CHAPTER 26: A BLOOD CALAMITY

One by one, the cultivators of the great sects arrived, their expressions varied and distinct. Observing from a corner, Qi Yuan could already recognize the leaders of each sect.

Due to the priceless reward, the participants were of far higher ranks than the past years. Not a single Core Formation Master would attend the previous events. Yet this time, there were four: one each from the Floating Mountain Sect and Demonic Desire Sect, Prince Changsan of Great Shang, and Black Chicken Ancestor of Black Mountain Sect.

According to the cultivation world’s unspoken rules, only the three major sects and the Great Shang Kingdom were permitted to send Core Formation Masters for this event. However, the Black Mountain Sect—domineering and unruly as they were—constantly schemed to elevate themselves as the so-called fourth major sect. Thus, they brazenly sent Black Chicken Ancestor to represent them.

Behind these experts stood several Foundation Establishment realm elders and disciples at the peak of the Qi Refinement realm from their respective sects. Many of those disciples’ eyes gleamed sharply, eager to display their prowess. In contrast, disciples of lesser known sects fidgeted nervously, betraying their fear of failing to achieve good results.

Prince Changsan was a splendidly bearded man clad in silk robes. He stepped forward, smiling at Qi Yuan. "Where is your Sect Master? Has he gone into some perilous closed-door retreat? Once the Foundation Establishment Event ends, have him join me for a few cups of wine!"

Though a Core Formation Master, Prince Changsan seemed like a carefree man with a rather arrogant manner of speech. Nevertheless, the other Core Formation Masters regarded him with faint respect. After all, he was the father of the Great Shang Queen, which’d explain his unwavering confidence.

Qi Yuan replied softly, "Prince Changsan, you may ask our sect elder after the event."

If Prince Changsan learned of his daughter’s entanglement with the sect master, would he still drink with him? Besides, the sect master is much older than Prince Changsan himself...

Though only at the peak of the Qi Refinement realm, Qi Yuan was the chief disciple—his status just half a notch below the Core Formation realm cultivators. Furthermore, he represented the Divine Radiance Sect. Thus, even these Core Formation realm cultivators addressed him as an equal.

Just then, Black Chicken Ancestor of the Black Mountain Sect uttered impatiently, "When is the event going to start?! I must return and feed my chicks!"

The other sect elders frowned at his uncouthness, but Prince Changsan merely laughed. "Black Chicken Ancestor, what's the hurry? A little delay makes no difference."

Since it was Prince Changsan who spoke, Black Chicken Ancestor swallowed his sharp retort.

Black Chicken Ancestor was originally known as Elder Kunshan. After he and the Black Mountain Sect Master both acknowledged Black Rooster Demon as their godfather, he changed his name to Black Chicken Ancestor ("Worship-the-Chicken").

"Please, everyone!" said Qi Yuan.

The group followed Qi Yuan as he led them into the Divine Radiance Sect's internal grounds. The leading elders chatted with each other as they walked, while others kept quiet.

Just then, someone with a flippant demeanor mocked, "Hey, isn’t that Jiang Ran?! How did she escape into the Divine Radiance Sect?"

Everyone turned their head toward his direction and saw a Foundation Establishment realm cultivator with a frivolous air.

Jiang Ran went pale. Having met her twice before, Qi Yuan was aware of her special constitution. Black Rooster Demon had marked her as a cultivation furnace [1]. Previously, she and Jiang Lingsu had even complained to each other about the Black Mountain Sect.

Qi Yuan's eyes narrowed upon seeing the man.

[He is an ordinary demonic cultivator. His complexion is darkened. It’s an omen of an imminent blood calamity]

The Divine Radiance Sect disciples recognized him as well. Their eyes blazed with anger as they ground their teeth.

"Chu Tianxiong!"

"How dare you show up in our Divine Radiance Sect!"

"Utterly despicable!"

The flippant man was Chu Tianxiong, the criminal who’d committed atrocities in Rong City. He’d violated several newlywed brides and massacred their entire families thereafter. Zheng Jianghe of the Golden Light Hall had led a team to capture him. However, a Black Mountain Sect Core Formation elder appeared and brazenly rescued Chu Tianxiong, injuring Zheng Jianghe in the process.

Chu Tianxiong sneered at the Divine Radiance Sect disciples. "You grit your teeth the same way Zheng Jianghe did just a few days ago."

Knowing that Chu Tianxiong remained unpunished for his heinous crimes only enraged the Divine Radiance Sect disciples further.

In fact, a few white-haired elders were still kneeling, enduring sun and rain alike at the Divine Radiance Sect’s gates. They were the grieving families of those assailed brides! As for the grooms’ clans, there hadn’t been a single survivor. It was truly a tragedy beyond words!

Qi Yuan, who’d been silent, suddenly said, "Fellow Daoist, I’ve studied the art of divination recently. Would you allow me to read your fortune?"

Stunned, Chu Tianxiong narrowed his eyes. "Very well, Junior Brother."

Qi Yuan said softly, "I see that your complexion is darkened. It's an ominous sign. A calamity of blood awaits you."

The entire place fell silent.

Chu Tianxiong’s face twisted with fury, but Black Chicken Ancestor held him back before he could explode.

Chu Tianxiong remarked calmly, "Good, good! Many thanks for your generous concern, Junior Brother. I will remember it well."

Though the Black Mountain Sect didn’t fear the Divine Radiance Sect, they dared not provoke the Seven-Colored Peak.

***

With the disturbance quelled, the Foundation Establishment Event finally began.

The Qi Refinement realm disciples mounted the arena in succession, clashing against opponents. Such was the simple purpose of the event, which Qi Yuan found dull. Were it not for the crowd, he’d have played his gaming jade instead. The game world, where he could sweep across heaven and earth, was far more entertaining.

Just then, someone whispered into his ear. "Senior Brother, it’s your turn."

He rose and stepped slowly into the arena, becoming the focus of every Core Formation Master and Foundation Establishment realm cultivator. After all, he was the Seven-Colored Peak’s chief disciple, a figure of great renown.

From across the stage, a voluptuous woman in black introduced herself. "I am Duan Tianjiao of the Demonic Desire Sect. Greetings, Senior Brother."

A teardrop mole beneath her left eye accentuated her charm.

Sizing her up, Qi Yuan also introduced himself. "I am Qi Yuan of the Divine Radiance Sect."

[She is an ordinary cultivator. Has a peculiar little habit of picking her feet. It’s best not to be kicked by her, lest one risk contracting an athlete's foot.]

Qi Yuan stiffened for a moment. Not only is she beautiful, she also specializes in biochemical attacks. I must be cautious.

The battle commenced at the ring of the bell.

"Begin!"

He remained extremely cautious, his gaze constantly locked on Duan Tianjiao’s feet. As she darted forward, Qi Yuan lightly raised his hand, preparing to channel his spiritual power. To his surprise, an astonishing scene happened.

"Pfft!" Duan Tianjiao spat blood as she was hurled away. Staggering to her feet, she rose and surrendered instantly. "Senior Brother, you deserve your title as the chief disciple! Such masterful execution of contactless acupoint-striking art, I admit defeat!"

However, Qi Yuan was dumbfounded. "I didn’t even use any strength, and you already fell?"

No, this doesn't seem right. I hadn't even made a move, and yet she fell? Could it be, this event is rigged?

Yet, none of the sect elders and disciples seemed surprised. Some disciples even stared at Qi Yuan with undisguised envy in their eyes.

1. As a furnace, Jiang Ran would have all her yin essence absorbed by Black Rooster Demon (probably through sexual means) ☜