Chapter Fourteen: What Use Is a Waste?

Though his fury was overwhelming, Black Scorpion had loyally served him for many years. Despite the unfortunate circumstances, he had not truly intended to kill him, only to scold him harshly.

The Third Elder narrowed his eyes, stroked his beard, and said in a grave tone, "Clan Leader, this matter cannot be taken lightly. Although Ye Xinghe usually maintains a low profile and is mocked as the useless Peak Master, his actions this time reveal a ruthless decisiveness. There must be backing behind him."

"Furthermore, the Totem Peak has profound foundations. If he uses this grand competition to make a comeback, he will surely become a serious threat to our Sima family."

In recent years, the Sima family had risen to unrivaled dominance and planned to extend their influence to other sects and clans.

Sima Hongyuan snorted coldly. "A serious threat? Let's see just how capable he really is! Lu Qianqiu, this all started because of you. Explain it."

Lu Qianqiu bit her lip bitterly, stepping forward with resentment. "Father, Ximen Feixue has always been a coward, and the Ximen family has long since declined. My breaking off the engagement was only natural, but who would've expected Ye Xinghe to barge in? He must be trying to suppress our Sima family and assert his own power. We cannot swallow this insult!"

Sima Hongyuan frowned deeply and after a moment’s thought said, "Then, what do you propose?"

A ruthless gleam flashed in Lu Qianqiu’s eyes. "Father, the grand competition in ten days is crucial. We cannot stand idly by while Totem Peak rises. Why not secretly bribe the other peak masters to unite against Totem Peak during the competition? Then send experts to infiltrate Totem Peak under cover of night to sabotage their spiritual fields and the skill-sealing pavilion, cutting off their cultivation resources. Without support, how can Ye Xinghe compete?"

"No!" The Second Elder immediately opposed. "That’s far too risky. Our sacred ground has strict rules. If we are caught meddling secretly, the Sima family will suffer heavy punishment and become a laughingstock. Besides, Totem Peak is not defenseless. Recklessly sending people in could cost us more than we gain."

Lu Qianqiu’s suggestion was directly refuted.

Sima Hongyuan also shook his head. "The Second Elder is right; such underhanded tactics are unacceptable. But the first part of Qianqiu’s idea reminds me of something."

"Though we cannot openly interfere in the competition, the Sima family can participate in name. Those peak masters will surely show us some respect."

Then, when the opportunity arises, they can challenge Totem Peak under the guise of friendly sparring. That is far better than sneaking around.

After he voiced this idea, everyone nodded in agreement.

On Totem Peak, the night was as dark as ink.

Tomorrow marked the tenth day, and the tense atmosphere of the sect’s grand competition hung over the entire mountain like an invisible net, sealing it tightly.

Disciples from other peaks were anxiously rubbing their hands, not only to defeat Zhao Changsheng tomorrow but to prove their strength to the other peaks.

---

Ye Xinghe, clad in a black robe, stood with his hands behind his back in the courtyard’s center. Before him lay the system-awarded blueprint for forging a divine weapon and a thousand high-grade spiritual crystals, sparkling brilliantly.

Zhao Changsheng and Ximen Feixue stood on either side, their eyes filled with anticipation.

This competition concerned Totem Peak’s honor and, more importantly, the reputation of their master. Although Zhao Changsheng had trained diligently and his strength had greatly improved, he still lacked a suitable weapon.

Tonight, their master promised to craft him a divine weapon—how could they not be excited?

Ye Xinghe took a deep breath, waved his hand, and the high-grade spiritual crystals floated into the air, arranged orderly under the guidance of spiritual energy.

His hands quickly formed seals as he chanted incantations. Mystical spells poured into the cluster of crystals, which suddenly blazed with intense light, transforming into a dense liquid spiritual energy that flowed and converged into a swirling vortex.

Then Ye Xinghe gently tossed the forging blueprint into the vortex. The paper instantly ignited, turning into a golden, dazzling light that merged into the spiritual energy.

The vortex trembled violently, the light shifting unpredictably. Faint metallic humming could be heard—the embryonic form of a divine weapon was taking shape.

Ye Xinghe manipulated the spiritual energy, repeatedly refining the liquid.

Such a task would make even a master forger sweat profusely, as no ordinary material could be forged so.

Yet Ye Xinghe did not even gasp for breath, revealing his profound skill.

Zhao Changsheng increasingly believed their master’s power was truly beyond the great attainment stage.

As time passed, the spiritual liquid solidified gradually. A longsword’s body slowly emerged, its blade radiating a chilling sharpness.

A clear, prolonged sword hum sounded as the longsword formed. Following this, a radiant glow burst forth, illuminating Totem Peak brilliantly.

The glow pierced the clouds like a rainbow, drawing the attention of disciples from other peaks, who turned their heads in astonishment.

"Master, this... this divine weapon is incredible!" Zhao Changsheng’s eyes widened, his shock rendering him slightly speechless.

Ximen Feixue’s face also shone with joy, clenching her fists. "With such a divine weapon, Brother, you will surely sweep the competition tomorrow and elevate Totem Peak’s prestige!"

Ye Xinghe raised his hand to grip the sword hilt and lightly waved it. The sword’s hum rose again, sword energy slicing through several tree branches as thick as arms, leaving smooth, clean cuts.

A look of satisfaction crossed his face as he handed the longsword to Zhao Changsheng. "Changsheng, take this sword to the competition. I hope you can unleash its full power. Feixue and I will cheer for you—give it your all!"

Zhao Changsheng received the sword with both hands reverently. He felt its warmth, and the spiritual energy within it seemed alive, flowing into his palm and coursing through his meridians, broadening them and smoothing his spiritual flow.

His eyes reddened as he knelt on one knee. "Thank you, Master! I will not disappoint you. With this sword, I will cut down all my foes and win the competition!"

Ximen Feixue cupped her hands beside him. "Brother, good luck! Tomorrow, you will shine on stage, and I will watch closely from the sidelines. One day, when I am strong enough, I too will bring glory to our master and Totem Peak!"

Ye Xinghe patted Zhao Changsheng’s shoulder. "Don’t be nervous. Just do your best."

In short, he was not worried at all.

Having said that, Ye Xinghe led the two back inside to rest.

Inside, candlelight flickered. Zhao Changsheng clutched the longsword tightly, sitting cross-legged with closed eyes, focusing on harmonizing his spiritual energy with the sword’s power, preparing for the battle ahead.

The next day, at dawn, the grand competition’s venue within the sacred ground was already bustling with noise.

Surrounding the arena, colorful flags fluttered in the wind. The stands, built in tiers following the terrain, were filled with disciples from various peaks, each group dressed uniformly, clearly marking their territories.

As Ye Xinghe led Zhao Changsheng and Ximen Feixue into the arena, a momentary hush fell, followed by murmurs rising in waves.

Before they could even steady themselves, several peak masters approached in a group, wearing arrogant expressions, their demeanor that of assured victors.

The Peak Master of Spirit Sword Peak crossed his arms and raised his chin high, glaring at Ye Xinghe with a mocking tone as he spoke first, “Ye Xinghe, huh? I must say, you really have the nerve to show up. I didn’t expect you’d bring two companions. Sure, you made some noise a few days ago, but in the grand scheme of this sect competition, what use could you possibly be?”