Chapter Sixteen: The Duel

“My master went to seek out Senior Nangong Wen precisely because of the matter of the Child of Destiny,” Hua Queyue slowly made her way back to her seat and sat down.

It is said among the people that when the world faces its greatest peril, the Child of Destiny will descend. Yet no one expected so many Children of Destiny to suddenly appear, and thus the Lord of the Spirit Realm traveled beyond its borders to visit the omniscient genius, Nangong Wen.

There can only be one true Child of Destiny, but now there are dozens of these travelers. Even the Spirit Realm cannot make a decision, so, for now, they are simply housed within the Spirit Realm.

“The times are critical, the demon clans run rampant, an early decision must be made,” the envoy of the Xuanming Kingdom spoke.

Jin Buhuan nodded, saying, “Actually, my senior brother is being overly cautious. Since there is a Child of Destiny, it must be the strongest among them. We need only select the strongest one.”

“You are right, but your method is not the best,” Zuo Ao interjected.

“Oh? What better method do you have?” Jin Buhuan snorted.

Zuo Ao stood and swept his gaze around the hall, lingering momentarily on Morrison, then said, “The Child of Destiny is not just the strongest; he is surely the one who cannot die. So…” He did not finish his thought.

But everyone present understood. If one is chosen by heaven, how could death come so easily?

“Are the lives of the others not worth the same?” Nan Fenglang spoke softly, her gaze drifting between Morrison and Zuo Ao, her alluring eyes glistening like peach blossoms in spring.

“Lady Nan Feng is truly compassionate, a savior of all,” Zuo Ao leered at her, his words dripping with mischief.

Nan Fenglang glanced at him, then at his bald head, and suddenly broke into laughter. “All beings may be saved—except monks.”

“You wanton woman! What did you say?” Zuo Ao, naturally bald, hated being called a monk.

“What did you say?” Nan Fenglang rose, her voice sharp, and gusts of wind began swirling around her.

Jin Buhuan’s eyes shone with a cold light as he looked at Nan Fenglang and Zuo Ao in turn. Both immediately sensed danger and slowly returned to their seats.

“Morrison, what is your view?” Jin Buhuan closed his eyes and spoke calmly.

Morrison stood, bowed to everyone, and replied, “Elder Jin’s words are wise. We travelers agree with this method.”

Jin Buhuan nodded. “Then it is settled?”

Morrison said, “For the sake of all living beings, this is the fastest and best way.”

The envoys had intended to object, but seeing Jin Buhuan and Morrison echo each other, they realized the plan had long been set and acquiesced.

---

Through the energy crystals left on the old man and Liu Yueming, Zhou Yu witnessed everything, his closed eyes furrowing. He asked quietly, “Can everyone understand Morrison?”

Du Niang’s voice echoed in Zhou Yu’s mind: “Morrison is speaking the standard lingua franca of the Path of Rebirth.”

Zhou Yu opened his eyes and stared at the beam overhead for a while, then sighed, “He’s quite extraordinary, it seems.”

Closing his eyes again, the scene in the council hall appeared before him.

Hua Queyue rose and addressed Jin Buhuan, “My master has gone to visit Senior Nangong Wen. When he returns, we will have an answer. Uncle, your actions may be inappropriate.”

“Hmph! Appropriate or not, my senior brother instructed me to act as I see fit before leaving. He’s been gone a month already. If we do not decide soon, we’ll waste the envoys’ time and hinder our fight against the demon clans. Can you bear that responsibility?” Jin Buhuan shouted, rising from his chair.

“But…”

“No buts. I’ll take all responsibility. It’s decided!” Jin Buhuan cut her off coldly.

“Uncle…”

“Queyue, do you intend to disrespect your elders? Or do you not acknowledge me as your uncle at all?” Jin Buhuan flung his battle robe and stared coldly at Hua Queyue.

“I would never,” Hua Queyue replied, bowing with clasped hands.

“Good. There’s no need to worry; I know what I’m doing,” Jin Buhuan’s expression softened slightly as he sat back down.

Everyone exchanged looks, surprised by how matters had unfolded. Was the Spirit Realm really letting the Children of Destiny fight among themselves?

“Morrison, inform your people and prepare,” Jin Buhuan ordered.

Morrison performed a formal Path of Rebirth salute and withdrew.

Outside, he realized night had fallen. The world was shrouded in darkness, the distant mountains crouching like beasts awaiting prey.

Morrison’s shining head caught the faint moonlight, glimmering slightly. He looked up at the blood-red crescent hidden behind thin clouds and exhaled deeply, his back soaked in sweat.

In the darkness, Morrison quickly made his way to the temporary lodgings of the travelers. As he swung his arms, a blue light flickered on his wrist.

Inside the council hall, the meeting continued.

“Let them duel as we have always done when selecting disciples for the Spirit Realm. It saves trouble,” Jin Buhuan said casually.

---

According to the usual disciple selection process, the top five would earn the right to cultivate within the Spirit Realm, with all its resources open to them.

Hearing this, Hua Queyue nodded instinctively.

The envoys finally understood. Jin Buhuan, though domineering, was meticulous. The travelers possessed various supernatural abilities and extraordinary power. With a bit of training, they could reach the level of demon generals—some already had. Such strength was rare even across the Path of Rebirth.

By Jin Buhuan’s plan, the strongest among the travelers would be taken in by the Spirit Realm. Whether they turned out to be the Child of Destiny or not, it was a profitable arrangement.

The Spirit Realm had always accepted only the top five as disciples. Jin Buhuan’s method gave the other sects and factions a chance to vie for the remaining travelers. To secure more and stronger travelers, the envoys would surely engage in open and covert competition. Thus, the Spirit Realm won favor and consolidated its position.

Jin Buhuan’s move was a masterstroke.

No one opposed any longer. The envoys lowered their heads, pondering how to recruit the most powerful travelers.

Nan Fenglang’s eyes lingered soft and alluring on Liu Yueming.

But Liu Yueming remained unmoved, cold as ice.

“Today’s meeting is concluded. Please rest, everyone. Tomorrow we will discuss the alliance in detail,” Jin Buhuan announced, rising.

Everyone followed suit, heading to their assigned quarters.

The old man and Liu Yueming lagged behind, leaving in the opposite direction after exiting.

“What’s wrong?” the old man noticed Liu Yueming had stopped and turned to ask.

“Nothing. I just want some time alone. Go ahead,” Liu Yueming replied.

The old man looked at him, shook his head, and left.

The night wind was cool, but not as cold as Liu Yueming. The blood-red crescent paled in comparison to the murderous aura he exuded.

A fragrant breeze wafted by, and from the darkness behind Liu Yueming, a figure slowly emerged.