NOVEL NEXT WORLD Chapter 41:
Chapter 40:
As Xiao Yang thought of the Heavenly Medicine Sect, a particular figure surfaced in his mind—a woman in white with flowing hair, holding a medicine gourd, embodying the ideal of healing and compassion. She was like a Heavenly maiden descended to the mortal world: kind, gentle, pure, and otherworldly. She was the Holy Maiden of the Heavenly Medicine Sect.
She once vowed to travel the world and heal the suffering of all living beings. Xiao Yang had accompanied her across the Northern Territory, even promising to journey across the world together. Unfortunately, at the time, his heart belonged solely to his junior sister, Jiang Ting.
Such an extraordinary person ultimately perished in his previous life, and her death was tied to him. This was the greatest regret of Xiao Yang’s past life.
Having been reborn, he vowed never to let that tragedy repeat itself.
…
The chime of a bell echoed from the summit of Azure Sun Mountain, signaling the end of the midday break.
The inner disciples of the Azure Sun Sword Sect began gathering at the mountain peak. Before long, the square was teeming with people.
When Xiao Yang arrived with Lin Wangchuan and his third junior brother, Song Qiang, the sect leader, Jiang Qitian, as well as the Enforcement Elder Lei Lie, Transmission Elder Cang Xiao, Elder Gu Feng, Elder Qing Lian, and Elder Fang Tang, were already seated.
As the sect’s Holy Son, Xiao Yang was the last to take his seat.
Once Xiao Yang was seated, the Transmission Elder rose and announced the continuation of the sect tournament.
“Let me go first!”
No sooner had the words left the elder’s mouth than a crisp voice rang out from the crowd.
A figure emerged from the disciples and leaped onto the sword platform.
“She?” Xiao Yang was slightly surprised to see that the first person to step onto the platform was none other than his junior sister, Jiang Ting.
The inner disciples of the sect were equally taken aback.
Jiang Ting was the beloved daughter of Sect Master Jiang Qitian, adored and protected by all since childhood. Her cultivation resources were the best among the younger generation of the sect.
Watching her stand gracefully and confidently on the sword platform, Xiao Yang couldn’t help but recall their childhood days—training together, playing, getting into trouble, and being punished side by side. Those days had been carefree and full of joy.
He still remembered how young Jiang Ting had once vowed to marry him when they grew up.
But as they grew older and Qin Fei appeared, everything quietly began to change.
When had their relationship started to shift?
Xiao Yang couldn’t pinpoint it. All he knew was that nothing good ever happened after Qin Fei entered the picture.
Sect Master Jiang Qitian frowned slightly upon seeing his daughter step onto the sword platform. He didn’t want her participating in the sect tournament, knowing its true purpose.
This tournament wasn’t merely a competition. It was a selection process to choose the ten strongest disciples to represent the sect in the upcoming Hexagenary Tournament—a grand event held every sixty years across the Northern Territory.
The Hexagenary Tournament was no ordinary competition; it was fraught with danger and death. Jiang Qitian couldn’t bear the thought of his daughter risking her life.
Xiao Yang was equally puzzled. Why was Jiang Ting so determined to participate this time? Her stance today was a stark contrast to her casual attitude yesterday. What had changed?
“Fellow senior brothers, please offer me your guidance!” Jiang Ting clasped her hands respectfully toward the disciples below the platform.
The crowd exchanged glances, hesitant to challenge her. How could they dare?
“Junior Sister, stop causing trouble,” a voice rang out as someone stepped forward.
It was Elder Qing Lian’s disciple, Ye Qingyao.
“Senior Sister Ye, I merely wish to experience the wonders of the Yuanwu Immortal Domain,” Jiang Ting replied coldly.
“In that case, allow me to witness your skills,” Ye Qingyao said, leaping gracefully onto the platform.
Ye Qingyao, the personal disciple of Qing Lian Elder, had reached the peak of the Divine Abilities Realm, as had Jiang Ting.
With their cultivation levels evenly matched, the duel would come down to their combat prowess and experience.
Xiao Yang didn’t hold much hope for Jiang Ting.
She had been sheltered all her life, rarely venturing out for real-world experiences. In battle, combat experience could mean the difference between victory and defeat—or even life and death.
Ye Qingyao, on the other hand, had honed her skills through numerous trials, including wiping out a bandit stronghold and slaying a notorious criminal.
How could Jiang Ting possibly be her match?
As the duel began, the sharp clang of swords echoed across the platform. Ye Qingyao’s silken sword energy enveloped Jiang Ting, leaving her flustered and barely able to control her own sword.
Though Ye Qingyao clearly held back, Jiang Ting was quickly overwhelmed. Trapped within Ye Qingyao’s silken sword energy, she had no way to break free.
Reluctantly, Jiang Ting admitted defeat.
Xiao Yang wasn’t surprised by the outcome. It was Jiang Ting’s own overconfidence that led to her loss.
Still, he couldn’t help but wonder why she insisted on participating in the tournament. Her sudden determination was baffling.
Could it be Qin Fei’s doing again?