Library of Heaven’s Path 2: Eternal Destiny

Book 2: Chapter 51: Did I guess wrong?

Vol 2 Ch 51 Did I guess wrong?

"The Hall Master, are you sure Elder Ling will duel Prince Pingyuan here?"

In a corner of the Black Market arena, two figures with concealed faces whispered in hushed tones. They were Han Xiao and Vice Principal Chai Yunsheng.

Dueling in the Black Market often involved high-stakes gambling. Many concealed their identities, so the two figures didn't appear out of place.

Han Xiao's expression was grim. "The announcement has been made, so it's true. Once they begin, seize the opportunity to assess Elder Ling's strength. After all, he was able to kill Feng Zhaoting and Li Yue'an in succession."

Chai Yunsheng nodded in agreement. Though they'd confirmed from Yue Longxiao that Ling Buyang killed Feng Zhaoting, they still harbored doubts. This duel was the perfect chance to see for themselves. Upon hearing the news, they had rushed over and arrived just in time—before the fight started.

At that moment, a plump man approached, his demeanor sly as he lowered his voice. "Would you two like to buy some information? It's about Elder Feng and Prince Pingyuan. I've got exclusive intel that could be useful to you!"

"How much?" Chai Yunsheng asked.

The plump man chuckled, his expression smug. "200,000 Source Coins!"

"Are you robbing us?!" Chai Yunsheng nearly swore in anger.

Han Xiao interrupted Chai's fury, turning to the man. "Tell us what you've got. If it's truly useful, 200,000 is fine."

"Deal!"

The man nodded enthusiastically. "Normally, Elder Ling’s odds of winning should be much higher than Prince Pingyuan’s. But they’ve suddenly shifted. It's said to be related to Elder Feng and Li Yue'an!"

Han Xiao’s face grew solemn. The connection between Ling Buyang and the deaths of Feng Zhaoting and Li Yue'an was something he had already suspected, thanks to his close relationship with Yue Longxiao. This confirmation made the source appear highly credible.

Taking out 200,000 Source Coins, Han Xiao handed them over. "Speak. What's the intel?"

The plump man looked around cautiously before lowering his voice so only they could hear. "Word has it that His Majesty gifted the prince a set of faintly blue armor and bet on his victory!"

"Faintly blue armor? Cold Nether Armor?" Han Xiao's pupils contracted, his face darkening.

Even he would struggle to penetrate that armor’s defense. With Prince Pingyuan already so strong, wearing such protection made defeating him nearly impossible.

After sharing a few more details, the man disappeared.

"If this is true, the prince is practically guaranteed to win," Chai Yunsheng said.

Han Xiao hesitated before waving it off. "His chances are indeed high, but we can't be certain. If Ling Buyang managed to kill Feng Zhaoting and Li Yue'an, escape unscathed, and come here to duel, he might have something even greater up his sleeve. Go place a 5 million bet on Ling Buyang winning."

"Understood." Chai Yunsheng nodded.

This duel between two top-tier experts had drawn nearly all notable figures in Hanyuan City, each eager to place their bets.

Inside VIP Box #1, an elder approached Fu Yingying and respectfully bowed. "Miss, the casino is about to close betting. So far, most wagers favor the prince, with only a third betting on Elder Ling."

Fu Yingying nodded. "The prince's reputation precedes him, and with favorable odds, it's no surprise people are betting on him. By the way, did we find out anything about that plump man selling information?"

The elder replied, "Not much. He seemed to appear in Hanyuan City out of nowhere. While his strength is at the peak of the Divine Soul Realm, any deeper background remains unknown."

Fu Yingying frowned. "Without connections, how could he know such classified details like Ling Buyang killing Li Yue'an? Did he place any bets himself?"

The elder shook his head. "No, he seems focused solely on selling information."

Fu Yingying exhaled in relief. "No matter how expensive his intel is, only a few can afford it. His earnings tonight won't exceed a few million Source Coins—not enough to worry about. Did Ling Buyang bet?"

"Elder Ling hasn't placed any wagers. Since purchasing those 20 Destiny Disks, he has been meditating in his room without interacting with anyone."

"That's good then…"

Just then, hurried footsteps sounded. A servant burst into the room, panicked.

"What happened?" The elder frowned.

The servant bowed hastily. "Miss, Steward Chen, just ten breaths before betting closed, the plump man rushed in and placed a 30 million Source Coin wager on a draw!"

Fu Yingying was taken aback. "A draw? In life-and-death duels, it’s almost unheard of. Such a bet is highly unconventional!"

The servant nodded. "It is rare, but it has precedent. The odds are astronomical—tenfold! If it happens, he’d walk away with 300 million Source Coins!"

Fu Yingying shook her head. "Rest assured, it won’t happen. Neither Elder Ling nor Prince Pingyuan would agree to a draw. That plump man’s money is as good as lost!"

As they spoke, the sound of a gong resonated. Ling Buyang and Prince Pingyuan stepped onto the stage, and the duel officially began.

Zhang Xuan scrutinized the renowned battle-crazed prince. Though said to be over forty, the prince appeared to be in his early thirties. His tall frame radiated the iron-blooded aura of a seasoned warrior, a presence honed through countless battles.

Despite both being at the peak of the Roaming Realm, the prince’s strength far surpassed Ling Buyang’s, even overshadowing Feng Zhaoting. It was no wonder few dared challenge him, as any mistake could prove fatal.

"I know Elder Ling’s cultivation is formidable. Please show your full strength," Han Qianye said solemnly, taking a deep breath.

Zhang Xuan nodded, stepping to the edge of the platform to retrieve the Mo Dao prepared by Fu Yingying.

This duel had many eyes watching. Since he was impersonating Ling Buyang, he couldn’t risk revealing any inconsistencies. The Mo Dao Heaven's Fate technique wasn’t just a martial skill—it carried the unique force of destiny. Without it, even a perfect replication of the moves would lack authenticity. However, thanks to the Library of Heaven’s Path and the Dao Li Water Stream, his mastery was indistinguishable from the original.

Han Qianye’s eyes lit up as he retrieved a long spear. With the spear in hand, his aura transformed, exuding the oppressive might of an army. Unlike other spear users who favored sharp aggression, his style was heavy and overwhelming.

"Forgive me!" With a low cry, Han Qianye surged forward, the tip of his spear unleashing star-like bursts in all directions.

It was the Hanyuan royal family’s unique technique, the "Spear Strikes the Nine Provinces." Created by their founding ancestor after uniting the land, it carried both grandeur and spiritual impact, enough to daze those with weaker souls.

"Impressive technique!" Zhang Xuan praised.

Though slightly inferior to the previous Xuanlong Palm, it was still exceptional. Han Qianye's casual execution demonstrated his prowess, which could overwhelm even a breakthrough Feng Zhaoting.

However, Zhang Xuan had no intention of dodging. With both hands gripping the Mo Dao, he let out a powerful shout.

Whoosh!

The scabbard shot forward like a meteor, forcing Han Qianye to either deflect it or lose his momentum.

It was a clever counterattack, maintaining composure while seizing the initiative.

Clang!

For Han Qianye, the challenge was hardly insurmountable. With a flick of his spear, the scabbard—made of ordinary wood—shattered into splinters. His spear’s momentum carried forward, undeterred.

As the crowd grew anxious for Ling Buyang, Zhang Xuan’s blade gleamed with Heaven’s Fate Energy. Each strike carried the weight of destiny, slashing toward the incoming starlight.

"Incredible! It really is Mo Dao Heaven's Fate…" Han Qianchou, observing from a private box, stood up in shock.

Heaven’s Fate techniques weren’t something anyone could master. Even those trained by the original creator, Mo Baiye, had to unlock their internal destiny locks and receive his direct inheritance.

For Ling Buyang to wield such a skill proved he had received the lineage. It seemed the doubts about his identity were unfounded.

"It seems I overthought things…" Han Qianchou murmured.

Fu Yingying, too, was stunned. She had been convinced Ling Buyang was an imposter. Yet here he was, executing Heaven’s Fate techniques flawlessly. Was it possible she had misjudged him all along?

On the platform, the Mo Dao and spear clashed violently, the shockwaves scattering like rain and pockmarking the stage.

"His strength is around 600 horsepower and sustainable for over ten strikes. Not bad," Zhang Xuan evaluated calmly.

For someone below the Dharma Aspect Realm, Han Qianye's performance was commendable—but still lacking compared to him.

"If this is your full power, you may surrender now," Zhang Xuan said with a faint smile, gripping the Mo Dao tighter.

Han Qianye’s confidence faltered as an overwhelming force crashed down upon him.

"That’s… 999 horsepower, the peak of the Dharma Aspect Realm?!" His eyes widened in disbelief.