Chapter Eighty-One: Variables

“Well, little girl, did I not say ten moves? And it was indeed within ten moves. Now you’ve earned your good fortune, haven’t you?” Perhaps the situation on the stage resonated with Zhuola Weiyang’s mood, for despite his age, he suddenly displayed a childlike spirit. The pride on his face as he looked at Qiu Wan’er was unmistakable, and his words were tinged with excitement. Of course, Qiu Wan’er had no wish to indulge him, but facts were facts and could not be denied. Yet, she still could not understand how her master, who had always seemed at a disadvantage, managed to win so decisively. With this thought in mind, her gaze shifted from the high platform to Zhuola Weiyang, and she asked, puzzled, “How did you see through it?”

Perhaps because she was unwilling to accept the outcome, she omitted any formal address in her question. But Zhuola Weiyang, caught up in triumph, paid no heed to her subtle discontent, and answered directly, without any concealment: “Your master appeared to be constantly on the defensive, and that’s not exactly a clever disguise. In terms of skill, this Shen Wansan is indeed a bit stronger. But he harbored anger in his heart. That rage allowed his techniques to reach their peak, but he overlooked a crucial detail: your master kept gathering spiritual energy at his chest, and at the critical moment, deliberately presented that spot as a vulnerability. Naturally, Shen Wansan would go straight for it. That’s when the trap was sprung. When the concentrated spiritual energy erupts in an instant, the power—”

At this point, Qiu Wan’er understood. It was like a spring: the more you compress it, the greater the force when it rebounds past its limit. Zhuola Weiyang’s prediction of ten moves was because those ten were needed to gather the spiritual energy. Her gaze returned to the platform. Now that her doubts were dispelled, worry took their place. True, Tiangji Daoist had won, but force always comes at a cost; while Shen Wansan was injured, her master would suffer some harm as well. As his disciple, she couldn’t help but show concern.

The outcome was astonishing to the martial artists below the stage, and most remained lost in confusion. Among the disciples of Mingyue Manor, disappointment was obvious. Two figures near the stage quickly leapt up to help Shen Wansan. His injuries were severe; his face was pale, and even with support, his body trembled faintly. His gaze lingered on Dao Tianfeng, filled with unwillingness. For someone so competitive, accepting such a defeat was painful, especially after all his meticulous planning for the Martial Assembly—it couldn’t have been for someone else to reap the rewards!

“What a splendid contest! Both of you are renowned figures in the martial world—this has been truly eye-opening. But here, I must say a few words. Martial contests are about skill, and victory or defeat depends not only on strength but also on luck. Regardless, we must not let discord arise. The victor should not be arrogant, and the loser should not be discouraged!” Now that victory was decided, it was impossible for Shen Wansan and Dao Tianfeng to be without hard feelings. Time would be needed to settle them. They faced each other, neither willing to speak, but the situation needed to be resolved. The most suitable person was naturally Xiao Jinghao. He slowly stood and moved between the two. His voice, though soft, was enhanced by spiritual energy so everyone could hear clearly. As for his meaning, no one understood better than Shen Wansan and Dao Tianfeng. He paused midway, emphasizing his words, and swept his gaze across their faces before continuing: “Both of you seek peace in the martial world and wish to stand against the Blue Lotus Demon Cult. Since your goals are aligned, it matters little who becomes the Martial Alliance Leader. But as agreed, the alliance must have a leader—a snake cannot survive without a head. Thus, I hereby declare that Dao Tianfeng, Master of Qilian Mountain, shall assume the position of Martial Alliance Leader. I trust neither of you have any objections.”

Xiao Jinghao’s words were quite interesting. Earlier, he referred to himself simply, showing humility and not relying on his royal status to pressure others. But now, he repeatedly used the title “this king.” Though true, it sounded somewhat awkward. The reason was simple: a conclusion needs authority. Even if, as Zhuola Weiyang said, his skill was not inferior to either Shen or Dao, his reputation in the martial world could not compare. If he wanted his words to carry weight, he had to invoke his identity as Prince Qi. That title, “this king,” carried far more force than the humble “I.”

Though he lost the duel, Shen Wansan had no words to defy Xiao Jinghao. But his gaze lingered on him, full of confusion and reproach. Inwardly, he cursed: “Well played, Xiao Jinghao. Didn’t we agree that I would give you the Seven-Colored Night Pearl, and if you ever rose in rebellion, Mingyue Manor would support you with the martial world’s forces? The condition was that you’d help me host this Martial Assembly and secure the position of alliance leader. How can you break your word now?”

These complaints, Shen Wansan could only keep to himself. The Martial Assembly had indeed been a success, and if not for Xiao Jinghao’s intervention at the crucial moment, the scheme to blame Blue Lotus Cult and elect the alliance leader would not have gone so smoothly. Yet fate is ever-changing. He had hoped to seize the advantage and claim the leader’s seat, but never expected that the least significant among the four great sects, Donghua Gate, would foil his plans. Now, his gaze slid sideways to Shao Changchun, full of obvious resentment!

With things as they were, he could only accept the situation, despite his grievances. Some matters simply could not be aired in public. As for Shao Changchun, Shen Wansan considered him a junior; even if he wanted to make trouble, today was not the day nor the place. Fortunately, the future was long, and with Mingyue Manor’s power, dealing with any individual or sect would not be difficult. Resolving himself, Shen Wansan accepted the present facts. He clasped his hands toward Dao Tianfeng and, in a low voice, managed a reluctant tone: “From now on, Dao brother, the responsibility of Martial Alliance Leader falls to you. Lead us in the fight against the Blue Lotus Demon Cult!”

Dao Tianfeng naturally returned the gesture, but before he could finish, Guxie, who had been standing aside, suddenly stepped forward, her expression urgent. She leaned close to Xiao Jinghao’s ear, murmuring something too soft for anyone else to hear. In the past, Dao Tianfeng might have used spiritual energy to eavesdrop, but now he was exhausted and weak, incapable of such feats. The only certainty was that the news was grave, for Xiao Jinghao’s face instantly turned solemn. When Guxie finished speaking, he could not help but ask, his voice trembling: “Is what you say true? Not a single word can be false!”

“Absolutely true, Your Highness. I would never dare deceive you. This is news from our agent infiltrating Blue Lotus Cult, received early this morning. I saw you were busy and intended to report after the Martial Assembly, but now the situation seems urgent, so I broke protocol. Please, punish me if I’ve overstepped!” Her words were firm, and Xiao Jinghao had no reason to doubt her. His gaze first lingered on Dao Tianfeng for a fleeting moment, then shifted to Hantan Yi, studying him as if searching for something. After a moment, he sighed, disappointment in his tone: “This matter is grave. If it is true, then we have trouble. Guxie, tell your news before all the martial heroes present. If it is true, this king and all here will not spare the culprit. If it is false, then justice will be served for the accused. We must not let negligence endanger the great cause, nor let suspicion sully the innocent. Do you understand?”