Ji Wushuang thought to herself, "Since the heavens will not allow me to secretly deal with Mo Lanyi, surely it is permissible for me to do so openly?"
However, everyone, except Ji Wushuang herself, believed that her "challenge to a duel" was nothing more than seeking trouble.
After all, Mo Lanyi had reached the fifth level of Qi Refining, while Ji Wushuang had not even begun cultivating—was this not a clear invitation for a beating?
Master Tian sighed earnestly, "If it's just because of this, we could have investigated privately. There's no need for a duel."
"No," Ji Wushuang replied decisively. "No matter how much I argue behind the scenes, there will always be people who will criticize me. In this case, a duel is the most direct way."
Seeing that no amount of persuasion would change her mind, Master Tian reluctantly posted her "challenge" on the "All Matters Monument."
The All Matters Monument, a high-level spiritual artifact, was Yunlan Sect's public bulletin board. It was vast in size and supported real-time updates. Whether it was for the release of sect rules, tasks, or any miscellaneous matters, everything could be found there.
There was a special section for posting "duel announcements."
When the words "Ji Wushuang of Star Chasing Peak challenges Mo Lanyi of Purple Forest Peak to a martial arts duel" appeared on the monument, the new disciples of Yunlan Sect were immediately in an uproar.
Who among them did not know the names of Ji Wushuang from Star Chasing Peak and Mo Lanyi from Purple Forest Peak?
One was a fierce woman who, though unable to cultivate due to issues with her spiritual roots, excelled in every foundational course.
The other was an exceptionally gifted disciple with a rare spiritual root, cultivating rapidly and enjoying immense luck.
Both were renowned for their beauty—one as ethereal as snow, the other as clear as water.
But what could have caused a rift between them?
Curiosity led to answers.
It turned out that the Peak Master of Hongfu Peak had used his private funds to supplement Ji Wushuang's merit points, but Mo Lanyi had mistakenly thought that such subsidies were available to all disciples of Hongfu Peak. She even expressed envy, remarking on how generous Peak Master Zhan was with a disciple from another peak.
This comment caused confusion among the disciples, who believed that the funds were part of Hongfu Peak's official budget, thus stirring up dissatisfaction and leading to public criticism of both Ji Wushuang and Master Zhan.
Later, Peak Master Zhan of Hongfu Peak angrily clarified that he had used his private funds to reward Ji Wushuang for providing a long-lost text on talisman making, which had significant value for the sect.
According to sect regulations, such "contributions" could be exchanged for merit points, and Ji Wushuang had initially kept quiet about it to avoid drawing attention. However, her silence had been manipulated by others, leading to the spread of false rumors.
Those who understood the full story were silent…
Was Ji Wushuang innocent?
Of course, she was!
She had made a contribution, and the merit points were rightfully hers, yet because she could not cultivate, she became an easy target for malicious gossip.
The disciples of Hongfu Peak, too, were not entirely at fault. After all, they worked hard to earn merit points, and learning that someone received them so easily would naturally cause resentment.
As for Peak Master Zhan, he was certainly blameless. His intention had been to save the sect's resources, but instead, his actions had been questioned, undermining his authority.
In the end, it seemed only Mo Lanyi's actions remained questionable.
Was she wrong? Perhaps not, for she had been unaware of the truth.
But could she be entirely blameless? After all, wasn't it forbidden in the sect to pry into the affairs of other peaks? Ji Wushuang's contribution to the talisman book was a sect secret!
"At this point, it seems that Junior Sister was justified in issuing a challenge," one disciple mused.
"However, her mistake was in challenging her to a martial arts duel. She can't even cultivate—how could she fight? A martial duel is just an invitation to be beaten!" another disciple replied.
"Well, that's true."
"But the challenge is made, and with such harsh words, it seems there's no turning back now. The question is whether Mo Lanyi will accept."
"Of course she has to accept! Otherwise, she'll be seen as a coward."
"Ha! True, if a disciple at the fifth level of Qi Refining is afraid of someone who hasn't even started cultivating, it would be laughable."
"Exactly."
…
When Mo Lanyi saw the duel announcement, her face turned green with fury. She yelled at the old ghost immortal in a fit of rage.
"Ji Wushuang is truly shameless! She is clearly such a terrifying sword cultivator, yet she pretends to be weak and challenges me to a duel—doesn't she know this is just a ploy to beat me? She intends to use this to force me into a corner and make me look like a coward! I'll kill her! I will absolutely kill her!!!"
The old ghost immortal, weary from hearing such complaints, could only sigh.
If Mo Lanyi truly had the ability to kill Ji Wushuang, she wouldn't be here, seething with anger.
Ji Wushuang's swordsmanship was legendary.
Her sword intent and sword energy were unmatched, and even if Mo Lanyi practiced for another five hundred years, she would still not be a match for Ji Wushuang.
After a moment's pause, the old ghost immortal asked, "Do you think you can defeat her?"
Mo Lanyi's fury faltered for a moment as she spat, "Then what do you suggest I do? Should I really become a turtle and shrink away?"
The old ghost immortal sighed deeply. "Mo Lanyi, you've fallen into a trap."
"A trap?"
"To fight her on her terms—using your weaknesses against her strengths—would be foolish."
"Then what should I do?"
"Use your own strengths against her."
Mo Lanyi paused. "But what strengths do I have?"
Since Mo Lanyi had only just started studying the Six Arts, she didn't feel confident enough to use them to win a duel.
The old ghost immortal was silent for a moment, and his silence almost brought Mo Lanyi to tears.
"What do you mean by that, Master?" she asked, her frustration rising.
"I have an advantage," the old ghost immortal replied with a smile. "You are much longer-lived than Ji Wushuang. Even if her swordsmanship is extraordinary, she is still a mere mortal. No matter how powerful her sword intent, she will only live for a century at most. You, however, can outlast her."
Mo Lanyi was silent, her frustration only growing.
Still, she was wise enough to realize that fighting Ji Wushuang now would only result in her being beaten. So, she chose to retreat into seclusion and feign ignorance.
However, had Mo Lanyi known how the situation would unfold, she would have preferred to face Ji Wushuang head-on.
When Ji Wushuang's challenge was met with silence, she requested a further modification to the All Matters Monument. Of course, Lian Xing, ever the obedient one, agreed—after all, Ji Wushuang was the young ancestor.
"Little Wushuang, how would you like the monument to be changed?"
"Add some harsh words after the duel announcement."
"Harsh words?"
"Yes, it's customary to speak harshly before a duel, right? Please add my words."
The next day, the disciples of Yunlan Sect discovered a new feature on the All Matters Monument—postings could now include "harsh words" after a duel challenge.
Ji Wushuang's challenge read:
"Chattering Mo Lanyi,Jealous of merit points, so petty,Whining and complaining,Step out and I'll send you to your grave!"
The final line: "If you don't come, you're a coward!"
Upon reading this, the disciples couldn't help but laugh and cry at the same time.
It wasn't just that Ji Wushuang's martial ability was in question—it was her sharp tongue that truly left an impression.
And, well, the challenge rhyme was oddly catchy!