NOVEL ONLINE FREE Chapter 23: Chapter 23: The Whispering Pines
The Hall of Whispering Pines was a grand structure nestled within the heart of Dongping City's inner district. It stood atop a gentle hill, surrounded by ancient trees that seemed to hum with spiritual energy. During quiet nights, whispers were said to drift among the boughs—hence the name. Most dismissed it as superstition, but cultivators who had reached a certain level knew better. The wind here carried things not easily explained.
The hall itself was massive, its wooden doors etched with runes and protective sigils from an older age. As the Yanhe delegation approached, the air seemed to grow heavier, the spiritual density thickening with authority. Even the guards posted outside wore cultivator-grade armor, and their silent gazes carried weight.
Inside, the Hall was vast—lofty ceilings held aloft by black pinewood beams, and the stone floors radiated subtle pressure from concealed formations. At the far end sat the city lord of Dongping, Xuan Mu, draped in robes of black and silver, his expression unreadable. Flanking him were representatives of Dongping's top sects—figures cloaked in status, with the calm confidence of power.
Li Yuan Tian stood with the rest of the Yanhe delegation as they were ushered toward their designated place along the lower eastern seating. The four patriarchs and Old Bai exchanged hushed words, their eyes sharp. But Yuan Tian didn't sit. His gaze roamed the hall, analyzing faces, sensing auras. Tension rippled beneath the surface like a brewing storm.
"Welcome, honored guests," Xuan Mu's voice echoed, calm and smooth. "You stand at the threshold of the semifinal round. This stage is more than strength—it is judgment. Today, each of you will draw your match by fate."
A servant stepped forward carrying an ornate jade box. As the top eight disciples from the preliminary rounds stepped forward one by one, they reached into the box and pulled out numbered slips. Each bore a glowing numeral that shimmered with a trace of qi.
Li Yuan Tian moved when his name was called. His fingers brushed the slip. A faint surge of energy met his touch.
Number 4.
From across the floor, Fei Yuxin's number lit up: Number 3.
Their eyes met immediately.
A flicker of acknowledgment passed between them—neither surprise nor concern, only inevitability. She smiled faintly, like a cat regarding a clever mouse. He offered no expression, only a nod of understanding.
Once all slips had been drawn, a servant unfurled a long scroll and handed it to Xuan Mu, who held it up for all to see. The match list burned itself into the minds of those present.
A quiet murmur passed through the crowd as it was made clear—the local Dongping champions had all been eliminated in the brutal earlier matches. Of the original elite, only Han Jue, Gu Tian Shen, and Li Yuan Tian had advanced to this final regional stage. This was the last hurdle before the capital's Grand Tournament, where only the best of each region would gather.
Semifinal Tournament Pairings:
Match 1:
#1 Gu Tian Shen (Yanhe)
vs
#2 Mu Ran (Iron Gate Clan)
Match 2:
#3 Fei Yuxin (Yanhe)
vs
#4 Li Yuan Tian (Yanhe)
Match 3:
#5 Yin Lang (Rainflow Tower)
vs
#6 Qin Wuhen (Sunlight Pavilion)
Match 4:
#7 Jiang Tie (Nine Ghost Sect)
vs
#8 Mei Lanyue (Cloudheart Valley)
A stir swept the hall. Gasps, murmurs, suppressed exclamations.
Gu Tian Shen vs Mu Ran—two of the most brutal fighters in the tournament. Then came Match 2: Fei Yuxin vs Li Yuan Tian. A pairing that felt unnatural. Two from the same city, two whose names had been whispered through the streets with rising dread.
Even Old Bai stiffened for a breath. "Two of ours against each other… already?" he muttered.
Li Yuan Tian remained silent. He didn't need to speak.
Fei Yuxin approached as the crowd began to settle. "Looks like we won't need to wait for the finals," she said softly. "Shame. I was curious how far you'd go."
"Far enough," Yuan Tian replied coolly. "Unless you're hoping to end this early."
She tilted her head, amusement flickering in her eyes. "We'll see."
Xuan Mu raised his hand once more. "Match One will be held at dawn tomorrow in the Skyfire Arena. All subsequent matches will follow in order. Spectators from noble clans and sects will bear witness. Prepare accordingly. There will be no second chances."
The announcement finalized the ceremony, but the air inside the Hall remained taut like a drawn bow.
As the Yanhe delegation exited the Whispering Pines, the wind rustled through the high boughs above. And if one listened closely enough… the trees did seem to whisper, their voices carried in the ancient qi of the mountain city.
But Li Yuan Tian paid them no heed. His mind was already on Fei Yuxin.
Not because he feared her—but because he respected what she had become. Fei Yuxin had once blinded a mid-stage Blood Opening cultivator in a duel that was supposed to be for practice. Her cruelty was as calculated as her precision.
Yet he knew his own path had never been to survive by mercy.
He didn't plan to lose.
And when they faced off on the tournament stage, all of Dongping would finally see the difference between ruthlessness born of ego… and a mind honed by fire.