Chapter 145 – A Plan to Impress
Bright morning sunlight shone down on a broad plaza near the center of the Ironvein Quarry Sect. The air here was strong with metallic Qi, and the relative cool from the night before had already vanished, replaced by a dry heat.
This was the area of the Sect where orderly gatherings would take place, or important announcements would be given to the Disciples.
Today, Zhao Wuxian was using it as a venue to show off for Han Lian.
He was standing in the center of the square, bare-chested and radiating confidence like a beacon. His blue robes were tied at his waist, and he had slathered his muscles with copious amounts of elixirs and other body-refining resources.
Jun De was standing next to him, his arms crossed as he watched his ‘friend’ stretch and prepare for the coming event.
“I’m still not entirely sure how this will help you with Han Lian.” Jun De commented. He had been dragged out of his residence only a few minutes before by an excited Zhao Wuxian, who only told him that he had a plan to win Han Lian’s heart.
Zhao Wuxian flexed his arm and let his Qi flare slightly for dramatic effect.
“It is simple, Junior Brother. Women like Han Lian respect strength and bravery. Just stand there and observe. Today, a new legend will be born in the Ironvein Quarry Sect, and Han Lian’s heart will be mine.”
Several nearby Ironvein Quarry Sect Disciples watched curiously, whispering to each other as they stared at the pair from the Tranquil Mountain. As the minutes ticked by and Zhao Wuxian finished his preparations, the crowd had grown from dozens to hundreds.
“Disciples of the Ironvein Quarry Sect! I am Zhao Wuxian of the Zhao Clan, Inner Sect Disciple of the Tranquil Mountain Sect. I am the first of my generation to earn his Inner Disciple status by merit alone!” Zhao Wuxian let the words sink in, while Jun De placed his hand over his face in response to those words.
Jun De had no doubt that Zhao Wuxian was more convinced than ever that Bai Xuelian had gone easy on him because of their ‘relationship.’
‘Does he really need to tell everyone in the world that?’ Jun De thought to himself as Zhao Wuxian continued.
“I have come to exchange insights into the Dao through sparring!”
That proclamation caused an immediate stir. A few younger Disciples whispered to each other, while many of the older ones scoffed at Zhao Wuxian’s arrogance.
“You really couldn’t just have talked to her?” Jun De asked quietly once Zhao Wuxian was finished. The muscular young man scoffed and brushed off the suggestion.
“Talk? Junior Brother Jun, some things must be shown, not said. It is no wonder you couldn’t get into the Inner Sect on your own merits if all you want to do is talk.”
Jun De pinched the bridge of his nose and stepped back, letting Zhao Wuxian do whatever he wanted.
The first challenger was a burly Disciple who looked to be around thirty years old who wielded a hammer that was wreathed in Earth Qi. He wore the same grey robes as everyone else, but his Qi was at the 10th Level of Qi Condensation.
Due to his age, Jun De suspected his talent would be average in the Tranquil Mountain Sect, but well above average here.
The challenger introduced himself and bowed.
“To keep things fair, I will suppress my cultivation to match yours.” He actually did so, and the sudden drop in spiritual pressure was noticeable.
Zhao Wuxian had achieved the 9th Level of Qi Condensation during his training after the battle of the Secret Realm, although he was still in the early stage. But his Bloodline and his adherence to body refinement meant that his true strength was hard to judge.
The fight began in a flash of motion. Stone shattered beneath their feet, and Qi rippled through the plaza like a wave. Zhao Wuxian’s style was deliberately flamboyant in order to attract attention, but that didn’t mean it wasn’t unrefined.
He quickly dodged a strike of his opponent's hammer, a high-grade spiritual artifact suitable for the late stages of Qi condensation, and struck out with his fist. Within moments, his opponent was disarmed and on the ground.
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Zhao Wuxian clasped his hands in salute, smiling widely as if the outcome had never been in doubt.
“Thank you for the exchange, Brother. Your technique has broadened my horizons. If you wish to try again, please don’t restrain your cultivation.”
A second challenger appeared, then a third. One by one, they were all defeated, and Zhao Wuxian’s confidence grew. Some lowered their cultivation to match his, but for many, Zhao Wuxian would lower his. Often, he would even give them an advantage by deliberately restraining his Qi more than necessary.
It wasn’t until Zhao Wuxian had fought a half dozen people that Han Lian arrived. Her appearance sent a ripple through the crowd, and many of the Disciples straightened and became more disciplined in her presence.
Jun De couldn’t blame them. She was as tall and well-toned, with a way of walking that reminded him of a predator stalking her prey. While intimidating, she was still very attractive, and he spotted many men admiring her from the crowd.
Beside her was Bai Xuelian, whose appearance drew even more attention than Han Lian. For once, she had taken care with her makeup, and there was a faint tint to her lips and a touch of colour on her cheeks.
It was subtle, but noticeable, and Jun De’s heartbeat quickened when Bai Xuelian finished whatever she was saying to Han Lian and turned her eyes toward him. The world seemed to slow, and Jun De’s gaze was drawn to the sway of Bai Xuelian’s hips and the way the sunlight caught her platinum hair.
She smiled when she caught him staring, and this time it was Jun De who blushed.
“Good morning, Dao Companion.” Bai Xuelian greeted him, her voice carrying enough intimacy to make the nearby Disciples exchange looks. She wanted to make sure that everyone knew that what she had told Luo Feng was true.
Jun De stiffened slightly before managing a polite smile.
“Good morning, Senior Sister Bai.”
Her smile widened as she stepped closer to him and rested her hand on his arm.
“This was Zhao Wuxian’s idea?” Bai Xuelian asked, already knowing the answer.
“Of course. He’s convinced that Han Lian won’t be able to resist him after this display.” Jun De replied quietly, his eyes flicking from Zhao Wuxian to Han Lian, who was standing at the edge of the crowd and observing the ongoing spar.
“He may be right. I happened to meet Sister Han on the way here, and she appears to be quite eager to see him.” Bai Xuelian responded. They were interrupted from saying anything further by Zhao Wuxian, who had just finished his fight.
“Is there no one else willing to exchange insights into the Dao? Surely, the Ironvein Quarry Sect has someone who can give me a proper challenge!”
The plaza fell quiet as Han Lian finally stepped forward. Her grey robes brushed against the stones beneath her as she walked.
“You have shown admirable skill, Brother Zhao. I believe that there is no one in our generation in the Sect that can match you, apart from me. Please show me what kind of strength the most talented Inner Sect Disciple of the Tranquil Mountain Sect possesses!”
A wide smile found its way to Zhao Wuxian’s lips, one that Jun De had come to know well. It always appeared when he was bragging the hardest, when he was surrounded by the most people, or when he did something ridiculous.
“Sister Han Lian herself! I can think of no greater honour than to spar with you.” Zhao Wuxian replied, placing his hand over his heart and bowing low.
“Though I confess, fighting someone as beautiful as you will test my focus. I would sooner hurt myself a thousand times over than harm a single hair on your head.”
A number of disciples gasped at his words, while others groaned. Han Lian’s own eyes widened in surprise before a smile tugged at the corner of her lips.
“Then consider this spar as a way to temper your Dao Heart, Brother Zhao. Feelings should never stand in the way of pursuing the Dao.”
Han Lian stepped into the cleared area of the plaza, and the ground cracked beneath her feet as she rushed forward. Their clash was physical, with each blow they struck or blocked reverberating like thunder.
Neither used any weapon, nor did they draw upon their Qi beyond basic reinforcement of their bodies. Their spar became a test of power, speed and endurance.
Han Lian’s movements were precise and efficient, a balance of grace and ruthlessness. Zhao Wuxian, on the other hand, fought like a storm. Each time he struck, the ground would shake and the air would stir from the force he was applying.
“Not bad!” Han Lian praised after she had deflected a blow that would have shattered a boulder into pieces.
“If you prefer, we can continue our exchange after the spar. I am sure that there is still much we can teach each other.” Zhao Wuxian replied, and Jun De winced at the not-so-subtle innuendo. Bai Xuelian raised an eyebrow, but refrained from commenting.
Rather than take offence, Han Lian threw herself deeper into the battle. Her knee drove forward to strike at his abdomen, but Zhao Wuxian twisted and caught her leg with a grin.
Zhao Wuxian looked thrilled, and he roared with laughter as he tossed her backwards.
Han Lian twisted in midair, landing in a crouch that sent a wave of dust spiralling around her. The ground cracked beneath her feet from the force of her landing, but she rose smoothly and brushed the dust off her grey robes.
“Brother Zhao, since we are both enjoying ourselves so much, how about we wager on the outcome of this spar?”
Zhao Wuxian, still smiling widely, eagerly nodded.
“Very well. One final exchange, strength against strength. If I win, we will spend the day together. We will drink, discuss the Dao, and appreciate each other’s company.” Zhao Wuxian replied.
A murmur ran through the watching Disciples, and many were shocked by how brazen Zhao Wuxian was being to Han Lian. They never imagined anyone would be so arrogant and blatant in their attempt to impress her.
Han Lian’s eyebrows rose, but she smiled and nodded.
“You want to wager a day of my time? That is quite the prize you are asking for, Brother Zhao.”
“I only ask for what my heart desires the most.” Zhao Wuxian replied, and Jun De nearly snorted. Even Bai Xuelian shook her head in exasperation at her Junior Brother.
“Very well. But if I win, you will work in the mines for the remainder of your stay here. The Ironvein Quarry Sect always welcomes extra hands.” Han Lian stated, her smile widening while the Disciples around her burst into laughter and applause.
