Chapter 63: The Fox Masked Challenger

Another week passed uneventfully, and Moxuan’s physical condition was steadily improving. As for the so-called lethargy, it was more akin to a persistent coma. Fortunately, Moxuan had largely recovered in all other aspects, indistinguishable from a normal person—save for his continued slumber.

Ouyang Xiyue gazed at Moxuan, still asleep on his own bed.

‘How wonderful,’ he mused. ‘I wish I could lie here, free of all worries.’

Ouyang Xiyue’s studies had resumed their normal course. From the intelligence gathered recently, the individual ranked tenth on the Heavenly Rankings possessed considerable strength; however, Ouyang Xiyue found them rather unremarkable, confident he could handle them with absolute ease. As for other preparations…

To conceal his identity, Ouyang Xiyue intended to appear under a false name, donning a mask. The mask itself was a simple, ordinary fox mask, imbued with a touch of magic. This enchantment ensured it would remain securely in place during combat.

Regarding his alias, Ouyang Xiyue conceived of a rather amusing one. Although he wished to maintain a low profile, battles above the Heavenly Rankings were public, bound to draw a large crowd. Given his formidable strength, he was certain to attract attention, thus he decided against being *too* understated.

He had already settled on a name: ‘Bai Xuehui’!

Bai Xuehui, Night Xuehui… yes, quite perfect. QwQ.

The match had been scheduled for precisely noon on Sunday. Upon hearing that an unknown challenger intended to face the tenth-ranked on the Heavenly Rankings, tickets for the event were instantly snatched up.

They were eager to witness how this unfamiliar individual would be utterly crushed. To dare challenge someone on the Heavenly Rankings, even if only tenth, was audacious. The tenth-ranked was still incredibly powerful, certainly not someone any ordinary person could defeat.

“Yun’er, what do you think? This mask, I believe, suits me quite well.”

“Yes, yes, perfectly suited, indeed. Is Lord Xiyue implying they resemble a fox spirit? Wearing this mask will only draw more attention, as everyone will be eager to glimpse the true face of the maiden hidden beneath it.” Yun’er remarked, thoroughly scrutinizing Xiyue, who was now adorned with the white fox mask.

“I agree it suits me perfectly, however! There’s one small correction: I am certainly not a fox spirit. If I am a fox, then I am an elegant and beautiful one. And if you wish to see my true face, it’s quite simple, isn’t it? Just defeat me~” Xiyue quipped playfully, still wearing the white fox mask.

Watching Xiyue bounce playfully before her, Yun’er inwardly sighed with exasperated amusement.

‘With your current strength, even the academy’s teachers wouldn’t be able to match you,’ she thought. ‘After all, you are invincible among your peers; perhaps only that Night Xuehui could truly contend with you.’

****

Ringing insistently, a telephone blared within a dark office.

–Hello? Is something the matter, Yue?– a cool, clear voice responded. Indeed, it was none other than the strikingly aloof and handsome Night Xuehui.

–Young Miss Night, someone issued a challenge to the tenth-ranked on the Heavenly Rankings yesterday…–

–Not interested. Anything else? If not, I’m hanging up; I’m busy.– Night Xuehui cut the speaker off before they could finish. In her estimation, the tenth-ranked on the Heavenly Rankings was utterly beneath her notice. She was only intrigued by those whose strength could rival her own—individuals like Ouyang Xiyue…

–No, no, Young Miss Night, I understand you have no interest in such insignificant individuals. However, I sense that their challenger is quite interesting. Are you certain you wouldn’t like to hear? It seems to concern you somehow.–

The person named Yue spoke with urgency, clearly fearing Night Xuehui would abruptly hang up, just as she had done the time before last.

–Oh? It concerns me? Stop beating around the bush and speak, while my patience still holds.– Night Xuehui’s tone remained as icy as ever.

–The challenger’s name is Bai Xuehui, and yours is Night Xuehui. Tsk, tsk, tsk. Either they are an admirer of yours, or they are here to stir up trouble. I’ve already had my subordinates investigate, and it’s highly probable they’re up to no good. My people couldn’t find any information on this person, which indicates exceptional secrecy and a significant background. The match is at noon today. I checked, and all the live tickets are sold out, but it will be broadcast on television. If you’re interested, Young Miss Night, you might want to watch. That’s about all I have to say.–

No sooner had Yue finished speaking than, as he had predicted, Young Miss Night disconnected the call. ‘Indeed, Young Miss Night remained utterly unchanged,’ he mused. ‘She cares for nothing but her own affairs, truly devoid of any worldly warmth.’

Having ended the call, Night Xuehui rested her chin in her hand, lost in thought… Bai Xuehui… Bai Xuehui…

For reasons unknown, as Night Xuehui pondered, her thoughts drifted to that Ouyang Xiyue. She shook her head, dismissing the notion. ‘How could it possibly be him? He would never be so utterly bored.’

Clearing her mind, Night Xuehui resumed her work. Yet, after only a short while, she scratched her head in frustration and set her tasks aside.

Evidently, she was still bothered by this ‘Bai Xuehui’ individual. Their blatant objective was to provoke her, even daring to use such a similar name. ‘Was it merely to capture her attention, or did they harbor some other, deeper motive?’

‘No, this won’t do. Noon…’ Night Xuehui glanced at the clock on the wall; it was precisely eleven, leaving an hour until the match began.

‘Yue mentioned the tickets were sold out. Well, I suppose I’ll watch the broadcast then…’

Time, as always, flew by, and in the blink of an eye, an hour had elapsed.

****

In the challenger’s private room…

–Good luck, Lord Xiyue! To prevent your identity from being exposed, I’ll leave for the dormitory alone once the match is over. And with your skills, you’re bound to attract attention. Be careful after the match, watch out for anyone following you. Go, go, go!–

Yun’er observed Xiyue, whose expression remained utterly placid despite the imminent match. ‘Their opponent was, after all, the tenth-ranked on the Heavenly Rankings, yet Xiyue showed no hint of nervousness. Ah, truly worthy of Lord Xiyue!’

–Alright, alright, Yun’er, don’t worry. It’s just a small fry; dealing with them will be effortless. Just watch my performance; one round is all it will take to decide the victor.– Ouyang Xiyue patted Yun’er’s shoulder, a faint smile gracing his lips, before picking up the white fox mask from the table and placing it over his face.

Stepping out of the waiting room…

–Alright, everyone, let us turn our attention to the final match of this afternoon. I trust you’ve all been waiting a long time, just like me, for this bout: the maiden named Bai Xuehui, challenging our tenth-ranked on the Heavenly Rankings, Dugu Jue!–

The announcer, positioned above the arena, spoke with palpable excitement and zeal. ‘After all, fools who challenged those on the Heavenly Rankings were a rare sight, essentially courting death. And this time, it was even a girl. Tsk, tsk, tsk.’

–Now, please welcome our tenth-ranked on the Heavenly Rankings! Challenger Dugu Jue! Know that Dugu Jue’s strength is absolutely not exaggerated; he is a formidable figure who can move freely through an army of millions!–

No sooner had the announcer’s words faded than a burly figure landed with a resounding crash upon the arena. His sudden arrival caused cracks to spiderweb across the very ground of the combat stage.

A colossal man, radiating self-assurance, flexed his muscles for the crowd in the arena.

–It seems our challenger Dugu Jue’s physique is even more imposing than before! And now, let us welcome this challenger, Bai Xuehui!–

In that very instant, everyone felt the arena’s temperature plummet. Their breaths now emerged as visible wisps of white. As the crowd watched in astonishment, a maiden wearing a white fox mask suddenly appeared on the stage, where only Dugu Jue had stood moments before.

–Oh! She has appeared! The mysterious maiden named Bai Xuehui! With both challengers now present, let’s ask Challenger Dugu Jue if he has any words before the match begins.–

–Hahaha, this is hilarious! A mere little girl! I know you’re responsible for the sudden drop in temperature throughout the arena, and you managed to appear without my sensing you. I admit you’re strong, but you’re gravely underestimating me. Though I’m only tenth on the Heavenly Rankings, my true strength is enough to challenge the fifth-ranked. Were it not for my laziness, and out of consideration for you being a girl, I’ll give you a chance: one move to decide the victor. Let it not be said that a burly man like myself bullied a little girl.– Dugu Jue spoke with utter disdain, gazing at the maiden before him.

–Does Challenger Bai Xuehui have anything to say?–

–Then let’s do it. One move to decide the victor, it suits me perfectly.–

–Very well then! 3! 2! 1! Begin!–

–Little girl, you will pay for your arrogance! Shadowless Sword Qi!– Dugu Jue roared, drawing the sword from his hand.

Suddenly, a colossal surge of energy erupted from Dugu Jue’s body, radiating an immense, suffocating pressure.

–Hmph, is that all? Trash.– Ouyang Xiyue remarked indifferently.

Ouyang Xiyue merely closed his eyes, making no further movement.

–Hmm? Challenger Bai Xuehui has actually closed her eyes and stands motionless. Is she intending to be a mere target for Challenger Dugu Jue?– No sooner had the announcer’s words fallen than…

Dugu Jue’s charged sword strike was already slashing out towards Ouyang Xiyue, who stood distantly with closed eyes.

–Little girl, be careful! Standing still and closing your eyes, you truly underestimate me! Now you shall pay for your arrogance! Ahahaha! Hahaha, perish!–

Before their eyes, the destructive and immense sword qi swept past Ouyang Xiyue with astonishing speed. It then slammed violently into the arena’s barrier, unleashing a thunderous roar.

Ouyang Xiyue’s body, to everyone’s shock, suddenly shattered into fragments like glass.

–What?! What just happened? A clone!– the announcer bellowed, his voice filled with disbelief.

–Damn it, you tricked me! Where are you? Come out!– Dugu Jue exclaimed, his guard raised as he frantically scanned his surroundings, yet Ouyang Xiyue remained unseen.

Suddenly, Dugu Jue felt a chill at his neck, a cold touch pressing against his skin. A voice emanated from behind him.

–How could anyone be foolish enough to just stand there and let you strike them? You’ve lost. I yield. Hey, you up there, can you announce the results now?– Ouyang Xiyue stated calmly.

The entire arena fell silent, even the announcer stood frozen in shock. Hearing the challenger call out to him, the announcer finally shook his head, his face etched with disbelief, and declared:

–Congratulations to our Challenger Bai Xuehui for a successful challenge! Starting today, she will become our tenth-ranked on the Heavenly Rankings!–

–Ohhh!– The viewing stands erupted in fervent cheers.

Shangguan Yun watched Ouyang Xiyue on the stage and smiled. Ultimately, her worries had been unfounded. After all, that was Lord Xiyue, an existence akin to a prodigy.

Thus, the match concluded.

Having watched the match, Night Xuehui suddenly stood up, clenching her fists, and spoke aloud.

“It really was you, Ouyang Xiyue! I could never be mistaken, even with the mask. What is your true intention? Why choose such a name?”