The fourth day of the Martial Arts Tournament arrived, and with it, the final match.
On this day, the tournament grounds were more crowded than ever.
The crowd included the participants who had already been eliminated, the Law Enforcement Disciples of Saintess Mountain tasked with maintaining order, and the Saintess and Elder Zhong, who always appeared on the final day of the tournament.
In addition to these familiar faces, representatives from the Divine Maiden Palace, Lingyun Pavilion, Hundred Flowers Valley, and even the Gu Family had come to watch.
Each group wore their respective family or sect attire, immediately drawing everyone’s attention the moment they appeared.
“Hey, isn’t that the Eldest Senior Sister of the Divine Maiden Palace? I heard that after the Divine Maiden’s Demise, she became the strongest candidate for the position of the next Divine Maiden.”
“I never expected the Divine Maiden Palace to pay attention to this duel. To think they would send their strongest candidate.”
“It seems the Divine Maiden Palace is very interested in this match.”
***
The first group to appear was a troupe of female cultivators dressed in snow-white robes. Their sleeves and collars were embroidered with pale golden clouds.
Every one of them was a youthful, graceful beauty. They strode toward the high platform with pride, their long, porcelain-white legs moving in unison.
Among them, the most eye-catching was undoubtedly the Eldest Senior Sister of the Divine Maiden Palace.
Her name was Feng Qing’er.
She wore her long hair up, secured by a golden hairpin. She had a beautiful oval face, and the light pink eyeshadow at the corners of her eyes gave her an air of seductive charm.
Her legs were long and fair, encased in glossy black stockings that shimmered whenever the light hit them.
As Feng Qing’er and her disciples appeared, the spectators immediately parted to make a path for them.
Following closely behind was the group from Lingyun Pavilion.
Representing Lingyun Pavilion were Ling Yunfeng, the son of the Pavilion Master, and his sister, Ling Yuyan.
The two had appeared as participants in the tournament before, so their arrival was not as surprising to the crowd as that of the Divine Maiden Palace.
However, unlike previous times, Ling Yunfeng was not surrounded by beautiful women. He was only accompanied by his sister and several disciples.
Still, the crowd sensibly opened a path leading to the high platform for them.
The onlookers had a fair bit to say about the siblings from the Ling Family.
“The Ling siblings? Looking at their presence, they must be here to represent Lingyun Pavilion.”
“I heard the Second Young Miss of the Ling Family has a thing with that Nameless! Do you think they’re here to support the Ling Family’s future son-in-law?”
“No way. Isn’t Lingyun Pavilion supposed to form a marriage alliance with Hundred Flowers Valley? Why would the Second Young Miss be involved with Nameless?”
“Haha, your news is too outdated. I’m actually more curious about how Gu Ziye is feeling right now. Not only was his hand broken by Nameless, but his fiancée was also snatched away by him.”
“Hahaha, how pathetic.”
***
Upon hearing the claim that she ‘had a thing’ with Nameless, Ling Yuyan, who was walking right behind Ling Yunfeng, almost lost her composure. She wanted to break rank and tear into those gossiping idiots.
‘What do you mean “having a thing”?! Nameless and I are an engaged couple!!’
Ling Yuyan’s temper flared, but fortunately, Ling Yunfeng noticed and stopped her in time.
“Little sister.”
Ling Yunfeng called out to her just as she was about to act. He shook his head slightly, and she was forced to stand down. She continued following him toward the high platform.
After the arrival of the Divine Maiden Palace and Lingyun Pavilion, the group from Hundred Flowers Valley — who was currently at the center of the storm — finally appeared.
As soon as they emerged, the people who had been laughing at Gu Ziye immediately shut their mouths. Silence fell over the crowd because the man leading the Hundred Flowers Valley disciples was none other than the Valley Master himself, Gu Tianba.
Gu Tianba wore green robes. His hair was graying at the temples, and he sported a long beard. Despite his somber, aged face, his eyes were incredibly sharp. A single glance from him was enough to scare off most ordinary people, and his intimidating aura spoke for itself.
Behind him followed several disciples of Hundred Flowers Valley.
Although the crowd did not dare to talk loudly in his presence, they continued to whisper among themselves.
“The Valley Master of Hundred Flowers Valley came in person? For an Outer Disciple Martial Arts Tournament at Saintess Mountain? How could this event possibly attract such a giant?”
“I doubt his mind is on the competition. He’s probably here to vent his anger on behalf of his precious son.”
“Wow — a senior bullying a junior? The Valley Master of Hundred Flowers Valley is too shameless.”
“You’re only realizing this now? Among the five great forces of the Righteous Path Alliance, the Valley Master of Hundred Flowers Valley is the most shameless of them all.”
***
Following the arrival of Hundred Flowers Valley, an inconspicuous old man stepped onto the high platform.
Unlike the three major forces — the Divine Maiden Palace, Lingyun Pavilion, and Hundred Flowers Valley — this old man did not bring anyone with him. Furthermore, his appearance was incredibly ordinary. His body was slightly hunched, yet his eyes were different from those of most elderly people. They were not cloudy but were instead filled with vitality and spirit.
Many people were puzzled by his presence on the platform, unsure of his identity.
However, someone in the crowd beneath the platform eventually recognized him.
“He’s from the Gu Family. That’s Butler Li.”
“The other three major forces sent prominent figures. Why did the Gu Family only send a butler? Have they run out of people?”
“Wrong. Butler Li’s status in the Gu Family is anything but ordinary. He isn’t just a simple butler. Within the Gu Family, he is a figure capable of immense influence. Even the head of the Gu Family addresses him as Mr. Li when they meet.”
“Damn, the Gu Family actually sent a heavyweight!”
“I think the Gu Family should have sent the Alliance Leader. If he were here, this tournament would be explosive.”
“The Alliance Leader… there are rumors that he was injured. At that time, the Gu Family was quick to debunk it, claiming it was fake news and that they would punish those spreading rumors. But who knows? Regardless, he hasn’t shown his face in a long time.”
“Besides, the Gu Family is past its prime. Otherwise, how could they stay so silent about the news of the alliance between Lingyun Pavilion and Hundred Flowers Valley? That alliance would overturn the current balance of power.”
“The former leader of the five great forces is about to fall from grace. It feels like a storm is coming.”
***
The gathering of the five great forces of the Righteous Path Alliance sent a wave of excitement through the crowd. This was a rare and grand occasion.
Of course, in addition to the five great forces, some small and medium-sized sects had also come to watch. However, since they lacked influence, no one paid them much attention — such as the Sword Sect and the Saber Sect.
These smaller sects were not qualified to sit on the high platform and could only mingle within the crowd.
***
On the high platform, Shen Lingxi sat in the center seat. To her left sat the Eldest Senior Sister of the Divine Maiden Palace, Feng Qing’er, while Butler Li of the Gu Family sat to her right. To the right of Butler Li sat the Valley Master of Hundred Flowers Valley, and to the left of Feng Qing’er sat the siblings of the Ling Family.
As for Elder Zhong, his status did not grant him a seat; he could only stand behind Shen Lingxi.
Shen Lingxi’s face was as cold as frost, and she remained silent.
Last night, after she had bid farewell to Gu Ming and returned to Saintess Mountain, she was stunned to receive news that the other four forces would be attending the tournament today.
‘What are all these people trying to do? Why are they joining in on this commotion?!’
She was infuriated. This turn of events was completely beyond her expectations, but she could not refuse them. She could only hope that these people would not cause any trouble.