A Demon's Path Chapter 57

It was silent. Not a single sound came from the grandstand. Only after a long time did the sound of applause gradually sound until it exploded into a thunderous wave. The spectators didn't stinge in applauding Ling Xiao. Where before he caused some stains to his name due to certain disgraceful tricks he played, he had now wiped his name clean. This victory was achieved through his strength and that alone. He deserved their respect!

Some people started thinking Ling Xiao only played those tricks before because he wanted to preserve his strength to fight Li Yuanchong. This was nothing to do with his character, but rather an issue related to the tactics he employed. Only an outstanding talent knew how to act based on the circumstances, after all!

Guan Chui was so happy he started dancing with joy. He forfeited his match in the quarterfinals. According to the rules of the tournament, he effortlessly got sixth place since he lost to the champion! Good luck has come knocking on my door! If only I could try my luck a little more. He couldn't help but sigh ruefully. Alas, it's not to be.

Shen Nanfeng was slightly disappointed that first place didn't go to a disciple of his Sunken Wind Valley. But that minuscule hint of disappointment wasn't enough to dampen the joy he felt in his chance discovery of a talented seed, one who cultivated seven souls no less!

Shen Mingfang had a smile on her face as she loudly proclaimed, "I declare Ling Xiao from the Northern Jade Sect as the champion of this year's Sunken Wind Valley Newcomers Tournament!"

Applause thundered through the arena once more. Ling Xiao didn't cup his fists in an exaggerated manner to the audience like he did before, but rather he knelt down in the direction of the Northern Jade Sect.

"He…" The audience didn't understand what he was doing. They all went quiet suddenly.

Ling Xiao kowtowed three times and brightly said, "Ling Xiao's achievements today are all thanks to Master's tutoring, Senior Brother's concern, and the support of my fellow brothers from the Northern Jade Sect."

He won countless praises with this act. "This boy knows how to be grateful when it's due. Where are we to find such a gifted disciple?!"

However, an ominous glint flashed in Shen Nanfeng's eyes as he watched Ling Xiao's performance.

Cheng Qiantai's face was painted with worry. Xiao'er, you're making your attitude known too early. What you're doing now is closing off Shen Nanfeng's alternative courses of action. It's tantamount to slapping him across the face!

Ling Xiao didn't care about these things. He walked toward Shen Mingfang with a smile on his face. "Maiden Shen, this… Where's the prize for first place?"

Everyone was greatly taken aback. This guy is still afraid they're not going to give him his prize? Sure enough, those from the countryside really are from the countryside. He can't be changed even after winning first place.

Shen Mingfang showed a smile that was as pleasant as a spring day. "Go to the Valley Master. He has always been the one to distribute the prizes."

Ling Xiao forced an embarrassed laugh at Shen Mingfang before walking up to the Valley Master.

Shen Nanfeng was seething with killing intent. He's just a newcomer, yet he dares to behave so arrogantly in front of me? But even if Shen Nanfeng wanted to kill him, he had to take his own reputation into consideration.

A fake smile hung on Shen Nanfeng's face. He handed a metal girdle to Ling Xiao and spoke in a harmonious and happy voice, "All the gifts for the champion are in here."

Naturally, Ling Xiao recognised this was not only a storage belt, but also a soul chain.

He accepted the presents Shen Nanfeng gave him with a smile before politely saying, "Well, thank you, yeah?" He paused for a moment before brazenly continuing, "I wonder. Am I still eligible to compete for the prizes next year?"

Shen Nanfeng raised his head and laughed heartily. "You can get whatever the prize is if you participate again next year."

Many people didn't quite understand the meaning behind Ling Xiao's words at first. But after Shen Nanfeng spoke, it all became clear. Ling Xiao intended to represent the Northern Jade Sect next year too. Which also meant he didn't plan on joining the Sunken Wind Valley.

Good, very good. Shen Nanfeng scoffed in his mind. It's good I know your attitude now, boy. Saves me from losing my face just like what your Master and Senior Brother did to me before. But you dare to brush away my good intentions. Humph!

Shen Nanfeng didn't bother with Ling Xiao anymore. He turned to the other nine contestants that made up the top 10 and amiably handed them their prizes. The ones who weren't yet part of the Sunken Wind Valley also received an invitation to join his sect.

It came as no surprise that the five who received this invitation agreed and displayed their intentions to join the Sunken Wind Valley.

Ling Xiao was the only person Shen Nanfeng didn't extend this invitation to. But this came as no surprise to the spectators. Even the stupidest person in existence would know the meaning behind Ling Xiao's mannerism and the words he had spoken. The audience inhaled a sharp cold breath. Oh boy, Ling Xiao's cojones are too damn big!

Ling Xiao couldn't be bothered with what the others thought of him. He was still plotting a few schemes in his heart. It ought to be time, right? Why haven't those guys flipped out yet?

At this moment, someone spoke up in a loud voice, "Valley Master, I have something to say."

As expected, he couldn't hold himself back any longer. Ling Xiao had a smile on his face when he heard this familiar voice speak up loudly. He obediently walked back to the Northern Jade Sect's seating area and hid there.

When Shen Nanfeng saw that Luo Shang from the Sunny Spring Sect had spoken up, he coldly asked, "What is it?"

Even though the arena was considerably large, Luo Shang effortlessly raised his voice so all could hear him. "I encountered two matters on my way to the Sunken Wind Valley. May the Valley Master adjudicate these matters."

The words he spoke were worded rather well, but his gaze didn't contain the slightest hint of respect for Shen Nanfeng.

Shen Nanfeng apathetically said, "Spit it out!"

"Let your fart out too while you still can[1]," Ling Xiao continued in a whisper. Although his voice was hushed, it probed snickers from a few people around him.

Cheng Qiantai glared at Ling Xiao, condemning him, but he didn't have any intention of reprimanding him. He seemed to be growing used to his disciple's indecent behaviour every now and then.

"Everyone, please take a look at this." Luo Shang took out a yellow soul stone and pinched it with all five of his fingers. An image appeared above the arena.

Ling Xiao couldn't help but feel startled when he saw the valley depicted. Isn't this the valley where the Everlasting Pool Sect was trapped in?

A clear image presented itself before the audience. It was the scene where the Demonic Soul Masters from the Seven Devils Cult trapped the Everlasting Pool Sect in the valley. The Everlasting Pool Sect sustained heavy casualties. The intense barrage of attacks even put Qian Hai's life in danger! At this time, Qian Gui entered the scene. Seeing his disciples and son backed into a corner, a shiny treasure appeared in his hands.

Is that the Soul Stone Plate? Ling Xiao's eyes widened. This was the first time he saw the tyrannical treasure his Master spoke of.

The Soul Stone Plate was about the size of a tea tray. Numerous red soul stones were tightly embedded on its surface. Countless heads existing in a state of nothingness roared above the plate. Some were howling in anger, others looked malevolent, and still others were crying and laughing. It was terrifying! These pitiful heads seemed to be struggling for freedom, but failed to do so.

Seeing that things were taking a turn for the worse, the green ranked Demonic Soul Master called Pan Xuan prepared to unleash an attack with all his power.

Bang! Pan Xuan shot out a monstrous demonic flame which collided with the vengeful souls of the Soul Stone Plate. A violent red light surged to the highest heavens upon collision!

Qian Gui foolishly watched this scene unfurl as though it had nothing to do with him at all. He was still incessantly repeating his son's name. "Hai'er, Hai'er…"

The images stopped here. "Sect Master Qian Gui of the Everlasting Pool Sect has the blood of a Celestial Soul Master, but he used the power arising from demonic souls. Valley Master, are you going to disregard this matter?"

Shen Nanfeng angrily snorted. "Know your place. I am the Valley Master. Don't you dare criticise the way I handle things or order me around! Qian Gui, what do you have to say for yourself?"

Qian Gui suddenly sobered up. He heartily laughed and spoke in an extremely painstaking voice, "Luo Shang, oh Luo Shang. I never expected you would actually do something like this just because I didn't want to form an alliance with you! It's fine. My son's dead anyway. I don't have anything holding me back now. I'll admit to my crimes!"

Shen Nanfeng looked like he was suppressing his anger as he faintly spoke, "Qian Gui, you know the repercussions."

Qian Gui chuckled. "Naturally so. I will take full responsibility for forging a Soul Stone Plate. It's something I did alone and has nothing to do with the disciples under my sect. However, I'm still the Sect Master of the Everlasting Pool Sect so I should have the right to handle its internal affairs, right?"

Shen Nanfeng looked Qian Gui straight in the eyes. "Of course. Your disciples will be pardoned since you pleaded guilty."

When it came to offenses dealing with Demonic Soul Sects, the Celestial Soul Sects prosecuted the guilty and the people associated with them. But Shen Nanfeng was lenient. He simply didn't believe anyone from the Everlasting Pool Sect other than the father-son pair would dare stir up trouble.

Qian Gui took out the Sect Master token for the Everlasting Pool Sect and handed it to Ling Xiao. "Since you avenged my son, this is yours. I hereby bestow upon you the title of Sect Master of the Everlasting Pool Sect."

Ling Xiao was in a daze as he held the token in his hands and was dumbfounded for a moment. What's what now?

Everyone else was also shocked to no end. Qian Gui, are you mad?! You're handing your sect to some youngster from the Northern Jade Sect?

Only Cheng Qiantai understood Qian Gui's intentions.

Since the Everlasting Pool Sect didn't obtain a top 10 ranking in the newcomers tournament, they would have to merge with other sects. It would be better for Ling Xiao to be the Sect Master since he was the champion. No one could steal his sect from him!

"Xiao'er, you need to pledge that as long as you're around, so will the Everlasting Pool Sect," said Cheng Qiantai at once.

Ling Xiao was a smart man and quickly understood the intention behind his Master's words. He spoke with a grim look on his face, "Sect Master Qian, I can assure you I won't let the Everlasting Pool Sect disappear for as long as I live."

Qian Gui bitterly laughed. "That's good to hear. Those that followed me here, you must clearly explain the situation to the others when you return. All of you must obey Sect Master Ling from here on out!"

The few disciples nodded, feeling a little sad. "We will, Master."

After that, Qian Gui turned around and faced Shen Nanfeng and Luo Shang. "Since you guys want me to die, I will!"

Qian Gui's body exploded with a loud bang. Ling Xiao was standing beside him as blood rained down and splashed him in the face.

[1. 有屁快放 means "spit it out!", and "let the fart out" independently. It's a play on words, indicating someone should just cut their bullshit.],

Chapter end