Gods of Destruction

Chapter 25 Nine Halls Martial Arts

Ibrahim's face changed drastically as he shouted to Mahmoud, "Come help!"Seeing their distressed state, Mahmoud immediately understood what was happening. He pressed his palm against Nasser Reza's back, channeling his true energy to meet the malevolent force. A surge of energy combined with the dark aura, and Mahmoud felt a jolt. The two powerful energies merged and pushed back against the sinister force.The moonlight flowed like water, and the forest was tranquil and undisturbed. Inside Nasser Reza's body, however, an intense battle was taking place. The two streams of true energy slowly advanced, and no matter how the malevolent aura churned, it couldn't shift them.Eventually, the malevolent force was overcome and began to recede. As it completely exited Nasser Reza's body, Nasser Reza's body shook violently, and the blood-red sword flew out of his hand, rolling down the stone steps. The sword, half-exposed, gleamed eerily in the cold moonlight.Nasser Reza opened his eyes, still shaken and drenched in sweat, as if he had just faced the gates of hell. After a while, he regained his composure, and a sense of lingering fear settled in his heart.After hesitating for a moment, Nasser Reza finally picked up the blood-red sword. His emotions were unsettled; he hadn't expected that the sword he had lived with every day was such a malevolent artifact.Ibrahim said, "Young friend, do not be disheartened. Although the spirit of this sword is extremely malevolent, the stronger the sword's spirit, the greater its power. Since this sword has come into your possession, it means you are fated to it. There is an inexplicable bond between you and the sword, though the timing may not be right yet."Nasser Reza nodded, securing the blood-red sword to his back. He took a swig of clear wine, which helped him calm down.Then, the sound of a flute began to play—long and tranquil, like smoke enveloping cold water. It soothed the listener's heart, making them forget everything in the world, as if their soul was being cleansed and became serene. The three of them raised their cups to the moon in silent acknowledgment.Autumn passed into winter, and then winter gave way to spring. The ice melted, the snow receded, and the trees began to bud. The spring breeze was refreshing, and Nasser Reza had been at the Ghostly Hell Sect for nearly a year.During this period, Nasser Reza found that reaching the fourth rank Martial Master was exponentially more difficult than before. Despite his daily rigorous training and unwavering dedication, he had only managed to advance to the fifth rank Martial Master.As time passed, the religious competition approached. Reza, Zayd, and Khalid remained in seclusion, while Dina paid little attention to it. She often came to play with Nasser Reza and occasionally brought some snacks, which Nasser Reza enjoyed.Nasser Reza had warned Dina that Faisal was not an honorable person, but Dina became immediately upset. Nasser Reza decided not to say anything more.One noon, with the sun shining brightly and warmly, Nasser Reza was polishing his sword when he suddenly heard the sound of something cutting through the air from a distance. Looking towards the source of the sound, he saw two figures approaching swiftly.From afar, Nasser Reza recognized one of them as Abbas. The other figure, tall and elegant, wearing flowing white robes, exuded an extraordinary grace. It was unmistakably Faisal."Disciples of the Qingyun Hall, Faisal and Abbas, greet Elders Hassan and Amina."In the Qingzhutang and Jingxin Hall, Hassan and Amina sat in the seats of honor, with the other disciples arranged around them. Faisal and Abbas stood in the center of the hall, bowing respectfully to Hassan.Nasser Reza stood at the end of the line of disciples, observing Abbas. At this moment, Abbas also turned his head and looked at Nasser Reza. Their eyes met, and they exchanged a slight smile. Nasser Reza felt a warm surge in his heart; after half a year apart, Abbas had gained even more masculine charm.Hassan asked, "Did the Sect Master send you here for some important matter?"Faisal clasped his hands and said, "Elder Hassan, I report that there have been changes regarding the 'Nine Halls Martial Arts' event scheduled for a month from now. The Sect Master has specifically sent us to inform you of these changes."Amina, looking somewhat puzzled, asked, "The Nine Halls Martial Arts is held once every thirty years. The rules have been established for centuries, so why the sudden change?"Faisal replied respectfully, "In response to Elder Amina, although the Wuming Hall has a name, it has not accepted any disciples for over a hundred years. Therefore, the 'Nine Halls Martial Arts' is effectively the 'Eight Halls Martial Arts.' In previous years, each of the eight halls sent four representatives, making a total of thirty-two participants. They would draw lots to compete, with the winners advancing through five rounds, and the final victor being crowned champion, receiving careful cultivation from the head of the eight halls. After much consideration and consultation with the other elders, the Sect Master has decided to make some adjustments to the rules and has specifically sent us to notify you of these changes."Hassan's expression darkened. He was displeased that Amir and the other sect heads had discussed the matter among themselves but only sent two disciples to inform the Qingyun Hall. Hassan coldly said, "So, it seems that our Qingyun Hall was the last to know about this. Do they truly regard our Qingyun Hall as insignificant?"As soon as he finished speaking, a surge of immense, righteous energy erupted, pressing down on Faisal and Abbas. Nasser Reza, standing to the side, felt his breath catch and was astonished by the sheer magnitude of his master's energy.Faisal and Abbas, positioned directly in the path of this overwhelming force, suddenly changed their expressions in alarm. They groaned and were pushed back several steps."Elder Hassan, please don't misunderstand. Allow me to explain," Faisal immediately called out.At this moment, Amina held Hassan's hand and said to the two visitors, "Amir's actions may have been somewhat inappropriate, but since you have come to explain, please go ahead."Faisal immediately responded respectfully, "My master and Elder Yi both belong to the Youming Sect. Elder Yi is highly respected and revered, and my master certainly did not intend any disrespect. It's just that Elder Yi has always preferred a life of seclusion and self-cultivation, detached from worldly affairs. My master, fearing to disturb Elder Yi's quiet meditation, decided to make this change on his behalf. I hope Elder Yi will not take offense."Faisal bowed deeply and did not dare to lift his head. Hassan's expression softened slightly and he asked, "What changes has your master made to the Nine Halls Martial Assembly?"Faisal then raised his head and explained, "My master believes that the purpose of the Nine Halls Martial Assembly is to identify and cultivate the outstanding disciples from each hall. Now, with nearly a thousand disciples in the Youming Sect and Qingyun Hall having the most, including many with exceptional talent, it seems too few for such a major event held only once every thirty years. Therefore, my master has decided that each hall will send eight disciples instead of four, making a total of sixty-four. They will draw lots to compete and determine the victors. This way, we can also avoid missing out on any hidden talents."Hassan and Amina exchanged glances, and Hassan's expression grew even more severe. Given that Qingyun Hall, with its smaller number of disciples and lower overall talent, would benefit most from this change.Faisal continued, "However, since your hall only has five disciples, the remaining three slots will be filled by two additional disciples from Qingyun Hall and one from the Sword Hall."Hassan's expression darkened further. Noticing her husband's troubled look, Amina gently held his hand and shook her head slightly, indicating her concern. Hassan, aware of his wife's unspoken thoughts, realized that since this decision had been proposed by the sect leader Amir and benefited the other halls, it was likely to become final. There was no use in protesting. He coldly responded, "Since that is the case, I have no further objections."Faisal smiled pleasantly, "That is best. I will convey my thanks to Master on behalf of my master."Hassan sighed deeply and shook his head, "Tell your master that extremes lead to reversal. Sometimes, the more one desperately tries to grasp something, the more likely one is to lose it."Hassan then walked towards the back hall with his hands behind his back. Amina glanced at her husband's retreating figure and said to the others, "You may leave for now."The crowd responded and, though puzzled, did not dare to question further. They all left together.Upon exiting the Quietude Hall, Faisal, with a hint of a smile on his face, surveyed the disciples of the Qingzhu Hall one by one. His gaze finally settled on Reza, and he said with a courteous bow, "So this is Brother Reza. I have heard much about your profound skills and steadfast nature. Seeing you in person today, it is indeed true."Reza quickly returned the courtesy, saying, "Thank you for your kind words, Brother Faisal. As the top disciple of Qingyun Hall, your own talent is remarkable, and you are truly a standout among the younger generation of the Ghostly Realm Sect."At this moment, Dina, usually cheerful and lively, appeared timid and shy. She nervously called out, "Brother Faisal."Faisal smiled slightly, took a few steps closer, and said to Dina, "So it is Sister Dina. At just eighteen, you are as beautiful as a flower and exceptionally intelligent. I have admired you for a long time."Dina's face flushed with a rosy hue upon hearing Faisal's praise, and she felt a sudden warmth in her heart.Faisal then reached into his robe and took out a small silk box, presenting it to Dina. "Sister, this box contains a cooling bead. While it may not be a rare treasure, it can help reduce heat and ward off summer's discomfort. Please accept it as a small gift."Dina blushed again, quickly saying, "This cooling bead is quite a precious item. I am not worthy of such a gift. Brother Faisal, please take it back."Faisal smiled and replied, "Sister, you are mistaken. As the saying goes, 'treasures are suited for beauties.' The cooling bead may be of little use to me, but it has benefits for skin nourishment and beauty, which will suit you perfectly. Consider it a token of my regard. Please do not refuse."Dina looked at Faisal, then finally took the small box, murmuring, "Thank you, Brother Faisal."Faisal then engaged in conversation with Reza, Zhang Xin, and Dina, displaying his eloquence and quick wit. Zayd also made an effort to please Faisal, and the two conversed enthusiastically, seeming to have a great rapport.Only Khalid remained silent, his gaze fixed on Faisal with evident hostility.Nasser Reza and Abbas, knowing Khalid's temperament, chose to avoid the conversation and retreated to a quiet spot to catch up on old times.In the rear hall of the Quiet Heart Hall, Hassan gazed intently at a bamboo plant in the courtyard, lost in thought. Amina did not dare to disturb him and waited quietly by his side.After a long while, Hassan finally spoke, "Amina, do you recall the prophecy Master made before he transcended?"Amina, taken aback, replied, "Of course I remember. Why do you bring it up now?" Her face suddenly changed with a hint of fear in her voice, "Could it be..."Hassan took a deep breath and said gravely, "Yes, the great upheaval in the Ghostly Sect is imminent."