Chapter 246 The Debate on the Lotus Dais
The grey-robed cultivator turned around and left the secluded hut.
Si Wuya removed the clothes from his upper body. The scarlet script on his chest was still there. It did not show any signs of fading at all. He sighed softly. Since the mantra had landed on him, he had tried several methods to break it. Unfortunately, the mantra was not in the least affected.
Si Wuya looked at the books about mantras before he shook his head. ‘I shouldn’t believe everything that’s written in the books. The mantra-breaking methods mentioned in the books are useless.’ He changed into another set of robes and looked up at the skies. Then, he said, “Men.”
Swoosh!
Several grey-robed cultivators appeared immediately.
“Sect master.” “I’m going to the Lotus Dais.” When the grey-robed cultivators heard this, one of them looked up, cupped his fists, and said, “Sect master, your cultivation base is still sealed. It’s too dangerous for you to go there. I suggest…”
Si Wuya tidied his garments and interjected, “I know… However, there are certain matters that I have to personally attend to. Otherwise, I’d feel uncomfortable.”
“But…”
“No buts. Are you saying that my words mean nothing?” Si Wuya turned to look at them.
“We dare not! We swear to protect you with our lives, sect master!”
Si Wuya nodded. An expression of helplessness appeared on his face as he sighed. “You’ve been with me for many years and are willing to throw away your lives just to ensure my safety. I’m not someone who would take a brother’s life for granted. After all these years, you should at least know this much about me.”
The grey-robed cultivators lowered their heads and no longer said anything.
Si Wuya said, “Tell Wushu that we’re ready to move. Let’s go…”
“Yes, sect master!”
The Lotus Dais was a sacred place where the major sects would spar and debate. It was located to the north of Yang province, ten miles past Huaishui. It was divided into two levels. The upper level was the dais whereas the lower level was the petals of the lotus. It was a wide and spacious area that extended for several miles. There was a towering pillar on each of the lotus’ petals. No less than five fire basins were suspended from the pillars that served as a source of illumination at night. The lotus petals were covered with limestone, and the stage was made of marble.
The surroundings of the Lotus Dais were peppered with many inns and places of gathering. There were also bejeweled jade palaces around the dais that made for a splendid view.
At this moment, many people gathered at the Lotus Dais.
“Days and years have passed. Today’s the 14th day. So, has the Heavenly Sword Sect sent out the letter of challenge to the Evil Sky Pavilion today?”
“They sent 13 letters so far. I’m sure they’ll send another one later. I heard the letter they sent yesterday is filled with insults. Knowing the old villain, he must be furious. It’s highly possible that we’ll see him today. I wonder which shameless person came up with such an idea.”
The people who had gathered here formed small groups as they stood around, waiting for the show to start.
The Evil Sky Pavilion did not appear even after 13 letters were sent. Some of them were starting to think that the Evil Sky Pavilion would not be coming after all. Hence, many of them were emboldened and moved even closer to the dais.
On the Lotus Dais.
Luo Xingkong was resting his spirits with his eyes closed. He said in a dignified manner, closing his ears to the discussions below the Lotus Dais. There were ten chairs behind him. The cultivators that occupied the seats all wore white robes with swords in their hands.
Luo Xingkong wore a white robe as well. The white strip on his forehead was tainted with blood.
Behind the lineup was a banner that read, “The killing of my son is an unforgivable crime.’
“Sect master, is the Evil Sky Pavilion’s villain not coming again?” Several Elders appeared indignant.
“There’s no need to be anxious.” Luo Xingkong opened his eyes. He cast his deep gaze at the skies as he said, “He’ll surely come after I insulted the Evil Sky Pavilion in that manner. The old villain has a short fuse. He won’t be able to let it slide.” “Sect master… since the old villain has
ped the barrier’s power, he might be extremely powerful.”
“You can save your breath. The arrow is nocked and has to be fired. Naturally, I have a trick or two up my sleeve after cultivating in seclusion for so many years. Changfeng is dead, and I have no reason to keep on living… If the old villain shows up, just carry out my plan,” Luo Xingkong projected his voice to the elders.
“Yes, sect master!” the ten cultivators behind Luo Xingkong replied in unison.
They waited in silence for a long time, but there were still no signs of the Evil Sky Pavilion.
The audience made some more noise.
“Sect Master Luo, send out the 14th letter of challenge… I suggest you insult their parents as well!”
Luo Xingkong swept his gaze across them and said nothing.
“The Heavenly Sword Sect’s name will resound loudly in the cultivation world.”
“Forget it, let’s go back… I thought I’ll be able to watch an interesting show today. It seems like the rumors are true. The Evil Sky Pavilion isn’t what it used to be. I remember how grand they were in the past. Who would dare slight the Evil Sky Pavilion at that time?” someone said with a sigh.
The sigh gave rise to more sighs.
There were also a few self-proclaimed righteous men who voiced their support for the Heavenly Sword Sect.
“The villain wreaked havoc and committed crime everywhere he went. He’s also killed countless men. Everyone should persecute them!”
However, very few shared this view. At least, not openly.
There were also people who did not make their stance clear. They hid in the bejeweled jade palaces nearby while keeping an eye on the developments on the Lotus Dais.
Finally, Luo Xingkong shook his head and said, “Listen to my order. Send the 14th letter of challenge to the Evil Sky Pavilion…”
At this moment, a Heavenly Sword Sect disciple came up to Luo Xingkong and softly said, “Sect master, the disciple who sent the 13th letter hasn’t returned from his trip yet. I’m afraid… that something bad has befallen him.”
Luo Xingkong’s expression darkened as he said, “Continue sending the letters. Let your creativity run wild with the contents so long as you can make the Evil Sky Pavilion leave their mountain. Those who fear death… will be banished from the Heavenly Sword Sect. Those who are willing to send the letter will be rewarded with 1,000 catties of gold and the Ancient One Sword Technique.”
As the saying went, ‘A person can be bought as long as the price is right’. The rich bought lives with money while the poor exchanged their lives for money. This had always been the way the world worked.
When Luo Xingkong made the offer, there were outer disciples who immediately volunteered for the task.
Elder Luo Zheng said contemptuously, “Let the audience compose the letter…”
“Understood.”
The Heavenly Sword Sect prepared a piece of paper that was a foot long and laid it out in the open. Brushes and ink were also prepared.
At this moment, someone shouted, “What’s that?”
“It’s a meteor!”
“That can’t be right. Since when does a meteor look like that?”
Swoosh!
In the distant sky, something with a long tail in its wake appeared in everyone’s sight, parting the clouds in its way. It was extremely eye-catching.
Those knowledgeable cultivators recognized it for it was immediately.
“It’s the cloud-splitting chariot!”
“It’s the Evil Sky Pavilion’s cloud-splitting chariot!”
“Run!”
The members of the audience who stood on the Lotus Dais immediately scattered toward the lotus petals.
There were those who had just recently learned how to levitate among the cultivators. In their haste, they lost control of their Primal Qi and fell miserably to the ground, causing them to see stars.
It was chaos as the crowd pushed and shoved each other frantically in an attempt to get away. Although the Evil Sky Pavilion was not what it used to be, it was not a force that these small fries could afford to offend. They put great distance between themselves and the dais, choosing to watch from below. They did not think the Evil Sky Pavilion would switch its targets, give up on the Heavenly Sword Sect, and deal with third-rate characters such as themselves.
Luo Xingkong and the others rose to their feet.
Luo Xingkong’s eyes were spitting flames of fury as he looked at the approaching cloud-splitting chariot. A hint of anticipation and lust for battle could be seen in his eyes as he said fearlessly, “You’re finally here!” A dead man had nothing to fear after all.
The same could not be said for the ten people standing behind Luo Xingkong. They felt their hearts thumping wildly in their chests, clearly not having a good time.
Luo Xingkong looked around himself.
The onlookers were gathered tightly on the lotus petals. There were only a few Brahman Sea cultivators who hovered above the rest and looked on from above.
The cloud-splitting chariot slowed down and came to a stop a few dozen meters above the Lotus Dais.
Everyone looked up at the cloud-splitting chariot.
Lu Zhou and Hua Wudao appeared in everyone’s sight. Some onlookers who had never seen Lu Zhou before exclaimed in surprise, “So, that’s the Evil Sky Pavilion’s master… The master of the nine villains!”
“That girl must be the youngest female disciple, Ci Yuan’er. She looks inexperienced, but she doesn’t bat an eyelid when she kills!”
The others were not as recognizable so the crowd could only make rough guesses.
Meanwhile, Lu Zhou looked at the Heavenly Sword Sect’s disciples on Lotus Dais.
Luo Xingkong looked at Lu Zhou and said in a confident and loud voice, “You’re finally here.” His voice resounded through the place.
The crowd fell silent immediately.
Little Yuan’er ran into the cabin and took a chair out. She giggled and placed it behind Lu Zhou. “Master, have a seat.”
Lu Zhou nodded and slowly sat down. He was inwardly pleased. ‘The little girl is growing up. She’s finally growing into a considerate young lady.’
Elder Hua had an awkward expression on his face. As the saying went, ‘Respect the old and cherish the young’. Did he not deserve a chair as well?
One of the female cultivators saw this and hastily carried a chair over. “Elder, have a seat.”
“Thank you.” Elder Hua cupped his fists slightly and sat down.
Lu Zhou looked at Luo Xingkong, the oldest among the others, who was standing at the lead. His voice rolled out in waves as he said, “Are you Luo Xingkong?”
The onlookers clicked their tongues in amazement.
‘As expected of the Evil Sky Pavilion’s patriarch.’
‘He’s hale and hearty despite the years. He doesn’t seem like a pale remnant of his past.’
‘His voice is clear and confident as always.’
Luo Xingkong said in a deep voice, “I thought you’re too afraid to show up since you didn’t show up even after I sent 13 letters of challenge. When did the Evil Sky Pavilion become this cowardly?”
Lu Zhou did not take the bait, ignoring Luo Xingkong. He turned to the side and said, “Since it’s just the Heavenly Sword Sect. I’ll leave it to you.”
“Yes, master.”
“Yes, master!”
Mingshi Yin beckoned Zhao Yue over. “Fifth Junior Sister, you take over the helm.”
Mingshi Yin was too eager to switch positions. Maintaining the chariot’s altitude did not require too much strength, Zhao Yue alone would suffice.
Mingshi Yin leaped up before he looked down. “You old geezer… You’re not fit to fight my master.”
“That’s not for you to say,” Luo Xingkong said.
Mingshi Yin said with a sneer, “Hey… Luo Changfeng was your son, right? He deserves to die. How dare you challenge the Evil Sky Pavilion for such a reason?!”
Luo Xingkong did not seem to be in a hurry. Instead, he looked up and said, “You’ve got a terrible mouth. Are you one of the Evil Sky Pavilion’s nine great livestock?”
The members of the audience felt their bodies heat up. They did not expect the Heavenly Sword Sect to be so bold to insult the Evil Sky Pavilion in its face.
Meanwhile, a strong battle intent burned on the Lotus Dais. Luo Xingkong said, “The likes of you aren’t fit to fight against me…” Then, he turned to look at Lu Zhou before he continued to say, “The only one worthy for me to make a move is you alone.”
Lu Zhou did not deign to reply to Luo Xingkong. He closed his eyes and rested his spirits.
Mingshi Yin said, “If you want to fight my master… you’ll have to defeat me.”
Luo Xingkong waved his hand. Five of the ten men behind him stepped forward.
“We’re the five great disciples of the Heavenly Sword Sect. Who dares challenge US?”
The strong battle intent from the Heavenly Sword Sect exceeded the audience’s expectations.
‘Is the Heavenly Sword Sect not afraid of death?’
“I’ll go!” Duanmu Sheng shouted. Just when he was about to jump down, the Heavenly Sword Sect’s Elder Luo Zheng said, “I’ll deal with this one.”
Hua Wudao stood up slowly. With his hands on his back, he said, “Allow me.”
As everyone else looked as Hua Wudao walked on the air and slowly descended.
Hua Wudao looked at Luo Zheng. However, Luo Zheng stepped back and the five great disciples surrounded Hua Wudao.
Mingshi Yin saw through their tactics immediately. He turned to Lu Zhou and said, “Master, that old fox is playing games.”
Lu Zhou did not open his eyes. He merely nodded. It was meaningless to watch Tian Ji race his horses. Moreover, Hua Wudao was a Seven-leaf elite. His Six Compatible Seal was peerless. The five cultivators were only in the Divine Court realm. How could they be a match for Hua Wudao?
The five disciples began orbiting Hua Wudao. Their swords vibrated with energy.
Luo Xingkong said mockingly. “I was wondering who you’d send out. In the end, it’s Yun Sect’s Elder Hua… I feel ashamed for you!”
Hua Wudao stood with his hands on his back. There were no changes in his expression at all. He had already thought things through and made his peace while he was in the Evil Sky Pavilion. He knew he would have to face a situation like this from the day he joined the Evil Sky Pavilion. “Do your worst.”
The five disciples brandished their swords and slashed at Hua Wudao.
Hua Wudao widened the distance between his feet as six scripts surrounded his body. He took a step forward. “Six Compatible Seal.”
The sunlight did nothing to diminish the radiance from the six scripts.
Bam! Bam! Bam!
The swords’ energies landed on the Six Compatible Seal.
Hua Wudao seemed completely unaffected. He took another step forward.
Upon seeing this, Luo Xingkong was stunned. He had heard about Hua Wudao’s Six Compatible Seal previously. There were many who scoffed at it and called it a tortoiseshell technique. He was surprised by its application now that he had a chance to witness it!
Bam! Bam! Bam!
The five disciples did not hold back as they attacked. Alas, the Six Compatible Seal was nowhere close to what they had imagined. They were like ants that were trying to uproot a tree. Their attacks did nothing to the Six Compatible Seal.
Hua Wudao took another step forward.
Luo Zheng cried out, “What are you waiting for? Combine your swords!”
“Understood!” The five disciples rose at the same time and merged as one.
At this moment, a huge green circle appeared where Hua Wudao stood. The circle was about five meters in diameter! This was Hua Wudao’s Eight Trigrams energy seal.
“The Buddhist cultivation method, Bright Mirror.” With a heart as bright as a mirror, understand all beings to grasp the opponent’s every move… Those who were blessed would have their cultivation bases greatly enhanced. Those who were cursed would have their cultivation bases greatly reduced. This was an ultimate area skill that boosted the caster and harmed the opponent. This skill required one to be in the Nascent Divinity Tribulation realm at least! The more profound one’s cultivation base was, the more terrifying its effects would be. The Heavenly Sword Sect was a Daoist sect, why would its members cultivate this method?
On the other hand, Hua Wudao was not afraid at all. His expression was indifferent as continued making his way forward. The Eight Trigrams was under his feet, and only three scripts remained in his Six Compatible Seal. The others had shot out.
Luo Zheng shook his head and said, “Heed my order. All you have to do today is kill anyone from the Evil Sky Pavilion!”
Hua Wudao said, “I’m afraid you won’t be killing anyone today!” The Six Compatible Seal suddenly enlarged and spread out. Nine shining golden scripts shot in all directions!
The five disciples had barely unleashed their sword techniques when they were sent flying back by the scripts.
