Chapter 39: Leading the Charge

After hearing Yang Yuanzi’s explanation, Fang Wang sensed something amiss. If the final nine spots were determined solely by the number of victories, wouldn’t it be more advantageous for the lower-ranked peaks? If the second peak refused to challenge the first, wouldn’t the top-ranked peak be suffocated out of the contest?

But on reflection, he understood. This was the Nine Peaks Tournament! First came the struggle among the peaks, only then would it become an individual contest. The choice of which peak to challenge was not for the disciples to decide—the ranking of the peaks was of utmost importance to the peak lords. The final nine spots were merely a matter of personal gain for the disciples.

The peak ranked second was bound to challenge the first; otherwise, they would have to wait another ten years. The ranking of the peaks determined the allocation of sect resources and attracted disciples to their ranks—just like the first peak, which had the most disciples.

Wait a minute! Zhou Xue was in the first peak, and so was Lu Yuanjun...

Fang Wang suddenly felt the immense pressure emanating from the first peak—it was not one to be trifled with! However, since the third peak was currently ranked eighth, it was unlikely to challenge the first peak.

Yang Yuanzi continued to explain various rules and precautions. The nine disciples listened attentively until the great bell of the sect’s main city rang out. Only then did Yang Yuanzi lead them away.

The group flew on their swords, rising into the sky. Fang Wang saw that disciples from all over were making their way toward the ten peaks surrounding the main city, weaving through the drifting snow and mist.

The bell rang out ceaselessly, and thirty-two beams of golden light shot up from the city, merging in midair to form thirty-two translucent golden mirrors. As they drew closer, Fang Wang could make out the reflection of a massive dueling arena on each mirror.

The arena was located at the heart of the main city, a hundred yards square, with arrays and magical implements at its edges. Beyond stood many pavilions, where disciples would normally resolve their disputes.

Fang Wang followed Yang Yuanzi toward the arena. All the disciples of the nine peaks had gathered in the city, scattered throughout. There was no need to crowd around the arena—by raising their heads to look at the golden mirrors, they could watch the duels. Some enterprising disciples had already set up betting pools, taking wagers in spirit stones and elixirs.

“Look, it’s Brother Fang Wang! He’s competing as well!”

On a street below, Fang Xin gazed up at Fang Wang flying overhead, her voice brimming with excitement. The three Fang clan disciples beside her were equally elated. For Fang Wang, who had only joined three years ago, to take part in such a major sect event—what talent he must possess!

None of his kin felt jealousy; only boundless pride. The more renowned Fang Wang became, the greater their own standing.

Meanwhile, Fang Hanyu, blindfolded, rode his sword through the swirling snow. Though he could not see Fang Wang, he had come to witness Fang Wang’s battles. After returning and learning of the exploits of the “White-robed Soaring Swan,” he had realized the truth—Fang Wang was the White-robed Soaring Swan himself!

With such prowess, breaking into the Nine Peaks Tournament was hardly a challenge.

Since advancing his cultivation, Fang Hanyu’s strength had soared, but he had failed to break out from the second peak, whose overall power was among the top three—far beyond the third peak’s current abilities.

The names of the peaks reflected their original rankings. The third peak, once third in power, had now fallen to eighth—a great joke within the Grand Abyss Sect.

Fang Wang followed Yang Yuanzi into a pavilion at the edge of the arena. Yang Yuanzi seated himself, while the disciples stood behind.

“Master, which peak shall we challenge first?” Li Yu asked.

Fang Wang watched the other peaks arriving at their respective pavilions but did not yet see Zhou Xue.

Yang Yuanzi said calmly, “Let us challenge the Fifth Peak first.”

The Fifth Peak, which had ranked seventh last time, would pose the least pressure for the Third Peak.

After a short while, Fang Wang saw the arrival of the First Peak, accompanied by a large group of disciples, including Lu Yuanjun and Zhou Xue.

After a stick of incense’s time, Guang Qiuxian descended with a host of elders from the main peak. The other peak lords rose in respect, and their disciples fell silent.

The elder known as “Sleepy Immortal,” who had presided over the entrance examination three years ago, appeared on the arena. He looked as irreverent as ever.

“The once-in-a-decade Nine Peaks Tournament begins ahead of schedule. I trust the lords have explained the rules—seven days in all. Take your time, fight as you will. Which peak wishes to challenge first?”

Sleepy Immortal’s voice, broadcast through the thirty-two golden mirrors, echoed across the city.

He swept his gaze about the pavilions. Yang Yuanzi merely closed his eyes and said nothing.

Seven days allowed for every peak to compete; even those who lost could continue to challenge, as long as they had disciples able to fight.

Soon, the Fifth Peak’s lord spoke: “The Fifth Peak challenges the Second Peak!”

At his words, a disciple from the Fifth Peak flew to the arena, followed by one from the Second Peak. Four elders sat at the edges, immediately activating the array. Pale white light rose from the magical implements at the arena’s edge, connecting seamlessly with the others.

Once the formation was set, Sleepy Immortal declared the duel begun.

Both contestants were at the Spirit Pill Realm, clearly hoping for a strong start. Fang Wang watched intently, eager to see how such battles played out. His previous duel with Li Honggang had ended too swiftly for him to witness a true contest at this level.

Still, the Fifth Peak was bold—seventh in rank, yet daring to challenge the top-three Second Peak!

As the duel began, the two summoned their life-bound magical weapons and unleashed a storm of spells. The arena, incredibly sturdy, remained pristine despite the continual explosions.

Disciples throughout the city watched and discussed the match, the whole city abuzz with excitement.

The first battle lasted half a stick of incense; in the end, the Second Peak’s disciple emerged victorious and remained on the field to await further challengers.

“Master, who will go up for us first?” Li Yu asked. He seemed less excited than the others; after all, in recent tournaments, the Third Peak’s participation had been a source of humiliation.

Yang Yuanzi, eyes closed, replied, “You may arrange it.”

Li Yu turned to study the other disciples, frowning slightly.

“Who could be the White-robed Soaring Swan?” He mused. The name was renowned throughout the cultivation world. Whoever could wield the Soaring Swan Sword Technique must be from the Third Peak. Yet Yang Yuanzi and the elders all denied it, leading Li Yu to suspect the mysterious figure was a direct disciple.

Before long, his gaze landed on Fang Wang. “Junior Brother Fang, would you be willing to lead us?”

“Of course,” Fang Wang replied with a smile. Though if I go up, you might not get a chance yourselves!

“Senior Brother Fang will surely succeed!” Zhou Bo chimed in flatteringly.

Indeed, Zhou Bo had made it into the Third Peak’s nine spots as well—Fang Wang suspected he had pulled some strings.

The other disciples looked at Fang Wang with curiosity and scrutiny. As a direct disciple from the start, expectations for him were especially high.

Gu Li shook her head slightly, sighing inwardly—clearly, she would not be fighting today.

The duel between the Second and Fifth Peaks lasted an hour, ending with the Fifth Peak’s defeat and five of their disciples seriously injured—a miserable outcome. Given the number of elders present, and Sleepy Immortal himself on the field, there was no real risk of death.

Next came the Ninth Peak, which shocked everyone by challenging the First Peak directly. Only then did Fang Wang learn that the Ninth Peak had placed fourth in the previous tournament.

Fourth challenging first—such audacity! Like the Fifth Peak, they were bold to the point of recklessness.

The first contestant for the First Peak was neither Lu Yuanjun nor Zhou Xue, but another powerful disciple wielding a magic sword. He won four consecutive bouts before stepping down, calm and collected.

After comparing, Fang Wang thought even Li Honggang would not be a match for this First Peak disciple.

No wonder the First Peak was the strongest!

The match ended in less than half an hour, with the First Peak victorious after fielding only four fighters. Zhou Xue did not take the stage.

“It seems Zhou Xue is highly regarded in the First Peak,” Fang Wang mused. After three years away, what strength had she displayed to earn such recognition?

The entire city marveled at the First Peak’s might, and its disciples reveled in their glory.

“Which peak wishes to challenge next?” Sleepy Immortal called out from the arena.

Yang Yuanzi’s voice rang out: “The Third Peak challenges the Fifth Peak!”

Pandemonium erupted throughout the city! The Fifth Peak, having just lost and suffered heavy injuries, was being challenged so soon—was this not taking unfair advantage?

This had been Yang Yuanzi’s plan from the start. Fang Wang had thought he might change his mind after the Fifth Peak’s defeat, but clearly not.

So, this tournament was as ruthless as rumored—undercurrents running deep!

The Third Peak’s disciples turned to Fang Wang. Without a word, he strode to the edge of the pavilion and leapt down onto the arena.

“It’s you, little fellow. You’ve grown quickly,” Sleepy Immortal said with a wink, his tone half-mocking.