Beyond the other advantages, the most crucial was that, with the palace array’s aid, Jian Wuji’s true essence would flow endlessly, practically inexhaustible.
Ling Xiao agreed to fight here? Wasn’t that suicidal?
Yet they didn’t know that Ling Xiao had already seen through the array’s intricacies. He didn’t suggest leaving despite knowing this because he was confident he could kill Jian Wuji.
At that moment, many regretted letting Jian Wuji seize the initiative.
Ling Xiao was so foolish, ignorant of timing and terrain, thinking a fight was the same anywhere. Little did he know, this banquet was designed to target him.
Mo Wushang sighed, “What a pity. If I’d acted, I could’ve used the array to amplify my Demon Eye’s power and taken Ling Xiao down easily.”
“Indeed, Ling Xiao doesn’t understand the situation here and rashly showed up. Doesn’t he wonder why he was the last to arrive? Fool!”
“But why would the Holy Emperor target Ling Xiao? He doesn’t seem to threaten the Emperor.”
These words were spoken through sound transmission, as they touched on sensitive matters.
“Rumor has it Ling Xiao resembles Yu Xuanyue, Ji Fuling’s wife. The Holy Emperor suspects he’s connected to Ji Fuling.”
“What a joke. Ji Fuling handed the throne to the Holy Emperor. Even if Ling Xiao, a mere beggar by origin, were Ji Fuling’s son, the Emperor should protect him, not target him.”
“You don’t get it. It’s said the Holy Emperor also loved Yu Xuanyue, but she only had eyes for Ji Fuling. It was quite the tale back then.”
“How do you know this?”
“I heard it from my sect elders. All I can say is Ling Xiao brought this on himself by looking so much like Yu Xuanyue.”
“Complicated!”
All discussions were via sound transmission, so Ling Xiao remained unaware. He faced Jian Wuji, his expression calm again.
Jian Wuji looked at Ling Xiao, a mocking sneer on his lips, “Ling Xiao, I know you’re stronger than me, but do you know why I still dare challenge you?”
“No idea.”
Ling Xiao shook his head, “And I don’t care to know.”
“You don’t? Heh, you probably think I won’t tell you. Don’t worry, I’ll make sure you die understanding!”
Jian Wuji laughed, explaining the palace array’s synergy with his half-puppet body, then continued, “If you think that’s all, you’re gravely mistaken. Before coming to the Holy City, you heard of the Nine Cauldrons’ Fortune, right?”
“What’s that got to do with this?”
Ling Xiao was genuinely puzzled.
“What’s it got to do?”
Jian Wuji sneered, suddenly unleashing a powerful aura. Behind him appeared not only his Sword King Martial Soul but also the phantom of three massive bronze cauldrons.
“Let me tell you, the Nine Cauldrons’ Fortune is granted to only twenty prodigies each cycle. Last time, as the sixth-ranked young master, I received three cauldrons’ worth. The Martial Arts Festival forbids using this fortune before the prodigy battles, or I wouldn’t have lost to you today.”
“I see. No wonder the Holy Emperor values the twenty prodigies so much. They carry the Nine Cauldrons’ Fortune, representing not just strength but the future.”
Ling Xiao nodded, “I get it. This fortune can be seized, right?”
“Exactly. When someone reveals their cauldron fortune, if they lose in a duel, it transfers to the victor. You’ll see in the prodigy battles the day after tomorrow.”
Jian Wuji grinned.
“No need to wait. Tonight, I want to see what this Nine Cauldrons’ Fortune is all about.”
Ling Xiao said calmly.
“Utter arrogance. I’ve told you so much, and you still don’t get it?”
Jian Wuji continued, “You have no chance in this fight. Fortune is on my side. I have one demand: cripple your lower body like mine, apologize, and swear never to covet the Holy Son. Do that, and I’ll spare your life.”
“Spare my life? Heh, I was hesitant to kill a crippled fool like you, but now I see I’ve been too kind.”
Ling Xiao’s resolve to kill was set.
Jian Wuji had to die.
“Hmph, sparing you was my mercy. Since you refuse, don’t blame me!”
With that, Jian Wuji swung his sword, sending several sword winds slicing through the air. At such close range, they struck Ling Xiao instantly.
“Die!”
Jian Wuji didn’t expect the sword winds to kill Ling Xiao, so he followed with a thrust, giving no chance for retaliation.
“Kill me? You’re not worthy!”
From within the fierce sword winds came a calm voice.
A surge of intense killing intent erupted from Ling Xiao, filling the palace hall.
Boom!
The sword winds shattered, and Jian Wuji was forced back.
Ling Xiao emerged, walking slowly toward Jian Wuji like an invincible demon god, inspiring awe and fear.
For a moment, Ji Mingkong seemed dazed.
Others were equally stunned.
Moments ago, Ling Xiao seemed ordinary, unremarkable. But now, he was like a devastating sword wind—sharp and terrifying!
Each step he took felt like a massive boulder striking the hearts of everyone present, except the Holy Emperor, causing their hearts to pound.
“Fortune only aids the strong. For the weak, it’s just a burden, like wealth on an ordinary person!”
Ling Xiao spoke calmly as he advanced.
“What! How is he this strong!”
Jian Wuji had overestimated Ling Xiao, thinking his doubled strength would at least avoid a repeat of the day’s humiliation.
But now, he felt an urge to flee.
Ling Xiao hadn’t even attacked yet!
“Die!”
Roaring to quell his fear, Jian Wuji thrust his sword again, unleashing a thicker sword qi than earlier, tearing through space with a wail of tortured elements, aimed straight at Ling Xiao.
Yet Ling Xiao kept walking, showing no intent to act.
Black-golden dragon scales formed over his body, enveloping him completely.
Many had forgotten that Ling Xiao’s defense was no less than that of a dragon.
