Chapter 728 - 395: The Grand Assembly (Part 2)
Chapter 728: Chapter 395: The Grand Assembly (Part 2)
Chu Qing had heard of such people, but this was the first time seeing one.
He couldn’t help but take a closer look.
Sikong Yijian sensed Chu Qing’s gaze and suddenly opened his eyes, sharp as sword-like stars.
However, in the instant their eyes met with Chu Qing’s, his demeanor quickly retreated.
At this moment, Sikong Yijian’s expression became somewhat unpleasant.
Chu Qing wasn’t wrong; these past few days, he indeed had made progress, naturally due to sparring with Chu Qing, gaining insights from Chu Qing’s martial arts.
He thought his sword technique had improved, even if it couldn’t compare to Chu Qing’s, at least he shouldn’t be afraid.
But that glance just now instinctively made him shrink away.
This was precisely an expression of fear.
His sword lost its forward momentum in front of Chu Qing.
His Sword Heart was damaged.
He slowly exhaled, knowing that this damage would require much time to nurture before he could once again hone the Fearless Sword Heart.
If that didn’t work, he would have to challenge Chu Qing again.
He needed to regain fearlessness from the battle... though he feared being killed by Chu Qing before succeeding.
Thinking of future possibilities, this Sect Leader of the Supreme Sword Sect, focused solely on swordsmanship, naturally wouldn’t look pleased.
Chu Qing didn’t know the many thoughts Sikong Yijian had at that moment. After glancing at him, his gaze fell on another person.
This person was the current Sect Leader of the Thousand Flowers Sect, Dai Zongming.
Standing behind him was the one-eared Grand Elder of the Thousand Flowers Sect.
Actually, the Thousand Flowers Sect and Chu Qing are considered somewhat connected.
The grandmother from Celestial Sound Mansion was from the Thousand Flowers Sect, the daughter of an Elder there.
But as time passed, the families stopped interacting.
After that Elder’s death, many within the Thousand Flowers Sect even considered them enemies.
Even to this day, the relationship between the Thousand Flowers Sect and Celestial Sound Mansion isn’t harmonious... it is exactly because of this that Chu Qing acted without hesitation last night.
As Chu Qing observed Dai Zongming, Dai Zongming also looked at Chu Qing.
His gaze was indifferent, carrying a hint of scrutiny.
Chu Qing’s gaze didn’t linger long on him, sweeping past quickly, then glanced towards where the Profound Mystery Sect was supposed to be.
The area was empty; they should have arrived early today at Immortal Cloud Mountain but didn’t come as expected.
Chu Qing went to his seat but, because the Profound Mystery Sect hadn’t arrived, there was still some time before the start, so no one was hosting on the martial stage.
Gently tapping his finger on the chair’s back, Chu Qing waited calmly.
This wait lasted half an hour.
With the sudden change in commotion, the Profound Mystery Sect finally arrived late.
Sect Leader Zuo Huaifeng entered with an apologetic look, continuously apologizing to those around him.
He led the disciples of the Profound Mystery Sect to their designated seats.
"I am truly sorry, there were some trivial matters within the sect, causing our tardiness, I apologize to everyone."
Zuo Huaifeng cupped his fists and spoke to all directions.
Liu Zhaonian chuckled:
"As long as Sect Leader Zuo is here, then let’s begin today’s Hero Gathering?"
"Alright."
Everyone nodded, and Liu Zhaonian gestured to Li Xianyi.
Li Xianyi immediately flew to the martial stage, began speaking, his tone filled with excitement.
First, he thanked the many friends from the Martial World for arriving at Immortal Cloud Manor, then thanked Liu Zhaonian for giving him the opportunity to bring everyone here for some lively fun, and about hosting graciously...
The talk was mostly trivial, but helped him make a good impression in the Martial World.
He concluded by saying he wouldn’t overshadow the actual host, and invited Liu Zhaonian to the stage.
Liu Zhaonian didn’t hesitate and flew to the martial stage; the real hero gathering was truly beginning now.
Chu Qing wanted to listen closely to what Liu Zhaonian planned to say, when he heard footsteps from behind.
The newcomer was stopped by Wu Qianhuan and Gentle.
Without turning his head, Chu Qing said:
"Let him come over."
The visitor was Zuo Zhongtang.
Except now he was disguised, no longer in his original appearance.
He looked anxious as he spoke to Chu Qing:
"Young Master, I investigated my father as you advised... I haven’t yet found specific details, but they plan to abduct Jiang Qianliu today.
"Implied in their words, if they can’t take him away, they plan to kill him in the prison of Immortal Cloud Manor."
At this moment, on stage, Liu Zhaonian was talking about ’At this critical juncture for the Martial World, we must unite to resist the Celestial Evil Cult...’, everyone listened solemnly, while Chu Qing slightly tilted his head:
"Where’s Cheng Xiao?"
"She and I split up, she’s informing others to strengthen defenses."
"Tell her to come back."
Chu Qing lightly tapped the chair’s back:
"Wait a while, there might be quite a show.
"Of course, it’s possible there won’t be."
"But... if they kill Jiang Qianliu..."
Zuo Zhongtang was anxious, though he said he hadn’t found anything yet.
But his urgency seemed to tip the balance in his heart towards Chu Qing.
Chu Qing smiled:
"They won’t kill anyone."
Zuo Zhongtang froze, and Chu Qing suddenly looked back at him:
"As the Young Sect Leader of the Profound Mystery Sect, if your father died, could you control the Profound Mystery Sect?"
This sentence left Zuo Zhongtang stunned like he’d been struck by lightning.
He realized the actions he took seemed to push his father toward a bottomless abyss.
With clenched fists, he fell into a struggle between heaven and man.
Chu Qing chuckled lightly:
"It’s fine, think slowly, no need to rush.
"First, call Cheng Xiao back to avoid any harm to her, which you might not handle."
Zuo Zhongtang left in a state of confusion.
Wu Qianhuan retracted her gaze from his back to look at Chu Qing:
"Is it okay to be so blunt?"
Though she didn’t know how Chu Qing contacted this person previously, his words were indeed too straightforward, making it hard to accept.
"That person... while possessing a somewhat romantic attribute, is definitely no incompetent fool."
Chu Qing spoke softly:
"He knows what to do for the best interest of the Profound Mystery Sect...
"Of course, even if he’s useless, it wouldn’t be a loss to me."
Wu Qianhuan seemed thoughtful.
At this moment, on stage, Liu Zhaonian proposed electing a Martial Arts Alliance Leader, to lead the heroes of the Lingbei Martial World against the Celestial Evil Cult.
As soon as he said this, the venue erupted.
Many opened their mouths, choosing the best candidate in their minds.
Some nominated Liu Zhaonian, as he was the one who organized the gathering; some nominated Ji Yexue, due to her prestige and seniority.
Others nominated Sikong Yijian... because his sword technique was mighty, almost unparalleled.
There were also nominations for some senior figures in the Martial World; every type of person was suggested.
With too many opinions, relying solely on verbal nominations wouldn’t easily convince everyone.
This truth was clear to all.
Therefore, Liu Zhaonian naturally proposed, ’judging by martial arts, whosoever can overpower the heroes, would become our Lingbei Martial World’s Martial Arts Alliance Leader’.
Once he proposed this, many voices echoed in agreement.
After everyone agreed, Liu Zhaonian announced the start.
Anyone who deemed their martial arts excellent could demonstrate on stage.
According to Liu Zhaonian, the current performances didn’t need to be addressed, as there would surely be someone to set an example until Chu Qing eventually comes and sweeps away everything, then it would be settled.
Sure enough, not long after Liu Zhaonian stepped down, someone took the stage to challenge all the experts.
This kind of occasion was rare, even if one couldn’t win, making an appearance onstage could help spread one’s reputation in the Martial World.
As some stepped onstage, others answered the challenge.
For a while, it was very lively with constant exchanges.
As this contest went on for nearly half an hour, someone came to whisper to Zuo Huaifeng, his expression suddenly changed, instinctively looking towards Chu Qing.
Chu Qing gave him a distant nod with a smile.
Zuo Huaifeng averted his eyes with an unpleasant look, not meeting Chu Qing’s gaze...
"He’s quite spirited."
Chu Qing chuckled softly; by now Zuo Huaifeng certainly received news that the assassins he sent for Jiang Qianliu were wiped out.
While Zuo Huaifeng thought of killing to silence, how could Chu Qing not foresee this move?
Hence, he had already prepared, unless Zuo Huaifeng acted personally, any number he sent would not return.
Meanwhile, an unforeseen change occurred on the martial stage.
...
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ps: Posting only one Chapter today, taking a rest... normal updates will resume tomorrow.