Chapter 246: Old Friend Comes to Visit

The next day, the fifth match of the top eight advancing to the top four began on time.

It was still the same sea of people; some disciples who had been eliminated early also came one after another to watch the battle.

"This batch of Inner Sect Disciples is truly full of hidden talents; first Senior Brother Zhang emerged from seclusion, then a Yu Changsheng killed his way out, and now even Li Minghan, who usually looked unremarkable, actually hid such a trump card."

"Who says our Wanxiang Sect is inferior to the Linglong Sect? Looking at it this way, aren't we also pretty good? Aside from that Yang Chengxu who indeed has real strength, the rest of the Linglong Sect are just so-so."

Among the crowd, the Wanxiang Sect disciples chattered incessantly, until Yu Changsheng and his group arrived, whereupon they automatically made way, casting reverent gazes and actively greeting them.

Before long, the Linglong Sect disciples arrived on time; the figures of Mo Pengchen and Mu Yongxian appeared as promised.

Without further delay, today's first match formally raised its curtain.

"Fifth match, Wanxiang Sect Disciple Chen Menghan, versus Linglong Sect Wang Junjie!"

As Mo Pengchen spoke, both sides each sent out two people, and the moment Chen Menghan appeared, she drew the attention of the Linglong Sect and Wanxiang Sect disciples.

The reason was none other than this Chen Menghan being the only female disciple to successfully reach this stage in this competition; she was also a veteran Inner Sect Disciple, her cultivation base having reached Foundation Establishment Sixth Layer, so she naturally attracted much attention.

Moreover, her appearance was quite decent, and coupled with her formidable strength, the number of secret admirers pursuing her was not small.

It was just that her temperament seemed to match her name — innately ice-cold; towards these pursuers she refused them all, to the point that in private she had gained the nickname Cold Dream Goddess.

As for the Linglong Sect's side, the one sent out, Wang Junjie, was likewise at the Foundation Establishment Sixth Layer realm; having reached this step, there were basically no more people with low cultivation bases.

Overall, the two's comprehensive strength was about the same, even their spirit beasts were much alike, yet in the end it was still Chen Menghan who narrowly lost by half a move, stopping here, her expression quite regretful.

"Sixth match, Wanxiang Sect Yu Changsheng, versus Linglong Sect Gu Yangguang."

Soon the next match began; Yu Changsheng shook his hands, then without hesitation flipped onto the stage.

After these days of recuperation, plus having Mo Pengchen's Huan Sheng Dan, Yu Changsheng's original peak condition had long since recovered as before, even rising a layer higher.

Right now was precisely a time of full confidence and abundant energy.

Before long, Gu Yangguang also went up; after exchanging blows with Yu Changsheng for a while, knowing he was no match, he was quite decisive and directly admitted defeat.

Yu Changsheng won this battle very easily, which likewise made many watching people sigh with regret.

"Wanxiang Sect Yu Changsheng, Champion!"

Mo Pengchen's voice rang out on cue; as the clamor was suppressed, the seventh match began, and unsurprisingly, this match the Wanxiang Sect lost.

"Eighth match, Wanxiang Sect Zhang Tianwen, versus Linglong Sect Zhang Miao!"

Today's final match was Zhang Tianwen as the finale, while on the Linglong Sect side, Zhang Miao's strength was likewise not to be underestimated.

The two exchanged several hundred moves; Zhang Miao unleashed all her methods, yet in the end still helplessly lost, while Zhang Tianwen, by contrast, wore a relaxed face, not having expended much effort.

This also made the group of Linglong Sect people who wanted to take the opportunity to observe Zhang Tianwen's strength secretly shake their heads in disappointment.

Yu Changsheng pondered, looking at the calm Zhang Tianwen, thoughtfully: "Foundation Establishment Seventh Layer Peak realm... Looks like his shattered Eighth Layer Spirit Platform still hasn't recovered."

"But to be able to recover to this extent under circumstances where the foundation was completely ruined is also rare; looks like the Peak Master didn't spare effort on this disciple of his."

Thinking this, before long Zhang Tianwen walked off the arena, lightly waved his hand, revealed a smile, patted the contemplating Yu Changsheng, and laughed: "What are you thinking about? Today's matches are all over."

"Nothing, just feel Senior Brother Zhang's strength is formidable, making me sincerely admire you."

Yu Changsheng shook his head, likewise smiling as he spoke.

"Is that so? It's just so-so."

Zhang Tianwen heard this and hehe laughed, casually brushing the hair from his forehead to the back, his face full of smiling intent, yet in the depths of his brows and eyes a trace of desolation flashed by.

And this trace of loneliness was also keenly caught by Yu Changsheng; in his heart he softly sighed, but his face revealed nothing, and facing Zhang Tianwen he smiled: "Senior Brother Zhang is mighty; the later matches still need you to make a move, you can't say such disheartening words now. If you don't hold the banner, there'll be no one left."

Zhang Tianwen heard this, his face full of smiles, lightly exhaled a mouthful of turbid Qi, raised an eyebrow: "Isn't there still you? With you here, I'm still very at ease."

"Haha."

Finished speaking, Zhang Tianwen couldn't help but haha laugh.

As the Eldest Brother among the Yushou Peak Inner Sect disciples, and also the one with the most seniority, the role he played, to a certain extent, was like a patriarch.

Even more so as the face of the Yushou Peak Inner Sect; major Inner Sect matters couldn't bypass him, and therefore this time for the two-sect competition, he was specially called out by Mo Pengchen.

And now, Yu Changsheng's appearance gave him quite a sense of succession, and the pressure in his heart also lessened accordingly.

Yu Changsheng heard this, bitterly smiled and shook his head, then nodded, only able to say: "I'll do my best."

"Don't you be modest. Who knows how many more trump cards you're hiding, Changsheng, you brat."

Li Minghan on the side finally found a chance to interject, hooking his shoulder and bumping his back, jokingly said.

But what he said was indeed the true words in his heart.

Before long, Mu Yongxian and Mo Pengchen on the high platform announced the promotion list.

"Two days, eight matches of competition ended; below, I will announce the Wanxiang Sect Yushou Peak and Linglong Sect promotion lists."

"Wanxiang Sect: Yu Changsheng, Zhang Tianwen, Gao Yiming, Mo Yuxuan."

Mo Pengchen's face carried a smile; with each name he spoke, his gaze lingered on that person for a moment, smiling and nodding in encouragement.

"Linglong Sect: Yang Chengxu, Wang Junjie, Bi Feiyun, Lin Feng."

Mu Yongxian likewise spoke, reciting a name, his gaze also pausing on that person for half a second, smiling and nodding.

"Rest for three days; all disciples adjust your condition; three days later, the finals begin!"

After explaining some matters, the crowd dispersed, and Yu Changsheng also bid farewell to Zhang Tianwen and Li Minghan, returned to his cave dwelling, daily cultivation, feeding chickens...

The match three days later, for Yu Changsheng, had pressure but not much; as of now, on the Linglong Sect side, the one who truly posed a threat to him was only Yang Chengxu.

"And I also don't pursue perfection in everything; if this first place can be obtained that's best, if not it doesn't matter."

Thinking thus, Yu Changsheng slowly closed his eyes, continuing cultivation.

That night, the bright moon hung high; outside the cave dwelling, a graceful figure quietly arrived.

"Is Yu Changsheng in? An old friend visits, please grant an audience."

Inside the cave dwelling, Yu Changsheng slowly opened his eyes, sensing the person outside the door, rose to welcome them.

"Sun Shihan..."

Inside the cave dwelling, Yu Changsheng slowly rose, sensing the person outside the door, his heart stirring with ripples, thus he stood up and actively welcomed her. "Long time no see, Junior Brother Yu."

Sun Shihan smiled enchantingly, winking playfully at Yu Zhangsheng; under the moonlight she swayed her slender waist with light steps, presenting her fair wrists through the sheer gauze.

Her eyes held spring water, clear ripples flowing in her glances; atop her head a slanting coiffure was pinned with a green jade dragon-and-phoenix hairpin. Fragrant and delicate, her jade-like face outshone the flowers in beauty, fingers like peeled scallion roots, mouth as if holding vermilion cinnabar; at this moment every frown and smile moved the heart and soul, paired with a peerless countenance, she exuded myriad charms.

The moon too seemed to sense something, its radiance falling even more brightly; even Yu Zhangsheng felt his spirit fall into a momentary trance, and after a short while he smiled and invited Sun Shihan inside.

"Senior Sister Sun, it's been a while since we met. Congratulations on your breakthrough to Foundation Establishment."

Yu Zhangsheng feigned slight surprise, sensing the Foundation Establishment fluctuations emanating from Sun Shihan, and offered his congratulations.

Through his keen Divine Sense he could roughly perceive that the number of Spirit Platforms Sun Sihan had condensed at Foundation Establishment was not low, approximately seven layers.

Being able to condense seven Spirit Platform layers already qualifies as genius; even among all the Inner Sect Disciples of the Wanxiang Sect, those possessing seven Spirit Platform layers are a rarity.

"What's there to congratulate? You, on the other hand, who knows how you cultivate — I only just broke through, and you're already at Foundation Establishment Middle Stage."

Sun Shihan shook her head, her words carrying some puzzlement, but more a sense of trance.

She had emerged from seclusion not long ago, but had heard bits and pieces about recent events, and was even more astonished regarding Yu Zhangsheng.

Back then she could still fight Yu Zhangsheng on even terms, yet in just this span of time such an enormous gap had been pulled between them.

"Perhaps, this is what a true Heaven's Chosen is."

Sun Shihan sighed inwardly, suppressed her heart's thoughts, looked up at Yu Zhangsheng once more, a strange glint flashing in her eyes, then transforming into a gentle smile.

"Haha, perhaps I've had more opportunities."

Yu Zhangsheng laughed it off, feeling a bit awkward inside, so he scratched his head and chuckled.

Nonsense, I have a cheat, so naturally I can't be compared with you normal people.

"What about Senior Brother Miao? Has he still not broken through?"

After brewing tea for Sun Shihan, Yu Zhangsheng pondered briefly and asked curiously.

Logically, after such a period Sun Shihan has already broken through to Foundation Establishment; there's no reason Miao Wenlun hasn't broken through yet.

"Him — he happened to break through recently, then for some unknown stimulus he went out to train; who knows when he'll return."

Mentioning Miao Wenlun, Sun Shihan shrugged, her expression quite helpless, and she glanced secretly at Yu Zhangsheng.

"Is that so? That's fine too. Senior Brother Miao has stayed on Yushou Peak for so many years; now that he's reached Foundation Establishment, wanting to go out and wander isn't unreasonable."

Yu Zhangsheng was surprised, nodded after a moment, and did not inquire into the specific reason.

"Hehe." Sun Shihan smiled, sipped her tea; the tea vapor swirled, making her peerless features even more hazy, Command with the moonlight, all the more moving.

But actually, the reason Miao Wenlun left does have a little connection to Yu Zhangsheng.

You see, Miao Wenlun had barely broken through, full of confidence, intending to suppress Yu Zhangsheng, but the moment he emerged he heard that Yu Zhangsheng had long since reached Foundation Establishment Middle Stage, dominating the Inner Sect.

Instantly it was like a thunderbolt from a clear sky; the shred of pride from his breakthrough vanished completely, and in the end, sighing, he secretly left the sect two days ago to seek opportunities.

For Miao Wenlun, perhaps it's still difficult to accept — the existence he once looked up to from behind has now become the existence he must look up to.

Under the enormous disparity, his former halo also vanished completely. That's why he didn't bid farewell to anyone, just left silently.

As for these things, Yu Zhangsheng knows nothing; even if he knew he wouldn't care, and in the end could only wish the other good luck.

And now, deep in the quiet night, Sun Shihan and Yu Zhangsheng are considered familiar; the two chatted, each speaking of their current state, and though there was no wine, they used tea in place of wine and conversed very happily.

"Perhaps, if this scene got out, I'm afraid all the Yushou Peak disciples would hate me to the bone."

While chatting, Yu Zhangsheng looked at Sun Shihan's face and suddenly thought a messy jumble of thoughts.

Without doubt, Sun Shihan is very beautiful; her beauty has few rivals even within the Inner Sect, and coupled with her gentle temperament, plus a cold goddess like Chen Menghan as foil, on Yushou Peak where female disciples are already very few, her fame can be said to be known to all — almost the ideal existence in many disciples' hearts.

And yet such an ideal goddess, in the deep quiet night, alone in a room with a man... if this spread, Yu Zhangsheng could already hear the sound of other disciples' hearts breaking.

"What are you thinking about? So absorbed."

Seeing Yu Zhangsheng slightly dazed, Sun Shihan raised her hand and waved it before his eyes, smiling faintly as she asked.

"I was thinking, this late at night, you coming alone — if others found out, it probably wouldn't be too friendly for you."

Yu Zhangsheng was very sincere, his gaze earnest as he answered truthfully.

"You..." Sun Shihan froze, a visible blush rising on her face, then she glared at Yu Zhangsheng in exasperation, pursed her lips and said displeasedly:

"What messy things are you thinking? Late at night who would pay attention to you, and I was very careful when I came."

Even so, for some reason, hearing Yu Zhangsheng speak like this, Sun Shihan felt not much aversion or worry in her heart.

"Good then, good then." Yu Zhangsheng patted his chest, letting out a breath of relief.

"So you're this worried about my reputation? Not bad, quite considerate." Sun Shihan grew interested, seeing his state she smiled and spoke.

"No, I'm mainly afraid people will misunderstand our relationship, which would be bad for my reputation."

Yu Zhangsheng's gaze remained earnest, answering with utter sincerity and seriousness.

"……"

Sun Shihan fell silent, the smile on her face frozen, she glared at Yu Zhangsheng and ground her teeth secretly.

"Hahaha." Yu Zhangsheng laughed heartily, lifting the teapot to refill Sun Shihan's cup.

"Hmph! Who cares about you, or reputation!" After a long while Sun Shihan finally came back to herself, shot Yu Zhangsheng a sidelong glance, coldly hummed and pouted.

"Alright alright, I came to talk serious business with you."

Seeing the atmosphere was about right, Sun Shihan suddenly composed her expression, her gaze sweeping past the moon outside the window, and spoke seriously.

"Speak." Yu Zhangsheng nodded, also putting away his grinning, and said softly.

"Now, I've reached Foundation Establishment, you've also reached Foundation Establishment; then that matter I told you about back then can also begin preparations."

After pondering a moment, Sun Shihan paused, then narrated leisurely.

The sky is clear, the night sky tranquil, stars dotted about, not a white cloud in sight; thus the radiance is brighter, the sky bluer, the person more serenely beautiful...

(Chapter End)