Chapter 66 (1/2)

Xiao Chen turned around and saw a man in white with a folding fan in his hand. He was not that Qin Xiu who had come to the Xiao Family. Xiao Chen said, “I was on my way there, but I just lost my bearings since it’s my first time here.”

The man said with a smile, “There are many formations and Barriers on the island. One will perish if he makes a minor mistake and enters a dangerous formation. Please, follow me.” He then turned and started to lead the way.

Xiao Chen nodded gently and said, “Many thanks. How should I address you, senior brother?”

“I’m Chu Biefu. You can call me Senior Brother Chu.”

“Many thanks for Senior Brother Chu’s reminding me just now.”

“You’re welcome. What should I call you then?”

“Han Chen.” Xiao Chen quietly followed. He dared not speak too much in case of exposing his identity. The man in front of him had high cultivation of at least middle Foundation Building Realm and was much stronger than Mo Yu.

Chu Biefu said a lot on the way, and Xiao Chen carefully answered him. Xiao Chen found that this man was shrewd and deep, and doubted if this man had suspected him. Arriving at the square, Xiao Chen said goodbye with his hands cupped and walked into the crowd.

After spotting Shangguan Yan and Xiao Han, he walked to them. Shangguan Yan saw him and snorted, saying, “Humph! You said that you won’t come!”

Xiao Chen smiled gently and sat down beside them. He looked around and found many performers, including singers, dancers, and friendly matches of martial arts and swordplay. However, under the air of harmony, he always felt that there was murderous intent lurking everywhere.

The Skygale Sect had been recruiting hundreds of disciples in every year, yet there were only 1,000 disciples in the sect. Where were the other disciples? It was impossible for the sect to have them sent to the Violet Manor. Besides, on his way here, he had not seen an elder yet.

At this moment, a Senior Brother’s loud voice interrupted his thoughts. “Junior Brothers, there will be a freshman competition seven days later. The winner will be awarded a piece of Nine-flowered Shrub of Jaded Leaves and the name of being sent to the Violet Manor.”

The crowd cheered upon hearing this, but Xiao Chen frowned deeper. “The Nine-flowered Shrub of Jaded Leaves? When the Huangfu Family’s member came to the Xiao Family to cancel the marriage, they seemed to have brought a piece of this.”

It was extremely difficult to find the Nine-flowered Shrub of Jaded Leaves in this world. One who had a Spiritual Meridian would grow another Spiritual Meridian after taking this medicine. One who had not Spiritual Meridian would grow one after taking this.

Thinking of this, he became more and more uneasy. He asked, “Senior brother, who was the winner last year?”

The senior brother said with a smile, “It was Junior Sister Huangfu. So, she can be sent to the Violet Manor this year.”

Xiao Chen was shocked. It was Huangfu Xin’er indeed. Did she win the Nine-flowered Shrub of Jaded Leaves for him?

After the meeting was over, Xiao Chen and Xiao Han returned to the dormitory. Xiao Han noticed that something was going on in his mind and asked, “What, are you thinking where Huangfu Xin’er is now?”

“Never mind. Let find Senior Sister Luo and Xian’er first.”

Seven days passed quickly. Today was the day of the freshman competition, and the island became very busy and bustling. Every newly joined disciple had to attend, including Xiao Chen.

The square was crowded with people. There were several arenas in the square, and each arena was surrounded by people. The rule was very simple. It was an elimination match, and participants drew lots for turns.

At the loudest moment, a white figure in the distance stepped on the air toward the square and landed on a stone pillar. The man held a folding fan and looked unrestrained. It was Chu Biefu. He said loudly, “Due to the fact that the Sect Leader is in seclusion, and the other elders are in the Violet Manor for business, they won’t recruit disciples this year. But I here appeal that everyone should do his best in this competition. At the end of the competition, I, and the other five junior sisters and brothers will recruit one disciple each.”

Tiangu Zi had seven True Disciples. Now that Qin Xiu was back to the Violet Manor, there were only six True Disciples. The crowd felt resentful upon hearing this, but it was also good to be disciples of these six True Disciples.

Xiao Chen wondered if Huangfu Xin’er was one of the six True Disciples. When he was deep in thoughts, the competition began with a heaven-shaking sound of beating the gongs and drums.

By noon, Xiao Chen had won his place in the round of 32, and he did have a game in the afternoon. When the crowd was still in the square, Xiao Chen went back to the mountain at his convenience.

He wanted to take advantage of the situation where few people were on the mountain to find Luo Shangyan and Xian’er. When he walked past a courtyard, he heard a sound of fighting.

“I’ve said that I won’t give away the name!” In the courtyard, Huangfu Xin’er supported her chest with one hand and held the Stifled Light in the other. There was blood bleeding from the corner of her mouth. Apparently, she was injured.

“Senior sister, you’ve mistaken us. We’re just here to learn some swordplay from you.” In front of her stood eight disciples in purple who all held longswords in their hands, smiling.

Huangfu Xin’er smiled coldly and said, “Learn some swordplay? Do you really think that anyone can come to my place and be presumptuous after Senior Brother Qin had gone?!” After saying so, she madly wielded her sword as countless sword shadows appeared in the air.

Several disciples in purple immediately gathered together and made a formation to block the falling sword Qi. One of them saw her concentrating on casting sword spells, rushed to her and punched at her abdomen.

“Puff!” Blood spurted out from her mouth as she took a few steps back. Then, four disciples charged to her with swords.

At this moment, a dazzling white radiance flashed as several clashes rose, seven longswords were cut off in an instant.

Suddenly, a figure stood in front of Huangfu Xin’er and glared at the seven disciples coldly, saying, “Learn some swordplay? Do you have no shame?” As his voice fell, a cold light flashed. Before the seven disciples could see things clearly, their sideburns were cut off.