The following day featured two major matches, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. The first was Xu Yehua against Zhai Bairong, and the second was Duan Mingyu against Qi Miaohan. For the disciples of the various sects, the competition had reached a stage where these names were household words; no matter who emerged victorious, it would hardly be a surprise.
However, the relationships within Duan Mingyu’s circle were not exactly a secret, and anyone with eyes could see the tension. Thus, compared to the traditional rivalry between the great sects, this match held far more intrigue. Both Xu Yehua and Zhai Bairong shared complicated, ambiguous ties with Duan Mingyu, leading the spectators to believe that this bout would be thick with the scent of gunpowder. The other match was even more sensational: Qi Miaohan had once publicly confessed her love to Xu Yehua only to be heartlessly rejected while Duan Mingyu himself was present. In the previous round, Qi Miaohan had already eliminated another of Duan Mingyu’s lovers. Now, old grudges and new resentments were colliding. Long before the match began, a massive crowd had gathered around the arena. Rather than observing the martial techniques, most were there to watch the drama unfold; many looked as though they were only missing a handful of melon seeds to snack on while they watched.
"Is your body alright now, Cousin?"
"Thank you for your concern. I was fine by yesterday," Nie Shiyun replied with a smile to the gathered members of Yunqing Pavilion.
Earlier that morning, Zhai Bairong had departed first. Nie Shiyun had timed his movements with the opening of the shops, making a quick trip to a restaurant at the foot of the mountain to buy food for Meiqiu. After filling the little beast's belly, he finally met up with the group from Yunqing Pavilion.
With nothing else to do, the group arrived at the venue slightly earlier than scheduled, only to find the area already packed to the point that not a drop of water could trickle through. Nie Shiyun looked around but saw neither Zhai Bairong nor Xu Yehua. Even Duan Mingyu and Rong Lü had yet to arrive. Recalling that Zhai Bairong had mentioned checking on Duan Mingyu’s situation before he left, Nie Shiyun guessed the group was likely together and had been delayed by something.
A moment later, Qi Miaohan, who wasn't scheduled to fight until the afternoon, arrived early to scout the opposition. She was disappointed to find that not a single one of those "stinking men" had shown up yet.
Upon her arrival, she also made a point to ask after Nie Shiyun’s condition. Nie Shiyun felt a wave of helplessness. From Zhai Bairong to the Yunqing Pavilion disciples, and now even Qi Miaohan—everyone acted as if he had suffered some catastrophic injury. He couldn't help but reflect: perhaps he had tried too hard to look pathetic yesterday to cover for Meiqiu’s uniqueness, and ended up overacting.
"Thank you for your help yesterday," Qi Miaohan said to Nie Xing’an and Du Zhi.
"Hmm? What happened?" Nie Shiyun asked.
Nie Xing’an explained on her behalf, "During yesterday’s match, one of the glass petals of the Eight-Petal Lotus Platform was shattered. Since the item originated from Yunqing Pavilion, we tried renting a local Earth-Fire Room at the foot of the mountain to repair it."
"I wanted to call you along, since the original idea was yours anyway," Qi Miaohan said with a pout, "but they all said it was better not to disturb your rest."
Nie Shiyun thought to himself that it was indeed better they hadn't disturbed him. At that time, he hadn't been "resting and recuperating" at all, but rather tumbling amidst the sheets...
He heard that the repairs had turned out quite well. In addition to Nie Xing’an’s steady foundational knowledge, Du Zhi had also contributed. According to the others, while Du Zhi was quite unfamiliar with various smithing techniques, he was incredibly quick to learn. Thanks to his ingenious ideas, they had not only fixed the Lotus Platform but had even added some extra utility to it.
Nie Xing’an had been secretly marvelling at the time. His cousin truly had an eye for talent; to think such a peerless, natural prospect had been brought into Yunqing Pavilion so haphazardly. Otherwise, he surely would have been snatched up by the four great sects to be trained as a dedicated master smith. Nie Xing’an even felt a twinge of regret that he had been so concerned with the pavilion’s rules that he hadn't immediately agreed to make Du Zhi an inner disciple.
As they spoke, the conversation drifted toward the nuances of artifact refining. Once these few started talking shop, they became quite animated, with even Qi Xuan’er chiming in occasionally. Qi Miaohan, an outsider to the craft, understood only half of it and stood to the side, bored to tears.
Suddenly, a commotion rippled through the crowd.
For a moment, Nie Shiyun felt as though he had returned to the square when Jiang Baixiang was speaking; the scene was remarkably similar. Duan Mingyu’s group appeared together, drawing every eye in the vicinity. However, this time, their expressions were quite varied.
Duan Mingyu still looked rather aggrieved, with Rong Lü following close behind him with a cold, stony face. Xu Yehua trailed a step behind, wearing a rare expression of stifled frustration, remaining silent. Zhai Bairong walked at the very back with a faint smile on his face, though to any observer, that smile did not reach his eyes.
*What kind of play is this?* The onlookers, who loved nothing more than a good spectacle, felt their excitement boil over.
"That Xu Yehua’s state seems a bit abnormal," Nie Xing’an noted, frowning.
Qi Miaohan lowered her voice and whispered to the group, "I don't know the details, but word is... an ancestor from Chiyan Cliff scolded him yesterday, saying he went too far on someone else's turf."
Nie Shiyun understood immediately. "Went too far on someone else's turf" implied that if this had happened on Chiyan Cliff’s own territory, even a loss of life could have been brushed aside. Simply put, Chiyan Cliff didn't actually care about their disciples' moral character; they were only worried about the negative impact on the sect's reputation.
While they spoke, Xu Yehua and Zhai Bairong had already ascended the stage.
Though sound couldn't penetrate the arena's barrier, the crowd below fell silent instantly. The atmosphere on stage was simply too heavy. After the two took their positions, they remained silent, their expressions shifting darkly.
Below the stage, Duan Mingyu’s mind was in a whirl, his brow slightly furrowed. When Xu Yehua had come to find him this morning, he realized he had ignored Duan Mingyu the previous day and, of course, apologized. However, by then, Duan Mingyu had already been riled up by Zhai Bairong and Rong Lü. He felt incredibly wronged, and even though he knew Xu Yehua had a reason, he still threw a tantrum. Zhai Bairong had immediately stood up for him, declaring that Xu Yehua shouldn't blame him if he brought personal feelings into the match today.
Xu Yehua had long felt that Zhai Bairong looked down on him, yet the man always maintained a facade of lofty purity, never confronting him directly. This time, he finally saw Zhai Bairong’s selfish side. Ordinarily, he would have fought tooth and nail to save face in front of Duan Mingyu, but today he happened to be in the wrong, which made the situation incredibly stifling.
He was used to getting whatever he wanted, but ever since arriving at Pinyin Pavilion, Xu Yehua felt as though nothing was going his way, leaving him profoundly irritated.
Zhai Bairong gave him no time to think, striking abruptly.
With a flick of his robes, two spiritual swords transformed into sharp streaks of light, lunging toward Xu Yehua.
Caught off guard, Xu Yehua realized Zhai Bairong wasn't using his usual Weeping Willow Sword. He hurriedly summoned his double-bladed dao to parry.
Nie Shiyun blinked, recognizing them as two of the swords from the Star-Moon Spirit Wood set he had given Zhai Bairong earlier. The sword crafted from pine was the most traditional "sword" of the set—its width and length were perfectly balanced, its body incredibly hard, and its edge sharp. The other was a new sword made of willow wood; its blade was slender and long. While it might not be superior to Zhai Bairong’s old favorite on its own, it was inscribed with a Light Swallow Array, making its striking speed significantly faster than before.
The crowd below immediately saw the skill involved. "That pair of swords is like a set of twin blades—one agile and light, the other steady and solid. They complement each other perfectly. What a fine treasure."
"Is it a high-grade Treasure Tool?"
"What a pity. If it were a Grade 1 Spirit Tool... it wouldn't even need to be high-grade; even a mid-grade Spirit Tool would make this set extraordinary."
"Those are things for the ancestors to play with. Why would a Golden Core cultivator need a Spirit Tool?" someone whispered. Just a pair of Treasure Tools like this was enough to make people envious; it truly paid to be a disciple of a great sect.
Standing to the side, Nie Shiyun thought to himself: *Twin swords? You all are thinking too small. This set actually has five blades.*
Duan Mingyu had never seen these swords before either and was somewhat surprised. The two spiritual swords emitted a faint, silvery-white glow, looking quite beautiful. Moreover, one could tell from the strikes alone that their power was extraordinary. Hearing the people nearby talk about the treatment disciples received in great sects, Duan Mingyu’s thoughts were subconsciously led astray, guessing that these were gifted by his master when Zhai Bairong was called for a private meeting after finishing his seclusion.
"What, is your temper flared today?" Xu Yehua struggled to cope. Glancing at Duan Mingyu below the stage, he didn't dare strike too ruthlessly and could only resort to verbal provocation. "I thought you were incapable of anger. As expected, no one is a saint; you've just been bottling it up inside."
As he spoke, he released a burst of fiery qi. With a flick and a subsequent thrust of his Crimson Yin Double-Bladed Dao, he forced his way toward Zhai Bairong.
"You should know full well why I am beyond furious," Zhai Bairong laughed instead of getting angry. He leaped backward, narrowly avoiding the range of the scorching flames.
Xu Yehua immediately tried to press his advantage, but things did not go as he wished. When Zhai Bairong’s two swords attacked separately, their offensive power was lacking, but they were enough to be a constant nuisance. When brought together, it seemed some profound offensive array within the blades would activate, making the firepower of his assault much more fierce. Furthermore, while it didn't look like Zhai Bairong was doing anything excessive on the surface, Xu Yehua could feel how pointed every strike was—as if the man was venting all the accumulated dissatisfaction he’d felt since their first meeting in one go.
"…!"
Xu Yehua tried to summon his spirit pet, but a row of sword qi, like a bursting dam, slashed across the back of his hand. Unable to dodge in time, his hand was instantly drenched in blood.
"Today, neither of us shall use outside help. We settle this here," Zhai Bairong said coldly, a flash of anger in his eyes. "I do not easily lose my temper, but this time is an exception."
The spectators around the arena were filled with shock and suspicion. Was this still the Zhai Bairong of the Yingyue Sect? They say that when a gentle and polite person turns cold, they are even more terrifying; perhaps this was the proof.
"Senior Brother..." Duan Mingyu murmured. Although logically he felt both sides were his own people and the match should be a friendly spar, seeing his senior brother—who usually didn't care much about anything—become so enraged to stand up for him moved him deeply. He forgot all about being impartial, his face suddenly blooming with a bright smile.
"Tsk..." Xu Yehua couldn't help but click his tongue in resentment. Dodging Zhai Bairong’s abnormal offensive, he felt as though the man had even changed his style of fighting. In the back-and-forth of offense and defense, his attempts to consume a Spirit-Recovery Pill were thwarted several times, leaving his wounds unhealed and making him look quite disheveled.
None of these injuries hit his vitals or bones. To say Zhai Bairong was going too far wouldn't be quite accurate, but Xu Yehua felt absolutely humiliated.
Anyone with a discerning eye could see what was happening. Although Xu Yehua was at the late stage of the Golden Core and Zhai Bairong was at the middle stage, for some reason, Xu Yehua seemed to have a guilty conscience. He didn't dare to strike with his full power, a stark contrast to his performance yesterday. Zhai Bairong, on the other hand, had no intention of a friendly match. Likely because of something involving Duan Mingyu, he was using the stage to settle a private grudge, doing his utmost to disgust his opponent.
Settling a private grudge was indeed correct.
The crowd had just guessed the wrong target.
Xu Yehua glanced at Duan Mingyu below the stage. Recalling how the boy had cried so pitifully this morning, he felt stifled but had no choice. He decided to just let this farce end. He stomped on the ground, attempting to leap up and voluntarily withdraw from the arena, which would at least give him a semblance of grace.
Just as his eyes shifted and his feet left the ground by less than a foot, he was suddenly snagged by spiritual plant vines that erupted from the earth.
*How truly annoying!* Xu Yehua waved his hand, circulating his fire spiritual root to burn the mass of vines to ash.
In that split second of distraction, the slender willow sword flashed with a cold light, sending a streak of sword qi just inches from Xu Yehua’s face. He hurriedly leaned back, only to be caught off guard as the pine sword pierced into his shoulder from behind. He gritted his teeth in pain.
"Yehua...!" Duan Mingyu couldn't help but feel distressed again, calling out softly.
Rong Lü actually felt a bit of secret joy. But seeing that Duan Mingyu couldn't bear it anymore, and looking at the situation on stage, he felt that if Zhai Bairong continued, it would become counterproductive.
As if sensing Duan Mingyu’s internal struggle, Zhai Bairong did not pursue his advantage after landing the hit. Instead, he sent Xu Yehua straight off the competition stage. Xu Yehua felt he had lost all face today, but perhaps this would win him Duan Mingyu’s sympathy instead. Thus, he simply accepted the fall and left the stage.
As he landed, the surrounding crowd immediately cleared a space, backing away several feet. Duan Mingyu ran through the crowd toward him, unable to hold back his concern any longer.
Zhai Bairong also jumped down from the stage at this time, walking toward the two under the watchful eyes of the crowd. Just as everyone was expecting the fight to continue off-stage, Zhai Bairong smiled and pulled out a bottle of medicinal pills.
"Blades have no eyes during a match. I have offended you."
"..."
"How could you two fight so seriously... you scared me," Duan Mingyu saw that Xu Yehua wasn't moving, so he hurriedly took the pill bottle from Zhai Bairong’s hand and shoved it into Xu Yehua's. "Quick, take it."
Urged by Duan Mingyu, Xu Yehua had no choice but to swallow the pill. He didn't lack such things, yet Zhai Bairong insisted on playing the "good guy" at this moment. Xu Yehua narrowed his eyes at Zhai Bairong, who wore that smile that, in his eyes, held no warmth. Alarm bells rang in Xu Yehua’s heart. He had always felt that among those around Duan Mingyu, Rong Lü was the more stubborn and difficult one... now it seemed that wasn't necessarily the case.
"The way you treated me yesterday, Yehua, and Senior Brother’s dissatisfaction with you... it's all wiped clean now! You can't bring it up again." Duan Mingyu decided on his own that everything was resolved. Satisfied, he grabbed one of each of their hands and gave them a coquettish shake.
"...Indeed," Xu Yehua said, sneering at Zhai Bairong.
"Naturally," Zhai Bairong promised softly to Duan Mingyu, without looking back at Xu Yehua.
However, his internal thought was that Shiyun was likely watching this. He only hoped Duan Mingyu would let go of his hand quickly.
***
| Chinese | English | Notes/Explanation |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| 星月灵木套剑 | Star-Moon Spirit Wood Sword Set | The set of five swords Nie Shiyun made for Zhai Bairong. |
| 轻燕阵 | Light Swallow Array | An array inscribed on the willow sword to increase speed. |
| 赤阴两刃刀 | Crimson Yin Double-Bladed Dao | Xu Yehua's weapon; a polearm with blades at both ends. |
| 宝器 | Treasure Tool | A grade of magical equipment, generally below Spirit Tools. |
| 灵器 | Spirit Tool | A higher grade of magical equipment/artifact. |
| 识人之才 | An eye for talent | Literally "the talent for recognizing people." |
| 公报私仇 | Settling a private grudge | Using a public position or occasion to take personal revenge. |
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Transmigrated into a Total Shou Novel as a Cannon Fodder, but Ended Up 1v1-ing the Male Lead | Chapter 53 | Settling Scores on Stage | Novela.app | Novela.app
