Chapter 4: Please Decide to Fight to the Death

Jiang Wang's words had just fallen when he decisively drew his sword and struck.

"What!?"

A flash of cold light. Fang Pengju scrambled to avoid the strike, shocked, angry, and utterly disheveled.

Apart from him, no one present reacted. Almost everyone thought the next scene would be one of brothers reconciling, deep affection, even becoming a heartwarming tale.

No one expected that, with everyone watching, with the bond of brotherhood hanging in the air, Jiang Wang would really draw his sword!

"Pengju," Jiang Wang looked at him with a smile, but that smile was exceptionally cold. "You promised to offer your neck to be killed. Why did you dodge?"

Fang Pengju's handsome face turned from pale to flushed. He stood up from the ground, gritting his teeth as he met Jiang Wang's gaze: "Third brother, are you really disregarding all brotherly affection?"

"Shameless bastard!" By this point, Du Yegu was enraged. "I was blind to be brothers with you!"

As he said that, he took a step forward, ready to rush over, but Jiang Wang reached out to stop him.

"Second brother, let me handle this myself."

Fang Pengju glared: "Du Yegu! What's it to you!?"

"Fang Pengju, you've disappointed me too much!" The ever-tolerant Linghe could no longer suppress his anger. He stepped forward, drew the sword at his waist, cut off a corner of his robe, and threw it heavily on the ground. "From this day forward, we sever our brotherhood!"

"Big brother!" Fang Pengju gave a miserable laugh: "Second brother is impulsive, that's fine, but can't even you understand me? To prove my innocence, I'm willing to die, but my parents have only me as their son. I'm their only hope to carry on the family line. My life isn't my own, how can I die here? Jiang Wang trusts villains, doesn't listen to explanations, and is determined to kill me! Does he have any brotherly affection in his heart?"

"Fourth brother, this is the last time I'll call you fourth brother," Zhao Rucheng, the youngest of the Maple Forest Five Heroes, finally spoke. His face was still somewhat youthful but already extremely handsome. His words rang out like the sound of gold and jade. "Fang Decai's surname is Fang! His family has served your Fang family for generations! What conditions could a bunch of defeated bandits offer to bribe him? Are you insulting the wealth of your Fang family, or are you insulting our collective intelligence? How did a bunch of stray dogs from the Western Hills manage to infiltrate Maple Forest City and set up a trap in Wangyue Tower? Finally, since you don't have the resolve to die to prove your innocence, who was that charade just for? I, Zhao Rucheng, am ashamed to be associated with you!"

Of the five, Linghe and Jiang Wang were from poor families, Du Yegu's family was neither rich nor poor, while Fang Pengju and Zhao Rucheng were both from wealthy families. The Fang family need not be mentioned, and although the Zhao family had only moved to Maple Forest City in the last decade, their wealth was unfathomable.

"Little five, you've always been close to third brother, and you usually favor him, but aren't I still your fourth brother? You have no evidence, you're just making these assumptions and saying these hurtful words. Can your conscience be at peace?"

Fang Pengju was distraught, appearing extremely tormented and hurt.

"Pengju, you're still so eloquent," Jiang Wang stopped Zhao Rucheng and the others. "But have you ever wondered why, even when I was seriously injured and fleeing, I didn't secretly contact big brother, second brother, or little five, but chose to only come to you today?"

His eyelids lowered slightly: "Because I never wanted to put them in a position to choose, I didn't want them to be suspicious, I didn't want to make things difficult for them! The matter between you and me, let you and I resolve it ourselves. If I die, then I die. Since I'm still alive, then what's owed must be repaid."

Fang Pengju looked at him coldly: "Do you have some kind of persecution delusion? I don't owe you anything, how am I supposed to repay you? Why are you so obsessed?"

But Jiang Wang no longer spoke to him, instead turning to the tall statue of the Daoist deity in the Dao Academy and bowing deeply: "Disciple Jiang Wang was harmed by the villain Fang Pengju and nearly died. This hatred cannot be resolved, this resentment cannot be extinguished. I request a death duel!"

The crowd erupted in an uproar.

Dao-witnessed death duel!!!

Fratricide among fellow disciples is a sin, but if there is truly a deep-seated hatred, an unquenchable blood feud, the Dao Gate does not shy away from duels.

And among the many types of duels, a duel witnessed by the Dao deity is the most irrevocable.

The Dao Gate generally believes that Dao deities reside high in the heavens, perceiving the universe. Reciting their names means being known by them. Bowing before their forms means being felt by them. All vows involving Dao deities are irreversible.

Dao-witnessed death duel, unending until death.

As soon as Jiang Wang finished speaking, a middle-aged Daoist in black robes appeared before the Dao deity statue.

He had a resolute face and a short beard. On the right breast of his black Daoist robe was embroidered a small green dragon, appearing lifelike. This was a Soaring Dragon Daoist robe, which only those in the middle three ranks of power could wear.

Secular cultivators are generally divided into nine ranks. Different schools have different names or extraordinary manifestations, but the general ranks can be corresponded to the nine-rank system. Ranks nine to seven are the lower ranks, ranks six to four are the middle ranks, and ranks three to one are the upper ranks. Interestingly, this also corresponds to the official ranks of various countries.

Of course, in small countries like Zhuang, even a first-rank prime minister may not truly have the power of a first rank.

As soon as this black-robed, short-bearded Daoist appeared, all the disciples present bowed and saluted, "Dean!"

There were few Daoists in the entire Maple Forest City who could wear Soaring Dragon black robes, and this included Dong A, the Dean of Maple Forest Dao Academy. It was rumored that he had cultivated in the capital of Zhuang, Xin'an City, but because of his upright and impartial character, he offended powerful figures and was transferred to Maple Forest City in Qinghe County.

Linghe had a look of sorrow on his face, but he did not say a word. He knew Jiang Wang's swordsmanship well. It could be said that before he officially began cultivating Dao techniques, no one in the outer courtyard was his match, Fang Pengju included.

But since Jiang Wang had proposed a Dao-witnessed duel, it meant that the injustice was irreparable. Now that the Dean had arrived in person, Fang Pengju either had to fight to the death, or he could only surrender and wait for Maple Forest Dao Academy to intervene in the investigation of Jiang Wang's ambush.

However, how could Fang Pengju withstand an investigation by the Dao Academy?

Therefore, he had no choice.

Amid countless gazes of suspicion, mockery, or anger, Fang Pengju's face remained calm, "Third brother, do we really have to draw our swords and face each other?"

Jiang Wang said calmly: "You are the one who brought us to this point, not me."

"What will it take for you to believe me?"

"I've already paid for that trust with my life once. Now, there's no point in saying more. The Fang Pengju I remember isn't a coward who's afraid to fight."

Fang Pengju remained unmoved: "Are you so confident that you can kill me?"

Jiang Wang looked at him calmly: "Let's find out."Fang Pengju stared at him for a long while, then suddenly burst out laughing, "It's a pity you can't kill me. Our duel cannot be established. Because just the other day, my Dao Meridian showed its initial signs, and I can be considered an inner courtyard disciple! We are at different levels, how can we duel?"

As he spoke, he straightened his body and fully stimulated his Dao Meridian. Everyone present could sense an aura rising from his spinal column, making him mentally vigorous. This indicated that his Dao Meridian had manifested, allowing his physical body to provide feedback to the Dao Meridian to generate Dao Essence, officially possessing extraordinary power.

The Dao Academy had corresponding regulations for duels. One important point was that for duel invitations between different levels, anyone could unconditionally refuse. This was to protect lower-ranked cultivators, preventing high-ranked cultivators from bullying them. However, at this moment, it became Fang Pengju's reason to avoid the duel.

Although he had manifested his Dao Meridian, it had not been long, and he had not yet begun to practice Dao techniques. Therefore, his power had not essentially improved, and he still did not have the confidence to fight Jiang Wang.

Jiang Wang was silent.

He silently looked at Fang Pengju, his emotions complex.

Then, he slowly said, "For this Qi Opening Pill, I entered West Mountain alone, fought a bloody battle, and finally broke the bandit nest. In this battle, I suffered thirteen wounds, with two being fatal."

"To ensure the best effect of the Qi Opening, I planned to wait until my body recovered to its peak before using this pill. I understood the principle that possessing a treasure invites trouble, so I never revealed a word to anyone. Everyone thought I would swallow the pill that day, except for you, except for us five brothers who went through life and death together. Because I had nothing to hide from you."

"From the age of five, when I first came into contact with the world of cultivation, I have been chasing this Qi Opening Pill. I don't have a natural Dao Meridian manifestation. If I want to become extraordinary, I can only rely on pills. It is my path to cultivation, my hope, my only light. You know my family situation. You know how hard I have worked. I get up to practice my sword every day before dawn and only rest after midnight. I never go to brothels and never indulge myself in any way. In the entire Maple Forest Dao Academy, I dare say that no outer courtyard disciple works harder than me. For this Qi Opening Pill, I have worked hard for eleven years!"

As Jiang Wang spoke, he stared intently at Fang Pengju, "Mixed with my sweat, my blood, my tears, is my Qi Opening Pill useful?"

The scene was silent for a moment.

Ling He pursed his lips tightly, Zhao Rucheng gritted his teeth in silence, and even a tough man like Du Yehou had reddened eyes.

Yes, who didn't know Jiang Wang's obsession, Jiang Wang's exhaustion, Jiang Wang's suffering?

And Fang Pengju, to actually be so ruthless!

"I don't know what nonsense you're talking about!" A trace of unnaturalness flashed across Fang Pengju's face, but he quickly suppressed it. "My uncle traveled through Yun Country with a trade caravan earlier this month and happened to buy a Qi Opening Pill from a cultivator in financial straits. I was thus able to manifest my Dao Meridian. What does that have to do with you? Don't think everyone is like you, born poor and using any means to advance! My Fang family is immensely wealthy. Is it possible that we can't afford a Qi Opening Pill?"

Zhao Rucheng was filled with hatred and no longer held back his words. "Yes, the Fang family is indeed immensely wealthy. It's a pity that your parents died early, and you are not the only direct descendant of the Fang family. The family resources allocated to you are limited. Otherwise, how is it that for so long, you haven't been able to obtain a Qi Opening Pill, but so coincidentally, you got one after my Third Brother was attacked?"

"That's quite a coincidence. I can only say, it's too coincidental!" A cold light appeared in Fang Pengju's eyes. "Don't say things without evidence. For the sake of our brotherhood, I won't argue with you. If there's a next time, as an inner courtyard disciple, I'll let you know what hierarchical order means!"

"You!" Zhao Rucheng was furious.

Du Yehou even gritted his teeth so hard they nearly shattered. If the Dean weren't present, he would have loved to smash Fang Pengju's handsome face with a punch.

Only Jiang Wang seemed calm. "Fang Pengju, I told you. You are too arrogant, too self-righteous, and often overlook the truth because of it. I taught you that, why can't you learn?"

"Why don't you think about it? If the Dao Validation Duel could not be established, then why would Dean Dong appear here?"

He took a step forward, also stimulating his Dao Meridian. The earthworm in his spinal column writhed violently, making his entire person as sharp as a sword, as straight as a sword!

"That's because I have also manifested my Dao Meridian and officially possess the possibility of being extraordinary!"

"We are at the same level, and you don't dare to let the Dean investigate. Therefore, the duel is established!"

While Fang Pengju was horrified, Dean Dong A had already waved his large sleeve.

Right at the entrance of the Dao Academy, right under the feet of Jiang Wang and Fang Pengju, a sapling suddenly broke out of the ground. Within a few breaths, it grew wildly, becoming a huge wooden stake, lifting the two up and separating them from the other outer courtyard disciples.

The top of the wooden stake was smooth as if cut by a sharp weapon, ten steps square. From a distance, it looked like a wooden circular platform. Only around the "platform" were branches swaying.

Fang Pengju had no doubt that once he turned to run, these seemingly harmless branches would turn into flesh-eating beasts.

And Jiang Wang's hand was already on the hilt of his sword, ready to go.

With a casual wave, Dong A twisted a branch, rolled up the sword Fang Pengju had previously thrown on the ground, and threw it onto the platform.

Fang Pengju reached out and caught it.

In front of the Dao Lord statue whose face could never be seen clearly, the Fifth-Rank Inner Palace Realm expert, Dong A, announced indifferently: "Dao Validation Death Match, begin!"