Chapter 237: Face

Chapter 237: Face

"Lord Night!"

As Zhuo Dongming and the others had just arrived at the Cloud Cleansing Platform, their expressions changed drastically upon seeing him.

Though everyone present, except for Xuanyuan Xiaoshan and Xuan Zhen, had been renowned in the jianghu for many years, the sight of Lord Night standing before them still caused a momentary rush of anxiety.

In the span of twenty years, he had single-handedly fought the leaders of the Seven Great Sects twice.

Such a person, whose martial prowess was the greatest in the Eastern Wilderness, would naturally unsettle anyone.

However, those present were no ordinary individuals. Even if they felt a little anxiety, it subsided in an instant.

Their faces showed no sign of it.

After landing, Luo Changsheng waved his hand:

"Stand down!"

The elite martial artists surrounding Lord Night were from the Seven Great Sects.

Hearing the command, they immediately retreated and stood behind the seven leaders.

Lord Night did not try to stop them, merely standing with his hands behind his back in silence.

Dressed in a black robe with a hood, the robe revealed part of his pale, clean-shaven face beneath.

His face was pale and smooth, with lips sharp as a blade.

When he spoke, his voice was neither low nor sinister, carrying the weight of years and a sense of calm and composure:

"There are still rising stars among the Seven Great Sects. Seeing this, I am genuinely delighted."

"Really?"

The voice of Xuanyuan Xiaoshan came from beneath her veil, sounding quite surprised:

"The Seven Great Sects, along with the eastern factions of East City, are sworn enemies with you.

"What’s behind your joy?"

Lord Night turned his head slightly, his gaze seemingly resting on the current saintess of the Tianxin Sect, before shaking his head lightly:

"When have I ever claimed that the Seven Great Sects are my sworn enemies?

"That is merely your wishful thinking.

"Eventually, the Eastern Wilderness will be under my rule, and all of you will be my subjects.

"Sworn enemies? Who came up with that notion?"

His voice was calm and composed, but his words caused everyone from the Seven Great Sects to change color.

Zhuo Dongming let out a long sigh: "Lord Night is indeed Lord Night."

"Pardon the intrusion."

Night Monarch spoke softly, but when his gaze landed on "Wan Zangxin," he couldn't help but sigh:

"In the years when the Tianquan Elder was ruling the martial world, I had not yet completed my martial training and had not left Evernight Valley.

"By the time I left Evernight Valley, he had already retired and sealed his sword, becoming a legend in the Eastern Wilderness.

"The name Tianquan Xixin Sword is famous, but unfortunately, I never had the chance to meet him in person.

"It is truly a lifelong regret.

"So, there's no need for you to panic or get worked up.

"I'm only here today to watch the sword demonstration."

Upon hearing this, Luo Changsheng felt speechless.

He felt that although Night Monarch appeared to have the demeanor of a grandmaster, his words were barely believable—if you could trust one or two out of ten sentences, that was already commendable.

What about this regret of never meeting the Tianquan Xixin Sword...

Wasn't the top disciple of the Tianquan Elder trapped in your Evernight Valley, and after surrendering, didn't he cause chaos in Tianqu City?

However, at this point, it was unnecessary to bring this up.

And now, apart from accepting Night Monarch's request, Luo Changsheng didn't have any better options.

It was true that he feared Night Monarch, but to say he would just sit back and do nothing out of fear, allowing the other party to do as they pleased—that was out of the question!

The overall situation in Tianqu City was under the control of the righteous forces in East City. If Night Monarch really had the ability to easily break through, how could he have waited until today?

Even with the addition of Sect Leader Youquan, it was absolutely impossible!

Otherwise, why would the leaders of the Seven Great Sects have their vice-leaders and such stationed here to defend instead of taking the field themselves?

If it came down to an all-out battle, even if Night Monarch's martial prowess dominated the Eastern Wilderness and Sect Leader Youquan's Youquan Scripture was brutal and eerie,

they wouldn’t stand a chance of leaving Tianqu City alive.

However, if they truly wanted to leave…

No one present would be able to stop them.

At present, it was clearly not the time for armed conflict.

Since Night Monarch wanted to watch the sword demonstration, we might as well let him.

Luo Changsheng announced clearly:

"Someone, bring a seat."

With a wave of his hand, a disciple immediately turned to carry out his order.

In the meantime, the news of Night Monarch and Sect Leader Youquan's simultaneous arrival had already spread throughout Tianqu City.

The martial artists of East City had mixed reactions—some were indignant, others trembled in fear.

Despite the option to leave, no one actually did.

The area around the Cloud Cleansing Platform was now packed to the brim.

Disciples from the eastern factions of East City followed orders, working to prevent any chaos among the crowd.

Many disciples were stationed around the Cloud Cleansing Platform, ready for any emergencies.

All deployments were completed in just a short moment.

At the head of the Cloud Cleansing Platform, Night Monarch and Sect Leader Youquan had already taken their seats.

Not far from them were the leaders of the Seven Great Sects.

Sect Leader Youquan's gaze swept across the scene, taking in every detail.

With a cold snort, he turned to look at the people from the eastern factions of East City:

"This occasion is quite unique."

"It's a pity that I have a sword fanatic under my command."

"Though his swordsmanship leaves much to be desired, he considers himself a master of the blade."

"It's a shame he couldn't make it; otherwise, he'd be over the moon."

"Oh?"

Luo Changsheng looked at him. "Isn't the person you're referring to one of the Three Banner Commanders?"

"Haha!"

Sect Leader Youquan laughed heartily. "You're well-informed. Indeed, that’s the one."

"Unfortunately, he has to stay and guard the Demon Forest, so he couldn't come."

Zhuo Dongming thoughtfully glanced at Sect Leader Youquan:

"Since you came from the east, passing by the Demon Forest, why didn't you bring him along?"

"Hmm?"

The mask on Sect Leader Youquan's face seemed to tremble slightly.

"Bring him along... just so you can take advantage? To launch an attack on the Demon Forest?"

With his skills, he could come and go as he pleased—no problem at all.

Furthermore, the Youquan Cult held sway over a significant territory east of East City.

Following a failed attempt to conquer the southwest using the Blood Sea Division,

the leader of the Blood Sea Division and the three commanders all met their end in the southwest.

The Youquan Cult was already short of people who could stand alone.

If he brought more people and something went wrong, leading to more deaths here in Tianqu City, what would happen to the Youquan Cult?

In fact, if it weren't for Night Monarch's invitation, he wouldn't have rashly left the Youquan Cult to make a big splash in Tianqu City.

But Night Monarch stirred his heart with the phrase 'not weakening his dignity.'

For a grand event like the Tianqu Sword Forum, since Night Monarch wanted to see the excitement, how could the Sect Leader of Youquan, out of fear, not show up? That would be absurd!

Where is the dignity?

That's why he rushed over in a hurry, and even while passing through the Demon Forest, he avoided meeting the Three Banner Commanders.

Afraid that these three... or rather, one particular individual among them, would insist on coming along.

"It's truly regrettable indeed."

Hearing this, Zhuo Dongming let out a soft sigh.

The eyes behind the Youquan Sect Leader's mask quietly looked at Zhuo Dongming for a moment before retracting his gaze and turning to Night Monarch:

"As you can see, among the eastern factions of East City, there are plenty of sly characters.

"One small slip-up, and they might seize their chance.

"Night Monarch, your Evernight Valley, though tucked away, cannot afford to lower its guard."

"It's fine."

Night Monarch spoke lightly: "If they wish to visit Evernight Valley as guests, this monarch will certainly open the mountain gates wide, letting them all enter and explore freely."

"Only to end up as part of your Shadow Tower's collection?"

The Sect Leader Youquan let out a heh-heh laugh.

Lord Ye, however, did not say anything more, merely sitting there quietly, his gaze shifting towards "Wan Zangxin."

"Wan Zangxin," stood holding his sword, seemed to have entered a state of complete detachment, unaware and unseeing of the changes in his surroundings.

But others did not know.

At this very moment, his mind was in turmoil.

What happened after Su Mo went out last night?

The Heavenly Spring's Twelve Swords, not a single one returned.

Even the Five Ghosts Heavenly Net, which had been lurking outside Tianqu City, had not sent any messages back.

Although they were prepared to abandon the Heavenly Spring's Twelve Swords, this total lack of news made him increasingly anxious.

The most critical issue was whether the real Wan Zangxin was still alive or not.

If this could not be clarified, resolving today's issues would be challenging.

At least Lord Ye had arrived, which was some consolation.

The show could still go on.

As for Liu Sui Feng...

Previously, the weakest swordsman among the Heavenly Spring's Twelve Swords was sent to confront him.

Liu Suifeng is a top-notch swordsman.

The brief encounter must have already revealed the strength of "Wan Zangxin." To defeat this person, striking unexpectedly would make victory easy.

Although he had undergone the trials of the seven major sects, his swordsmanship had already reached a higher level.

The information gathered today by the disciple of the Distant Mountain Sword Sect about "Wan Zangxin" wouldn’t escape his notice.

However, in Wan Zangxin's view, the boasting component of this information far exceeded the reality.

Even if he had truly reached such a level, Wan Zangxin was confident in his ability to fight with the sword in his hand.

And even if, in the worst case, he were to lose, the outcome of this battle would not affect the overall situation.

By just looking at the current scene of the Tianqu Sword Debate, what needed to be done was essentially accomplished.

He closed his eyes tightly, and his breathing became more even.

Only after sorting out these thoughts in his mind did he completely adjust his state.

Now, he just waited for Liu Suifeng's arrival.

Time passed during this wait.

Sect Leader Youquan sat still, not speaking or moving, like a faint shadow.

However, Sect Leader Youquan seemed somewhat lazy.

From time to time, he shifted a little, occasionally glancing at the masters of the eastern factions of East City, letting out a hey-hey smile.

His gaze on Xuan Zhen, in particular, sent shivers down everyone’s spines.

Though the young monk was small in stature, he possessed great courage.

Although his face showed timidity, his eyes occasionally met Sect Leader Youquan's gaze and gave a slight smile, clearly with ill intent.

Luo Changsheng kept the situation of everyone present in his sight, praying for peace in his heart.

Xuanyuan Xiaoshan, from time to time, glanced at Sect Leader Youquan, her eyes filled with both alertness and curiosity.

This person had been dominating the jianghu for decades, yet very few had seen his true face under the black robe.

This was also her first encounter with this legendary figure.

He was indeed extraordinary.

Despite her caution, she was also curious to learn more about him.

After all, the more you want to deal with someone, the more you need to understand him.

When you understand him better than he understands himself, his fate lies in your hands.

The most relaxed person in the entire scene was Zhuo Dongming.

This elderly man sat there smiling, somehow producing some melon seeds, wanting to share them with the people around.

But in this tense situation, who could really eat?

Everyone promptly declined, so he sat there by himself, cracking sunflower seeds. His mischievous gaze gave off a sense of cynicism, but no one could tell what was truly hidden in the depths of his heart.

It was unclear how much time had passed. As the sun climbed higher, Sect Leader Youquan’s patience was wearing thin, and Xuanyuan Xiaoshan felt increasingly uneasy.

Finally, someone spoke up:

"Liu Suifeng has arrived!!"

Everyone immediately looked in the direction of the voice and saw a swordsman approaching from afar.

He was enveloped in sword qi. Wherever he went, a path naturally opened up around him.

It was as if he were a sword galloping through the heavens and earth!

This display of power made the crowd on the Cloud Cleansing Platform visibly uncomfortable.

The eyes of Sect Leader Youquan, hidden beneath his mask, were inscrutable.

The leaders of the Six Great Sects were impressed.

Xia Xuanran glanced at Luo Changsheng, "Sect Leader Luo, as a fellow swordsman, what do you think of this swordsmanship?"

Luo Changsheng was momentarily speechless. Why did he keep bringing up that incident?

With Sect Leader Youquan here, wasn’t this a bit inappropriate?

But in the next moment, Luo Changsheng smiled, "Sect Leader Xia should have a better understanding of this swordsmanship than I do."

"……"

Xia Xuanran was rendered speechless. He wanted to retort but could only swallow his words and accept the truth.

When Liu Suifeng challenged the Seven Great Sects and visited his Xiao Pavilion, Luo Changsheng had been inside the pavilion.

He had been the one to face Liu Suifeng in battle... and lost.

To this day, he still couldn’t grasp the intricacies of that sword technique.

Naturally, he was left speechless for a moment.

Suddenly, everyone noticed that the sword qi around Liu Suifeng was gradually weakening as he stepped closer to the Cloud Cleansing Platform.

With each step he took, the sword qi around him diminished, and a bit of the confusion in his eyes faded away.

When he reached the top of the Cloud Cleansing Platform, the sword qi around him was almost imperceptible.

If initially, he had been sharp and imposing, now he was like a sword drawn halfway from its sheath.

His eyes were clear, but there was still a hint of confusion in his heart, as if something remained unresolved.

However, at that moment, he looked up and saw "Wan Zangxin" standing opposite him. Liu Suifeng nodded slightly and said:

"I’m here."

"Wan Zangxin" had already opened his eyes and softly replied:

"Lord Liu’s martial prowess has improved again, this overwhelming sword qi is truly admirable."

However, Liu Suifeng did not speak much. His gaze briefly swept over the Cloud Cleansing Platform, taking in each person present.

It only lingered for a moment on Sect Leader Youquan.

Then it moved away, focusing once more on "Wan Zangxin." After a brief moment of thought, he softly said,

"Let’s see what you’ve got."

He had always been a man of decisive action.

He came for one reason only—to compete in a sword duel.

Moreover, he had important matters to attend to after this and had no intention of staying long in Tianqu City.

"Hahahaha."

"Wan Zangxin" laughed heartily, "Straight to the point, truly the Yuliu Jianxin!

"The current successor of the Heavenly Spring Purifying Heart Sword, Wan Zangxin!

"I look forward to witnessing Lord Liu’s superior techniques."

With a buzzing sound, the sword by his side flew out of its sheath.

The cold light spread out, and the sword qi followed, cutting a straight path toward Liu Suifeng on the Cloud Cleansing Platform.

Liu Suifeng raised his hand, and the sheathed sword spun in his palm before falling to the ground with a loud bang.

The sheath struck right where the sword qi surged, perfectly intercepting it.

"Take this!!!"

"Wan Zangxin" gave a light shout, and the Heavenly Spring Purifying Heart Sword officially struck.

Liu Suifeng’s fallen sword buzzed and spun continuously. He casually reached out, grabbed the hilt, and was about to draw the sword.

But suddenly, his expression changed, and he frowned.

He looked up abruptly.

Only to see a torrent of sword qi cascading down!

Seeing this, "Wan Zangxin" quickly withdrew and stepped back. The ground within three feet of him was sliced open by the sword qi on the Cloud Cleansing Platform.

Looking up again, a black-clad figure stood before him, speaking coldly:

"Do you even deserve to be called Wan Zangxin!?"

"Hmm?"

Luo Changsheng stood up abruptly, "It’s you!"

Having just fought him last night, how could Luo Changsheng not recognize him?

"Wan Zangxin's" expression flickered, and seeing this, he immediately said,

"Eldest senior brother, are you here to cause trouble on the day of the Tianqu Sword Discussion too?"

"Even if I can still tolerate you, the righteous people of East City won't stand for your insolence!"

"That's right!"

Luo Changsheng immediately nodded and shouted, "Seize him!!"

The unresolved issues involving Zeng Quan's blood debts, the Gu Yunzong incident in Xuzhou, Ximen Yuan from Green Mountain Sect, and Hu Dingming's Wuding Finger.

It's time these matters reached a resolution.

A disciple was about to leap onto the Cloud Cleansing Platform at once.

But a voice called out with a laugh:

"Not so fast."

Luo Changsheng looked in the direction of the sound and saw Zhuo Dongming had already stood up:

"Young Luo, I think it's best not to rush into this."

Luo Changsheng was taken aback: "Senior Zhuo, what are you getting at?"

"It's simple. As fellow disciples, we outsiders shouldn't meddle in their internal affairs just yet."

Zhuo Dongming gave Luo Changsheng a knowing wink.

Luo Changsheng was momentarily confused as another voice chimed in with a laugh:

"Senior Uncle is right. I agree; we shouldn't get involved just yet."

When this voice spoke the first word, it was still distant, but by the time the sentence was finished, the person had already arrived in front of them.

Following the sound, they saw a young man.

Outside his plain white training outfit, he wore an overcoat, and on his back was a sword box.

He had a smile at the corner of his mouth, handsome and carefree.

At first glance, he gave off an impression that made people find him instantly likeable.

Just as some were wondering who this person was, they saw the young man suddenly call out:

"Lord Liu, please do me a favor and let them 'senior brothers' deal with their internal matters for now.

"Regarding the Heavenly Avenue Sword Debate, can we postpone it a bit?"

As soon as these words were spoken, everyone at the Cloud Cleansing Platform was astonished.

They thought to themselves, whether it be Liu Suifeng or Wan Zangxin, these were highly respected figures.

And the Heavenly Avenue Sword Debate, how could it be something of minor importance!?

In such a situation, instead of immediately striking down the person causing trouble, how could Liu Suifeng possibly listen to the rambling of a young man who had appeared out of nowhere?

However, in the next moment, they saw Liu Suifeng nod decisively:

"Alright."