4101-chapter-43
Chapter 43
After Yan Chaosheng left, it wasn’t long before the Grand Competition of Kongsang was about to begin.
Originally, the Grand Competition was a contest among young immortals, but over time, it evolved into a recruitment event for many clans. To put it simply, its importance in the immortal realm is akin to the imperial examinations in the mortal world.
By stepping onto the Spiritual Testing Platform and showcasing their talents, young immortals could gain the favor of the realm’s lord and be granted official positions within the immortal realm.
As for ordinary disciples, they had the chance to rise to prominence by becoming apprentices to powerful immortals from influential families, thereby securing a position in the immortal realm.
One morning, while Liu shuang was munching on a spiritual fruit sent by her mother, Madam Zi, a young man stormed in with a dark expression.
“I was only gone for a few days, and you got yourself locked up again? And now you’re being sent to the Demon Suppression Tower? Liu shuang, do you even have a brain? Do you think you can survive three days in that place?”
Liu shuang, however, greeted him with a smile.
“Second Young Master Bai, come sit.”
“Who wants to sit on that cursed meditation platform?” Bai Yuxiao snapped irritably.
He had just returned and was immediately summoned by his father to discuss the Grand Competition. The competition was crucial for young immortals, and Bai Zhuixu had once won it a century ago, becoming a trusted aide to the realm’s lord.
Bai Yuxiao, who had been wandering aimlessly for years, was finally pressured by his father to participate in this year’s competition. If he didn’t win, he would be expelled from the Bai family.
“Did you agree to Lord Bai’s demand?”
Bai Yuxiao smirked, plucking a spiritual fruit from the air and munching on it.
“Yeah.”
Liu shuang was surprised.
With her memories intact, she knew that Bai Yuxiao hated being compared to his elder brother and disliked following in Bai Zhuixu’s footsteps.
He was a rebel.
While Bai Zhuixu was gentle and steady, Bai Yuxiao was wild and unpredictable.
While Bai Zhuixu doted on Liu shuang, Bai Yuxiao often teased her.
He was immature, so why had he suddenly decided to obey his father and participate in the Grand Competition to serve Kongsang?
“Can’t you just not go?”
Bai Yuxiao nodded.
“I could, but then my father would remove me from the Bai family registry.”
“…” Liu shuang thought to herself that it seemed Bai Yuxiao had no choice but to participate this time.
But…
“You’ve always loved going against Lord Bai. I didn’t know you were afraid of being disowned.”
Seeing Bai Yuxiao’s slightly uncomfortable expression, Liu shuang smiled knowingly.
“Oh, I see. You’re looking for a cultivation partner, but you’re afraid of being rejected.”
As expected, this comment hit a nerve, and Bai Yuxiao nearly jumped up.
“Liu shuang, don’t talk nonsense! Believe it or not, I’ll throw you into the pond!”
Liu shuang just laughed.
Bai Yuxiao grew even angrier, his face turning red.
“I said no! Who’s looking for a cultivation partner?”
“It’s written all over your face,” Liu shuang said casually, nibbling on her spirit fruit.
“Everyone in Kongsang knows you like Mi Chu, but you just won’t admit it. But I advise you to give up. You two aren’t a good match.”
One hated the constraints of fame and fortune, while the other aspired to be a heavenly lord’s consort or a demon lord’s consort. What Mi Chu wanted, Bai Yuxiao could never give.
Bai Yuxiao pointed at her angrily.
“You have the nerve to meddle in my affairs? You should worry about yourself. Do you think the Demon Suppression Tower is a place you can handle?”
Liu shuang replied, “It’s fine. I have an artifact tool. I’ll be safe in the Demon Suppression Tower. Bai Yuxiao, if you encounter Yan Chaosheng during the competition, you need to be careful.”
“Afraid of him? Me?”
“I’m afraid you’ll underestimate him.”
Bai Yuxiao nearly rolled his eyes.
“I destroyed his cultivation once. I can do it again.”
Liu shuang gave him a pitying look and reminded him, “His cultivation has returned, and it might even be stronger than before. I’m not sure what his current state is.”
Bai Yuxiao waved his hand dismissively, clearly not taking it seriously.
Liu shuang, worried, grabbed another fruit to munch on.
The rules of the Grand Competition were clear: once you stepped onto the Spiritual Testing Platform, the fight wouldn’t stop unless one party surrendered. Injuries, deaths, glory, and shame were all part of the game, and no grudges could be held afterward.
With Bai Yuxiao’s personality, if he encountered Yan Chaosheng, surrendering would be worse than death for him.
He would never give up.
And if Bai Yuxiao had the upper hand, he would toy with Yan Chaosheng, never letting him off easily.
Bai Yuxiao was a master at making enemies.
From a public perspective, Yan Chaosheng couldn’t die.
From Liu shuang’s personal perspective, the second brother who had always protected her couldn’t die either.
Originally, she hadn’t known that Bai Yuxiao would participate in the competition.
Now that she did, before Bai Yuxiao left, she said, “Second Young Master, I’m coming too!”
Bai Yuxiao thought she just wanted to watch the excitement.
“The realm lord ordered you to reflect here.”
In reality, he had secretly allowed her to refine the power of a divine artifact.
Lord Chishui’s intention wasn’t to punish her! Besides, now that everyone knew the young miss had been disgraced, Liu shuang’s punishment seemed excessively harsh, and no one would care whether she had been at the Nine Thoughts Pond.
“Are you afraid of my father?”
Bai Yuxiao snorted.
“I fear nothing.”
“Then prove it to me. Let me come with you.”
Bai Yuxiao, unable to resist the challenge, said, “Let’s go!”
Liu shuang transformed into a pink-and-white fluffball and clung to his waist.
“Let’s go, let’s go!”
She had turned into a spiritual-gathering beast, a type of pet many young immortals kept to help gather spiritual energy and aid in cultivation.
Bai Yuxiao picked her up to examine her.
She was the size of a palm, with soft pink-and-white fur and a pair of watery eyes that looked like beautiful purple grapes.
When the wind blew, her fur fluffed up, making her look unbearably cute.
Bai Yuxiao couldn’t help but stare at her, even wanting to give her a squeeze.
Damn… this is too adorable.
She was bigger than other spiritual-gathering beasts, and her fur wasn’t plain white but a shy pink, incredibly soft.
Liu shuang asked nervously, “Does it not look right? I just mastered this transformation technique.”
Bai Yuxiao coughed.
“It’s passable, I guess.”
After a while, he finally realized, “You can use transformation spell now!” It had taken him nearly a year to master transformation spell.
How long had it been for her? A month?
The little fluffball in his palm said proudly, “Yes, I’m amazing, right?”
Bai Yuxiao replied, “Don’t get too full of yourself. It only took me ten days.”
The two bickered as they walked, and Bai Yuxiao eventually tucked her into his robe.
The Grand Competition was the next day.
The following day, after Bai Yuxiao changed his clothes, Liu shuang clung to his belt as they headed to the Spiritual Testing Grounds.
The Spiritual Testing Grounds were located in the back mountains of Kongsang. By the time they arrived, many people had already gathered.
Many came to greet Bai Yuxiao.
Although Bai Yuxiao was arrogant and had a sharp tongue, he was also generous and had many friends.
Someone immediately noticed Li ushuang.
“Second Young Master, when did you get a spiritual-gathering beast?”
As they spoke, they reached out curiously to pick her up.
Bai Yuxiao swatted their hands away.
“Get lost! This is my spirit beast. What are you looking at? Are you all so confident you can beat me later?”
As one of the top young immortals of his generation, Bai Yuxiao had the right to say this.
The others awkwardly excused themselves and left.
Liu shuang used her big, fluffy eyes to look around.
The current Kongsang Immortal Realm was undoubtedly in its golden age.
Magnificent palaces stood tall, and cranes flew in the sky.
Young immortals from various clans streamed in to participate in the competition.
Liu shuang didn’t see Yan Chaosheng.
Soon, it was time for the first round of drawing lots.
Liu shuang leaned over to look at Bai Yuxiao’s slip.
“Clan Xie, Chengzhou.”
Liu shuang had some impression of this person.
He was the eldest son of the Xie clan, one of the four great families under the Kongsang Immortal Realm.
There were ten Spiritual Testing Platforms in total. It seemed Bai Yuxiao’s luck wasn’t great, as he had drawn Young master Xie in the first round.
Both of them stepped onto the Spiritual Testing Platform.
Bai Yuxiao, in his arrogance, had even brought Liu shuang along.
The two immortals’ battle stirred up dust and stones, nearly blowing Liu shuang’s fur off.
She had to cling tightly to Bai Yuxiao.
Bai Yuxiao, however, still remembered her.
Once, when she almost fell, he quickly caught her without interrupting the fight.
This was the first time Liu shuang had seen Bai Yuxiao’s true strength.
Back when he had summoned so many souls outside the mortal city, she had known he was powerful.
Now, seeing him in action, it was clear just how strong he was.
His weapon was a fiery red immortal sword, and his moves were bold and unrestrained.
At first, Young master Xie could keep up, but as Bai Yuxiao grew more aggressive, Xie was struck several times and eventually conceded defeat.
Bai Yuxiao smiled triumphantly.
Liu shuang breathed a sigh of relief.
As they stepped off the platform, Liu shuang saw someone being kicked out of a neighboring platform.
She looked closer and recognized him: Ding Feng, one of the top outer disciples.
He was covered in injuries and limped away, clearly unwilling to accept his defeat.
It seemed Yan Chaosheng had indeed decided not to kill him.
Looking up, she saw a familiar figure approaching.
Bai Yuxiao’s eyes lit up.
“Mi Chu, are you here to watch my match?”
Mi Chu smiled and nodded. “I was just below the Spiritual Testing Platform. Second Young Master, your prowess is truly impressive.”
Bai Yuxiao said, “Of course. Just watch how I win the next round.”
Mi Chu glanced at his waist and her eyes sparkled.
“Oh, what a beautiful spiritual-gathering beast. Could I trade a magic tool for it?”
In the past, Bai Yuxiao would have happily given it to her and refused any compensation.
But today, Bai Yuxiao hesitated and stammered, “She… she’s not for trade. If you like it, I’ll get you another one later.”
Mi Chu was taken aback but forced a smile.
“Alright.”
She felt a sense of foreboding.
It wasn’t about not getting the spiritual-gathering beast, but Bai Yuxiao’s attitude.
In the past, he had been like a mad dog, biting everyone but obediently following her.
Now, he was carefully protecting the spirit beast, treating it with great importance. Who had given it to him?
Mi Chu had a feeling that something was slipping out of her control.
Before she could figure it out, Bai Yuxiao’s second round of drawing lots had already begun.
Liu shuang remained silent, playing the part of a well-behaved fluffball. Bai Yuxiao’s refusal to give her away relieved her.
At least their childhood friendship still held.
She had been worried he might give her to Mi Chu.
Bai Yuxiao went on to win twelve matches in a row.
Only the first match had been somewhat evenly matched; the rest were like child’s play.
He was here to win the championship.
As his father had said, if he didn’t win, he might as well not return to the Bai family.
Liu shuang, fortunate to be with him, basked in the admiration and cheers of the disciples below.
After the twelfth match, as they stepped off the platform, they overheard some discussions.
“Second Young Master Bai has won twelve matches in such a short time. The championship is surely his, right?”
Another person scoffed.
“Not necessarily. Haven’t you heard? Someone on the neighboring platform has already won thirteen matches.”
“Thirteen matches?” the first person exclaimed.
“Who is it?”
“I’m not sure. I heard it’s an outer disciple who used to guard the immortal realm’s gates.”
Liu shuang sighed. Who else could it be?
Bai Yuxiao finally realized something was wrong.
“He’s already won thirteen matches?”
Congratulations, you’ve finally noticed something’s amiss.
Mi Chu, who was also nearby, seemed deep in thought.
As the matches continued, Bai Yuxiao eventually faced Yan Chaosheng.
Since this was the final match, the number of spectators was unprecedented.
Even the realm lord and his wife were seated on the high platform, along with many elders and clan leaders, including Bai Yuxiao’s father.
When Lord Chishui saw the spirit beast on Bai Yuxiao’s waist, his expression changed.
“This is outrageous!”
Madam Zi asked, “What’s wrong?”
Lord Chishui held back his words and sighed.
“It’s nothing.”
The other elders didn’t notice anything unusual.
Bai Yuxiao, though arrogant, wasn’t foolish.
Knowing the final match was no joke, he tried to leave Liu shuang behind, but she clung to him tightly, transmitting her thoughts: “No, no, I’m coming too.”
“If we start fighting, I won’t be able to protect you.”
“Then I’ll find a corner to hide in. Hurry up, it’s your turn to enter. If you don’t go in soon, people will think you’re scared.”
Bai Yuxiao, provoked, rushed in.
After a whole day, Liu shuang finally saw Yan Chaosheng. His attire today was different from before. The young man wore a black martial outfit, his hair tied up high.
While he had previously carried a seductive, demonic charm, today he looked more rugged.
However, being a snake demon, he still exuded a cold, gloomy aura that no immortal possessed.
As the Spiritual Testing Platform opened, people below began to murmur.
“Why is it an ordinary disciple?”
“I heard he has demon blood.”
“A mere demon dares to seek the immortal path? Ridiculous.”
“Even if he wins eighteen matches in a row, the immortal realm won’t accept him. No one will take him as a disciple or bring him into their clan.”
…
Liu shuang observed Yan Chaosheng’s expression. The young man’s eyes were calm, as if the disdain from the crowd didn’t affect him. He looked at Bai Yuxiao, a cold smile playing on his lips.
“I am Yan Chaosheng, an outer disciple. I seek your guidance.”
Here it comes, that smile sent chills down Liu shuang’s spine. Fortunately, he didn’t even glance at her.
To him, the adorable fluffball was nothing more than a lifeless object.
He was utterly indifferent, his gaze cold as he summoned a dark golden whip.
Bai Yuxiao’s gaze also darkened as he summoned his immortal sword. Yan Chaosheng idly stroked his whip, looking every bit like a vicious villain. His voice was chilling as he said, “Shall I let the Second Young Master have ten moves as repayment for your past kindness?”
Bai Yuxiao was provoked.
He sneered coldly and charged forward, wishing he could run Yan Chaosheng through with his crimson sword.
In the next moment, Yan Chaosheng was no longer where he had stood. His figure, like a thick swirl of black mist, appeared behind Bai Yuxiao in an instant. Bai Yuxiao’s heart tightened—he spun around and blocked with his sword. The immortal sword clashed with the mercilessly lashing whip, ringing out with a sharp clang.
Yan Chaosheng coolly praised, “Not bad.”
Yet, his whip still struck Bai Yuxiao’s leg with brutal force.
Bai Yuxiao gritted his teeth, stifling a pained grunt.
His hands came together, and his immortal sword split into twelve, all surging toward Yan Chaosheng.
Yan Chaosheng’s eyes narrowed. He didn’t even move, yet eleven of the sword shadows vanished into nothingness. The final sword, aimed straight at his brow, froze inch by inch before him.
With a flick of his hand, the immortal sword clattered to the ground.
The entire audience fell silent. Never before had it been this quiet—not even a single cheer or shout remained.
It was obvious to all: in this final match, their strengths were completely unmatched.
Liu Shuang was utterly shocked. She had thought Yan Chaosheng had only regained his original strength. She hadn’t expected that, with the Clear Essence Jade and an ancient demon bird-turned-immortal weapon, he would become this powerful!
Last time in the Dusheng bamboo forest, he had clearly held back.
But today, this grand competion was the day he had awaited for three years.
He had no reason to yield—not a shred of his strength was concealed.
Even with the Clear Essence Jade, one’s potential should have limited its effectiveness.
Yet, Yan Chaosheng had stunned everyone.
She now realized that even before his cultivation had been crippled, Yan Chaoshen—despite being unaffiliated with any sect, despite walking an untamed path—had already been immensely powerful.
He had endured Bai Yuxiao’s cruelty all this time just to stay.
Back then, how much humiliation and desperation must he have endured? And today, he would return it all to Bai Yuxiao tenfold.
“Second Young Master, do you concede?”
“No!”
“Very well.”
The two exchanged dozens more moves.
The whip lashed toward Bai Yuxiao with ruthless precision, targeting his worst injuries.
Bai Yuxiao clenched his teeth and fought on.
And then, the worst happened—blow after blow, the whip struck Bai Yuxiao’s body.
Liu Shuang hurriedly sent him a voice transmission: “Bai Yuxiao, concede! If this continues, he will kill you!”
Yan Chaosheng already loathed Bai Yuxiao—he would not let him go.
And Yan Chaosheng knew full well that Bai Yuxiao would never admit defeat.
He was determined to have his revenge.
“Never!”
Bai Yuxiao’s father, the Bai Clan Patriarch, couldn’t stay seated any longer.
Just as the next lash was about to land, Liu Shuang gritted her teeth and—
A ball of pink fur plop—dropped onto Yan Chaosheng’s hand and bit down.
Yan Chaosheng flinched, his expression turning cold.
A violent aura erupted around him.
He was just about to crush Bai Yuxiao’s pathetic, ambushing spirit beast when he suddenly stopped.
He lifted it up, frowning as he examined it.
The tiny furball still clung to him, gnawing at his hand.
A pair of round, jet-black eyes glared up at him.
Their gazes met.
Yan Chaosheng pressed his lips together.
“Let go.”
The furball shook its head.
His face remained impassive.
His voice turned icy.
“If you keep this up, I’ll get angry.”
Still biting his fist, it shook its head again.
Yan Chaosheng said, “I will not yield. This is my only chance.”
With that, he ripped the little thing off and stuffed it into his robes.
Then, looking at Bai Yuxiao—who was gravely injured yet still refusing to concede—his expression darkened.
With a single kick, he sent him flying off the dueling platform.
He stood there, the victor of the grand tournament.
And yet, his face was even darker than Bai Yuxiao’s down below.
