飘零影音

Chapter 88 - Arc 7: Dragon Ascension Gate | Chapter 88: Suspect

Translator: Lynn

Sponsored chapter (6/10)

Although Xu Ziqing felt puzzled, he refrained from delving into the matter through his consciousness at that moment. As the truth remained unknown, it was wiser for him to exercise caution. While he was silently worried and torn, he raised his gaze and noticed someone approaching from a distance.

Leading the way was a man dressed in a brocade suit, exuding an air of elegance and grace. He was none other than Tang Wenfei, the Golden Core stage cultivator and current gatekeeper of Dragon Ascension Gate.

Walking beside Tang Wenfei were two individuals. One of them sported Chinese attire and displayed an arrogant expression, while the other donned plain gray clothes, exuding a calm demeanor. They were Hu Guangyuan, the great-grandson of Wuliang Sect’s Master, and Zhang Chi, a genuine genius within their sect who had nearly reached the tenth level of Qi refining.

Hu Guangyuan and Zhang Chi had seemingly informed Tang Wenfei about the recent incident, prompting their joint arrival. However, Xu Ziqing wondered how Tang Wenfei would perceive the situation and handle it.

Upon witnessing the arrival of the Golden Core Daoist, the cultivators ceased their discussions and greeted him with respect, “Senior Tang.”

Tang Wenfei waved his hand and remarked, “Let me take a look first.”

The cultivators quickly stepped aside to allow Tang Wenfei to approach.

Standing before Elder Fang’s body, Tang Wenfei observed intently before furrowing his brows.

The bewildered cultivators exchanged looks, their hearts stirred by Tang Wenfei’s expression. If the gatekeeper himself frowned, did that imply difficulty in resolving the matter? Or… was there an underlying story?

In an instant, everyone formulated their own thoughts and conjectures.

Tang Wenfei assumed a solemn expression and stated, “Elder Fang was wounded by Sword Aura.”

Sword Aura!

The cultivators exchanged perplexed glances, utterly baffled.

Among the crowd, several practiced the art of flying swords, yet only a few could emit sword aura. Most cultivators employed flying swords as magical weapons but lacked deep expertise in their usage. Therefore, although some were aware of sword energy, knowledge of Sword Aura was scarce. Nevertheless, a few members of the Shendao Sect could offer some analysis.

Zhang Tiantai spoke up, saying, “For those who practice the sword, we can gradually condense the sword light and transform it into a semi-mist form known as sword energy. However, the sword itself possesses dominance and power, making it easy to condense, thereby blurring the distinction between Aura and Qi. For us sword cultivators, once the sword light condenses, it takes the shape of the sword, with little differentiation between Aura and Qi. Since both the sword and the sword cultivator embody ferocity, there isn’t much disparity in thought.” According to him, Sword Aura should also be a condensed form of sword qi, but more potent than ordinary sword qi.

Tang Wenfei shook his head. “It is easy to condense sword qi, but it is difficult to condense Sword Aura. Few exceptions exist when swordsmanship is fierce, forceful, open, and unrestrained. The sword is intricate and changeable. Without comprehending the sword’s intention, one cannot condense Sword’s Aura. If sword energy cannot transform into Sword Aura, it cannot be regarded as true sword cultivation.” As he finished speaking, his gaze swept across the faces of all the cultivators one by one.

Tang Wenfei’s gaze appeared calm, yet those who met his eyes sensed an overwhelming pressure as if he could penetrate their innermost thoughts, leaving no room for concealment. Consequently, those who met his gaze quickly averted their eyes, afraid to hold his gaze.

Eventually, each monk in the vicinity yielded to Tang Wenfei’s gaze until his eyes settled upon Xu Zifeng.

“Xu Zifeng?” he inquired.

The cultivators were taken aback, collectively directing their attention to Xu Zifeng.

They observed Xu Zifeng’s tall and erect figure, his handsome features, and his captivating eyes. What drew their attention, however, was the pressure emanating from his sword. Unlike other cultivators who were content with the power of their flying swords, the aura surrounding Xu Zifeng was purer, exuding the sharpness of a “sword” wielded by a seasoned warrior.

This individual was also a renowned young genius in the small world. In his early twenties, he had already transformed sword light into sword energy, earning the epithet prodigy. Yet, while emitting sword energy was no small accomplishment, suggesting that he could kill Golden Core Formation Qi experts seemed exaggerated.

Nevertheless, Tang Wenfei regarded Xu Zifeng intently. Had he discerned something that eluded the others’ understanding? Speculation flourished, wondering if Xu Zifeng had truly condensed sword energy into Sword Aura.

Although Xu Zifeng possessed pride, he remained humble. He was well aware of everyone’s suspicions. If he were truly responsible, he would readily admit it. Regrettably, he only comprehended the transformation of sword light into sword energy and had not yet grasped the gateway to Sword Aura. Consequently, he saw no reason to fabricate a lie. With a calm demeanor, he raised his hand and said, “Indeed, it is I.”

Tang Wenfei nodded. “Allow me to see it.”

Xu Zifeng complied, affirming, “I will comply.” With a subtle finger movement, a flying sword materialized in his hand. He swung it, releasing a burst of white sword energy from its tip, piercing straight through the mountain wall before them.

A crisp sound resonated as the mountain wall shattered into fragments, leaving behind a fist-sized hole penetrated by the sword’s energy.

The power of this sword qi was undoubtedly formidable, but cultivators who had cultivated beyond the Golden Core Formation period knew that it couldn’t kill them.

Tang Wenfei nodded slightly. “It’s somewhat impressive, but it’s still far from condensing into a sword.” He paused and asked, “Are you aspiring to become a sword cultivator?”

Although Xu Zifeng’s desire to become a sword cultivator was widely known in the small world, the truth was that he hadn’t yet achieved it. Therefore, he couldn’t be considered a true “sword cultivator.”

The cultivators looked at Xu Zifeng with mixed emotions. They didn’t know whether to secretly mock his lack of progress or congratulate him for no longer being under suspicion.

Xu Zifeng remained resolute and declared, “I am merely a swordsman.”

His firm response left Tang Wenfei silent, his expression growing somewhat indifferent toward Xu Zifeng.

Observing this interaction, Xu Ziqing couldn’t help but wonder if there were no sword cultivators within Tang Wenfei’s sect. However, he couldn’t come to any immediate conclusions, as Tang Wenfei’s gaze had already shifted to the few cultivators who stood together, having chosen to enter based on their spiritual roots.

Tang Wenfei commented, “Elder Fang’s actions were likely meant to trouble you.”

Although his statement was vague, the cultivators understood its implications. In fact, even if Tang Wenfei hadn’t mentioned it, they were well aware of the situation.

As they had previously discussed, Elder Fang from Wuliangzong had ventured out late at night to eliminate talented individuals from other sects, ensuring more opportunities for his own sect. Since they aimed to eliminate talents from other factions, those with significant potential posed a greater threat and were easier to eliminate, especially when their protectors weren’t top-notch…

Others may have contemplated similar plans in the past, but they wouldn’t have acted so hastily or without obtaining all the details. Elder Fang’s actions served as a wake-up call. A sword cultivator lurking in the shadows could kill a Golden Core Formation period expert!

Secret techniques and strategies needed careful consideration.

The cultivators weren’t fools. After careful deliberation, their attention fell on a young man in green. Only he seemed to be the target of Elder Fang’s attack.

Tang Wenfei’s gaze indeed settled on the young man’s face. “Xu Ziqing, did you overhear anything last night?” he inquired.

The young man in the green shirt—Xu Ziqing—was taken aback before managing a bitter smile.

Indeed, if Elder Fang had acted, Xu Ziqing would undoubtedly be the target.

There were three reasons for this:

First, only two individuals with single spiritual roots appeared at the Dragon Ascension Gate Conference. If it weren’t for their single spiritual roots, why would an expert from the Golden Core Formation period be assassinated?

Second, both of these individuals with single spiritual roots emerged from the Loose Cultivator Alliance, and Wuliangzong, represented by Elder Fang, held a grudge against the Loose Cultivator Alliance. Naturally, they wouldn’t want to see anyone from the Loose Cultivator Alliance rise to prominence.

Third… Xu Ziqing was merely a member of the Loose Cultivator Alliance’s external alliance. This indicated that the Loose Cultivator Alliance had been unaware of his exceptional talent until now. His status within the Loose Cultivator Alliance was mediocre at best. The relationship between the external alliance and the internal alliance was ambiguous, and while they were involved, they were mainly utilized. If Xu Ziqing were to survive, he would serve as a bargaining chip for the Loose Cultivator Alliance. However, if he were to die, the Loose Cultivator Alliance might not make any major moves on his behalf. After all, they didn’t fully trust him, and it wasn’t worth the cost of openly clashing with another sect.

Furthermore, there were only two masters from the Loose Cultivator Alliance, with only one at the Golden Core Formation period. Their priority was likely to protect the leader of the Young League, Su Xin. Elder Peng, who was assigned to protect Xu Ziqing, was merely at the Foundation Establishment Stage. Although it seemed close to the Golden Core Formation Stage, the difference was substantial. He wouldn’t stand a chance against an expert from the Golden Core Formation period!

The cultivators could speculate as such, and naturally, Xu Ziqing could reach the same conclusions.

Therefore, when he noticed Tang Wenfei’s focus on him, a bitter expression emerged on his lips. Moreover, this matter was indeed connected to him, and he had no reason to feel unjust.

By now, Xu Ziqing had already figured out why his good friend Yun Lie had made the decision to kill… It was purely out of love for him.

Last night, when You Xiaoxiao came to spy on him, intending to eliminate him swiftly, Yun Lie sensed the opportunity and took action. Xu Ziqing, a respected expert in the Golden Core Formation period, secretly murdered a junior who hadn’t even established a foundation for such despicable reasons. Xu Ziqing felt no shame or guilt for him.

With these thoughts in mind, Xu Ziqing composed himself and maintained a calm demeanor as he answered truthfully, “Senior Tang, this junior didn’t overhear anything last night.” He genuinely hadn’t witnessed Yun Lie’s actions; it was merely a conjecture, not a lie.

Tang Wenfei raised an eyebrow and said, “Tell me about your activities yesterday.”

Xu Ziqing smiled without panic. “Yesterday, Ms. Zhuo was injured, and everyone from the Loose Cultivation League was deeply concerned. So, I went to visit her.”

Su Xin chimed in, “Yes, Brother Ziqing accompanied us.”

Zhuo Hanyan had descended overnight, her internal injuries mostly healed, leaving only the remnants of her true essence. Xu Ziqing had assisted her during this time, and his efforts had been acknowledged. Xu Ziqing was not an ungrateful person, so Zhuo Hanyan took it upon herself to speak up on his behalf.

“Xu Ziqing possesses a single wood spiritual root. I was severely injured, and in order to transmit the power of the wood element and stimulate the vitality within my body, he exhausted his spiritual energy several times. He spent half the night doing so and was left exhausted. Afterward, he returned to the cave, so he couldn’t have heard anything.”

Other members of the Loose Cultivation League joined in, affirming Xu Ziqing’s alibi. “We can all testify on his behalf!”

Grateful, Xu Ziqing smiled at them before looking back at Tang Wenfei and stating, “Upon returning to the cave, I was unable to concentrate, so I didn’t enter a meditative state but fell asleep instead. Su Xin came to wake me up this morning, and that’s when I learned about Elder Fang… I genuinely didn’t witness anything last night.”

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