Chapter 1147: This Sword Returned

In all the battles of the Yellow River Meeting so far, it was the first time True Monarch Yu Xi stepped onto the martial arts stage.

It wasn't that he couldn't control the situation from below the stage, but rather to ensure the safety of the two prodigies while also grasping the specific details. This was done with a sense of responsibility towards the Yellow River Meeting and to establish his credibility.

This also demonstrated how intense the battle between Dou Zhao and Chong Xuanzun was.

Who ultimately won and who lost?

This was a question that every spectator on the circular stands eagerly awaited the answer to.

On the martial arts stage, Chong Xuanzun, clad in white, was in a state of utter exhaustion, emitting a foul stench, barely clinging to life.

Dou Zhao, in his red and gold edged martial robes, was no better off.

The Sun, Moon, and Star Tri-Wheel Saber had nearly severed his neck, almost achieving decapitation... Golden light scattered from his body, his Dou Zhan Golden Body shattered!

A strong and vitalizing clear light enveloped both Chong Xuanzun and Dou Zhao.

Yu Xi stood between them, not immediately announcing the result, seemingly finding it difficult to determine the victor.

He furrowed his brow and observed them for a moment before raising his head and bowing respectively to the Dharmakaya of Emperor Qi and Emperor Chu: "I believe that these two prodigies are equally matched and the result should be a draw. May I know if the two Imperial Emperors agree?"

With his strength, it was naturally not difficult to see that both Dou Zhao and Chong Xuanzun were on the brink of death. Without external intervention, the outcome would have been mutual destruction.

That was why he decisively intervened and saved both of them.

This was his responsibility as the host of the Yellow River Meeting.

If he had truly stood by and done nothing, he would have been held accountable afterward.

Furthermore, even if he had done nothing, the two Imperial Emperors, whose Dharmakayas had descended, would not have stood by and watched such top-tier prodigies die.

However,

When both combatants are facing certain death,

The only criterion for determining the victor is who dies first.

But even cultivators at the Enlightened stage cannot provide a convincing and definitive declaration.

Because the speed at which death arrives involves too many factors. It's not just injuries, lifespan, physical condition, or even luck; it also relates to the two individuals' will, perseverance, and ability to withstand.

To convince everyone, the outcome would have to continue until one side truly dies.

But by that time, the other person would definitely not be able to be saved either.

The blow of the Five Declines of Heaven and Man unleashed by the Dou Zhan Golden Body and the blow of Severing Delusion embodied by the Sun, Moon, and Star Tri-Wheel Saber were truly remarkable.

These two young people, in all the previous Yellow River Meetings, belonged to the absolute top tier.

Today's narrow encounter, one couldn't say whether it was fortunate or unfortunate.

As the host of the Yellow River Meeting, he could only give the result of a draw. He handed the power to re-determine the winner to the Emperors of Qi and Chu.

If the two Supremes believed the victory of this battle was more important, they could very well take a gamble and see whose prodigy had a stronger fate.

Only a moment had passed, but for the two Supremes, it was already long enough.

The purple dragon robe stirred slightly, and the deep-sea-like and mountain-like majestic, all-encompassing, and unstoppable voice resounded: "Let it be so."

The incomparably noble, seemingly supreme voice that seemed to have been born into the highest status said: "Well spoken."

Thus, the result of this round was determined.

It was only then that people suddenly realized something –

That prodigy from Wei, it seemed, was about to claim the top spot!

It wasn't unprecedented for countries outside the six dominant powers to claim the top spot in the Outer Tower or Inner Mansion stage of the Yellow River Meeting. Although it was extremely rare, there had been a few instances.

But perhaps never before had two top prodigies fought each other to near death, seemingly unable to participate in the final battle to determine the top spot.

As a result, the winner of the other semi-final match now had no opponent.

Since Dou Zhao and Chong Xuanzun were declared a draw, a battle between either of them and Yan Shaofei would determine the final result.

However, given their current state, it was highly unlikely they could fight again immediately.

External help to assist their recovery would not conform to the rules of the Yellow River Meeting.

So...

Was Yan Shaofei the champion of the Outer Tower stage?

This question arose in many people's minds.

Yes.

This was a "question".

Not a recognized result.

Because after witnessing the peerless battle at the Outer Tower level between Dou Zhao and Chong Xuanzun, no one believed that Yan Shaofei, based on his current demonstrated strength, was qualified to be the Outer Tower champion.

Although, according to the rules, the final outcome seemed very clear, as the Great General of Jing's cavalry, Xiahou Lie, said, luck was also a kind of strength.

But Wei was not Jing after all, and the strength of these two prodigies, Dou Zhao and Chong Xuanzun, was visibly a notch above everyone else.

This championship, who could be convinced?

Controversy wasn't the issue; the problem was the lack of controversy.

With his current performance, Yan Shaofei certainly deserved the title of prodigy. His victory over Jing's prodigy, Zhongshan Weisun, was also a solid achievement.

But his performance in these few matches was indeed inferior to that of Dou Zhao and Chong Xuanzun; this was an undisputed fact.

Throughout history, there have been champions who were controversial.

However, in this world, have there ever been champions who were clearly weaker than others?

At this moment, all eyes were on Yan Shaofei.

Including Yu Xi, who was still carefully maintaining the vitality of Dou Zhao and Chong Xuanzun.

Regardless, as the host of this Yellow River Meeting, he had to announce the result.

At this time, Yan Shaofei was below the stage.

After defeating Zhongshan Weisun, he simply treated his injuries and then sat quietly below the stage, witnessing the entire battle between Dou Zhao and Chong Xuanzun.

The jade ring that bound his hair had been destroyed in the previous battle, so his hair was currently disheveled.

The heaviness when challenging the Red Lotus, the joy when activating "Must Enjoy Pleasure", the sorrow when using the Divine Wound Sword Art... None of these were reflected in his expression at this moment.

He was calm and serious.

"I came to the Yellow River Meeting, hoping to contend with the heroes of the world. Even if my body is incinerated, I am willing to seek the first place."

These words were not boastful. When he fought with Zhongshan Weisun, he had already burned his life to fight.

Yan Shaofei deeply glanced at Dou Zhao and Chong Xuanzun, then cupped his hands towards Yu Xi and said: "Today I have witnessed a peerless battle. Only now do I know the vastness of the world and the brightness of the sun and moon. I dare not contend for the top spot!"

He let out a sigh.

This sigh was both frank and proud: "Let me be the third in the world!"

He had no regrets about this decision for himself.

But for Wei, he still needed to give an account.

So he turned around and deeply bowed to General Wu Xun of Wei. He took off the sheathed long sword from his waist, turned it upside down in front of him, held it with both hands, and gently pushed it forward.

"Before the expedition, I made a promise to Your Majesty that I would bring back this top spot for Wei. Your Majesty bestowed upon me the sword of pride and saw me off. Now that my skills are inferior, I dare not claim first place. Since the previous agreement is broken, I return this sword!"

The sword of pride flew towards Wu Xun, sheath and all.

Yan Shaofei turned around and simply walked away.

Leaving behind the world's top spot that was within reach; leaving behind such a renowned sword of the world; and leaving behind the gazes, exclamations, and discussions of the entire audience.

He was not a Wei official and did not serve the monarch; he was just a wandering swordsman from the land of Wei.

Therefore, he had his pride and detachment, his choices and his path.

Only, when he reached the southern exit,

General Wu Xun of Wei pushed back with his palm.

The sword of pride suddenly flew out, easily crossing the distance, and rehung on Yan Shaofei's waist without a trace of smoke or fire.

Wu Xun's voice said: "A sword bestowed by the Son of Heaven has no reason to be taken back. Although you are not the top champion in the world, you are the most proud person in our Wei. Who else but you deserves this sword? The road ahead is long and far. Often think of your homeland and old friends, and do not forget this sword and this heart."

Yan Shaofei stopped, bowed his head to Wu Xun, but said nothing more. He simply held the long sword and walked away resolutely.

Listening to their conversation, people realized at this time that after this battle, Yan Shaofei would leave Wei.

They didn't know where he was going or what he was going to do...

This was truly a person with many stories.

"Good!"

Someone shouted loudly in approval.

For a moment, the circular stands erupted in cheers.

It was both for Yan Shaofei's clear-headed self-control, not contending for the top spot, and leaving with his sword.

It was also for Wu Xun bestowing the precious sword upon the hero, without forcing a judgment on success or failure.

Of course, for different people, the level of thought was completely different.

Yan Shaofei chose to leave with his sword.

Perhaps there were other considerations, perhaps it was simply his own pride at work.

Only he knew the reasons why.

But for Wei, this was undoubtedly a very wise move.

Among all the Outer Tower prodigies in this Yellow River Meeting, Dou Zhao and Chong Xuanzun were in a league of their own, a head above the other prodigies.

Besides them, no one was qualified to reach the summit.

They had fought to the point of near mutual destruction, and your Wei prodigy came up to claim the top spot? Who could be convinced?

Qi would not be convinced, nor would Chu.

The whole world would not be convinced.

Then, could you, a country not among the world's six powers, hold on to the benefits represented by this "top spot"?

Having no strength to compete for the top spot, but ultimately claiming it, is a case of "virtue not matching one's position".

As the saying goes, "Virtue not matching one's position will surely lead to disaster."

For Yan Shaofei to claim the top spot under such circumstances would be a misfortune, not a blessing.

Therefore, when he left with his sword, Wu Xun gladly accepted it.

Although Yan Shaofei had previously made a promise to Emperor Wei in Wei to bring back a top spot,

The monarch and officials of Wei actually did not have this expectation. In fact, their baseline was to enter the main competition, and their expectation was only to reach the top eight.

Yan Shaofei reaching the top four in the Outer Tower stage was already a pleasant surprise.

To securely obtain the corresponding resources, they still needed to prepare properly.

Now that he had even given up the readily available top spot, who would still dare to make things difficult for your top four resources?

As for Wu Xun returning the sword to Yan Shaofei...

This River Observing Platform was not only a meeting of prodigies but also a meeting of nations.

It was not just the prodigies who were competing for fame.

Why did so many prodigies swear to fight to the death, sacrificing their boundless futures in this brief battle, staking everything on the martial arts stage?

Because they represented not only themselves but also the country behind them.

Honor is sometimes more important than victory or defeat.

That's why Yue's Bai Yuxia refused to "pick up" a spot in the main competition.

That's why the venerable True Master Cao Jie deliberately made things difficult for a small Touch of Mercy. It wasn't to make things difficult for Touch of Mercy, but to make things difficult for the State of Xia.

Wu Xun was the dignified Great General of Wei and naturally understood this principle.

He always had to uphold the reputation of Wei.

Not to mention that it was just a sword of pride that had already been bestowed, even if there were ten more famous swords in the world, he would give them away when needed, without even batting an eye.

When Yan Shaofei's back disappeared outside the Six Harmony Pillars,

People then realized that a new question had emerged –

Who was the champion of the Outer Tower stage in this Yellow River Meeting?

Yan Shaofei, the only person who had earned the right to compete for the top spot, declared himself the third in the world. Undoubtedly, the first place could only be between Dou Zhao and Chong Xuanzun.

In a sense, Dou Zhao and Chong Xuanzun represented two extremes.

They were two completely different types of prodigies.

Dou Zhao only possessed one divine ability seed, only one Dou Zhan Golden Body, but he had developed it to the extreme. Relying on his extraordinary combat talent, he fully mastered the Seven Forms of Dou Zhan, his saber techniques were divine, he condensed the Dao of Dou Zhan, achieving top-tier Outer Tower combat strength.

Chong Xuanzun, on the other hand, almost represented the highest achievement of the Divine Ability Inner Mansion, possessing a Heavenly Mansion and obtaining five divine abilities from his five mansions. Each divine ability was developed to the extreme, making him a top-tier prodigy. After stepping into the Outer Tower, he also possessed peak combat strength at the Outer Tower realm.

In terms of divine abilities, no matter how strong the Dou Zhan Golden Body was, it could not compare to Chong Xuanzun's five mansion divine abilities.

In terms of fists, feet, and weapons, Chong Xuanzun and Dou Zhao... were incomparable.

His technique of smashing people with the sun disk, while steady, accurate, and fierce, was truly difficult to compare with top-tier prodigies. The power of his five divine ability fists came from the Dao and the light of the five divine abilities. His most skilled saber techniques had not reached the level of Gan Chang'an. It was only when driven by the Severing Delusion divine ability, wielding the Sun, Moon, and Star Tri-Wheel Saber, and叠加 with Chong Xuan's power, that it possessed a terrifying power not inferior to the Five Declines of Heaven and Man.

Both sides had pushed their strengths to the extreme.

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Looking at all their performances in the main competition of the Outer Tower stage, it could be said that they were equally matched.

Whether it was their fighting will or fighting talent, there was nothing to criticize.

In their one-on-one confrontation, they fought until the last moment and ended in a draw.

However, in martial arts, there is no second place. How can there be a tie for the champion?

Yu Xi did not deliberate for long.

He had saved Dou Zhao, who was almost decapitated, and Chong Xuanzun, who was about to decline. He dispersed the clear light and stood with his hands behind his back.

Facing the crowd, he said: "Yan Shaofei has voluntarily withdrawn from the competition and is willing to be third. Therefore, Qi's Chong Xuanzun and Chu's Dou Zhao are tied for second place in the Yellow River Meeting Outer Tower stage. This year's Outer Tower... has no champion!"

This was a somewhat regrettable, but also rule-abiding, outcome.

As the host of the main competition of the Yellow River Meeting, Yu Xi only needed to be responsible for the rules of the Yellow River Meeting.

In fact, purely according to the rules, Dou Zhao and Chong Xuanzun had lost.

It was only because the people of Wei knew when to advance and retreat that such a result occurred.

In a venue like the Yellow River Meeting, it was even more impossible to wait for Dou Zhao and Chong Xuanzun to recover from their injuries before having another fight.

Yu Xi's words were the final outcome.

After saying this, he looked around and simply said: "Tomorrow is the competition for the Inner Mansion champion!"

Then he turned and disappeared from the martial arts stage.

On the martial arts stage, Dou Zhao and Chong Xuanzun lay on either side, both near death.

Based on the rules of the Yellow River Meeting, Yu Xi had saved their lives, but it was impossible for him to expend huge effort to completely heal their injuries.

This was a matter for Qi and Chu themselves.

Of course, no one needed to be urged.

The performance of Chong Xuanzun and Dou Zhao today undoubtedly earned everyone's respect.

Their future was also predictably brilliant; they were precious treasures of their respective countries.

Almost as soon as Yu Xi left, the strong cultivators from Qi and Chu rushed onto the martial arts stage.

Cao Jie, the commander of the Great Qi's Spring Death Army, carried Chong Xuanzun down from the martial arts stage, while Wu Xi, the commander of the Great Chu's Evil Face Army, began treating Dou Zhao on the martial arts stage.

In short, they were all extremely concerned.

Of course, Wu Xi also quickly left with Dou Zhao because Xian Nan Kui came forward and stated that they needed to hurry and determine the last spot for the Inner Mansion stage...

However, after the battle of the Outer Tower prodigies ended, the selection match for this spot indeed did not receive much attention.

Having already witnessed the ultimate splendor, looking back at the selection match for the Inner Mansion stage was truly difficult to find interest in.

Even Jiang Wang rose from his seat, intending to recuperate well and prepare for tomorrow's main competition.

And at some point, the Dharmakayas of the six Supremes standing alongside the Six Harmony Pillars had also disappeared.

Looking around, between every two Six Harmony Pillars, it was still that hazy and indistinct appearance, impossible to see clearly.

As for that Mr. Ao, he was no longer there, only the Hua chair was empty.

It felt rather like a magnificent chapter turning into blank paper in a dream.

Speaking of Chong Xuanzun being carried down from the martial arts stage by Cao Jie, a group of concerned people immediately gathered from Qi's side.

Many people from Qi, like Chong Xuan Sheng and Li Longchuan, who had come to observe the ceremony, were naturally worried about their country's prodigy. They were both proud and concerned.

Wang Yi Wu was the first to rush to Cao Jie's side. If he hadn't known Cao Jie's abilities, he would have wished to heal him himself.

Chong Xuan Sheng even emotionally clasped Chong Xuanzun's hand, tears welling up in his eyes, and said with emotion: "Elder brother, I will bear the family matters alone. You have no worries!"

Chong Xuanzun's injury almost healed on the spot.

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