Challenging Yao

"That's the Spirit sword technique. How did he comprehend the art?" 

"I heard that the people occupying the three stone platform are supposed to come out in the next one month but he had barely stepped in for over an hour." 

They gawked at Yao as those white golden circles stuck behind him with countless sword intents, suspended in midair, waiting for his command to launch away.

"Isn't it impossible to comprehend the technique? Why does it seem so easy now."

"Maybe Ancestor Shang had given him a private tutor before bringing him in."

"Someone who had already comprehended the spirit sword technique will not return to the pavilion. Besides, elder Shang Fa would not bring him to this place knowing that he's already comprehended it."

Different people cooked up stories, some formulated theories—even coming to conclusions, however those that wanted to find out summoned courage. 

They immediately approached Yao and Elder Shang Fa. 

The celestial sword sect is home to different cultivators so people with different surnames can be found there. However, the name 'Shang', rules over the entire groove. 

Yao noticed a group of cultivators approaching him so he gradually cancelled the spirit sword aura, causing all of the sword phantoms to disappear. He calmly watched them inch closer until they were close enough to initiate a conversation.

"Greetings Elder Shang Fa." 

Mo Shen, the leader of their group bowed in reverence. He quickly introduced his crew. 

"This is Ni Huang, Mo Yin and Di Qiong."

The trio that was being introduced bowed down also. 

Shang Fa nodded but he could not shake off the feeling that this group had definitely come to cause trouble. And of course, someone like Yao is capable of pissing them off because— take his totally calm expression as an example. He acted as though nothing in this world is of his concern, except a few others that he knows. 

Shang Fa could feel it— trouble was cooking itself and ready to serve. 

Mo Shen finally turned towards Yao and offered a smile. Shang Fa could see mockery in that smile. 

"You're Yao, the one alleged to be picked up from the sky." 

Yao's eyes flashed, but his expression did not waver. "Yes. How may I help you?"

Di Qiong took a step forward. "Did you really comprehend the spirit sword technique?" 

Yao's gaze shifted from Mo Shen to Di Qiong. He answered; "Yes."

"How? You were supposed to sit upon the stone platform, under the bombardment of numerous sword phantoms just to comprehend the technique, but you clearly did not do that. So how did you do it?" 

Yao knew that there was no need to lie, but he didn't have to be all that honest. 

"I had to use a single phantom to comprehend it. And an hour was enough to understand the spellweave." 

Ni Huang's eyes narrowed. 

"Spellweave? In a sword technique? How is that possible?" 

Yao sighed. 

"Actually the spirit sword technique is a fine piece of art while the procedure of comprehension is merely a broken piece. Stalwart focus, boundless spirit energy and pure heart. What happens when you don't have enough reservation of spiritual energy? What happens if your concentration falters and breaks? What happens when you can't get past the impure nature of the human heart?" 

Yao chuckled. 

"I'll leave this for only Ancestor Shang to reveal."

Yao turned to leave, his right hand already grabbing Shang Fa's wrist, but he was rudely interrupted. 

"Yao Shang, I Mo Shen challenges you to a duel. Do you dare refuse." 

Yao's expression did not change for once, instead he smiled. "I don't think Shang is suitable for my name." 

Atop a massive cathedral where Ancestor Shang stood, his domain swirling around, his expression changed instantly the moment Yao made that comment.

"Not suitable? I'll make you change your words."

There was a long stretch of silence and then he watched Yao stare at Mo Shen. 

Finally, Shang Fa interjected.

"Yao actually, it is not advisable to turn down a duel or else you'd live with the shame." 

Yao's gaze seemed to narrow.

"Can't you see that he's in the intermediate stage of the True Qi Realm. He's cleared 6 acupoints and could move to the advanced stage any moment. And me, I've only cleared three and I'm not even sure when I'd clear the fourth acupoint. You still want me to accept his challenge?"

Shang Fa whispered softly. "That's the rule, and Ancestor Shang is watching somewhere so he wouldn't want you to disappoint him. It's better you lose to him due to the differences in realm stages than to chicken out."

Yao sighed. He stared deeply at Shang Fa and he turned towards Mo Shen. 

"I accept your challenge."

Shang Fa immediately pushed his way towards the crowd that must have already gathered to witness the scene. He said:

"The duel will not happen today, it will be held in the next three days so I would advise the participants involved to get themselves prepared before the day. Is that understood?" 

Mo Shen actually expected the duel to be held now, but well— he smirked, at least he could prepare very well and surprise this so-called prince of the Shang clan. 

'I don't even know where they've picked him up from. Now he's acting like he owns the entire sword sect.' 

He smiled and bowed. "I understand elder. I will prepare myself for the duel." 

Mo Shen turned. Di Qiong, Ni Huang and Mo Yin turned with him and followed suit. The crowd dispersed soon after leaving just Yao and Shang Fa. 

Shang Fa stared at Yao and sighed.

"I know you don't like the idea—" 

Yao immediately interrupted him. "No need. Do you know what I think?" 

Shang Fa was surprised. "What do you think?"

Yao exhales softly and says, "That Mo Shen, Mo Yin, Di Qiong and Ni Huang needs to be taught a lesson." 

Shang Fa was stunned. 

"Mo Shen is the one who challenged you." 

Yao rebutted. "But the three of them are Mo Shen's accomplice. I will deal with them one after another." 

Shang Fa slowly muttered. 

"If you hadn't comprehended the spirit sword art, this would have been the moment when you cheat your way around the concept of pure heart because— you're gradually losing that purity."

Yao smiled. 

"It's a good thing and it's natural. When you meet people, your view simply— changes about survival."

Yào was right. 

If Yao hadn't met people or hadn't constantly heard gossip and bad words about him, he wouldn't have been thinking of teaching anyone a lesson.

Shang Fa couldn't believe his eyes. This lad is actually adjusting. He remembered the last time when Yao was almost about to reveal an invincible technique. Ninefold concealment. He had been the one to stop him and now— he is actually the one usurping the truth by himself.

Yao smiled. 

"Come help me enter the intermediate stage of True Qi Realm." 

Shang Fa laughed. "You know that it's impossible. You have three days, how do you intend to open your fourth meridian?"

Yao frowned. 

"I'll figure it out."