Chapter 20: In the Spotlight

The dull tolling of the bell echoed throughout the assembly, and after three resonant strikes, the previously lively crowd fell silent, each returning to their place. The atmosphere thickened with a sense of severity and impending conflict, making everyone’s hair stand on end.

First to leap onto the stage was a disciple from the Everwind Sect, their most outstanding student, renowned for his unmatched swordsmanship. As his blade swept through the air, torrents of sand and dust rose in his wake. Many, caught unprepared and without protective wards, found themselves coughing and spitting, desperately trying to rid their mouths of the grit.

Coughs rang out in succession, as the audience struggled to recover. Yet, no matter how fiercely the swordsman wielded his blade, the swirling dust abruptly halted two steps before Bai Shengyun, as though an unseen barrier restrained it.

Bai Shengyun, however, did not step forward for this first bout, leaving it to others. The real contest was yet to come; this was merely a prelude, a trivial skirmish.

Xie Yingying watched with disinterest, resting her chin in her palm as she yawned. She sat far from the action, able only to glimpse flashes of sword light, dazzling and colorful, like neon lights wielded in hand, stinging the eyes.

Just as drowsiness overtook her, a loud, sonorous voice startled her awake.

“May Immortal Bai grant me your instruction!”

The speaker wore a green robe, a sharp blade at his side, his demeanor marked by respectful humility.

The crowd halted their techniques, some watching with schadenfreude, others eager for a spectacle. Many had considered challenging Bai Shengyun, but lacking deep understanding of his abilities, none dared be the first to test him.

Bai Shengyun smiled faintly. With a wisp of smoke, he appeared on the stage in the blink of an eye. “Who are you?” he asked.

The man in green bowed respectfully, his tone measured yet unyielding. “I am a disciple of the Swordshade Pavilion, and I seek guidance from the Immortal.”

In the distance, Xie Yingying searched her memory for any plotline involving the Swordshade Pavilion, but she had read too little and could find nothing. She gave up, unable to recall.

Bai Shengyun flicked his sleeve, showing no intention of drawing a weapon. He sneered, “Please.”

To refuse to draw arms in a duel was a clear sign of disdain, an insult to the man in green. The challenger launched into a series of broad, lethal attacks, the killing intent so fierce that even the onlookers furrowed their brows.

As everyone held their breath, the green-robed man’s sword stopped two steps from Bai Shengyun, unable to advance an inch further.

He felt as though he had struck an invisible wall, unable to move no matter how he tried, cold sweat breaking out across his brow. Then, before the eyes of all, he was thrown from the stage, sword and all, in a blur of motion, leaving the crowd in an uproar.

Bai Shengyun’s display of skill incited others to challenge him, each stepping forward in high spirits. Blades clashed and swords flashed—a scene of breathtaking intensity.

Each challenger revealed their skills, but Bai Shengyun remained the center of attention. Without exception, all who faced him were promptly cast from the stage by his many methods.

Xie Yingying could palpably feel the power emanating from Bai Shengyun, shrinking back in uneasy awe. She had tried to estimate his strength before, but witnessing it firsthand left her truly shaken. These renowned cultivators, famed in their own right, were like eggs thrown at a stone before him, wholly incomparable.

If she were in their place, she doubted she could remain unscathed. The further the contest went, the more anxious she became, especially considering her own plans for escape—she had truly run up against an immovable wall.

The elders watched with pride, boasting, “These cultivators are skilled, but they are far from our young lord’s level. They must strive much harder.”

“No matter how they train, surpassing our young lord is nigh impossible.”

After all, Bai Shengyun was not only a member of the Celestial Fox Clan but also their young emperor, blessed with unparalleled gifts. How could these cultivators hope to match the Celestial Foxes?

As Bai Shengyun dispatched yet another opponent, the elders beamed with satisfaction.

“At this rate, the outcome of this contest is already decided.”

“Our young lord rarely acts, but when he does, he astounds all. None will ever be his equal!”

Xie Yingying watched absentmindedly, the elders’ constant commentary drifting past her ears, her thoughts growing increasingly distracted.

Bai Qirui noticed her inattention and lightly cleared his throat. “Are you bored here?”

With elders present, he exercised restraint, not as free-spirited as before. Besides, now that their statuses differed, as Bai Shengyun’s elder brother, he had to maintain propriety.

Xie Yingying lazily lifted her gaze and shook her head perfunctorily. “No, it’s quite exciting.”

Bai Qirui chuckled softly. “Shengyun’s abilities are truly awe-inspiring, but he’s not one to act rashly. Duels here are meant to stop short of real harm; there’s no need to get too serious.”

In truth, Xie Yingying cared little for Bai Shengyun’s performance; her mind was occupied with her escape plan. How could she possibly slip away from someone with such terrifying strength? She was now certain that, even if she gave her all, she would not be able to harm a single hair on Bai Shengyun’s head.

She had not realized the extent of his power until now, and seeing him in action dashed her hopes of escape. With such a formidable figure present, how could she possibly get away?

As the contest dragged on, Bai Shengyun began to tire, but the grand event was nearing its end. Throughout, he had remained aloof, and when his gaze drifted toward Xie Yingying, he noticed her absentmindedness—his expression darkened instantly.

Lost in her own thoughts, Xie Yingying failed to notice the storm brewing on Bai Shengyun’s face, as if the next moment would bring thunder and rain.

Bai Shengyun strode directly toward her, but halfway there, Ning Qingqing darted out to intercept him.

“Immortal, you’ve worked hard!” Ning Qingqing greeted him with a fawning smile, offering a cup of hot tea. “Immortal, please have some tea.”

She gazed at him with fervent admiration, unable to contain her excitement. No wonder—Bai Shengyun had just dazzled the entire assembly, his presence unmatched.

Whether it was defeating opponents in a single move or facing wave after wave with composure, he remained as unmoved as Mount Tai.

“Immortal, you are the most incredible person I have ever seen! No one here is your equal; you are sure to be the victor of this contest!” Ning Qingqing’s praise was effusive, nearly florid.

Yet Bai Shengyun gave her no heed, not even sparing her a glance, letting her words drift away without response.

As Ning Qingqing tried to edge closer, a figure slipped past her side.