MSBITRS Chapter 42 V2

“Had I gone up, I might have won against the second prince. Too bad this Duoxian Sect disciple got forced out of the boundary first…”

After analyzing the feedback, Li Changshou felt slightly reassured. At this point, his image as a promising Duoxian Sect disciple seemed solid, well-rounded, and without obvious flaws.

Seated alongside the ten elite disciples of his sect, his presence would naturally be overshadowed. This ensured others wouldn’t focus too much on him, which suited his low-profile strategy perfectly.

The turtle minister formally announced the conclusion of the match, stating that the second prince of Dragon Palace had emerged victorious. However, the prince’s impatient temperament caused a misstep in his internal energy flow, leading to an injury. As a result, he had returned to the Dragon Palace for recovery, and the remaining celebratory events were canceled.

Thus, this small incident came to a temporary close.

From this bizarre episode, Li Changshou gained a deeper appreciation for the unpredictability of the world and the complexity of dragon kind. He couldn’t help but feel he’d underestimated their cunning and overestimated his own foresight.

Still, who could have anticipated that the second prince would orchestrate such a strange turn of events?

It was fortunate Li Changshou had chosen to forfeit by stepping out of bounds. Otherwise, the situation might have spiraled completely out of control.

Next time something like this happens, I’ll just punch myself, fake a severe injury, and exit the stage early…

Thinking back to that seemingly calm yet absurd confrontation—the moment their fists met—he could almost see two shadowy figures standing behind them, locked in a silent standoff:

“You trying to out-act me?”
“Right back at you.”

No point dwelling on it. The second prince probably had some other schemes in mind.

For now, Li Changshou’s priority was to return safely to the sect. Weighing the pros and cons, he resolved that even if revealing some of his hidden cards became necessary, it would be worth ensuring his survival in such a perilous environment.

After all, keeping secrets serves no purpose if it jeopardizes his life.

Who knows what other dragon drama awaits?

…

Following the sparring match, the Demon Gathering officially began.

The Dragon Palace showcased an elaborate series of displays before presenting twelve celestial-tier treasures as prizes for the upcoming competitions among disciples.

The matches followed a king-of-the-hill format, with participants taking turns challenging the defender of the platform.

Each round offered one treasure as the prize. Anyone who could defend their position nine times consecutively and defeat the Dragon Palace’s designated “platform master” would win the treasure.

The “platform masters” were young dragons whose cultivation levels matched early-stage Dao Realm practitioners.

The challenge was steep, but the participating disciples’ enthusiasm was unmatched—after all, celestial treasures were exceedingly rare.

Within the first hour, a disciple from a major sect won nine consecutive matches, earning the chance to challenge the platform master. Despite a fierce battle, they were ultimately defeated by the young dragon.

At that moment, Youqin Xuanya slapped the table, leaped into the air, and descended onto the platform, her twelve gleaming flying swords swirling around her.

“Let’s fight.”

That day, Youqin Xuanya astounded all in attendance at the Dragon Palace Gathering.

With her exceptional swordsmanship and fire control, she claimed four celestial treasures, defeated dozens of Dao Realm practitioners, and seriously injured four young dragons. Her name spread far and wide across Dongsheng Divine Continent.

After the battles, this destined future powerhouse, battered and bruised, carried her greatsword on her back and walked step by step back to the Duoxian Sect seating area.

She declined offers of assistance from her peers and ignored the urgings of senior disciples to rest immediately. Instead, she passed her seat and took a few more steps forward.

Lowering her head, she carefully placed the four radiant celestial treasures on the small table before a certain now-overlooked, second-stage Return to Void male disciple of Duoxian Sect.

Then, she smiled faintly, her exhaustion showing.

At that moment, the crowd of cultivators grew silent, their respect for Youqin Xuanya evident. Even the seasoned immortals present were full of praise.

As for Li Changshou, his expression was a mix of emotions. Rising to his feet, he extended a hand to help her, but she avoided it, citing concerns about his earlier “injuries.”

Helpless, Li Changshou bowed deeply toward her retreating figure and silently wished blessings upon his Senior Uncle Jiuwu… countless times.

…

Elsewhere, in a resplendent undersea palace…

A young dragon, stretched out on a massive jade platform, suddenly opened his eyes and grabbed the wrist of a maid peeling grapes beside him.

“Did I lose? Did I lose?!”

“Your Highness, there’s no need to worry—you won the match…”

“What? How can that be?! I clearly—” cough—thud!

“Second Prince! Second Prince!

Somebody help! His Highness has fainted again!”