Volume One, Chapter 44: The Sect Competition (Part Ten)

“Fireflakes swirling across the sky!”

As Gu Mingyue finished her hand seals, a vast expanse of sparks suddenly appeared above the arena.

It was clear that Gu Mingyue was using an extremely powerful fire-based spell.

Gu Mingxi, watching the dazzling sparks, sensed danger and immediately began forming his own hand seals.

“Thunderfall from the Ninth Heaven!”

Unwilling to concede, Gu Mingxi unleashed his thunder technique. What could possibly come from the clash of lightning and fire sparks?

Let me tell you—the crowd witnessed a spectacle akin to a dazzling fire tree blossoming with silver flowers!

But this was no ordinary display; it was an extraordinarily perilous version of that phenomenon, where a single misstep could spell disaster.

The collision of Gu Mingxi and Gu Mingyue’s spells sent waves of radiant energy surging forth, obscuring the true nature of the battle from onlookers.

Who would gain the upper hand?

Perhaps someone might ask why the outcome wasn’t revealed sooner.

From the outset, it was clear that the two were evenly matched, their strengths so close that only the slightest margin separated them.

The result was in.

And it was most unexpected.

Gu Mingyue had taken the advantage!

The crowd below was stunned.

“Gu Mingyue’s spell is being used for the first time, yet it’s so formidable that it even surpasses Gu Mingxi’s Thunderfall from the Ninth Heaven.”

“Indeed, indeed…”

The disciples in the audience were puzzled by the outcome, but Gu Mingxi and Gu Mingyue understood perfectly well.

Gu Mingxi smiled and said, “Mingyue, it seems you have truly dedicated yourself to alchemy in these past three years, and your gains are considerable.”

Gu Mingyue scratched her head. “Mingxi, you surprise me as well. When I first apprenticed under our master, it took me quite a while to master this fire control technique. Your spiritual control technique—given time and patience, you will surely surpass your current level!”

Gu Mingxi drew the Dawn and Dusk Sword. “Mingyue, let’s begin!”

After a brief pause, Gu Mingyue also drew her sword.

She gently ran her fingers along the blade, her eyes reflecting a trace of nostalgia.

This sword was the very one she had wielded when first learning the art back in the Gu family. Since joining the sect, she had rarely drawn it in these three years.

Truly, her sword cultivation had been somewhat neglected.

After a moment of silence, Gu Mingyue slowly smiled at Gu Mingxi. “Please.”

---

Gu Mingyue knew Gu Mingxi harbored some reservations, so she struck first.

...

“Pft…”

Gu Mingyue propped herself up with her sword and spat out a mouthful of fresh blood.

Had the gap between her and Mingxi really grown that vast?

In this duel of sword techniques, there was no doubt—Gu Mingyue was thoroughly defeated, unable to even block a single strike from Gu Mingxi.

This outcome astonished not only the gathered disciples but also Gu Mingyue’s master, Yue Heng, who frowned deeply.

Yue Heng was aware that Gu Mingyue had devoted much of her time recently to improving her alchemy skills, somewhat neglecting her cultivation. Yet, he never expected it to have deteriorated to such an extent.

For his part, Yue Heng also loved alchemy and spent considerable time refining his own skills, but he would never forsake his cultivation. After all, Yue Heng’s current level was that of an early Spirit-Body stage, comparable to other peak elders.

...

Gu Mingxi approached Gu Mingyue, sighed, and gently helped her up, supporting her as they left the arena.

As Gu Mingxi pondered how to comfort her, Gu Mingyue turned and offered him a slight smile.

“Mingxi, I’m not so fragile.”

Her words were sincere, momentarily catching Gu Mingxi off guard.

Had he unconsciously categorized Gu Mingyue as someone needing his care?

Did Gu Mingyue truly require his extra protection?

The answer was clear without hesitation.

Gu Mingyue did not need his special care!

As the eldest daughter of the Gu family, carefully nurtured for years, she was no fragile girl but a formidable cultivator.

Before their cultivation paths diverged, Gu Mingxi and Gu Mingyue’s relationship had been one where she often shielded him.

Since childhood, Gu Mingyue had been like a little sun, radiating warmth and joy to those around her.

Perhaps she had made a misstep in the past, but that did not make her weak.

Gu Mingxi reflected carefully on his recent behavior. Had he become too arrogant?

Ever since learning of his own talents, he had placed himself on a lofty pedestal.

But upon honest reflection, his talent was high, but how much less gifted was Gu Mingyue?

No, not at all.

Gu Mingxi had a mutated full-grade Thunder Spirit Root, but Gu Mingyue also possessed a full-grade Fire Spirit Root.

---

Gu Mingxi was momentarily stunned, then spoke with some difficulty.

“Mingyue, I’m sorry.”

Gu Mingyue grasped his hand, gently stroking it with understanding.

“It’s alright, Mingxi. I know you mean well.”

Gu Mingxi’s throat was dry, words failing him, so he could only nod repeatedly.

“I understand, Mingyue. I won’t behave like this again. I know you’re strong and resilient.”

It was his fault.

Watching from the high platform, Yu Chen had been observing Gu Mingxi with his divine sense. Seeing his current state, he relaxed somewhat, leaning back in his chair and leisurely fanning himself with a folding fan.

Yu Chen was well aware of Gu Mingxi’s recent arrogance.

However, he had yet to decide how best to speak to his young disciple about it.

Years ago, Yu Chen himself had been even more arrogant than Gu Mingxi, acting as if he were the supreme ruler and everyone else second.

At that time, none of his direct disciples liked him—not even his senior sect brother Qing Mu—who found him quite vexing. Yu Chen was universally disliked.

Given his situation then, he should have suffered a great downfall.

But it never happened.

If not for him...

If not for him...

If not for him...

He would have rather taken a massive fall himself than let certain events occur.

Thinking of this, Yu Chen sat up, watching the interaction between Gu Mingyue and Gu Mingxi with a tinge of melancholy and nostalgia.

He found himself missing someone...

So many years had passed without thought of that person, yet taking on a young disciple constantly reminded Yu Chen of him.

Feeling somewhat low, Yu Chen bid farewell to Qing Mu and returned to the Free and Easy Peak.

Once there, he chose a spot opposite the bamboo grove and sat down, staring absentmindedly at the bamboo.

In a daze, Yu Chen seemed to see two children planting bamboo...

Young Yu Chen said, “XX, I’m so tired of planting bamboo!”

“XX replied, “It will benefit you. As you cultivate alongside these bamboo, you’ll complement each other. Won’t that be better? Besides, I’m here to help!”

Young Yu Chen looked at XX’s gentle and kind expression, scratched his head shyly, and obediently accompanied XX in planting bamboo.

...