Chapter Seventy-Four: A Secret Struggle – Tempest in the Great Hall

As soon as Wood heard these words, he immediately understood what was going on. It was clear that the disciples of the various branches of the Supreme Void Sect were often in competition with one another, and the Boundless Peak had always been at a disadvantage. Now, Xiaoyaozi was eager to show off to the other branches—a behavior not unlike a child flaunting a beloved toy to his peers.

He recalled how his master had hurried back to the sect to boast upon reaching the Nascent Soul stage. Wood couldn’t help but wonder: weren’t cultivators supposed to have hearts as calm as still water? Why was his master so different from the rest? Of course, he dared not voice such thoughts, lest Xiaoyaozi unleash another barrage of magical reprimands.

The two soon arrived before a vast square. Following Xiaoyaozi’s guidance, Wood deftly landed his flying sword, though his heart still soared among the clouds—for who could easily calm their excitement after suddenly mastering sword flight?

This mountain was called Cloudpiercer Peak, rising straight into the heavens. Wisps of clouds drifted across the immense square, swirling as people walked through, truly evoking the feeling of being in a celestial realm. Yet the crowd seemed accustomed, paying little mind to the ethereal spectacle.

At the far end of the square stood a grand hall, with the words "Supreme Void" visible from afar. Before the hall rested a large pool, spanned by three soaring bridges, with countless cultivators crossing them—none daring to fly their swords directly into the hall.

The constant thunder of water filled the air; upon closer inspection, Wood saw that each side of the pool was fed by waterfalls, the hall nestled between them, mist curling around like the residence of immortals.

“Once you’re on the square, whether you’re a disciple of the sect or a visitor, you’re not allowed to fly your sword. This is a sign of respect to the sect,” Xiaoyaozi explained after dismounting.

Wood nodded, following Xiaoyaozi across the square and over the bridge, right up to the hall’s entrance. Just as he was about to enter, a cry rang out—"Ah!"—and a young man in green robes was flung out, crashing toward Wood. Wood’s keen eyes saw at once that he’d been struck, so he quickly reached out, the void supporting the youth. At that moment, a streak of blue light shot toward the young man. Seeing its fierce momentum, Wood judged he could not withstand it; so he stepped forward and flicked his fingers, sending the flying sword rebounding.

The young man, steadied by Wood, quickly bowed. “Thank you, senior brother!” He had seen Wood’s effortless handling of the sword and, noting he was not an elder, addressed him as senior brother.

Before Wood could reply, Xiaoyaozi’s angry voice rang out: “Little Bamboo, what’s going on here? In the Supreme Void Hall—who is so reckless?”

Little Bamboo now noticed Xiaoyaozi and hastily bowed. “Uncle Master, you have arrived!”

Xiaoyaozi demanded, “What happened?”

Little Bamboo stammered, “It’s nothing, merely a sparring match with a fellow disciple…”

“Sparring? When did the Supreme Void Sect change its rules? Sparring is for the training grounds—not the main hall!”

With that, Xiaoyaozi strode into the hall. Wood and Little Bamboo hurried after him, entering the grand and spacious Supreme Void Hall. Inside, dozens were already present. Wood glanced around and saw both elders and youths, men and women. The men were mostly handsome and dignified, the women beautiful as blossoms; apart from some older cultivators, most were strikingly attractive.

When Xiaoyaozi entered with Little Bamboo and an unfamiliar young man, all eyes turned to them. The younger disciples quickly paid their respects: "Greetings, Uncle Xiaoyao!"

Xiaoyaozi snorted, then turned to two middle-aged men and women: “Senior Brother Youyao, Senior Sister Xiaoyue, what happened just now? Is someone in the Supreme Void Hall acting against the Boundless Peak branch?” He emphasized “Supreme Void,” reminding all that Boundless Peak was part of the sect.

His words caused several seated Daoists’ expressions to shift. Youyaozi was about to speak, but Xiaoyue seized the moment: “You’ve returned at just the right time, Junior Brother Xiaoyao. Someone here dislikes our Boundless Peak branch, claiming we’re unfit to join the once-in-fifty-years Chao Tian Peak Tournament, and wants us expelled!”

Wood looked closely and saw that the two addressed as senior brother and sister were merely at the late Golden Core stage—not as strong as his master. Among the seated Daoists and elders, some surpassed Xiaoyaozi’s strength, others fell short.

Some elders appeared quite youthful, others wrinkled and aged, suggesting not all cultivators prioritized outward appearance.

“Cough, cough. Junior Sister Xiaoyue, that’s not quite right. The Chao Tian Peak Tournament, held every fifty years, concerns the prestige of each branch. It's reasonable for us to select talented disciples from the next generation—no need to exaggerate and say we’re driving you out!” The speaker was Zuo Tian Song of the Starry Sea branch, known for his gentle and amiable nature, respected by all.

Xiaoyue retorted, “Hmph! Senior Brother Tian Song, isn’t everyone aware of Boundless Peak’s situation? We originally agreed each branch would select four outstanding disciples; even if they don’t compete, they could broaden their horizons. But what did Senior Brother Changqing say? ‘Ah, Boundless Peak has no exceptional disciples. Let their slots go to the other four branches.’ That’s blatant contempt for our branch.”

Xiaoyaozi’s expression darkened as he looked toward a middle-aged Daoist to the left, whose face was sallow and greenish. Wood thought his appearance matched the name "Changqing."

Changqing stood, speaking forcefully: “It’s only logical! The Chao Tian Peak Tournament, held every fifty years, is crucial for our sect’s reputation—especially as we are among the top sects in the cultivation world. We must not take this lightly. Tell me, Junior Brother Xiaoyao, does Boundless Peak have any disciple worthy of being called outstanding?”

Xiaoyaozi replied coolly, “So in Senior Brother Changqing’s eyes, Boundless Peak is full of nothing but incompetents?”

Changqing laughed, “Not at all. You alone have reached the Nascent Soul stage—a feat I greatly admire!” His words implied that apart from Xiaoyaozi, Boundless Peak was full of mediocrities.

Cultivators are all exceedingly sharp—everyone caught the meaning. Xiaoyue angrily retorted, “Only four disciples from each branch compete; Boundless Peak may not participate, but we’re merely sending four to observe. How does this concern you, Senior Uncle?”

She then turned to Xiaoyaozi, complaining, “You’ve truly lived up to your name, Junior Brother Xiaoyao—always carefree. For decades, Boundless Peak has relied on Senior Brother Youyao and me. You have neither a direct disciple nor have you guided the next generation. If Boundless Peak is in decline, you share the blame!”

Xiaoyaozi rolled his eyes. “Who says Boundless Peak won’t compete? Among the four disciples, there must be one from our branch!”

At his words, the crowd exchanged glances, secretly wondering which Boundless Peak disciple could possibly stand out.

“Little Bamboo, which fellow disciple sparred with you just now? Point them out!” As everyone was pondering, Xiaoyaozi’s angry question rang out.

Others protested, “Junior Brother Xiaoyao, it was just a spar between disciples—no need to take it to heart!”

Xiaoyue interjected, “Sparring? Changqing, your well-trained disciple insulted Boundless Peak under the Supreme Void Hall. Why won’t he step forward now?”

No sooner had Xiaoyue spoken than a dignified young man stepped out, his presence serene and extraordinary. The gathered disciples gazed at him with admiration—clearly a leader among the younger generation.

He declared boldly, “Why should I not? The Boundless Peak branch has long been in decline. Sending them to the Chao Tian Peak Tournament would only tarnish our sect’s reputation. I am concerned for the thousand-year prestige of the Supreme Void Sect, Uncle Xiaoyue. Why take offense?”

His bearing was impressive—standing there, he seemed almost ethereal. The younger disciples obviously looked up to him.

Xiaoyaozi exhaled sharply, “So it’s you?” As he spoke, his true essence surged, making everyone’s ears ring. He shifted forward, intent on grabbing the young man.

Shu Yu, though a leading disciple among the younger generation, was nowhere near Xiaoyaozi’s level. Seeing he could not dodge, a figure suddenly blocked his way. In that instant, the air in the hall seemed to freeze. After a moment, Xiaoyaozi spoke, each word clear and slow: “You’ve come at the perfect time. I’d like to see what skills the Kong Sang branch possesses to overshadow Boundless Peak!”

Changqing was furious, his face growing greener. “Draw your line, and I’ll prove whether I am worthy of my reputation!”

“Very well!” Xiaoyaozi responded. His sword, “Red Mist,” emerged from his cultivated elixir field. He stepped forward, right hand forming the sword seal, ready to summon his blade. Changqing was about to call forth his own flying sword when a loud voice interrupted: “Enough!”

A Daoist from the center of the hall stood up. He was the highest-ranked cultivator present—long beard flowing, gentle features now contorted with rage. “What are you two thinking? Drawing swords before so many disciples in the main hall—have you no sense of decorum?”

This was the current sect leader, Master Zhengyi. He continued, “Changqing, though our Supreme Void Sect is divided into five branches, all trace their lineage back to Grandmaster Guangcheng. You must restrain your disciples—how can you show such disrespect to Boundless Peak?”

He then turned to Xiaoyaozi. “Junior Brother Xiaoyao, your achievement in reaching Nascent Soul is indeed worthy of celebration, but I see no trace of the ideal ‘Still Water, Non-action’ in you. Over trivial matters, you stir up trouble in the main hall—do you even acknowledge me as sect leader?”

The gentlest people, when angered, are the most terrifying. Both Xiaoyaozi and Changqing quickly stepped back, murmuring, “Please calm your anger, Sect Leader.”

Zhengyi continued, “Junior Brother Xiaoyao, I know this is hard for you, but the Chao Tian Peak Tournament concerns the sect’s reputation. Even disciples who don’t compete must possess some skill. We must proceed with caution. Now that you’ve returned, let us discuss the matter carefully, shall we?”