Nine Dragons Saint Ancestor
Chapter 144: One hundred and forty-four The grand competition begins

Chapter 144: One hundred and forty-four The grand competition begins

"This kid really does have quite a few secrets on him!"

Fu Du’s heart burst with fervor. Although he was genuinely a Poison Vein Master, there were some deadly poisons that exceeded his tolerance, and he would avoid them at all costs.

For instance, the Three-legged Ice Crystal Toad, which Fu Du had acquired for several years, yet he never dared to Refine it lightly, fearing that he would not withstand the ice-cold intense poison and become frozen into an ice sculpture like the former Yun Xiao.

Fu Du thought to himself how wonderful it would be if he also had a constitution immune to all poisons like Yun Xiao. Perhaps, when Refining some against-the-heavens toxic substances in the future, he would no longer need so many reservations.

"Second Elder, do you recognize that young man?"

While Fu Du’s thoughts were ablaze, contemplating how to recapture Yun Xiao, suddenly a familiar voice came from beside him, making his heart skip a beat and immediately bringing him back to his senses.

When Fu Du’s gaze returned from the distant Yun Xiao and turned his head, what he saw was a very familiar old face—it was the Jade Pot Sect’s number one person after the Sect Leader: Great Elder Lu Zhan!

The Jade Pot Sect had both Poison Vein and Medical Pulse coexisting, and theoretically, these two factions should be incompatible like fire and water. Yet, because of the astonishingly talented Sect Leader, the two were forcefully combined, contributing to the Jade Pot Sect’s eminent reputation.

However, privately, Fu Du, the head of the Poison Vein, and Lu Zhan, the head of the Medical Pulse, couldn’t stand each other, and they hardly had any dealings unless absolutely necessary.

Were it not for the need to infuse fresh blood into their respective branches, neither Lu Zhan nor Fu Du would have come to this Outer Sect competition personally. Yet, this time, they both had arrived at the Arena Hall of the Outer Sect, each with a genius they had to pay attention to.

This genius was neither Feng Hang who ranked first on the Mortal List, nor Shen Xiao who was second, nor Guan Tong who was third, but that young man surnamed Yun who had only entered the Outer Sect three months ago.

The reason Fu Du paid attention to Yun Xiao goes without saying, and the reason why Lu Zhan appeared here had a lot to do with Fu Du’s.

The information Mo Qing brought to Great Elder Lu Zhan that day elicited extreme interest in this second-in-command of the Jade Pot Sect; he knew that a rare talent like Yun Xiao must not fall into Fu Du’s hands again.

So once Lu Zhan learnt that Fu Du would personally attend this Outer Sect competition, he put aside some important matters and hurried over here. The two unexpectedly ran into each other behind the scenes, each harboring their own speculations.

The arrival of these two Elders made Elder Su He, who presided over this session of the Outer Sect competition, feel quite flattered and surprised because they seldom attended personally. What could it be this time?

Suddenly hearing Lu Zhan speak, Su He pricked up his ears, scanning the many Outer Disciples again and again, unsure which "young man" the Great Elder was referring to.

Compared to Su He, Fu Du’s heart was as clear as a mirror. He knew that ever since Yun Xiao revived and caught the eye of the Medical Pulse’s talented young girl Mo Qing, the affairs he and his disciple had done to Yun Xiao could no longer stay hidden.

The day Yun Xiao was brought back to the residential hall for the first poison test, Mo Qing suddenly barged in. Only because Yun Xiao was so deeply poisoned that even an Immortal could not save him, did she not expose the matter.

Fu Du believed that after Mo Qing saw Yun Xiao again, she would definitely tell the whole story to her teacher Lu Zhan. The latter’s personal attendance at the Outer Sect competition might be for this reason.

Yet in front of Elder Su He, how could Fu Du admit to live human poisoning by himself and his disciple? If such a deed was exposed, even the Sect Leader would probably not save face for Fu Du, as there are limits to all tactics.

"Oh? Who is the Great Elder referring to? Is it Feng Hang and Shen Xiao?"

Seeing Fu Du looking up to heaven and laughing haughtily, pretending to be ignorant and retorting with a question, it seemed he was already well aware of those two talents soon to be promoted to the Inner Sect.

"Second Elder, I don’t want to meddle with how your Poison Vein branch conducts itself, but some things must not be overdone. Remember that deeds are observed by heaven, and those who commit too many wrongs will be punished by the heavens!"

Seeing the old man feigning ignorance, Lu Zhan had no good way to deal with it, for the events of that day had passed several months ago, and Mo Qing didn’t obtain any evidence, so he really couldn’t do much to Fu Du.

Hearing such outright unpleasant words from Lu Zhan, the smile instantly vanished from Fu Du’s face, and he retorted coldly: "Humph, Great Elder, you should remember your own words. The Poison Vein’s affairs are none of the Medical Pulse’s business to interfere with!"

Saying this, Fu Du walked directly to a seat in the north and sat down. Passing by Lu Zhan, he emitted a trace of invisible power, intentionally or unintentionally, causing the Great Elder’s heart to shiver.

"I never expected this old geezer to have made a breakthrough in the Poison Meridian Skill!"

With the Power of Soul of Lu Zhan, a slight sensing alerted him to something amiss. His expression immediately turned grim, and he silently moved to sit down on another chair.

In the past, the Poison Vein Master of the Jade Pot Sect was lower in rank than Lu Zhan, and thus the Poison Vein faction was always suppressed by the Medical Pulse faction. Even if they resorted to ruthless methods, as Lu Zhan said, they dared not act too brazenly.

But now, sensing that Fu Du has made some progress, although Lu Zhan does not know whether the old geezer has broken through to the Spiritual Rank Intermediate, a hint of hidden worry inevitably arose in his heart. Such an ambitious character, with his strength surging so suddenly, might not necessarily be a blessing for the Jade Pot Sect after all.

The opposition between the two Great Elders made the Sixth Elder, Su He, seem somewhat at a loss. But he still had to do what he needed to, and after a moment, he took a deep breath and announced loudly.

"Outer Disciple brothers and sisters of the Jade Pot Sect, I am the Sixth Elder, Su He. The annual Outer Sect competition is about to begin, and this time, the Great Elder and Second Elder are personally paying attention. You all must perform well!"

Su He didn’t dare offend anyone, so his first words subtly flattered the two Great Elders. Once spoken, it stirred some commotion in the silent Arena Hall.

The buzz came mostly from the new Outer Disciples, as, compared to the seasoned Outer Disciples, this was their first time seeing the two Great Elders of the Jade Pot Sect.

Reminded by Su He, these new Outer Disciples realized that the attention of these two elders was unexpectedly on this year’s Outer Sect competition. How surprising indeed.

In fact, not only these new Outer Disciples, but even the senior Inner Sect Disciples—hundreds of them—also showed an eager glint in their eyes, especially Feng Hang and Shen Xiao in one corner.

The leaders of the Jade Pot Sect weren’t limited to these two elders, but being noticed by them and taken as Direct Disciples could mean soaring status within the Inner Sect.

Look at Yin Huan, Fu Du’s junior. His strength might not be top among the Inner Sect Disciples, but who would dare touch him in the entire Inner Sect? Such is the advantage of having backing.

Thus, the Outer Disciples determined to join this competition brimmed with fervor, secretly vowing to exert their full capabilities and showcase their abilities.

Even some young prodigies who initially didn’t plan to participate in the competition started getting restless. Though their Cultivation might not be impressive, they each possessed unique skills. If they caught the eyes of the two Great Elders, it would be their ticket to soaring heights.

"Silence!"

Su He, noticing a hint of impatience on Fu Du’s face from the corner of his eye, felt a chill in his heart. He immediately raised his hands and shouted. The shout, imbued with the Meridian Qi of the Spirit Vein Realm, instantly quieted the crowd.

"Those who wish to participate in the Outer Sect competition, please stand to the left of the central main arena; others remain where you are!" Seeing the hall turn quiet, Su He didn’t beat around the bush and pointed in a certain direction.

Following Su He’s announcement and gesture, Feng Hang and Shen Xiao moved immediately, racing each other to the left side of the central main arena like competitors vying for treasures.

Considering these two have formidable Cultivation and never settle for second place, they sought to make an impression now that the Great Elder and Second Elder were watching. Perhaps this would leave a lasting memory with the two elders.

Lu Zhan and Fu Du indeed knew of these two. If not for Yun Xiao, perhaps they would be their targets for recruitment. But now...

As Feng Hang and Shen Xiao exchanged glances and saw no sign of reaction from the two seated in the northern chairs, a flash of disappointment crossed their minds. They then diverted their gazes with arrogance, staring at the stream of Outer Disciples approaching.

As far as Feng Hang and Shen Xiao knew, among the participating Outer Disciples, only they had broken through to the Meridian Rushing Realm. Even Guan Tong ranked third on the Mortal List was merely halfway into the Meridian Rushing Realm; no threat to them at all.

Thus, in the hearts of these two prodigies, the two available Inner Sect slots were already secured—no surprises expected.

However, when Feng Hang and Shen Xiao saw a young man in simple clothes walking towards them, an unusual light flickered in their eyes, each carrying different emotions.

"Little bastard, truly clueless about life and death!"

Watching the young man with steady footsteps, Feng Hang’s face underneath the Purple Robe turned vicious, with a scar making him look even more menacing. It seemed he harbored deep-seated hatred for the youth.

On the other hand, Shen Xiao’s hatred for Yun Xiao wasn’t so strong, more like a hint of envy for his previous limelight in the Task Hall. If they met on the arena, he too would show no mercy.