sect Master Zhang."

Zhang Mo's eyes shone with excitement. "Very well. Convey my thanks to Governor Ji. I have taken all his words to heart."

Luo Shuanghan cupped his hands and left.

Only then did Bai Ziyue approach Zhang Mo.

"Master, what is the Ice Infant Lotus? Is it important?" he asked in confusion.

Zhang Mo's expression was full of joy. "This is one of the essential treasures for cultivating a Lotus Seat! It's an Earth-grade treasure!"

"Moreover, the Ice Infant Lotus has an ice attribute, which perfectly matches my constitution."

"Once I refine this Ice Infant Lotus, my strength will significantly improve."

"By then, even if Murong Yue possesses a lower Heaven-grade constitution, she will no longer be my match!"

Bai Ziyue was utterly shocked.

It was such an invaluable treasure!

"Congratulations, Master! The day of conquering the Qingxuan Sect is just around the corner!"

Zhang Mo nodded confidently. "Currently, the Qingxuan Sect is still at a disadvantage and can't shake off the suspicion of having caused Yin Xuege's death."

"We'll first demand that they hand over Shen Mo. Murong Yue will surely refuse. Then we will take a step back and propose a life-and-death duel."

"Best two out of three—this will determine the victor."

"In this way, the Qingxuan Sect will have no choice but to accept."

Bai Ziyue nodded repeatedly. "This method can also avoid unnecessary conflict and minimize casualties. It is indeed a good strategy."

"I will now go into seclusion to refine the lotus. You stand guard outside," Zhang Mo ordered promptly.

"Yes, Master."

...

The next day.

The Heavenly Water Sect took the initiative, demanding that the Qingxuan Sect hand over Shen Mo, the murderer, to atone for Yin Xuege's death.

Naturally, Murong Yue sternly refused.

Subsequently, the Heavenly Water Sect proposed resolving the conflict between the two sects through a life-and-death duel.

The loser would be absorbed into the winner's faction.

The Qingxuan Sect, also unwilling to see more of its cultivators die, readily agreed.

The location of the life-and-death duel was set at Tiger Head Mountain in Thornwood Forest.

The date was set for five days later.

For the time being, both the Heavenly Water Sect and the Qingxuan Sect ceased hostilities.

The southern region of Xuanjing Prefecture immediately plunged into an eerie silence.

The news that the Heavenly Water Sect and the Qingxuan Sect were about to follow ancient sect traditions and engage in a life-and-death duel spread like wildfire, quickly sweeping across the entire Xuanjing Prefecture!

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