劍問蒼天 - 第14章 奇才 - 翰墨軒

Qi Hao's expression did not change. He smiled and said, "Uncle Su flatters me too much. At the last great trial, Senior Brother Xiao Yichen of the senior meridian was a prodigy of rare talent, profound in cultivation. I was far from his equal and lost in full conviction, with nothing to say. But as for this 'Seven Meridians Martial Trial' two years hence, after discussion between our master and the Sect Leader, certain changes have been made to the rules, and I was specially commanded to report them to you two uncles."

Tian Buhui and Su Wan were both moved, and said together, "What is it?"

Qi Hao said, "Our master, the Venerable Cangsong, holds that the 'Seven Meridians Martial Trial' was meant to discover the promising talents among the disciples of each meridian and cultivate them. Yet the Canglan Sect today has nearly a thousand disciples, among whom the new disciples of the younger generation are especially numerous, and not a few are outstandingly gifted. Considering this, a chance that comes only once in sixty years, with each meridian sending but a scant four—

"that is far too few. So our master proposes that each of the seven meridians send nine disciples, with the senior meridian, being the most numerous, sending one more, making sixty-four in all. On that basis, as before, lots shall be drawn for duels, for six rounds in total, to determine the victor. In this way we may also avoid the regret of talents left undiscovered."

Tian Buhui and Su Wan exchanged a glance, their expressions all the worse. The Dazhu Peak meridian had few disciples and poor aptitude. At first glance it seemed they had gained an advantage, but in truth the change greatly favored Jietian Peak of the senior meridian and Cangsong's Dragon Peak, which had the most disciples and the most talent.

Seeing her husband's grim expression, Su Wan shook her head slightly and signaled with her eyes. Tian Buhui well knew what his wife meant—since the matter had already been discussed between the Sect Leader and Cangsong, it was settled, and contention would be useless. He said coldly, "Very well, then. I have no objection."

Qi Hao smiled easily and said, "That is best of all. In addition, before we set out, our master instructed us in one matter: that this junior brother of mine, Lin, and a certain Junior Brother Zhang under Uncle Tian are old friends of former acquaintance,

and he hopes Uncle Tian will allow the two of them to renew their old ties."

Tian Buhui, already irritated, waved a hand and said impatiently, "Granted, granted."

Lin Jinghong had long since grown impatient, only deterred by the fact that Tian was an elder and he dared not flare up. Hearing now that it was granted, he turned his head and walked straight toward Zhang Qingyue. Zhang Qingyue, stirred in his heart, stepped out as well.

Lin Jinghong came up to him and studied him closely for a while. Suddenly his eyes reddened, and he said in a choked voice, "You've grown up, Xiaofan."

Zhang Qingyue was overcome with a tumult of feelings. He nodded again and again and said, "So have you. By the way, have you heard any news about that terrible case in the village?"

Lin Jinghong shook his head and said, "I've asked my master many times over the years, but there has been no progress. And you?"

Zhang Qingyue smiled bitterly and said, "The same for me."

Lin Jinghong took his hand and said, "Let's go outside to talk."

Zhang Qingyue hesitated a moment, turned to look at Tian Buhui and Su Wan. Tian Buhui ignored him, but Su Wan smiled and said, "Go on."