Chapter 71: Destined for a Grand Undertaking

Murderous intent!

Xia Jiuxuan’s sensitivity to killing intent surpassed that of anyone else. The moment he turned around, he sensed several murderous auras descending upon him.

“Luoyan, be prepared. No matter the circumstances, protect the young lady first.”

“I understand,” Li Luoyan replied, fully aware of how important Miss Ranran was to her. Nothing meant more in her heart.

On the other side, Jiang Qingyang had already resolved to kill. With a single command, the eight heads of the academies, along with himself, would launch a frenzied attack.

Jiang Qingyang himself was at the second realm of the Separation from the Mundane, while the other eight were all at the peak of the Sealed Spirit realm. If they attacked together, Xia Jiuxuan would have no chance of resisting.

“Gentlemen, gentlemen, my apologies for being late.”

At that very moment, a resonant voice rang out, and a figure instantly landed beside Xia Jiuxuan.

Xia Jiuxuan glanced sideways at the middle-aged man.

It was Li Huaifeng, Head of the Nirvana Academy!

“Greetings, Head Xia,”

Li Huaifeng cupped his hands in a slight bow.

“You are too courteous, Head Li.”

This gesture made it clear to Xia Jiuxuan that Li Huaifeng must have been instructed by Su Hongde to come to his aid.

Li Huaifeng cupped his hands once more, then stepped back, standing just half a step behind Xia Jiuxuan.

Seeing Li Huaifeng and several experts from the Nirvana Academy arrive, Jiang Qingyang and his group, who were prepared to act, restrained themselves.

“Li Huaifeng,” Jiang Qingyang said coldly, “The Nirvana Academy need not participate in the Grand Tournament. Without my command, why are you here?”

“Reporting to the Prefect,” Li Huaifeng replied, his expression unchanged and his tone neutral, “The Grand Tournament is a cherished tradition of our academy. As a member, I naturally must represent Nirvana Academy and observe. Otherwise, wouldn’t that appear aloof?”

“Hmph.”

The eight heads of the academies ground their teeth in frustration at Li Huaifeng’s interference.

“Hahaha, well said, Head Li. How could I, an old man, miss the triennial grand event of the Supreme Profound Academy? I have come to offer my congratulations.”

As he spoke, more than ten people arrived, flying through the air uninvited and landing on one of the battle platforms.

“The Yang family!” Li Huaifeng frowned, murmuring a warning to Xia Jiuxuan.

“With the head of the Yang family present, why did Prefect Jiang not invite me? Are you looking down on me, King Blade Liang?”

A terrifying blade aura surged forth as a middle-aged man, trailed by six elders, descended and landed on the platform as well.

He was none other than the head of the Liang family from the imperial capital, known as King Blade Liang. In terms of foundation and strength, the Liang family surpassed even the Yang family by some margin.

With the top experts of both families arriving simultaneously, Jiang Qingyang and the heads of the academies instantly understood their purpose.

They, too, were here to kill Xia Jiuxuan!

This realization filled Jiang Qingyang and his allies with delight—they need not trouble themselves any further.

“Hahaha, my friends, the heads of the Yang family and King Blade are always busy. I dared not disturb you, forgive me.”

Ordinarily, within the Supreme Profound Academy, if Jiang Qingyang did not welcome someone, he could have even members of the royal clan expelled. The will of the Supreme Profound reigned here, and no one dared act recklessly.

But today, Jiang Qingyang welcomed them with open arms.

“Thank you, Brother Jiang!”

Chairs were brought to the platform for the distinguished guests.

The experts from both families fixed their gazes upon Xia Jiuxuan.

Xia Jiuxuan quickly surveyed the scene, realizing that today would be a true battle of life and death.

“Young master, why don’t you take Miss Ranran and escape? I’ll fight with my life and take a few of them down, buying you time,” Li Luoyan suggested quietly.

If it were only Jiang Qingyang and his associates, she still had a fair chance. But now, with both the Liang and Yang family elites present, she was no longer confident.

Especially King Blade Liang, whose terrifying blade aura rivaled even that of Su Hongde. Moreover, the Yang family had a master at the second realm of the Separation from the Mundane.

“Escape? Today, we fight to the bitter end.”

It wasn’t that Xia Jiuxuan didn’t want to run, but he had already sensed that the Supreme Profound Academy was surrounded on all sides by powerful guards.

If he tried to flee with Xia Ran, they would be beset from all directions. Even in a desperate fight, he might not be able to ensure Xia Ran’s safety.

Within the academy, as the ninth head, anyone who tried to kill him would be suppressed by the will of the Supreme Profound. In comparison, staying within the academy was safer than rushing outside.

Escape was out of the question.

“Head Xia, the situation is grim today.”

Li Huaifeng, standing nearby, frowned deeply. He had never expected so many experts to arrive. He and his Nirvana Academy colleagues were simply no match.

“Head Li, this does not concern you. You should leave while you can—there’s no need to get involved in this mess,” Xia Jiuxuan said.

Li Huaifeng’s expression darkened. “What are you saying, Head Xia? Do you look down on me, think that I, Li Huaifeng, fear death?”

Xia Jiuxuan was a little surprised. “So, you choose to stand with me through this?”

Li Huaifeng’s face was resolute. “Of course! We are both disciples of the same teacher. As your senior, how could I stand by while you are bullied? Such cowardice is beneath me!”

Xia Jiuxuan smiled. So, Li Huaifeng truly believed himself to be Su Hongde’s disciple and Xia Jiuxuan his junior.

Of course, Xia Jiuxuan knew that if their relationship were only that of fellow disciples, without any real bond, Li Huaifeng would never risk his life for him.

Clearly, Li Huaifeng suspected Xia Jiuxuan’s identity was special and chose to take this gamble—just as Xia Kongming had done before, wagering his life on a grand chance.

“Prefect Jiang, why hasn’t the tournament begun? Are you waiting for someone?” King Blade Liang took a sip of tea, his focus never leaving Xia Jiuxuan. Today, he was determined to kill him and avenge his son.

The Yang family’s hatred for Xia Jiuxuan was no less profound. Two of their young masters had died at this man’s hands. Such a grudge could only be repaid in blood, no matter the cost.

Before Jiang Qingyang could respond, Head Chen Xian leapt out and said, “Isn’t it all because of Head Xia? He refuses to follow academy regulations and intended to leave with his people, delaying the proceedings.”

“Oh?” King Blade Liang set down his teacup, killing intent flashing in his eyes. He stood up abruptly and said coldly, “So you, Head Xia, dare to openly defy academy rules? Even I cannot tolerate this. I must teach you a lesson!”

Xia Jiuxuan’s cold gaze met King Blade Liang’s. “And what are you? What right do you have to bark in the Supreme Profound Academy?”

King Blade Liang’s face darkened as he strode toward the battle platform. “Head Xia, you are truly bold. My blade has not left its sheath in ten years. I wonder if you, as the Ninth Head, can withstand my rusty blade!”

With that, King Blade Liang hefted a rusted greatsword, murderous intent surging forth.

“Liang Yousheng, kneel down and apologize to Head Xia immediately!”

Crackling! Lightning flashed across the sky, and a sword-bearing figure descended as though from the stars themselves.

In the blink of an eye, the man landed in front of Xia Jiuxuan.

It was Su Hongde!

“You old scoundrel!”

The Yang and Liang families, along with several members of the Supreme Profound Academy, all cursed in unison.

This old scoundrel had appeared again!

“Su Hongde!” King Blade Liang stared fixedly at him. “I advise you not to interfere today, or the consequences will be more than you can bear!”

Su Hongde’s face was icy. “Did you not hear me? Kneel and apologize to Head Xia, or you will die.”

King Blade Liang’s brow furrowed. Was Su Hongde truly going to overturn the heavens? He dared speak to him in such a tone!

“I’ll send you to hell first, you wretch!”

The Liang family was known for their fiery tempers—they could not stand provocation!

“Luoyan, protect the young lady and fall back,” Xia Jiuxuan ordered as the fight was about to erupt.

“Yes, young master.”

“Han Yu, you go as well.”

“Yes, teacher.”

Li Luoyan led several people to the rear of the martial arena, further from the center of the impending battle.

As soon as they retreated, the remaining Liang family experts and the Yang family members swept over, encircling Xia Jiuxuan and his group.

“Damn it!” Xia Jiuxuan raised his sword, turning into a streak of black light as he charged out first.

Swish! The sword flashed, and three Yang family members were beheaded.

All three were at the second level of the Sealed Spirit realm!

“That bastard!”

The head of the Yang family nearly ground his teeth to powder. Even at this point, that wretch dared to slay his clan members.

His fury could no longer be contained.

“Kill! Tear him to pieces!”

The Yang and Liang family members roared in unison, murderous intent boiling over!