Chapter 219: Chapter 126: Zhong Ming: You’re Too Late

The one who spoke was a disciple from the Mist and Smoke Sect.

Though the Cloud Heaven Sect was an Upper Sect, they took a great deal of resources from the Mist and Smoke Sect every year. Furthermore, the visiting Cloud Heaven Sect disciples held the Mist and Smoke Sect in utter contempt, which had long bred discontent among the Mist and Smoke Sect’s Local Sect faction.

But before, awed by the other sect’s power, the disciples of the Mist and Smoke Sect had been forced to swallow their anger.

Now, however, Zhong Ming, who also came from a minor sect, had made a dazzling display. This gave them a powerful sense of solidarity.

So, it was only natural that they began to speak up for Zhong Ming.

"How dare you question Senior Brother Jiang!"

However, these remarks also angered the disciples of the Cloud Heaven Sect.

"He’s a man, not a god. Why can’t he be questioned?"

"That’s right! It’s not even certain your Senior Brother Jiang could beat Zhong Ming."

"Zhong Ming, that despicable... that arrogant, conceited bastard will never be a match for Senior Brother Jiang Ye!" 𝐟𝚛𝕖𝚎𝕨𝗲𝐛𝚗𝐨𝐯𝐞𝕝.𝐜𝗼𝗺

Even Luo Xiaoxuan, who utterly detested Zhong Ming, could only call him arrogant and conceited after witnessing his true strength. She couldn’t bring herself to say words like "despicable and shameless" anymore.

...

While the junior disciples argued, Hong Jing of the Golden Armor Sect and Zong Chengze, the Sect Leader of the Seven Profound Sect, had no time to spare for such squabbles.

They were both staring nervously into the distance. Seeing that Zhong Ming and Lin Kong were about to face off, Hong Jing lowered his voice and asked Zong Chengze, "Zong, what do you think Zhong Ming’s chances are?"

In response to the question, Zong Chengze’s answer was, "I don’t know."

"Huh?" After a moment of stunned silence, Hong Jing asked bluntly, "Isn’t Zhong Ming a disciple of your Seven Profound Sect?"

These words only deepened the wry smile on Zong Chengze’s face. "How much of Zhong Ming’s current strength do you think we can take credit for teaching him?"

"Er..."

While Hong Jing was at a loss for words, Zong Chengze continued, "Hong, help me watch the fight closely. If it looks like Zhong Ming is about to lose, we’ll intervene together and get him out of there."

"I understand."

Hong Jing answered without a hint of hesitation.

’Even if he can’t defeat Lin Kong, Zhong Ming’s current strength is already enough for me. In fact, it has far exceeded my expectations.’

’A man like Zhong Ming is well worth the investment, so I don’t mind lending a hand.’

’Besides, I’m still hoping he’ll pass on some of his experience with Daoist Skills to my granddaughter.’

As he thought of this, his expression grew serious. "Old Zong, we have a deal. You must save a place for my granddaughter by Zhong Ming’s side."

To ensure Hong Jing would be willing to act if Zhong Ming ran into trouble, Zong Chengze nodded. "Don’t worry. As long as your granddaughter shows up, I’ll be sure to arrange a place for her by Zhong Ming’s side."

"Then tonight it is!"

...

The scene at Crescent Lake was exceptionally strange.

Under the influence of the Sword Intent, the center of the lake felt desolate and chillingly cold.

Yet, along the shores of Crescent Lake, a clamor of debate had erupted. Some people with differing opinions had even nearly come to blows.

But as Lin Kong closed the distance, the surrounding commotion gradually faded away.

It was as if they were the only two people left in the world, standing in the heart of the lake.

At that moment, every single gaze was fixed on the center of Crescent Lake.

Even the disciples from the Mist and Smoke Sect and the Cloud Heaven Sect had no time for arguing. They too were holding their breath, their attention fixed on this crucial moment.

Zhong Ming watched Lin Kong gradually approach and slowly stood up straight.

He sensed a certain threat from Lin Kong.

As Lin Kong walked forward, step by step, he held Zhong Ming’s gaze from start to finish, never once looking away. This fearless Sword Intent earned a measure of admiration from Zhong Ming, who was also a Sword Cultivator.

But he quickly shook his head, a flicker of pity for Lin Kong in his eyes.

"What a pity..."

Zhong Ming’s voice wasn’t loud, but his sigh carried clearly from the center of the lake to its shores, reaching everyone’s ears.

"If you had arrived just one incense stick’s time sooner, you might have had a chance to fight a fierce battle with me and determine who is stronger. Then, you would have had a sliver of a chance at victory."

"But now... you’re too late."