Entering the Top Four! Competing on the Same Stage as Lu Xueqi!

Cangsong followed True Person Dao Xuan as they left.

Before he went, he cast a reluctant, lingering gaze at Wan Jianyi, a hint of release flickering in his eyes. Clearly...

He had truly let go.

That is to say.

It was genuine love.

Daoist Cangsong's feelings for Wan Jianyi? They were actually somewhat akin to a teacher and father figure, after all, most of his skills had been taught by Wan Jianyi—calling it a teacher-father bond wasn't wrong...

Precisely because of this.

When he learned of Wan Jianyi's death?

He had strayed down the wrong path.

But thankfully.

Now everything had been cleared up.

The true 'great mistake' had yet to be made.

There was still a chance to make amends.

Daoist Cangsong followed True Person Dao Xuan out of the Ancestor's Hall. They went to a secret chamber within Jade Purity Hall and discussed matters in detail...

Daoist Cangsong carefully laid out the situation with the demonic sect.

Upon hearing this.

True Person Dao Xuan's eyes flickered slightly.

To be honest—with his current cultivation? One man and one Immortal Slaying Sword would be enough to sweep through the entire demonic sect, but considering the sect's centuries of accumulated foundation, truly eradicating them still required an opportunity...

He deliberated with Daoist Cangsong.

In the end, they devised a plan.

A plan to turn the enemy's scheme against them.

After a thorough round of discussion, Daoist Cangsong left Jade Purity Hall.

As he stepped out, he felt a wave of relief wash over him.

He had never felt so light before.

At the same time.

Daoist Cangsong seemed to recall something.

His expression hardened, and with a stern, imposing demeanor, he made his way to the resting area of the Dragon Head Peak disciples. There, in front of everyone, he summoned Qi Hao.

"Kneel!"

The moment Qi Hao arrived.

Daoist Cangsong bellowed in fury. He stared at the Qi Hao before him, blazing anger flickering in his eyes—this was no act; he was genuinely enraged...

This unfilial disciple!

How dare he steal the fiancée of Senior Brother Wan's successor?

He was just as bad as Tian Buyi!

Deserving of a beating!

Qi Hao was called over in utter bewilderment, then, equally baffled, was slapped flying by Daoist Cangsong in front of everyone.

"Bam—"

Half of Qi Hao's face swelled up into a lump.

He had already been feeling somewhat withdrawn after losing to Wang Quan Yan, and now, suddenly facing this situation, he was even more confused...

Who am I?

Where am I?

What am I doing?

A flood of question marks filled his mind.

However.

Daoist Cangsong gave him no chance to speak.

To be honest.

If Wan Jianyi hadn't said earlier to handle it leniently, he would have considered crippling Qi Hao. Was this something a person should do?

Of course.

That Tian Ling'er, letting herself be lured away by a broken bead from Qi Hao.

She wasn't any good either.

Let's just say—not marrying Wang Quan Yan? That was probably a good thing!

Daoist Cangsong slapped Qi Hao flying, then sent him to Dragon Head Peak to be confined. He didn't hide this from anyone—disciples from Dragon Head Peak and the other branches all saw it.

Thus.

Qi Hao had thoroughly lost all face.

But—his troubles were far from over.

Maybe Wang Quan Yan didn't take him seriously? But the world never lacks for gossips. Just wait... sooner or later, someone would drag him out for a public flogging.

Anyway.

From now on.

Qi Hao would never be able to lift his head in front of Wang Quan Yan.

As for how Daoist Cangsong dealt with Qi Hao?

Wang Quan Yan didn't really care.

He stood by his words.

From start to finish.

He had never regarded Qi Hao as anything—in his eyes, Qi Hao wasn't even worth a fart. The whole affair was just a farce.

Now.

The farce was over.

There was nothing more to say.

Wang Quan Yan spent the night in the Ancestor's Hall. The next day, he arrived as usual at the square outside Jade Purity Hall, where many disciples had already gathered.

After all.

Today was the round of eight advancing to the top four.

Going by the normal competition flow? There should be two rounds today: eight to four, then four to two.

Now.

When Wang Quan Yan stepped into the square.

The surrounding Qingyun Disciples immediately fell silent. Many cast curious glances at him, still savoring the memory of yesterday's battle...

With strength like Wang Quan Yan's?

Winning the top spot should be more than enough, right?

Someone raised this question.

But, soon enough.

Someone nearby immediately retorted.

"Senior Sister Lu's cultivation is also at the Ninth Layer of Jade Purity. It's not certain who will take the top spot yet."

At these words.

Many nearby turned to look at the speaker, as if he were an idiot.

"Senior Sister Lu and Junior Brother Wang Quan are thick as thieves—they're practically one. Do you really think they care about a ranking? Even if they fight to the death, it's just flirting..."

Someone said this.

Hearing that.

Wang Quan Yan, eavesdropping from the side, was dumbfounded.

Since when were he and Lu Xueqi "one"? Hmm...

Well, spread it on!

Not far away.

The aloof maiden stood in her white dress, sharp and striking.

She had also heard the chatter among the Qingyun Disciples. She couldn't help but furrow her brows slightly. She wanted to explain...

But feared the more she explained, the messier it would get.

If she didn't explain?

These people would keep spreading rumors!

Really—

Ruining her reputation!

Lu Xueqi's gaze fell on Wang Quan Yan not far away. She saw a calm expression on his face and thought, Forget it—

I'm pure and clear with him, bright as the wind and moon.

What's there to explain?

As for the rankings in the Seven Meridians Martial Arts Tournament?

The aloof maiden silently tightened her grip on the Heavenly Azure Divine Sword. She was determined to defeat Wang Quan Yan and claim ultimate victory!

The onlookers: Hell yeah!

Are they starting to flirt now?

The matches officially began soon after.

In the quarterfinal round advancing to the semifinals, Wang Quan Yan faced a disciple from Chaoyang Peak. As before, he didn't even draw his sword—a single Sovereign Sword Intent struck the opponent down.

At this.

The surrounding Qingyun Disciples gasped in admiration.

Still, they were nearly used to it by now. Wang Quan Yan's strength was common knowledge; even Qi Hao couldn't withstand a single blow from him...

Let alone anyone else.

Perhaps.

Only Lu Xueqi could trade a few moves with him?

The quarterfinal round ended quickly.

The four who advanced to the semifinals caught many by surprise.

They were: Grand Bamboo Peak's Wang Quan Yan and Zhang Xiaofan, Small Bamboo Peak's Lu Xueqi, and Wind Return Peak's Zeng Shushu.

Seeing this.

The surrounding Qingyun Disciples stared in bewilderment.

What the hell?

Two people from Grand Bamboo Peak made it to the semifinals?

Zhang Xiaofan!?

Who's that?

At this moment.

Tian Buyi's grin was harder to suppress than an AK.

He had no idea how Zhang Xiaofan had fought his way into the semifinals—but this was definitely a good thing for Grand Bamboo Peak!

It brought him face!

"Next match!"

"Grand Bamboo Peak's Wang Quan Yan versus Small Bamboo Peak's Lu Xueqi!"