177: Seven Veins Martial Arts Variations

Chapter 177: Variable in the Seven Peaks Tournament

Following this, Su Han and his group stayed in Fenyan City for a few more days.

The reason was that on the second day...

Zeng Shuchang, Shang Zhengliang, and others were suddenly extremely puzzled.

This was because Shangguan Ce from Incense Valley surprisingly arrived at the inn early, wanting to discuss the cooperation details for eradicating the Ten Thousand Poison Sect with them.

Zeng Shuchang, Shang Zhengliang, and others were completely bewildered, having no idea...

What madness had Incense Valley fallen into?

Why were they not keen on the cooperation before, even implicitly showing signs of refusal?

But now, after just one night, they were suddenly extremely interested in the cooperation.

They even wanted to discuss the details thoroughly.

It was clearly a stance that they would definitely cooperate.

However, despite not understanding why Incense Valley's attitude changed so quickly...

In the eyes of Zeng Shuchang, Shang Zhengliang, and the others, this was definitely a good thing, and they were naturally very willing to cooperate.

Therefore, in the following days...

Zeng Shuchang, Shui Yue, Shang Zhengliang, and Tianyun Daoren met with high-ranking officials from Incense Valley like Shangguan Ce and Lü Shun almost every day to discuss specific cooperation details.

It wasn't until the basis of the cooperation was decided that they finally met Valley Master Yun Yilan.

Initially, both sides were quite satisfied.

But it wasn't until...

They discussed whether Qingyun Sect or Incense Valley would lead this cooperation.

The two sides disagreed again.

Incense Valley.

Inside a richly decorated council hall, permeated with a faint scent of incense...

Zeng Shuchang, Shui Yue, Shang Zhengliang, and Tianyun Daoren were gathered here.

Opposite them...

Several high-ranking officials from Incense Valley in the Zhuyang Realm, including Shangguan Ce and Lü Shun, sat upright with varied expressions.

And at the head seat was the Valley Master of Incense Valley, Yun Yilan.

Standing behind him was his direct Disciple, Li Xun.

At this moment, the atmosphere in the entire council hall was so heavy it felt like water could drip, suffocatingly oppressive.

The gazes of both sides clashed like swords, sparks of words flying back and forth in their exchanges.

"Our Incense Valley is now incredibly strong, and every Disciple in the sect is outstanding."

"In contrast, your Qingyun Sect has long lost its former glory. Don't fail to see the situation clearly."

"This cooperation should rightfully be led by our Valley."

Lü Shun's voice was like a resonant bell, making the candles in the hall flicker slightly, their light and shadow swaying uneasily on the walls.

He stood with his arms crossed, his eyes filled with arrogance and disdain.

It was as if, in his eyes, Qingyun Sect was already a setting sun, a defeated army.

"Impossible!"

Zeng Shuchang flatly refused, straightening his back.

"Our Qingyun Sect is the greatest sect under heaven, with profound heritage as deep as a towering mountain. We have numerous Disciples, and talented individuals abound. How can you speak of decline?"

"Furthermore, our Qingyun Sect has been planning this cooperation for a long time, meticulously considering every step. How can we possibly hand over the leadership to you?"

"This is absolutely impossible!"

Shang Zhengliang also nodded silently from the side, his face serious as he stared at the opposite party.

Shui Yue slightly furrowed her brows, a hint of displeasure on her cold face.

Tianyun Daoren also spoke at this moment, "Is Incense Valley looking down on our Qingyun Sect?"

"We came here with full sincerity for cooperation, hoping to work together for the welfare of the people under heaven, but we didn't expect you all to be so aggressive."

"Is this how you treat guests?"

For a time, both sides were in a standoff, neither willing to back down.

Just as the tension was high, Shangguan Ce suddenly changed the subject, a hint of slyness flashing in his gloomy eyes.

"By the way, everyone from Qingyun Sect."

"In a few months, it will be your Qingyun Sect's Seven Peaks Tournament, which happens once every sixty years, right?"

Zeng Shuchang nodded upon hearing this, "Indeed. Might I ask why Senior Brother Shangguan mentions the Seven Peaks Tournament?"

Zeng Shuchang was puzzled, completely unaware why Shangguan Ce would suddenly mention the Seven Peaks Tournament when they were clearly discussing the cooperation to eradicate the Ten Thousand Poison Sect. What was the meaning of this move?!

Shangguan Ce said, a barely noticeable curve appearing at the corner of his mouth.

"How about this!"

"During the Seven Peaks Tournament, our Incense Valley will also send people to attend..."

"Firstly, for such a major cooperation, we ultimately need to hear it from Sect Head Dao Xuan himself to feel at ease."

"Secondly, consider it our observation of the ceremony."

"As for the third..."

Shangguan Ce stood up, his hands clasped behind his back, and slowly paced. His footsteps were exceptionally clear in the silent council hall.

It seemed as if he was planning a grand game of chess.

"I propose that at that time, your Qingyun Sect and our Incense Valley each select five individuals from the younger generation for a 'contest of five'."

"As for the stake...?"

"The winning side will gain the leadership of this cooperation. How about it?"

"This can also be considered giving both sides a fair chance to compete, avoiding endless arguments here with empty words."

After speaking, Shangguan Ce looked at Valley Master Yun Yilan.

Upon seeing this, Yun Yilan did not answer directly but lowered his head in thought.

However, he soon felt that this proposal did not seem impossible.

After all, he was full of confidence in his Disciples.

Especially his direct Disciple Li Xun, who was a proud student he had meticulously cultivated.

"Xun'er has extraordinary talent, and even more rare, he Cultivates diligently."

"He rises at dawn every day, never stopping through cold winters and hot summers, and has long stood out among his peers."

"And Dao Xuan's proud Disciple, Xiao Yicai, from Qingyun Sect, cannot participate in the Seven Peaks Tournament this time due to age..."

"It seems our Incense Valley has a great chance of winning!"

Thinking of this...

Yun Yilan nodded slightly, agreeing with Shangguan Ce's proposal.

Although Lü Shun did not get along with Shangguan Ce, he was also very much in favor of this proposal at this moment.

He looked at Zeng Shuchang, "Hmph, do you dare to agree?"

"If you're afraid of losing too badly, you can refuse."

"After all, our Incense Valley Disciples will surely shine in this competition, letting your Qingyun Sect know how strong our Valley is..."

Meanwhile, on the other side...

Zeng Shuchang, Shui Yue, Shang Zhengliang, and Tianyun Daoren exchanged glances directly, each seeing a trace of hidden delight in the other's eyes, which they quickly concealed.

After all, they all knew that Su Han had already reached the Shangqing Realm.

Such talent was monstrous, not inferior to Qing Ye Founder.

With Su Han present, Qingyun Sect was sure to win this battle.

After all, no matter how talented the Incense Valley Disciples were...

Could they be stronger than Su Han?!

If Su Han was the bright moon in the sky, then the Incense Valley Disciples were at most fireflies. How could the light of fireflies compete with the sun and moon?

Thinking this, Zeng Shuchang pondered briefly, his expression calm yet with a hint of confidence.

"Good!"

"Since Senior Brother Shangguan has proposed this, I accept on behalf of Qingyun Sect."

"The Seven Peaks Tournament is originally a grand event for our Qingyun Sect. Being able to spar with Incense Valley through martial arts and jointly contend for the leadership of the cooperation is also a beautiful thing."

"We also have full confidence in the strength of our Qingyun Sect Disciples."

Shangguan Ce nodded slightly, "Good, Junior Brother Zeng is indeed straightforward. Then let's wait for the Seven Peaks Tournament to decide the victor."

Soon, both sides briefly discussed some rule details for the 'contest of five', ensuring the competition would be fair, just, and without omissions.

After all matters were settled, Zeng Shuchang and his group returned to Fenyan City.

They prepared to escort Shui Yue and Su Han back to Qingyun Sect as soon as possible.