Chapter Seventy: Discussion

You must understand, the Falling Leaf Sect is located far from here; even if the Lingjue Tournament in Guihai City truly gathers all the heroes and emerges as another rising spiritual sect, it would pose not even the slightest threat to the Falling Leaf Sect. Guihai Rong'an is far too clever to make enemies lightly, and besides, there may yet be opportunities to ally with other spiritual sects to further the ambitions of the Guihai family.

The master of the Weihai Sect, Ruan Tian, saw that the newcomer was of such great stature that he could only blush with frustration. He pursed his lips in resignation. Guihai Rong'an immediately signaled to the chief steward, Li Tong, who swiftly approached Ruan Tian and his companions to placate them. Soon enough, laughter and cheerful chatter resumed as if nothing had happened.

At this point, Guihai Rong'an turned his gaze upon Mo Bai and his companions. Tian Huashan immediately stepped forward, bowing and introducing, "Young Master, this is my brother Mo Bai, this is Master Wu from the Wu family, and this is Miss Nalan, a distinguished disciple of the Yuntian Sect."

A glint of interest flashed in Guihai Rong'an’s eyes. He saw that these men and women were all extraordinarily elegant and stood apart from the ordinary; especially Jun Bulang, who had acted on behalf of the Wu family’s young master. This earned Guihai Rong'an’s particular attention. Wu family... Could it be that he is from the renowned spiritual Wu family? Guihai Rong'an silently repeated the thought in his heart.

He cupped his hands to the three guests and said, "Honored guests, there are many eyes and ears here. Would you please accompany me inside to a private chamber? There, you will find esteemed local figures of high standing; I'm sure there are some with whom Master Jun is well acquainted."

But Wu Luohua replied, "Thank you for your kindness, Young Master, but my little sister is especially fond of lively scenes, and besides, we are not afraid if things become even more boisterous." Clearly, Xiaohua was still somewhat displeased in her heart.

Nalan Xiner echoed, "Yes, how lively it is here! Private rooms are not suitable for us free spirits of the martial world." This little girl had only just left the mountains a few days ago, yet was already so wise to the ways of the world.

Tian Huashan, however, flushed with embarrassment. He had hoped to accompany Mo Bai and the others into the inner sanctum of Guihai Pavilion and forge connections with the powerful, but he hadn’t expected to be refused so directly by Wu Luohua. He could only force a dry, awkward laugh.

Guihai Rong'an, no ordinary man himself, merely nodded, and once more addressed Jun Bulang with courtesy, "Master Jun, I hope you might still grace us with your presence. My father would be greatly honored to befriend a man of your caliber." Even if the Wu family’s influence in the spiritual world was vast, it could not compare to the five great spiritual sects. If Guihai House could recruit a spiritual master like Jun Bulang, it would be as if a fierce tiger had grown wings.

The Gift Master, Jun Bulang, was exceedingly shrewd. He chuckled and replied, "You are too kind, Young Master. I have come to Ganjia Fort on the western side of Guihai City to attend a junior's wedding, and did not expect such a grand gathering here. It seems I have come uninvited out of my own fondness for lively occasions. But since my visit is not specifically for the Lingjue Tournament, might I ask for your permission to remain here and chat for a while with these old friends from the Falling Leaf Sect? I hope you will oblige me." With these words, Jun Bulang gave due respect to the host while deftly sidestepping any attempt to draw lines around his sect's allegiance.

Guihai Rong'an cursed him inwardly for a cunning old fox, but his face showed not a hint of displeasure. He smiled and said, "Since Master Jun wishes to mingle with his peers, I would not presume to interfere. However, as night has fallen, I hope you will do us the honor of lodging at Guihai Pavilion tonight, so as to spare yourself further travel."

Jun Bulang also cupped his hands and replied, "It would be discourteous to refuse such hospitality. Young Master, please carry on."

Guihai Rong'an nodded to the assembled guests and turned to greet the other spiritual cultivators, and so, apart from this brief disturbance, the banquet proceeded in harmony.

As lanterns blossomed and night fell, Master Guihai Xin sat with eyes closed, humming softly through his nose. The six people in the room immediately fell silent. Guihai Xin spoke: "Tonight we have thrown a grand banquet to receive these spiritual adepts. Have you gleaned any useful information?"

An old man, about sixty years of age, laughed and said, "Brother, you are truly held in the highest esteem. All the leaders of the Nine Sects and Eighteen Gangs of Guihai City have come to pay their respects, which speaks to your standing here. Guihai City is one of the three great cities of Linglong Continent; to see such unity is indeed gratifying."

Guihai Xin slowly opened his eyes and looked at the old man, responding, "Brother Ouyang, you give me too much credit. If not for you taking up the burden and widely sending out invitations, I would not have received such honor."

This elder was Ouyang Zhenghe, the head of the most powerful branch among the Nine Sects and Eighteen Gangs of Guihai City—The Hall of Righteousness. His cultivation was impressive indeed. "Brother, I merely eke out a living under your great shelter. Without Guihai, there would be no Nine Sects and Eighteen Gangs. Only as long as you flourish, can people like us prosper," Ouyang Zhenghe replied with flattery.

The others all agreed. Guihai Xin waved his hand and asked, "Rong'an, aside from the Nine Sects and Eighteen Gangs, were there any particularly notable guests?"

Upon hearing his father’s call, Guihai Rong'an immediately stood and bowed deeply, saying, "Father, just as you predicted, both the Yihua Sect and the Yuntian Sect have sent people. But what was surprising is that a master from the Falling Leaf Sect has also appeared, though he claims to be here for a wedding at Ganjia Fort. Whether that is true or not, I cannot say."

Guihai Xin inclined his head and said, "Oh? Our Guihai City lies between Yihua Sect and Yuntian Sect, and is closest to Yihua. It makes sense they would arrive in high spirits. I did not expect, however, that Yuntian Sect would be so eager."

Guihai Rong'an replied, "Indeed. Yihua Sect has sent Lady Honglin, the chief disciple of Master Gumei, with four junior sisters, arriving with great fanfare. Today, they fought fiercely both in the city and outside Guihai Pavilion. Whatever their true purpose, they have certainly made a display. It seems these women know well that our Lingjue Tournament is meant to keep them in check, hence their arrogance."

Guihai Xin said understandingly, "Such is human nature. Though Master Gumei is a woman, her temper is not mild. Her disciples must all be fiery as well."

At this, Guihai Yidao stood and said, "Father, there is one person who deserves your special attention."

Guihai Xin furrowed his brow. He knew his second son was exceedingly ambitious and that his cultivation was not below his own, having received instruction from a mysterious sage. For him to name someone as worthy of attention meant that person was truly exceptional. "Yidao, are you referring to the master from the Falling Leaf Sect?"

Guihai Yidao laughed, "With Elder Jin present, I doubt Jun Bulang would dare show disrespect." As he spoke, he cast a respectful glance at an elderly man seated at the chief spot to the right, whose long beard glistened like gold.

The old man said coolly, "I have not seen Bulang in many years, but I am confident I can sway him if need be."

Guihai Xin agreed, "Naturally." Even Guihai Xin treated Elder Jin with deep respect, which spoke volumes about the old man's exalted status.

Guihai Yidao continued, "The person I refer to is the one who fought Yihua Sect's Jade Whisk outside Guihai Pavilion—Mo Bai. He is actually able to wield qi as a sword!"

A young man in white laughed, "Yidao, you overestimate him. Is wielding qi as a sword such a formidable technique? It is but the simplest use of spiritual energy."

Guihai Yidao smiled wryly, "Bai Yu, just how many variations of spiritual energy can you control?" Bai Yu was Guihai Xin's personal disciple and had always competed with Guihai Yidao since childhood.

He replied proudly, "I can summon over a dozen streams of spiritual energy, transforming them into swords to kill my foes."

Guihai Yidao asked, "But can you, Senior Brother Bai, command your swords at will, have them shoot out and not dissipate, change attack directions at will in midair?"

Bai Yu looked at Guihai Yidao in shock, "Yidao, are you referring to a secret spiritual art? If so, I could do the same with such methods."

Guihai Yidao shook his head, "No, just the most basic spiritual sword." At this, not only Bai Yu but even Elder Jin and Ouyang Zhenghe were visibly moved. How could such an art exist in this world! All eyes turned to Guihai Yidao in surprise.

Guihai Yidao said solemnly, "This Mo Bai can do it."

A hush fell over the room. At last, the man seated furthest to the right set down his zither score and spoke: "If it were Prince Shenma's technique, then of course the ordinary spiritual sword could be controlled at will. But even Prince Shenma himself might not have achieved such agility as this man." The speaker’s hands were most peculiar, for each was missing a finger. He was none other than the Four-Fingered Zither Emperor, who had also been invited to the Guihai family!

Finally, Guihai Xin rose from his grand chair. "Bai Yu, investigate this man's background. I do not want any unexpected incidents during the Lingjue Tournament."

Bai Yu promptly answered, "Rest assured, Master." With that, he flickered out of sight.

Guihai Yidao watched Bai Yu vanish. He had intended to ask his father not to act rashly, but upon hearing that it was Bai Yu who would do the investigating, he felt a certain satisfaction—let that arrogant youth suffer a little; it might do him some good.

A vast, pure moon rose slowly into the sky, bringing a sense of serenity. A gentle breeze stirred. Once again, it would be a sleepless night in Guihai Pavilion.