A Standoff: The Divide Between Good and Evil
Xiao Wuchen's secluded cultivation took place not in an ordinary sect, but in a secret courtyard belonging to the Inspectorate of the Inner Court. Outside, the atmosphere was heavy.
Su Mubai, chief disciple of the Haoran Sword Sect, stood tall before the gate. He wore a moon-white sword robe and carried the ancient longsword Qingshuang on his back. A pure, righteous aura surrounded him — a stark contrast to the faint, yin-like purple aura emanating from within the courtyard.
Behind him, two Sword Sect disciples stood with subtle hints of disdain on their faces as they faced the inner guards — the natural divide between righteous sects and the court's eunuch power was vividly displayed at that moment.
A moment later, the courtyard gate slowly opened. An inner guard, dressed in inner court attire with a restrained aura, bowed and greeted them. His voice was high-pitched yet respectful: 'Great Hero Su, you have come from afar. My master invites you." Su Mubai stepped inside, his expression calm. Ignoring the oppressive and luxurious atmosphere permeating the courtyard, he focused his gaze solely on the entrance to the main hall.
Inside the main hall, Xiao Wuchen had changed into a plain purple robe, exuding an air of calm composure. Sitting upright in a sandalwood chair, he was unattended yet his imposing presence, as someone who had successfully established his meridians, commanded respect, as did the inherent sharpness of his eunuch status.
Su Mubai entered the hall, clasped his hands together in a traditional martial arts salute and said in a loud, clear voice that was neither servile nor arrogant: 'Su Mubai of the Haoran Sword Sect greets Supervisor Xiao.'
Xiao Wuchen raised his hand slightly, his voice carrying the unique coolness of someone who had achieved meridian establishment: 'Great Hero Su's personal visit is surely not for reminiscing. Present the challenge letter from the Earth Ranking.'
An inner guard immediately stepped forward and took a gold-embossed challenge jade slip from Su Mubai's hand. He then respectfully handed it to Xiao Wuchen.
Xiao Wuchen glanced at the challenge letter, which clearly listed the terms:
Challenger: Su Mubai (top-ranked on the Earth Ranking)
Challenger: Xiao Wuchen (rising star on the Earth Ranking)
Location: Martial Saint Hall
Reason for challenge: to test the foundations of the newly promoted powerhouses' meridians and to rectify the Earth Ranking.
Conditions for Challenge: A fair duel witnessed by all, with no regard for life or death.
Xiao Wuchen closed the jade slip and looked up at Su Mubai with sharp eyes. 'Great Hero Su,' he began. 'As the chief of the Sword Sect and already ranked high on the Earthly Ranking, why bother descending the mountain to compete with a newly promoted Qi Establishment cultivator from our sect? For fame? For profit?'
Su Mubai raised his eyebrows slightly, his eyes filled with the purity of martial arts. 'Chief Xiao, you overthink it. Fame and fortune are nothing but dust on my path of sword cultivation.'
Pausing, he continued, speaking frankly: 'I've heard that your martial arts style is subtle and mysterious, with incredibly fast movements. This contrasts perfectly with the expansive and powerful movements of my Vast Sword Dao — the two extremes of yin and yang. Now that you have successfully established your Qi and your realm is stable, it's the perfect opportunity to test whether my 'Vast Sword Intent' can penetrate everything and propel me towards the Heavenly Ranking.' Su Mubai viewed Xiao Wuchen as a means to his own advancement, rather than merely as a competitor.
"Furthermore," Su Mubai added, "the sudden emergence of powerful figures on the Earth Ranking has shaken the martial world. Only under the absolute impartiality of the Martial Saint Hall can we win over the public. I need this victory to vindicate my Sword Sect and my martial arts.'
Xiao Wuchen remained silent for a moment, then suddenly let out a slightly high-pitched, yet confident, laugh. 'What a fine way to vindicate martial arts!'
Since Hero Su has challenged me to a martial arts duel, I cannot back down."
Xiao Wuchen placed the challenge jade slip on the table, his gaze resolute. 'The challenge is accepted. There's no time like the present. Give me three days to consolidate my cultivation after establishing my meridians. I'll see you at the Martial Saint Hall in three days!"
A hint of admiration flashed in Su Mubai's eyes. He clasped his hands together and said, 'You're generous, Supervisor. I, Su, will await you for three days.'
The swordsman and the eunuch locked gazes, igniting an invisible flame. The ultimate duel between good and evil, strength and gentleness was officially set.