Roofs, grounds, scattered figures.
Around the courtyard, crowds attracted by the huge commotion, gasping in shock repeatedly.
At this moment, above the courtyard, the tornado that seemed to connect heaven and earth dispersed along with the collapse of the huge blood-red sword, immediately leaving the sky clear and bright.
Not long after, a room door within the courtyard creaked open, and a figure emerged!
Dressed in white, gold-trimmed collar representing the status of a chief disciple of a peak, slightly disheveled hair, and eyes tinged with traces of blood.
It was Ji Wuming, the chief disciple of Shu Mountain Sword Sect’s Canghai Peak!
He had now opened all twelve Profound Acupoints in his body, his Sword Tao Divine Power and cultivation at the Profound Body Peak had been stagnating for two years; several attempts at secluding and breaking through proofed ineffective, resulting in failures. Yesterday, fortunately, Ninth Mountain’s Colonel had granted him a drop of Heavenly Barrier Demon Blood Essence, containing a vast amount of pure Essence Qi, which stirred his heart uncontrollably, leading him to start assaulting the Fourth Heavenly Barrier eagerly after resting here last night.
That led to the current scene!
Now his eyes flickered with blood tracers, filled with semblances of frustration and dejection.
He was so close to successfully challenging the barrier, but eventually failed at the last moment.
A precious drop of Heavenly Barrier Demon Blood Essence wasted. Who knows when he would come across such a miraculous Earth Treasure again.
"Swoosh, swoosh, swoosh"
Several sounds of air tearing approached.
Leading them were four Shu Mountain Sword Sect disciples charged as protectors.
"Senior brother, are you... alright?"
The four junior brothers, seeing Ji Wuming looking somewhat disheartened and disheveled, wanted to offer comfort but knew anything said now would seem feeble and powerless, as the difference between overcoming or failing the Fourth Heavenly Barrier, especially under everyone’s gaze, was as stark as that between heaven and earth.
"Brother Ji, what a pity!"
"Just a bit more, if only the senior who d the blood essence yesterday gave a bit more, perhaps the challenge would have been successful."
"Yes, otherwise Shu Mountain would have had another Heavenly Pass Master, which could have added strength to the current situation..."
Companions from Shu Mountain who came along also shook their heads in regret.
Though disheartened by the failure to break through the barrier, Ji Wuming, knowing well the trials of Martial Arts cultivation, gracefully controlled his emotions, waved his hand,
"Fellow Daoist, don’t speak carelessly, the Colonel granting me a drop of Demon Blood Essence was already a great favor, let alone fantasizing about others, such words should not be repeated."
Continuing, he let out a sigh, "It’s also my insufficient cultivation, otherwise everything would naturally fall into place."
But as soon as his words ended, a slightly mocking and annoying voice rang out.
"Aiya, Brother Ji, such a pity you were just a bit short of successfully crossing the barrier and becoming a Heavenly Pass Master!"
Then, several men wearing light green robes with white-bordered flying dragon patterns on the collars entered the courtyard, the leader a tall man with slim eyes and a protruding belly, greeting with clasped fists and mock sympathy, but smiling with narrowed eyes.
"It’s Qian Kun of Yulong Palace."
Someone whispered, identifying this man known in the Worldly society as Smiling Tiger—for his trait of smiling one second and fiercely attacking the next, burying you with a grin. As a core disciple of Yulong Palace, he had made quite a name, and many chose not to provoke him.
Then, whispers secretly passed around, indicating some underlying grudges.
Yet, seeing this group make sarcastic remarks, several disciples from Shu Mountain Sword Sect couldn’t resist frowning and sternly said:
"Qian Kun, back then on the Shu Mountain’s debate platform, you were nothing but a defeated rival under my senior brother. You resorted to despicable means but still lost. My senior brother chose not to hold your Yulong Palace accountable back then, and now you come to sneer? What right do you have?"
As these words came out, some unknowing bystanders suddenly understood.
Shu Mountain debates are a grand event held by Shu Mountain every three years, inviting disciples from family sects to test and progress in Martial Arts, finding disciples of potential like hidden dragons.
And the most recent one was the year before last!
Clearly, this meant that Smiling Tiger from Yulong Palace had lost to Ji Wuming back then on the debate stage and even been embarrassed. Now, coming up and mocking at this vulnerable time meant flaunting enmity!
After all, Ji Wuming was not just anybody; he was a master at the Profound Body Peak.
Moreover, he held the position of chief disciple of Canghai Peak, backed by the entire Shu Mountain Sword Sect—a formidable entity not to be trifled with.
Yet upon hearing the unapologetic comment from Shu Mountain Sword Sect’s disciple, Qian Kun was not angered but let out a more sinister smile, ruthlessly narrowing his eyes and grinning, rubbing his teeth,
"Really? If I had that Heavenly Pass Demon’s Blood Essence, I doubt you’d talk to me like that."
"Such a pity for that Demon Blood Essence." He clicked his tongue in regret, then his gaze fell on Ji Wuming, "I just heard that Demon Blood Essence was bestowed by a Colonel; seems like that respected person misjudged, haha."
This core disciple of Yulong Palace released a brazen laugh, showing no consideration.
Ji Wuming’s expression remained unchanged, but his eyes sparkled with sword light, with Sword Intent surging strongly.