Chapter 314

Chapter 314: Life-and-Death Duel

Mo Lanyun couldn’t bear to see Fang Lie embarrass himself, so she quietly introduced, "The White Dragon Divine Sword is one of the Ten Divine Swords of East Kunlun, passed down through ten Thunder Tribulation Immortals. It is now an eighth-rank middle-grade treasure, even better than your Gold Dragon Monk Staff. The sect granted Bailongzi his Dao name because this Divine Sword has recognized him as its master."

"I understand. Thank you, junior sister," Fang Lie nodded, then turned to Bailongzi and said, "My Gold Dragon Monk Staff has a clear origin, so I can make decisions about it myself. But your White Dragon Divine Sword seems to belong to East Kunlun and is not your personal property. Are you certain you have the qualification to bet with it? What if I defeat you and then East Kunlun refuses to acknowledge it?"

"You—" Bailongzi’s face turned red as he opened his mouth but couldn’t find a way to argue back.

You see, although these second generation immortals receive special treatment in the sect and can even use eighth-rank treasures, the ownership of these treasures belongs to the sect, not to them personally. After their death, they must return them to the sect.

So, in theory, Bailongzi really does not have the qualification to use this Divine Sword for a bet. This is an undeniable fact, which Fang Lie pointed out, putting him in a very awkward position.

Betting with the White Dragon Divine Sword violates the sect rules; however, if he didn’t use it for the bet, he wouldn’t be able to present anything comparable to an eighth-rank treasure. Should he just give up the duel?

If he did give up, at least among the second generation immortals, he would be utterly finished and would surely become the subject of everyone’s ridicule.

Thinking this, Bailongzi gritted his teeth and looked toward an elder behind him, his Senior Uncle, the protector assigned to him by the sect, who held great authority.

As one of the only three core inner gate disciples of the sect, Bailongzi and the others had been groomed as future leaders of the sect from a young age. Even though they are still young, they wield significant power and can govern and manage cultivators below the level of the Purple Palace.

However, the ownership of the eighth-rank treasure, the White Dragon Divine Sword, is still not something he can decide on. Only if his protector also speaks out can they together make the final decision.

The elder in blue robes naturally understood Bailongzi’s meaning. He furrowed his brow, contemplating the risks and benefits, and felt hesitant.

Agreeing would indeed offer a strong chance to win an eighth-rank treasure, which would greatly benefit the entire sect, and he would also gain considerable rewards.

But if they were to lose, it would be a huge problem. The Ten Divine Swords of East Kunlun had long become a symbol of the East Kunlun lineage. If they lost it in a bet, it would become a laughingstock, and both he and Bailongzi would face severe punishment from the sect.

On one hand was the incredible temptation of benefits, and on the other was the terrifying consequence, putting the Fire Tribulation Immortal in a state of indecision.

But now, under the watchful eyes of the crowd, he didn’t have much time to think. Reluctantly, he had to use his divine sense to communicate with Bailongzi, asking, "How confident are you really?"

"Ten out of ten!" Bailongzi quickly replied through his divine sense. "Once the fight starts, I will use the White Dragon Divine Sword to cut him down. With his level of cultivation, even if he can handle an eighth-rank treasure, he will definitely not be my opponent!"

"If he is not your opponent, why is he forcing you into a duel? Is he setting a trap for you? Have you considered that?" The elder in blue robes asked cautiously.

"To set a trap, one must have strength. Do you really think he can find a way to win against me?" Bailongzi pridefully replied. "This kid is just counting on the fact that I hesitate to use the White Dragon Divine Sword as a bet, so he is saying this on purpose. But I won’t fall for it. I want him to pay for his treasure and suffer humiliation!"

"Enough, enough…" The elder in blue robes said, immediately making up his mind. He turned to Fang Lie and said, "This White Dragon Divine Sword can be used for the bet. As long as you can win, it belongs to you. I represent East Kunlun to assure you that no one will bother you!"

"Great, bold! This is the true East Kunlun!"

"Truly worthy of a sword cultivator, fearless and invincible! Little Fang Lie could never scare you! Brother White Dragon, I admire you!"

"Brother White Dragon, I really like you~"

A group of second generation immortals was as excited as if they had taken a stimulant. After all, the stakes were incredibly high this time. They had lived for decades, even hundreds of years, and had bet countless times, but this was the first time they witnessed a direct bet of an eighth-rank treasure.

Fang Lie was equally thrilled. He smiled and said, "If that’s the case, let’s go to the life-and-death platform to settle this. Also, let’s invite the Penglai Sword Sect’s people to be the referees, how about that?"

"Sure, let’s go!" Bailongzi shouted, then took the lead and soared on his sword toward the nearby duel platform.

The life-and-death platform was specifically prepared for cultivators to duel, as they often fight for various reasons. So, life-and-death platforms have become essential places for large sects.

In Penglai Immortal City, there were over a dozen life-and-death platforms, each designated for different cultivation levels.

Of course, when second generation immortals wanted to duel, they would definitely choose the best life-and-death platform.

Thus, Bailongzi led everyone to the largest and most upscale life-and-death platform in Penglai Immortal City.

This life-and-death platform was several acres in size, built from fourth-grade materials, Cloud Steel Gold. This material was incredibly sturdy and highly resistant to Dao magic. After being imbued with countless divine patterns, it became even more indestructible.

Even an ordinary Wind Tribulation Immortal would find it difficult to damage during a duel.

Outside the life-and-death platform, a powerful Formation provided protection. Even the Thunder Tribulation Immortal could not interfere with the duel happening inside.

The life-and-death platform of the Penglai Sword Sect was built somewhat like an entertaining arena, surrounded by many colorful stands where people could enjoy the battles within.

At this moment, the news that Fang Lie was going to duel with Bailongzi had already spread far and wide. No matter how fast they flew, they could not outpace the Flying Swords sending messages.

The curious second generation immortals quickly used their Flying Swords to inform friends and family along the way, and they passed the news to one another.

Since this matter involved famous individuals from two major sects and the ownership of two eighth-rank treasures, it attracted almost everyone attending the Grand Banquet by the Sea and Sky.

As a result, by the time Fang Lie and Bailongzi reached the life-and-death platform, several hundred people had already gathered there.

These people clearly divided into three groups: one from the Righteous Sect, one from the Fang Sect, and another who received the message from the demonic sect.

Without exchanging any unnecessary words, Fang Lie and Bailongzi flew straight to the dazzling life-and-death platform and waited quietly.

Before long, the Penglai Sword Sect sent a Fire Tribulation Immortal to the scene.

This Immortal wore a big red robe adorned with golden fire clouds, had a bald head, and a bushy red beard flowing over his chest.

However, despite his fierce appearance, he had a friendly face, like a businessman.

He flew up to the life-and-death platform and said to Fang Lie and Bailongzi, "I am Elder Fire Cloud of the Penglai Sword Sect. I must ask, are you two sure you wish to duel to the death?"

"Yes, we ask the elder to witness this!" Fang Lie and Bailongzi clasped their fists in salute together.

"Oh dear, young people, why be so hot-blooded? Let me advise you, as righteous people, it would be better to spar casually; there’s no need to fight to the death, is there?" Elder Fire Cloud said with a troubled expression, "Can you do this for my sake?"

From the Penglai Sword Sect’s perspective, they certainly did not want their guests to fight to the death on their territory. Regardless of who died, it would be difficult to explain to their superiors.

Though one could be revived after death, it would still leave a significant impact. For the Penglai Sword Sect, each second generation immortal who died would cast a shadow over their Grand Banquet by the Sea and Sky.

If too many died, who would wish to attend such a deadly event in the future?

However, the Elder was destined to be disappointed. Fang Lie and Bailongzi resolutely shook their heads and almost in unison said, "We have thought it through; today, we must determine life and death!"

"Must you really?" Elder Fire Cloud was nearly in tears with worry.

"Sorry, but no! I want this scoundrel to die!" Bailongzi said fiercely.

"Hehe, I have long disdained trash like him. Their existence is an insult to morality; let them die early and be reborn!" Fang Lie replied with a smile.

"Sigh, why must it come to this?" Elder Fire Cloud sighed, "Since you insist, there’s really nothing I can do. However, here is a contract you must sign. By signing, you agree that if you fall in battle, you cannot blame others, and your sect must not retaliate!"

As he spoke, Elder Fire Cloud reluctantly took out two contracts and handed one each to Fang Lie and Bailongzi.

In addition to clearly stating the fate of life and death, it also listed their stakes: Fang Lie would wager the eighth-rank treasure Gold Dragon Monk Staff, while Bailongzi would wager the eighth-rank treasure White Dragon Divine Sword!

Fang Lie and Bailongzi looked over the contracts, found no issues, and signed their names. They then handed them to each other for safekeeping, knowing this would serve as proof against any future claims from their sects.

Seeing the contracts signed, Elder Fire Cloud shook his head in resignation and flew out of the life-and-death platform. He waved his hand to activate the Formation protecting the platform and then declared loudly, "Now, I announce that the life-and-death duel between Fang Lie and Bailongzi officially begins!"

As soon as Elder Fire Cloud finished speaking, Fang Lie intended to attack.

However, unexpectedly, Bailongzi first clasped his fists, bowed his head, and said respectfully, "Brother Fang, please!"

Seeing this, Fang Lie swiftly withdrew half of his Chaos Sky-Devouring Halberd.

With all eyes on him, how could Fang Lie lose his composure? That would be too embarrassing, and even if he won, he would be mocked by others.

So, he hurriedly followed suit and bowed, saying, "Brother Bailong, please!"

But little did he know, just as he lowered his head, an unexpected event occurred!