Chapter 1509: Oath of the Holy Stop Ye Piaonan, With Wind and Clouds Surging Grandly, Awaiting the Fire to Burn

Yujing Cheng erupted in an uproar.

The battle of the Seven Jian Xian had suddenly begun.

Making its debut was a dramatic one-against-three showdown, which even involved Gu Yu, the First Jian Xian?

Was Xu Xiaoshou about to create another legend?

"Great, great, great! I agree to this fight. No need to go to Nan Yu, and that saves a ton on travel expenses. Xu Xiaoshou is really something!"

"Go, Bei Jian Xian! I'll always support you!"

"Let's fight! Let's fight!"

The people of Zhong Yu didn't have as many formalities as those in Dong Yu or Nan Yu's Feng Jia.

They could watch a free spectacle right before their eyes, and it was happening right then and there... Compared to holy wars where even a stray shockwave could cost lives, a Jian Xian battle was far more thrilling.

But these comments from Xu Xiaoshou sounded utterly improper to Mei Siyi, Gu Yu, and the others.

Mei Siyi quietly pulled out a jade slip from behind his paper fan and pressed it to his forehead, as if recording something.

Then, like releasing a messenger pigeon, he sent the jade slip soaring into the spatial fragments with a single sword strike.

Gu Yu was the first to object, speaking with grave seriousness:

"This is completely improper."

"There's no such thing as a wheel fight, a group brawl, or a one-against-three."

"Besides, without Nan Yu's Feng Jia to oversee it, I won't fight you today. We can schedule it for another day."

Not fight?

Bei Bei's heart skipped a beat.

Xu Xiaoshou raised an eyebrow but said nothing, turning instead to Liu Fuyu.

He remembered this young woman's fighting spirit—it had been evident from the moment he entered the city and lingered until now, unresolved.

The Sheng Shen Dian Tang had likely leveraged that to invite Liu Fuyu here to bolster their side.

As for her actual strength... Xu Xiaoshou glanced at the exceptional sword at her waist and figured it warranted a question mark.

"What about you?" he asked. As a Jian Lou guardian, she couldn't be that weak, right?

"Whatever." Liu Fuyu didn't seem to care. "I'll follow the rules of this world. It's best if Feng Jia oversees it, but if not... I'm ready whenever you are."

What a bold claim!

Xu Xiaoshou sensed full confidence beneath her calm tone, while the Lingshi of Yujing Cheng saw it as unmatched arrogance!

Xu Xiaoshou had set a legendary precedent with his feats, leaving the entire city in awe.

Who was this Liu Fuyu, with her unclear background, acting as if she were the one being challenged, not the other way around?

"This woman is too arrogant—I can't stand it. Xu Xiaoshou, teach her a lesson and set her straight!"

"You have to admit, Xu Xiaoshou's power is impressive. He even took down the Xuanji Dianzhu. As for Liu Fuyu... all I can say is good luck to her."

"Arrogant people must have some backing. Maybe she has a trump card?"

"But she should look at who she's facing—that's Xu Xiaoshou! Plenty have acted tough in front of him, like Jiang Bansheng and Rao Bansheng, but even the Xuanji Dian..."

"Shh!"

"Anyway, I just want to see how she meets her end!"

"Expectation received, passive value: 8466."

"Support received, passive value: 2333."

Pulling his focus back from the crowd's chatter, Xu Xiaoshou looked at Bei Bei with a hint of regret. "It seems no one's willing to help you. The Sheng Shen Dian Tang has truly lost the people's hearts."

Bei Bei's face darkened, and she glared at Gu Yu in frustration. "Gu Lao, we had an agreement!" She had even set down her sword and gestured toward the round object—actually the angular Bansheng token.

"We agreed to fight, but we have to follow the proper process." Gu Yu was unyielding, refusing to compromise on principles.

"I've already sent word to Nan Yu's people to reach out to Feng Jia. They know how important this battle is—half a day at most, or a full day, and the overseers will arrive!" Bei Bei stamped her foot in anger.

"I'm not waiting half a day." Xu Xiaoshou chuckled. "What's this? Internal discord?"

"Shut up!" Bei Bei shot him a glare.

"I'm just reminding you—in situations like this, it means your offer isn't enticing enough..." Xu Xiaoshou whispered helpfully. "Double it, or even triple or quadruple. With a big enough reward, you'll find willing fighters."

"Shut up! Who asked for your input?"

Bei Bei snapped back but fell into thought...

Double or triple? That would mean three Bansheng tokens.

It was far too valuable—she couldn't scrape together that much even if she sold herself!

As the situation stalemated and Bei Bei felt at a loss, the outsider Mei Siyi stepped forward with a faint smile on his lips and spoke clearly:

"I have a compromise."

Xu Xiaoshou whipped around, winking and gesturing wildly: Mei Siyi, you're on my side—don't help the others!

Everyone in the crowd turned to look.

Bei Bei's eyes lit up.

Of course—Mei Siyi was still here.

He was a long-established figure, even said to have guided Feng Tingchen in the past.

With Feng Jia unable to send anyone immediately, Mei Siyi's credentials were sufficient, as long as they informed Nan Yu's Feng Jia afterward.

And though he was aligned with Xu Xiaoshou, when it came to fairness and justice, even the Sheng Shen Dian Tang trusted Mei Siyi more!

"Mei Siyi, I have a request..." Bei Bei began.

"No, young lady, I know what you're going to say, but it's unnecessary." Mei Siyi raised a hand to stop her, smiling as he continued: "I've already contacted Feng Tingchen and informed him of everything here. He'll take this battle very seriously."

"By now, Feng Jia is likely making urgent preparations."

"They've already set up things like the Dao Mirror in advance—ever since the new Seven Jian Xian list was released, they were ready."

"Everything is in place, just waiting for the right wind... and we can provide that wind to bring their representative here."

As soon as he finished, everyone turned their heads in unison, realizing what was coming.

Ye Xiaotian felt the weight of countless gazes from the city walls and below, leaving him stunned.

Wait...

Me? Ye Xiaotian? A Bansheng, no less!

I came here to protect Yujing Cheng—that's one thing, as saving lives is noble.

But now, you're turning me into a free, instant, long-distance teleportation array?

Are you even human?!

"I refuse."

Ye Xiaotian's face turned ashen.

A Bansheng's dignity couldn't be insulted, and spatial mysteries weren't meant for this.

Mei Siyi ignored Ye Xiaotian's refusal completely. After speaking, he looked at Xu Xiaoshou, not giving him a chance to respond, and explained to everyone:

"If a holy war truly erupts, the ones suffering the most would be the common people of Yujing Cheng."

"That's why I, Zhong Lao, Fang Lao, and Yu Lao held back."

"But the one who cares the most is Ye Bansheng, who protected Yujing Cheng for a day and night, saving countless lives and truly embodying compassion—he'd be the last to want such tragedy."

Ye Xiaotian's eyelids twitched wildly, and under the scrutiny of all those eyes, his chest seemed to puff up involuntarily, making his small frame appear more imposing.

This was annoying!

He just couldn't stand ancient Jian Xiu!

It had started back at Tian Sang Ling Gong, and for good reason... Ye Xiaotian felt his lips curling into a grin despite himself.

"The Xuanji Dianzhu has already been slain by you. If the Lei family has any lingering doubts, we can discuss them later..." Mei Siyi shifted his gaze from Xu Xiaoshou to Lei Shuangxing and Lei Xier, nodding slightly in greeting before addressing the crowd: "I'm asking for everyone's respect here."

"This Jian Xian battle will replace the holy war, determining victory, honor, and enmity between both sides."

"No matter the outcome, I, Ye Bansheng, Yu Lao, Fang Lao, Zhong Lao, and the others should prioritize the continent and refrain from intervening to avoid widespread suffering."

"Will you all give me this face and agree to this pact?"

As soon as he finished, before the Bansheng could react, the people of Yujing Cheng below were deeply moved.

Xu Xiaoshou had arrived threatening to destroy and slaughter the city, acting even more wildly than a mad killer.

The Xuanji Dianzhu wasn't any better—ordinary lives meant nothing to her, like ants.

They'd yield when they could.

But if pushed, they'd crush without hesitation.

Only Mei Siyi—only this Mei Siyi—treated people as people and cared about the common folk's fate!

He truly deserved the title of "mister."

Lei Shuangxing exchanged a mental message with Lei Xier, then spoke first: "I agree."

Yu Lao and Zhong Lao raised their hands simultaneously: "No objections."

Fang Wenxin glanced at the fiend-like Xu Xiaoshou, furrowed his brow, but soon perked up an ear and said: "Agreed."

Could I really represent the Sheng Shen Dian Tang on something this big?

Bei Bei watched as her side's three Bansheng agreed, but she didn't dare act rashly.

A Bansheng could agree not to fight, but she had no authority to speak for the Xuanji Dianzhu.

Because if another order came later demanding they continue, would she follow the Xuanji Dianzhu's command or Mei Siyi's?

"I..."

Bei Bei's expression hesitated, but just then, her ear twitched with the Xuanji Dianzhu's voice: "Agree to it."

In that instant, Bei Bei's mind flashed with thoughts.

Given the Xuanji Dianzhu's nature, this was probably just a delay tactic—she'd strike again later, right?

Bei Bei still hesitated.

Then came a more stern and weighty voice: "Agree to it!"

Bei Bei had no choice: "I agree."

Just as with Bei Huai's "guidance," Xu Xiaoshou saw two souls boiling with the words of agreement.

Fang Wenxin's and Bei Bei's.

They weren't agreeing of their own will—they were being forced.

Too bad he hadn't controlled the Xuanji Great Array in time to block any potential messages...

Mei Siyi turned to him.

Xu Xiaoshou didn't view this development with naive idealism.

The Xuanji would definitely turn back on her word once her reinforcements arrived...

Though Yu, Zhong, and Fang had agreed now, if an order came, they'd still follow it...

This verbal pact seemed backed by multiple Bansheng, but on closer inspection, it was as fragile as paper, easily torn.

Even with Mei Siyi going this far...

Should he agree?

Xu Xiaoshou raised his hand—and his foot: "Mei Siyi, I fully support your words with both hands and feet!"

Was Mei Siyi naive?

No, he was a crafty old fox—he must have considered all this.

This pact might be breakable later, but under the eyes of the masses, it would establish a "name" of justice.

If everyone acted accordingly, all would be well.

If the Sheng Shen Dian Tang side lost and tried to renege, then he'd be the one with righteous cause.

Of course, he wouldn't actually destroy the city—Xu Xiaoshou had only said that to intimidate, never intending to follow through.

But as the upholder of justice, he'd expose their true hypocritical faces—something he loved doing.

In that moment, his mind buzzed with countless clever ideas to counter the Sheng Shen Dian Tang's dirty tricks.

"Excellent, that's splendid."

Seeing everyone give him face, Mei Siyi's expression brightened like spring, and he smiled warmly at Ye Xiaotian:

"Then, Ye Bansheng, please head to Nan Yu and bring them here."

"You know where Feng Jia is, right?"

Ye Xiaotian deflated immediately, mumbling "Mm" before stepping out an array of mysteries without another word, vanishing from sight.

Nan Yu, Feng Jia.

Nestled in the sinful lands, this clan upheld the spirit of the ancient Jian Xiu era, standing out as unique in Nan Yu.

They were among the few non-bounty hunters!

Anyone surnamed Feng, as long as they didn't commit major offenses in Nan Yu, even if not part of Feng Jia... just wear a sword at your waist, and people would give you respect.

Feng Jia ruled a city, simply called "Feng Jia Cheng."

Feng Jia Cheng was quite small, far from rivaling Dong Tian Wang Cheng, and more like a minor city such as Tian Sang Cheng.

In Nan Yu, despite the Sheng Shen Dian Tang's divisions of counties and cities, they held no real sway, and the people of Nan Yu didn't recognize them.

Thus, Nan Yu's territories were fragmented, rife with warlords and mixed factions. Controlling even a nominal city made you a top force.

Feng Jia Cheng was divided into the main estate and the auxiliary city.

The main estate, built around the three world-famous sites of "Qi He Ju," "Jian Ta," and "Ting Feng Ting," was the heart of Feng Jia.

Surrounding the main estate in an eight-trigram array pattern were thirty-three streets for sword enthusiasts to live and learn—that was the auxiliary city.

At that moment, the Feng Jia main estate was buzzing with activity.

Gray-clad servants and maids hurried in and out, delivering urgent messages;

Feng Jia members in various outfits zipped through on swords, swift as thunder.

"Hurry, hurry, hurry!"

"Mei Siyi personally sent the order—personally! All Feng Jia disciples, get moving!"

"Listen up, everyone... By the family head's command, anyone available, contact the Dao Mirror holders in the major Wang Chengs across the five domains. The first internal battle for the Seven Jian Xian list is about to begin!"

"Especially the Dao Mirror in Jian Shen Tian of Dong Yu—make sure nothing goes wrong. We need everyone there watching closely... The Eighth Jian Xian has dominated the ancient Jian Xiu circle for so long, and Can Yue Xian Cheng as the newcomer is already overshadowing us... It's time to reclaim that reputation for Feng Jia!"

"Yes!"

"Feng Xiao Han, where are you? By the family head's command, go immediately to activate the first viewing platform in Feng Jia Cheng's auxiliary city. Capture the pre-battle demeanor of Jian Xian Bei Bei and Jian Xian Xu Xiaoshou—especially Xu Xiaoshou! The platform's crowd is already hyped and waiting, so hurry!"

"Yes!"

"Feng Xiao Shuang, where are you? By the family head's command, go to 'Qi He Ju' and invite Yang Lao Yang Xi Qianbei, then head to 'Ting Feng Ting' to await the saint... Ye Bansheng is coming—this is a grand event for Feng Jia, don't slack off! Remember, the saint's surname is Ye—if you get it wrong, don't bother coming back; just end it yourself!"

"Yes!"

"Feng Zhong Zhi, where are you? By the family head's command, go to 'Jian Ta' and respectfully invite He Jian Ting Chen out of the tower. Prepare the incense, clean the sword, test the metal, seal the sheath... Handle every step of receiving the sword yourself! This is your honor—chance of a lifetime, so hurry!"

"Yes!!!"

"Feng Zhong Zui, where are you? You little rascal, sneaking drinks again! By the family head's command..."

The entire Feng Jia was in a frenzy, like a nest of stirred-up bees, when suddenly everything paused, and they looked toward the sky.

In Feng Jia Cheng's auxiliary city, sword-wielding Lingshi brimmed with excitement and anticipation, all glancing up.

At the center of the massive plaza for the first viewing platform, which could hold a hundred thousand, before the enormous Dao Mirror parent mirror—over a hundred zhang wide and capable of transmitting sound, images, and intent—a group of Jian Xiu suddenly sensed something and looked up.

"Xu Shao..."

In the crowd, Xiao Wan Feng clutched his chest, where his sword intent burned hot.

His eager gaze shifted from the Dao Mirror's glow to the sky.

There, in the air, saintly power surged, quickly unfurling a brilliant array of mysteries.

Its principles were complex, deeply aligned with the true essence of the great dao, leaving all who beheld it in awe.

At Feng Jia's main estate, atop Ting Feng Ting, accompanied by the ring of swords, an elderly figure was the first to soar out:

"Welcome, Ye Bansheng!"

The voice boomed, echoing across all of Feng Jia Cheng.

Every ancient Jian Xiu and Lingshi in Feng Jia Cheng shuddered and shouted in unison:

"Welcome, Ye Bansheng!!!"

The sound waves rolled like tides, shaking the space.

Ye Xiaotian appeared atop the array of mysteries, looking down to see all below bowing with heads lowered.

In that moment, he felt at ease.

Teleportation it was, then!

Damn it, after being a saint for so long, he finally felt what real respect was like.

Ye Xiaotian flicked his sleeve with a broad smile:

"Good."