Chapter 1517: First to Youxiugong, Then to Feng Family; Accumulate Steadily and Break Out Suddenly

*Pa-da.*

Bei Bei suddenly opened her eyes, her small frame twitching like a half-dead salted fish in a pot.

Completely... beaten... to pieces...

After the final flicker of life, Xiao Bei Bei closed her eyes and fell into a complete coma.

The dim and lusterless Di Jian Du Zun spun down and embedded itself beside her head.

It not only covered her damaged face but also preserved the last dignity of a generation of Jian Xian.

The reflective sword blade reflected Feng Zhongzui holding the Chuan Dao Jing. When Feng Zhongzui saw his own eyes, he had no more doubts.

He moved the mirror to point at Shou Ye, shouting with all his strength:

“Won!”

“Shou Ye won!”

Feng Tingchen appeared at the right moment, standing with hands behind his back before the Chuan Dao Jing, slightly turning to show a handsome profile and half of the He Jian Tingchen at his waist. He spoke calmly:

“The first battle of the Qi Jian Xian rankings: Xu Xiaoshou wins!”

With that, he vanished.

Shou Ye reappeared in the Chuan Dao Jing.

With his red lips and white teeth, his face glowing, and his black robes spotless, he was the complete opposite of Bei Bei, who lay on the ground in disarray, her white robes stained and torn.

It was as if, for Shou Ye, finishing this fight had been effortless, as natural as eating or drinking.

But...

Tian Jie!

And the imagery of Mu Xia Shen Fo's Tian Jie!

These were the most draining things for ancient Jian Xiu in terms of mind and will.

Bei Bei lay on the ground now, mostly because her Di Jian Tian Jie imagery had been violently dismantled by the Extreme Giant imagery.

But part of it was also due to her overexertion.

In contrast, Shou Ye...

Was completely unfazed!

As expected of Mei Si's student!

Feng Zhongzui knew how to play to the crowd. He grabbed the Chuan Dao Jing and rushed forward, shoving it right in Shou Ye's face, excitedly saying:

“Shou Ye, I'm Feng Zhongzui. I've heard of your great name in Nan Yu for a long time.”

“Xiao Wanfeng is my friend. He's mentioned you a few times, saying you're incredibly skilled... Oh, and he should be watching you from Nan Yu right now.” He started by trying to build rapport.

Xiao Wanfeng?

Xu Xiaoshou was a bit surprised.

It was the first time he'd heard news of the young man since Void Island. He hadn't expected him to end up in Nan Yu and connect with the Feng family.

But thinking about it, it made sense...

That guy was a sword fanatic, wandering everywhere.

With the new Qi Jian Xian rankings out, he would definitely head to Nan Yu for the excitement.

After all, in the usual understanding, the main battlefield for Qi Jian Xian battles was always in Nan Yu—hadn't Lei Shuangxing just come from there?

“Shou Ye, everyone's watching you. Say something?” Feng Zhongzui held up the small mirror with an expectant look.

The lens was right in his face...

This feeling was a bit magical and familiar, like a “live broadcast” to the world. Xu Xiaoshou put on an innocent smile and waved:

“Hi everyone, I'm Xu Xiaoshou meow.”

His waving hand froze, and Shou Ye's smile stiffened.

Everyone in front of the Chuan Dao Jing froze, thinking they must have misheard.

Feng Zhongzui, right in front of him, felt a shiver run up his spine.

...Meow?

Ancient Jian Xiu never doubted themselves.

Feng Zhongzui eyed “Shou Ye” suspiciously, forcing a stiff smile as he said:

“Shou Ye, how cute.”

Sensing a surge of killing intent around him, Feng Zhongzui quickly changed the topic, speaking rapidly:

“The first battle of the Qi Jian Xian is a global spectacle. Shou Ye, you just defeated Bei Jian Xian, who's ranked higher. How are you feeling right now?”

Xu Xiaoshou took a deep breath, fiercely warning the Greedy God in his mind, which had been quiet for a while but was now causing trouble in front of everyone.

“Heh.”

He put his smile back on, continuing to wave at the mirror:

“It's really nothing special. I just got a bit lucky and edged out Bei Bei meow...”

His words trailed off, and his hand stopped again, his expression slowly hardening.

“Ahaha.” Feng Zhongzui laughed awkwardly, his eyes darting around, assuming “meow” was just Shou Ye's habitual tic, and played along: “Shou Ye, you're too modest meow. Being overly modest is just being insincere. How about some real talk meow?”

Meow your head!

Xu Xiaoshou was itching to slash the guy's head off with a sword. His lips twitched as he sternly warned the Greedy God again...

“Real talk?” He glanced back, pointing at Bei Bei. “Just so-so.”

Feng Zhongzui's eyes lit up.

It wasn't just him—the viewers across the five domains held their breath, sensing some juicy content.

Who wanted to hear nonsense?

They wanted the explosive stuff!

Soon, the troublemaking Feng Zhongzui, after a quick glance at the family head, continued his interview:

“As the lowest-ranked in this Qi Jian Xian, Shou Ye, you took down Bei Jian Xian, who was ranked higher.”

“May I ask, what message do you have for Nan Yu's Feng family, who set the new Qi Jian Xian rankings?”

Feng Tingchen heard this and felt a surge of anger, almost drawing He Jian to chop Feng Zhongzui down.

Are you sick?

Aren't you from the Feng family?

Even Xu Xiaoshou was stunned. You're really named Feng?

“Meow!” Before he could speak, the excited Greedy God, fresh from the battle, meowed loudly again.

Xu Xiaoshou quickly spoke up, trying to drown out the cat-like sound from his throat:

“The Feng family's rankings are still pretty solid. After all, back in Yun Lun with that one sword, I did use some external help meow...”

Feng Zhongzui winked and smirked, tilting his head as he said: “Don't hold back, Shou Ye. Say what's real meow?”

Meow your head!

Xu Xiaoshou was furious. He turned and glared at Feng Tingchen, snapping:

“Is that Qi Jian Xian ranking you put together? Got any vision at all!”

“With my skills, you make me the gatekeeper of the Qi Jian Xian? Are you trying to make sure none of them get through the door?”

Feng Tingchen was caught off guard, scolded out of nowhere. He instinctively moved closer to Mei Si. “It wasn't me who ranked it— it was Jian Ta that did...”

“Then tell your Feng family's ridiculous Feng Jian Ta to open its eyes and rank properly!” Xu Xiaoshou scolded the Greedy God while venting his frustration at the Feng family. He'd been annoyed about this for ages—who liked being ranked seventh?

Feng Zhongzui cautiously explained: “Jian Ta is a tower, not a person. It doesn't have eyes...”

“Then give it a pair!”

Well done! Feng Zhongzui thought. Just as he was about to stir more trouble with a glance at the family head, he suddenly felt a chill on his back.

He didn't dare push it and quickly shifted topics, getting to the point:

“Shou Ye, on behalf of the ancient Jian Xiu of the five domains, I have a question for you.”

“In that last sword of the battle, you used the Mu Xia Shen Fo imagery of Tian Jie from Xin Jian Shu. Do you have any insights to share?”

“Meow!” Xu Xiaoshou hadn't even spoken when the cat meowed first.

From contracting the Greedy God until now, from Dao Xuanji to the five domains of the continent...

He'd endured it for so long, and now he couldn't take it anymore!

“Just a moment.”

Xu Xiaoshou waved at the mirror and dove into his mental world, giving a slight pull.

A surge of virtual air waves exploded, and nine tails swept through.

His black hair turned white, and three blood lines appeared on his forehead as ghostly energy filled the air, radiating killing intent.

Ghost beast transformation?

Feng Zhongzui, who had heard whispers about this form, narrowed his eyes in shock, nearly stepping back.

He barely held back his instinct. “Shou... Shou Ye?”

Shou Ye's face was full of cold intent as he pointed at the Chuan Dao Jing and said gravely:

“Xu Yue Hui Gong, I know you're watching.”

“Whether it's the main war faction or the conservatives, send someone over right now to negotiate with my Tian Shang First Tower.”

“Once we discuss the ghost beasts and the ghost beast contract, we can talk about further cooperation. Otherwise, your Greedy God lord is in my hands right now...”

He left it at that.

Feng Zhongzui's hand trembled, sensing something was wrong. He turned uneasily to the family head behind him.

Feng Tingchen's face was already one of despair as he closed his eyes heavily.

It was unavoidable!

After hiding for so long, Xu Xiaoshou's single statement dragged the entire Feng family into it—was linking ghost beasts not a mistake?

Anything to do with ghost beasts was a mistake!

Or perhaps...

Was it unintentional on Shou Ye's part?

No! This guy was too sharp.

Feng Tingchen had studied him and knew he was no ordinary person.

It was just... the tide of events, inevitable. When the calamity comes, who can escape unscathed?

The viewers in front of the Chuan Dao Jing across the five domains were first stunned, then excited, like they'd bitten into a huge scoop of gossip.

The audience wasn't just ancient Jian Xiu—compared to Ling Shi, they were a minority.

Most were just nosy people, especially Ling Shi who loved spreading the latest hot topics!

Everyone had been caught up in the absurdity of Shou Ye meowing, but suddenly the tone shifted—Shou Ye brought up global affairs.

He even openly emphasized his “cooperation” with Xu Yue Hui Gong and that he'd contracted their “Greedy God lord”...

If there was nothing between his Tian Shang First Tower and the ghost beast powerhouse Xu Yue Hui Gong, could the five domains believe it? Could Sheng Shen Hall pretend nothing happened?

It was an open scheme!

The shrewd ones could see from Shou Ye's words that he was forcibly tying Xu Yue Hui Gong to his Tian Shang First Tower's chariot.

Those who didn't get it were still pondering the term “ghost beast”...

They heard it could kill you just by touching it?

Or even hearing it?

Was that for real?

On the skies above Yu Jing City, Feng Zhongzui felt the air turn icy. Shou Ye could joke about it, but he couldn't.

This scene was too intense for a junior like him.

Was this leading to a world war...?

Fortunately, the family head saw through the young man's discomfort and swooped in, snatching the Chuan Dao Jing away.

Feng Zhongzui was relieved and quickly stepped back, starting to seriously observe and learn how the family head handled this crisis.

“Heh, Shou Ye, we're in the middle of the Qi Jian Xian battle. The Chuan Dao Jing is for the world, but some things need to be handled carefully...”

“Family Head Feng? Is that what Feng Zhongzui calls you?”

“...Yes.”

“Good, Family Head Feng, are you trying to restrict my freedom of speech?”

“Uh, no, it's just...”

“If not, then it's fine. Since the Chuan Dao Jing is open, let me borrow it. Why be so stingy, Family Head Feng meow?”

“Heh, alright, alright... The Qi Jian Xian battle is about the Jian Xian. We Feng family members and the Chuan Dao Jing are secondary. As the saying goes, the guest follows the host. We Feng family won't force anything...”

Feng Zhongzui saw the family head start to sweat.

“No, no!”

Then Shou Ye threw his arm around the family head, speaking like an old friend: “Family Head Feng, Feng Zhongzui is a friend of my life-and-death buddy Xiao Wanfeng. By that logic, the Feng family is basically my Xu's friend too.”

Feng Tingchen was stunned, turning to look at the boy behind him.

Feng Zhongzui felt a jolt like electricity on his back, killing intent closing in, a sense of doom.

I swear!

It was just a little rapport-building move earlier.

Which ancient Jian Xiu in the five domains wouldn't want to chat with Shou Ye?

And I only shared a meal with Xiao Wanfeng, Family Head, you have to see that!

But saying that now was useless... Feng Zhongzui slumped, disheartened. How did mentioning Shou Ye get me dragged in?

Then, his mind flashed back to that drink at Hua Yue Tower and Xiao Wanfeng's words:

“Xu Shao?”

“Xu Shao is quite the character...”

Yeah, quite the character.

I'm about to be “characterized” to death by him, Xiao Wanfeng.

It wasn't over yet!

In mid-air, Feng Tingchen clutched the Chuan Dao Jing, trying to block the view but couldn't stop the sound. With Shou Ye's arm around his shoulder, his aura suppressed, he was trembling.

Shou Ye grabbed the mirror from his embrace, holding it up for a selfie of their faces:

“Family Head Feng, you're acquainted with Mei Si, and I'm his student.”

“So, not just this generation, even the previous one has deep ties between us!”

“How could my Tian Shang First Tower and Nan Yu's Feng family be strangers? We're as close as family!”

Feng Tingchen glanced at the faintly reflective Chuan Dao Jing above, seeing the image of Nan Yu's Feng family and Tian Shang First Tower being chummy. His face turned green.

“Not close, not close at all...”

This crisis avoidance was impossible—maybe an emergency retreat... no, shutdown.

“Since the Jian Xian battle is over, keeping the Chuan Dao Jing open uses a lot of energy. Shou Ye, give it back so we can close it first.”

“Where's the closeness?” Xu Xiaoshou wouldn't let up. He pulled away and pointed toward Gui Zhe Sheng Mountain, declaring: “Even Dao Xuanji and Dao Qiong Cang's blood ties don't seem as close as my Tian Shang First Tower and your Nan Yu Feng family!”

“At least, I won't betray you, and your Feng family won't stop my natural right to free speech, right meow?”

Feng Tingchen lunged forward.

Xu Xiaoshou held up the Chuan Dao Jing, capturing the disheveled “Family Head Feng” in full view.

The latter paused instinctively, smoothing his hair, then realized what Xu Xiaoshou had said. His face went pale, his hand shaking with rage.

“Pfft.”

Xu Xiaoshou was nearly dying of laughter.

For a reserved Jian Xiu who cared about image, this Chuan Dao Jing was more controlling than Mu Xia Jie Mo!

Even like this, you're still fixing your hair?

“Shou Ye, spare this old man. The Feng family can't handle more trouble...”

Feng Tingchen couldn't hold it together anymore.

He couldn't act, couldn't not act.

He looked pleadingly at Mei Si, only to see the man focused on tending to the injured and unconscious Bei Bei with several Ban Sheng from Sheng Shen Hall.

Fine!

A nest of snakes and rats!

If he'd known the Feng family would face this disaster, he never would've brought the Chuan Dao Jing or Feng Zhongzui here for Shou Ye's trial by words!

Feng Tingchen's face was full of despair.

The people watching the Chuan Dao Jing across the five domains were stunned.

They'd heard Shou Ye was sharp-tongued, but rumors paled next to seeing it.

In just a few words, he dragged two major Nan Yu forces into the mess. Whether it succeeded was one thing, but timing it...

Right in this sensitive period when Xuanji Hall master threatened to march south!

There was substance to it!

After this buildup, with the Jian Xian first battle in Yu Jing City, the five domains were buzzing about the Sheng Nu and Sheng Shen Hall war. All sorts of news flew around.

By now, stories of Dao Xuanji “spouting nonsense,” “being cut in two,” and “hiding in Sheng Mountain” had spread far and wide.

Shou Ye's name was household famous.

And now, winning the first battle with Tian Jie defeating Tian Jie pushed his momentum to the peak.

Few noticed...

Fame had quietly swelled, like a virus spreading to Zhong Yu!

Back in the original Yu Jing City skies.

The very involved Xu Xiaoshou realized that through the Chuan Dao Jing, he couldn't pull in any passive points, so it was faster to draw from Yu Jing City's people directly. He quickly tossed the Chuan Dao Jing back to Feng Tingchen.

“Don't close it yet.”

“This is just the first battle.”

No passive points, but “fame” was there—he could sense it!

After this Jian Xian first battle, plus mentioning Xu Yue Hui Gong and Nan Yu Feng family, Xu Xiaoshou could almost see the faint energy of “fame” drifting in from all directions, stronger than before by who knows how many times!

Fame nourishes the sword and the person.

As that endless “energy” was constantly absorbed and digested, Xu Xiaoshou suddenly felt his Qi Hai tremble, as if breaking free from some restraint. A profound sensation arose.

“Bzzz bzzz bzzz...”

In that instant, several Dao Pan virtual shadows bloomed around him—life, space, arrays, swords, techniques, fire... all extraordinarily beautiful!

Feng Tingchen, who had just grabbed the Chuan Dao Jing to shut it off, froze and looked over, seeing the surging Qi Hai, the radiant body, and the illusory mystic array diagrams swirling around Shou Ye.

His eyes nearly bulged.

“What's going on?”

“Is he about to break through?”

Thanks to Bei Yu genius Jiang Nayi's ten thousand rewards for Bei Bei! Bei Bei has been beaten to pieces, Bei Bei is aggrieved, Bei Bei can't speak anymore...

(End of chapter)