Chapter 60

The three of them ignored the Yin family members around them and strode boldly toward the stone platform.

“It’s a spiritual bird—could these be from the Four Symbols Sect?”

Someone on the stone platform immediately cried out in surprise.

The elders seated on their chairs exchanged glances, clearly taken aback.

“Let’s go. Noble guests have arrived—let’s go greet them.”

Yin Linglong also looked puzzled, but after a moment’s thought, she rose decisively and stepped forward to meet them, Wang Yu following.

The other elders exchanged glances, then silently followed behind.

The three approaching figures had two in front, whispering to each other, and one behind, smiling.

As Yin Linglong descended the stone platform and saw the faces of the two men ahead, she nodded to the middle-aged man in the black robe on the right, then bowed slightly toward the pale-faced man in his thirties on the left.

“I am Shi Hai, current external sect steward of the Four Symbols Sect. I came uninvited—hope you won’t take offense, Lady Yin.” After a swift glance at Yin Linglong’s astonishing beauty, Shi Hai’s eyes flickered with surprise, then he clasped his fists in greeting.

“So you truly are a steward of the upper sect. The Yin family has been remiss—please, be seated.” Though she had expected this, Yin Linglong’s heart sank slightly; she stepped aside, and all the Yin family members behind her bowed respectfully.

As Wang Yu bowed, his gaze unconsciously fell upon the third man.

He was a young man of twenty-five or six, dressed in a blue long robe, with an ordinary face and gentle expression, radiating calmness and resolve.

This was Yu Xiaoming!

As if sensing Wang Yu’s stare, the young man’s eyes swept over.

Wang Yu met his gaze.

Yu Xiaoming suddenly smiled, revealing a row of white teeth.

Wang Yu’s pupils contracted slightly.

For some reason, this man gave him an intensely dangerous feeling.

At this moment, the Yin family had already gathered around Shi Hai and ascended the stone platform.

“I happened to come here because the Yu family head used the family token to recommend Yu Xiaoming to our sect for the initiation test. When I arrived at the Yu residence, I heard from the Yu family head that Yu Xiaoming intended to become a son-in-law of the Yin family and would compete with another to decide this marriage.”

“Ha! I have no great passions—only a love for spectacle. And combat ability is part of the initiation test, so I asked Yu Daoist to bring me along. May I ask, Lady Yin, who will be fighting Yu Xiaoming?”

After taking the main seat Yin Linglong had offered, Shi Hai smiled and asked the Yin family.

“I am Wang Yu, bowing to Steward Shi.” Wang Yu stepped forward from behind Yin Linglong and bowed deeply.

“You’re surnamed Wang? You’re not Yin family—why are you representing them against Yu Xiaoming?” Shi Hai glanced at Wang Yu, asking casually.

“I am Linglong’s betrothed. Yu Daoist seeks to steal my bride—I must fight.” Wang Yu replied calmly.

“Oh? I heard it was Yu Xiaoming who long intended to join the Yin family, but you stole his beloved.” Shi Hai laughed heartily.

“Steward Shi, when did I become Yu Xiaoming’s beloved?” Yin Linglong’s eyebrows arched; she fixed him with a direct gaze.

“Lady Linglong, ever since I saw you five years ago, I fell instantly in love—I’ve adored you ever since. To call you my beloved is no exaggeration.” Yu Xiaoming spoke calmly from across.

The Yu family head smiled silently beside him.

“You—”

Yin Linglong’s face flushed with anger; she opened her mouth to rebuke him, but Shi Hai waved a hand to cut her off.

“Lady Yin, I don’t care what past relationships or agreements you had. I came here solely to witness this contest. So I ask you plainly: if the winner of this match becomes your husband and may join your family as a son-in-law, is that correct?” Shi Hai stared at Yin Linglong, his tone heavy with implication.

Hearing this, Wang Yu frowned and looked deeply at Shi Hai.

“Yes. Whoever wins this match becomes my chosen husband.” Yin Linglong seemed to realize something; her face paled, but she clenched her teeth and answered firmly.

“Good, good! As an external steward of the Four Symbols Sect, I hereby witness this contest on behalf of our sect. Whoever wins will surely leave a legendary tale in the Tongzhou cultivation world. May the contest begin? I’m already eager.” Shi Hai laughed again, clapping his hands.

The Yin family members murmured among themselves.

Yin Linglong and the Yu family head exchanged glances—neither objected.

Then Wang Yu and Yu Xiaoming descended the stone platform and stepped into the center of the training ground.

Wang Yu held a pale green long blade.

It had been specially retrieved from the Yin family’s treasure vault two days prior by Yin Linglong.

According to her, the Qingfeng Blade, besides being made of rare materials and being unusually light yet sturdy, bore no engraved patterns on its surface and thus was not a magical weapon.

Across from him, Yu Xiaoming stood with empty hands, calm and relaxed.

Wang Yu recalled the information Yin Linglong had gathered about his opponent; his eyes flickered.

“Neither side may use talismans or pills. No one may leave the training ground. Only one magical weapon may be used; ordinary weapons are unrestricted. No lethal intent. Victory is determined by one side surrendering or losing the ability to defend.”

“The contest begins.”

After a Yin family man floated above the training ground to announce the rules, the contest began.

Wang Yu raised his blade horizontally before him, ready to act—but the young man across spoke and halted him.

“Wang Daoist, I heard you possess extraordinary strength and have awakened your physical bloodline. Is this true?”

“Yes. So what?” Wang Yu replied calmly, unsurprised.

To convince the Yin family, Yin Linglong had surely revealed his bloodline awakening to them—so it was no surprise he knew.

“How coincidental—I’ve also awakened a bloodline, and it’s a physical one too. How about this: to demonstrate our bloodline power, you attack, and I defend?” Yu Xiaoming smiled, uttering words that left Wang Yu stunned.

“You mean you’ll only defend—you won’t strike back?” Wang Yu recovered and asked in surprise.

“Precisely. I may be unremarkable, but I believe my bloodline excels in defense. In Tongzhou, among peers, no one can break through my guard. Of course, since our cultivation is still shallow, we must set a time limit.”

“If within one incense stick’s burn you can break my defense and injure me severely, you win. Otherwise, I win.” Yu Xiaoming looked at Wang Yu, speaking calmly.

“Interesting. I’m confident in my own strength. Very well—it’s settled.” Wang Yu stared at the young man for a moment, then suddenly laughed coldly and accepted.

The Yin family around the training ground and the elders on the stone platform all stared, dumbfounded by their exchange.