Chapter 20: The Price of Hubris

The fragments of the sword, scattered across the ground, still emanated a rich sword energy. An ordinary person picking them up would instantly have their body ravaged by this energy, causing their internal organs to rupture and their life force to extinguish in an instant. This alone showcased the viciousness and immense power of Yun Tianqi’s technique.

Unlike the ethereal sword arts passed down from ancient times, Yun Tianqi’s move incorporated the accumulated wisdom of his ancestors and his unique insights into swordplay, allowing him to wield it with consummate skill. At this moment, even the very energies of heaven and earth subtly bent to his will.

“How is this possible!”

With just a single move, Yun Tianqi’s proud sword style had been utterly dismantled, yet Lan Wu Xi remained completely unharmed, without even a scratch. Most critically, Yun Tianqi’s own weapon had been the first to shatter and splinter. Such a situation had occurred only once before, when he had been defeated by that person not long ago. To witness his weapon break again now, a profound sense of humiliation surged through him.

Unbeknownst to anyone, Yun Tianqi’s eyes had long since become streaked with crimson. A torrent of surging, majestic aura, laden with heavy pressure, swirled around him like a raging river. Despite his broken weapon, Yun Tianqi swiftly grasped at the void, and a spirit sword of superior quality sliced through the air, landing precisely in his hand.

“This fellow is getting serious!”

Observing Yun Tianqi’s renewed and shifting aura, Lan Wu Xi understood that if he did not unleash his full power, he would undoubtedly be the one to perish next.

Though he had effortlessly blocked Yun Tianqi’s moves, his palms were already stained with blood and trembled slightly. After all, even a Yun Tianqi who suppressed his true strength possessed the combat power of a Profound Wheel peak expert. Coupled with the profound and potent nature of his technique, defeating him at the same cultivation stage was indeed no easy feat.

“Watch as I smash you with a single punch!”

Now disarmed, Yun Tianqi became utterly serious. As someone always adept at physical combat, his blood qi surged dramatically, showing faint signs of breaking through. He was Yun Tianqi, the most precious person in the future Cloudsoar Kingdom. This Lan Wu Xi had repeatedly threatened his status; regardless of whether this person posed a future threat, merely for having captivated Huang Yao Yue, he could not be allowed to live!

His right hand erupted with a whirlwind of spiritual energy. Yun Tianqi unleashed a punch towards Lan Wu Xi, the ferocity in his eyes no longer concealed. This single punch carried the might to cleave heaven and earth, a force that even an unyielding bedrock would likely fail to withstand.

“Yellow Springs Palm!”

Another low-grade palm technique, enhanced by Lan Wu Xi’s personal understanding of its essence, manifested subtle hints of the Taiji Bagua within its movements.

One might expect a colossal burst of power when a punch and a palm collided, yet Lan Wu Xi’s palm technique, like a swirling vortex, slowly dissolved the force of the punch. His movements were as subtle and profound as kneading dough, astonishing everyone present. Many exceptional sect disciples found themselves nodding in reluctant acknowledgment that Lan Wu Xi indeed possessed extraordinary abilities.

‘Could this move be a high-grade technique? No! How can it resemble the Yellow Springs Palm so closely, yet possess an indescribable difference? How many trump cards does this fellow truly possess?’

Even if Lan Wu Xi’s cultivation wasn’t exceptional, his successive display of marvelous techniques shattered Wei Yuantian’s self-proclaimed extensive worldview. Even he had to admit that Lan Wu Xi possessed some commendable qualities.

However, the Yellow Springs Palm, being an improved low-grade technique, faced significant limitations. While it had averted danger in previous exchanges, even countering with softness, its drawbacks began to surface after a few more moves.

“Hmph!”

With a furious roar, Yun Tianqi finally seized an opening and pressed his advantage. His punch struck Lan Wu Xi’s shoulder, sending him staggering back several steps, blood flecking the corner of his mouth. It was clear that after several exchanges, signs of fatigue were beginning to show.

Had it not been for the mission requirements, Lan Wu Xi would have long since raised a white flag. The opponent’s determination to kill him, as if he wouldn’t be human otherwise, left him speechless with frustration.

‘Damn it, I don’t possess any powerful techniques. If I clash head-on, I’ll definitely be at a disadvantage!’

Even after a brief exchange, Lan Wu Xi keenly understood the chasm between himself and Yun Tianqi—a gap not easily bridged.

Even if Lan Wu Xi unleashed all his techniques, he could at most injure Yun Tianqi. To truly win, with his current strength, would be as hard as ascending to the heavens. After all, he wasn’t some protagonist with an immortal halo or the ability to challenge those beyond his rank; his current setting placed him only at the Profound Wheel initial stage, a significant distance from the peak.

“Your Excellency’s strength is indeed impressive. In that case, I shall no longer hold back and will unleash my full power. I hope you will not hesitate to offer your guidance!”

No sooner had his words fallen than a faint spiritual energy rose above Yun Tianqi’s head, forming a cloud-like spiritual phantom in the shape of a human. The phantom held a vividly carved, dragon-like sharp sword, and its every movement exuded an aura of absolute supremacy. This was none other than the secret technique passed down through generations of the Cloudsoar Royal Family: the Unfettered Sword Art.

It fused the essences of various renowned sword arts from across the continent, eventually integrating them to form its own unique style. The Phantom Array Sword Art was domineering and sharp, like a ferocious beast tearing through the firmament, soaring directly into the clouds of the nine heavens. Such a sword art, when used to overpower an enemy, was truly unstoppable.

“This move is indeed formidable. Such an aura carries a hint of Yun Xiao Yu’s majestic and heroic bearing from back then. This Yun Tianqi has certainly brought honor to their Cloudsoar Royal Family.”

Wei Yuantian gazed at the sword phantom in mid-air, which seemed like a deity descending. Simply perceiving it allowed him to discern the immense destructive power contained within the technique.

Although Yun Tianqi’s current strength could only unleash perhaps one or two tenths of the move’s true power, it still bore a striking resemblance to the original. If Wei Yuantian’s predictions were correct, this technique could be considered a rare cultivation method in a certain sense, perhaps even top-tier on the Azure Blue Continent.

‘However, I see nothing particularly astonishing about this Lan Wu Xi. While he was somewhat unexpected earlier, he still falls far short of the impression I had in my mind. How could such a person captivate my young lady so deeply? It truly piques my curiosity.’

Sighing softly, Wei Yuantian, though he had long suspected the truth, still felt a considerable sense of regret upon seeing it firsthand. Even if Lan Wu Xi were to defeat Yun Tianqi today, it would only slightly elevate his standing in Wei Yuantian’s heart, still far from the height he truly wished for, for his young lady was…

‘If it were that Young Master Yun, there might be a chance. A rising waste? Interesting. I’ll find an opportunity to meet him another day.’

Lost in thought, Wei Yuantian once again focused on the battle between the two. The banquet hall was already a mess, though thankfully there were no casualties or damage to valuable items. Many nobles had retreated far to the side to watch, fearing they might be caught in the crossfire and injured.

At this moment, besides Wei Yuantian, only a few outstanding disciples from various sects remained watching from close proximity. The other, weaker sect disciples had, by unspoken agreement, taken a large step back.

‘Damn it, there’s absolutely no way to counter this move. Should I just admit defeat? At worst, I’ll bow my head and apologize, making a big deal into a small one. At least it’s better than losing my life…’

Lan Wu Xi was beginning to contemplate retreat. It wasn’t that he lacked backbone, but forcibly confronting this move would undoubtedly lead to disaster. A sense of apprehension quietly bloomed in his heart, causing him to hesitate in the face of the impending fierce attack.

[Beep! System notification: If the host fails to complete the mission, the penalty is instant death! Repeating: If the host fails to complete the mission, the penalty is instant death!]

This was what a good teammate truly meant. The instant the mission alert entered Lan Wu Xi’s mind, his usually calm and peaceful heart instantly surged with turmoil.

The threat of death descended upon every corner of his body in less than half a breath. He felt as if his entire being had been locked onto by the Dao of Heaven; if he truly lost this battle, he would genuinely die! This was no joke.

“Heh… Heh heh… are you playing with me? Is it amusing to toy with my life like this?”

Lan Wu Xi chuckled self-deprecatingly, a helpless regret surfacing on his lips, as if he could already foresee his demise.

‘Why can’t I be stronger? Why must I meet such an end? Is today truly my final destination?’

“Hahahaha, today you are destined to die! Rest assured, after your death, I will take good care of Huang Yao Yue for you. A person like you is simply unworthy to be by her side, and the only one truly qualified is me!”

A message enveloped in spiritual energy entered Lan Wu Xi’s mind, clearly from Yun Tianqi. The latter’s face was now etched with a sinister smile, his gaze upon Lan Wu Xi akin to looking at a dead man. Even if this Lan Wu Xi had powerful forces backing him, he had to die today. Yun Tianqi refused to believe there was anyone in the Cloudsoar Royal Family he couldn’t offend!

“Alas, I never expected Yun Tianqi to unleash even this move. With such a display, that fellow is likely doomed…”

“Hmph! This Yun Tianqi truly lives up to his reputation. Among the younger generation of the Cloudsoar Kingdom, he must be considered among the very best.”

“What do you think, Senior Brother Yu Liuli? Do you believe you can withstand this move?”

Among the foremost sect disciples, one couldn’t help but quietly ask a proud-looking man beside him.

“Me?”

The man, addressed as Senior Brother Yu Liuli, shook his head as he watched the scene unfold, speaking with a touch of regret.

“This Third Prince indeed possesses some skill. Even I would have to go all out to defeat him.”

Though it sounded like a compliment to Yun Tianqi, the strong disdain in his tone was utterly unconcealed, causing the man beside him to gasp in a cold breath before smiling fawningly.

“As expected of Senior Brother Yu Liuli! I knew these people were nothing but clowns before you. How could they ever be your opponents!”

“Heh heh, besides that Wei Yuantian, I don’t put anyone else in my eyes. And I believe it won’t be long before even he becomes my defeated foe!”

Senior Brother Yu Liuli gave a chilling laugh, stealing a glance at Wei Yuantian, who was intently watching Lan Wu Xi and Yun Tianqi. That crushing defeat still lingered vividly in his memory; as a Golden Core realm cultivator, he hadn’t even lasted ten rounds against Wei Yuantian, a thought that never failed to ignite his fury.

“Speaking of which, that Fifth Princess earlier had quite a charming appearance. She’s more to my taste than those alluring sluts in our sect. If the opportunity arises, I wouldn’t mind…”

“Qualified? Pfft~”

Upon hearing Yun Tianqi’s extremely mocking words, Lan Wu Xi couldn’t help but burst into laughter. This unexpected reaction caused a moment of stunned confusion among the other onlookers, who wondered what he could possibly be thinking.

“That guy just laughed! Does he have some hidden trump card?”

“Yeah, I saw it too! I knew this guy’s strength couldn’t be just this!”

Wei Yuantian, who had thought the outcome was already decided, now showed a hint of confusion. Could this fellow truly have an unrevealed trump card? If so, this duel was about to become much more interesting.

‘I truly am not qualified. Even if I pour all my strength into protecting that smile, my mind often disobediently reminds me that the owner of that smile is not me…’

Lan Wu Xi muttered to himself. His primordial spiritual energy, under the strain of the sword energy, began to grow chaotic, yet he showed no hint of panic. In fact, he now seemed to possess a calm acceptance of life and death.

As Lan Wu Xi’s mindset quietly shifted, his spiritual power, which had been as slow as a crawling turtle, suddenly became restless and agitated, eventually accelerating like a swift gale. The spiritual energy that had been on the verge of depletion now showed signs of a sudden resurgence.

“What! This is?”

“Impossible! When did this guy comprehend…”

“There’s no mistake, this guy actually…”

At this moment, all the cultivators present sensed that the surrounding air was generating spiritual energy that should only appear in hidden secret realms. Then, it all converged in an orderly fashion around Lan Wu Xi, with specks of starlight flowing like meteors through his meridians. Finally, Lan Wu Xi’s entire blood qi began to boil, and his eyes, at some unknown point, emitted a dazzling light.

“This is the Spirit Manifestation within the Golden Core Realm? This is impossible!”

“Who exactly is this guy? Why have I never heard of such a genius emerging from the Cloudsoar Kingdom!”

As a Golden Core realm expert, Yun Tianqi naturally sensed this unusual celestial phenomenon immediately. Amidst his astonishment, he understood that if this person was not eliminated, he would undoubtedly become a boundless future threat. Since animosity had already been established, he absolutely could not let go of anyone who might threaten him! Having grown up in the royal family, Yun Tianqi deeply understood this principle.

So, after quickly adjusting his mindset, Yun Tianqi took a deep breath, then roared, his aura instantly breaking through the Profound Wheel peak to the Golden Core Realm. Clearly, he was already wary of Lan Wu Xi and had decided that even if it violated their agreement, he would kill him today.

“Yun Tianqi, what are you doing? You’re breaking the rules!”

Huang Yao Yue stomped her foot in anger, then instantly unleashed a formidable aura, revealing that she, too, was at the Profound Wheel peak! Truly worthy of being hailed as the Huang family’s top genius, her strength far surpassed Lan Wu Xi’s.

“Young Lady, please do not interfere in this battle!”

A venerable voice, tinged with helplessness, swept over. Immediately, an invisible spiritual energy formed a halo that bound Huang Yao Yue, rendering her immobile. An elderly figure mysteriously appeared beside her, blocking her path.

“Elder Huang, what are you doing? Release me at once! If anything happens to him, I will never forgive any of you!”

Huang Yao Yue cried out furiously, twisting her body with all her might to break free, but her struggles were futile.

“My apologies, Young Lady Huang. This is the Third Prince’s command, and this old servant must obey.”

“Stop playing coy! You old fogey, release me now! Otherwise, when I get out, I’ll tell my grandfather, and he will absolutely not let you off!”

Lan Wu Xi, at this moment, did not notice the changes in his body, but he felt different than before. His previously severe injuries had all vanished, healing into scabs, and his body’s weakened spiritual energy began to slowly recover. This miraculous transformation filled his mind with a wild idea as he looked at Yun Tianqi’s grim face.

‘Although I don’t know the reason, since it’s come to this, I can only fight with everything I have. You want me dead? How can I let that happen without you paying a price?’

The faint starlight radiated dazzling brilliance. The transformation of his body caused Lan Wu Xi’s aura to surge to the Profound Wheel high stage, just a step away from the peak.

“Watch my move! I’ll send you to meet Napoleon!”