Chapter One Hundred Twenty-Two: The Reason

The great conch technique, combined with the profound vibrations of the Four-Phase Golden Bell, surged toward the transparent cube before him. With a resounding explosion, the transparent block shattered instantly. Mo Bai leapt out, a hint of pleasure in his voice as he said, “Fresh air outside suits me better.”

Suspended in midair, Shangguan Qing seemed to witness the most incredible scene. He could never have imagined that one person could combine two spiritual arts so perfectly. The dominance of the Great Conch Technique fused with the richness of the Four-Phase Golden Bell; the two complemented each other exquisitely, merging aggression and strength to their utmost. When such extremity met softness, that softness could only surrender.

“You truly are formidable,” Shangguan Qing said calmly.

“You’re quite remarkable yourself,” Mo Bai replied with a playful tone.

“You both are incredible,” Xu Erwen, still somewhat dazed, recalled the breathtaking moment and spoke mechanically.

“You haven’t seen anything more impressive yet,” Mo Bai and Shangguan Qing said simultaneously, exchanging a glance before bursting into hearty laughter.

No sooner had their laughter died down than they both struck out. Mo Bai flicked his hand, unleashing thirty-three blue spiritual energy swords. Shangguan Qing was equally fierce, his own icy blades shimmering like stars, not only blocking all thirty-three of Mo Bai’s swords but exceeding him by one more, which he then launched toward Mo Bai.

Mo Bai smiled faintly in midair, effortlessly borrowing that single spiritual sword with one hand. Suddenly spinning, the sword was hurled back toward Shangguan Qing with even greater force and speed.

Shangguan Qing laughed heartily, conjuring a special spiritual shield before him. When the sword reached him, it plunged into the shield, but Mo Bai could easily see it lingering inside, then turning and flying back toward himself. This time, the sword was larger and more imposing. Shangguan Qing shouted, “Let’s see if you can catch this one.”

Mo Bai smiled serenely. “Catch it? No. But I can control it.” His hands reached out, though he released no sword. Yet the spiritual sword in midair seemed to be grasped by an invisible force. Moments later, as Mo Bai waved his hands, the sword moved in sync with his palms, spinning and darting again toward Shangguan Qing.

Xu Dawu and Xu Erwen watched the aerial duel, stunned beyond words. Dawu coughed and said, “Er Ye, have you ever seen such a contest?”

Erwen replied dreamily, “Never. No matter what, never. I don’t think even the Silver Fox Boss could perform such a unique feat.”

With a sharp slap, Xu Dawu glared and scolded, “Shut that foul mouth of yours.”

Erwen was about to retort but suddenly remembered what he had said and closed his mouth, not daring to contradict Dawu for the first time.

Though their voices were low, Master Yunfa’s sharp ears could not miss a word. He paused, struck by the familiarity of the name “Silver Fox.” Who was this person? It seemed he had a vague impression from his childhood. Master Yunfa racked his brain but could recall no more.

It was no wonder—back then, Master Yunfa was too young, and the Silver Fox even younger. Sixty years ago, during that great war, they were mere spectators, never the protagonists. Now, Master Yunfa had risen to become one of the Six Sons of Yuntian, while the younger Silver Fox held an exalted position within the Demon Sect at Moyu Ridge.

Though Shangguan Qing had met Gui Haixin and been spotted by Mo Bai and the others, they were unaware of his true identity, nor did they know of the connection between Guihaicheng and the Demon Sect. The Demon Sect had yet to formally establish itself in Linglong, so their identities remained highly secretive. Xu Erwen’s slip of the Silver Fox’s name startled Dawu. Though Young Master Qing was formidable, he was still young and rarely left Moyu Ridge, but the Silver Fox’s reputation was known to those who paid attention. Master Yunfa belonged to the Yuntian Sect, and within Yuntian, a Miss Luo had become a wife—if the Luo family discovered any secrets, it would not be difficult. This was a burden neither Xu Dawu nor Xu Erwen could bear.

Xu Dawu glanced at Master Yunfa’s ashen face, sensing that Master Yunfa had not yet realized anything, and relaxed slightly. He rubbed his back, noticing sweat had broken out.

Suddenly, a tremendous explosion echoed through the sky. The massive spiritual sword, empowered and pulled by both men, could no longer withstand the opposing energies and shattered into pieces. Both fighters seemed to lose control briefly, their bodies blasted back several steps by the countershock, then fell to the ground.

Shangguan Qing’s expression was grave. Though he knew this man was formidable, he had not expected such tenacity. Could his first strike fail? No, Young Master Qing would not allow it. Looking at Mo Bai, he noticed the latter still wore an enviable smile, as if nothing could break his natural composure.

Determined, Shangguan Qing vowed not to see that expression again, at least not today. His left middle finger twitched lightly, and with a sharp “tick,” his little finger was sliced, releasing a drop of dark crimson blood. Evil delight flickered across his face as he put the cut finger to his mouth, gently licking the blood with his tongue. Instantly, his entire being surged with power; his pale green robes billowed as if stirred by wind.

Xu Dawu gasped quietly, “Heavens, this is the Demon Sect’s Blood-Devouring Nine Demons Technique! Why is Young Master Qing revealing it here? What does he intend?”

Master Yunfa seemed to awaken suddenly, watching Young Master Qing’s actions. He shouted, “Mo, kid, they are—”

Before he could finish, Mo Bai sighed resignedly, “I know. They’re from the Demon Sect. Ah, this is truly troublesome.”

Shangguan Qing’s face twisted as though possessed by demonic blood, his once delicate features growing ferocious, his eyes faintly tinged with red. He snarled, “The trouble hasn’t even arrived yet. Fear not. Today, I’ll show you a lesson, Mo Bai. They say you’re the one who will decide the outcome of the Lingjue Arena, but it seems that must change. Don’t blame me.”

Mo Bai responded with a bitter smile, “I never thought otherwise.”