Chapter Thirty-Eight: Knots in the Heart

At this moment, the entire arena fell into utter silence!

Everyone thought they must be dreaming—how could this be possible? That infamous good-for-nothing from the outer sect had actually defeated the second most favored contender. Such a thing could only happen in a dream, surely.

But Mo Yun cared nothing for their shock; he rushed onto the stage and pulled Li Sibai into a tight embrace.

“Well done, Little Bai!”

Before Li Sibai could even react, Mo Yun hoisted him up and began to push through the crowd.

“Excuse me, coming through, please make way.”

Mo Yun steered Li Sibai out of the throng, heading toward their quarters. Li Sibai’s mind was still whirling with excitement.

“Did I really win just now?” he asked, still somewhat dazed.

Mo Yun didn’t seem to hear him, continuing to clear a path ahead.

By now, Shitou sat dumbfounded upon the arena floor. Though he’d spat out a mouthful of dark blood, his injuries weren’t serious. He just sat there, lost in thought, the light gone from his eyes.

The disciples below had begun to accept the astonishing outcome. Some filed out in small groups, while others moved to watch the semifinals on the other side. Those who had bet on Shitou wore expressions of deep disappointment—they had never imagined Shitou would lose to the outer sect’s laughingstock, Li Sibai. If he’d lost to Qin Feng in the final, they wouldn’t have felt half so crushed.

Meanwhile, those who bet on Qin Feng were delighted. With Shitou defeated, Qin Feng’s victory was nearly assured. Though the odds weren’t high and the match wasn’t over yet, nothing could dampen their high spirits.

On the stage, Master Yun An frowned as he watched Li Sibai’s departing figure, deep in thought. He seemed about to speak, but in the end only sighed—there would be time enough in the days to come.

Mo Yun and Li Sibai were nearly clear of the crowd, heading for their own quarters, when suddenly someone in the crowd shouted, “Li Sibai, well done!”

Li Sibai started and turned awkwardly toward the voice. The senior brother looked familiar, though his memory was hazy—he smiled in thanks.

Some of the other disciples, hearing the cheer, quietly gave a thumbs up in approval of Li Sibai’s performance. Still, most remained derisive. They didn’t believe Li Sibai was truly strong; clearly, he’d just gotten lucky today.

“I’m telling you, he only won by sheer dumb luck. Caught Shitou off guard and knocked him out of the ring. If it had been a straight fight, he’d have lost for sure!”

“I don’t know, that sword of his was interesting—maybe some master can shed light on it.”

“No idea,” others replied, shaking their heads.

But a few blowhards insisted it must be some evil artifact, an ill omen, which drew murmurs of awe and dread.

Li Sibai ignored the gossip—there were too many people to care about their opinions—and followed Mo Yun straight back to Uncle Cai Da’s place.

Uncle Da had actually gone to the arena himself that day, wanting to witness Li Sibai’s transformation. When Li Sibai knocked Shitou from the stage, his heart nearly burst with excitement. He’d wanted to rush over and hug Li Sibai like Mo Yun, but with so many people around, he refrained and hurried home instead, knowing Mo Yun and Li Sibai would surely come by. So, he went to prepare a meal.

As soon as Li Sibai and Mo Yun arrived, they found Uncle Da had already set out four small dishes and a pot of wine, three pairs of chopsticks, and three cups, all ready for them.

Li Sibai hurried forward, “Uncle, you’ve gone to so much trouble again—I really feel bad.”

Uncle Cai Da grinned broadly and pulled Li Sibai into a hug. “You rascal, what’s the point of saying that? I’m truly happy for you today. You must have a drink with me!”

Li Sibai shook his head repeatedly. “Uncle, I’m happy too, but I can’t drink today. I drank last night and was almost late this morning—nearly got disqualified!”

Uncle Da nodded. “Fine, no drink for you. Xiao Yun, you drink with me then. I’m in high spirits today—let’s have a chat.”

Mo Yun quickly agreed, “Of course, Uncle. I’ll drink a little, you can drink more. I have some things to take care of later.”

“All right, all right, come inside.”

The three of them sat down together, talking and laughing. Li Sibai allowed himself to relax completely for the first time in ages, though his thoughts still wandered to tomorrow’s match and to where Caiyao might be. He longed to share his good news with her.

He’d left in such a hurry today that he hadn’t seen Qin Feng’s match. He’d only watched one of Qin Feng’s matches before—Qin Feng had won swiftly, and though Li Sibai thought him strong, he didn’t really understand his fighting style.

Soon, they had nearly finished eating and drinking. Mo Yun noticed Li Sibai seemed preoccupied and was about to tease him when a senior brother in an inner-sect disciple’s robe knocked at the door. He greeted Mo Yun and Uncle Cai, then said to Mo Yun, “Brother Mo Yun, the sect leader requests your presence at once. It seems urgent.”

Mo Yun’s face darkened. He’d suspected something was up—and he’d been right.

He instructed the inner-sect disciple to go ahead and inform the sect leader that he’d be there immediately, then turned to Li Sibai.

“Little Bai, I have to go take care of something. Tomorrow, just relax and do your best in the match. You’ve already made it to the finals, and I think there’s a good chance you’ll be admitted to the inner sect this time. Don’t feel any pressure—just show your true strength. I believe in you!”

Li Sibai gazed at Mo Yun, whom he’d always regarded as an elder brother. His eyes grew clear and determined—a sign he’d made up his mind. “Brother, go handle your business. If you can come watch my match tomorrow, great. If not, it’s all right—I know what to do.”

Mo Yun patted his head with a big hand. “You rascal, I’ll try to come. Do your best!” After saying goodbye to Uncle Cai, he strode out.

As Li Sibai watched Mo Yun leave, a strange feeling welled up inside him—not worry for his own match tomorrow, but concern for whatever task Mo Yun had been summoned for. He wondered what mission his senior brother was about to take on, and quietly hoped Mo Yun would be able to watch his match.

After bidding farewell to Uncle Cai, Li Sibai packed up some food and hurried back to his own quarters.