Sword Aura to the Heavens-Chapter 456 - 451: Who Wants to Debate the Dao
As the various forces arrived one after another, more and more people gathered at the dojo, and the streets surrounding the foot of Qiyun Mountain were filled with shadows.
Even in the mountains, there were many cultivators.
Some people on the street gazed toward the vast mountain range, feeling as if something hidden inside emitted an invisible sense of oppression.
They understood that behind this martial arts tournament, countless forces were involved, and although many had arrived, they were merely staying out of sight.
More than half of the top ten on the Sword Saint List were present, but most remained unseen.
In the shadows, countless experts lurked.
"White Jade Academy." Someone looked into the dojo, where under the leadership of Xiao Lv, White Jade Academy entered. Those who had fought Li Fan that day were present, along with An Zhiyao.
Any one of these people, placed in the outside world, would be an extraordinary presence. As they landed in the dojo, the cultivators of Qiyun House couldn't help but gaze at them.
White Jade Academy, the number one academy under heaven; whereas Qiyun House is the Royal Academy.
"Heavenly White Jade, I've long heard of Brother Xiao and Fairy An's reputations. Today, I'm fortunate to finally meet them." Ye Xiaochen said with a smile to Xiao Lv and An Zhiyao.
As the foremost sacred place of cultivation in Great Li, White Jade Academy's status surpasses many major sects, rivaled only by a few matching forces.
However, Taiping Temple, Ten Thousand Buddha Temple, and Li Mountain are not here yet.
"Greetings, Your Highness. We've also heard of your fame." Xiao Lv and the others returned the gesture respectfully.
"Today's martial arts tournament, being able to see the distinguished characters of our Great Li World is indeed a great pleasure in life." Ye Xiaochen smiled at everyone, knowing Taiping Temple and Ten Thousand Buddha Temple hadn't appeared yet, while he was aware they had arrived.
As for Li Mountain, this tournament is designed for Li Fan.
"Jiang Taie of Lingxiao Pavilion and Xiao Lv of White Jade Academy are top figures under heaven; rumors say the Daoist Master of Taiping Temple and the Buddha Son of Ten Thousand Buddha Temple are also here. This tournament is a rare event in a hundred years." Shi Dao'an said with a smile.
Everyone nodded in agreement, looking around, seeing all were paragons of their generation.
Li Fan, a descendant of Li Mountain Sword Dao, rose to fame in Jade City, challenging swords at White Jade Academy and showing prowess at Lingxiao Pavilion. Yet upon entering the capital for this tournament, even if he was supremely talented, he would likely meet his match.
The next step is to see who will defeat Li Fan.
"The heroes of the world have arrived; is it time to begin the tournament?" Someone glanced at the position of Qiyun House's cultivators on the upper part of the dojo.
Though Qiyun House was ostensibly the host of this martial arts tournament, everyone understood it was between the forces and Li Mountain, even the court and Li Mountain.
"With the Third Prince present, would it be fitting for him to host this tournament?" The elder of Qiyun House hadn't appeared; the leading figure, named Qin Yi, was from the Qin Family of the capital.
The Qin Family, a noble family for a thousand years, had ancestors who followed Emperor Taizu of Great Li, achieving great victories, receiving titles of marquess and prime minister, with a distinguished history.
Families like the Li Family, Sun Family, and Chu Family, which Li Fan had previously encountered, were somewhat inferior to such an ancient noble family.
"Qin Yi, you're the chief disciple of this generation at Qiyun House. Since the elders have not arrived, it's naturally for you to preside over the tournament; I'll just watch." Ye Xiaochen replied.
"Thus, Qin Yi will assume the role. Your Highness, please excuse me." Qin Yi was extremely polite, but those from the capital knew he was usually very low-key, yet his talent and abilities were top-notch, or he wouldn't be the chief disciple of Qiyun House.
The individuals cultivating at this Royal Academy were of extraordinary status; Qin Yi being able to surpass others meant his identity, status, and ability were indispensable.
Rumor had it that Qin Yi would soon marry a royal princess, becoming a prince consort; as the next leader of the Qin Family, the Da Li Royal Family still wished to win him over.
Qin Yi surveyed the crowd, offering a bow, and said, "With everyone here at Qiyun House for the tournament, we disciples welcome you. This tournament arises because of Li Fan from Li Mountain. What do you all think should be done?"
"Li Fan defied court laws, slaughtered recklessly; many cultivators in Jade City died by the hands of those from Li Mountain. This time, entering the capital, the emperor has generously refrained from letting Seventh Realm Cultivators act, but we must not let him be; he must be punished."
"Moreover, Li Fan caused a demon calamity, forcing the court to pay a great price to quell it. Even the Eldest Prince himself risked his life to slay demons; based on this alone, Li Fan deserves death."
"This tournament is his death date." Many cultivators began speaking, having grudges against Li Fan.
Everyone knew Li Fan was doomed, yet before executing him, righteous justification was still needed for why he should die.
"The battle at Jade City happened at my White Jade Academy, and I was there personally. At that time, numerous cultivators besieged those from Li Mountain, who resisted. It doesn't seem they were in the wrong." At this moment, a dissenting voice arose from Guan Shanyue, a disciple of White Jade Academy, who had lost to Li Fan in a previous White Jade Academy challenge.
"As for the demon calamity, Li Fan exposed the demon, which wasn't necessarily wrong. Due to unforeseen circumstances, they revealed the Demon Race's conspiracy, causing many civilian casualties. But the original intention was not problematic, so it doesn't seem the death penalty is warranted."
"Who are you to defend him?" Someone looked at Guan Shanyue and questioned.
"Guan Shanyue, from White Jade Academy." Guan Shanyue replied.
"Taibai Sword disciple." Upon hearing Guan Shanyue's name, the questioner's expression tightened, swallowing back their words of challenge and debate.
"Coming to Qiyun House was for the purpose of 'debating the Dao'; given this is a debate, everyone is entitled to their own reasoning, and Junior Brother Guan expressing his opinion is understandable, right?" Xiao Lv said with a smile.
"It was said that Li Fan, challenging swords at White Jade Academy, ascended to its pinnacle unchecked. Surely due to this, disciples of White Jade Academy hold admiration for Li Fan." Someone spoke with a faint tone, albeit laced with mockery.
"The Jiang Family." The crowd looked at the speaker, from the noble Jiang Family of the capital, the clan of Jiang Taie.
Guan Shanyue furrowed his brows, Sword Intent subtly flowing from him. Xiao Lv glanced at him, prompting Guan Shanyue to restrain the Sword Intent.
To truly debate swords, should the Jiang Family send Jiang Taie, Guan wouldn't be a match, so there's no need to embarrass himself. As for Li Fan, his challenge at White Jade Academy was known throughout the world, not a big deal.
"Since everyone claims Li Fan should die, hopefully, those who spoke would step forward when the time comes." Guan Shanyue cast his gaze at those who had spoken.
Guan's words silenced them; though the world knew this tournament was a trap aimed at Li Fan, how many present could truly kill him?
Even Jiang Taie lacks absolute confidence.
At this moment, someone gazed towards the direction beyond the array, and the dojo fell quiet. Eyes turned far ahead, where on the distant street, two figures walked calmly toward Qiyun Mountain.
The morning sun fell upon the streets, casting their shadows, and the crowd parted, watching as the two walked slowly.
"He's here."
The thought crossed everyone's mind: the Li Mountain Sword Cultivator, who drew heroes from across Great Li to the capital, had arrived.
Behind him followed a young woman, quiet and silently trailing Li Fan.
"That is the Female Sword Cultivator who slew the Chu Family's son with a single sword." In the dojo, someone commented on Qi, finding her younger than they expected, slender in frame, solitary in shadow, with an ancient sword.
Jiang Taie gazed over, Sword Aura seeming ready to break free.
Li Fan and Qi walked slowly, reaching the foot of Qiyun House, glanced once at the array, and transformed into swords, ascending the steps.
Within the array, a golden ancient bell struck to kill, but its sound merely rang out as the two figures passed through the bell, instantly traversing to the top of the steps, hovering above the dojo.
Li Fan surveyed the crowd, thinking it quite the spectacle, the gathered forces represented essentially half of Great Li.
Countless eyes fell upon Li Fan, acknowledging his bravery as the Li Mountain Sword Dao heir, daring to follow through with a single sword.
Unfortunately, no matter how extraordinary, today would be his end.
"Qiyun House's Qin Yi..." Qin Yi was about to speak when Li Fan interrupted, "Who wants to debate?"
Qin Yi was momentarily stunned, taken by Li Fan's directness.
Li Fan understood clearly why the forces had gathered, so why waste words?
Who wants to debate?
Or rather, who wants him dead?
As Li Fan spoke, Qi unexpectedly stepped forward, positioning herself in front of him, momentarily startling Li Fan.
The crowd found the scene somewhat ridiculous—a young girl guarding the successor of Li Mountain Sword Dao.
