Chapter 324: This Boy Has the Potential to Become an Immortal!

White clouds drifted lazily.

Xiao Yicai stood atop his flying sword, unintentionally meeting Qi Hao's gaze; their eyes met coldly, yet carried unspoken meaning.

Sixty years ago, Xiao Yicai was the top contender in the Seven Poles Tournament; now, in the upcoming Seven Poles Tournament, Qi Hao had once aimed for first place—but after Gu Qing's Divine Sword Controlling Thunder Technique slew the Blood-Drinking Old Demon, Elder Duanmu, and Master Baidu, along with numerous Cultivators of the Demon Cult, he had become the undisputed number one.

Qi Hao's gaze dimmed slightly; he no longer harbored any desire to compete against Gu Qing.

Following the swordlight, Xiao Yicai also felt it was exceedingly difficult to deal with someone as outstanding as Gu Qing.

In Xiao Yicai's heart, he believed Qingyun Sect had divided into seven poles, each riddled with self-interest; thus he sought to unify the seven poles into a single force, ally with the great families of the mortal world, and root Qingyun Sect firmly in the mortal realm—but with Gu Qing present, Xiao Yicai had to watch his every move.

Cangsong Daoist's sleeves fluttered as he stood tall upon his sword, soaring through the sea of clouds; Gu Qing's display of divine power greatly pleased Cangsong Daoist, while Tian Budi and Ceng Shuchang followed behind him, wanting to speak but holding back, then wanting to speak again.

Gu Qing's age should have no connection with Elder Wan…

Qingyun Sect, Tongtian Peak.

When Xiao Yicai returned, Daoxuan Zhenren met him at once, listening to the reports and learning of Gu Qing's divine might—how he had slain multiple foes—leaving Daoxuan Zhenren in a daze.

Unconsciously, Daoxuan Zhenren recalled a hundred years ago, when Wan Jianyi had shone just as brightly.

"What do you think?"

Daoxuan Zhenren's gaze settled on Xiao Yicai.

Avoid his sharp edge.

Xiao Yicai replied calmly.

Gu Qing's strength is immense, his sword strikes ruthless; the likes of Elder Duanmu, Master Baidu, and the Blood-Drinking Old Demon—all demonic cultivators who had spent a century in seclusion, likely at the peak of Jade Clarity Level Nine or above—were each cut down by Gu Qing in a single stroke, sweeping away the demons; Xiao Yicai simply could not match him.

Daoxuan Zhenren's expression grew grim.

Xiao Yicai knew this answer was inadequate; after careful consideration, he said: "Within Qingyun Sect, there is a rule: only the Tongtian Peak lineage may enter the Illusory Moon Cave and become the Sect Master."

Gu Qing is not of the Tongtian Peak lineage; even if his talent is extraordinary, it cannot threaten Xiao Yicai's position—perhaps he will simply need to consult Gu Qing more often in future matters.

Daoxuan Zhenren sighed softly: What if Gu Qing were considered part of the Tongtian Peak lineage?

A hundred years of time, like desert sand, had buried all past events—but Wan Jianyi in the Ancestral Hall remained a single seed among ten thousand acres of sand; should rain fall, it would sprout and rise again into the light.

Now, Gu Qing was stirring up wind and rain everywhere.

Evening breeze brushed gently, crimson clouds spread wide.

Gu Qing and Lu Xueqi bade farewell to Cangsong and others, wandering idly through the mountains, and soon arrived at a small town—houses neatly arranged, smoke curling from chimneys, children running, farmers returning home, ordinary life imbued with quiet charm.

The two walked hand in hand into the town; the townsfolk, seeing Gu Qing and Lu Xueqi, instinctively sensed they were not ordinary mortals, and naturally kept their distance.

As they strolled, a man and woman approached from the opposite direction—the man handsome, the woman graceful; after locking eyes with Gu Qing and Lu Xueqi, both parties halted. Merely by their bearing, they recognized each other as cultivators; Gu Qing gave a slight nod and pulled Lu Xueqi to pass on.

The man, seeing Lu Xueqi's clear beauty and snow-white complexion, froze for a moment; then, noticing Gu Qing and Lu Xueqi's indifference, stepped forward and said: "I am Li Xun of the Fensheng Valley, greetings to you both, fellow cultivators."

Since the man had greeted them, Gu Qing stopped and simply introduced himself: "Gu Qing of Qingyun Sect."

In the world of Zhuxian, Fensheng Valley is portrayed as a villainous faction, yet their lifelong pursuit—the Eight Fiendish Flame Array and Heavenly Fire—has never been revealed, nor have their schemes come to light; as for Li Xun, he is famously the toad of Zhuxian, having even dared to propose marriage to Lu Xueqi, forcing her to press her sword to her throat and refuse with a sharp cry.

"Oh?"

Li Xun glanced at Gu Qing, his voice suddenly cold: "I've heard the most outstanding disciple of Qingyun Sect is named Ye Fan—do you know him, Brother Gu?"

Looking for trouble?

Gu Qing studied Li Xun for two glances, realizing this man was a prodigy of Fensheng Valley, accustomed to arrogance and disdain for all; yet Qingyun Sect's prestige towered over Fensheng Valley, and Gu Qing's earlier indifference had likely provoked him.

"I know him."

Gu Qing nodded sincerely: "This boy has the potential to become an Immortal!"

Immortal?

Li Xun was stunned, eyes vacant; in this age, cultivators were numerous, yet the founders of Qingyun Sect, Tianyin Temple, and Fensheng Valley had all turned to dust—longevity and immortality had become distant dreams to mortals.

For Gu Qing to suddenly declare Ye Fan had the potential to become an Immortal—such extravagant words made Li Xun deem them shameless.

Lu Xueqi's jade-like face remained cold; her lips curled slightly.

Li Xun drew a slow breath, convinced Gu Qing was boasting wildly, and asked: "Then, Brother Gu Qing, who is stronger—you or Ye Fan?"

Yan Hong shifted her gaze from Lu Xueqi to carefully examine the "shameless" Gu Qing—but as her eyes narrowed, she found Gu Qing standing tall and radiant beneath the blue sky, dazzling and magnetic, so captivating she could not look away—until Lu Xueqi's gaze, sharp as swordlight, pierced her, jolting her back to awareness.

…How is this Qingyun Sect even weirder than the Hehuan Sect?

"Me and Ye Fan?"

Gu Qing thought for a moment, then said: "Fifty-fifty. Sometimes he's stronger, sometimes I am."

"Perfect!"

Li Xun spoke coldly: "I, Li Xun of Fensheng Valley, wish to test Qingyun Sect's superior techniques!" As he spoke, he straightened his chest, determined to uphold Fensheng Valley's honor.

"Brother!"

Yan Hong interrupted: "We have more urgent matters!" As she spoke, she bowed apologetically to Gu Qing and forcibly pulled Li Xun away.

Yan Hong persuaded Li Xun to leave with just a few words.

Gu Qing watched their retreating backs, shook his head, and said: "This Li Xun is arrogant and haughty, but he does possess a few rare virtues."

Lu Xueqi looked at Gu Qing in surprise.

"Shall I give you an example?"

Gu Qing asked with a smile.

Lu Xueqi nodded slightly; she had seen no virtues in Li Xun.

"Impotent."

Gu Qing said calmly.

Lu Xueqi frowned, studying Gu Qing, certain he was joking—but she had no idea what was funny.

"Pfft…"

Lu Xueqi did not laugh—but from a courtyard beside the town, a slender-waisted woman could not help but burst into laughter.

The sound drew Gu Qing and Lu Xueqi's gaze; the laughing girl, sensing their attention, immediately stifled her laughter, took hold of the two goats beside her, and walked out of town.

Three-Tailed Demon Fox!

Gu Qing and Lu Xueqi followed after her.

(End of Chapter)