Chapter 57

The Martial Arts Tournament of the four major sects became the focus of attention for disciples for a while. The allure of rich rewards and the opportunity to engage in friendly competition and meet fellow practitioners from other sects were the primary reasons. 

Meanwhile, in the imperial palace of Ji Mo City, a man dressed in a bright yellow dragon robe sat on the dragon throne. His favorite son, the third prince, Gao Chengxuan, stood beside him. 

"Chengxuan, how is that matter progressing?" The old emperor asked while reviewing memorial scrolls. 

"Replying to Father Emperor, the rewards for the Martial Arts Tournament are already well-known. According to the information gathered in recent days, all four major sects are determined to obtain the rewards. Some sects have even prepared contingency plans." The third prince stood respectfully on the side and reported. 

"Hmm, the four major sects are too arrogant. Seizing this opportunity to let them suppress each other is a good idea. Otherwise, it will eventually pose a threat to the royal family." The old emperor spoke with a solemn tone. 

"I understand. The more chaotic the Martial Arts Tournament, the better." Gao Chengxuan revealed a knowing expression. 

"I trust you to handle things. With your extraordinary talent, you are suitable for cultivating immortal arts. In the future, these sect forces will need you to manage them. As for the crown prince, he can handle internal affairs. With both of you, one in civil matters and one in martial affairs, you will surely assist the crown prince effectively." 

"Father Emperor, rest assured. Your son will do his best to assist the Crown Prince. I take my leave now." Gao Chengxuan bowed to the old emperor and retreated. 

The old emperor nodded, allowing him to leave. 

As soon as Gao Chengxuan stepped out of the imperial palace, the humility on his face disappeared. He couldn't understand why his father favored his useless elder brother. Both in strategy and martial arts, he believed he was the more competent one. 

Several days later, the Martial Arts Tournament proceeded as scheduled. However, this time, the competition took place in the dedicated Martial Arts Field of the imperial army, with dozens of arenas. Each participant held a spirit stone displaying their name and number. Matching opponents with the same number was the method used. 

Song Zhixia's first match was scheduled for the morning against a junior disciple from the Lingjiang Sect. The opponent was so captivated by Song Zhixia's appearance that, before exchanging a few words, he found himself slapped off the stage by her, unable to resist. The opponent had recently entered the Foundation Establishment stage, and his cultivation level was nowhere near Song Zhixia's, making the match a one-sided affair. 

Wei Zhao and Zhou Qingxue had similar experiences, effortlessly winning their matches without even revealing their weapons. 

Song Weizhi's match was in the afternoon. She always felt that something was off about this Martial Arts Tournament, especially after the incident with the black-clothed individuals. Therefore, Song Weizhi was cautious, as she aimed to secure the Vermilion Bird's soul fragments. 

Her opponent was a disciple from the Xuantian Sect with Initial-Enlightenment realm. Seeing a beautiful female cultivator like Song Weizhi, he tried to strike up a conversation. 

"Junior Sister, are you called Song Weizhi? What a beautiful name! Can we get to know each other after the match?" 

Song Weizhi didn't even spare him a glance. As soon as the gong sounded, she unleashed a palm strike. The male disciple, who had just drawn his sword, wanted to say a few more words, but he was sent flying more than ten meters away, spitting blood. This was one of the few matches on the first day where blood was shed. 

After Song Weizhi's match, disregarding the discussions and criticisms from others, she took her little girl back to their disciples' residence. Since the Martial Arts Tournament focused on matches, injuries or even fatalities were considered normal occurrences. 

It wasn't until over ten days later, with more and more people eliminated, that the remaining 16 contestants emerged. Song Weizhi and her group were among the final 16. 

Entering the round of 16, numerous disciples came to watch, and even the third prince, Gao Chengxuan, personally attended. Several Sect Masters came forward to exchange pleasantries with Gao Chengxuan. Although each sect had outstanding cultivators, the imperial family's support was crucial for better development. 

Song Zhixia faced Wang Xian from the Yufeng Valley in her match. Wang Xian had just entered the Golden Core realm, with a single spirit root of the wood attribute. His primary spiritual beast was a giant elephant. 

Although Song Zhixia had a higher cultivation level than Wang Xian, dealing with a spiritual beast still posed a challenge. As the gong sounded in the Martial Arts Field, Song Zhixia took the initiative. She displayed the Burning Sword sword technique, and a sea of fire rushed towards Wang Xian. Wang Xian activated the spiritual qi in his body, attracting all the surrounding leaves and vegetation to himself. At the same time, he struck out with a palm. 

Fortunately, Song Zhixia had abundant spiritual qi. This wave of plant attacks not only failed to harm her but was gradually pushed back under the influence of the burning sword. Wang Xian had no choice but to use his spirit beast to attack Song Zhixia from behind. 

After Song Zhixia's two soul fragments were restored, her senses became even more acute. She had long felt the abnormality behind her. She directed the spreading fire toward Wang Xian and, at the same time, dodged the attack of the giant elephant by riding on it. Her spiritual sword thrust down from above, piercing the head of the giant elephant. With Song Zhixia using tenfold spiritual qi, the spiritual beast fell to the ground convulsing. 

Wang Xian, seeing his spiritual beast injured, became anxious. His previously meticulous sword techniques began to show flaws. Amid Song Zhixia's simple attacks, the tip of the sword had already buried itself in Wang Xian's chest and abdomen. 

Song Zhixia had no intention of harming him. She withdrew the spirit sword, and Wang Xian, covering his wound, fell onto the arena floor. 

At this moment, an Elder from the Yufeng Valley flew onto the stage, glaring at Song Zhixia. "The Martial Arts Tournament is for friendly competition. How dare you harm my disciple? Prepare to face the consequences." 

With that, he sent a palm strike towards Song Zhixia. Having already expended a significant amount of spiritual qi, and considering the Elder's cultivation in the Harmony realm, Song Zhixia had no chance of avoiding it. She could only retreat as much as possible. Surprisingly, the palm strike that should have hit her was intercepted by someone standing not far away—none other than Song Weizhi. 

After receiving the strike, Song Weizhi remained composed. "In the Martial Arts Tournament, life and death are up to fate. If Yufeng Valley can't handle losing, you shouldn't have participated. Don't embarrass yourself by regretting it after losing." 

"You, an unknown junior, dare to speak to me like this. Watch me kill you today." 

However, Song Weizhi's words were truthful. Consequently, the Elder's behavior led to joint resistance from the other three sects. 

"If you can't accept defeat, then leave. Disgusting, even for an Elder." 

"Get out, get out, get out." 

The shouts from the audience were continuous. The Sect Master of the Yufeng Valley also felt embarrassed, giving a formal salute to Gao Chengxuan. Then he loudly declared, "Elder, what are you doing? Hurry and leave with your people. You've truly embarrassed us. Third Prince, Yufeng Valley is not usually like this. Please don't take offense." 

Gao Chengxuan smiled, nodded, and said, "I understand. Passion for one's disciples can be overwhelming. Continue the competition." 

Song Weizhi took her little girl's hand and walked away, creating some distance from the noisy crowd. After setting up a barrier, Song Weizhi finally spat out the blood that had been surging in her throat. 

"Senior Sister, how are you? Is the injury severe? Can we forfeit the next match? I don't want the soul fragments anymore." Song Zhixia couldn't understand why people harbored so much animosity towards her. It was supposed to be an open and fair competition, so why did such incidents occur? Moreover, her Senior Sister got injured again for her sake. She couldn't count how many times her Senior Sister had risked her life to protect her. 

Tears rolled down Song Zhixia's cheeks like broken strings. Song Weizhi used a purification technique to clean the bloodstains from her body and lips. The person she faced just now was one realm higher in cultivation, and taking that palm strike was quite strenuous. She had already suffered internal injuries, but Song Weizhi suppressed the surging blood qi in her throat. She had to secure the soul fragment. 

"Xia Xia, I'm fine. Don't say such discouraging words. The Vermilion Bird's soul fragments belong to you. We must retrieve them." Suppressing the intense pain in her chest, Song Weizhi held the little sister in her arms, using her slender fingers to wipe away the tears. 

The little girl sniffled. "But Sister, you're injured. It's not okay. This time, I'll get it myself. I don't want Senior Sister to take risks for me anymore." 

"How can you call this taking risks? This is a part of your body. I can't let others get your soul fragments. Trust me, if I were seriously injured, how could I stand here and talk to you?" 

"But, but…" 

"No more buts. We're almost there. Let's go." Song Weizhi held the little girl's hand and walked back. 

Gao Chengxuan's gaze had been on Song Zhixia and Song Weizhi. "Sect Master Zhou, what's the name of the woman who just won the match? Her appearance and strength are exceptional." 

"Third Prince, you flatter us. She is Song Zhixia, a newly admitted disciple to our Cold Mountain Sword Sect. Her aptitude is indeed outstanding. I didn't expect her to make it to the top sixteen." Zhou Yeran replied hastily. 

Gao Chengxuan smiled, nodded a few times, and said nothing more. 

Song Weizhi lightly patted the little girl's hand to comfort her. She then went back up to the stage. Everyone witnessed the moment she caught the palm strike from the Harmony Elder, causing her opponent to be somewhat fearful from the beginning. 

In the martial arts world, the principle was clear: when the enemy was strong and you were weak, Song Weizhi, having suffered severe internal injuries, needed proper rest. As long as her opponent engaged her in a battle of time, Song Weizhi would undoubtedly succumb to exhaustion. However, the opponent remained timid, and unwilling to attack, which gave Song Weizhi an opportunity. 

She infused the few traces of spiritual qi remaining into the Li Shuo Sword and delivered a palm strike. The imposing force seemed capable of swallowing mountains and rivers. 

The opponent, who was already frightened, didn't even attempt to counterattack. Instead, he chose to fly off the stage, admitting defeat. 

Song Weizhi took a few steps backward, enduring the intense pain in her body. She was already injured, and activating spiritual qi again only added to her suffering. However, she couldn't allow others to detect her condition. Suppressing the blood in her mouth, she walked steadily away. 

Reaching out, she grabbed Song Zhixia's arm, effectively transferring her weight to the little girl. She cast a barrier and whispered to Song Zhixia, "Xia Xia, support me a bit. Don't let others notice anything unusual." 

Song Zhixia, holding back her tears, walked to a somewhat distant place. Using her sword, she took Song Weizhi away from the noisy crowd.