Zhu Xian: The way of heaven collapses, and I only have one sword!

Chapter 30 The competition begins!
Seeing that Chen Qiye had picked up lot number one, Taoist Cangsong frowned slightly, then said loudly, "Okay, now that the drawing of lots is complete, all disciples will come to me and report their names according to their lot numbers. It will be posted on a red list later, and then you will know who your opponents are. Now, please allow the head brother to speak."

The originally noisy disciples suddenly became quiet.

Taoist Master Daoxuan stood up from his seat and slowly walked to the front of the group. He scanned the disciples and said, "Everyone, you are all the elite of the younger generation of Qingyun Sect, with exceptional qualifications and talents. In the future, the positions of the chiefs, elders, and even my position as the Sect Leader of each branch of Qingyun Sect may very well be held by the best among you."

There was a commotion among the Qingyun disciples, and many of them showed longing and excitement on their faces.

Taoist Master Daoxuan smiled and said, "Of course, if you want to reach this level and sit in the position of the chief elders behind me, you still need to work harder."

Everyone responded in unison: "Yes."

Taoist Master Daoxuan stroked his long beard, nodded, and said solemnly, "Our Qingyun Sect has always been a prestigious and righteous sect since its founding by our ancestor Qingyunzi. Today, we are the leaders of the righteous path in the world of cultivation. Today, the righteous path is flourishing, the evil demons have retreated, and the world enjoys peace. However, the remnants of the evil path are treacherous and vicious, and their evil intentions are still there. In recent years, they seem to be ready to make a move. At this critical moment, we, the righteous people, need to uphold morality and eradicate the evil. Therefore, you must concentrate on your cultivation and be firm in your resolve. As long as we are strong and unshakable, the evil demons will have no chance to take advantage!"

"We will follow the master's instructions!" everyone responded in unison.

"Also, I have something else to announce to everyone. To encourage the disciples of Qingyun Sect to strive for the Dao and cultivate with determination, I have discussed with the abbots and elders and have decided that starting with this Seven Clans Martial Competition, after each Seven Clans Martial Competition, there will be a reward for the winner."

Upon hearing that there was a reward, the Qingyun disciples below immediately became agitated.

Taoist Master Daoxuan smiled and said, "This time the prize is called the Liuhe Mirror."

Chen Qiye frowned slightly. As Daoxuan's disciple, he naturally knew the origins of the Liuhe Mirror. The Liuhe Mirror was a magical weapon passed down by the Qingyun Sect's tenth-generation patriarch, Wufangzi Zhenren. It was one of the sect's rare treasures, possessing immense power. As long as the wielder's spiritual power was strong enough, the Liuhe Mirror could withstand all attacks, rendering them invincible.

Everyone had a strange expression on their face, and even those who practiced Taoism couldn't help but be moved.

Taoist Master Daoxuan paused for a moment, watching the young disciples below discuss the situation. After a while, he said, "Alright, that's the general situation. You all go back and rest. Tomorrow morning, the Seven Clans Martial Arts Competition will officially begin."

The disciples below all saluted and said in unison, "Yes, Master."

Taoist Master Daoxuan nodded and said, "You can go."

The disciples gradually withdrew, leaving only the seven Qingyun Sect leaders and a dozen elders in the hall. Taoist Master Daoxuan turned around and smiled at the elders, saying, "Fellow disciples, you should all go back and rest early. Starting tomorrow, there will be several competitions, and we'll need your help."

Some of the elders were covered in white hair and wrinkles, while others looked remarkably youthful, clearly possessing a secret to maintaining their youthful appearance. After hearing Daoxuan's words, each one left without a word. In the end, only the seven chiefs of the Qingyun Sect remained in Yuqing Hall.

As for what they discussed in the end, only the Seven Clans Leader and Chen Qiye, who was familiar with the plot, knew.

Taoist Master Daoxuan said, "Okay, it's decided. We have arranged accommodations for you fellow disciples in the Jade Purity Palace. Please go and rest."

As he spoke, he clapped his hands three times, and several Taoist children immediately came in from outside. "You take the leaders to their rooms to rest."

The Taoist children responded and came forward. All the leaders stood up, bowed to Taoist Master Daoxuan, and followed the Taoist children.

The Seven Clans Martial Arts Competition was a grand event held once every ten years by Qingyun Sect. With so many people suddenly arriving at Tongtian Peak, accommodation naturally became a challenge. Of course, Chen Qiye, who had his own residence at Tongtian Peak, naturally didn't have such worries.

After dark, many young disciples from the other six sects who had just arrived at Tongtian Peak came out for a stroll. They were amazed and curious about the scenery. But as the night deepened, everyone returned to their rooms to sleep.

Under the bright moonlight, in the courtyard behind Yuqing Hall, Chen Qiye wielded a wooden sword he had carved himself. Though its blade lacked a sharp, cold gleam, it wielded with ferocity in his hands, each swing imbued with a fierce aura. His shadow shifted in the moonlight, like a nimble dragon. "Qiye, it's so late, aren't you going to rest?" Taoist Master Daoxuan observed Chen Qiye practicing with swordsmanship, a flicker of relief and anticipation in his eyes. He paced softly, his footsteps remarkably clear in the quiet courtyard. The moonlight cast a shadow over him, outlining his slightly weathered yet still upright figure.

"Master." Chen Qiye stopped the wooden sword in his hand, turned around and saluted respectfully towards Taoist Master Daoxuan.

"Please sit down." Taoist Master Daoxuan came to the chair next to the stone table and motioned Chen Qiye to sit down.

After the two of them sat down, Taoist Master Daoxuan looked at Chen Qiye gently and said slowly, "Qiye, do you know who the reward for this Seven Clans Martial Arts Competition is for?"

Chen Qiye was slightly startled, thinking secretly in his heart, but his face remained calm and he replied respectfully: "My disciple is dull, I hope Master can explain it clearly."

"Haha, you used to be so clever, but now you're pretending to be stupid." Taoist Master Daoxuan chuckled, his eyes full of understanding for Chen Qiye. He tilted his head slightly, gazing at the bright moon casting a silvery glow, and said slowly, "This reward is, firstly, to inspire the disciples to strive for the Dao, and secondly, for you."

Chen Qiye's heart was shaken, but he remained calm. He lowered his head and said, "Master, I have done nothing to deserve such trouble from you."

Taoist Master Daoxuan withdrew his gaze and fell on Chen Qiye, his expression full of expectation: "Qiye, you are extremely talented and practice diligently, and I have always seen it. If this Liuhe Mirror falls into your hands, with your aptitude, you will definitely be able to unleash its power to the extreme. With the help of such a magical weapon, your path of cultivation will be smoother. Don't forget your thirty-sixth level of heavenly tribulation."

Chen Qiye was deeply moved. He stood up and bowed deeply to Taoist Master Daoxuan. "Master, you have shown me such great kindness. I will definitely live up to your expectations. In the Seven Clans Martial Competition, I will go all out to obtain the Liuhe Mirror. With even greater strength, I will face the impending thirty-sixth-grade heavenly tribulation."

Taoist Master Daoxuan raised his hand and helped Chen Qiye up, his eyes full of trust. "Qiye, I am relieved that you have such determination. In this martial arts competition, the disciples from other sects should not be underestimated and must not be taken lightly."

Chen Qiye nodded heavily, a determined light flashing in his eyes: "Master, don't worry, I will handle it with caution."

Taoist Master Daoxuan nodded slightly, gave a few more instructions, and then stood up and left.

Chen Qiye returned to his room but didn't fall asleep. Instead, he immersed himself in his deduction of the Zhu Xian Sword Formation. In his sea of ​​consciousness, a golden figure stood tall, and four divine swords shone with light.

The next morning.

Mist swirled around Tongtian Peak, dancing like a veil, adorning the entire mountain with a dreamlike quality. Sunlight struggled to penetrate the clouds, shedding a few strands of golden light, adding a touch of solemnity to this sacred site where a fierce competition was about to begin.

Chen Qiye rose early, dressed, and washed before heading out to the courtyard. It was still dark, and only a few Qingyun disciples were walking above the sea of ​​clouds. A cool mountain breeze blew across Chen Qiye's face, bringing a hint of chill.

After breakfast, all the Qingyun Sect disciples arrived at Yunhai Square. A vast sea of ​​people filled the vast square. While everyone was eating, eight platforms constructed from waist-thick timber had been erected on the vast square. These platforms, spaced more than ten feet apart, were arranged in the shape of the Eight Diagrams.

The stage was already packed with people. Beneath the largest "Qian" seat in the center, a large red list several people tall stood. Inscribed on it, in bowl-sized gold characters, were the names and numbers of the participating disciples. Chen Qiye's name was listed first, while the opponent's column was empty.

"Dong—" A clear sound of bells and tripods was heard, which lifted everyone's spirits. For a moment, the originally noisy square suddenly became quiet.

On the huge circular platform in the center, the figures of Taoist Master Daoxuan and Taoist Master Cangsong appeared. Taoist Master Daoxuan took a step forward, looked around at the countless disciples below, and said loudly, "The competition begins."

As he spoke, he flicked his sleeves and the sound of bells and tripods rang out again, "dong dong dong dong" resounding through the sky. All the disciples of Qingyun suddenly felt their blood boiling.

Taoist Master Daoxuan said something, Taoist Cangsong spoke a few more words, and finally, with the sound of a clear and melodious bell, the Seven Clans Martial Arts Competition officially began. Sixty-three people competed in eight arenas, naturally divided into four groups.

(End of this chapter)