Ch. 94 - To Fight or Not To Fight?

“I’ve often heard that the True Martial Sacred Ground is the greatest sect in the Western Region, and I’ve always held it in deep admiration,” Mo Lei said calmly. “I’ve trained for years, always hoping to spar with a disciple of the Sacred Ground, yet never had the chance.

“Now that I finally have the opportunity, may I be allowed to experience the strength of a Sacred Ground disciple?”

Upon hearing this, Grand Grand Elder Tianzhen subtly glanced at Luo Changhe. He wasn’t sure if this request came from the disciple’s own initiative, or if it was a deliberate provocation by Luo Changhe.

The difference between the two was... quite intriguing.

“Insolence! The Sacred Ground is only here to observe our inner court competition, not for sect-to-sect sparring. It's not your place to make such suggestions,” Luo Changhe exclaimed angrily, clearly startled.

He hadn’t expected Mo Lei to be so bold. Even if sparring were the goal, it should wait for an official inter-sect competition, not be challenged so directly like this. That came off as outright provocation against the True Martial Sacred Ground.

Though the Sacred Spring Sect was powerful, there was still a large gap between them and the imperial lineages, especially one like the True Martial Sacred Ground, a sect that had produced four Grand Emperors.

Luo Changhe, though not one to flatter power, didn’t want to offend such a behemoth.

“It’s no matter,” Grand Elder Tianzhen interrupted with a smile. “I actually support sparring between disciples. It reminds our own that there's always someone stronger out there, and that just bearing the Sacred Ground's name doesn’t mean they can act above others.

“It’s just unfortunate... I only brought our core disciples with me this time. I’m afraid you’re no match for them.”

Luang and Cai Yufei were both already at the Paragon Meridian Realm, while Mo Lei was only at the True Meridian Realm. It would feel too much like bullying.

As for Xu Zimo and Little Gui, Grand Elder Tianzhen hadn’t even considered them, one was unremarkable among the inner disciples, and the other had only recently begun cultivation.

“If it’s not convenient, then forget I said anything. My apologies, I spoke out of turn,” Mo Lei quickly added.

His challenge to the True Martial Sacred Ground had two purposes. First, to establish dominance.

Having defeated Luo Yifeng, the top inner disciple, his prestige was already high. If he could also defeat a disciple of the Sacred Ground, his standing within the sect would be solidified.

Second, it was to prove something to himself. Years ago, the first sect he applied to was the True Martial Sacred Ground. But due to his low talent, he was rejected.

He eventually ended up at the Sacred Spring Sect, and by chance inherited the legacy of the True Fool Sage.

“How about I give it a try?” Just as Mo Lei was preparing to step down, Xu Zimo suddenly stood and spoke.

Amid surprised looks, he walked step by step from the audience seating to the main area.

“Grand Elder Tianzhen, would it be alright if I stepped in?” Xu Zimo asked with a smile.

Grand Elder Tianzhen stared at him for a moment, then nodded. “Very well. Keep it friendly, just a spar.”

In truth, Grand Elder Tianzhen didn’t want Xu Zimo to fight. Xu Zimo had only recently started cultivating; there was no need for him to play the hero.

Even if this was only a friendly match, it still reflected on the sect’s reputation.

…

“You’ve just fought a hard battle. I’ll give you a moment to rest,” Xu Zimo said, then walked up to the dueling stage.

Sometimes, fate really does repeat itself. In his previous life, Mo Lei also challenged the Sacred Ground after winning his tournament.

Back then, Xu Zimo had just started cultivating and was only at the early Meridian Forging Realm, unable to accept the challenge. The matter was left unresolved.

But this time, he felt it was necessary to teach Mo Lei a lesson. Not for glory or honor, but simply because, as a disciple of the True Martial Sacred Ground, he couldn’t back down and allow himself to be looked down upon.

…

“No need. That last fight didn’t use up much,” Mo Lei said, shaking his head.

Hearing this, Luo Yifeng, who was still healing nearby, nearly coughed up more blood out of anger.

It was bad enough to be defeated, but now the victor made it sound like the battle had been effortless, as if Luo wasn’t even worthy of being a rival.

“Young people tend to be fiery, I understand. But don’t force yourself. Show me your best, that’s also a form of respect toward me,” Xu Zimo said with a smile. “Take a short rest. I don’t want anyone to say I won unfairly.”

Mo Lei gave him a long look, then nodded and sat cross-legged to begin recuperating.

The previous battle had indeed taken its toll. The reason he initially refused Xu Zimo was because he felt the gesture was condescending, but now he understood it wasn’t meant that way.

…

A massive Blue Luan Bird was flying toward the True Martial Sacred Ground, covering the sky.

This colossal sect, seated in the far western region, had ruled for millennia since it was founded by Grand Emperor Zhen Wu. Its centuries of peace were about to be disrupted for the first time.

A mighty sacred pressure radiated from the bird. Elder Xianyun stood in mid-air, waves rippling through the space around her.

Every disciple in the sect could feel the vast force pressing upon them.

“Who dares invade my Sacred Ground?” a deep, ancient voice boomed through the sect.

Several powerful auras burst into the sky, instantly pushing down Xianyun’s sacred pressure.

“I’ve only come to seek justice,” Elder Xianyun said, her face changing slightly, though her presence remained unwavering as she stood atop the bird’s head.

As her words fell, a subtle change in the surrounding Dao rhythm could be felt.

All the gathered auras suddenly vanished. It was as if space and time itself had frozen.

On a distant mountain peak, Xu Qingshan stood in green robes, like a scholar walking out of a misty landscape painting.

His robe fluttered in the wind, his long hair tied neatly. With each step, he seemed to bridge entire realms as he slowly walked forward.

With one step into the void, he who had been on a distant peak a moment ago, now, within a blink, stood before the Blue Luan.

“Lord Xu, I’m here to inquire about the matter concerning our sect’s saintess,” Elder Xianyun said with a calm expression.

“I don’t care for your explanations,” Xu Qingshan replied flatly. “If you’ve come seeking an answer, come as a guest.

“If you’ve come on behalf of the Immortal Spirit Sect to declare war on my True Martial Sacred Ground, then I accept.”

Elder Xianyun’s expression shifted slightly but remained firm. “I only came to ask about the saintess.”

“I’ll ask only once, do you want war or not?” Xu Qingshan said coldly. “If not, mind your tone.

“If yes, then today, I’ll wipe the Immortal Spirit Sect off the face of the Western Region. Unless Grand Emperor Wu Chen descends, know this, my True Martial Sacred Ground is not without Grand Emperors of our own.”

As Xu Qingshan finished speaking, the calm aura around him shifted. A vast, imperial power, like that of a sovereign overlord, exploded from his body, blanketing the entire sky.

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