Chapter 47: Shadowy Turmoil (Part 3)

Watching the figure of Jian Wuchen as he left, Seven Xuan's complexion turned grave. "Seeing him like this now, he must have encountered some extraordinary opportunity. It's impossible for his cultivation to leap forward so suddenly in just a short time. What do you all think?"

Master Faguo from Bodhi Academy replied, "Your analysis is reasonable. The changes in him are too obvious to ignore. Given his circumstances, it's highly likely that he gained immense benefits from that Five-Colored Dapeng. Legend has it that the Dapeng is the guardian deity of Tianjian Sect, so the relationship between them is quite close. Considering Jian Wuchen's cultivation and his use of the Heavenly Spirit Divine Sword, it's plausible that the Dapeng sees him as a future leader of Tianjian Sect and thus bestowed him with some benefits. However, the specifics are beyond our speculation."

Xuan Yu and Yu Wushuang exchanged a glance, both showing a hint of surprise. Originally, Zhang Aoxue and Cangyue had received miraculous opportunities, giving them high hopes for the top six competition. But now, seeing Jian Wuchen, both of their hearts couldn't help but sink.

Monk Haoyun glanced at the two and said softly, "Let it be. Let's go. Cultivators prioritize destiny, and everything is predetermined. Why force it? Besides, isn't the outcome of every six-sect martial arts competition already known in advance? Why worry so much? With the Heavenly Spirit Divine Sword at Tianjian Sect's disposal, we five sects have little hope."

Back at Tianhuo Cave, Yu Wushuang took Cangyue away, leaving only the seven members of Yiyuan. Looking at the four disciples and two junior siblings, Seven Xuan said softly, "The matter of the competition has been decided. It will continue in three days. This time, Yiyuan is the only sect with two members in the top six, so we have become the focus of attention. In this competition, I only hope that Zhang Aoxue and Luyun will do their best. The result doesn't matter as long as they try their best." His expression seemed somewhat unusual.

Seeing his unusual expression, Ziyang asked, "Senior Brother, why do I feel like you've been preoccupied since you returned? This time, Yiyuan having two members in the top six is unprecedented. I think we should give it our all this time. We must strive for ideal results. We have such a good opportunity this time. If we don't perform well, where will we find such a good opportunity in the future?"

Seven Xuan looked at Luyun and Zhang Aoxue and said softly, "Just now, when we came out of Xuantian Cave, we happened to encounter Jian Wuchen returning. His whole body was radiating with five-colored light, indicating a significant increase in his cultivation. Originally, Aoxue's fortuitous encounter led to a substantial increase in her cultivation, and we thought she had the strength to compete with Jian Wuchen. But to be honest, the gap between Aoxue and Jian Wuchen is apparent now. Ultimately, the competition for the top six is about vying for the first place. What's the point of contending for anything else? As long as we're not the last."

The cave fell silent, feeling tranquil. Luyun glanced at Ziyang, feeling somewhat moved. Ziyang's disappointment, visible in his eyes, revealed his concern for this competition. But now, learning that there was no hope of competing for the first place, his sigh of disappointment seemed particularly desolate. Looking at the others, Yun Feng remained pensive, Li Hongfei's face grew heavier, and Aoxue, though outwardly calm, also harbored a trace of worry in her eyes. Master Jingyue simply gazed quietly at Aoxue, her eyes filled with a mixture of care and regret. It seemed she felt sorrowful for Aoxue having to face such a formidable opponent.

Turning his gaze to Seven Xuan, Luyun said softly, "Senior Brother mentioned Jian Wuchen's radiant appearance, indicating a significant increase in his cultivation, which must have been quite apparent. I wonder what Senior Brother thinks about this. How did he experience such a drastic change in such a short time?"

Glancing at Luyun, Seven Xuan said in a deep voice, "According to the speculation of us five sect heads, his sudden changes should be related to that mysterious Five-Colored Dapeng. He must have gained some extraordinary encounter, or else his cultivation wouldn't have increased so dramatically. With his increased cultivation, our chances of competing for the first place in the top six are probably slim." He then recounted Master Faguo's speculation to everyone.

After listening to him, Yun Feng disagreed, "Even if his cultivation has increased, so what? He hasn't become a god

. The competition hasn't even started yet. Who can guarantee that he will win? Perhaps he'll make a sudden mistake and be defeated by someone else. We can't be certain. Since we're here, we should be full of confidence and give it our all. Let everyone know that Yiyuan is not as weak as they think. That's the only way this trip won't be in vain!"

Seven Xuan nodded approvingly, "Well said. Let's not worry about that for now. When the time comes, Luyun and Aoxue must give it their all and strive for second place. That's not bad either. We've been sitting here for half a day. Let's rest for a while. If you feel bored, go out and relax. There's still plenty of time in three days. It's rare to visit Mount Taixuan. Tomorrow, let's explore the surroundings and learn more about this place." With that, he got up and left.

Luyun happened to see a faint smile on Seven Xuan's face as he turned around. Looking at his back, Luyun suddenly thought that perhaps Senior Brother had been the most concerned about this competition all along. After all, he was the sect leader of Yiyuan, bearing the honor and disgrace of the sect alone. If Yiyuan gained honor, he would bask in glory, but if Yiyuan consistently ranked last, he would also endure ridicule and cold stares from others, which was equally unpleasant.

With this in mind, Luyun's eyes shimmered with determination. An immense aura enveloped his entire being, filling the entire cave with his powerful presence. Since they were here, he would compete with Jian Wuchen and see who was truly the top disciple of the six sects. In that moment, Luyun made a firm decision. Instead of being gloomy like everyone else, being overshadowed by Tianjian Sect, it was better to challenge Jian Wuchen and bring some joy to everyone.

As Seven Xuan reached the cave entrance, he suddenly froze and turned to look at Luyun, his eyes filled with astonishment. The others were also stunned by Luyun's overwhelming aura, staring at him in disbelief.

Luyun was surrounded by a radiant glow, his eyes shining brightly with determination as he declared, "Since the competition for the top six is for the first place, then I will challenge Jian Wuchen and see if Tianjian Sect is truly as powerful as rumored, capable of remaining undefeated forever. This time, I will break his undefeated record because of me. Everyone, cheer for me! I won't let you down. I will make Yiyuan surpass the other five sects." With that, his aura suddenly intensified, filling the cave with a burst of crimson light, as if it had plunged into a sea of blood.

Ziyang, upon hearing this, felt his blood boil, his eyes gleaming with excitement as he cheered along. Seven Xuan's face changed drastically, his eyes shimmering with infinite hope. Aoxue, on the side, expressed her blessings with her beautiful eyes, while Yun Feng enthusiastically echoed, continuously praising Luyun. Li Hongfei's eyes revealed encouragement, and Master Jingyue's gaze carried a hint of astonishment, as if hiding something.