Chapter 84: The Five Elements Spirit Gathering Array

It had to be said that Zhao Han possessed some true skill. The sword in his hand danced agilely, rising and falling in swift arcs. Though he dared not meet Li Sibai’s attacks head-on, his nimbleness allowed him to keep Li Sibai encircled.

Li Sibai himself was holding back. His own cultivation was only at the sixth level of the Phoenix Emergence Realm, equal to Zhao Han’s, but the Xuantian Sword gave him a considerable advantage. Although, for reasons unknown, he could not access his inner battle energy for the moment, his mastery of the Xuantian Sword Technique still far surpassed Zhao Han’s swordplay. After all, this technique had been passed down through countless generations of the Xuantian Sword Sect, refined time and again until it reached a level of near-perfection.

Li Sibai was in no hurry to end the fight. He wanted to display his swordsmanship, and, if he defeated his opponent too quickly, he worried Zhao Han might lose face—and someone else might step forward to challenge him.

So he performed the first thirty forms of the Xuantian Sword Technique, each one measured and flawless. Zhao Han grew more and more astonished. As expected from a disciple of the Xuantian Sword Sect, the technique seemed simple, yet it was impeccably orthodox, leaving not a single flaw to exploit.

Just as this thought crossed Zhao Han’s mind, Li Sibai executed one of the final six forms of the Xuantian Sword Technique. Zhao Han was caught off guard; his sword could not evade in time and was hooked by the Xuantian Sword.

A cry of alarm flashed through Zhao Han’s heart—this was bad! He retreated swiftly, but his sword remained firmly in Li Sibai’s control, spinning through the air before plunging into the ground.

Seeing his sword taken, yet his opponent made no move to press the attack, Zhao Han flushed with shame. He cupped his fists respectfully and said, “Thank you, Young Master Li, for showing mercy.”

Li Sibai maintained his genial smile. “You flatter me, Brother Zhao.”

He had not fought with full strength, giving his opponent ample respect while also demonstrating his own prowess. Zhao Han could find no cause for complaint.

Clan Leader Zhang, observing this, nodded repeatedly. “Young Master Li is truly a product of a great sect; his every action abides by the code of honor.”

He turned to the four elders at his side. “Do you have any further doubts? Does Young Master Li’s performance suffice to demonstrate his strength?”

The elders exchanged glances. At last, the original elder spoke: “Clan Leader, though Young Master Li’s cultivation is somewhat lacking, his strength is undeniable. We have nothing more to say—the rest is yours to arrange.”

Seeing the elders’ agreement, Clan Leader Zhang nodded with satisfaction and rose to address the assembly.

“Everyone, you’ve likely heard of Young Master Li’s origins. Indeed, he is a disciple of the Xuantian Sword Sect who inadvertently entered our Bamboo Stream Village a few days ago. Just now, you all witnessed his abilities. Though he has yet to break through the sixth level of the Phoenix Emergence Realm, his strength is plain to see—he is truly remarkable. I believe he is the one foretold to deliver us. For now, please return to your homes; Young Master Li and I will work out the details and share our plans with you soon. Additionally, Young Master Li’s friend, a girl of about six or seven, may also have found her way here by accident. I have already sent Le Chen and the others to search. If anyone hears any news, please inform me immediately. Thank you, all of you!”

With that, he bowed deeply to the villagers.

Li Sibai was moved. This clan leader, even at such a time, was thinking of him. It made Li Sibai view him in a new light, and his gratitude grew.

The villagers below began to murmur among themselves. Most, having heard the clan leader’s words and witnessed the duel, greeted Young Master Li with friendliness and returned to pack their belongings.

Clan Leader Zhang led Li Sibai to a vacant cottage not far from his own residence. Once inside, he dismissed the others and bowed deeply to Li Sibai.

Startled, Li Sibai hurried to help him up. “Clan Leader, what are you doing?”

But Zhang did not rise. “I hope Young Master Li will help us escape. Zhang Kuo thanks you here and now.”

Seeing that he would not stand, Li Sibai grew anxious. “Clan Leader, you have saved my life. Even if you hadn’t, as a disciple of the Xuantian Sword Sect, it is my duty to help you in any way I can. Please, rise and tell me in detail—what exactly do you need from me?”

Relieved by Li Sibai’s words, the clan leader slowly took his seat. “Young Master Li, I have told you of the calamities that have befallen our clan. No matter the cost, we must find a way out. We cannot remain trapped here. I hope you can lead us to freedom.”

Li Sibai frowned. “You mean, you want me to lead everyone through the bamboo forest?”

“There is no other way,” Zhang replied with a resigned nod.

Li Sibai hesitated. If he could not find Caiyao here, he was determined to brave the bamboo forest himself. Whatever dangers lay within, he would risk everything to find her. But these people had saved his life and placed their hopes on him to lead them out, yet he was not certain he could succeed. Was it right to accept such a burden?

Seeing his hesitation, the clan leader quickly asked, “Are you worried you cannot lead us out, Young Master Li?”

Li Sibai nodded. “You have shown me great kindness. I will do all I can. If I cannot find Caiyao, allow me to venture in alone first. If it is possible, I promise to lead you all to safety.”

“That… very well!” The clan leader nodded.

“But let us not be hasty. According to the prophecy, I must first teach you our clan’s formation,” Zhang said slowly.

“A formation? May I ask, what kind of formation is it?” Li Sibai had heard mention of this formation before, but the matter had been interrupted. Now, with the subject raised again, he could not help but inquire further.

Zhang nodded. “It is true, Young Master Li, you may wonder how a small village like ours possesses a formation. Long ago, a formation master passed through our Black Tortoise Village. Our ancestors saved his life, and in gratitude, he left us this formation. It is not particularly advanced, but it has greatly aided our clan’s cultivation.”

Li Sibai understood at last. No wonder a village of hunters would possess such a thing. He recalled from the sect’s library that only major powers had access to formations—within his own sect, only inner disciples could learn such arts, and he had read about them only in the outer sect’s library, never having the chance to practice them himself.

Now, hearing that the formation was of great benefit to cultivation, Li Sibai’s eyes lit up.

“Clan Leader, may I ask the name of this formation?”

With a smile, Zhang nodded. “It is called the Five Elements Spirit-Gathering Array.”