The True Purpose of the Qingyun Martial Assembly

Cao Jinxiu?

Upon hearing Chen Chang'an's words, Ye Zhiqiu was momentarily stunned but soon understood the reasoning behind it.

It was common knowledge that the Cao family had latched onto the Qingyun Sect, though no one openly commented on it. Behind the scenes, however, it was often a subject of ridicule.

After all, the Cao family's strength was merely average. Had it been a union of equals, people might not have thought much of it. But this act of social climbing left many disdainful.

No doubt, Cao Jinxiu had repeatedly brought up these matters around Lu Yun, hoping to achieve a match of equal status and earn genuine blessings from everyone.

How could she make others see her in a new light? By demonstrating outstanding strength and talent, proving that Cao Jinxiu was worthy of Lu Yun.

This way, when their wedding took place, they would receive sincere blessings rather than hollow pleasantries.

Precisely for this reason, this martial gathering had been arranged on the eve of their wedding.

On the surface, it was said to be the Qingyun Sect’s effort to motivate the younger generation, but the true purpose was to give Cao Jinxiu a chance to shine.

"Young master, Cao Jinxiu’s cultivation is only at the fifth level of the Divine Ability Realm. How can someone of that level stand out?" Gu Xian'er asked, puzzled.

The fifth level of the Divine Ability Realm might not seem particularly impressive, but Cao Jinxiu was only eighteen years old.

An eighteen-year-old at the fifth level of the Divine Ability Realm was no small feat. Regardless of how she had achieved it, others would still praise her as a prodigy.

After all, even Nie Haotian, ranked first on the Human Ranking, had only reached the first level of the Divine Transformation Realm at twenty-seven.

"Miss Xian'er, don’t assume everyone is as naturally gifted as you," Fang Yunxi remarked with a sigh.

"To them, such cultivation is normal. Your own progress and age defy all logic."

Since meeting Chen Chang'an, Gu Xian'er had broken through to the first level of the Divine Transformation Realm in just a few months, giving her the illusion that cultivation was effortless.

Little did she know, this ease was unique to her. For others, cultivation was far from simple.

As for Ye Zhiqiu, reaching the fifth level of the Divine Ability Realm at nineteen through sheer effort was no small accomplishment.

As the group conversed, Lu Mengran, the Qingyun Sect’s sect master, stood up and addressed the crowd with a cupped-hand salute.

"This martial gathering is intended for exchange and sparring. Anyone under thirty is welcome to participate."

"Injuries are inevitable in combat, but should anyone harbor ill intent and take a life, do not blame the Qingyun Sect for acting harshly."

"The arena is ready. You may begin."

"Freely engage in sparring without excessive hesitation."

With that, Lu Mengran returned to his seat.

Under normal circumstances, one of the peak masters would have been chosen to deliver such announcements, with the sect master merely observing in silence.

His personal involvement left many puzzled—why was the Qingyun Sect making such a grand show of this event?

"Hahaha, no one’s stepping up? Then I’ll go first!"

Seeing no one take the stage, a loud laugh rang out from the crowd as a young man leaped onto the arena.

"I am Zhang Siyang, at the first level of the Divine Ability Realm. Who will honor me with a match?"

"I will!"

Before the words faded, another youth rushed onto the stage. Smiling at Zhang Siyang, he said, "I am Ma Hu, also at the first level of the Divine Ability Realm. Let me test your skills, brother."

"Excellent. After you!"

With the first match underway, others soon followed, and the crowd was initially entertained.

But as time passed, the spectacle grew dull.

"Go and have some fun too."

"Just remember to hold back, understand?"

Seeing the Fang family’s younger generation eager to participate, Fang Yunxi no longer held them back, allowing them to join the sparring.

The Fang family’s appearance reignited the crowd’s interest, as they were no ordinary family—their strength was formidable.

"If the Fang family is stepping up, how can our Xing family stay behind?"

Not to be outdone, the Xing family promptly sent their own representatives, the tension between the two families palpable, hinting at some unresolved grudge.

"I heard there’s bad blood between the Fang and Xing families."

"Oh? What’s the story there?"

"The details aren’t clear, but while it’s not a life-or-death feud, they clash every time they meet."

"The Xing family held back earlier, waiting for the Fang family to make a move."

"Interesting. I wonder which family’s younger generation is stronger."

As the two fighters clashed on stage, discussions buzzed below. The Fang and Xing disciples were evenly matched, making it hard to predict a winner.

Five from each family took turns, and in the end, the result was a draw—two wins, two losses, and one tie.

Though neither side was satisfied, neither had lost face, so they let it go.

"Ancestor, we’ve shamed the Fang family."

Returning to Fang Yunxi, the Fang disciples bowed their heads in shame, displeased with the outcome.

"This is why you must train harder. Now you see the cost of slacking?"

"Had you been more diligent, the Xing family would be the ones humiliated today."

"But since it’s a draw, our Fang family hasn’t lost any dignity." Fang Yunxi said calmly.

"Yes, Ancestor."

Following the Fang and Xing families’ lead, disciples from other factions also took the stage.

Yet, the Qingyun Sect’s elite disciples remained unmoved. What were they waiting for? Did they not intend to showcase their skills?

The first day’s matches concluded swiftly. With so many participants, many had yet to compete, though some, after witnessing others’ strength, chose not to step forward.

The day’s victors would rest for a day before the next round on the third day.

As an incentive, the Qingyun Sect offered treasures to the top fifty, which explained the event’s popularity.

"I saw him!"

After the crowd dispersed, Cao Jinxiu frowned, her gaze at Lu Yun tinged with worry.

Lu Yun also furrowed his brow. "Who?"

"Ye Zhiqiu."

Hearing the name, Lu Yun’s expression darkened. He knew Cao Jinxiu had once been betrothed, though he hadn’t minded.

But for Ye Zhiqiu to dare show his face at the Qingyun Sect?

"Don’t be afraid. This is the Qingyun Sect—he wouldn’t dare cause trouble."

"If he simply participates in the tournament honestly, there’s no need to pay him any mind."

"But if he dares to stir up trouble, does he truly think our Qingyun Sect is easy to bully?" Lu Yun said with a faint smile.

"I hope so, but I can’t shake this uneasy feeling."

Seeing his beloved so unsettled, Lu Yun frowned slightly before turning to the person beside him. "Go and find out where Ye Zhiqiu is staying."

"Yes, Young Sect Master!"