Heaven-Piercing Peak.
The next day, the sun shone brightly.
The second round of the Seven Peaks Martial Arts Tournament—the matches to determine which sixteen of the thirty-two contestants would advance—was about to begin.
The square was packed with people, and the hum of discussion surged like a tide.
Every so often, everyone's gaze swept toward Great Bamboo Peak's seats, filled with curiosity and speculation.
"Great Bamboo Peak really struck it lucky this time."
"Who could deny it? Seven of their disciples made it through the first round."
"I heard that Zhang Xiaofan knocked Zhao Tiezhu down with a single swing of his stick."
"..."
The various comments reached Daoist Cangsong's ears.
His already gloomy face grew even frostier.
He sat upright in Dragon Head Peak's seat, fingers gripping the armrest tightly.
Great Bamboo Peak's rise was like a thorn in his heart.
Dragon Head Peak had lost three contestants, while Great Bamboo Peak had stolen the show. It was a complete humiliation!
Tian Buyi sauntered over to Daoist Cangsong with his hands behind his back.
He wore a broad grin, and the word "pride" was written all over his round face.
"Ah, Senior Brother Cangsong, what lovely weather we're having."
"It's just that the tournament schedule is a little tight."
He made small talk, but his eyes kept darting toward Daoist Cangsong's ashen face. Inside, he was overjoyed.
Daoist Tianyun glanced at Tian Buyi and couldn't help snorting.
"Fatty Tian, show some restraint."
"Getting carried away with yourself isn't a good thing."
At that, Tian Buyi merely chuckled, completely unbothered.
He looked toward the edge of the crowd again.
Ye Xuan was still sitting on the steps, twirling a small pebble he had found somewhere.
His languid pose seemed completely at odds with the clamor around him.
But Tian Buyi