Background
Text Color
Font Size

Southern Wastes Dugu Jianmo

4,808 words

The few experts who had been struck down from the sky were unknown to be alive or dead. Bo Shi urgently ordered men to rescue them, and only after receiving definite news did he let out a long breath. It seemed that the other side had exercised some restraint and did not truly want to set Yin Capital and the Southern Wastes into absolute opposition.

Bo Shi strode to the center of the field. He knew he could only fight in person now; sending anyone else would only increase casualties.

"Come down and fight me!" Bo Shi shouted up at the sky. He was not a Spiritist and could not yet fly.

The shadowy figure in the air, wielding an iron sword, flew down like a celestial being from beyond the heavens, delivering a stunningly brilliant slash. A rainbow of light streaked across the sky, leaving a long, beautiful, and majestic trail as it struck directly at Bo Shi.

Without a single superfluous word, the iron sword spoke for its master's heart and intent.

"Clang, clang!"

The deafening sound rang throughout the arena. Bo Shi's hands gleamed with precious light as he formed fists and repeatedly struck the descending iron sword. Sparks flew from each collision, and the violent energy fluctuations drove the watching crowd back step by step.

A peak-level duel, with momentum that shook the heavens.

Bo Shi's cultivation was renowned throughout Yin Capital. He was a tyrant in his own right—if not the very best, then certainly among the foremost.

"Show your true form. You cannot defeat me like this," Bo Shi said coldly. Light converged around his body, and he became as sharp and imposing as a heavenly blade.

Without pretense, the shadow beside the iron sword slowly faded. From beyond the crowd, a figure strode into the arena.

The crowd was startled. They had not expected the powerful iron sword master to be right among them, and they parted way for him.

The newcomer was tall and lean. His hair was jet-black, flowing like ink. His gaze was as sharp as a sword—cold, with an extraordinarily unique aura. He seemed like the iron sword itself suspended in the void, as if truly born from a sword soul.

"My name is Bo Shi. May I ask who you are?"

"Dugu Jianmo of the Southern Wastes." As he spoke, the iron sword flew into his palm.

"So you are from the Dugu clan." Bo Shi nodded.

In the distance, Yan Qingcheng and the others were stirred. Though they had already guessed it was him, their hearts could not easily calm. Regardless of their usual rapport, they all hailed from the Southern Wastes. Earlier, Yuwen Feng's crushing defeat and the ruthless mockery of Southern Wastes experts by the Yin Capital aristocratic sons had filled them with humiliation and anger.

Now, Dugu Jianmo with his iron sword swept all before him, and they felt exhilarated and agitated along with him.

Yan Qingcheng clenched her delicate fists. Qi Liao let out a long breath. Yuwen Feng laughed aloud—joyful, excited, but mostly bitter. Yin Capital had brought him nothing but shame and pain. He swore that one day he would return here to fight again.

In the distance, the Third Princess of the Great Shang Empire had risen to her feet. It was obvious she placed great importance on Dugu Jianmo. The aristocratic ladies beside her each had their own schemes. Against such an invincible young expert, even with the princess competing, they would still make their move. If one's family gained such a guest-friend, it would mean gaining a terrifying top-level expert in the future. Recruiting him as a follower was impossible—the Dugu clan of the Southern Wastes was no ordinary family.

Xiao Chen watched all this with a calm heart, without a ripple. Three years ago, Dugu Jianmo had been on par with him. With his talent and temperament, if he hadn't reached this level, that would be abnormal.

Over these three years, Xiao Chen's life force had been draining, slowing his cultivation progress. But this had tempered his mind. It was hard to say whether he had lost more or gained more. Still, Xiao Chen was more confident than he had been three years ago, even against a much stronger Dugu Jianmo.

Would they fight? Hard to say.

Without needless words, Dugu Jianmo was already locked in fierce combat with Bo Shi.

It was a pinnacle clash. Realm and mastery of divine arts were the key factors for victory or defeat. In a sense, entering the Spirit-Treasury realm unleashes a flood of divine arts, making cross-level combat possible—no longer just a dream. Overwhelming divine arts could sweep away experts of higher realms.

The two experts in the battlefield were evenly matched. Sword qi soared to the heavens. Blade light shattered the void. The battle was fierce beyond measure.

Bo Shi's eyes shot two beams of purple light. His whole body moved like lightning and thunder, a hazy purple aura swirling around him. The long blade in his hand traced streaks of white radiance, rolling like towering waves, unstoppable.

Dugu Jianmo, with his iron sword in hand, was as formidable as the reincarnation of the Sword God. The iron sword in his hand shattered the void. Beams of sword light cut across like comets streaking through the sky—gorgeous and dazzling.

In the blink of an eye, over a hundred exchanges had passed, and still they were evenly matched.

In the distance, several princely descendants were discussing with their own aristocratic youths.

"The Dugu clan of the Southern Wastes can never be underestimated."

"Even within our Great Shang Empire, Dugu Jianmo ranks among the foremost young experts."

"Baldy Two's cultivation has advanced again. The family's Purple Mist from the East art lives up to its reputation."

"Who is stronger is hard to tell."

After two hundred exchanges, Bo Shi laughed coldly: "Don't you have any divine arts?"

Dugu Jianmo replied coldly: "One iron sword is enough to sever all divine arts in the world!"

"Haha…" Bo Shi laughed heartily, then said coldly: "Then the battle can end!"

In an instant, purple mist filled the sky. Tens of thousands of auspicious rays and countless rainbow lights streamed from the east, flooding the battlefield. Bo Shi's icy voice rang out: "Purple Prison Space!"

Space seemed to freeze. The endless purple mist trapped Dugu Jianmo inside. Though Bo Shi was not proficient in space laws, this divine art was inextricably linked to spatial techniques—it could seal off a region of space.

Dugu Jianmo was instantly trapped within.

Exclamations of shock came from outside the field.

"This is Baldy Two's signature divine art."

"Many experts have fallen to the Purple Prison Space."

Even the Third Princess of the Great Shang Empire and several beautiful women showed worry. They did not want anything to happen to Dugu Jianmo. After all, he had displayed extraordinary cultivation. If he were defeated and killed by Bo Shi, it would be a terrible waste.

Xiao Chen watched all of this quietly. His right middle finger had already bent, ready to release a Spirit Sword Ripple at the critical moment—the divine art taught to him by the old rhino of the Pure Land. But soon he relaxed his finger.

"The sword is your life. Now that the iron sword has left your hand, Dugu Jianmo, you are defeated!" Bo Shi's voice came out coldly as he violently compressed the Purple Prison Space.

Inside the prison, the purple light had nearly liquefied. The iron sword had been shaken off and trapped in a corner. Dugu Jianmo himself was completely sealed, unable to move. His jet-black hair stood on end. Blood had begun to ooze from his mouth and nose. The purple force continued to press, and his bones creaked.

Anyone would have concluded that Dugu Jianmo had lost and was likely doomed. But at that moment, Dugu Jianmo's tongue boomed like thunder as he shouted: "Break!"

Ignoring the floating iron sword, his figure began to fade. Then, in an instant, it erupted with blazing radiance!

"Crack, crack!"

Bones clashed violently. In a blur, the crowd saw Dugu Jianmo's body change shape! His flesh-and-blood frame suddenly became as thin as paper. Everyone was stunned and speechless.

Thousands of rays of light, tens of thousands of rainbow hues. Dugu Jianmo, now as thin as paper, was ablaze with radiant light that shot to the heavens, blindingly brilliant. He slashed out like a divine sword!

Carving a slit in the Purple Prison Space, Dugu Jianmo split it open. His figure rushed out like a rainbow, his momentum swift and fierce as a meteor striking the earth!

He charged straight at Bo Shi, using his body as a sword. Divine radiance pierced the sky, and the dazzling light instantly illuminated the entire land.

"Boom!"

Bo Shi was blasted away by this heaven-shaking strike.

"Pfft!"

As Bo Shi flew backward, a spray of blood spattered, and he crashed heavily into a pool of blood.

Such a turn of events left everyone dumbfounded and shaken.

Dugu Jianmo's power in that moment was truly irresistible!

Then, Moon Lake erupted into an uproar. The crowd was in chaos.

The attendees at the Bright Moon on the Sea gathering, aside from talented scholars and beauties, were mostly genuine cultivators. Having witnessed the battle at such close range, no one understood better than they how terrifying Dugu Jianmo truly was.

Even the princely experts of Yin Capital showed grave expressions.

"Baldy Two actually lost—unimaginable!"

"The Purple Prison Space—even in Yin Capital, few dare to attempt breaking it, yet today…"

Bo Shi forced himself slowly to his feet, wiped the blood from his mouth, revealing a mouthful of snow-white teeth. The scar on his face, set off by the blood, made him look somewhat fearsome. His eagle-like gaze swept the crowd, and the surrounding noise immediately died down.

As a descendant of a princely house in Yin Capital, Bo Shi commanded deep authority among the younger generation, having earned a reputation for strength and ruthlessness. For ordinary people, he was someone to steer clear of.

"Dugu Jianmo, you are very strong. Is that your divine art?"

Dugu Jianmo said coldly: "Divine art? I don't know. I only know that all things in heaven and earth—every blade of grass, every tree—are my sword. Including myself. When necessary, including you."

Rarely, the silent swordsman spoke so many words.

"Crack, crack!"

Flesh and bones shifted violently. In an instant, Dugu Jianmo returned to his original form. It was hard to imagine how he had made his body as thin as paper.

In the distance, the Third Princess of the Great Shang Empire stared with a strange light in her eyes. She had already risen and was giving instructions to several palace maids. Beside her, the Yin Capital socialites each had their own plans for recruiting Dugu Jianmo.

Just then, a young palace maid hurried over, holding a jade tray with a jade teacup. She approached Dugu Jianmo respectfully and said: "The Third Princess bestows a cup of Condensing Fragrance Jade Tea."

"Bestows? I need no one's bestowal!"

At these words, the entire gathering erupted in an uproar. Everyone found this fellow far too proud. Even the Third Princess's bestowed tea was refused—for most people, it would be a supreme honor, but he treated it with such disdain.

Dugu Jianmo had grown up alone and bitter. He lived only for his sword. A princess and a commoner were the same in his eyes. When his temper flared, he would recognize no kin. He hated the word "bestow." Apart from the iron sword in his hand, he honored no one.

In the distance, the Third Princess frowned slightly, but then smiled. Though her veil hid her face, one could imagine a smile that could topple cities.

The noble ladies beside her covered their mouths lightly, exchanged glances, and smiled knowingly. Since Dugu Jianmo did not respect the princess, their families had a better chance to win him over.

Another young maid ran over and said respectfully: "The Third Princess invites Young Master Dugu to drink a cup of Condensing Fragrance Jade Tea before leaving."

Without a word, Dugu Jianmo took the jade cup, tipped his head back, and drained it in one gulp. Then he shouldered his iron sword and strode away.

How could they let him leave so easily? Many coveted his extraordinary cultivation.

Before the Third Princess could even send someone to speak, Bo Shi already called out: "Wait, Brother Dugu, please wait."

Dugu Jianmo stopped but did not turn around.

"Brother Dugu is a true hero. If you are not offended, I would like to befriend you."

Dugu Jianmo said nothing. In the distance, Yuwen Feng shouted: "We are barbarians from the Southern Wastes!"

"Haha…" Bo Shi laughed heartily. "For a master like Brother Dugu, I will take back my arrogant words. The Southern Wastes hides dragons and crouching tigers. With Brother Dugu here, who dares say there are no experts?"

Dugu Jianmo did not reply and continued striding forward.

Bo Shi called after him: "Brother Dugu, don't go! Please let me finish." He explained earnestly and sincerely: "Our Great Shang Empire is open-minded. All good men are straightforward—their words can be blunt and sometimes hurtful. But I want to tell you, we are the same on the inside and out, never resorting to underhanded schemes. It's just that our bluntness easily offends. Please do not hold the earlier unpleasantness against me. I want to be your friend. From now on, I, Bo Shi, will never look down on the Southern Wastes."

As a descendant of a princely house, he knew when to act big. Despite his heavy defeat, he cherished talent and wanted to recruit Dugu Jianmo as a guest-friend. Though he seemed magnanimous, his scarred face and sharp eyes always made him appear a scheming figure.

"I live only for my sword." Uttering these few words, Dugu Jianmo was about to leave.

In the distance, many aristocratic youths were also discussing.

"It seems this Dugu Jianmo is hard to recruit."

"If he can't be ours, why not send some old hand to get rid of him?"

"Nonsense! Are you out of your mind? If dozens of old freaks carrying big iron swords come storming in, will you be the one to hold them off?"

The Dugu clan of the Southern Wastes, though low-key, no one dared underestimate them. When their descendants went out to train, if killed fairly by the younger generation, the clan would not interfere. But if an elder expert murdered them, a storm would follow. One family had once offended the Dugu clan; dozens of men carrying iron swords descended on that family, wiping them out overnight.

Such an insane family—even the great ancient clans of the Great Shang Empire, with millennia of heritage, dared not provoke lightly. It wasn't that they were protective of their own; but if the rules were broken and they struck back, the Dugu clan's motto was: Kill you, no discussion.

The Third Princess of the Great Shang Empire sent people to block Dugu Jianmo, inviting him to talk by Moon Lake. Many others were waiting, all hoping to recruit this promising young expert. The other princely factions were also discussing among themselves.

The Third Princess was about to personally speak with Dugu Jianmo.

But at that moment, a great shout rang out: "Dugu Jianmo, hold!" A streak of blue light rose from the crowd and shot into the center of the field.

Dugu Jianmo turned around and stared at him impassively, saying nothing.

"Defeating Bo Shi does not mean you have defeated the true experts of Yin Capital! Today, I will defeat you!" The blue-clad man was handsome—compared to some women, he would be eclipsed.

In the distance, Bo Shi's faction was furious.

"He's from the Qi King lineage! Isn't that saying our side has no one? Bo Shi may have lost, but he's still among the top in Yin Capital. This guy's words are terrible."

"Today, I will fight you. Remember, my name is…" Before the blue-clad beauty could finish, Dugu Jianmo's iron sword was already upon him. It streaked like a blur of light, illuminating the entire sky.

"Clang, clang!"

A few sounds of iron swords clashing, followed by a scream. The iron sword cleaved the blue-clad man in two. His body fell onto the fragrant grass, bright red blood gushing out.

Only then did Dugu Jianmo speak: "No need to know the name of a dead man."

"Well killed!"

"I've been fed up with that second-rate fool for ages. A useless son of privilege always prattling on, thinking he's unmatched when he's near the bottom of the rankings."

Even among the Yin Capital aristocratic sons, few sympathized with the slain man.

Except for Prince Chen's faction, the other princely parties were all smiling at this outcome.

Chen Hangjin said coldly: "Who let that idiot go out?"

"He wanted to show off. We couldn't stop him."

"Useless waste!" Chen Hangjin was somewhat annoyed. Even Bo Shi was no match for Dugu Jianmo, and this fool had only made him lose face.

Chen Hangjin stared at Dugu Jianmo, who held his still-dripping iron sword, and made a sudden, unexpected decision. He strode toward the center of the field.

"Brother Chen, you can't go!"

"It's fine!" Chen Hangjin cut them off decisively and kept walking.

Chen Hangjin did not look like a cultivator at all—not handsome, with fair skin and a refined demeanor, like a gentle scholar. But those who knew him well understood that though young, he was ruthless in his actions.

"Dugu Jianmo, I want to make a bet with you."

Dugu Jianmo stared at him coldly, saying nothing.

"The loser unconditionally does one thing within their power for the winner. What do you say?" Chen Hangjin stated the wager calmly and unhurriedly.

In response, Dugu Jianmo struck directly with his iron sword, the cold light shining all around.

In the distance, Bo Shi's expression darkened. "Shameless. Chen Hangjin clearly sees that Dugu Jianmo, though he broke my Purple Prison, is also heavily wounded."

"What? Dugu Jianmo is already injured? That pretty boy really knows how to seize an opportunity." Bo Shi's faction was indignant.

"Xiao Hanghang, wet your bed at ten…"

The words rang clearly in the ears of the thousands, triggering a burst of laughter. Just as Bo Shi had the unsavory nickname of 'Baldy Two,' Chen Hangjin also had a handle others used to mock him—because he still wet the bed at ten. The aristocratic sons of Yin Capital often teased him behind his back.

"Xiao Hanghang, wet your bed at ten…"

Several voices joined in the catcalling.

All the aristocratic youths of Yin Capital were doubled over with laughter. Even the Third Princess of the Great Shang Empire was struggling to hold back her smile. The noble ladies beside her were already shaking with mirth, tears nearly streaming.

In the middle of the field, Chen Hangjin's fair cheeks flushed to a purplish red. He swept a cold gaze across the watching thousands, and many lowered their heads in fear, daring not laugh anymore.

Distracted, Chen Hangjin nearly lost his arm as Dugu Jianmo's sword sliced off half his sleeve.

"Nine Nether King Wheel!" Chen Hangjin was truly enraged. The laughter from earlier had infuriated him, so he directly unleashed his strongest divine art.

Demonic clouds churned as if a sudden dark canopy had covered the sky. Black mist swept across the battlefield in an instant. A millstone-sized wheel blazed like a sun in the darkness, radiating tens of thousands of beams of light toward Dugu Jianmo.

Several princely houses were all shocked to their feet. The Nine Nether King Art was the Chen family's secret transmission. Chen Hangjin had even cultivated his own divine art from it—the King Wheel. Since its completion, no opponent had lasted more than a few moments under it.

The light of the wheel shining through the nether mist was especially brilliant. Streams of radiance descended, nearly drowning Dugu Jianmo.

The iron sword flew horizontally, striking repeatedly to fend off the incoming divine glow. Dugu Jianmo felt a chill—if even one beam struck him, he would be in mortal danger.

"King Wheel!" Chen Hangjin shouted, his fair face flushed. The millstone-sized wheel expanded to the size of a house and slowly pressed down.

The ground shook violently, then fissured into terrifying cracks—all from the immense pressure in the air.

The King Wheel hovered less than three feet above Dugu Jianmo's head. All its light surged down, enveloping him. The iron sword had already been knocked away. If not for his protective qi surging out at the first moment, his body would have been crushed to pulp.

Chen Hangjin sneered: "Dugu Jianmo, you are defeated!"

Every onlooker was horrified. The King Wheel was far too powerful. Even the princely houses changed color.

"Before, that pretty boy was on par with Baldy Two, but it seems he's recently broken through, probably reaching the peak of the Fifth Heaven of Spirit-Treasury, maybe even the Sixth. He's likely stronger than Baldy Two now."

"Indeed, the King Wheel is truly terrifying."

For his part, Bo Shi was not concerned. They, the sons of Yin Capital, always advanced through competition. Falling slightly behind today did not mean staying behind tomorrow. What he cared about was whether Dugu Jianmo could hold on.

Dugu Jianmo's body was fading, his bones creaking, his frame rapidly thinning!

"Thinking of using your body as a sword to cut your way out? Useless. You cannot cut through."

"Pfft!"

Dugu Jianmo spat a mouthful of blood. His attempt to form a sword with his body had failed. The crushing pressure continued to bear down, forcing him to re-manifest his physical form.

"You have lost!" Chen Hangjin smirked.

"You are the one who lost!" At that moment, Dugu Jianmo actually spoke.

Chen Hangjin cried out in alarm and leaped backward, simultaneously shattering his robe. Even so, the torn cloth flew like countless flying swords, slashing toward him.

His protective qi burst out, blocking the many 'small swords,' but at this moment, the King Wheel lost control, dimmed rapidly, and dissipated. Dugu Jianmo shot forward like a deathly light and immediately knocked Chen Hangjin flying.

The crowd erupted into cheers. Dugu Jianmo had turned the battle around at the critical moment and won cleanly. Many shouted.

"Cough…"

Coughing blood, Chen Hangjin staggered to his feet. With a tragic expression, he asked: "How did you do it?"

"All things in heaven and earth—every grass, every tree—is my sword. Not only my body, but even your body." Dugu Jianmo wiped the blood from his mouth and grasped the floating iron sword in his hand.

When cultivated to the extreme, even another person's body could be turned into his sword. That was monstrous and terrifying. Everyone knew it was the sublimation of the true meaning of the sword!

"Speak. What do you want me to do?"

Dugu Jianmo said nothing. This time, he shouldered his iron sword and walked directly out of the field. Having consecutively defeated the leading young experts of two princely houses, he was heavily wounded and could not continue fighting.

In the distance, the Third Princess of the Great Shang Empire personally approached him, followed by all the noble ladies of Yin Capital.

The scene was in an uproar. Many ordinary cultivators looked at Dugu Jianmo almost with worship.

"Haha… How could I miss the Princess's Calligraphy and Sword Tea Gathering? I've made it just in time!" From beyond Bright Moon on the Sea came a hearty laugh. A group of aristocratic youths, like stars surrounding the moon, escorted a young man as he strode in.

Gasps of shock sounded from the crowd—clearly, many recognized him and were very wary.

"Why is he back in the capital? Wasn't he leading troops in battle?"

"This ruthless man. One of the Four Talents of the capital!"

"Chu Xingkuang… one of the four most terrifying young men in Yin Capital. He has been pursuing the Third Princess for years. His return this time will cause a big commotion. Heh heh, I'm looking forward to it!"

"Chu Xingkuang, why have you returned?" The Third Princess of the Great Shang Empire walked gracefully over. Her tall, lissome figure was exquisitely curved. Though veiled, her limpid eyes could still suggest a peerless beauty.

"Haha… Greetings, Third Princess. The Grand Marshal specially approved my return to Yin Capital so I wouldn't miss your Calligraphy and Sword Gathering." Chu Xingkuang was handsome and imposing, commanding a heroic bearing with the distinct temperament of a military commander.

But Bo Shi and Chen Hangjin's factions seemed cold toward him, letting out quiet snorts.

The Third Princess smiled faintly. "You have traveled far. Rest for a while at the side."

"I'm not tired. Seeing you, Princess, makes all the dust of the road vanish like an immortal." The fellow was bold beyond measure, drawing more dissatisfied snorts. But no one dared confront him directly. The Four Talents of the capital were the most ruthless of the ruthless—nearly unbeatable among the younger generation of the Great Shang Empire.

The Third Princess ignored him and walked toward Dugu Jianmo with the Yin Capital socialites.

Chu Xingkuang laughed and strode ahead to block Dugu Jianmo. "Are you the Dugu Jianmo of the Southern Wastes? You've defeated the experts of my Yin Capital…" He swept his gaze around and snorted coldly. "After our Four Talents left Yin Capital, you really have brought glory to our Great Shang by letting a Southern Wastes barbarian beat you. Shameful!"

At these words, he ignited public fury. "What the hell is he? If my brother were still alive, he'd crush you!"

"What gives him the right to act so arrogant? He's not even the number one expert of Yin Capital." The crowd grumbled, but not one dared step forward to openly challenge him.

Though he had been away for some time, his prestige lingered. Chu Xingkuang swept his gaze around, and no one dared provoke him under his stare.

"If I hadn't returned, you lot would have lost face for the Great Shang." Chu Xingkuang sneered coldly. Then he turned to Dugu Jianmo and said: "If I cannot slay you within eighty moves, I will take my own life before you."

Looking at the man blocking his path, the silent Dugu Jianmo gave him only a cold glance, then swept his eyes toward the crowd outside the field.

"Shameless. Baldy Two and Bedwetter had already severely wounded Dugu Jianmo. Fighting now is hardly fair."

"Coming to take advantage now is scandalous!"

"Damn the Four Talents of Yin Capital."

Whether because the Great Shang Empire was truly open-minded or because these people hated Chu Xingkuang, even though he was trying to save face for the Yin Capital aristocratic sons, they cursed him roundly.

Chu Xingkuang did not get angry as expected. He sneered: "Have I ever fought anyone unfairly?"

The crowd fell silent.

"Hmph! Bring a Seven-Turn Golden Pill. Give one to Dugu Jianmo to restore him instantly. Then I will fight him!"

Everyone quieted down. Though many envied the Four Talents of the capital, they had to admit that they were genuinely powerful.

"No need." At that moment, Dugu Jianmo, who had been silent, suddenly spoke. "I have said before that I am not the number one expert of the Southern Wastes. Since you want to vie for empty fame, I will let someone stronger than me fight you."

The scene erupted in clamor. Everyone was astonished. Dugu Jianmo's skill had already stunned them all. How strong would the number one expert of the Southern Wastes be? Could he truly match the Four Talents of Yin Capital?

And importantly, had the number one young expert of the Southern Wastes also come to this place?

Now even the Third Princess of the Great Shang Empire showed surprise. Her beautiful eyes searched the crowd. The noble ladies also swept their gazes through the crowd.

Yan Qingcheng, Qi Liao, and Yuwen Feng were all stunned. They could not imagine who Dugu Jianmo meant. Was he talking about the most mysterious Zhao Chongyang?

This news was far too unexpected! After the commotion, the entire venue fell silent.

"Oh? The number one young expert of the Southern Wastes is also here? I've never heard of such a person." Chu Xingkuang's eyes shot out two beams of tangible radiance. His fighting spirit soared to the heavens. "Where is he?"

"Over there!" Dugu Jianmo pointed his iron sword forward.

In an instant, the onlookers in that direction scattered to both sides. The last thing they wanted was to be mistaken for that person—death would not be a question!

Only one tall, straight-backed youth remained in place.

All eyes converged on him.