劍問蒼天 - 第14章 奇才 - 清風書屋

Tian Buhui and Su Wan were both moved. "What alterations?"

Qi Hao said, "My master, the Perfected Cangsong, holds that the Seven Veins Martial Tournament was meant to discover the promising talents among the disciples of each vein and cultivate them. Yet the Canglan Sect today has nearly a thousand disciples, and among the younger generation the newly admitted are especially many, with no lack of outstandingly gifted figures. Considering this, an opportunity that comes but once in sixty years, with each vein sending only a paltry four

men—that is far too few. Therefore my master proposes that each of the seven veins send nine disciples, with the head vein, being the most numerous, sending one more, for a total of sixty-four. On that basis, as always, lots shall be drawn for the duels, six rounds in all, to determine the victor. In this way we may avoid the regret of leaving pearls lost in the sea."

Tian Buhui and Su Wan exchanged a glance, their expressions turning uglier still. The Dazhu Peak vein had few disciples and poor aptitude; at first glance it seemed they had gained an advantage, but in truth it greatly favored Jietian Peak of the head vein and Cangsong's Dragon Peak, which held the greatest numbers and the finest talent.

Seeing her husband's grim look, Su Wan gave a slight shake of her head and signaled with her eyes. Tian Buhui knew well enough what his wife meant: since the Sect Leader and Cangsong had already discussed the matter, it was settled, and argument would avail nothing. He said coldly, "Very well, then. I have no objection."

Qi Hao smiled easily. "That is best of all. There is one other thing my master instructed me before we set out: that my Junior Brother Lin here and a certain Junior Brother Zhang under Uncle-Master Tian are old friends of long standing,

and he hopes Uncle-Master Tian will allow the two of them to renew their acquaintance."

Tian Buhui, vexed at heart, waved a hand impatiently. "Granted, granted."

Lin Jinghong had long since grown impatient, only he dared not act for fear of the senior elder; hearing the permission, he turned his head and walked straight toward Zhang Qingyue. Zhang Qingyue's heart surged, and he stepped forward as well.

Lin Jinghong came up to him and looked him over carefully. Suddenly his eyes reddened and he said, his voice rough, "You've grown up, Xiaofan."

Zhang Qingyue's heart was a welter of feeling. He nodded again and again. "So have you. Tell me—have you any news of that terrible business in the village?"

Lin Jinghong shook his head. "I've asked my master many times over the years, but there's been no progress. And you?"

Zhang Qingyue smiled bitterly. "The same."

Lin Jinghong took his hand. "Let's go outside and talk."

Zhang Qingyue hesitated, turned and looked at Tian Buhui and Su Wan. Tian Buhui ignored him; Su Wan smiled and said, "Go on."

Zhang Qingyue was overjoyed. He nodded to her and hurried out with Lin Jinghong. In the great hall only Qi Hao remained as a guest. Clad all in white, elegant and distinguished, not the least bit discomposed, he looked over the disciples of Dazhu Peak one by one, and at last his gaze came to rest on Song Dayi. He cupped his hands and smiled. "This must be Senior Brother Song Dayi. We met once at the last tournament, I believe."

Song Dayi hastily returned the courtesy. "Senior Brother Qi has a good memory, to recall even a defeated opponent like me."

At these words the disciples stirred. Tian Lingsu, standing beside her mother, asked quietly, "Mother, was Eldest Senior Brother really beaten by him?"

Su Wan nodded and lowered her voice. "He was. Your eldest senior brother had fought hard to win two bouts in a row, and your father and I were overjoyed—then in the third round he met this one and was beaten in a few exchanges."

Tian Lingsu stuck out her tongue. "Then he must be awfully strong?"