Chapter 145

Chapter 145: The Competition Begins

"Hmph, at least you still recognize me!" Qin Hong Celestial Maiden sneered, shooting Qiu Yao a sharp glare. "If I hadn’t come today, would Ming Xin Sect have kept the Immortal Sect Competition secret from us? Are you deliberately excluding Wuyun Sect?"

Her words startled all the celestial maidens. Though the competition date remained fixed, the host sect always sent formal invitations to leaders of Three Sects and Six Schools beforehand—a longstanding tradition. Wuyun Sect should’ve naturally received one, especially given their close ties. Ming Xin Sect’s oversight seemed suspicious.

"You misunderstand, Noble Lady," Qiu Yao replied smoothly, his smile unshaken. "There must’ve been an error in delivering invitations. Everyone knows the competition date never changes—why would we exclude anyone?"

"You…" Qin Hong’s face flushed. The public snub stung worse than the oversight. Seeing his composed demeanor, she jabbed a finger at him. "Don’t play innocent! This was your scheme, wasn’t it? Thinking you can manipulate everything? Where’s Qin Yan? Bring her here!"

Qiu Yao’s calm cracked. "Our sect master remains in seclusion, healing her injuries. She can’t receive visitors."

Qin Hong froze, anger dissolving into concern. "She still hasn’t…" She bit back her words.

"What do you think?" Qiu Yao countered coldly.

Clenching her fists, Qin Hong swallowed her fury. "This isn’t over," she hissed, storming to the viewing platform. The crowd buzzed in surprise—they’d expected a full-blown confrontation, yet she’d backed down at mere mention of Qin Yan’s condition.

Qiu Yao’s mask of courtesy returned instantly as he resumed hosting.

"The rumors about Qin Yan’s failed ascension must be true," Wu Yue whispered to You You. "Otherwise she’d have greeted Qin Hong personally."

You You nodded, watching Qin Hong’s troubled expression. The matches below commenced as Ming Xin Sect’s protective formations suddenly expanded, intricate patterns multiplying across the floating peak. New platforms materialized around the original arena, doubling the competition space.

"What formation is this?" a celestial maiden exclaimed.

"Six layered arrays at least! Ming Xin Sect’s prowess astonishes!"

You You ignored the chatter, squinting at the dense spiritual energy swirling through the formations—it seemed unnaturally thick, almost mist-like.

Pulling out a messaging talisman, she sent encouragement to Shui Yan’s team. Meanwhile, Qiu Yao circulated through the crowds, distributing match schedules with practiced charm. Even Three Sects representatives rose to greet him warmly.

His smile faltered upon reaching Wu Yue’s group. "Sect Master You," he bowed stiffly, bypassing Wu Yue entirely. "Moon Sea Secret Realm feels like yesterday. Your sect must have many promising disciples this time."

"Thank you. We wish Ming Xin Sect the same."

He produced a jade slip. "The participant roster, should you care to review it."

As Qiu Yao departed, Wu Yue stared at the empty space where her copy should’ve been.

…Did Xuan Guang Sect not rate a roster?