Chapter 552: Lingxi and Qianyu (I)
As the second day of the convocation progressed, not much out of the ordinary occurred. A few people still dared to challenge Wu Qianyu to try and make a name for themselves but they were quickly beaten into submission. Other death-seeking young men also wanted to exchange pointers with the ice sisters to gain their attention but his disciples didn't even bother to cross swords with them, directly avoiding them with icy movements and running circles around them.
One notable matter happened before noon when, out of the blue, Peng Xiling of the Tower of Swords forfeited on their own accord when faced with a random challenger from a no-name sect. The challenger was far from a genius or hidden powerhouse so nobody could understand why or what Peng Xiling was thinking.
Peng Lingxi, still bearing the responsibility of pretending to be a man, was berated by her master in front of the other core disciples. She had forfeited her spot in the rankings without telling him so he was understandably angry. She offered no explanation or apology, choosing to accept whatever punishment that would come when they returned to the sect.
The other disciples didn't dare to talk to her after this and she was left to sit alone in a corner. This didn't bother her and she sought comfort from another source. She looked in a particular direction and squinted her eyes.
Chen Wentian and his disciples were sitting some distance away in the eastern section of the stands. She could barely make out the details of his face. When he smiled due to something his disciples had said or done, she would feel a surge of warmth inside her. When he laughed, she couldn't help but smile fondly.
She wanted him to look in her direction and notice her. She wanted him to smile at her instead. To fulfill the desires of her heart, she had only one method available to her.
A few hours later, her name was finally called to present a challenge. She hurried onto the stage and declared with a clear voice, "Peng Xiling of the Tower of Swords challenges Wu Qianyu of Ten Thousand Flower Valley!"
If she exchanged swords with his disciple, he would have no choice but to watch her!
Wu Qianyu quickly accepted the challenge and the crowd went wild. This was the most exciting match so far and perhaps the most exciting match out of all the possibilities. These two were the most talented cultivators of this current generation. They had ranked first and second in the Immortal Sect Competition. Now, they were going to find out who was stronger.
Peng Lingxi faced off against Wu Qianyu on the designated dueling platform. Peng Lingxi wore the plain gray outfit of the Tower of Swords. She carried an unremarkable sword of the most common design. It seemed as if she was a poor person that had just been roaming the streets of the city. The only redeeming aspect was her stunning features. Regardless if she was pretending to be a man or not, her innate beauty shone through.
Wu Qianyu stood in sharp contrast. She wore a fitted white battle robe that exuded a valiant aura. In her hand was a slender purple sword that hummed with peerless sword energy. Her beauty was not as heart-stopping but her attire gave her an unwavering and heroic spirit.
"Why did you purposefully pick a fight with me?" Wu Qianyu asked evenly, "Why is your master so obsessed with us? We've never done anything to offend the Tower of Swords."
Peng Lingxi felt a sharp twinge in her heart at those words. She had also wondered about the same questions but had no answer. Although fewer Tower of Swords disciples challenged Ten Thousand Flower Valley on the second day, there were still many occasions and many contentious duels. Her challenging Wu Qianyu gave everyone the impression that this was just another escalation of the battle between the two sects.
Peng Lingxi answered sincerely, "I apologize for my master's unreasonableness. I am unable to change his mind but I have always hoped that our two sects can be friends."
Wu Qianyu scoffed, "And yet you still challenged me?"
Peng Lingxi blushed slightly, "Actually, my master did not order me to duel with you. I simply wanted to have a friendly exchange with Elder Sister Wu."
"Elder sister? Don't you think that is a little inappropriate given the circumstances?" Wu Qianyu retorted.
Peng Lingxi's blush deepened a little. They were disciples of different sects so it was indeed a little inappropriate. She was also pretending to be a man so Wu Qianyu had probably taken it the wrong way.
"I... I didn't mean to imply anything improper. I just want to see if we could be friends." She said.
If they could become friends, then she would have many opportunities to be noticed by Chen Wentian. She would be able to speak to him and maybe even share a meal. Her mind spun at the wonderful opportunities.
Wu Qianyu eyed her suspiciously, "If you want a friendly exchange, I will naturally oblige. As for friends, it's best not to think too far."
"Begin!" A sharp voice rang out.
Peng Lingxi's expression became serious as she raised her sword. "Elder Sister Wu, are you ready?"
In front of all the sword cultivators of the subcontinent, her sword was finally going to follow her heart's desire.
Wu Qianyu raised her Purple Jade Sword, "Please start."
A surge of sword intent swept over the dueling platform. Both sides were almost evenly matched, creating a void in the middle where the two energies clashed together.
Peng Lingxi wielded the Lonely Sword Wanderer. Ever since she could walk and run, she had followed the path of the sword. Her sword energy was pure and firm, without a single quiver or blemish. When she finally moved, it was a crystallization of decades of practice and experience.
Wu Qianyu's attainments in the way of the sword were far fewer. She had practiced some low-level sword arts in the past but those were inconsequential. Her power came directly from Dugu's Tenth Sword, a devastating power created by a supreme expert within the immortal realms.
Peng Lingxi's sword flashed out.
First Move, Crossing Streams and Rivers!
Wu Qianyu's sword responded with a purple arc of light.
First Movement, Slash the World!
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