Chapter 37: Eve of the Great War (Part 1)

Before the entrance to Tianfeng Cave, Lu Yun stood above the void, proudly gazing at the horizon. In his shining eyes, there was an inscrutable mix of mystery and provocation that ordinary people couldn't fathom. At this moment, the silent momentum seemed to be showcasing something, as if challenging the heavens and earth.

On the ground, Xuan Yu True Man watched Ho Yun Monk approach, his face still not fully calm. He asked with some excitement, "Brother Ho Yun, is Bi Tian okay? This time, I really don't know what to say. To be honest, I'm unclear about this outcome. Lu Yun has only been under my Yiyuan Sect for two years, and it's hard to believe."

Ho Yun Monk smiled bitterly and said, "Actually, it's quite normal. Wins and losses are common in the art of war, and I naturally don't mind. However, this time, my Confucian Garden ended up last. On the other hand, your Yiyuan Sect has made a remarkable performance, shaking the cultivation world. You occupy two spots among the top six this time, which is beyond everyone's expectations. My friend, work harder; perhaps Lu Yun will seize the first place this time."

Xuan Yu True Man's expression calmed slightly, and he looked at Lu Yun in the sky. A radiant light appeared in his eyes. Xuan Yu True Man said gently, "I hope so. If he can really win the first place for our Yiyuan Sect this time, then perhaps Yiyuan Sect will leap to become the leader of the Six Sects, just like the Tianjian Academy in the past. But this may not be realistic. Lu Yun carries many secrets, and I'm afraid many of them are unknown to us."

On the side, Ziyang True Man exclaimed excitedly, "I believe he can bring glory to Yiyuan Sect. Before the competition, he said he would take the first place, and I believe he can do it." His tone was firm, expressing a strong determination to value Lu Yun.

Understanding his current mood, Xuan Yu True Man knew that such excitement could not be concealed. Looking at him, Xuan Yu True Man nodded slightly and whispered, "All of us will fully support him, so rest assured. Now, let's call him down; we should go back. Otherwise, the Tianjian Academy might say we are demonstrating." After saying this, he glanced at Lu Yun.

In mid-air, Lu Yun heard everything that was said below. When Xuan Yu True Man left, he glanced at the Soul-Heart Sword, waved his right hand, and the divine sword landed in his hand. Looking at the transparent sword body and the dazzling dragon shadow, a faint smile appeared on Lu Yun's lips. He understood that the dragon shadow on the sword was the original form of the Dragon Soul.

This time, the Soul-Heart Sword absorbed Bi Tian's powerful True Yang True Firmament Essence. For both the divine sword itself and the Dragon Soul, it was a significant benefit. Bi Tian's strike not only contained True Yang True Firmament Essence but, more importantly, in the powerful light sphere, there was a strand of heavenly righteousness. The Dragon Soul, being a divine entity, had weakened somewhat due to the destruction of its original body. By borrowing the help of heavenly righteousness, it merged seamlessly with the Soul-Heart Sword, and the combined power increased tenfold, something even the Dragon Soul hadn't anticipated.

Lu Yun waved his right hand, and a fierce Fire True Essence surged into the Sword Spirit, causing a resounding sword roar to echo in the sky. In mid-air, a divine dragon shadow suddenly flew off the sword, accompanied by a red light, appearing extraordinarily dominating. The blazing Fire Dragon roared to the sky, and its ferocious aura burst out, filling every corner. After a circling rotation in the sky, the Fire Dragon returned to the Soul-Heart Sword within the flashing red light.

Pleased with himself, Lu Yun smiled, and his figure appeared next to everyone. Glancing affectionately at Aoxue, they exchanged a smile before averting their gazes. Seeing everyone's surprised and astonished expressions, Lu Yun felt extremely happy. With a slight smile, he said, "Thanks for your concern, I'm fine. Let's go back now." Without saying much, he just smiled at everyone and turned to soar away.

Watching Lu Yun's departing figure, Ho Yun Monk spoke, "There's a kingly aura about him. It's a strange mix of kingly and domineering characteristics, very mysterious. Lu Yun seems reluctant to show off, and he may be hiding some secrets in his heart." After speaking, he glanced at Xuan Yu True Man and then left.

Looking at Lu Yun in the distance, Xuan Yu True Man pondered for a moment and said, "Well, let's all go back. As for Lu Yun, since he doesn't want to mention certain things, let's not ask. After this competition is over, many things will gradually become clear." After saying this, he left with the heavily injured Li Hongfei.

Back in the Tianhuo Cave, everyone gathered together. Xuan Yu True Man glanced at Lu Yun and Aoxue, whispering, "This time, it's unexpected and great that both Aoxue and Lu Yun made it to the top six. It plays a crucial role in our Yiyuan Sect's position in the cultivation world. Tomorrow will host the decisive battles of the top six, where the rankings will be determined. The competition will take place in Tianxuan Cave, with each expert showcasing their skills. The six participants will be divided into three groups, with the victorious three competing for the top three positions and the defeated three contending for the remaining spots. This will affect the rankings of the Six Sects for the next ten years and determine which sect will host the next Six Sects Martial Meet. So, I hope Lu Yun and Aoxue will give it their all and exert maximum effort." After finishing, he looked at the two with encouraging eyes.

Lu Yun looked at Xuan Yu True Man and softly asked, "I have a question. If the two strongest participants meet, wouldn't the loser be limited to at most fourth place? That doesn't seem fair."

Xuan Yu True Man smiled and said, "You don't need to worry about that. The tournament has rules. In the final round, if the person drawn feels it's unfair, they can challenge the top three. If they win, they take the position of the defeated participant, and this continues until everyone is satisfied. If the challenger feels the difference in strength is too significant, they can choose to forfeit, giving victory to the opponent. In the last three-way match, to ensure fairness, two participants are drawn to compete first, and the third person competes afterward. If the first match participant gets injured, the competition can be delayed for a day or two until they recover for a fair contest, continuing until the first place is determined."

Upon hearing this, Lu Yun understood the rules of the competition. He glanced at Aoxue, then swept his gaze over everyone. Suddenly, he asked, "Is the drawing for the final opponent also by lot? Who will draw it? In the cultivation world, when one reaches a certain level, they can easily know everything inside. Such a lottery may not be fair."

Everyone was momentarily stunned, realizing that there was indeed a point to consider. Ziyang and Jingyue smiled but remained silent. Aoxue, Yunfeng, and Li Hongfei looked at Xuan Yu True Man, their eyes filled with inquiry. Xuan Yu True Man said, "Lu Yun, that's a good question. It shows you were well-prepared before the competition, with careful consideration and no room for negligence. In fact, someone raised this question a long time ago, so all Six Sects are aware of this issue. To ensure fairness, when selecting participants for each group, the names of the six participants are written on six identical jade stones, and a disciple is chosen to draw. Before the draw, the disciple's cultivation is sealed by the sect leader for fairness. This way, the result cannot be manipulated, and everyone accepts it. The same method will be used this time, and I will be attentive to it."

The four disciples nodded after hearing the explanation, realizing there was such a rule in place, making the competition relatively fair. Finally, after Xuan Yu True Man spoke some irrelevant words, he went to Tianxuan Cave to participate in the crucial battle. Due to severe injuries, Li Hongfei did not say much and went back to heal in the cave alone. Ziyang True Man, after a few encouraging words, also went in to help Li Hongfei recover.

After Ziyang True Man left, Lin Yunfeng suddenly asked about Aoxue's match. He said, "Senior Sister, did you seek revenge for me today and teach that Zhan Yu a lesson? That guy is too arrogant; make sure to teach him a proper lesson without mercy."

Aoxue, hearing this, calmly replied, "I've already dealt with him. He'll have to lie in the cave for a few days to recover. I didn't hold back, so you don't need to hold a grudge anymore." After saying this, she glanced at the master, seemingly hiding something in her eyes.

Master Jingyue looked at Aoxue and said softly, "Good luck tomorrow. I don't have much to say now. Let's talk after the opponents know the results." After speaking, she looked at Lu Yun with a slightly strange expression and left.

In the cave, Yunfeng looked at Lu Yun, then at Aoxue. He grinned and said, "Everyone's gone. It seems not good to stay here. I'll go out for a walk by myself. Hehe, see you." After saying this, his figure flashed, and he was at the cave entrance.

Lu Yun and Aoxue both watched his figure, their gazes following him into the distance. Just as they thought Yunfeng had already left, he suddenly stuck his head out, grinned at the two, and said, "Oh, I forgot to mention. Lu Yun, you better accompany Senior Sister Aoxue well. Good luck, and don't forget to thank me later. It seems I introduced you two to each other, right? Hehe, I won't say more; I'm leaving!" After speaking, his figure disappeared instantly.

Upon hearing this, Lu Yun's eyes shimmered with a strange light, silently watching Aoxue. Aoxue also looked at him, and there was a certain meaning in their eyes, revealing their inner thoughts. After a while, Lu Yun spoke, "Aoxue, let's go for a walk." After finishing, he looked at her with anticipation in his eyes.

Aoxue's eyes flickered slightly, and a hint of tenderness appeared in her beautiful eyes. She nodded gently, stood up, and walked slowly to Lu Yun's side. A captivating fragrance, like orchids and musk, deeply attracted Lu Yun. Standing silently by his side, Aoxue's enchanting figure was just a foot away from him, her clear eyes looking at him. Aoxue said, "Where should we go?"

Lu Yun, looking into those clear eyes, felt a certain impulse flowing silently. The desire to embrace her was urgent, but he didn't show it. After a glance behind him, where the others were staying, Lu Yun whispered, "Don't ask too much. Trust me, just follow me." After speaking, he looked into her eyes, and his gaze clearly revealed affection.