Supreme Divine Physician in the City Chapter 1611: Martial Arts Tournament
Previously on Supreme Divine Physician in the City...
"Remnants of the Divine Doctor Sect?"
Even Zhao Xunjian's expression shifted slightly upon hearing the term, a glint of seriousness and apprehension surfacing in his eyes.
In bygone days, if one were to rank the most powerful sects, the Ye Family would indisputably stand at the forefront, followed by the Divine Doctor Sect, with the Zhao Family, now at its zenith, relegated to a compliant third place.
It was precisely due to this established hierarchy that the Zhao Family had orchestrated a surprise nocturnal assault, and no sooner had Zhao Xunjian assumed the mantle of Alliance Hierarch than they decisively moved against the Divine Doctor Sect, utterly annihilating it.
Recollections of those past times flooded back.
When Chen Xuanba was absent from the Divine Doctor Sect's ranks, the Zhao Family found it necessary to ally with the Qingcheng Mountain and Ghost King Valley sects, a desperate measure that only barely sufficed to eradicate their target, and even then, the three allied sects endured a tremendous cost.
This grimly illustrated the Divine Doctor Sect's formidable might during its prime.
Moreover, whether it was Zhao Xunjian, Wu Qingzi, Feng Yixiu, or indeed anyone else within the martial arts community, all were acutely aware that the Divine Doctor Sect’s prodigious strength stemmed from its possession of ultimate martial arts techniques drawn from every corner of the martial world.
In popular martial arts dramas, it's a common refrain, "All martial arts under heaven come from Shaolin."
However, in the actual martial arts world, proclaiming, "All martial arts under heaven originate from the Divine Doctor Sect," would scarcely be an exaggeration!
Should Ye Xuan indeed be a survivor from the Divine Doctor Sect, the peril he presents could potentially dwarf the fearsome display witnessed today on Canglang Island!
"Indeed, that wretch Ye Xuan must be a remnant of the Divine Doctor Sect!"
Breaking the silence, Wu Qingzi declared with solemnity, "Back in Yanzi City, how did Zhao Yunfei meet his demise? He was slain by Ye Xuan's Void Spirit Fist. Such a secret technique, apart from the Zhao Family's own repertoire, is exclusively held by the Divine Doctor Sect!"
At this revelation, Feng Yixiu's countenance changed drastically, and he swiftly turned to Zhao Xunjian, imploring, "Alliance Hierarch, given that Ye Xuan is unequivocally a survivor of the Divine Doctor Sect, we absolutely cannot afford to be remiss or show leniency, lest the repercussions become dire and unending!"
Wu Qingzi added his solemn counsel, "Alliance Hierarch, that reprobate Ye Xuan wields extraordinary power, and even today's formidable display on Canglang Island failed to subdue him. In the entirety of the Martial Arts world, you alone likely possess the capability to bring him to heel!"
Simultaneously, both Feng Yixiu and Wu Qingzi voiced their plea, "We implore the Alliance Hierarch to take decisive action and extinguish the remnants of the Divine Doctor Sect!"
The Zhao Family, Qingcheng Mountain, and Ghost King Valley had long maintained a pact of mutual support, their machinations intertwined.
The shared interests of these three sects naturally translated into common adversaries.
The lingering members of the Divine Doctor Sect represented a threat they were compelled to eliminate.
Especially now, with Ye Xuan having unveiled such astonishing power. As former accomplices in the massacre of the Divine Doctor Sect years prior, how could Wu Qingzi and Feng Yixiu possibly remain at ease?
Their fervent desire was to eradicate Ye Xuan, thus neutralizing any future menace and finally achieving peace of mind.
How could Zhao Xunjian possibly harbor different sentiments?
Hadn't the Zhao Family endured significant losses recently, all due to Ye Xuan's meteoric rise?
No one harbored a more potent desire to see Ye Xuan eliminated than he did.
But...
Zhao Xunjian shook his head, a sigh escaping him as he stated, "For the present moment, I cannot intervene."
"Why is that?"
Both Wu Qingzi and Feng Yixiu expressed their bewilderment.
"In three months' time, with the advent of the New Year, the triennial Martial Arts Tournament will commence, a grand event wherein the position of Martial Arts Alliance Hierarch is decided through martial prowess. During this critical interval, my paramount focus must be on cultivating my peak strength to ensure the retention of my esteemed position as Martial Arts Alliance Hierarch."
Zhao Xunjian declared with unwavering seriousness, "Ye Xuan is no trivial adversary. Should I divert my attention towards him during this crucial period, inevitable losses may occur, and even if I were to succeed in eliminating him, forfeiting the position of Alliance Hierarch would represent a far greater failure than it is worth."
The mere mention of the Martial Arts Tournament caused Zhao Xunjian to inwardly utter a hundred curses.
Years ago, the Zhao Family, through deceitful tactics, had orchestrated the downfall of the Divine Doctor Sect. Though Zhao Xunjian had ascended to the rank of Martial Arts Alliance Hierarch, his authority was largely nominal, as numerous influential figures from major sects refused to acknowledge his leadership.
In an effort to garner their allegiance, Zhao Xunjian was compelled to revise the established rules of the martial arts world, instituting the Martial Arts Tournament.
In essence, this so-called Martial Arts Tournament offered a magnificent arena accessible to all disciples of the martial arts world, convened every three years. The individual who emerged victorious from this prestigious competition would rightfully claim the title of Martial Arts Alliance Hierarch.
Through this method, Zhao Xunjian solidified his role as the Martial Arts Alliance Hierarch. Despite many sects still holding him in contempt, their skills fell short, leaving them with no choice but to suppress their discontent and remain silent.
He never anticipated that the very strategy he devised to ascend would eventually become an obstacle in his own path.
It was both infuriating and vexing!
"Alliance Hierarch, you are worrying excessively!"
Wu Qingzi spoke with respect. "For many years, you have been unmatched and invincible in every Martial Arts Tournament. Surely, three months from now, there will be no exception."
"It's not a matter of excessive preparation; rather, it's about being caught unprepared."
Zhao Xunjian let out a deep sigh, his brow furrowed with concern. "Qin Yitian of the Zhengyang Sect has made remarkable progress in recent years. During the last Martial Arts Tournament, she nearly defeated me. One can only guess what level of power she will possess for the upcoming competition."
Upon hearing this, Wu Qingzi and Feng Yixiu's expressions shifted dramatically.
Qin Yitian of the Zhengyang Sect!
A woman, she was known as the most formidable and enigmatic figure in the history of the Martial Arts world!
Her age remained a mystery. Some speculated she was an ageless enchantress utilizing an eternal youth technique, as no one under fifty could possibly wield such potent might. Others believed she was a stunning beauty in her prime, as most found the concept of eternal youth techniques far-fetched in this world.
She consistently wore a veil, vowing not to remove it for the rest of her life unless she encountered her destined soulmate. Even with only her eyes and brows visible, she was already a beauty capable of toppling kingdoms, possessing an elegant and noble aura that had captivated countless Martial Arts experts, leading them to revere her as their true goddess.
Yet, among the multitude of heroes and champions in the Martial Arts world, not a single individual had ever captured her attention.
Qin Yitian's ascent had been astonishingly swift.
To be precise, she first gained recognition in the Martial Arts world merely five years ago. Within that short span, her progress was unbelievably rapid. At the Martial Arts Tournament three years prior, she managed to withstand over a hundred moves from Zhao Xunjian without succumbing to defeat!
For the past three years, Qin Yitian had remained in seclusion within the Zhengyang Sect, inactive and unseen. Consequently, no one knew the extent of her power's growth. What level of intensity would she display at the Martial Arts Tournament three months from now?
Perhaps it was her exceptionally low-key demeanor that initially caused Wu Qingzi and Feng Yixiu to overlook her.
When Zhao Xunjian brought her name into the conversation, both men suddenly grasped the precariousness of their current situation.
They were trapped between opposing forces, facing threats from all sides.
"This..."
Wu Qingzi and Feng Yixiu exchanged glances filled with reluctance. "Are we simply going to allow that scoundrel Ye Xuan to escape justice like this?"
"Absolutely not."
Zhao Xunjian narrowed his eyes, stating coldly, "Over the next three months, while I am personally unable to act against him, creating some difficulties for him will not be difficult. Let him have his way for now. Once the Martial Arts Tournament concludes and the situation stabilizes, I will then proceed to eliminate him without hesitation."
"That seems to be the only viable path."
Wu Qingzi and Feng Yixiu nodded, contemplating her words. "A mere three months will pass in the blink of an eye. No matter how formidable Ye Xuan is, he cannot cause significant trouble. Wisdom lies in enduring minor setbacks for the sake of a greater plan, and the Alliance Hierarch's strategy is indeed brilliant!"
Zhao Xunjian's lips twitched slightly, and a glint of killing intent flashed in his half-closed eyes.
The remnants of the Divine Doctor Sect.
The remnants of the Ye Family.
Once the Martial Arts Tournament is over, not a single one of you shall survive!