Chapter 8 Controversy and Reputation

Chapter 8 Controversy and Reputation

Lin Dong blinked in surprise, glancing at the cloth strip on Li Guanqis eyes. He grinned and said, They all call me Dongzi. You can call me that from now on.

Lets go. It should be ending soon.

Li Guanqi found himself quite fond of this outgoing young man. The two of them walked side by side toward the square.

As he looked around, Li Guanqi realized that the square platform spanned over two thousand feet in diameter.

At the summit, a stone carving proudly displayed the words Great Xia Sword Sect, while dozens of differently colored sword auras crisscrossed the surroundings.

Lin Dong leaned in and whispered to Li Guanqi, See that? Thats the Heavenly Gate Cave.

The mountain peak on the left goes by the name of Emperors Mountain, and almost all of the Great Xia Sword Sects external activities take place there.

The most critical event, the Spiritual Root Test, will be held there later.

On the right, the highest mountain peak is known as Heavenly Sword Mountain, where the Sects main hall is situated.

Curious, Li Guanqi couldnt help but ask, Are you very familiar with the Great Xia Sword Sect?

A sheepish grin appeared on Lin Dongs face as he scratched his head and replied, I started practicing martial arts at the foot of the mountain when I was five years old. Entering the Great Xia Sword Sect has been my lifelong dream, so I know it like the back of my hand.

If I can successfully establish a foundation, control a flying sword, and vanquish demons and evildoers, it would be an incredible accomplishment!

Just as they were conversing, a plump young man in a golden robe finally completed the arduous climb up the stairs. His clothes were drenched in sweat, and his face was flushed as he lay on the ground, gasping for breath. Only a fingernail-sized piece of the spiritual symbol remained on his chest. Carefully cradling that tiny piece of yellow paper, the plump young man wiped away a tear.

After a brief rest, he struggled to his feet and, wearing a friendly smile, approached Li Guanqi and Lin Dong. Bending at the waist as he walked, he greeted them warmly, Hello, gentlemen.

Im Li Shengan. Ive managed to stash a few chicken legs. Would you like to share a meal with me?

Originally, Li Guanqi was considering declining the offer. After all, it didnt seem quite right to accept food from someone he didnt even know. But just as he was about to refuse, his stomach couldnt resist the tantalizing aroma and let out a loud growl.

Li Shengans small eyes squinted with amusement as he directly stuffed a chicken leg into the hands of both of them. Li Guanqi was surprised to find that the chicken leg was still warm.

I kept it in my embrace, so dont worry. Its wrapped in oil paper, so theres absolutely no sweat odor.

Lin Dong, upon hearing this, burst into laughter and began to enjoy the meal without any hesitation.

Im Lin Dong, and this is Li Guanqi. Thanks for the meal.

Forget the formalities Climbing these stairs is exhausting. Im starving, Li Guanqi chimed in.

Li Shengan took the lead in complaining, Yeah I didnt hear anything about climbing stairs last year. They just hired people to carry us up.

Li Guanqi just smiled without saying a word. He didnt believe that the Great Xia Sword Sect would engage in such unnecessary activities. And as if to prove his suspicions, just as the three of them had finished their chicken legs, two young disciples in white sect attire flew out from the Heavenly Gate Cave on their swords!

Their figures, soaring through the air while controlling their swords with ease, left everyone awestruck! There were nearly three thousand people gathered on the square at this moment, and when they witnessed this scene, everyone involuntarily held their breath. Their eyes were filled with intense fascination as they watched those two figures with an otherworldly presence.

One was a handsome young man with sharp eyebrows and a resolute face, while the other was a cold and ethereal young woman with flawless skin and delicate features.

Towering over him, Zhou Zhi peered down, his eyes gleaming with amusement.

Do you think your Dual Wood-Fire Elemental Spiritual Roots make you exceptionally talented? Do you look down on others? he inquired.

Under Zhou Zhis intense scrutiny, the young man blushed and stuttered, but maintained, Yes! Why not!

Zhou Zhi turned to address the crowd, then chuckled softly, Do any of you feel the same way?

Seeing that no one dared to speak up, Zhou Zhi sneered, Not one of you has the courage he does.

Whats your name? he asked the young man.

The young man raised his head, feeling somewhat composed, and replied, Im Luo Hu.

Zhou Zhi stepped back, hovering in the air, and addressed the crowd with firm resolve, Those seeking shortcuts, the Great Xia Sword Sect doesnt want you. Choose where you belong!

If there are no further issues, get going!

At this point, Luo Hus face darkened, and he vented his anger on Li Guanqis group, pointing at him and shouting, Your sect even accepts a blind man! This once prestigious sect has fallen into decline. Good riddance!

Upon hearing this, Zhou Zhis expression turned exceedingly grim.

Facing the more than three thousand disciples, he spoke in a solemn voice.

The Great Xia Sword Sect recruits disciples based on three criteria: conduct, determination, and talent! Zhou Zhi declared.

You werent satisfied, were you? Show me your spirit talisman!

Luo Hu retrieved the spirit talisman from his chest and hurled it toward Zhou Zhi, prompting astonishment from onlookers as they noted that a quarter of the spirit talisman remained intact.

Most who had reached this point had spirit talismans with only one-tenth remaining.

Luo Hu gazed arrogantly at Zhou Zhi, as if insinuating, If the Great Xia Sword Sect wont accept me, its your loss.

However, Zhou Zhi walked directly over to Li Guanqi and whispered, Can I see your spirit talisman?

Li Guanqi touched his nose, surprised to be affected by this as well. He then retrieved his remaining spirit talisman from his chest and handed it to Zhou Zhi. Observing the interaction, Luo Hu couldnt help but comment, I thought as much! Its almost the same as mine, about a quarter left! Does that mean hes pretty strong? So what?

Unbeknownst to Luo Hu, amidst the astonished gazes of the onlookers, Zhou Zhi slowly unfurled the stacked spirit talisman.

Half of it remained! The spirit talisman had only burned halfway!

Zhou Zhi appeared somewhat surprised himself

With a cold, indifferent gaze, he told Luo Hu, Even if this young friend cant see, hes still better than you!

No need for more words! Please leave!

Luo Hu glared resentfully at Li Guanqi, then walked into the teleportation array with large strides.

Out of more than three thousand disciples who had come to pay their respects to the sect, only one thousand eight hundred remained for the Spiritual Root test on Emperors Mountain!