Chapter 367: The Last Battle

On the platform of Jumang Daoist Academy, Zongzi, looking worried, asked Wenren Xuewei, who was beside him.

“No, not at all. I just wanted to build a good relationship.”

Wenren Xuewei said something that puzzled Zongzi, but he didn't press further. Since it wasn't because of any other reason that they couldn't arrive, it was no longer their concern as the organizers.

“President, time is almost up.”

Chen Mobai heard Zhuang Jialan’s words, took out his phone, and checked it.

4:50 PM.

The sparring session was from 9 AM to 5 PM, and with only ten minutes left, this final day was drawing to a close.

Chen Mobai frowned slightly. He naturally didn't believe Pei Qingshuang was afraid to fight, but why wasn't she here?

However, now wasn't the time to dwell on such thoughts. Since he had come today, he had to have a match. With Pei Qingshuang absent, he could challenge the Jumang Daoist Academy's chief disciple whom he had previously missed.

“Senior Zong, may I ask for some guidance on the field?”

Chen Mobai was still focused on achieving the feat of defeating the chief disciples of the three major Daoist academies. Seeing no sign of Pei Qingshuang, he simply challenged Zongzi directly.

“I’m no match for you. Let’s just say I concede this match.”

However, Zongzi cared even less about superficial fame. After accepting Chen Mobai’s challenge, he immediately conceded, thus completing all of Chen Mobai’s achievements in this offline sparring session among the Daoist academies.

Time quickly reached the last minute.

But Pei Qingshuang still did not appear.

“This sparring session has officially concluded. The first-place team is Wuqi Daoist Academy!”

After the 5 o’clock bell rang, Zongzi, as the host, stepped forward and announced the final rankings and scores.

With three cultivators at the ninth level of Foundation Establishment, including Chen Mobai and Bian Jingchun, it would have been illogical for Wuqi Daoist Academy not to claim first place in the team competition.

However, besides the team championship, the most prestigious individual first place, widely recognized by the Immortal Sect community, also went to Wuqi Daoist Academy.

“The individual first-place winner will receive a cup of Enlightenment Tea provided by my Jumang Daoist Academy. Chief Chen of Wuqi Daoist Academy, I will come to pick you up tomorrow to collect your reward.”

As soon as Zongzi finished speaking, the crowd erupted in discussions, their voices filled with envy.

However, Chen Mobai’s combat prowess was indeed unparalleled, and everyone acknowledged it, believing that the Enlightenment Tea rightfully belonged to him.

“Enlightenment Tea, of all things! I didn’t expect Jumang Daoist Academy to offer such a treasure this time.”

Upon hearing about the reward, Bian Jingchun’s eyes gleamed with longing.

Even Golden Core True Immortals would covet this item. Her Lunar Dragon Transformation Scripture still required significant subtle modifications to better suit her spiritual root and physique. If aided by Enlightenment Tea, it could save her at least a dozen years.

At this point, Zongzi announced two more prizes: the Grand Chun Flower and the Rejuvenation Dew.

This again drew a wave of envy.

Originally, the Grand Chun Flower should have gone to Pei Qingshuang, but because she hadn’t appeared today and didn’t complete the minimum ten sparring matches, she was disqualified. The prize was therefore passed on to Wenren Xuewei, who came in second place individually.

The third place went to Qi Huanzhi of Kunpeng Daoist Academy.

Among the top ten on the Foundation Ranking, Xiahou Weihuan and Lou Fengcheng, after being defeated by Chen Mobai, did not participate in any further sparring sessions. Like Pei Qingshuang, they were considered to have automatically forfeited their rewards.

However, Jumang Daoist Academy had still prepared another consolation prize for the remaining True Cultivators at Foundation Establishment among the top ten.

Each of them received a second-tier Wood Spirit Talisman.

This Wood Spirit Talisman, when worn, had long-lasting effects and could increase one’s Wood spiritual root by 5 points.

“The talisman’s effect should last for about thirty years.”

Zhuang Jialan, a second-tier talisman crafter, observed the Wood Spirit Talisman in Bian Jingchun’s hand and drew her conclusion.

“That’s quite good then,” Chen Mobai said casually, though his gaze involuntarily drifted towards Wenren Xuewei. A fifth-tier Wood Spirit Talisman, after all, could grant a cultivator a Heavenly Wood spiritual root.

“Pei Qingshuang is here!”

Just as the crowd was preparing to disperse, a tall, slender figure slowly walked over. With heroic eyebrows and a dashing demeanor, it was indeed Pei Qingshuang.

The moment they saw her approaching, people couldn’t help but exclaim in surprise.

Why did she only show up after it was over?

As people discussed animatedly, Pei Qingshuang landed on the surface of the lake, stepped into a circular arena, and then unbuckled the ancient and elegant Azure Frost Sword from her waist.

She released her grip on the sword, and the sword itself floated suspended in mid-air.

“My apologies, the unsealing took longer than I expected.”

Pei Qingshuang was dressed in a dark green military uniform, with tight, deep green trousers and knee-high black boots that accentuated her well-formed, long legs.

“Senior Pei, time is already up.”

On the platform of Jumang Daoist Academy, Zongzi could only steel himself to remind her. As the host, he had to ensure everything followed the rules.

“I know. Since I didn’t make it on time, I suppose I’ve forfeited the match.”

Pei Qingshuang’s words caused many to nod slightly. Among the Immortal Sect, rules were paramount.

“Now, in my personal capacity, I challenge Chief Chen of Wuqi Daoist Academy.”

At that moment, Pei Qingshuang suddenly uttered words that caused an uproar among the crowd.

In an instant, all eyes turned to Chen Mobai.

Everyone believed that with the combat victor’s confidence and pride, he would surely accept the challenge.

This meant they would still get to witness this peak showdown today.

But to everyone’s surprise, Chen Mobai outright refused.

“Why?”

Pei Qingshuang clearly hadn’t expected this. Her eyes widened, and with a powerful push of her long legs, she directly landed on the platform of Wuqi Daoist Academy.

“It’s time for dinner, and Qing Nü is waiting for me to feed her. I’m worried she’ll be hungry.”

Chen Mobai’s matter-of-fact statement left Pei Qingshuang speechless.

“If you want to fight, wait until I’ve finished dinner.”

“What time?”

“We’ll see. Just wait.”

After saying this, Chen Mobai, disregarding the open-mouthed, admiring expressions of the crowd, leisurely stepped off the platform and left the island in the lake.

“Go, go, go! Quickly grab a bite to eat, then rush back. We can’t miss this duel!”

“Eat what? As Foundation Establishment True Cultivators, we can go days without eating. I’ll just wait here.”

“Right, right, right! But I didn’t expect the combat victor to be so fond of food.”

“What do you know? Didn’t you hear him? The crucial thing is that someone is waiting for him for dinner.”

“Who is this person named Qing Nü?”

“I happen to have heard of her. I learned about her when I was looking into the combat victor’s past. This woman is a Heavenly Spiritual Root from Jumang Daoist Academy…”

Before long, the remaining hundred-plus Foundation Establishment True Cultivators had all started to gossip.

Upon learning that Chen Mobai and Qing Nü had been together since high school, they couldn’t help but exclaim that indeed, talents were drawn to each other.

Of course, many also noticed Pei Qingshuang, the talented sword cultivator from Shanhai Academy. She stood with her head bowed, clenching and unclenching her fists, but ultimately could only watch Chen Mobai leave.

However, she then landed on the lake surface, standing in the center of the circular arena.

The Azure Frost Sword continued to float with her, suspended in the air.

Inside the alchemy room.

Chen Mobai and Qing Nü were enjoying their packed, exquisite dinner of three dishes and one soup when they suddenly noticed an unexpected guest outside the door.

“I didn’t expect it to be Senior Wenren. Would you like to join us for a bite?”

As Chen Mobai spoke, he gestured towards the empty seat.

“We don’t have any more chopsticks,” Qing Nü interjected.

“I appreciate the offer, but I came to explain why Cui’er was late today.”

“Oh, is there something more to it? Didn’t Senior Pei say that the unsealing of her sword took longer than expected?”

Wenren Xuewei shook her head slightly, then sat down under Qing Nü’s gaze and began to explain.

“Actually, she had already unsealed part of the Azure Frost Sword’s power last night. The reason she intentionally arrived late today was because she listened to my advice and wanted to form a good connection with you, Junior Chen.”

“A good connection?”

Chen Mobai looked puzzled, still not understanding.

“The outcome of a fight between you two is uncertain, but the Enlightenment Tea has the best effect on those who have never consumed it before. If she was late, the first-place prize would definitely be yours.”

Upon hearing this, Chen Mobai finally understood Wenren Xuewei’s intentions.

“Why would I need her to give me my reward!”

Chen Mobai put down his bowl and chopsticks, stating calmly.

Wenren Xuewei was slightly taken aback by this, but then she shook her head with a wry smile and began to explain.

“The Enlightenment Tea will have a greater effect on you than on her. You possess the potential for Spirit Transformation, and the Immortal Sect is already preparing to open new worlds. With your talent in combat, you are very likely to soar during the World Creation War. Our gesture of goodwill today also has a selfish motive; we hope it can bring greater returns in the future.”

Hearing this, Chen Mobai was finally a bit surprised and taken aback.

“I truly didn’t expect you to have so much faith in me.”

Although Chen Mobai often spoke of his dream to become the master of the Immortal Sect and achieve Spirit Transformation, he possessed a very clear self-awareness. Just forming a Golden Core would already require exhausting all the resources and foundations he had accumulated in both realms, let alone forming a Nascent Soul, which he dared not even contemplate.

He hadn’t expected that people like Wenren Xuewei were so certain he would achieve great things in the future, already placing their bets early.

“Well then, I’ll take my leave.”

After speaking, Wenren Xuewei stood up and departed.

Before turning away, she subtly glanced at Qing Nü, who was quietly eating.

“What do you think?”

When they were alone, Chen Mobai asked Qing Nü. She paused for a moment, then chewed and swallowed the spirit rice in her mouth before slowly speaking.

“Goodwill is always better than malice. In the vast system of the Immortal Sect, unless one is a Spirit Transformation Grand Ancestor, everyone needs to cultivate connections to progress more smoothly in their cultivation.”

“That makes sense,” Chen Mobai nodded, indicating that Qing Nü’s thoughts were highly consistent with his own.

In any case, his Enlightenment Tea was now definitely secured.

He had originally intended not to fight Pei Qingshuang, as there was no real benefit, and he might even get injured.

However, since Wenren Xuewei had specifically come to explain, Chen Mobai couldn’t very well stand her up.

Oh well, consider it a bit more exercise.

“Be careful. Pei Qingshuang is no ordinary cultivator.”

After finishing and clearing their dishes, Chen Mobai was about to leave when Qing Nü spoke up to warn him.

“I know. Anyone who can make Lan Haitain wary must be very strong.”

“No, I mean her background is unusual. Her mother is True Monarch Taohua.”

Chen Mobai was instantly stunned upon hearing this.

No wonder she possessed a fourth-tier Azure Frost Sword and could drink Enlightenment Tea; she was actually the descendant of a Nascent Soul cultivator!

With thoughts swirling in his mind, Chen Mobai slowly arrived at the island in the lake.

He immediately saw Pei Qingshuang standing, sword suspended, in the center of the lake. He couldn’t help but clear all distracting thoughts and landed in the circular arena.

“My sword’s name is Azure Frost, inherited from the Sword Pavilion of Shanhai Academy, a high-grade fourth-tier weapon.”

Upon seeing Chen Mobai, Pei Qingshuang began the sword-calling ritual, as per the rules for sword cultivators.

She reached out and grasped the hilt of the Azure Frost Sword, which was suspended in mid-air. Immediately, a majestic and vast sword intent erupted, like a divine sword piercing the heavens, cleaving open the lake surface where she stood, revealing the gnarled tree roots and mud at the bottom.

Facing a fourth-tier flying sword, Chen Mobai habitually drew his own Flying Sparrow Hairpin.

Although the gap between second-tier and fourth-tier was enormous, he still drew his weapon.

However, Pei Qingshuang seemed unable to fully control the power of the Azure Frost Sword. Soon, her cheeks began to flush red, and the sword intent erupting from her body seemed to reach its peak. Then, her right hand released the hilt, the majestic sword intent sharply receded, and she herself became as ordinary as a sheathed longsword.

“My cultivation is limited; I can only draw forth four sword qi attacks from the Azure Frost Sword. If you can withstand all four, I will concede.”

Pei Qingshuang floated above the lake, her skin like ice and jade. An intensely cold, bone-chilling sword intent began to spread, accompanying her words. It was like a cold wave descending upon a road in the deep night, its penetrating chill impossible to block even with the thickest clothes.

“This is the first strike: Frost of White!”

As the onlookers shivered, Pei Qingshuang opened her five jade-like fingers on her right hand. A pure white cold current gathered in her palm, forming a chillingly white sword of qi.

The sword of qi streaked across the air. Wherever it passed, the entire lake surface began to freeze, and the frost even spread outwards.

In a flash, snowflakes began to drift from the sky.

This single sword strike could actually manipulate the weather phenomena!

Chen Mobai clearly perceived that this was sword qi, but its intensity was no longer inferior to his own sword essence.

He opened his mouth and spat out a sword pill, which had previously absorbed ten drops of liquid spiritual energy within his dantian and sea of qi. The moment it flew out, it fully erupted, a reddish-green stream of light shooting forth like a small, greenish-gold sun, meeting Pei Qingshuang’s Azure Frost Sword Qi.

Even though his sword essence was two ranks higher than the sword qi, in the clash between the two forces, his Azure Flame Sword Essence was surprisingly at a disadvantage.

Chen Mobai’s eyes flickered. He activated the Sun Ascension Art, further increasing the temperature of his sword essence.

Then, he clasped his hands together in a void-grasp. Dazzling blue lightning erupted from his ten fingers, instantly coalescing into a skull-sized ball of lightning that violently struck Pei Qingshuang’s unstoppable chilling white sword of qi.

Amidst a colossal roar,

The three third-tier powers erupted. In an instant, half of the entire arena was frozen, while the other half was vaporized.

Amidst this spectacular sight, Pei Qingshuang’s gaze grew even colder. Her entire being seemed to transform into a cold, ruthless divine sword. Carrying the Azure Frost Sword, she soared high. A chilling current gathered in her left palm, but this time, it condensed into pure black sword qi.

“Frost of Darkness!”