A burly man shrouded in crackling lightning strode slowly into the hall. His towering frame seemed to blot out the sun itself.
It was as if he had emerged from the heart of destruction. The moment he appeared, an overwhelming aura blanketed the entire hall, leaving everyone feeling suffocated. Even Song Changsheng felt a tightness in his chest.
As the man stepped further into the hall, sunlight spilled in behind him, allowing Song Changsheng to finally see his appearance.
He had a square face, solemn in expression. His skin was deeply tanned, and his eyes crackled with lightning, electric arcs dancing in his gaze.
He stood at least two meters tall, powerfully built. His long black hair hung loosely, streaked with flickering blue lightning that mesmerized the eye. Beneath a black bearskin cloak, his bulging muscles swelled like those of a rearing black bear.
"So strong."
That was the first thought that flashed through Song Changsheng's mind upon seeing the man.
Compared to him, both Dong Tianxie and Yi Wenqing were leagues behind. Even the mysterious Senior Xiao and the guardian of Luoxia City's treasure vault didn't quite measure up.
Even the two Purple Mansion cultivators currently seated on the Dao Platform, one from the Golden Crow Sect, the other from the Heavenly Vein Sect, seemed a level below him.
Of all the Purple Mansion cultivators Song Changsheng had encountered, perhaps only the enigmatic Grand City Lord of Luoxia City could match or surpass this man.
"It hasn't started yet? Looks like I'm not late."
The man's eyes swept across the room before he headed directly up to the Dao Platform. The two elders, Dai Zichen of the Golden Crow Sect and the white-haired elder from the Heavenly Vein Sect, both rose and respectfully greeted him, offering him the honor he deserved.
Song Changsheng had already guessed the man's identity in his heart.
"That's my Second Martial Uncle, Zhan Tianxia," Zhuang Yuechan said to Song Changsheng through a voice transmission. "He originally said he wouldn't participate in this Dao debate and was the one who permitted me to bring you here. I don't know why he suddenly changed his mind."
"So this is Grandpa's romantic rival… doesn't look like he ever stood a chance," Song Changsheng muttered internally. He couldn't help but feel a surge of worry on behalf of his family. Thankfully, Luoxia City remained a neutral force. If someone like this ever attacked Cangmang Peak, not even a third-grade formation could stop him.
Naturally, Song Changsheng was well aware of Zhan Tianxia's reputation. Though only at the late Purple Mansion stage, he had once defeated a cultivator at the peak of the Purple Mansion realm in a confrontation.
His mastery of lightning techniques was unmatched in the entire Great Qi cultivation world, earning him the title: Mad Thunder Immortal.
He had been known for his battle-hungry nature since his youth. After advancing to the Purple Mansion realm, he challenged opponents across the land. Very few in the same realm had ever bested him.
Across the Great Qi cultivation world, excluding the Golden Core cultivators, his combat prowess ranked among the top five. There were few worthy to engage him in a Dao debate, and opportunities to observe him speak were exceedingly rare.
With a smile, Song Changsheng said after Zhuang Yuechan,
"The Second City Lord's name shakes the world, and in the way of lightning, he's second to none in Great Qi. His presence elevates the entire debate; it's a good thing. Why were you so anxious to leave earlier?"
Zhuang Yuechan looked at him, exasperated, and said with a huff,
"Do you not know why?"
Song Changsheng knew that Zhuang Yuechan was referring to the grudge between his grandfather and Zhan Tianxia, but he didn't feel the need to avoid the issue.
Zhan Tianxia was a senior; if he were to take out the grudges of the previous generation on someone like him, a junior, wouldn't that be beneath his dignity?
"The Second City Lord wouldn't stoop so low as to target a junior like me, right?" Song Changsheng said with a smile.
Zhuang Yuechan shook her head slightly, concern flickering in her eyes. Song Changsheng didn't understand Zhan Tianxia, but having grown up on Tianyin Mountain, she knew her martial uncle all too well. If it were anything else, it would've been long forgotten. He wasn't the petty type.
But this matter… was different.
She knew the full story clearly, and by this point, it was impossible to say who was right and who was wrong.
On one side was the friend who had once saved her life, and on the other was the martial uncle who had watched over her since she was a child. If anything did happen, no matter which side she chose, it would be wrong. All she could do was silently hope that things wouldn't unfold the way she feared.
Leaving immediately would've been the best solution. As long as they didn't meet, everything would be fine. But now it was too late. If they walked out just as Zhan Tianxia arrived, it would be seen as a great disrespect and might even be used against them.
"Let's just hope things go smoothly," Zhuang Yuechan prayed silently.
Seeing Zhuang Yuechan's nervous expression, Song Changsheng's heart skipped a beat. He, too, had a bad feeling.
After Zhan Tianxia took his seat, instead of suppressing his aura, he released it even more aggressively. Several cultivators sitting near him turned red in the face, like liver-colored beets, yet didn't dare utter a single complaint.
Finally, Dai Zichen couldn't stand it anymore and tried to ease the atmosphere, saying, "Since the Second City Lord has arrived, why don't we begin the Dao debate? I'll start with a few opening thoughts."
Old Ghost Bai from the Heavenly Vein Sect also sensed the tense atmosphere and, putting aside his habit of arguing with Dai Zichen, nodded in agreement. "A fine idea. It seems some of these youngsters are getting a bit restless."
The two of them tried to smooth things over with a coordinated act.
But Zhan Tianxia raised a hand to stop them.
"Hold on, the Dao debate can wait."
Dai Zichen and Old Ghost Bai exchanged a puzzled glance. Was this guy here to stir up trouble?
Zhan Tianxia ignored what they were thinking. He stood up and looked out over the crowd.
"In recent days, there have been many Dao debates, and these youngsters have done a lot of listening. But just listening without practicing is meaningless; it goes against the original purpose of this Dao Hall.
Just now, someone gave me an excellent suggestion, and I agree with it. So today's Dao debate is hereby suspended."
At those words, everyone exchanged baffled looks.
What is this? If we're not here to debate, then what's the point of coming at all?
Dai Zichen and Old Ghost Bai quickly asked,
"And what is this 'excellent suggestion' of yours, Second City Lord?"
A grin spread across Zhan Tianxia's serious face, but for some reason, the moment Song Changsheng saw that smile, a deep sense of dread welled up inside him.
Towering like a bear, Zhan Tianxia stood tall and proclaimed,
"No matter how much theory you listen to, if you can't internalize and make it your own, it's worthless. A waste of time.
So I've decided we'll hold a trial instead. Participation is voluntary. Whoever lasts to the end will receive a reward: one 'Azure Sky White Jade Pill.'"
"Hiss"
A chorus of gasps echoed through the hall.
Everyone present was no ordinary person. They knew just how precious the Azure Sky White Jade Pill truly was.
In this world, whether human cultivators, demonic beasts, or even mysterious sea monsters, every living being possessed an origin force. It was their most fundamental essence. Once damaged, the consequences could be dire.
In the cultivation world, where strength ruled, battles and injuries were commonplace. Injuries to one's origin could lead to shortened lifespans, stagnation in cultivation, or even death.
And origin injuries were notoriously difficult to heal. Most who suffered them could only resign themselves to fate.
But the Azure Sky White Jade Pill was a rare remedy capable of healing such origin damage. Though technically a third-rank low-grade pill, its value far exceeded others of the same tier.
The key issue?
It was virtually impossible to find on the market.
And now, Zhan Tianxia was offering such a priceless treasure as a reward for a mere trial. Not just the younger generation, even Dai Zichen and Old Ghost Bai were visibly tempted.
Despite belonging to prestigious Golden Core sects, both men held relatively low positions within their respective orders. They had never even seen a pill like that, let alone had a chance to obtain one.
Who could say they'd never need it?
In a life-or-death moment, such a pill could save your life.
Both elders immediately turned to their disciples and issued an unmistakable command:
"No matter what, get that Azure Sky White Jade Pill!"
The juniors below began cracking their knuckles and eagerly preparing themselves for the upcoming challenge.
One brave cultivator stood up and asked,
"Senior Zhan, may I ask what form this trial will take?"
Zhan Tianxia responded calmly,
"It's simple but somewhat dangerous. While there won't be any threat to life, being bedridden for a few days is quite likely."
Those words instantly doused some of the fire in the crowd.
After all, the Grand City Lord's birthday banquet was right around the corner. A grand celebration awaited. Missing it because of injuries from the trial? That would be a bitter regret.
A few had already begun to second-guess their enthusiasm.
There were still some who believed that risk and opportunity went hand in hand. If one wished to obtain a treasure as rare as the Azure Sky White Jade Pill, a price naturally had to be paid; after all, there was no such thing as a free lunch in this world.
Zhan Tianxia swept his tiger-like gaze across the hall, finally settling on Song Changsheng's position. His voice thundered like a great bell:
"The Azure Sky White Jade Pill not only heals original injuries but can also strengthen a cultivator's foundation, slightly increasing the chances of a perfected Foundation Establishment cultivator breaking through to Purple Mansion.
Will you participate or forfeit? Make your choice now!"
Staring into those lightning-filled eyes, Song Changsheng was now certain Zhan Tianxia had come here for him.
The Azure Sky White Jade Pill was simply too specific. It was common knowledge that Song Xianming had suffered damage to his origin and needed a rare treasure to repair it.
And now, such a treasure was placed directly in front of him, within reach, only requiring him to participate in a trial. There was no way he could bring himself to refuse.
Though Song Xianming had already obtained Wood Essence Jade Marrow, another item that could treat origin injuries, its quality was relatively low. Even under the best circumstances, it would take ten to twenty years to fully heal him.
And Song Xianming was already over two hundred years old. A Foundation Establishment cultivator's typical lifespan was only around 250 years, and few even reached that.
With his origin damaged for so long, it was inevitable that his lifespan had already shortened. Thirty years left would be optimistic in reality; it was likely less.
So even if his injury were healed, would there be enough time left to break through to Purple Mansion? What would be the point of healing, then?
Song Changsheng had originally planned to find a treasure to extend his grandfather's life, but after years of searching, he'd come up empty. Whether he would ever find one remained a mystery.
But now, he saw a solution: this Azure Sky White Jade Pill.
It could shorten the healing time to a few years, and further enhance his origin, increasing the odds of forming a core even by a little; it would be better than nothing.
If Song Xianming could get this pill, it might buy him enough time to break through.
Song Changsheng understood that Zhan Tianxia wouldn't let him have it easily, and that he'd have to pay a high price, but he had no choice. If he backed down today, he would regret it for the rest of his life.
So, he was the first to stand and say:
"Junior is willing to participate."
All eyes turned to him, some with admiration, some with disdain, but he ignored them all. He met Zhan Tianxia's thunder-lit gaze with unwavering determination.
Zhan Tianxia didn't seem surprised by his choice. He simply nodded and pointed in front of himself:
"Very well. Come stand here."
"Yes, sir."
Under Zhuang Yuechan's worried gaze, Song Changsheng strode forward.
Zhuang Yuechan knew perfectly well this trial was a trap set by Zhan Tianxia to make things difficult for Song Changsheng, but she had no grounds to stop him from stepping into it.
So, she too stood up and said:
"Second Martial Uncle, I'd like to participate as well."
"Second Martial Uncle has always cared for me. If I stand by Song Changsheng's side, maybe he won't go too far..." she silently hoped.
But unexpectedly, Zhan Tianxia's eyes widened sharply, and his tone left no room for discussion:
"You are a disciple of Luoxia City. This is not your concern. Sit down immediately."
Zhuang Yuechan's face turned pale. She understood that Zhan Tianxia was fully determined to give Song Changsheng a hard time.
"No. I have to find Master." She knew she couldn't change Zhan Tianxia's mind, so she made up her mind to find someone who could.
Watching her rush off, Zhan Tianxia frowned and muttered to himself:
"Girls are impossible to keep at home once they grow up. Siding with outsiders already, huh?"
But he didn't worry, he had already planned everything. No one would disrupt what he had in mind today.
Seeing Zhuang Yuechan leave, warmth filled Song Changsheng's heart; he knew she was trying to help him.
He stepped into the position Zhan Tianxia had indicated, now less than three zhang (about 10 meters) away from the man. The pressure of his aura felt like a mountain crushing down, making Song Changsheng's chest tighten.
"He's doing this on purpose," Song Changsheng thought, staring at the towering Zhan Tianxia.
Zhan Tianxia glanced at him, slightly surprised. He had released ten percent of his strength, yet this young man was still standing steady. Better than expected.
"Let's see if you can still hold that composure later," Zhan Tianxia sneered inwardly. He wasn't here to hand out charity.
"Anyone else?" Zhan Tianxia scanned the crowd.
"I'll give it a try."
A cool, serene voice broke the silence.
Song Changsheng was taken aback. It was the cold, elegant woman who had come with Dai Zichen.
As she walked toward him, Song Changsheng couldn't help but wonder:
"She must have high status in the Golden Crow Sect. Why would she step into these muddy waters?"
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