Chapter Seventy-One: The Grand Competition of the Four Sects

“Friend Tianming, is what she said true?”

As soon as these words fell, while the other elders were still reeling in shock and surprise, the Grand Elder was the first to recover. Shu Meng, knowing how unbelievable her words must have sounded, did not show the slightest displeasure at the Grand Elder’s question. Instead, she quietly retreated to stand beside Tianming.

“She spoke the truth. But there’s something I’d like to add: if Chu Qingchen hadn’t led the other disciples to save me, I fear I wouldn’t be standing here speaking to you now!” Sensing everyone’s gaze on him, Tianming glanced at Chu Qingchen and replied.

“It was nothing—just a disciple’s duty.”

Noting Tianming’s eyes on him, Chu Qingchen smiled and nodded toward the sect leader.

Since this was no longer a secret—having already been revealed—Tianming was prepared for any questions and had no intention of hiding anything. But for the others, his words carried a different weight. After all, throughout the ages, never had anyone managed to cross a major boundary in cultivation to defeat, let alone slay, an opponent—especially not when facing not one, but two adversaries both considered sect elites.

Even though he hadn’t won, being able to hold off both opponents was already a remarkable feat.

“So that means Suo Xiufu has also defected to the Demonic Shadow Clan? Those two traitors! The sect has treated them well, yet they turn to that wretched clan!” At this, the Fifth Elder suddenly stood up, his face livid with rage.

Hearing his voice, Tianming looked over and found it was a middle-aged man about the same age as Wang Sheng. Judging by his seat—above the Seventh Elder, Xun Changsheng—Tianming guessed his status must be significant.

“That’s right! Who knows how many more have already joined the Demonic Shadow Clan and are hiding within our sect?” sighed an elder of somewhat advanced years as the Seventh Elder spoke.

Without premeditation, none of them could believe a disciple could join the Demonic Shadow Clan and gain such power in so short a time, even borrowing something as extraordinary as the Demi-Immortal Artifact, the Dark Chaos Canopy.

“Please, Elders, calm your anger. The reason I’ve gathered you all here is not only to discuss the matter of the Tian Tan Secret Realm, but more importantly, the Four Sects Tournament held once every decade.” As the elders’ indignation mounted, Xiaotian Ji, seated at the head, spoke up.

“The Four Sects Tournament?” Tianming’s face showed confusion.

Unlike Tianming, who was still in the dark, the other elders exchanged knowing smiles, perhaps recalling memories of past tournaments, their expressions deep with meaning, further perplexing Tianming. Was the Four Sects Tournament a contest among the four great sects? With this thought, some of his confusion dissipated.

“That’s right, young friend Tianming, you may withdraw now. If you wish to know more about the Four Sects Tournament, you can ask Chu Qingchen beside you.” Sensing Tianming’s uncertainty, Xiaotian Ji fixed him with a calm gaze and spoke in a gentle tone.

“Yes, Sect Leader!”

At those words, Chu Qingchen stepped forward, bowed slightly, and led Tianming and his companions out of the Hall of Elders.

“Well now, everyone, let us discuss the matter of selecting disciples for the tournament…” Once Tianming and the others had left, Xiaotian Ji finally spoke.

“Could it be, you intend…?” The Fifth Elder’s eyes widened, as if he’d guessed the intent.

Seeing that some elders had seen through him, Xiaotian Ji only smiled mysteriously and nodded, saying nothing more.

…

Stepping out of the Hall of Elders, Tianming felt a wave of relief—inside, the atmosphere was so strict he scarcely dared to breathe.

“Thank you, Shu Meng!” he said, turning to the graceful figure at his side.

“Thank me? For what?”

Shu Meng started in surprise, her face turning quizzical as she looked at Tianming.

“Well, for stepping forward on my behalf just now!” Tianming nodded.

“It was nothing. Fellow disciples should help one another,” Shu Meng replied with a melodious laugh, as clear as an oriole’s song.

Tianming found himself lost in her smile, just about to say something more when—

Ahem!

“My friend, have you forgotten about your old brother here?” Chu Qingchen coughed a few times to remind him.

Seeing the two had momentarily forgotten his existence, Chu Qingchen couldn’t help but interrupt, cutting Tianming off.

“Oh, go on! Shu Meng once shielded me from a sword—what did you ever do?” Tianming shot Chu Qingchen a look of mock disdain.

“Well…” At this, Chu Qingchen found himself at a loss for words. Truly, new affections make old friends forgotten, he thought, rolling his eyes at Tianming.

Shu Meng…

Not just Chu Qingchen—even Shu Meng threw Tianming a sharp glare.

“Haha, I was only joking. By the way, just now Sect Leader Xiaotian mentioned the Four Sects Tournament. What exactly is it?” Seeing Shu Meng’s displeasure, Tianming let out a hearty laugh and quickly changed the subject, turning to Chu Qingchen.

“The Four Sects Tournament? Actually, I’m not all that clear myself, since I’ve only taken part once. It’s a grand event held every ten years by the four great sects: Heavenly Sword Sect, our own Heavenly Evolution Sect, Waterdream Sect, and Huahan Sect—hence the name, Four Sects Tournament,” Chu Qingchen explained after a moment’s thought.

During the last tournament, Chu Qingchen had only participated as a helper, running errands for his senior brothers and sisters, serving tea and such—what they called a “miscellaneous disciple.” Out of pride, he left out these details.

“I see. Will I be able to participate this time?” Tianming asked, eager anticipation in his voice.

Seeing Tianming’s excitement, Chu Qingchen recalled his own experience from years ago. “It’s not that simple. First, you must be an inner sect disciple, and you need to have achieved at least the second rank of Spirit Void cultivation.”

“So that means… I probably won’t be able to go?” Tianming said, a note of regret in his voice.

“That’s right. Only Shu Meng and I qualify this time, and even that’s just the minimum. There’ll be a selection afterward, since there are thousands of disciples in the sect—without one, the tournament would go on for a month!” Chu Qingchen explained patiently.

“How brutal! Looks like I’ll have to train hard. By the way, when does the Four Sects Tournament begin?” Tianming sighed, then asked again.

With Tianming’s current tenth rank Foundation Establishment, he hardly qualified. Even with the Lightning Sword, its effect would soon expire; even if he was given special permission to compete, he’d likely not make it through the selection.

Shu Meng, on the other hand, seemed quite excited by the news, perhaps already looking forward to meeting skilled disciples from the other sects.