劍問蒼天 - 第21章 魔蹤 - 翰墨軒

In that instant every eye turned to that unremarkable disciple of Dazhu Peak. Tian Buhui and Su Wan exchanged a glance; Su Wan smiled faintly and gave a small nod.

The Dazhu Peak company, all beaming, crowded around. Lü Daxin clapped Zhang Qingyue hard on the shoulder and laughed, "You little wretch, who'd have guessed you had luck like that!"

Zhang Qingyue scratched his head and stuck out his tongue; the first shock had already turned to delight. Beside him Du Biyan suddenly smote his own head in chagrin. "I should have laid a wager on whoever drew that slip—heh, it would have been the long shot of the year, a clean sweep for the bookmaker!"

"Get along with you," Tian Lingsu snapped at him, then turned to Zhang Qingyue. "Xiaofan, you won't last past the second round anyway, so why not give that slip to me?"

Zhang Qingyue had not expected his senior sister to say such a thing. He blinked, said "Oh," and handed over the slip on which was written "One."

Song Dayi's expression shifted slightly. He glanced around and said in a low voice, "Junior Sister, don't be foolish."

Tian Lingsu laughed, bright as peach blossom, a faint flush rising on cheeks like polished jade; she reached out one slender finger, white as a scallion shoot, and tapped Zhang Qingyue lightly on the forehead. "Little fool, I was only teasing you."

Zhang Qingyue blinked, then laughed too.

Over where the elders stood, Daoist Cangyan's brows drew together briefly; then he raised his voice. "Very well. Since the lots have been drawn, all disciples will come to me shortly and report your names by lot number. The results will be posted on the red list, and you will know who your opponents are. Now, the Sect Master will address you."

The disciples, who had been growing noisy, fell silent at the news that Sect Master Dao Yan would speak. Perfected Dao Yan rose from his seat and walked slowly to the front. His gaze swept over the assembled disciples, and he said, "My friends, you are the finest of the younger generation in all the Canglan Sect; in natural gifts and in learning, you stand above the common run. In the years to come, the heads and elders of the various branches, and even this seat of Sect Master, will very likely be filled by the best among you."

A stir ran through the Canglan disciples, and on many faces came a look of yearning and excitement.

Perfected Dao Yan gave a kindly smile. "Of course, to reach that height—to sit where the branch heads and elders behind me now sit—you will have to strive twice as hard."

"Yes," they answered as one.

Perfected Dao Yan stroked his long beard and nodded. His face grew grave. "Our Canglan Sect, from the founding of our order by Patriarch Canglanzi, has always stood among the great and orthodox sects, and today we are the leaders of the orthodox path of cultivation in this world. In this age the righteous way flourishes, the demonic forces have withdrawn, and the people enjoy peace. Yet the remnants of the demonic path are cunning and vicious, and their hearts are not dead; these years past they have shown signs of stirring once more. At such a time, we of the orthodox path must hold fast to the Way and root out evil. So you must devote yourselves single-mindedly to cultivation and keep your resolve firm; if we stand strong and self-reliant, the heretics and demons will find no crack to slip through!"

"We obey the Sect Master's teaching!" the disciples cried out.

Perfected Dao Yan smiled and nodded. "Good, good. There is one more matter I would announce to you. To encourage the disciples of the Canglan Sect to strive after the Way and spur themselves in cultivation, I have consulted with the branch heads, and we have decided that beginning with this Seven-Branch Martial Tournament, a small reward shall be given to the final victor after each grand contest."

"Ah—!!" A ripple of excitement ran through the Canglan disciples.