Chapter 105: The Training Grounds

Outside the small cabin, Ning Yue paced back and forth, her little ponytail swaying in the air behind her head. Her face was etched with anxiety as she muttered repeatedly, “What on earth is Young Master Ye doing inside? It’s been so long and he still hasn’t come out. Cultivation doesn’t work like this.”

Beside her, Ning Xue’s small hands were nervously clasped together, revealing her own growing worry. Hearing Ning Yue’s murmurs, she spoke up, “Young Master Ye was invited by the young lady to participate in this competition.”

“There are rumors that Young Master Ye, not yet seventeen, has already reached the peak of the Blood Qi realm, and he comes from a small town. I was puzzled at first how he could be so formidable, but now it seems his diligence has much to do with it. And yesterday, the wave of Blood Qi energy he emitted was so intense it almost left me breathless,” Ning Yue said.

“But no matter how hard he works, he can’t go nonstop for four days straight. Even animals don’t have that kind of stamina.”

“Ning Yue, keep your voice down. Don’t say such things,” Ning Xue quickly interjected. She knew Ning Yue’s lively nature often made her speak impulsively without restraint. Although their young lady might not mind, it would be inappropriate if Young Master Ye heard such words.

“I know, I know,” Ning Yue whispered stubbornly, realizing she’d been too blunt by comparing Young Master Ye to livestock.

“Why are you two standing outside here?” Suddenly, a voice called from a distance—it was Nangong Xue.

“Miss!” The two girls greeted her upon seeing her approach.

“Young Master Ye is still cultivating inside and hasn’t come out yet. Elder Wu instructed us not to disturb him lightly, so we’ve been waiting here,” Ning Xue explained.

Ning Yue shyly stood behind Ning Xue, clutching the corner of her sleeve, looking guilty. She wasn’t sure if Young Master Ye had overheard her earlier remarks.

“Has he not come out at all these past few days?” Nangong Xue asked softly, glancing at the tightly closed door.

“He hasn’t come out since Elder Wu sent us here, but occasionally a strong wave of Blood Qi energy emanates from inside. It must be Young Master Ye’s cultivation,” Ning Xue replied.

“Hm.” Nangong Xue nodded lightly and hesitated for a moment before raising her delicate hand to knock on the door.

Just then, with a creak, before her hand could touch the door, the door that had been closed for four days suddenly swung open. Warm sunlight flooded in, illuminating the youth dressed in black standing there, looking exceptionally spirited.

Outside the door stood a graceful young maiden, her fair hand poised in the air. The pure white dress perfectly accentuated her developing figure, complementing her cool, serene face like a rare and untouchable snow lotus blooming on an icy cliff—fresh and elegant.

Behind her stood two pretty young girls, standing obediently by her side.

Young Master Ye Cheng stared at the three suddenly appearing girls outside his door, especially this breathtakingly beautiful face before him. He was stunned for a moment before gradually regaining his composure. He appraised Nangong Xue from head to toe and said, “Miss Nangong, you’re here so early. Has the competition already started?”

He had just crystallized his fourth star Blood Crystal, feeling elated. After some calm breathing, he opened the door, not expecting her to be waiting outside.

Recalling the last time Elder Luo from the Luo family attacked and Nangong Xue had stepped in to shield him, taking the brunt of the assault, the image flashed vividly in his mind. The figure before him, not particularly burly and somewhat slender, had seemed much taller and sturdier then.

Suddenly, a rare flush of shyness colored Nangong Xue’s cheeks, but it quickly faded, replaced by her usual cool expression.

“Young Master Ye is quite handsome,” Ning Yue whispered quietly to Ningong Xue, stealing glances at Ye Cheng from behind Nangong Xue.

Ye Cheng’s delicate features bore a resolute expression that added an inexplicable charm. Years of rigorous training had transformed his originally slender frame into one that appeared sturdy. Dressed in black, he looked strikingly handsome.

Nangong Xue averted her gaze, unsettled by the peculiar feeling she experienced and unwilling to meet Ye Cheng’s eyes directly. She turned and said, “Let’s go. In two hours, the competition will begin. We need to gather outside the family’s library pavilion with the others, then proceed together to the central martial arena.”

With that, Nangong Xue led the way toward the library pavilion. Ning Yue and Ning Xue hurried to follow. Seeing the figure ahead in the distance, Ye Cheng rubbed his nose and smiled wryly. Nangong Xue was indeed a woman of few words. He then strode forward.

...

That morning, Yongle City was unusually bustling. Swathes of curious onlookers poured in like a flowing river toward the massive central martial arena.

This day was destined to be extraordinary. The Nangong family, the ruling house of Yongle City for a century, had held an unshakable position. But ever since the newly appointed prefect of Nanyang Prefecture disappeared and Nangong Xiong, the head of the Nangong family and city lord of Yongle, was severely wounded and fell into a coma, the situation shifted.

Apart from the Nangong family, the most powerful force in the city, the Blood Fiend Gang, had rallied many factions, openly challenging the Nangong family’s authority. They demanded a fair competition to decide the “Chosen” quota allocation. Unexpectedly, the Nangong family agreed to this a month ago.

After a month of deliberate propaganda led by the Blood Fiend Gang, nearly every martial artist in Yongle City knew about the event. Their goal was to use official channels to ensure that once the Nangong family lost, they would not back out, as honor and trust were matters of family prestige.

Everyone flooding into the arena was deeply curious about the outcome of the confrontation between the city’s overlord, the Nangong family, and the Blood Fiend Gang.

...

The vast martial arena in central Yongle City was surrounded by a sea of people. Amid the bustling crowd, quiet whispers rippled.

“Though the city lord is severely injured and unconscious, the Nangong family has ruled this city for a long time with a solid foundation. It’s shocking that the Blood Fiend Gang dared to challenge them so openly,” a voice murmured.

“Yeah, I was surprised when I heard the news too,” responded a young martial artist.

“A while ago, the Blood Fiend Gang’s posted notice said the competition would be fought by the younger generation—no elders involved.”

“I also heard that the Blood Fiend Gang invited a genius at the peak of the Blood Qi realm, the young master from the Hai family of Poison Dragon City. Truly gifted.”

“So the Blood Fiend Gang has Iron Wood Qing, a young prodigy already at the peak of the Blood Qi realm, plus the Hai family’s genius. That’s two peak Blood Qi experts. And the Nangong family only has Miss Nangong Xue under seventeen, right?” an elder analyzed.

“Looks like the Nangong family is in trouble. They might have to hand over the ‘Chosen’ quota this year.”

“Look, the master of the Flying Sword Sect, allied with the Blood Fiend Gang, has arrived...”