Chapter Forty-Five: Preparing for War

Chapter Forty-Five: Preparations for Battle

Chapter Six: The Night Demon Manipulates Power, Oppressing the Righteous; Yunpeng Displays Divine Might, Vanquishing All Evil

Upon returning to the Orchid Zen Courtyard, Ye Hua had barely stepped inside when he heard voices from within: “Though Zhang Shitian of Mercy Temple is formidable, he eventually fell to Yuan Xiushan from Broad Ancestry Temple! The Red Moon Sect is not so extraordinary after all!” “Don’t say that, junior brother. As the saying goes, a hundred-legged insect doesn’t die easily…”

Hearing the mention of “Broad Ancestry Temple,” Ye Hua was startled, instantly recognizing that it was Senior Brother Qingyu speaking. Curious about what his senior brothers were discussing, he pushed open the door. Inside, the senior brothers sat in heated debate. Upon seeing Ye Hua enter, everyone paused in surprise. Bai Shisong hurriedly asked, “Little brother, why are you so late?”

Ye Hua replied, “I met a friend on the road and was delayed.” He continued, “Why didn’t I see you all at Bodhisattva Peak?”

Qingxia laughed, “It’s all our little sister’s fault. She insisted we go watch the sisters from Dragon Spring Temple compete. The arena was at a secluded corner of Bodhisattva Peak. If we hadn’t searched specifically, it would have been nearly impossible to find!”

Ling Yun’er, slightly annoyed, said, “It was for Senior Brother’s sake. Sister Bai from Dragon Spring Temple…” Bai Shisong hastily interrupted, embarrassed, “Sister, don’t say such things! You’ll ruin my reputation. Haha!” Then he turned to Ye Hua, “Little brother, which match did you watch?” Seeing their senior brother so flustered, everyone couldn’t help but laugh.

Ye Hua said, “I watched the match between Qi Zhiluan of Spirit Response Temple on Hanging Moon Peak and Kong Lin of Buddha Light Temple. It was fierce and truly admirable!”

Qingshi quickly asked, “On my way back, I heard that the battle between Kong Lin and Qi Zhiluan was extraordinary. I heard Qi Zhiluan has mastered a demon clan technique—is that true? Tell us in detail, little brother!”

Ye Hua smiled, “Indeed, Qi Zhiluan has a five-colored golden luan sealed on his body. To resist Kong Lin’s Divine Order of Blazing Flames, he released the phantom soul of the golden luan. It was truly powerful!”

“So Qi Zhiluan, whose reputation was always obscure, has actually cultivated such a technique. Kong Lin, even with the Divine Order of Blazing Flames, was defeated by him. Remarkable!” Qingkai sighed.

Bai Shisong nodded slightly, “Brother Qi is indeed extraordinary.” He smiled at Ye Hua, “I saw it myself. Little brother, your opponent from Broad Ancestry Temple, Wang Zhidao, is someone we met today. He’s at the fifth layer of the Seven Treasures Realm. You can definitely match him, no need to worry!”

Ye Hua was secretly pleased to hear this. “Seven Treasures Realm, fifth layer—using Six Origins Heavenly Art, I might have a chance!” He turned to his senior brother, “Is that true? How did you happen to meet Wang Zhidao?”

Ling Yun’er laughed, “After watching the Dragon Spring Temple match, we saw the Broad Ancestry Temple competition from afar. I thought your opponent, Wang Zhidao, would likely be there, so we all went over and quietly inquired. We found Wang Zhidao, observed him, and dug into his background.”

Ye Hua felt a warmth in his heart, knowing his senior brothers were thinking of him. “Thank you, everyone. I will not let you down.”

Bai Shisong smiled, “Little brother, you must also be cautious. Today Yuan Xiushan from Broad Ancestry Temple used the fifth layer of the Seven Treasures Realm to defeat Zhang Shitian. Broad Ancestry Temple must have their own unique strengths.”

Ye Hua replied, “Yes, senior brother. I will remember.”

He scratched his head and asked, “Is Zhang Shitian really formidable?”

Qingyu snorted, “His reputation is hollow. He’s the grandson of the Red Moon Sect’s Xuan Yue Master. He has tarnished the mighty name of the Red Moon Sect!”

“Red Moon Sect?” Ye Hua looked puzzled.

Qingyu, irritated, said, “You don’t know this? The Red Moon Sect, Celestial Heaven Sect, and Harmony Gate were once dominant sects. Even if you’re not familiar, you should have heard of them!”

Ye Hua blushed, deeply embarrassed, and shook his head. Qingyu sighed heavily.

Qingxia said, “It’s not little brother’s fault. He’s been cultivating at North Terrace Blue Mountain Temple and never interacted with outsiders. How would he know? Besides, these sects have lost their glory, mere remnants now. Unless one seeks out such history, who would mention them?”

Bai Shisong laughed, “Enough. Tomorrow is the day for Qingkai and Qingshi to compete. Let’s help them plan strategy first. After tomorrow, it’ll be Qingxia, Qingyu, and Ouyang Tai’s turn. The day after will be Li Yunlin, Ling Yun’er, and little brother’s turn. Let’s focus on the upcoming matches.”

Everyone agreed, “Yes, let’s discuss second and third senior brother’s matches for tomorrow.”

Qingyu said, “Second senior brother’s Boundless Staff is forged from a thousand-year iron millet divine wood. He cultivates the ‘Sutra of Boundless Observation,’ and his wood attribute is used to its fullest. Even if his realm isn’t as high as his opponent’s, second senior brother is sure to prevail!”

Qingkai shook his head and spoke slowly, “You don’t understand, junior brother. My opponent is Yang Zongshi, the third disciple of Ten Directions Hall. Both his realm and his treasures surpass mine. He uses twin hammers called the Blood Transformation Divine Hammers, forged from volcanic molten gold. Though not as terrifying as Song Yien from Original Light Temple’s Thunder God Drill, they are still formidable. Unless I use an unexpected strategy, I fear defeat is inevitable.”

Hearing Qingkai’s words, everyone was stunned and fell silent. Qingkai looked at them and laughed, “Everyone is too obsessed with victory or defeat. Why worry so much? Besides, the outcome is not yet decided.”

Qingshi suddenly said, “Second senior brother, I happen to have an ice stone. You might use it—the icy power may counter Yang Zongshi’s Blood Transformation Divine Hammers.”

Qingkai’s eyes lit up, “Yes, junior brother’s ice stone may be effective.” He turned to Ling Yun’er, “Sister Yun’er, could you lend me a wisp of your Three Yang True Flame?”