"How glorious the Ye Household was back then—one man, one sword, suppressing all beneath the heavens for countless ages, and even creating a miracle. I wonder, little brother, how far you can go?"
The Abbot of White Cloud laughed heartily at the sight, as if he had returned to those turbulent years of old, back to that blood-boiling era.
Unfortunately, the Three Realms Calamity of those years had reduced everything to ashes. Few of those who had survived remained, and even the survivors could do nothing but cling to life.
It had also shown them the cruelty of the Heavenly Dao. They were nothing more than fish and meat penned and raised by others in a pond!
With every cycle, the calamity would begin anew, reducing them to ashes and achieving some unspeakable purpose.
This Three Realms Calamity was about to arrive, and who knew what kind of trouble the mysterious force representing the Heavenly Dao—the Heavenly Dao Palace—would stir up this time?
To prevent such a thing from happening, and to seize control of their own fate, they had to do something. They had to find the legendary Heaven-Chosen and defy the heavens to change their destiny.
After endless years and countless cycles, they had finally discovered one—the youth before them. They simply needed to confirm it.
"Abbot, what do you mean? Could it be that our Ye Household's Old Ancestor truly had some connection with you?"
Ye Yang did not want to waste too much time. He understood that if he failed to reach the Heaven's Pride Arena in White Cloud City within seven days and accept the other party's challenge, they might very well slaughter the Ye Household.
The Azure Cloud Sword Sect was revered as the leader of the Central Province's swordsmanship. It possessed extraordinary strength and profound foundations, had been passed down for tens of thousands of years, and had even produced legendary Martial God experts.
Although it had declined with each passing day and only Martial Emperor experts now guarded the sect, a starving camel was still bigger than a horse. Who knew whether it had other hidden methods?
Strength determined one's standing in the martial world. In the Central Province's swordsmanship world, it was the supreme authority. With a single order, no one dared disobey!
One had to understand that the sect had once been able to summon wind and rain, yet now even a tiny Ye Household refused to follow its arrangements. On top of that, Ye Yang wanted to accept a challenge from Qin Hao, the sect's Number One Heaven's Chosen. This was practically a slap in its face, so it had already begun making arrangements some time ago!
"Young man, there's no need to worry. I believe the Azure Cloud Sect's master will certainly give me some face. Delaying things a little longer won't cause much trouble."
The Abbot of White Cloud was extremely confident. In his view, there was no one who would dare refuse him. The Heavenly Secrets Pavilion would not, nor would the Azure Cloud Sect. Beneath the heavens, there were practically no people who would not give him face.
White Cloud Mountain, White Cloud Temple, and White Cloud City—everyone knew of this special place. Yet the other party was so transcendent and detached from worldly affairs that he naturally possessed the confidence and strength to back it up.
"Abbot, what do you mean? You should know that I'm representing the Ye Household's dignity right now. If I don't go accept the challenge, the other party will find an excuse to attack our Ye Household. I can't take that risk."
Ye Yang was merely speaking the truth. He suddenly stood up. He could not afford to delay for even a second longer, because to him, every additional moment meant another threat and risk.
The Abbot of White Cloud seemed to have seen through his worry and immediately said, "It's fine. To me, this is only a minor matter. I'll send someone to deliver the message shortly. It's just that my disciple's grandchild greatly admires you and wishes to spar with you. I wonder if you would do me the honor?"
Hearing this, Ye Yang became wary. What exactly did this mean? Could this person also have been sent by Elder Ye Wushuang of the Enforcement Hall to make things difficult for him? Yet the other party's expression when looking at the Brocade Pouch did not seem to suggest that.
"Rest assured. This is only a simple exchange, an ordinary spar. Perhaps you'll even gain an unexpected harvest."
The Abbot of White Cloud revealed a mysterious smile. He did not want to expose his true purpose too early. Besides, it was perfectly normal for his disciple's grandchild to want to challenge him.
That was because this was merely an agreement between them. The moment he saw the Brocade Pouch, he had already understood everything.
"Abbot, when beneath another's roof, one cannot help but bow one's head. It seems I have no choice."
Although Ye Yang understood this principle, once he had stepped onto the grounds of White Cloud Temple, even experts from the Heavenly Secrets Pavilion would not dare barge in. This alone was enough to prove White Cloud Temple's standing and strength in the martial world!
"Rest assured. This won't do you any harm. In a moment, you'll understand my painstaking intentions."
The other party did not waste words. He gently clapped his hands, and just then, under Ye Yang's astonished gaze, a man suddenly came before him.
Dressed in white and holding a longsword, he appeared before the two of them with confident strides.
"Is this a joke? Could he be Qin Hao? Has the challenge been moved up?"
The instant Ye Yang saw the other party, this was the first thought that flashed through his mind. The man looked far too similar—as if they were twin brothers—leaving him unable to stop his suspicions.
The Abbot of White Cloud smiled faintly, anticipation flickering in his eyes. One was the descendant of his old friend, while the other was his disciple's grandchild. What kind of sparks would fly when the two collided?
He slowly turned to the white-clad man who had just appeared and said, "Qin Tian, this is Ye Yang, an outstanding member of the Ye Household's younger generation and the challenger appointed by your twin elder brother, Qin Hao!"
"How about it? If there's no problem, I'm truly looking forward to seeing what kind of sparks the two of you will strike when dragons and phoenixes sing together amid this gathering of winds and clouds."
"Old Ancestor, rest assured. I've been waiting for this moment for a long time. I can just test the waters for my elder brother!"
"Very well. Since that's the case, I won't say more. Let's begin. I'm truly looking forward to seeing which of you will come out on top."
As the Abbot of White Cloud's words fell, the white-clad man named Qin Tian gave a slight nod, and battle intent began to boil in his eyes!
"Old fellow, don't be impatient. In a moment, I'll let you fight to your heart's content."
The longsword in Qin Tian's hand trembled faintly, as if it too anticipated the clash that was about to come.
"I'm Qin Tian. I would like to seek some guidance from Brother Ye. Forgive me!"
He slowly stepped forward. Every step revealed the pride and bearing of a swordsman, and his aura was extraordinary, like a king among swords.
"Interesting. So this is also one of the Twin Prides. In a way, it's like exchanging blows with his elder brother, Qin Hao."
At this thought, Ye Yang grew somewhat expectant. After all, twin brothers shared similar sensations, and their cultivation talents were about the same.
This was the perfect chance to glimpse the whole picture from a single detail. As their eyes met, sparks seemed to burst through the air!
"What is there to fear? I'm also looking forward to seeing what kind of bearing a young prodigy so highly praised by the Abbot of White Cloud possesses."
Ye Yang naturally refused to show weakness. He answered with his own imposing aura.
"Hummm!" The auras surrounding the two collided unconsciously, causing the surrounding space to tremble and emit a thunderous roar!
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