Chapter Forty-Nine: Breaking the Formation

Four disciples, relying on a random draw, would determine their opponents; the winners would compete for a place in the academy. Fair and simple rules. These four represented the highest cultivation among the younger generation of the Dao Sect, and at this moment, every disciple felt boundless pride.

“No need for a draw. I choose to fight Fang Hen,” a cold and clear voice suddenly echoed across the Grandmaster Square.

Countless people looked on in astonishment, for the speaker was none other than Yu Wenwen. Her expression was calm, as if she were stating something entirely ordinary.

Fang Hen and Yu Wenwen were acknowledged as the strongest young disciples in the Dao Sect; but why had Yu Wenwen abruptly shown such hostility toward the Qinglu Hall, refusing even the draw and directly issuing a challenge?

Chen Jianzhi watched this scene from afar, slowly clenching his fists.

Master Dao Xuan's expression remained impassive as he said, “The rules cannot be changed.”

Fang Hen spoke up, his tone chilling as he met Yu Wenwen’s gaze and said, “It doesn’t matter. If it’s a fight you want, so be it.”

Dao Xuan turned to look at the other two.

Ming Jian nodded slightly.

Zhang Jian smiled and said, “I have no objection.”

If Yu Wenwen and Fang Hen were both badly injured, it would naturally be a fortunate turn. As a disciple representing the Seven Peaks, to gain an advantage was nothing to protest.

Master Dao Xuan raised his head and announced loudly, “The first match: Ming Jian of the Yanfa Hall versus Zhang Jian of the Sitting Forget Peak.”

His voice, amplified by spiritual power, resonated powerfully, pushing countless disciples back dozens of paces with its invisible force.

Fang Hen and Yu Wenwen descended from the high platform. The former smiled and said, “So, your cultivation has advanced again. Are you confident you can defeat me?”

Yu Wenwen did not reply.

Fang Hen’s expression showed a hint of mockery as he lowered his voice, “Three days from now, Shen Yu will have his cultivation abolished here, expelled from the sect, and then delivered to the Great Li Dynasty for judgment. This news will be announced in the Dao Sect tomorrow, but I’m telling you first.”

“It seems your survival last time was truly just luck.”

Yu Wenwen stopped, looking at Fang Hen for a long time before saying, “But this time, I’ll make sure even your father in the Tang won’t recognize you.”

...

Only two remained on the high platform.

Zhang Jian seemed in no hurry to make a move, smiling as he said, “I never expected that the person representing the Yuan Sheng Hall would be you, Brother Ming Jian. It’s truly a surprise.”

Ming Jian’s face was expressionless. “Let’s fight.”

Zhang Jian kept smiling, not rushing to strike. “It seems, Brother Ming Jian, you have some prejudice against me?”

“I’ve never thought highly of disciples from Sitting Forget Peak.”

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“Now even less so,” Ming Jian added.

Zhang Jian sighed, “I suppose it’s because of that fellow named Shen Yu, right? I remember, back then, you were his guide. Who would’ve thought you’d be so sentimental, Brother Ming Jian. A pity...”

A playful smirk appeared on Zhang Jian’s face as he spoke lightly, “He’s just a reckless wastrel. If he were standing here today, I’d... personally cripple him.”

“Sitting Forget Peak disciples have always been arrogant and foolish,” Ming Jian replied, raising the spiritual treasure ‘Dust Severer’ with indifference toward the man before him.

“Heh, perhaps you haven’t seen me fight, thinking I’m like the others. But... in my eyes, you’re nothing more than a wastrel yourself,” Zhang Jian said, slowly extending his right hand with a wicked smile. “Your cultivation realm is still too low.”

Ming Jian was stunned by these words, his pupils contracting, disbelief etched across his face.

In an instant, blood burst from his left shoulder.

...

At the Cliff of Reflection.

Shen Yu stood with his hands behind his back, surrounded by spiritual energy, a state he had maintained for several days.

A cicada’s cry.

Shen Yu opened his eyes, exhaling the turbid air from his chest, then gazed into the distance toward a certain direction.

“Say, Shen Yu, was that move you just used the same as the one in the Four Halls of Qinglu during their demonstration?” Ding Yi stood outside the barrier, full of curiosity. “Did you gather all your spiritual energy into one spot?”

Shen Yu did not answer, replying calmly, “No.”

After days of recuperation, Ding Yi’s face had regained some color, though his chest still ached. He gently rubbed it and asked, “What are you watching now?”

Shen Yu did not respond, merely squinting into the distance. After a long time, he turned and said, “I’m leaving.”

Ding Yi’s expression was strange. “If you can get out, then get out. I won’t stop you. But if you’re feeling charitable, just knock me out when you leave—don’t silence me for good.”

“I’m going to break this barrier.”

Ding Yi tensed up, “What are you planning?”

Shen Yu replied, “I can’t break it, but you can. I know you carry a formation-breaking talisman.”

Ding Yi’s eyes widened. “How did you know...”

He immediately covered his mouth, shaking his head desperately.

“I sensed with my spiritual awareness: aside from the sealing formation, every cave here has a small confinement array. So, each cave must have a formation-breaking talisman for entry and exit control.”

Shen Yu glanced around, speaking calmly, “A talisman can’t stray too far from its array or the formation will fail. That’s why you’re here guarding.”

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Ding Yi stared at Shen Yu in shock, speechless.

Shen Yu said, “Once I’m out, I’ll cut down Zhang Zhi for you. Consider it revenge.”

Though Ding Yi appeared lazy and carefree, Shen Yu had discerned a strong sense of pride in him after these days together. He knew Ding Yi would never forget the blow Zhang Zhi dealt before leaving.

After speaking, Shen Yu silently watched him.

A long silence.

“I was born not far from Yunyang Temple...” Ding Yi said, “I visited a few times while tending cattle, so... I know about those things.”

His words were cryptic, but Shen Yu seemed to understand, surprise flashing across his face.

“You did the right thing.”

Suddenly, Ding Yi said, “I think you’re damned impressive. I admire you.”

Shen Yu said nothing.

Ding Yi’s expression shifted unpredictably, finally gritting his teeth as if making a decision.

“Once you’re out, head for the back mountain. Don’t go toward the main gate,” he said seriously. “Your talent is exceptional; hide for a few decades, then return. They won’t be able to defeat you.”

After a moment’s thought, Ding Yi added, “Also, remember—once you’re out, knock me out. At least give me an excuse to explain myself. I’m risking everything this time.”

Shen Yu looked at him quietly. “Anything else?”

Ding Yi pondered carefully, then grinned. “When you’re powerful, remember to beat up that bastard Zhang Zhi for me.”

Shen Yu replied, “All right.”

Then the surrounding spiritual energy began to dissipate.

On the Cliff of Reflection, faint cracking sounds echoed as certain areas seemed to fracture.

Soon, the man in the blue robe appeared at the foot of the mountain.

His expression was indifferent, and he walked slowly toward a certain direction—not toward the back mountain as Ding Yi had suggested.

Instead, he headed for the Grandmaster Hall Square.