Chapter 49

Chapter 49: Gathering of Heavenly Prides, Stars Illumine the SkyIn the annals of the Great Yan calendar, year 2173 AD, the seventh day of March dawned amidst darkness. Despite the early hour, Lin’an City was alive with bustling crowds. Monks from lands far and wide had already harnessed the first rays of light to converge on the city. Inside the Seven Blessings Inn, excitement thrived around a raised platform.

Present were Nan Xiyu, Jianzhong Jianzi, Yan Qingfei, the Red Umbrella Girl, Iron Mountain, Princess Huai Zhu, and other distinguished figures seated in their accustomed places. Yet, Ning Chuan remained absent, locked in his room. As chatter echoed through the inn, speculation flourished.

“Isn’t that the Heavenly Pride from the South China Sea? Ancient Qi cultivator, journeyed all this way?” Sᴇaʀch* Thᴇ NʘvᴇlFɪre.ɴet website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of nøvels early and in the highest quality.

“Hold on! Isn’t that Chen Xiuhai, the prodigy of yesteryears? The one who vanquished a king realm beast fifty years ago? To reappear now is remarkable!”

“Hiss… Do you recognize the young lord of Baijian Villa? Word is, he’s been longing for a match with Jianzhong Jianzi. His presence might be linked to Jianzi.”

“I’ve heard tales of the master of Baijian Villa, undefeated save for two losses—one to the Fei Long Master of Heavenly Siant Palace, and the other to Jianzhong’s sword skills!”

“Towards the end, the old villa lord lamented his unfulfilled duels. Now that Taoist Fei Long lacks a kendo heir, a new sword prodigy arises from the sword mound. This young villa lord, I’ve heard, has been devoutly practicing, aiming to fulfill his father’s final wish.”

“Eh? Lin’an City’s City Lord is here as well?”

“And that’s Leng Wu Shuang, the swordmaster from Bai Zhou City. They say he’s quite arrogant, believing himself the foremost of the younger generation due to his mastery of the blade. He’s likely here to challenge Ning Chuan’s ranking.”

One by one, Heavenly Prides entered the Seven Blessings Inn. Each entry prompted gasps of awe. It was no wonder considering the gravity of the attendees. Practically every figure stepping inside was a renowned entity within the Nine Profound Realm.

Among these, one particular Heavenly Pride’s arrival set murmurs racing. Conversations sprouted like wildfire.

“A mere storyteller presumes to rank among the current Heavenly Prides? Absurd.”

A haughty Yuan Zhou Heavenly Pride, having found his seat, dismissed the notion with a disdainful huff. His words roused mixed reactions, raising brows, irking some, and earning nods from others.

Tie, offering a solution to dissent, had declared that anyone challenging Ning Chuan’s ranking could contest against him. To incentivize this, he pledged to surrender his tenth Heavenly Pride position if defeated. As Iron Mountain stood, his towering frame emitted an imposing aura, reinforced by an ancient beast totem on his chest.

“Heavenly Pride Tenth… Hun Yuan King Blood Iron Mountain?”

Yuan Zhou Heavenly Pride, who had spoken earlier, blinked at the imposing figure. Iron Mountain’s glare evoked the sensation of facing a primal beast, unsettling him. Yielding to Iron Mountain’s gaze, Yuan Zhou Heavenly Pride withdrew his defiant stance, grumbling before silencing himself.

Then, an agitated voice pierced through the inn’s ambience. “Damnable Ning Chuan! Nie Zhenxiong nearly sliced me to pieces!”

Suddenly, a figure streaked across the sky, rapidly descending towards the inn. His incredible speed disrupted sound waves, leaving arcing afterimages in his wake. Only upon his entrance did the afterimages disintegrate.

“Where’s Ning Chuan?”

This newcomer, having entered the inn, bellowed his question in fury.

“Thousand-faced Thief Saint Bai Xiaohang?”

Yan Qingfei, brandishing his fan, rose from his seat, his presence calm and confident.

“At first, I beseeched Ning Chuan to compile this list. If any trouble arises, Yan Qingfei shall bear it all,” he proclaimed.

Bai Xiaohang turned to Yan Qingfei, his eyes narrowing. “Yan Qingfei, the seventh-ranked Heavenly Pride?”

Observing Yan Qingfei’s graceful response, Bai Xiaohang’s stern visage softened. He nodded, uttering, “Brother Yan wields his brush like a seductive maiden’s curves and indulges in wine like royalty. I am genuinely impressed.”

Taking a step back, Bai Xiaohang seated himself beside Yan Qingfei.

Regarding Jianzhong Jianzi, shouldering an ancient sword, Bai Xiaohang withheld words, choosing instead to observe silently. He then questioned Yan Qingfei, “Brother Yan, who might this be?”

Yan Qingfei gestured dismissively towards Jianzi and spoke with a grin, “Merely a block of wood; disregard him. Come, let’s enjoy our libations.”

Eagerly adopting Yan Qingfei’s invitation, Bai Xiaohang joined him at the table. The two exchanged toasts, engrossed in conversation.

In the midst of the inn, a red-clad figure entered, bearing a Gu Qin—a scarlet masterpiece harmonizing with her beauty. Heads turned, gazes captivated by unparalleled allure.

Whispers rippled through the air. “Six-Fingered Qin Demon, Wen Yuge?”

Exclamations erupted, followed by fervent murmurs. “When Ning Chuan evaluated the Heavenly Pride list, he claimed Wen Yuge possessed the world’s most exquisite visage. Initially, I deemed it hyperbole, but witnessing her now, his appraisal rings true!”

“What an enchanting femme fatale!”

Such discussions filled the air, yet Wen Yuge seemed accustomed to such attention. She raised her chin, surveying the crowd. Spotting a girl with a red umbrella and an unoccupied seat, Wen Yuge mustered the courage to approach.

“May I sit here, young sister?” she inquired politely.

The red umbrella girl, her head tilting, cast a smile and responded, “Of course, sister, feel free to join.”

With a relieved nod, Wen Yuge seated herself.

In a quiet corner, two figures—a young and an elderly—occupied seats.

Amid the vibrant assembly, the elderly figure cast his gaze across the scene before shaking his head. “A humble Seven Blessings Inn, yet it has become a convergence of Heavenly Talents, each a radiant star.”