Chapter 232 - Departure! Imperial Capital! (Fourth Update)

Chapter 232: Chapter 231: Departure! Imperial Capital! (Fourth Update)Now the Leader of the Spirit Sword Sect, Su Zhan had secluded himself and didn’t appear. The entire Spirit Sword Sect was controlled by the Elder Pavilion.

Therefore, the status of the Grand Elder and the Second Elder became extremely high.

Seeing the Grand Elder and the Second Elder come atop Ceyun Peak, all disciples bowed simultaneously in reverence.

"Greetings, Honorable Elders."

"Greetings, Young Sect Leader!"

The disciples greeted them.

Lin Bai nodded slightly as he greeted, "Greetings, Second Elder."

The Second Elder looked at Lin Bai with much on his mind, and a touch of worry was hardly concealed in his eyes.

Seeing Lin Bai bow to him, he nodded faintly as a response.

The Grand Elder announced loudly, "Fellow disciples of the Spirit Sword Sect, today is the day for our Sect to set off for the Imperial Capital to take part in the Royal Hunting Garden."

"Everyone knows, the Royal Hunting Garden is hosted by the Royal Family of the Shenwu Kingdom and is a grand event held once every year. All genius disciples under the Bone Age of twenty from the Territory of the Shenwu Kingdom will be invited to participate."

"This is not just a rare voyage but also an honor, a personal honor, and also the honor of our Sect."

"Today, we have selected three representatives from the ten thousand warriors of our Spirit Sword Sect, to go to the Royal Hunting Garden."

"These three are outstanding among the warriors in our sect, they are genius disciples, they are the future hope of the Spirit Sword Sect."

"They are...."

When the Grand Elder got to this point, he glanced at Lin Bai, Zhang Lingdao, and Lu Yuan, his eyes full of mischief.

All warriors knew that going to the Royal Hunting Garden was akin to sending oneself to death.

And as for why Lin Bai, Zhang Lingdao, Lu Yun were going, all the warriors knew clearly, that this was a scheme from Su Cang and the Grand Elder.

"They are.... Zhang Lingdao, Lu Yun, Lin bai!"

The Grand Elder declared heartily, "Zhang Lingdao, although he is only at the Ninth Level of Earth Martial Realm, his Sword Skill is superior and he is on par with the masters of the First Layer of Heaven Martial Realm. He is also incredibly well-known within our Spirit Sword Sect."

Upon hearing the Grand Elder’s voice, all of the warriors sighed helplessly, looking at the downcast figure of the young man in the field.

This was hardly a genius disciple. Instead, he was clearly a disciple who had offended the Divine Alliance.

Everyone knew that Zhang Lingdao did not wish to go, he was forced by Zhao Mao.

"The second one, ranked fifth on the Inner Gate Top Hundred Ranking, Lu Yuan."

"I don’t think I need to say much about Lu Yuan. His cultivation had already reached the peak of the Third Layer of Heaven Martial Realm half a year ago. He also made it into the top five in the top ten of the Top Hundred Ranks. He can also be considered one of the genius Sword Art talents that our Spirit Sword Sect has been nurturing extensively."

The Grand Elder said, looking at Lu Yuan.

Upon hearing this, Lin Bai was surprised and looked at Lu Yuan.

Lin Bai did not expect that Lu Yun was actually a top expert on the Inner Gate Top Hundred Rankings.

The top ten on the Inner Gate Top Hundred Rankings are competings at the Heaven Martial Realm.

In fact, there were two divisions in the Top Hundred List in the past.

One was the Earth Martial Realm Top 100 List.

One was the Heaven Martial Realm Top 100 List.

Unfortunately, after the Spirit Sword Sect was defeated, the number of warriors in the Heaven Martial Realm decreased to the point where there were not even a hundred of them.

Hence, the Heaven Martial Realm Top 100 List gradually disappeared.

Therefore, the Spirit Sword Sect came up with a way to add the Heaven Martial Realm Top 100 List to the Earth Martial Realm Top 100 List, forming today’s Inner Gate Top Hundred Ranking.

And it was decided that only the top ten were eligible to enter, and they had to be masters of the Heaven Martial Realm.

"Brother Lu Yuan does show some promise."

"I’m afraid that going to the Imperial Capital this time, we might only be able to rely on Brother Lu Yuan to hold up his face."

"Exactly, with Brother Lu Yuan present, our Spirit Sword Sect won’t lose too much face."

Many warriors heard of Lu Yun’s reputation, and they were all awed. They spoke quietly to each other, fully acknowledging Lu Yun’s strength.

"Who would have thought that Brother Lu Yuan is actually the fifth on the Top Hundred List? You’re truly enviable, Brother." Lin Bai smiled softly at Lu Yuan.

"Hehe, Junior Brother is too modest, given time, don’t mention this mere fifth position, I’m afraid the entire Inner Gate Top Hundred Ranking will tremble under Junior Brother’s sword." These past few days, Lu Yuan had learned of Lin Bai’s reputation and held a high opinion of Lin Bai’s potential.

Lin Bai gave a noncommittal smile, his eyes hiding a trace of cold killing intent.

"Given time, don’t mention this mere Inner Gate Top Hundred Ranking, the entire Shenwu Kingdom will tremble beneath my sword."

Lin Bai said confidently in his heart.

After introducing Lu Yuan, a playful smile emerged at the corners of the Grand Elder’s mouth. He looked at Lin Bai with a hint of contempt and laughed, "Lastly, I’m sure you’ve all heard so much that your ears are calloused by now."

"Lin Bai!"

"The Earth Martial Realm’s monarch of the Spirit Sword Sect!"

"After the battle at No Return Cliff, there was no one in the Earth Martial Realm in the Spirit Sword Sect who could match Lin Bai."

"At this moment, Lin Bai’s combat power should be able to slay the First Layer of the Heaven Martial Realm!"

"Such astonishing combat power, such astonishing talent, the Spirit Sword Sect has already listed Lin Bai as its core disciple."

"Today, Lin Bai heads off to the Imperial Capital, which shows how important the Royal Hunting Garden is to the Spirit Sword Sect."

The Grand Elder finished, his voice filled with warmth.

Upon hearing this sentence.

Every warrior looking at Lin Bai felt a pang of pity.

They all sighed softly in their hearts: Alas, what a pity! It’s not every day that the Spirit Sword Sect produces a genius who can match Su Cang. And now, this genius is to be sacrificed in the Imperial Hunting Garden.

"Alas!"

Their sighs of regret echoed in Lin Bai and Lu Yuan’s ears, refusing to dissipate.

Lin Bai gave a gentle laugh and said, "Brother Lu, it appears that everyone has decided we’re doomed in the Imperial Hunting Garden. They are mourning for us in advance."

"Don’t worry, Lin Bai, with me by your side, you won’t die," Lu Yuan declared firmly.

Lin Bai only smiled and chose not to continue the conversation.

Despite the sighs of the surrounding warriors, the Grand Elder’s face was a picture of uncontrollable delight. "Hahaha, Lin Bai," he thought to himself, "this is what you get for opposing the Divine Alliance and me! I hope that the warrior who kills you in the Imperial Hunting Garden won’t be too gentle. It would be for the best if you’d end up disfigured!"

"Haha, Lin Bai, Lu Yuan, and Zhang Lingdao will represent the Spirit Sword Sect at the Imperial Capital. I believe our Sect will surely triumph," the Grand Elder laughed heartily.

At this, Su Cang chimed in: "Indeed, Lin Bai, you must put in your utmost effort. Remember you are not traveling to the capital as an individual but representing the entire Spirit Sword Sect. If you bring shame upon our Sect, beware of the consequences!"

Lin Bai soberly replied, "There’s no need for the Young Sect Master to worry. Since I am a disciple of the Spirit Sword Sect, my aim is to serve the Sect and win the honor for it."

"Oh really?" Su Cang asked teasingly, "From Brother Lin Bai’s words, I gather you’re quite confident about your victory?"

"I wouldn’t say I already have victory in my grasp, but although my cultivation level is not high, I don’t think a ragtag group can easily defeat me," Lin Bai said, a cold smile playing on his lips.

Hiss!

Everyone sucked in a cold breath at Lin Bai’s words.

A ragtag group? Did Lin Bai just refer to the geniuses of the Four Major Sects and the Shenwu Kingdom’s army as such?

The audacity!

Even Su Cang, no, even the saint of Canghai Sky Palace, Duan Cang Hai, wouldn’t dare to be so arrogant!

"Since Brother Lin Bai is so confident, win a place among the top three for our Sect," Su Cang laughed out.

Upon hearing this, Lin Bai considered his current strength. With the Qingge Sword at his disposal, he could easily kill warriors in the second layer of the Heaven Martial Realm. Even against someone in the third layer, with his diverse set of skills, he could turn danger into safety. Winning a place in the top three shouldn’t be that difficult.

"I’ll try my best," Lin Bai responded.

"Good," laughed Su Cang, "everyone heard that. Lin Bai has promised to win a place among the top three for our Sect. We’re looking forward to it! Lin Bai, what if you don’t make it to the top three?"

Upon hearing Su Cang’s words, everyone immediately felt their hearts tighten, thinking: Oh no! Su Cang is setting a trap for Lin Bai.

Lin Bai sneered, "And what would you have me do?"

"Though the Imperial Hunting Garden will abound with high-level fighters, if you don’t make it to the top three but manage to survive and come back, you can let me slap you thrice," suggested Su Cang playfully.

"And if I do make it to the top three?" Lin Bai asked.

"Then, I’ll let you slap me three times. Fair, impartial, and open. How does that sound?" Su Cang proposed with a grin.

Lin Bai gave a faint smile, "Deal."

"Hahahaha!" Su Cang roared with laughter, his triumph apparent on his face.

After laughing for a moment, he said, "Lin Bai, Lin Bai, trying to compete with me, you’re still too wet behind the ears!"

Lu Yuan had wanted to stop Lin Bai, but Lin Bai had responded too quickly, giving him no opportunity to intervene.

Upon hearing the wager agreed upon by Lin Bai and Su Cang, Lu Yuan berated Lin Bai discontentedly: "Oh, Lin Bai, you’re too impulsive. Su Cang was clearly setting a trap for you."

"It’s okay, Brother Lu. How could a young fox like him outwit an old fox? Wait and see. I have my slaps ready." A cold smirk played across Lin Bai’s face, iciness seeping into his gaze.

The Second Elder stood quietly on one side, not speaking, his gaze filled with concern and a silent warning.

The Grand Elder, seeing Lin Bai and Su Cang make their little wager, showed no sign of worry.

Because the Grand Elder had already concluded that Lin Bai would not return alive from his journey. Not only Lin Bai, but Zhang Lingdao and Lu Yuan would also be unlikely to return.

The Grand Elder beamed, "In that case, you should all depart. This year, Elder Chen Gong will lead the team."

After the Grand Elder gave his order, a middle-aged man stepped out from among the elders, his face marked by a bitter smile. He reached the center of the square and respectfully said to the Grand Elder, "I obey the order of the Grand Elder."

Immediately, this man named Chen Gong gestured in mid-air, and a Sky-flying Peng swooped down from the clouds, landing steadily in the middle of Ceyun Peak’s square.

Chen Gong frowned irritably. "Get on! I’m unlucky enough to be traveling with you guys to the Imperial Capital. It’s embarrassing enough having to go with you, but if you all die, I’ll be punished with imprisonment when I get back to the Sect!"

Chen Gong was one of the few Elders in the Elder Pavilion who didn’t choose either faction.

A few days ago, the Grand Elder had invited Chen Gong to join the Divine Alliance, but Chen Gong had politely declined, claiming he needed time to think it over.

The Grand Elder had held a grudge and thus set a trap for Chen Gong, forcing him to go to the Imperial Capital and face humiliation.

With calm faces, Lu Yuan and Lin Bai climbed onto the back of the Sky-flying Peng.

Meanwhile, Zhang Lingdao, with a gloomy face and marked reluctance, followed suit.

"Let’s go! To the Imperial Capital!"

Chen Gong leapt into the air, landing on the neck of the Sky-flying Peng. His face was one of barely concealed anger as he yelled out.

With a clarion call, the Sky-flying Peng furiously flapped its wings, soaring towards the Cloud Sky.

As they watched the Peng disappear in the distance, all the warriors of the Spirit Sword Sect, regardless of their alliances, cried out in unison: "May our brothers bring honor to our Spirit Sword Sect and return in victory."

This was not a personal journey to the Imperial Capital.

They were representing the Spirit Sword Sect.

The actions of Lin Bai, Lu Yuan, and Zhang Lingdao carried the weight of the Spirit Sword Sect’s reputation.

This was as much about honor, as it was about responsibility.