Chapter 714 - 388: Nothing Out of the Ordinary (Part 2)
Chapter 714: Chapter 388: Nothing Out of the Ordinary (Part 2)
After that, there was silence, with only Ouyang Tianxu and Liu Qingyan occasionally introducing the scenery of Immortal Cloud Mountain to everyone along the way.
This mountain was shrouded in clouds and mist, and halfway through, there was a feeling of being high above in the clouds.
Going further, from the hazy sea of clouds, one could see the buildings of Immortal Cloud Manor, arranged in picturesque disorder, splendid and magnificent.
Especially hidden in the clouds and mist, it looked as if one had already ascended to the sky, to Lingxiao Palace, exuding an extraordinary aura.
After seeing these buildings, Chu Qing indeed believed that this Li Xianyi was truly wealthy beyond compare.
Otherwise, he could not have owned such a large estate, nor could he have constructed it on such a grand scale.
After walking a bit more, they finally arrived at the main gate of Immortal Cloud Manor.
Before getting close, they saw a group of people emerge from the manor to greet them.
Leading them was Liu Zhaonian.
Beside him was a middle-aged man, ordinary-looking, but with a decent demeanor and extraordinarily distinguished clothing.
Though he seemed simple and unadorned, he was actually of considerable value.
Presumably, this person was the Manor Master of Immortal Cloud Manor, Li Xianyi.
The person did not appear as ethereal as his name suggested, and his appearance was more honest than handsome.
He scanned the crowd with a wide smile, and when he saw Chu Qing, his eyes brightened.
Before Liu Zhaonian could speak, he burst into laughter:
"I reckon this must be the third young master who stunned the world in the battle before Celestial Melody City!
"I’ve heard Master Liu talk about the heroic gathering that the third young master would also participate in, and I didn’t expect that today we would indeed be fortunate enough to meet; it is indeed a great honor.
"I am Li Xianyi, pleased to meet the third young master!!"
As he spoke, he offered a deep bow.
Chu Qing found it inappropriate to accept, so he returned the courtesy the same way:
"Manor Master Li overpraises me. I just happened to be at the right place at the right time, nothing significant.
"It’s Manor Master Li who is known far and wide for your generosity and righteousness. I’ve long heard of your fame, and it’s truly extraordinary to meet you today."
Exchanging compliments back and forth, with Li Xianyi offering courtesies and praise, naturally, Chu Qing couldn’t keep a stern face and had to return with a smile and some flattery.
Which made Wenren Qianluo, behind them, click his tongue repeatedly, feeling that Chu Qing was truly frightening.
Before coming up the mountain, he didn’t even know who Li Xianyi was, and it was Ouyang Tianxu who explained to him. Only then did he know of such a person.
Yet now he was speaking as if he had truly known him for a long time, without the slightest unnatural expression on his face.
The lies he told sounded like truths.
In the future, interacting with this person, one must be careful, lest you are sold by him and still help him count the money.
This was because Wenren Qianluo had wandered the Martial World alone, only knowing the clash of blades and shadows, unaware of worldly affairs.
In comparison, Wu Qianhuan found it all too familiar.
At least, in front of him, whether Chu Qing or Li Xianyi, there was still a bit of sincerity.
Saying human words to humans and ghost words to ghosts, Wu Qianhuan had seen such things many times.
Sometimes, even if one hated the other enough to tear them apart, to feed the dogs, their face showed no anger, looking as agreeable as close brothers.
These were part of the worldly affairs manifested.
As for Gentle... she cared for nothing, remained calm and indifferent.
After Chu Qing and Li Xianyi exchanged some compliments, Liu Zhaonian interjected:
"Third young master, you’ve traveled far and worked hard. Please come inside first for a gathering."
Li Xianyi realized he had been discourteous and quickly invited them into Immortal Cloud Manor.
After entering, they walked briefly through various sceneries, arriving at the main hall, Cloud Hall.
Everyone took their respective seats, chatting for a bit, when someone reported that the people from the Supreme Sword Sect had arrived at Immortal Cloud Manor’s gate.
Liu Zhaonian immediately ordered a greeting and was about to rise to welcome them.
Chu Qing, however, frowned slightly:
"It doesn’t seem necessary..."
Indeed, as the words were spoken, a voice was heard in the hall:
"No need for formalities; I’m already here."
As the voice faded, another person appeared in Cloud Hall.
This person stood straight like an unsheathed sword. Standing there, the Sword Qi radiating from him caused the entire Cloud Hall to lightly tremble.
The tiles on the rooftop rattled.
Liu Zhaonian’s eyebrows slightly furrowed, then he lightly chuckled:
"Sect Leader Sikong, long time no see, your demeanor is even more impressive than before."
Hearing this, Chu Qing knew it was Sikong Yijian, the current Sect Leader of the Supreme Sword Sect.
Named after the sword, famous for a single sword strike!
No wonder he could possess such a presence.
Sikong Yijian ignored Liu Zhaonian, his gaze like a blade, scanning the hall, and softly asked:
"Which one is the third young master?"
Judging by his tone, he seemed unfriendly, prompting Liu Zhaonian’s expression to cool:
"Sect Leader Sikong, what is the meaning of this?"
Sikong Yijian remained silent, seemingly waiting for someone to respond to his query.
Liu Zhaonian, although furious, was about to speak when Chu Qing said:
"That would be me."
Sikong Yijian then shifted his gaze onto Chu Qing. His eyes, like two sword stars, concentrated the sharp Sword Qi in the void, staring at Chu Qing as if the Sword Intent emitted from his eyes alone could pierce through him.
Yet Chu Qing sat there unwavering, unaffected.
His eyes were sharp, but Chu Qing felt only a gentle breeze upon his face.
The returning gaze held a touch of smile.
In that instant, everyone could feel the clash of energies between the two in the air.
Causing the atmosphere in Cloud Hall to become tense and heavy.
Li Xianyi, whose martial arts were ordinary, took a deep breath and stood up:
"Sect Leader Sikong’s presence brings honor to Immortal Cloud Manor; please take the seat of honor."
Sikong Yijian remained silent, continuing to gaze at Chu Qing as he slowly spoke:
"I heard you took down a group from the Profound Mystery Sect at the foot of the mountain?"
"Indeed."
Chu Qing nodded.
"I heard...not long ago, you slew two generals under General in Yao Tai Sect, averting Yao Tai Sect’s crisis."
"It is true."
"I heard that before Celestial Melody City, you fought against eight, causing a major defeat for the Celestial Evil Cult!"
"I did it."
Sikong Yijian asked repeatedly, and Chu Qing casually answered.
"Good."
Sikong Yijian slowly spoke, his voice carrying a sound like a ringing sword:
"It’s evident that your martial skills are not weak.
"Today, I wish to test my sword on you..."
"Sikong Yijian, you’ve gone too far!"
Liu Zhaonian slammed the table, rising angrily.
Sikong Yijian’s eyes saw nothing else; he always acted straightforwardly, focusing solely for years on one thing: the sword in his hand.
He asked not to stand up for Profound Mystery Sect, or due to any grievance with Yao Tai Sect, annoyed at Chu Qing’s meddling.
Nor was it due to any link with Celestial Evil Cult, or discontent with Chu Qing’s immense reputation.
He asked these only for one reason: to confirm if it was true or false.
If false, one sword strike would certainly kill Chu Qing.
Then it was unnecessary to strike.
What he sought was a worthy opponent to test his sword, not a target that would shatter easily.
Now, hearing Chu Qing admit that it was all true.
Then no one, circumstance, cause, or reason could hinder what he wanted to do.
A buzzing sound.
The long sword was in hand.
This sword was extraordinary, just unsheathed, its chilling Sword Intent made the already fervent Cloud Hall tremble precariously.
A cold gleaming light hovered around the blade.
He lifted his eyes towards Chu Qing:
"Watch the sword!"
With that, the sword moved.
At this moment, every corner of the world was filled with killing intent, Sword Intent present everywhere.
The Sword Intent was ethereal and grand, like clouds in the sky, like wind in the forest, formless, indefinite, shapeless, yet omnipresent.
This was a sword strike impossible to escape from both heaven and earth, as it commenced, sword marks appeared everywhere in Cloud Hall.
Yet, they didn’t know how these sword marks appeared.
Like a volume, it enveloped Chu Qing from all directions.
Yet there wasn’t the slightest sign of danger on Chu Qing’s face.
He remained seated steadily, allowing the Sword Intent to enshroud him, only then did he slowly lift his head to look at Sikong Yijian:
"This sword... is rather ordinary."