Chapter 126: Watching the Rain

Inside the restaurant, Ganyu’s bow to Master Guyu immediately caused a stir. This was tantamount to declaring that Mo Bai’s side had aligned itself with the Yihua Sect, dealing a tremendous blow to the Guihai Clan. One could only wonder how the old man of the Guihai family would respond to this.

Mo Bai cupped his hands toward Master Guyu and said, “You have traveled a long way, Master. Please allow me, as the host, to show some hospitality. Let us sit here for a moment. Once we notify your sect and the Yuntian Sect, we can all gather together before the tournament begins tomorrow.”

“That would be excellent. I leave the arrangements to you, Hero Mo,” Master Guyu replied with a respectful gesture. She nodded to her companions, and two individuals of similar age to her took their seats with her and Mo Bai’s group. Meanwhile, Yufu led the other female disciples to a separate area. With the arrival of the Yihua Sect members, the third floor of the restaurant was suddenly packed, showing just how many of them there were.

Some sensible patrons, realizing the show was over, quickly paid their bills and left. However, a few drunken spiritualists who had not yet grasped the situation were unceremoniously swatted out of the restaurant by Yufu’s horsetail whisk. Master Guyu said nothing, knowing well the temperament of her second senior sister’s favorite disciple.

Those who were cast out were furious, yet they dared not challenge the Yihua Sect and could only leave while muttering curses under their breath. This scene was observed by a man whose eyes glinted sharply. He whispered a few words into the ear of a young nobleman. The young man pondered for a moment before nodding. The man bowed, then flicked his folding fan and vanished in a flash, giving chase to those who had been ousted.

Shangguan Qing stood with a cold, grim expression, watching the figure of Xu Dawu disappear. He thought to himself with hidden resentment, *Mo Bai, sooner or later, I will have my revenge. You may have aligned yourself with the Yihua Sect, but let’s see how you resolve this crisis. The Lingjue Tournament may be failing, but don’t think for a moment that you and the Yihua Sect have won. As long as I, Shangguan Qing, am alive, you shall have no peace.* With that, he vanished, his movements unnoticed by all.

Before long, Hong Linü, Xiao Xue, and others from the Yihua Sect arrived at the restaurant. Upon seeing Master Guyu, Hong Linü stepped forward, bowed, and said with a blooming smile, “Fourth Senior Aunt, you are here! I can finally rest easy. You have no idea how difficult it is to be the head disciple; I’ve been exhausted lately.”

Master Guyu smiled gently. She was very fond of her niece; despite Hong Linü’s occasionally unrestrained nature, she always prioritized the sect’s interests in critical moments. “You have worked hard, Linü,” she comforted. She then turned to see Xiao Xue and asked, “Girl, what are your thoughts on this Lingjue Tournament?”

“No thoughts,” Xiao Xue replied, as cold as ever.

Master Guyu shook her head helplessly. Yufu, though arrogant, still possessed a human touch; she had braved a long journey to deliver the news to the Yihua Sect, exhausting herself in the process. The Sect Leader had intended for her to take a break, but Yufu was stubborn and insisted on coming. Master Guyu admired that spirit, yet looking at the icy niece before her, she could only sigh.

Just as the atmosphere grew awkward, a resonant, sturdy voice called out from the stairs: “Junior Sister Guyu, it has been many years, yet you remain unchanged.”

Master Guyu looked up, her face lighting up with joy. She performed a respectful salute and said, “So it is Senior Brother Yunfa! I never expected you to leave Tianmai Peak for the trivial matters of our sect. I am truly humbled.”

The man was none other than Master Yunfa, followed by Jiuxi and others. Master Yunfa cupped his hands and said, “The Yuntian and Yihua sects are two of the five great spiritual sects; we must stand together as branches of the same tree. We cannot allow others to succeed in their schemes. My arrival here is only right; please, Junior Sister Guyu, do not be so formal.”

After further exchange of courtesies, Master Guyu ushered Master Yunfa to the table. Before Master Yunfa could even sit, Wu Luohua, Nalan Xin’er, Ganyu, and the others made room. Wu Luohua, in particular, scurried to another table, saying, “Oh, these are all people of high status; I don’t think I belong here. It’s a pity there’s only one table by the window.” He quietly reached the window and, by chance, spotted a burly man holding a folding fan, chatting animatedly with someone else. Wu Luohua chuckled, “To see someone dressed like that—this Lingjue Tournament really does attract all sorts.”

Mo Bai, hearing this, paused and went over. At a glance, he recognized the man as Xu Dawu. And the person he was speaking to—was that not one of those cast out by Yufu earlier? What were they discussing? Mo Bai was about to ponder this when Master Yunfa called out, “Young Mo, others may run, but you cannot. Come, let me introduce you to this expert.”

Mo Bai rubbed the scar on his left eyebrow and said, “You are too late, Master. I am already well-acquainted with Master Guyu, and I have even finished a few dishes. I apologize for starting without you.”

Master Yunfa blinked, “You rascal.”

With a loud crash, Guihai Yidao released a surge of spiritual energy that shattered the secret chamber to pieces. While Guihai Yidao beamed with radiance, Guihai Xin seemed to have aged several years. Yet, seeing his son master the true essence of the Ten Thousand Spear Array filled him with pride. His son was truly the greatest genius of the Guihai clan, now wielding the array with a skill far surpassing his own.

Guihai Xin walked slowly out of the chamber, looking toward the Yihua Sect, and sneered, “Yihua Sect, your days are numbered.”

Guihai Yidao let out a wolf-like howl, venting his emotions. The Guihai family had no allies left, but he no longer needed any. The Lingjue Tournament was no longer important; what he sought now was a massacre.

Guihai Xin looked at his son and said with all his remaining strength, “Yidao, take command of your elder brother’s personal guard. They are the fiercest warriors of our clan. Let them assist you in executing the Ten Thousand Spear Array. Tomorrow, we shall slaughter them all!”

A sudden clap of thunder rolled from the heavens, followed by a torrential downpour. Guihai Yidao stood bathed in the storm. He felt no melancholy; instead, he appeared to relish it.

At that same moment, several others looked up at the sky.

Hu Feng, who carried the Xuanyuan Sword on his back, drew his beloved blade from its scabbard with a sharp ring. He stepped into the courtyard and began to dance with his sword in the rain. Tomorrow would perhaps be the most decisive day of his life.

Jiuxi had already returned to the inn from the restaurant. He reached out to catch a raindrop, as if it were not rain he was grasping, but a person—Mo Bai. *I hope you never become my enemy.*

Meanwhile, Mo Bai was also watching the rain. But what was it that he was seeing?