On the Martial Arts Arena of Yaochi Peak, banners fluttered in the wind and the crowd was a boiling sea of noise. The triennial Inner Sect Grand Competition was always a grand event for the sect. Across the nine gigantic rings paved with white jade, Sword Qi crisscrossed, spell lights flashed, and the sounds of shouting and the clashing of metal rang endlessly. The air was thick with the scent of sweat and dust, mingled with the surging sharpness and ambition of the young disciples.
Chen Mo squeezed into the outer fringes of the densely packed crowd, straining on his toes with his neck stretched out. Clutched tightly to his chest was a large pork knuckle wrapped carefully in oiled paper, exuding a rich aroma that caused several nearby junior disciples to cast frequent sideways glances. It was not that he was craving it; this was a reward for a certain "meritorious official."
"Make way! Please make way!" Chen Mo shoved forward laboriously, eager to find a spot with a better view to check on the dog. Ever since their return from the Sword Tomb, that Husky—no, the Dog Sword Immortal—had become a bizarre legend on Yaochi Peak. It no longer chased squirrels all over the mountain; instead, it spent most of its time squatting atop the old, crooked-necked pine tree outside Li Wuhen's courtyard, its canine eyes half-closed as it gazed blankly into a sea of clouds, striking an unfathomable and punchable pose. On the rare occasions it came down, it would pace with dignified, measured …
Chapter 72