Chapter 904: If There Is the Way of Affection, How Can There Be a Heart Full of Hatred

The next morning.

"Peach blossoms fall in the Peach Blossom House, peach blossom brew is shared with the world."

Hearing Liu Zixuan’s exclamation, Old Qing, standing in the courtyard, asked, "Why are you suddenly reciting poetry?"

Liu Zixuan stretched lazily: "A pot of old wine, two plates of appetizers, the days spent in the Peach Blossom House are truly unforgettable."

"If you like it so much, you could choose to stay," Old Qing laughed.

Liu Zixuan shook his head: "There are plenty of things waiting for me outside, how can I stay here alone and idle?"

"If you miss it, you can always come back to visit, that room will always be kept for you."

Old Qing waved his hand: "Alright, today is the big day for your sword duel with Sword Venerable Ling Xiao. The Sect Leader announced it last night!"

"Announced?" Liu Zixuan raised an eyebrow: "It’s just a sword duel, does it need such a big fanfare?"

"If it were an ordinary duel, it might be different, but this is a duel with Sword Venerable Ling Xiao. Every strike by a Sword Dao master offers much understanding to others; the real battle provides insights that surpass those in the Sword Dao Hall. Such a great opportunity cannot be missed, so Sword Venerable Ling Xiao naturally wants to let those disciples observe and gain some insights into the Sword Dao!"

Listening to Old Qing’s explanation, Liu Zixuan’s mouth twitched slightly: "Damn it, in front of so many people, wouldn’t losing be quite embarrassing for me?"

"It depends on how well you’ve practiced the Sword Dao recently!"

Old Qing laughed heartily and then took the lead heading towards Profound Mountain.

Liu Zixuan hurriedly followed close behind. Upon reaching the cliff, he glanced down and asked, "Old Qing, how deep is this cliff really?"

Old Qing glanced downward: "Bottomless depth, and there’s a fierce Sword Dao wind, not exaggerating, if a Half-Step Emperor Realm master falls down, they won’t survive!"

Liu Zixuan’s lips twitched a few times fiercely. Although familiar here now, hearing this still left him with a lingering fear, gasping. The reason why the Profound Sword Sect chose to establish such a cliff between Profound Mountain and Sword Mountain is unknown!

When the two of them reached the front of the Profound Mountain Grand Hall, it was already filled with people.

Duelling with Sword Venerable Ling Xiao is unprecedented within the Sect; even the elders never dared to draw swords against Sword Venerable Ling Xiao. Today, they are all eager to witness whether Liu Zixuan has eaten a bear’s heart or borrowed ten guts from the heavens, as he dares to duel with the high and mighty Sect Leader!

The Sect’s grand event, all disciples within the Profound Sword Sect have gathered here, quietly waiting for the duel to begin.

However, before Old Qing and Liu Zixuan could approach the hall, Gu Huaqiu suddenly appeared, directly blocking their path.

"Oh, if it isn’t Brother Hua Qiu, who’s off to meditate in the Sword Heart Hall, what’s up? Had an epiphany?" Liu Zixuan teased with a laugh.

Gu Huaqiu’s eyes were filled with hatred, even with Old Qing present, he showed no restraint. Of course, in his eyes, Old Qing was just a janitor.

He stepped forward with a hostile glare at Liu Zixuan: "Who gave you the courage to dare duel with the Sect Leader!"

"Of course, it was you!" Liu Zixuan replied, amused: "Ever since I stomped a self-proclaimed genius like you underfoot, I’ve been especially confident, you could say I’ve become overconfident. I feel undefeatable in the world, and it seems the Sect Leader is the most formidable in the Profound Sword Sect, naturally, I must spar with him!"

"You!" Gu Huaqiu could tell Liu Zixuan was mocking him, his face flushed as he spoke in a low tone: "You’re overestimating yourself, let’s see you handle it later!"

"Whether I handle it or not is none of your concern, Brother Hua Qiu!" Liu Zixuan taunted with a smile: "I suggest you mind yourself first; don’t end up being sent to meditate again by the Great Elder!"

"Hmph!"

Gu Huaqiu snorted coldly: "I’m not blocking your way just to talk about the duel, but to warn you!"

"Warning me?" Liu Zixuan raised an eyebrow: "Please enlighten me, Brother Hua Qiu!"

"Stay away from Li Xiaoxiao, she only belongs to me! Anyone who takes her will die!" Gu Huaqiu declared and then walked towards the disciples.

As he left, Old Qing sighed helplessly: "In this world, emotions are both good and bad things!"

"Where there is the Way of Emotions, there is no full heart of hate." Liu Zixuan smiled lightly, stepping first into the hall.

If there were the Way of Emotions, how could there be room for hatred?

Old Qing murmured: "If everyone truly possessed emotions, there surely wouldn’t be hatred born from them. If hatred arises easily, it means no emotion at all! This little fellow gives me yet another lesson!"

Old Qing regarded Liu Zixuan with eyes filled with admiration.

Previously, he compared Liu Zixuan and Gu Huaqiu, but now he realizes such comparisons are laughable.

Gu Huaqiu, in terms of strength or mental state, is far too distant from Liu Zixuan!

"As the cold retreats, spring arrives, seeing the wilderness return to vibrant spring colors is truly delightful!"

Sword Venerable Ling Xiao stood inside the hall, smiling softly.

"Indeed, another year has quickly passed, our Profound Sword Sect will surely reach new heights!" The Second Elder smiled, cupping his hands.

"Hahaha!"

Sword Venerable Ling Xiao laughed loud: "Alright, let’s skip the pleasantries. The reason for gathering everyone today is just for one thing!"

Then, Sword Venerable Ling Xiao looked at Liu Zixuan below: "Today, I plan to spar in Sword Dao with Liu Zixuan!"

"Sect Leader, I think this move is inappropriate," Gu Huaqiu immediately stood up and said.

"Why is it inappropriate?" Sword Venerable Ling Xiao asked with interest.

"Liu Zixuan is merely a new disciple and hasn’t been placed under any elder’s tutelage, not even an official disciple. On what basis should he spar in Sword Dao with you?"

Upon Gu Huaqiu’s words, the disciples behind him also expressed agreement.

Even the Second and Third Elders quickly stood up: "Nephew Hua’s words have merit. As the Sect Leader, Sword Venerable Ling Xiao shouldn’t spar with a new disciple."

"And what does the Great Elder think?" Sword Venerable Ling Xiao looked at the Great Elder.

"Rules are dead, but people are alive. Besides, the Profound Sword Sect has no rule prohibiting disciples from sparring with the Sect Leader." The Great Elder looked at the crowd: "Moreover, Liu Zixuan’s abilities have already been witnessed by Sword Venerables Yangming; although a new disciple, he stands above many disciples. Such strength makes sparring with Sword Venerable Ling Xiao not inappropriate at all."

"Master!" Gu Huaqiu’s face immediately showed embarrassment. After all, the Great Elder’s words implied he was incapable and inferior to Liu Zixuan.

"What’s the matter? Do you want to fight Liu Zixuan again?" The Great Elder asked gravely.

"I..." Gu Huaqiu was momentarily speechless, then slowly raised his head to look at the Great Elder: "I admit I’m no match for Liu Zixuan, but I have a suggestion!"