Chapter 1201: Obsessive Love

I vaguely remember that when Xu Yang first emerged to issue his challenge, no one around him bothered to spare him a glance. Yet now, just over ten minutes later, as he once again broke free from the blood pool and landed on the shore, every gaze within the entire building was fixed on him, unable to look away.

At the same time, he shed all his disguises, revealing his unparalleled, perfect physique. His handsome figure and face left a deep impression on everyone present.

Among them were several renowned female cultivators, each openly displaying infatuated admiration for Xu Yang. A few bolder ones even stood nearby, repeatedly calling his name and casting flirtatious glances his way.

Xu Yang, however, regarded these gestures as fleeting clouds. He merely responded with a polite smile before adopting a serious demeanor once more, gazing coldly at Jian Yunqing, who stood not far away.

"Master Jian, regardless of anything else, my sword challenge today was a complete success. I, Xu Yang, owe you a favor, so I will not harm you in the slightest. Although I destroyed your Lifesword, I did not injure your body. So, we are even."

Jian Yunqing stood rooted for a long time, speechless. It wasn't that he didn't want to retort to Xu Yang; it was just that the previous confrontation had severely impacted his meridians. Although Xu Yang had kept his promise not to harm his body, the shock to his cultivation foundation was immense.

For at least three months, and possibly up to half a year, Jian Yunqing would be unable to use any of his powers. Otherwise, it would cause irreversible permanent damage to his body.

At the very least, his participation in today's Sword Lodge Challenge was over; his battle had ended prematurely.

"You speak clearly enough, yet you think smashing our Sword Sect's reputation will simply be brushed aside?" The Fourth Prince, with a cold expression, leaped down from the high platform, landing on the ground, and questioned Xu Yang icily.

However, given his status and strength, nothing he said now could attract significant attention from the crowd. In a situation like this, the Fourth Prince's abilities were simply not enough to even qualify him to speak to Xu Yang.

"Though you are a prince, I am currently speaking with the Sword Sect Master as a challenger. You don't seem to have the right to interject, do you? Moreover, I have not overstepped any boundaries from start to finish. During the challenge just now, I received the Sword Master's approval, and everything was done according to the rules.

The Sword Master also stated earlier that I could freely unleash my spiritual energy during the challenge. As for why it summoned the seven famous swords you had sealed within the blood pool? That is not my concern; you should ask your sect master. If there's nothing else, we'll be leaving now."

As Xu Yang finished speaking, he gave a look to the Fifth Prince beside him, and the members of the Eight Gates team gathered around. "Hahaha, Boss, you've truly made a name for yourself today! It seems that from now on, the title of Sword Saint of Yingzhou Continent will surely fall to you. The Sword Sect lineage will no longer have any standing in the martial world; their reputation has been utterly shattered by your hands."

Crow and Crab, not one to shy away from trouble, wantonly humiliated the elderly Jian Yunqing with such mockery in front of all the heroes present. Old Man Jian Yunqing had been completely defeated by Xu Yang, and no matter how much resentment he harbored, he had no right to retort.

Just as Xu Yang was about to swagger away, accompanied by the Fifth Prince and others, the Sixth Prince's panicked voice suddenly rang out from behind the crowd. It was at this moment that the Sixth Prince caught a glimpse of Xiao Hua, who had been cloaked throughout the entire process, from her profile.

After all, Xiao Hua had now acquired the physical body of Lady Qingcheng, and how could Lady Qingcheng's distinctive face be overlooked by the Sixth Prince?

One must remember that while Lady Qingcheng had a sensational romance with the Third Prince back then, in the Sixth Prince's heart, she was always the woman he loved most in his life. The woman who had filled his thoughts and dreams countless times had become the eternal pain of his existence. He had never dreamed he would see Lady Qingcheng's face again inside this building today.

In his desperation, the moment his gaze fell upon Xiao Hua's profile, he suddenly erupted without warning, transforming into a streak of light and darting to the front of the group consisting of the Fifth Prince, Xu Yang, and others. He stood there, his eyes fixed intently on Xiao Hua.

Xiao Hua naturally realized the predicament. She had forgotten to ask Xu Yang to cast a disguise spell on her, which was why she had attempted to conceal her face with a cloak. She certainly hadn't wanted the Sixth Prince to inadvertently spot her vulnerability just now.

Perhaps because that woman was so profoundly important to the Sixth Prince, even a subtle expression, a smile, or merely a glance from her—even without clearly seeing her features or face—was enough for him to instantly recognize the true owner of this current physical form.

"Qingcheng, is that really you? It's Old Six! Do you still remember me? How could you possibly be here? I couldn't possibly be mistaken! What on earth is going on? You've actually been resurrected!"

Upon hearing Old Six's nearly frantic voice, the other princes and nobles all turned their gazes towards them, indeed focusing their attention on Xiao Hua. At this point, no compensatory action Xiao Hua might take would be of any use.

Xu Yang, of course, understood that Xiao Hua's primary thought at this moment was to avoid any commotion and quickly escape the Sword Lodge. Therefore, he stepped forward a few paces, blocking Xiao Hua.

"Your Highness, the Sixth Prince, you must be mistaken. This is Xiao Hua, my companion. She is certainly not your so-called Lady Qingcheng." The Sixth Prince had completely lost his mind. He no longer cared what consequences angering Xu Yang might bring; he was solely intent on seeing the true face beneath Xiao Hua's cloak.

For him, even losing the Central Domain imperial family's empire would be worth it if he could just see that woman again and tell her what he had kept hidden in his heart for countless years. He would have no regrets.

"Fine, since you've seen it, there's nothing more to hide." Xiao Hua, having a sudden idea, sent a spiritual message to Xu Yang. Then, with Xu Yang's cooperation, she put on an act.