Chapter 995: Cause

Long Ruo led Fang Chen through the bustling streets of the massive city, with Fu Donghai and the other swordsmen following closely behind.

She shared, "Yunlu City is overseen by a Second Transformation Loose Immortal. Here, there are over three hundred Sword Duel Palaces established by disciples of various families."

Fang Chen asked casually, "I am assuming the Sword Duel Palace is a place where people pay to watch sword cultivators duel, place some bets, and kill time?"

Long Ruo nodded. "You could put it that way."

"Are there any sword cultivators like Ancestor Li who fight in these Sword Duel Palaces?"

"Loose Immortal sword cultivators?" Long Ruo smiled. "There are, but very few. Among those who walk the sword cultivation path, reaching the Loose Immortal Realm is exceedingly rare. Occasionally, there might be a match, but those would take place in the Duel Sword Palace run by that Second Transformation Loose Immortal."

"As for mine... right now, we only handle battles at the Enlightenment Realm."

She paused for a moment before a smirk appeared on her face. "This time, the one causing trouble for me happens to be a mad woman from the Great Sun Sect. The reason she's targeting me is that someone humiliated several of their disciples.

"The sword cultivators under my command have already lost over ten matches in a row. If we keep losing, it won't be long before I am forced to hand over my Duel Sword Palace and get chased out of Yunlu City."

"...."

Fang Chen's expression turned odd.

So, this whole mess... started because of me?

No wonder Long Ruo had been giving him those meaningful smiles all along the way.

Long Ruo playfully batted her eyes. "Therefore, our little act will be quite convincing. After all, it's you who stirred up this trouble, so it's only natural for outsiders to see me bringing you in to settle it, right?"

Fang Chen gave a nod. "Quite natural. If they're only at the Enlightenment Realm, they won't win a single match from here on out."

"Good. Put on this mask and don't make a sound later."

Long Ruo casually tossed Fang Chen a black mask. Once he put it on, the mask melded into his skin, and his features aged, turning him into a man in his forties.

Before long, the group arrived before a palace that loomed like the vault of heaven. The sword cultivators guarding the entrance immediately dropped to one knee at the sight of Long Ruo, their expressions full of reverence.

"We pay our respects to the Grand Shopkeeper."

Fang Chen shot a glance at Long Ruo.

Grand Shopkeeper?

"Rise, all of you."

Long Ruo smiled. "Has that madwoman arrived already?"

The guards looked apprehensive. One of them reported, "Reporting to the Grand Shopkeeper, the Palace Master of the Hanging Sun Sword Duel Palace is waiting inside."

Fang Chen's ears caught faint echoes of angry shouts from within.

Long Ruo chuckled. "She's throwing another tantrum. Let's go."

As they entered the Sword Duel Palace, the shouts became clearer. Moments later, they stepped into a side chamber, where they found a woman berating a group of sword cultivators. Her words were laced with venom and full of vulgarities.

The sword cultivators were grim-faced and dared not retort. Only when they spotted Long Ruo did they let out a sigh of relief and hurried forward.

"Grand Shopkeeper!" yelled the sword cultivators.

The woman sneered. "You finally decided to show up? I thought you were too afraid to face me and hid away in the Long Family."

Then her gaze swept over to Fang Chen and the others.

Her smirk deepened as she continued, "Why is it still the same bunch of people? Didn't you return to get reinforcements? How many among them can fight the Enlightenment Realm sword cultivators? According to the rules of the Sword Duel Palace, if you refuse to fight, your palace will be mine. Every registered sword cultivator will also come under my command."

Long Ruo responded coldly, "Xu Yan, aren't you satisfied with winning over ten matches against me? Must you push me to the brink?"

Xu Yan cackled. "Rules are rules. If you are incapable, you shouldn't establish your Sword Duel Palace at Yunlu City. Did you think it's easy to earn spirit stones?"

She looked at Fu Donghai and suggested, "However, if you hand over Fu Donghai, I might consider letting you off."

Fu Donghai's expression stiffened, and he lowered his gaze without a word.

Long Ruo scoffed, "Fu Donghai is the top disciple of the Long Family's Ninth Sword Academy. His potential is limitless. You're asking for too much!"

Xu Yan snorted. "Top disciple? Limitless potential? Little Eight's talent is no weaker than his. Once he advances to the Dao Union Realm, your so-called top disciple will be nothing in comparison."

She turned toward the young man standing beside her and nudged him. "Little Eight, don't you agree?"

Little Eight nodded and replied, "I agree with whatever the palace master says."

Fang Chen observed the young man. His aura was powerful as he radiated a faint yet sharp sword intent filled with blazing, righteous energy, akin to heavenly lightning.

If Li Pin was not mistaken, this was the very sword cultivator responsible for Xu Yan's string of victories against Long Ruo.

Xu Yan laughed mockingly. "Did you hear that? The Long Family boasts of its thirty-six sword scriptures, yet as a dignified young lady of the second branch, you can't even produce a competent Enlightenment Realm cultivator to fight? What a joke! No wonder your father found a useless husband for you. I heard he couldn't stand your temper and ran away. Hahaha! It's hilarious!"

She clutched her stomach as a roar of laughter erupted.

Fu Donghai's face darkened. He defended hastily, "Palace Master Xu, please do not spout nonsense! My young lady's husband left due to pressing matters and did not run away!"

Instantly, Xu Yan criticised harshly, "A mere lapdog dares to bark before its master speaks? Know your place! You're unworthy to talk to me."

Fu Donghai immediately fell silent.

"Enough of this nonsense. Xu Yan," said Long Ruo, unabashed. "What do you want? It's pointless to provoke me."

Xu Yan grinned and taunted, "Isn't it obvious what I want? I'm here to duel. My esteemed guests are eagerly waiting for a match. Don't keep them waiting."

Long Ruo replied calmly, "Very well. This time, let's raise the stakes. If you lose, the Hanging Sun Sword Duel Palace belongs to me. Those registered sword cultivators will follow my command. As for you, Xu Yan, you and your people will leave Yunlu City and never return. If you're afraid, you can leave now."

Xu Yan was stunned. Her eyes narrowed as she scrutinised Long Ruo. Then, she chuckled. "Are you challenging me?"

Long Ruo smiled innocently. "Am I?"

Suddenly, Xu Yan burst into a fit of laughter. Her gaze landed on Fang Chen and asked, "Who is this? A sword cultivator from the Long Family?"

Long Ruo answered nonchalantly, "He's the one I brought to defeat you. Your precious Little Eight won't last a single move against him."

Upon hearing this, Xu Yan's laughter ceased. She nodded in acceptance. "I accept your wager. To ensure there's no trickery, I will invite several other Sword Duel Palace masters as witnesses."

She turned to Little Eight and ordered, "I want this man cut into exactly eight pieces."

Little Eight glanced at Fang Chen and understood his assignment.

Xu Yan smirked. "The duel will begin in two hours. Use the time wisely to prepare. Once I finish you, the rest of your Sword Duel Palaces will be mine too! This is the consequence of offending the Great Sun Sect!"

She threw her head back in laughter and strode away.

The sword cultivators who were berated by Xu Yan earlier on looked towards Long Ruo with worry.

Long Ruo waved them off, comforting, "Don't worry. Do your best and prepare for the duel."