Chapter 26 - The Xuantian Sword Sect
a neutral organization established by the dynasty.
It mainly handles the changes and transmissions of the rankings.
As a major city, Xunyang City naturally has a branch of the Wanshang Pavilion here.
So many people choose to challenge the masters on the rankings at the Wanshang Pavilion.
At this moment, the square outside the Wanshang Pavilion was already packed with people.
Having been bored for so long, how could they miss out on a good show?
Moreover, many powerful families from Xunyang City had also come out.
“Do you think Yuan Nongbai can succeed in the challenge?”
Someone in the crowd asked.
“He can definitely do it! Yuan Nongbai is a disciple of the academy, at the ninth level of the True Qi Realm. How could he possibly lose to Feng Qinghe?”
“I don’t think so. If Yuan Nongbai were that capable, why hasn’t he made it onto the rankings yet?”
“That’s a good point; not every genius in this world is interested in the Potential Dragon Rankings.”
“True.”
Many people nodded in agreement.
“Besides, Yuan Nongbai is a disciple of the inner academy of Changle. His strength should surpass that of Feng Qinghe.”
In the eyes of the public, the academy’s training capabilities were always impeccable, far superior to any sect.
“What kind of outdated thinking is that? Nowadays, the sects are not that much weaker than the academy.”
Someone rebutted, “Just look at the major rankings; the positions occupied by sect masters already account for one-third, if not more!”
At this remark,
the crowd fell silent for a moment.
Indeed, looking at the rankings, the power of the sects had far surpassed previous times.
They could no longer view things with old perspectives.
Not far from the square, in a tavern.
The normally lively third floor was empty at this moment.
Only seven people were seated here.
From their attire, one could tell they were of extraordinary status.
“How interesting. I didn’t expect there to be a post-event feast today.”
Among the seven, a handsome young man in a python robe slowly put down his teacup, a faint smile gracing his lips.
“Yuan Nongbai must be a junior of the Yuan family, right?”
The handsome young man turned his gaze to a middle-aged man beside him.
This was the head of the Yuan family,
one of the top martial artists in Xunyang City.
At this moment, however, he was sitting respectfully, and upon hearing the question, he quickly stood up, smiling as he said, “The young generation is quite ambitious; I hope I haven’t disturbed the Ninth Prince.”
“How could it be? I’m just here to appreciate the talents of the Yuan family’s juniors,”
the Ninth Prince replied with a smile.
He had been in Xunyang City for several days.
Unfortunately, the most important Blood-Courage Marquis was not present. According to secret information, it would take a while longer, so he had to focus his attention on other noble families.
Though the Seven Counties of Changle were far from the imperial capital, they were near the eastern seas and south of the witchcraft regions, which fostered a strong martial culture and produced many strong individuals.
It was worth his effort to win them over.
Upon hearing this,
the other family heads exchanged glances, feeling some dissatisfaction.
How had they not thought of this?
Since they had decided to side with the Ninth Prince, they should have sent their juniors to gain face.
The noble families of Xunyang City had never been very interested in the rankings, especially the Potential Dragon Rankings, as they didn’t lack for such trivial things.
No wonder Yuan Nongbai had suddenly shown up today to put on such a show.
What a deep scheme!
“It is said that Feng Qinghe’s master is a Supreme Elder of the Xuantian Sword Sect. Yuan family head, be careful not to choose the wrong opponent.”
The head of the Wang family said with a hint of caution.
“A month ago, my son encountered someone ranked fifteenth on the Potential Dragon Rankings during training and won effortlessly.”
The head of the Yuan family stroked his beard, speaking confidently and proudly, “It’s just that it hasn’t been made public.”
Upon hearing this,
the head of the Wang family fell silent.
Feng Qinghe was only ranked seventeenth; if he could easily defeat someone ranked fifteenth, then Feng Qinghe should pose no problem.
It could be said that he was truly a cunning old fox.
Thinking things through and preparing adequately.
Around the square,
more and more people gathered.
Luo Mu and Cheng Qingman had also arrived.
“Junior Brother Luo, Junior Sister Cheng!”
Lin Rufeng waved at them.
Jiang Hai was also there. The two of them had just been out shopping when they heard someone was challenging the masters on the Potential Dragon Rankings, and naturally, they couldn’t miss it.
“What a coincidence.”
As the four of them gathered, Cheng Qingman remarked.
“Yeah, who would have thought it would actually be Yuan Nongbai?”
Lin Rufeng said excitedly, “Isn’t he always focused on his training and uninterested in the rankings? Why would he actively challenge someone?”
“I’m not sure,”
Cheng Qingman shook her head.
“Do you think Yuan Nongbai can win?”
Lin Rufeng asked.
“Within the inner academy, Yuan Nongbai’s strength is beyond doubt; he is one of the top-tier disciples. Perhaps only Junior Brother Luo can match him.”
Cheng Qingman said.
Yuan Nongbai also practiced a middle-grade Xuan-level martial skill!
“I don’t know much about Feng Qinghe, so I can’t make a judgment.”
Cheng Qingman continued.
“I hope Yuan Nongbai can win. The opponent he chose, any other genius from different families would have been fine, but it had to be Feng Qinghe. Doesn’t he know that Feng Qinghe is backed by the increasingly influential Xuantian Sword Sect in recent years?”
“If he loses, it won’t just be his face that he loses.”
Jiang Hai’s words hit the mark,
leaving both Cheng Qingman and Lin Rufeng momentarily stunned.
Indeed.
In this light, it seemed this wasn’t going to be a simple challenge.
As Luo Mu listened, he looked toward the square.
At this moment,
two figures landed in the square.
The previously raucous crowd gradually quieted down.
Because the main event was about to begin.
“Yuan Nongbai, you have quite the guts to dare challenge me.”
Feng Qinghe, carrying a long sword on his back,
had a gaunt face.
His narrow eyes resembled those of a venomous snake, giving the impression that he was very hard to deal with.
“Enough with the nonsense; today, I’ll take your position.”
Yuan Nongbai held a wide-bladed sword,
which looked like a massive door plank.
He actually had no interest in today’s challenge, but his father insisted that he choose Feng Qinghe, so he had no choice.
It was said that the Ninth Prince harbored a deep hatred for sect powers.
If he could defeat a genius from a sect,
then Yuan’s family’s standing in the Ninth Prince’s eyes would significantly increase.
This was about the future of his family and even his own future.
Moreover, he had longstanding grievances with Feng Qinghe, so he might as well settle them today.
Even the one ranked fifteenth had been easily defeated by him.
Let alone Feng Qinghe, who was ranked seventeenth.
Thus, today’s battle held no suspense.