Chapter 48 The Nine-Aperture Exquisite Heart

Outside Tingtao Pavilion, the sea of clouds churned, the morning sun rose, and golden sunlight spilled onto the martial arts arena of Primordial Origin Holy Land.

Su Ye piloted his Flying Sword, turning into a stream of light as he descended from the clouds.

He did not land directly among the crowd, but instead drifted lightly onto the spectator platform belonging to Purple Bamboo Peak.

His robes fluttered, and he possessed an ethereal temperament.

After a night of baptism by the Yin Yang Creation Scripture, coupled with the nourishment of the Dragon and Phoenix Harmonizing wine, although he deliberately restrained his Aura at this moment, that gentle-as-jade quality and faint pressure emanating from his bones still made people look at him sideways.

Especially those eyes, deep as an abyss, as if they hid a sea of stars.

"Senior Brother!"

"Senior Brother is back!"

Upon seeing Su Ye return, the Disciples of Purple Bamboo Peak felt as if they had found their backbone and bowed one after another.

Su Ye nodded slightly, his gaze sweeping over the crowd before finally landing on the few graceful figures in the front.

Second Junior Sister Jiang Wanyin was sitting cross-legged, with faint red light flowing around her body.

Yesterday, she had soundly defeated Li Xiuluo, not only winning fame but also triggering the Fire Spirit Root sharing under Su Ye's secret assistance; her cultivation was currently progressing steadily.

Seeing Su Ye, her beautiful eyes brightened, and ignoring her breathing exercises, she hurriedly stood up to welcome him.

"Senior Brother, where... where have you been so early in the morning?"

Jiang Wanyin's voice carried a hint of coquettishness, and her bright eyes were filled with attachment.

The look from last night, where she didn't want Su Ye to leave, was still vivid in his mind.

Su Ye smiled gently and calmly avoided the arm she wanted to hook onto—after all, in the eyes of the public, one must be mindful of appearances.

"I went to loosen the soil for a few Spirit Medicines, and by the way... went to report the situation of yesterday's grand competition to Revered Master."

He said this without changing his expression or skipping a beat.

It was indeed a report of the situation, just that it was reported in bed.

It was indeed loosening the soil.

"Hmph."

A barely audible cold snort came from the side.

Third Junior Sister Lin Qingzhu was holding her long sword, leaning against the railing, her cold gaze sweeping over Su Ye before resting on his collar.

There, was a tiny red mark that, if one didn't look carefully, would be impossible to discover.

That was the "mark" accidentally left by Leng Yueli when she was moved last night.

Lin Qingzhu's eyes dimmed slightly, and an inexplicable sourness welled up in her heart, but she quickly suppressed it.

She turned her head away, looked toward the center of the martial arts arena, and said coldly:

"Since you're back, get ready to watch the match."

"It's Junior Sister's turn soon."

Su Ye felt a slight chill in his heart.

This Third Junior Sister's intuition was indeed very sharp.

He took the opportunity to straighten his collar to cover the mark, walked to the railing, and cast his gaze toward the huge arena below.

"Where is Junior Sister?"

"She's waiting in the preparation area."

Jiang Wanyin leaned over, bringing a faint, warm scent of Fire Spirit Qi, which formed a sharp contrast with the cold bamboo scent on Lin Qingzhu.

"Her opponent in this match is not simple."

Su Ye raised an eyebrow: "Oh? Who is it?"

"Chiyang Peak, Wang Meng."

Jiang Wanyin curled her lips, somewhat disdainful yet also worried, "That guy is a Body Cultivator, his physical training is extremely formidable. Although he is only at the ninth level of Qi Refining, it is said that he once tore a Foundation Establishment Early Stage Yao Beast apart with his bare hands."

"And people from Chiyang Peak have always been heavy-handed; I'm afraid Junior Sister will suffer."

Hearing this, the corners of Su Ye's mouth curled into a calm arc.

A Body Cultivator?

If she encountered anyone else, it might truly be a bitter battle.

But meeting Qin Yurou, who now possessed the Nine-Orifice Exquisite Heart, had practiced the Clear Heart Sword Art, and was wearing the ice heart moon lotus hairpin...

It could only be said that Wang Meng was unlucky.

"Don't worry."

Su Ye stood with his hands behind his back, his tone calm and determined, "People from our Purple Bamboo Peak never know what it means to suffer."

"Besides..."

A sharp glint flashed in his eyes, "Just take this opportunity to let everyone see that our Purple Bamboo Peak's Junior Sister is not just a porcelain doll who only knows how to hide behind her Senior Brother and Senior Sisters."

"Clang—!!"

The heavy bell sound resonated through the sky, scattering the surrounding floating clouds.

The loud voice of the presiding Elder, amplified by Spiritual Qi, spread throughout the entire martial arts arena.

"Next match, Chiyang Peak's Wang Meng, versus Purple Bamboo Peak's Qin Yurou!"

As soon as the words fell, a burst of enthusiastic discussion erupted around the martial arts arena.

Purple Bamboo Peak had been too prominent these past two days.

First, Su Ye, who hadn't made a move but was unfathomable, then Jiang Wanyin powerfully defeating Li Xiuluo.

Now, it was the turn of this Junior Sister who usually didn't have much of a reputation.

"Qin Yurou? That little girl who looks soft and weak?"

"I heard she's only at the eighth level of Qi Refining? How is she going to fight?"

"Wang Meng is a ruthless character, the 'Savage Bear' of Chiyang Peak. With one punch, that little girl is likely to cry for a long time."

Amidst the noise.

On the west side of the martial arts arena, a figure like an iron tower landed with a boom.

"Thump!"

The ground seemed to tremble.

Wang Meng was bare-chested, his muscles knotted like dragons, and his skin was bronze-colored, emitting a metallic luster.

He carried a huge battle axe in his hand, the blade glinting with cold light, and it was even stained with some undried blood.

"Chiyang Peak's Wang Meng, please advise!"

He roared, his voice like a great bell, making the eardrums of nearby Disciples ache.

That fierce Aura, like a beast that had just walked out of the wilderness, was heart-palpitating.

Looking at the other side.

A petite figure walked up the steps onto the arena, step by step.

Qin Yurou was wearing a light green tassel dress today, with a white silk ribbon tied around her waist, making her waist look even more slender.

Her long hair was simply tied up with that ice heart moon lotus hairpin, with a few strands of hair hanging by her ears, appearing gentle and quiet.

Facing the fierce Wang Meng, although there was a hint of nervousness on her delicate little face, her eyes were exceptionally firm.

"Pur... Purple Bamboo Peak, Qin Yurou."

Her voice was not loud, soft and glutinous, like a frightened little rabbit.

Hearing this voice, the hearts of many male Disciples in the audience were about to melt.

"If this Wang Meng dares to use heavy force, I'll fight him!"

"Exactly! How could he bear to strike such a cute Junior Sister?"

Wang Meng, on the arena, heard the discussions around him, frowned, and a trace of impatience flashed in his eyes.

In the cultivation world, strength is respected.

What is the use of looking good?

"Junior Sister, fists and feet have no eyes on the arena."

Wang Meng waved the battle axe in his hand, bringing up a gust of wind, "If you are afraid, it's not too late to admit defeat now, so I don't accidentally hurt that pretty face of yours later."

Qin Yurou took a deep breath.

She subconsciously looked up at the high platform of Purple Bamboo Peak.

There, Su Ye was standing in front of the railing, watching her with a smile.

Although he was far away, she seemed to be able to see the encouraging look in her Senior Brother's eyes, and the silent mouth shape:

"Don't be afraid, I am here."

Instantly.

The panic in her heart dissipated.

Qin Yurou gripped the thin sword in her hand; it was the Profound Rank High Grade Spirit Sword that Su Ye had specially selected for her—Autumn Water.

"Many thanks for the reminder, Senior Brother."

The Aura of Qin Yurou changed suddenly.

If she had been a little white flower on the roadside just now, then at this moment, she was a snow lotus blooming on the peak of an iceberg.

Cold, aloof, inviolable.

"However... Yuruo would like to try."

Wang Meng snorted coldly: "Refusing a toast only to be forced to drink!"

"If that's the case, don't blame me for not knowing how to cherish the fairer sex!"

"Savage Bull Strength!"

Boom!

Wang Meng stomped, and the hard bluestone arena instantly cracked with several fissures.

He himself was like a cannonball leaving the chamber, wrapped in violent air waves, rushing toward Qin Yurou.

The battle axe in his hand was raised high, and with the force of splitting Mount Hua, he chopped down fiercely!

The air was torn apart, emitting a piercing whistle.

This strike had no frills, only pure power and speed.

Even an ordinary ninth-level Qi Refining Cultivator would not dare to take this axe head-on and could only temporarily avoid its edge.

Exclamations arose from the audience.

"Dodge quickly!"

"It's over, it's over!"

However, Qin Yurou, who was in the center of the storm, was not as panicked as everyone expected.

In her pupils, the giant axe getting closer and closer was reflected.

The Nine-Orifice Exquisite Heart was beating wildly at this moment.

Everything around her seemed to slow down in her eyes.

Wang Meng's seemingly fierce and peerless offensive was full of flaws in her eyes.

Spiritual Qi circulation route... muscle force point... center of gravity shift...

Everything was as clear as fire.

"Senior Brother taught me..."

"If the heart is as icy as clear water, even if the sky collapses, it will not be startled."

Qin Yurou recited the mantra silently in her heart, and the Spiritual Qi in her body flowed rapidly along the route of the Clear Heart Sword Art.

Just as the giant axe was about to land.

She moved.

Her toes tapped the ground lightly, her figure like a dancing butterfly, incredibly sliding half a step to the left.

It was just this half step.

"Whoosh—"

The giant axe chopped down past her sleeve, the wind blowing her hair messy, but it didn't hurt her at all.

Wang Meng's attack missed, and his pupils shrank suddenly.

How is that possible?

Why is this little girl's speed so fast?

Before he could react, a bone-chilling coldness suddenly attacked from his side.

"Clear Heart Sword Art, First Form..."

Qin Yurou flipped her wrist, and the Autumn Water sword in her hand drew a beautiful arc.

"Ice Lotus Blooming!"

Hum!

The sound of the sword was crisp and pleasant.

As this sword thrust out, the temperature of the surrounding air plummeted.

Countless visible ice crystals condensed in the air, finally turning into a crystal-clear ice lotus phantom, hovering on the tip of the sword.

This sword did not carry any worldly Aura, yet it was as fast as lightning.

Pfft!

The sword tip accurately pierced the weakest point of Wang Meng's protective Spiritual Qi—three inches below the right rib.

"Ah!"

Wang Meng let out a miserable scream.

But he was, after all, a battle-hardened Body Cultivator, with extremely quick reactions. The moment he was injured, he made a fist with his left hand and swept back, trying to force Qin Yurou back.

If it were the previous Qin Yurou, she might have chosen to retreat.

But now, her mind was full of the image of Su Ye teaching her sword techniques.

"Offense is the best defense."

She did not retreat.

The ice heart moon lotus hairpin on her head suddenly shone with a soft blue light.

A pure ice Spiritual Qi instantly surged into her body, allowing her Aura to briefly break through the shackles of Qi Refining at this moment, touching the threshold of the Foundation Establishment realm!

"Seal!"

Qin Yurou shouted softly.

The Sword Qi that had pierced into Wang Meng's body erupted instantly.

Crack! Crack!

That illusory ice lotus bloomed inside Wang Meng's body.

The terrifying cold air instantly spread throughout his body along his Meridians.

Wang Meng's fist, which had swung halfway, froze stiffly in mid-air just like that.

His eyebrows, hair, and even his skin were quickly covered with a thick layer of white frost.

In just the blink of an eye.

That burly man, who looked like a savage bear, had turned into a lifelike ice sculpture.

Only a pair of eyes were still turning in horror, full of disbelief.

Quiet.

Deathly silence.

The entire martial arts arena, with tens of thousands of Disciples, was silent at this moment.

Everyone widened their eyes, looking at that incredible scene on the arena.

That delicate little Junior Sister, that little girl who was only at the eighth level of Qi Refining...

Actually used one move!

Only used one move!

And instant-killed the fierce man of Chiyang Peak, Wang Meng?!

"This... what kind of sword technique is this?"

On the high platform, an Elder in charge of the ruling stood up abruptly, his beard trembling, "Sword Qi forming a lotus, cold air entering the body... this is at least the power of an Earth Rank sword technique!"

"No! Not just the sword technique!"

Another Elder had eyes like torches, staring fixedly at the hairpin on Qin Yurou's head, "That hairpin... that is a top-grade Spiritual Artifact! It might even be..."

Purple Bamboo Peak high platform.

The long sword in Lin Qingzhu's hand slightly unsheathed an inch, her eyes full of shock.

"Junior Sister... when did she become so strong?"

She turned her head and looked at Su Ye beside her.

But she saw that there was no surprise on Su Ye's face; he still wore that faint smile, as if all of this was within his expectations.

"I said it."

Su Ye said softly, his voice not loud, but clearly reaching the ears of the two women, "People from our Purple Bamboo Peak will not lose."

[Ding!]

[Detected that the host's Junior Sister, Qin Yurou, defeated an opponent across levels, shocking the whole audience.]

[Congratulations to the host for obtaining cultivation reward: Luck +200.]

[Detected that the Cultivation Technique and Magic Treasure provided by the host played a key role, indirectly changing the plot direction.]

[villain points +5000.]

Listening to the pleasant System notification sound in his mind, the smile in the corners of Su Ye's eyes grew richer.

This kind of cultivation-style joy was truly addictive.

On the arena.

Qin Yurou slowly sheathed her sword.

With her movements, although the layer of frost covering Wang Meng did not dissipate, the fatal cold air restrained slightly, preserving the other party's life.

She panted slightly, her little face a bit pale.

That sword just now, which looked easy, actually drained most of the Spiritual Qi in her body, and it also benefited from the blessing of the hairpin.

She turned around and looked at the referee Elder somewhat timidly.

"Elder... can I go down now?"

The referee Elder then awoke from a dream and hurriedly announced loudly:

"The winner! Purple Bamboo Peak, Qin Yurou!"

Boom!

This time, the cheers erupted like a mountain collapse and a tsunami.

"Purple Bamboo Peak is mighty!"

"Junior Sister is too strong!"

"This is the true proud daughter of heaven!"

Countless praises poured in.

Qin Yurou, however, did not care about these.

She lifted her skirt and ran down the arena quickly, like a swallow returning to its nest, running straight toward the high platform of Purple Bamboo Peak.

Before long.

She ran to Su Ye, panting.

Her little face was flushed, and there were a few crystal-clear sweat beads on her forehead. Her big eyes looked at Su Ye brightly, with "Praise me" written all over her face.