Captivity

The battle ended quickly, with just one attack and one defence deciding the outcome. 

Yunxiao Palace was utterly defeated. 

Of course, Fu Qing's planning played a part in this. In the four major sects, including the Imperial Academy, once one's cultivation reached the Grandmaster realm, they would cease to be disciples. 

They could become stewards, or instructors, or leave the sect to develop independently. 

Thus, Yunxiao Palace's top disciple, Chu Chenzi, was only a ninth-rank grandmaster and had refrained from participating out of pride. 

Chen Kong's victory, in retrospect, was to be expected. 

Unlike Fu Qing, who was sipping tea and smiling, Sword Emperor Qin Wufeng remained expressionless, though his heart was filled with murderous intent. 

This was a spirit body! Nearly invincible at the same level, and it appeared at Imperial Academy. 

What's more, the Imperial Academy had not just one but two prodigies with spirit bodies, including the yet-to-act Mo Qingkuang. 

Though Lin Yang had recently had a fortuitous encounter and developed a fire spirit body, seemingly surpassing Chen Kong and Mo Qingkuang in individual talent. 

However, who knows if Imperial Academy, once it regains its footing, will allow Lin Yang to continue growing? 

Qin Wufeng felt a chill. With the Blue Flame Empire's scheme foiled, the Tianxuan Empire was temporarily free from external threats, and the four major sects, especially the Yuan Sword Sect, that had been ambivalent towards the Blue Flame Empire, would be the first targets of the Tianxuan Empire. 

However, Tianxuan had chosen Yunxiao Palace, the most low-profile sect, as the first to be humiliated. Coincidentally, Yuan Sword Sect was there to witness the spectacle. 

As the battle concluded, there were exclamations of surprise, some from Yunxiao Palace maintaining decorum, disbelief from Yuan Sword Sect, but most of all, jubilation from Imperial Academy. 

"What happened? What's going on?" At this moment, Yuan Sword Sect's Lu Feng rushed over, having heard the commotion from afar. When he arrived, only the cheering remained. 

"Chen Kong fought ten and won," a Yuan Sword Sect disciple weakly responded, lacking their usual respect. 

Now, Lu Feng no longer commanded the respect and admiration of Yuan Sword Sect's disciples. 

"What?" Lu Feng was shocked, seeing Chen Kong standing tall and the dejected faces of Yunxiao Palace's members, realizing his fellow disciple hadn't lied. 

Seeing the late-arriving Lu Feng, Qin Wufeng's eyes were filled with deep disgust. 

Once, Lu Feng seemed quite promising, but now he was seen as worthless. Why wasn't he a spirit body, when he once ranked higher than Chen Kong? 

As Qin Wufeng simmered in frustration, his expression suddenly changed, and he darted off as a streak of light. 

In mid-air, however, he was intercepted by an earth-yellow streak, forcing him to land. 

"Sword Emperor, leaving without finishing your tea is impolite," Fu Qing said, smiling as he grabbed Qin Wufeng's wrist. 

Caught off guard, Qin Wufeng's face darkened with anger, "Fu Qing, do you really want to fight me?" 

"Oh? I'm just afraid you won't dare! Come on, I even brought my knife today," Fu Qing laughed, flipping his other hand to reveal a long knife with a red tassel. 

The knife, without a sheath, gleamed brightly, its sharpness intimidating Qin Wufeng. 

This was no ordinary blade; it was a divine weapon. 

Qin Wufeng hesitated, his tone softening, "Your student from Imperial Academy abducted a disciple of my Yuan Sword Sect. Can't I go check?" 

Qin Wufeng suddenly realized that Mo Qingkuang had used the opportunity of Chen Kong's victory to quietly abduct Chu Yanran. 

How could he not be anxious? Chu Yanran was not just a Yuan Sword Sect disciple he had to protect. 

She was also Lin Yang's confidante. Since Lin Yang had shown his superior talent, the entire Yuan Sword Sect valued him greatly. Even Qin Wufeng had to consider Lin Yang's feelings. 

The future of the Yuan Sword Sect might rely on this fire spirit body. 

Mo Qingkuang dared to abduct his confidante. If Lin Yang found out, who knows what impulsive things he might do. 

Just now, Qin Wufeng had already decided to inform Lin Yang to stay hidden in the Blue Flame Empire and not to return for the time being. 

"Oh, you old rascal, what are you talking about? These young folks are just building relationships, why are you butting in? Right, old man?" Fu Qing's eyes gleamed as he laughed heartily, deliberately calling out to Zhou Xuanqing. 

Mo Qingkuang's speed was extremely fast. While the youngsters couldn't see what happened, the martial emperor experts certainly knew. 

No matter what Mo Qingkuang intended to do, supporting him was the right move. 

So, he immediately blocked Qin Wufeng and gave Zhou Xuanqing a nod, signaling him not to interfere. 

Zhou Xuanqing understood Fu Qing's meaning. He was the closest to Mo Qingkuang's actions and had countless ways to stop him. 

But he didn't. 

Times had changed. Imperial Academy's strength was about to flourish. With two prodigies in the younger generation, they were bound to dominate their era. 

Weighing the pros and cons, Zhou Xuanqing chose to turn a blind eye. If Yuan Sword Sect had issues, they needed to solve them themselves. Yunxiao Palace couldn't afford to offend the current Imperial Academy. 

"This old Daoist is disciplining disciples, don't bother me," Zhou Xuanqing barked, pretending to be very angry. 

Seeing this, Qin Wufeng's heart sank halfway. That darned Daoist really couldn't be relied on! 

"Hahaha, see? The minority submits to the majority. Old Qin, have some tea," Fu Qing laughed heartily, holding Qin Wufeng's wrist with one hand and his knife with the other, pulling him back down to sit. 

Qin Wufeng didn't dare resist. Caught off guard and subdued by Fu Qing, just thinking about Fu Qing's close-quarters knife techniques sent chills down his spine. 

Passing through a few buildings in the direction Qin Wufeng initially intended, under a tree at a corner. 

Chu Yanran was unceremoniously thrown to the ground by Mo Qingkuang, her white dress instantly stained with dirt. 

"Ouch!" Chu Yanran cried out in pain, her big eyes fearfully scanning her surroundings, finally landing on Mo Qingkuang. 

"What! What do you want?" Chu Yanran's eyes were filled with fear. 

Just moments ago, she was among the crowd, marveling at Chen Kong's strength, comparing in her heart whether Chen Kong or Lin Yang was stronger. 

In the blink of an eye, everything went blurry, like a whirlwind passing by. 

She didn't even have time to scream before being grabbed by the neck and thrown here. 

Mo Qingkuang looked at the woman he had been infatuated with a year ago. She was as beautiful as ever, even more so now that she had matured a bit. 

The slaps he had given her during the martial arts competition had left no lasting marks on her beauty. 

But unfortunately, Mo Qingkuang was no longer the fool who couldn't move upon seeing beauty. 

Casting a cold glance at Chu Yanran, his eyes devoid of any affection, he asked, "Where is he?"