Chapter Fifty-Seven: Emperor Su - The Eve of Calamity

"Is that so? I think I've only drunk alcohol once in my life, and after I did... I couldn't remember what I did. How strange—there are things I actually can't recall," Qi murmured, frowning.

"As long as you don't drink, I won't care even if you flirt outside. Let time decide our relationship; when the time comes, I might divorce you, so you'd better be prepared," Bai Xue turned and returned to the cold lady's side, bowed deeply to her, and then resumed her original position.

"Actually, I'm a bit reluctant to join," Qi said now, genuinely hesitant. He couldn't even look Bai Xue in the eye. If they were to be in the same sect, seeing each other every day, he'd surely end up hiding all the time. It would be more comfortable to remain a solitary cultivator.

"Uncle Bai, I have a request," the handsome man stepped forward with a smile and a bow. "I hope to spar with Fellow Qi, so Uncle can see his true strength and better persuade the other elders to accept him. What do you think?"

"Very well, let me see if my disciple's fiancé is truly worthy of Xue'er. You two, stop at the right moment and let Xue'er witness the ways cultivators duel," the cold lady nodded, agreeing.

"I refuse. I've just fought a fierce battle and suffered serious internal injuries. I haven't recovered yet. Let's fight again in a year," Qi suddenly clutched his chest, his face pale.

"This isn't a life-or-death struggle. Just stop at the right moment. And do you think you can fool me about your injuries?" the cold lady snorted, clearly displeased with Qi's excuse.

"I am Su Di. Please, Fellow Qi, enlighten me," the handsome man who called himself Su Di saluted slightly and then pointed, releasing a bright sword light—a signal to begin.

Qi frowned in discomfort, but had little choice. The urge to grow stronger burned more fiercely in him now. Dodging Su Di's greeting attack, Qi left two deep footprints on the ground as he charged, his direction naturally toward Su Di.

Knowing his opponent was a formidable martial cultivator, Su Di was well prepared. He opened his mouth, releasing seven sparkling silver shields and a three-foot-three-inch long green sword. The shields, one large and six small, were covered in silver scales, resembling either fish or snake scales, with an aura far superior to Si Po Xiao's red shield—likely a top-tier defensive artifact, perhaps even approaching the supreme grade. The green sword was equally sharp and cold, matching the shields in quality.

Qi's gaze sharpened—the seven shields would not be easy to break through. His opponent had mastered both offense and defense, and though both were at mid-stage Foundation Establishment, Su Di's mana was far deeper and purer than Si Po Xiao's.

Qi mimicked Su Di, spitting out two standard crystal swords, but instead of controlling them remotely, he gripped them in his hands. He advanced, skillfully parrying the green sword's attacks while stabbing whenever an opening appeared. In just a few exchanges, crystal fragments flew everywhere, and the diamond-tipped swords, after meeting the green sword, were covered in cracks, as if another clash would shatter them.

Seeing this, Su Di, who had easily defended against all attacks, smiled, victory seemingly assured. He glanced at Qi with disdain—he hadn't even used his other techniques, yet Qi was already faltering. With such talent, did Qi hope to win the hand of Bai Xue, whose gifts were extraordinary? Her fiancé was just a shield she found for herself—a fool.

Qi's eyes were keen; though he didn't know what Su Di was thinking, he caught the contempt in Su Di's gaze. He sneered inwardly, and his diamond sword self-repaired the cracks. Before the astonished eyes of those watching, Qi spat out six more crystal swords, his body shimmering as six new arms grew. These six arms deftly grabbed the floating swords, then all seven crystal swords rained down like a storm, suppressing the seven shields. The remaining sword continued to defend against the green blade.

"Eight-arm divine technique—impossible! I've never heard of anyone below Nascent Soul cultivating such a power, let alone someone in Foundation Establishment," Su Di's expression changed completely, turning ugly. Though he'd never seen a true divine power, the eight arms were unmistakable. Even if they weren't grown by magic, he now faced quadruple the attacks, and he could feel it.

Moreover, the transparent crystal sword that clashed with the green blade no longer shattered; could it not only repair itself but also grow stronger under pressure?

Stunned for a moment, Su Di quickly regained his composure. Even if his opponent was no ordinary cultivator, so what? He himself was not ordinary.

Just as he prepared to use other techniques, Qi suddenly retreated, puffed his cheeks, and spat a streak of deep blue fire at him. Su Di had his seven shields in front, but the blue flames swept toward him from all directions.

Despite the sudden change, Su Di remained unflustered. He formed a seal with his left hand, tapped the shields with his right, and let the flames engulf him. Qi kept spitting fire, maintaining the blaze.

Princess Bai Xue, watching from nearby, was dazzled. She was filled with admiration—the most outstanding man of the Qi Kingdom now wielded powers like an immortal, suppressing his enemy. She recalled their first meeting, that night when, for some unknown reason, this man first tasted alcohol.

The cold lady beside her remained indifferent. Aside from a slight change in expression upon seeing the eight-arm divine technique, she watched with the mild appreciation one reserves for a talented junior. As Su Di was swallowed by flames, she showed no emotion, instead glancing subtly at her disciple, thoughtful upon seeing Bai Xue’s expression.

...

Far away, in the sky above the Qi Qi Sect branch on Mount Qi Qi, a dark cloud drifted in, strangely rushing toward the sect despite the windless sky.

Sensing something amiss, the entire branch was on high alert; the mountain protection array was activated, all disciples prepared for a full-scale sect battle.

Within the time it takes to finish a cup of tea, the dark cloud pressed close, covering the sky above Mount Qi Qi. Suddenly, several smaller clouds split from the main one, each bearing figures wreathed in demonic energy. The leader was a gaunt, shriveled old man, his skin wrinkled and corpse-like, yet towering nine feet tall, with withered green hair—a terrifying sight that could frighten mortals to death at night.

He led his group to the edge of the array, grinning sinisterly, "Heh heh heh, Old Earth Dog, why hide when an old friend comes to visit?"

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