Soul Emperor Martial God

Chapter 177: Chapter 176: The Final Round

The Sky-splitting Sword Sect was primarily centered around the Sword Dao.

Naturally, the Sword Hall subtly dominated over the other nine halls.

The Sword Hall Elders, concurrently serving as the Sword Sect Law Enforcement Elders, had the authority to reward or punish the Sword Sect disciples and deacons.

In terms of strength, he was at the Mystic Breakthrough Eighth Layer.

The other elders were merely at the Mystic Breakthrough Seventh Layer.

When it came to speaking power within the Sword Sect, the other elders were not his equals.

Only the Third Elder, who oversaw both the Medicine Hall and the Fire Hall, could contend with him.

His word could almost determine the final outcome of most matters within the Sword Sect.

Xiao Yi had already missed the drawing of lots, and the preliminary assessment of the sect-wide competition was nearly over.

If he were to deal with Xiao Yi strictly according to the sect rules, no one could fault him.

All the elders furrowed their brows.

The Third Elder spoke in a deep voice, ”Does the Fourth Elder mean to prohibit Xiao Yi from participating in the sect-wide competition?”

”Yes,” the Sword Hall Elder said with an iron face, nodding without hesitation.

The sect-wide competition was related to the position of the sect’s Chief.

He could not allow Xiao Yi to participate.

”What if I say no?”

A faint voice suddenly resounded, causing the Sword Hall Elder’s face to turn stern.

When he saw that the speaker was the Great Elder, he slightly relaxed his imposing manner.

In terms of strength and speaking power, the Great Elder was above him.

As for prestige, the Great Elder commanded the respect of everyone in the Sword Sect.

The Sword Hall Elder spoke in a deep voice, ”The Great Elder has not been involved in Sword Sect affairs for many years. Even if he were, it would not extend to the power of enforcement. To overstep in this matter now seems unreasonable.”

The Great Elder said, ”You know very well whether I am overstepping my bounds.”

”As the Great Elder, I embody multiple authorities including law enforcement, acting in the Sect Leader’s stead, and guiding disciples.”

”My years of abstaining from Sword Sect affairs does not mean I am willing to witness injustices within the sect.”

”What is unjust?” the Sword Hall Elder challenged, ”Every family has its own rules, and every sect has its regulations. Xiao Yi did not draw lots, which signifies forfeiting participation in the sect-wide competition.”

”Am I mistaken?”

”As for the sect rules, I understand them better than you do,” the Great Elder’s demeanor suddenly grew assertive.

”Special cases are not nonexistent.”

”The Chiefs of the Inner Ten Halls are exempt from drawing lots and can directly enter the final round.”

”Xiao Yi has now fully comprehended the Extreme Boundary Stele, becoming the future Sword Master, and is more qualified to assume the position of the Sect Leader.”

”If even he has no exception...”

The Great Elder paused, then said sternly, ”Unless in your eyes, Fourth Elder.”

”The two identities of Sword Master and Sect Leader do not match up to that of an Inner Hall Chief.”

”I dare not.” The Fourth Elder hurriedly bowed towards the Extreme Boundary Stele.

Whether it was the Sword Master or the Sect Leader, these were titles the Sky-splitting Sword Sect had not had for many years.

Either one out of these two identities held the utmost importance within the Sect.

The Fourth Elder’s face changed as he said, ”After all, Xiao Yi is not yet the Sword Master or Sect Leader.”

”If the Great Elder insists on being obstinate, there isn’t much I can say.”

The Fourth Elder’s words had begun to adopt a confrontational tone.

”It’s not about me being obstinate,” said the Great Elder seriously, hands behind his back.

”It’s about the Sword Sect not stifling a disciple’s future.”

”The rules of the sect are rigid, but they are there to ensure the better survival of the sect; they are not to be followed blindly, leading the sect astray for no reason.”

”We, these old folks, are the ones who enforce these rules,”

”However, the Sky-splitting Sword Sect will be upheld by the next generation of disciples.”

”What use are the rules if the sect doesn’t survive?”

The Great Elder reprimanded sharply.

”Over a year ago, Xiao Yi joined our sect.”

”He was first in the three assessments but was deprived of the opportunity to enter the Inner Sect purely because he has the Fire Control Beast Martial Soul.”

”Are you aware of this?”

The Great Elder’s deep and serious gaze swept over the other elders.

”We are aware.” The elders nodded, showing signs of embarrassment.

”At that time, you all knew, but because he possessed the Fire Control Beast Martial Soul, no one was willing to take him in.”

”Only Shiyi did not disregard him for his low Martial Soul aptitude and instead guided him with great care.”

”Otherwise, if our Sky-splitting Sword Sect lost a future Sword Master, would you be able to bear the responsibility?”

The elders bowed their heads in shame, replying respectfully, ”The Great Elder’s lesson is greatly appreciated.”

The Great Elder continued, ”If Shiyi could do that over a year ago...”

”Today, I must do the same.”

”Xiao Yi’s matter is my decision to make; he will directly enter the final round of the preliminary assessment of the entire sect’s competition.”

”Any objections?”

”Agree, agree, agree...”

The elders, one after another, expressed their agreement.

Only the Sword Hall Elders looked displeased, angrily flinging their sleeves and turning to leave.

With nine out of the Ten Elders agreeing, and one of them being the Great Elder,

nearly all matters of the Sword Sect could be settled.

No one could object.

”Xiao Yi,” the Great Elder now regained his relaxed smile, turning to Xiao Yi.

”Let’s go. It’s time to participate in the competition.”

”Yes, this one thanks the Great Elder,” Xiao Yi once again bowed in gratitude.

...

Bidding farewell to the elders, Xiao Yi controlled his flight through the air on his way.

He quickly reached the large Martial Arts Arena in the square.

He only then learned that in the last one and a half months, countless bouts had been fought.

The preliminary assessment was also nearing its end.

However, the last round had not yet begun.

Tomorrow would be the final round, and he didn’t need to compete just yet.

With his current strength, he had no interest in these fights.

Shaking his head, he turned and left, heading back to the back mountain.

At the onset of night, Xiao Yi left the back mountain for the Outer Sect Treasury.

Unsurprisingly, Elder Yi was reading.

”Hmm? Why are you coming over tonight?” Elder Yi frowned slightly.

Xiao Yi bowed and then held up two items in his hand.

A teapot, two cups, and a plate.

He approached the desk, arranged the two cups neatly.

The teapot had tea in it, and with a gentle pour, he filled the cups with hot tea.

A refreshing fragrance wafted from the hot tea, invigorating those who smelled it.

”This is a rare, fine tea from my hometown, known as Purple Leaf Spirit Tea, recognized for its warming and revitalizing effects.”

”Elder Yi, please enjoy.”

Xiao Yi extended his hand.

Elder Yi took a gentle sip and expressed with satisfaction, ”Indeed, it is good tea.”

”This is the first time you haven’t come to me empty-handed.”

”You are quite thoughtful, young man.”

”Knowing that I enjoy reading through the night, and with the nights growing cold, this tea’s warming and invigorating qualities, its unique and fresh flavor, really suit my taste.”

Elder Yi smiled contentedly.

”Oh, Elder Yi, you misunderstand,” Xiao Yi waved his hand, taking out a Qiankun Bag.

He then poured out some small snacks, similar to peanuts, filling the empty plate.

”What are you doing?” Elder Yi furrowed his brow, as if he anticipated something.

Xiao Yi chuckled, saying, ”The night is long, and the tales of Elder Yi cannot be encompassed in a few words.”

”With fragrant tea and snacks at hand, these are indeed the perfect accompaniments for story-telling.”

”You...” Elder Yi’s face was suddenly lined with exasperation.

So, it seemed that Xiao Yi hadn’t brought this fragrant tea as a token of respect for him, but rather had turned him into a storyteller at a teahouse.

”Elder Yi hasn’t forgotten our deal, right?” Xiao Yi smiled.

”The young one has not only comprehended eight parts; I have fully grasped the entire Extreme Boundary Stele, and so...”

Before Xiao Yi could finish speaking, Elder Yi had already slapped him out of the Outer Sect Treasury.

”Cheeky brat, even daring to jest with me,” Elder Yi chided, his face not showing anger but rather a knowing smile.

Xiao Yi, sent flying by the slap, didn’t fall, but rather landed steadily on the ground, thanks to Elder Yi’s precise control.

”Head back first, prepare yourself, and face the final bout tomorrow.”

”After that, you’re welcome to come and find me.”

”I’ll graciously accept your hot tea and snacks.”

As Elder Yi’s words faded,

Bang! The door of the Outer Sect Treasury was firmly shut.

...

...

Second update.