Chapter Forty: The Final Begins

So that’s how it works—after mastering the art of disguise, Li Sibai nodded repeatedly in understanding.

A while later, the Xuantian Sword in his hand had completely changed color. Once deep black, from afar it now appeared to be nothing more than a wooden sword. If one didn’t look closely, even the grain of the wood could be seen upon its blade. No one would ever suspect it had once been a black iron sword.

“Is this alright?” Li Sibai asked Caiyao.

“What do you think, brother?” Caiyao didn’t answer his question but smiled at him instead.

“Let’s do it this way,” Li Sibai affirmed with a nod.

Night had fallen by then, and Li Sibai, thinking of the competition tomorrow, found there was nothing left to prepare. He decided to sleep.

......................................

The next morning, Li Sibai rose early. There was a hint of excitement in his heart—perhaps because he was about to take part in the final round of the outer disciples’ selection, or perhaps because he knew he stood a strong chance of advancing to the inner sect.

After breakfast and tidying up his things, he looked back at the house he had lived in for so many years, feeling a pang of reluctance. After all, so much time had passed.

People are creatures of emotion.

He and Caiyao had agreed to act separately today. Though today’s battle might not directly impact advancement to the inner sect, the championship title would be fiercely contested, and Li Sibai did not wish to bring Caiyao along.

Losing the match was a small matter, but if Caiyao were injured, that would be far worse.

Caiyao was unusually obedient today. She didn’t want Li Sibai to be distracted, so she quietly used her illusion to turn all her feathers white and bid him farewell, flying off ahead of him.

She claimed she was going to scout the environment for Li Sibai and secure a good spot early—today’s contest had even attracted crowds of birds!

Li Sibai, carrying his oversized “wooden sword,” made his way toward the arena. Along the way, many people pointed and whispered about him.

“This is the finalist for this year’s outer disciples’ contest—Li Sibai, the so-called ‘outer sect good-for-nothing,’” a disciple who’d followed the tournament explained to others.

“Really? Even the outer sect’s failure can make it to the finals?” This disciple clearly hadn’t paid much attention to the event.

“Well, you wouldn’t know. He’s had incredible luck this year to get this far. But I think his luck is about to run out.”

“......”

Li Sibai heard countless such remarks as he walked.

Li Sibai had heard and seen much over the years—what else could he do? Life goes on, food must be eaten.

He let it be, letting himself off the hook. He met all the stares with a smile, his face never wavering.

This baffled the crowd.

%&……）。*%￥#@..........

“Is he mad?”

“Probably has a screw loose,” someone said, tapping their own head.

Li Sibai smiled at them regardless. He noticed that when he faced everything calmly and smiled, his heart felt lighter, his breath even.

Enlightenment... The Buddha says: Let go, and you gain. First let go, then gain. It turned out that letting others go was letting oneself go.

Soon, Li Sibai arrived at the arena.

Today, only one platform remained, placed at the very center, higher and larger than before, making it less likely for anyone to fall off accidentally.

It was clearly meant to prevent mishaps, and let disciples prove themselves with real skill.

Li Sibai nodded thoughtfully—it seemed today would be a fierce battle.

Beneath the platform, the crowd had already gathered. As Li Sibai approached, the people parted, clearing a path for him. Was this the aura of a strongman? Li Sibai smiled wryly, teasing himself.

The three elders were already present beneath the platform, but the sect leader, Yunfeng, was nowhere to be seen. Li Sibai frowned slightly; his opponent, Qin Feng, was already waiting.

Qin Feng appeared slightly older than Li Sibai. His white Daoist robes were far more elegant than Li Sibai’s standard outer disciple attire. His jet-black hair and the heroic air between his brows made him stand out. He chatted and laughed with his fellow disciples, as if the upcoming match had nothing to do with him—he was merely there to observe.

The contest would begin soon.

Li Sibai glanced around; a few inner sect seniors assisting with the event stood at the front. He saw He Tianshu, Yao Xueqing, and even Gong Degang, but there was no sign of Mo Yun.

“It seems he truly had urgent matters,” Li Sibai thought silently.

What must come will come; the audience was growing impatient.

“Qin Feng, go for it! Qin Feng, I love you!” A female disciple shouted her affection for Qin Feng, causing many male disciples nearby to look on with envy.

Qin Feng had both looks and ability—he was the top contender in this competition and soon to enter the inner sect, with a boundless future ahead.

Though the match hadn’t yet been fought, most assumed he would be the winner, since his opponent seemed so frail. Li Sibai now stepped onto the platform, while Qin Feng had been waiting there for some time.

Li Sibai observed propriety, stepping forward to salute. “I am Li Sibai, Sixth Level of the Phoenix Beginning Realm, here to seek guidance from Senior Brother Qin.”

Qin Feng smiled in return. “No need for formality. Though you are young, you stand here on the eve of the great trial, calm and unafraid—clearly, we do not know you as well as we think.”

Li Sibai paused, then replied awkwardly, “To be honest, Senior Brother, I was just spacing out, thinking about things.”

A ripple of laughter swept the crowd below; some outer disciples laughed so hard they couldn’t close their mouths. Qin Feng was startled for a moment, then couldn’t help but laugh himself. Realizing it was improper, he forced his laughter down. “Junior Brother Li, you jest. Well, the time has come. I shall seek your guidance.”

Li Sibai’s heart skipped. He spoke slowly, “Please show mercy, Senior Brother Qin.”

Qin Feng merely smiled, seemingly confident. He shook his right hand, and with a clang, a sword glowing with gentle yellow light was raised.

“I am Qin Feng, First Level of the Heart of the Zither Realm. Junior Brother Li, please.”

Li Sibai glanced at the sword; its yellow glow was pure and warm, and even from afar, it invigorated his spirit. Clearly, it was no ordinary weapon.

He praised it inwardly, feeling a bit embarrassed, and took the Xuantian Sword—now disguised as a wooden sword—from behind his back.

Everyone present, Qin Feng and the crowd below, fixed their gaze on this wooden sword.

Silence fell.

“Hahahaha...” Someone finally broke the quiet, and soon laughter swept through the audience. Amidst the noise, a mocking voice rang out, “Has it come to fighting with wooden swords?”

“I tell you, this so-called outer sect failure Li Sibai is probably here to surrender. He knows he only made it to the finals by luck.”

Suddenly someone said, “Wasn’t it a black sword yesterday? Why is it wooden today? Maybe there’s more to this—don’t jump to conclusions.”

Before the words were finished, someone retorted, “You worry too much! Don’t give him too much credit. Is he your relative?”