The Unparalleled Sword Emperor
Chapter 288 - 287: Grudges and Graces of the Four Major Sects

Chapter 288: Chapter 287: Grudges and Graces of the Four Major Sects

Following the prince’s humiliated sitting down.

A triumphant smile appeared on Chen Gong’s face as he looked around, sat down, and started drinking happily.

Chen Gong savored the moment inside Chaoyang Palace; all the princes and kings, all the heroes, all eyes were on his Spirit Sword Sect.

The gazes were filled with awe, envy, and fear.

"Ha ha, for the past ten years, the Spirit Sword Sect has been sitting here, subjected to ridicule, mockery, sarcasm, and contemptuous glances. Finally, this year, you have started to respect us." Chen Gong said firmly in his heart, downing a mouthful of fiery liquor.

However intense the alcohol was in his cup, it didn’t match the thrill in Chen Gong’s heart.

Chen Gong turned his head, looking at Lin Bai who was sitting cross-legged, restoring his True Qi. Gratitude filled his eyes.

Yes, gratitude.

Chen Gong thanked Lin Bai. Today, in the Imperial Hunting Garden, ’he’ had washed away the Spirit Sword Sect’s disgrace; he was grateful to Lin Bai who had made a name for the Spirit Sword Sect in Chaoyang Palace, earning the Sect’s recognition and respect again.

Upon sensing Chen Gong’s gaze, Lin Bai opened his eyes indifferently, smiled at Chen Gong, and gently said, "Elder, there’s no need for this; as a warrior of the Spirit Sword Sect, it’s only natural that I should make a name for our Sect."

"Good, good. Lin Bai, you just focus on recovering your True Qi. The fierce battle among the Four Major Sects is next. I won’t disturb your recovery." Chen Gong was so excited that his eyes were glistening with tears; he kept downing drinks trying to hold his tears back.

Lin Bai nodded, closed his eyes, cut off his senses, and began to recover his True Qi in earnest.

With the end of the competition among the military geniuses, everyone’s attention shifted to the seats of the Four Major Sects.

Murong Qi gave a faint smile, and looking in the direction of the Fire Palace and the Edgeless Sect she said, "Now that the competition among the military talents has concluded, it’s time for us, the Four Major Sects, to take center stage."

"Gentlemen, who among you will go first?"

Murong Qi asked with a smile.

An elder from the Fire Palace replied joyfully, "In accordance to the previous years’ custom, a warrior from the Canghai Yuntai Palace always starts the battle. But this year they seem pessimistic. Never mind, let a warrior from our Fire Palace start."

Murong Qi nodded.

Turning around to look at the warriors of the Fire Palace behind him, the elder from the Fire Palace said, "Wang Lie, you go first. Challenge the warriors from the Spirit Sword Sect and remember not to hold back, be ruthless."

"Please rest assured, elder. I am certain to give the warriors of the Spirit Sword Sect a hard time." With a cold smile, Wang Lie leapt onto the stage.

Wang Lie, with the cultivation of the Heaven Martial Realm Second Layer, could not be considered a genius in the Fire Palace.

But, being the son of a high-ranking elder of the Fire Palace, he had far more cultivation resources than other warriors. That’s the reason he broke through to the Second Layer of the Heaven Martial Realm at just twenty years of age.

If those resources had been given to other geniuses, probably, by now they would all have reached the Heaven Martial Realm Fifth Layer. With Wang Lie still in the Second Layer of the Heaven Martial Realm, it was evident that his talent was very limited.

Upon stepping onto the stage, Wang Lie stared coldly in the direction of the Spirit Sword Sect.

"Zhang Lingdao of the Spirit Sword Sect, do you wish to fight a round?" Wang Lie asked, his face bursting into a smile.

Zhang Lingdao was taken aback, he exclaimed, "Me?"

Wang Lie sneered, "Of course, who else can it be? Though Lu Yuan is pretty good, but he’s now practically a cripple. What fun can it be? Lin Bai is still recovering his True Qi, I would hate to gain an easy victory."

"Among those in the Spirit Sword Sect, you are the only one still in peak condition."

"What? Do you, the Spirit Sword Sect, not even have the courage to accept a challenge?"

Wang Lie jeered sarcastically, "If you don’t, then go back and keep suckling milk, and stop embarrassing yourselves here."

Hiss!

Upon hearing Wang Lie’s sharp words, all the princes, kings, and ministers gasped in surprise.

"It’s starting."

"The competition among the military geniuses is over, and now it’s time for the battles of bitter rivalries among the Four Major Sects."

"Ha ha, every year the Fire Palace and the Canghai Yuntai Palace locks horns with the Spirit Sword Sect, and this year is no different."

Many people commented casually.

At this moment, the prince stood up and laughed, "Yes indeed, Elder Chen Gong, was your earlier grandiloquence just empty words?"

"Does the Spirit Sword Sect not even have the courage to fight?"

The Qi Prince mockingly laughed.

"Yes, is the Spirit Sword Sect a bunch of cowards?"

"Face the challenge! As a warrior, you should always accept the challenge."

"Whether you can win or not is another matter. If you don’t even have the courage to fight, the Spirit Sword Sect should just disband."

With the Qi Prince’s remarks, the princes and officials affiliated with the Qi Prince also chimed in unanimously.

For a moment, the Spirit Sword Sect was once again thrust into the limelight.

Bai Huatian and Bai Xiaoxiao’s faces darkened, but they didn’t say a word.

This was a grudge among the Four Major Sects. Just like the Four Major Sects would not meddle in the royal family’s power struggle easily, the royal family wouldn’t casually intervene in the disputes between the Four Major Sects either.

Chen Gong said solemnly, "Gentlemen, I’ve already made it clear earlier. Zhang Lingdao and Lu Yuan merely accompanied me to get a glimpse of the world. They won’t..."

"Elder, don’t say anything more! I accept the challenge!"

When Zhang Lingdao heard Chen Gong trying to excuse him, he immediately interrupted him.

Chen Gong looked at Zhang Lingdao in surprise and said, "Zhang Lingdao, this isn’t a joke, Wang Lie is a warrior at the second layer of the Heaven Martial Realm, while you are only at the ninth level of Earth Martial Realm. How could you possibly be his match?"

"Do you understand the consequences of stepping onto this Martial Arts Stage?"

Lu Yuan also voiced his concern, "Junior Brother Zhang Lingdao, don’t be impulsive."

Zhang Lingdao, with a determined look in his eyes, said, "I understand the consequences, which at worst is being crippled. But if I don’t fight, everything that Senior Brother Lin Bai has done will be in vain."

"The Spirit Sword Sect has finally earned a bit of respect within the Chaoyang Palace."

"I can’t let my fear bring the Spirit Sword Sect back to where it was last year."

Zhang Lingdao said resolutely.

Chen Gong felt moved when he heard this.

Zhang Lingdao stood up from his seat, walked onto the Martial Arts Stage, took out his sharp sword, and stood opposite Wang Lie.

Chen Gong and Lu Yuan looked on with unbearable expressions.

Indeed.

Lin Bai had worked hard to reclaim some honor and status for the Spirit Sword Sect. If Zhang Lingdao were to refuse the fight, all Lin Bai’s efforts would have been in vain.

"Come on." Pulling out his sharp sword and pointing it directly at Wang Lie, Zhang Lingdao said in a cold voice.

"Hmph, you’re courting death." Wang Lie sneered and suddenly unleashed his fiery power, forcing Zhang Lingdao back.

Zhang Lingdao’s expression changed as he started to display his sword skill.

All of a sudden, Wang Lie and Zhang Lingdao began fiercely fighting on the Martial Arts Stage.

At this moment, Lin Bai had restored his True Qi to its peak state. Opening his eyes and watching the intense battle on the Martial Arts Stage, he was shocked. "How did Junior Brother Zhang Lingdao end up on stage?"

Chen Gong exclaimed in surprise, "Lin Bai, how quickly have you restored your True Qi?"

"It has been fully restored." Lin Bai replied casually.

Thud—

Just at this moment, Zhang Lingdao was struck by Wang Lie who found his flaws. A heavy palm struck Zhang Lingdao’s chest.

Zhang Lingdao was sent flying backward, like a kite with a broken line.

This blow had directly inflicted severe injuries on Zhang Lingdao.

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That’s all for today. Time to rest. Goodnight.