Naked Sword Art

Chapter 421: Chu Piao Meets Xun Wei

Back in the tournament, Xun Wei still stood alone on the center stage, out of breath, but standing strong.

Contrary to everyone's expectations, the tournament had taken a turn no one could have predicted.

One by one, Xun Wei stood alone on the stage, facing each challenger from the Flowing Blade Sect. And one by one, she had defeated all nine opponents, only the last 3 she faced made her really work for it.

She wasn't just holding her own. She was dominating.

The crowd was in awe.

"She's... too strong."

The whispers spread like wildfire. What had started as doubt in the Flowing Blade Sect's abilities was quickly evolving into something far more unsettling—doubt in the depth of the Black Paradise Sect.

If Xun Wei was the weakest of their younger generation, then how strong were the others?

Some tried to rationalize it.

Up in the stands, quiet murmurs of the Black Paradise Sect's inevitable victory began to grow. But not everyone was ready to accept that outcome.

"It's not over yet," a stubborn voice declared. The man sat with his arms crossed, eyes fixed on the stage. "The Flowing Blade Sect has a prodigy. He's different. He won't lose."

"A prodigy?" someone scoffed. "What difference does that make? That Xun girl just tore through nine of their people like it was nothing."

"This tournament's as good as over," another chimed in. "The Black Paradise Sect already won in spirit."

"You're all wrong," the stubborn man said, unmoved.

Three friends beside him turned, giving him an incredulous look.

"What do you mean we're wrong? Are you blind? Or just stupid?"

"Brother, even if this so-called prodigy beats her, did you already forget the girl in flames from earlier?" one of them said. "She's the Matriarch's personal disciple. Her flames reached us from here. You think this prodigy can beat someone like that?"

"I said he'll win, so he'll win. If you think I'm wrong, let's make a bet—20 silvers for every match he wins."

"You're too stubborn," one of them sighed. "But if I don't take your money, you'll never learn. Fine. For every match he wins, I'll give you 20 silvers. But if he loses one, you owe me 100 silvers. Do you dare?"

"Deal. Anyone else want in?"

Five other onlookers, having eavesdropped on the exchange, grinned and joined the bet.

"You can't blame us," one of them chuckled. "When free money's being offered, it's hard to say no."

The stubborn man didn't flinch. "Keep your pity. I said the Flowing Blade Sect's prodigy will win, and he will. You'll see."

The others just sighed or shook their heads. Some people only learned the hard way.

Just as the last bets were made, the final member of the Flowing Blade Sect stepped onto the platform.

Calm and composed, he walked with purpose, every movement controlled and silent. His presence immediately shifted the atmosphere.

If Xiao Fang had been there, he would have instantly recognized the man was none other than Chu Piao from the Divine Sword sect.

The prodigy.

Chu Piao's gaze swept over Xun Wei, sharp and unreadable.

The crowd collectively held its breath.

"Finally," the stubborn man said with a grin. "A real match."

But then Chu Piao suddenly raised a hand.

"You must be exhausted," he said calmly, his voice steady. "Sit. Rest a while. I want to face you at your full strength."

The crowd stirred in confusion.

"What's this?"

"He wants to fight her at full strength?"

"Is he stalling or just trying to act noble?"

Xun Wei narrowed her eyes—not in offense, but curiosity. Something was off. Chu Piao wasn't radiating killing intent. His stance was relaxed, his posture casual. There was no aggression in his voice.

She didn't sit immediately. Her gaze sharpened.

"What are you playing at?"

Chu Piao's eyes briefly flicked toward the watching elders and the murmuring crowd. Then he spoke again—this time low and quiet, his voice nearly a whisper only she could hear.

"I know who you are."

Her pupils narrowed.

"I know you're Xiao Fang's woman. Please... just pretend to rest. I need to speak with you."

That caught her attention.

Without taking her eyes off him, she slowly sat down, positioning herself close enough for their words to be lost beneath the noise of the crowd.

"What do you want to talk about?" she asked cautiously.

"I'm a friend of Xiao Fang," Chu Piao said, his tone calm but urgent. "And I need his help."

Her brows drew together. "I don't know where he is," she said honestly. "Or when he'll return."

"But if you can reach him," he interrupted gently, "tell him that Chu Piao is asking for him."

Her expression tightened. "How do you even know about Xiao Fang?"

Chu Piao exhaled quietly. "I'm not actually from the Flowing Blade Sect. I'm from the Divine Sword Sect… just like him."

Xun Wei's eyes sharpened with suspicion.

"Then how do you know about me?"

"Word travels fast within our sect," he replied. "And I recognized you. We crossed paths once in the Hollow Forest—you were training under Lei Xinyi."

Xun Wei's expression softened. There was no way he could've known about her being in the Hollow Forest with Lei Xinyi unless he really was a Divine Swordsman. Realizing that he was telling the truth, she asked with a lowered voice,

"What kind of trouble are you in?"

Chu Piao took a breath, then explained. He told her everything—from how he'd been captured, to the deals he was forced to make. The Flowing Blade Sect had bound his heart with a deathknot—a technique meant for binding limbs was surgically placed inside of him. If he failed to win, they'd crush his heart from the inside.

"I could win this tournament easily," he said, "but I don't trust them to keep their word. I need help."

Xun Wei looked troubled. "As I said, I don't know where Xiao Fang is… but—"

"But?"

"But… I know how to reach him."