Gathering at Black Wind Mountain

Half a month later.

Baishi County, thirty miles northwest, Black Wind Mountain.

There was a very large open space halfway up this mountain, enough to accommodate several thousand people.

Black Wind Mountain was bustling with activity at this moment, with many people coming and going.

Famous families, descendants of noble clans, martial arts heroes, and people from all walks of life gathered in one place, making it extremely lively.

"Mad Saber, you're quite early," the Bewitching Heart Demoness said, her voice dripping with charm as she moved her alluring figure.

"Heh heh, you're not slow either. I couldn't miss the ultimate showdown of the Human Ranking."

Mad Saber chuckled, full of anticipation for the battle today. He knew Chu Jiang's strength was definitely not inferior to Gu Jian's.

The other onlookers also discussed animatedly.

"This is truly a fated duel!"

"More than ten years ago, Blood Saber fought the then number one of the Human Ranking, Gu Hongchen. Rumor has it that Blood Saber was defeated, and Gu Hongchen became famous everywhere."

"Today, the successor of Blood Saber and Gu Hongchen's descendant, Gu Jian, are dueling again. It's truly exciting!"

At the Hundred Flowers Sect's encampment, Li Yu said dismissively, "I don't know where Chu Jiang gets his confidence to fight Gu Jian, the number one on the Human Ranking."

Since Gu Jian debuted, he had been invincible among those of the same cultivation level, with no one comparable.

Even their Sect Master was slightly inferior.

Ranked eleventh on the Human Ranking versus ranked first was simply worlds apart.

Bai Ruoxue: "The Sect Master asked you to come and learn humbly, not to criticize. Say less."

"Even if he's not as good as Gu Jian, he's still much stronger than you. Watch carefully; it will help you advance to Xiantian."

Li Yu pouted and mumbled, "Got it!"

"Yo, who is this? It's you, little girl, talking behind my back about Master Chu again. Master Chu saved you on Black Tiger Mountain back then."

A voice suddenly came from the side. It was Lu Feiyang.

He was dressed in fine clothes and spoke mockingly.

"Hmph, you big pervert, none of your business!" Li Yu snorted coldly. Seeing Lu Feiyang, she immediately disliked him and turned her head away.

"The Chief Clerk has arrived!"

Behind Lu Feiyang followed a group of people in official robes. The leader was the Chief Clerk of Annan Commandery, the fifth most powerful person in Annan Commandery.

"I didn't expect the government to send representatives. This is quite a show of force."

"I just wonder if that mysterious Grandmaster will show up. I came today specifically to meet the Grandmaster, and also to watch the younger generation compete."

Chief Clerk Lu snorted, "Brat, what are you dawdling for? Hurry up and go!"

Lu Feiyang stuck out his tongue at Li Yu and quickly left.

"Big pervert, don't let me see you again..." Li Yu stamped her foot in anger.

Bai Ruoxue shook her head helplessly, wondering what the Sect Master saw in this girl.

She then turned her gaze to the plaza. The six major sects of Annan Commandery, including the government, had sent people. The scene was indeed grand, making the trip worthwhile.

"Young Master, you've finally come out. Let's go home. The Clan Leader is waiting for you to return. There's nothing interesting here," Gongsun Li said with a long face.

"Ranked first against ranked eleventh, isn't that a complete crushing?"

It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say it was bullying.

"I know. I'll go back right after I watch this show," Gongsun Sheng said impatiently.

He had been so humiliated by Chu Jiang, and now his cousin was about to teach him a lesson. How could he miss such a good show?

He still couldn't forget the humiliating experience in prison, where he was actually... by those lowly commoners. A scholar could endure, but this was unbearable.

Gongsun Li sighed. Gongsun Sheng was the most outstanding person of the Gongsun Family's current generation. The elders and the Clan Leader had high hopes for him.

What if something happened to him here?

A place with many people wasn't necessarily a good place.

Opportunities often came with danger.

"Look, Old Li, my cousin has arrived. He's truly a peerless talent. In the entire Yunzhou, who else can compete with him? Does Chu Jiang deserve it?"

Gongsun Sheng said excitedly, wishing he could transform into Gu Jian, the number one on the Human Ranking, and personally dismember that bastard Chu Jiang into eight pieces.

Gongsun Li also looked towards the arena and immediately saw the young man who stood out from the crowd, stepping onto the field as if surrounded by stars.

He was tall and slender, wearing a pure white robe that moved with the wind. His face was stern and resolute, with sword-like eyebrows reaching his temples and eyes like stars, deep and sharp.

The sword in his hand was like a pool of autumn water, emitting a cold, faint glow.

His demeanor was aloof and cold, making him seem unapproachable yet captivating. An invisible sword energy seemed to surround him, inspiring awe.

Behind him were a group of Sword King Sect disciples, led by Gu Hongchen of the Sword King Sect.

"The main character has arrived, let the show begin!"

"Is this the number one on the Human Ranking? Is he really only in the Xiantian Realm? His aura is too powerful, like a sharp sword piercing through heaven and earth."

A martial artist exclaimed in admiration.

"This time, the Sword King Sect has gone to great lengths to arrange a match with Chu Jiang, who is ranked eleventh on the Human Ranking. They're offering a bottle of Jade Dew Nectar, which can nourish one's roots and improve martial arts talent," said the representative from the Hundred Flowers Sect.

An elder beside him added, "There's also a Six-Revolutions True Essence Pill. For someone at Xiantian Peak, there's a fifty percent chance it will help them break through to the Vajra Realm."

"Such a grand prize just for a fight with the eleventh-ranked person on the Human Ranking? I really don't understand what the Sword King Sect is up to."

Many rogue cultivators were puzzled. Did the Sword King Sect have too much money to spend?

"You guys know nothing. No matter how big the prize, can Chu Jiang even win? He's just going through the motions. If it were someone in the top three of the Human Ranking, they might be able to exchange a few blows with Gu Jian."

"Eleventh on the Human Ranking? He'll likely be crushed in an instant. Just wait and see."

For this battle today, ninety percent of the people present did not hold out much hope.

"Look, the powerhouses on the high platform, so many..."

"Annan Commandery, Fire Hand Judge!"

"Ziyan Commandery, Crimson Fire Hermit!"

"Lingfeng Commandery, Iron Mask Ghost!"

"..."

There were nearly thirty Vajra Realm powerhouses alone, hailing from various commanderies of Yunzhou.

Their positions were closest to the battlefield, allowing them to clearly witness the epic battle between the two individuals.

"Iron Mask Ghost, who do you think will win?" the old man in red robes on the high platform asked.

Iron Mask Ghost frowned, "Crimson old man, what business is it of yours who I favor?"

"How about we make a bet?"

Crimson Fire Hermit licked his lips, a hint of excitement in his voice.

"Get lost, get lost! Who the hell wants to bet with you? Go to hell!" Iron Mask Ghost said coldly. Betting with this guy meant losing nine out of ten times, unless he was crazy.

"I bet Chu Jiang wins?"

"I don't give a damn who you bet on, just get lost!" Iron Mask Ghost said angrily.

Crimson Fire Hermit was stunned. He hadn't taken the bait. He had thought that by betting on Chu Jiang, he would provoke a contrary reaction, making Iron Mask Ghost bet on Chu Jiang too, while he himself would bet on Gu Jian.

But he didn't fall for it at all. You're tough, he thought.

He immediately shifted his target to others. With so many Vajra Realm experts here, he wanted to make a quick profit before the battle began. He refused to believe that no one would take the bait.

"Chu Jiang is here!"

The crowd turned to look at the road halfway up the mountain. It was indeed Chu Jiang's figure.

Unlike the Sword King Sect, who arrived in groups.

On Chu Jiang's side, there was no one following him; he ascended the mountain alone.

Compared to the Sword King Sect, he appeared exceptionally solitary.

"Let's start. I'm in a hurry to get home for lunch," Chu Jiang said lazily, as if he hadn't woken up yet. His tone suggested he was just going through the motions.