"Shameless! Utterly shameless!"
Returning to Jingyang Palace, Shen Zhao presented Liang Hao with eight Image Stones, each capturing the illicit affair between Su Xuejiao and Kong Lian.
Liang Hao launched into a comprehensive and scathing condemnation.
"Disgraceful! Truly disgraceful!" he declared, pointing at the indecent scenes.
"Look at Su Xuejiao—her wanton expression shows not a shred of shame."
"And Great Fist Master Kong—his gritted teeth make him look like he's constipated."
"I never imagined this woman would be so depraved. To stoop to such a level with a man old enough to be her father, and to enjoy it so thoroughly..."
"So this is how Great Fist Master Kong 'speaks for women'? A disgrace to his age and a stain on the honor of all cultivators!"
Liang Hao's criticisms were sharp and hit their mark.
Shen Zhao shrugged. "I never expected Kong Lian would actually get involved with Su Xuejiao. I thought it was just some private transaction for silver and white, not this..."
"Poor Ji Bochang—to be cuckolded by his own fiancée like this. Thinking about it, I almost pity him. If I'd known he'd suffer so much..."
"I should have been gentler back then. I still feel a bit guilty about it."
After a pause, Liang Hao asked, "Big Brother, how did you manage to place the Image Stones in the room and hide under the bed beforehand? Didn't they notice anything at all?"
Shen Zhao smirked. "That's easy. I disguised myself and tailed Kong Lian all the way to his meeting with Su Xuejiao. They checked into a rather upscale inn.
Once I heard they'd booked the premium Heavenly Suite, I slipped in through the window before they entered. I placed the Image Stones in various well-lit yet discreet corners.
Then, just before they entered the room, I slipped under the bed to hide. Let me be clear: I never expected them to actually get together."
Liang Hao nodded. "You always plan everything so thoroughly, Big Brother. But I'm curious... how are you so familiar with this kind of operation? It doesn't seem like your first time doing this."
"What's that supposed to mean? Are you trying to imply something with that sarcastic tone?"
"I'm just asking. If you don't want to say, then forget it. By the way, Big Brother, what do you plan to do with these Image Stones?"
Shen Zhao countered, "What do you think we should do with them?"
"We should sell them directly to Hundred Flowers Valley and make a huge splash. With such explosive gossip, it'll definitely rock the entire Southern Domain."
"The next issue of *Hundred Flowers Valley* will definitely feature the Confucian Sage Sect and Kong Lian on the front page. I estimate it will keep the front page buzzing for at least three issues."
Shen Zhao shook his head. "You're right, and in any other situation, I would have done just that. But not now."
"Please enlighten me, Big Brother."
"What is our current position? We are judges in the public trial of the Southern Domain Grand Tournament, and our relationship with the Confucian Sage Sect is temporary. If the contents of the Image Stone were to leak, it would cause a massive scandal, making the world question the fairness of the Public Trial Group's review of the tournament. I'm not worried about the group itself, but rather that the pressure might lead them to cancel the tournament rankings. That would only hurt Yun Ying."
After hearing Shen Zhao's explanation, Liang Hao admired him. "Big Brother, your foresight is truly remarkable. I never considered this connection."
Shen Zhao continued, "Therefore, the best solution is to privately hand the Image Stone to Kong Bai. The Confucian Sage Sect can handle their internal matters themselves."
"In that case," Liang Hao said, "before we do that, Big Brother, please allow me to take these Image Stones back to my room for a thorough study."
"What do you intend to study?"
Liang Hao declared righteously, "Naturally, I want to scrutinize every detail, to firmly etch their every moment of disgrace into my mind."
"One day, I'll expose their filthy masks before the entire world."
Shen Zhao narrowed his eyes. "Damn it, you're all talk and no action! Don't think I don't know what you're up to. Forget it, not a chance!"
"My words are sincere, Big Brother. Please grant my request."
"Absolutely not. Don't even think about it."
Just as they were arguing, Su Yunying's clear voice rang out from beyond the palace gates.
"Boss, what are you two up to...?"
Shen Zhao and Liang Hao froze, exchanged a 0.1-second glance, and simultaneously turned to the still-playing Image Stone...
"Holy shit, how is it another high-level match again?!"
"Quick, turn it off! Hurry! Don't let the little girl see it, or we'll never explain this!"
"Don't worry, Big Brother, I'm already turning it off."
To avoid public humiliation, the two immediately scrambled into a frantic, chaotic mess.
The moment Su Yunying stepped through the palace doors, Shen Zhao and Liang Hao were already sitting ramrod straight at the chessboard.
"Boss, Big Brother, why didn't you answer when I called? I thought you weren't here."
Shen Zhao closed his eyes, adopting an air of profound mystery. "Your Big Brother and I were playing chess. Our concentration was entirely on the board, which is why we didn't hear you."
Liang Hao: "Me too."
Su Yunying frowned and looked at the chessboard. "But there are no pieces on the board. How are you two playing?"
Shen Zhao: "We're using the heavens and earth as our chessboard. The game is in our hearts. We're playing blind chess."
Liang Hao: "Me too."
Su Yunying was speechless for a moment, then said, "Alright, you two continue your game. I'm going to cultivate."
"Mm, go ahead. Remember to find me after you're done. I have something to tell you."
Su Yunying glanced at the two putting on a show with a smile and went straight to her room.
*As if I don't know what you two are up to. Do you really think it takes me this long to walk such a short distance?... Ah, well, I won't expose you this time.*
Thinking of Shen Zhao's flustered state as he hastily cleaned up the mess, Su Yunying couldn't help but purse her lips and smile softly.
*So the boss is into this kind of thing too? I thought he was completely impervious to such things...*
***
The next day, the second round of the competition began as scheduled.
Compared to the preliminary knockout rounds of the previous two days, today's field of competitors was significantly smaller.
Yet this only drew even more spectators to the Imperial City.
After all, those who had emerged from the ranks of thousands of cultivators were the elite of the elite.
The Public Trial Group took their seats on the judges' platform early and began their commentary for the new round.
As the time for the grand tournament approached, Kong Bai cleared his throat and announced loudly, "The second round of the advancement matches now begins! Please have the competitors enter the arena in order."
No sooner had the words left his mouth than two swordsmen, one in white and one in black, stepped onto the stage simultaneously.
The moment they appeared, the three oafish Public Trial Group members seated to Shen Zhao's right immediately began analyzing.
"Could this white-robed swordsman be Bai Yangsheng, the Holy Handed Scholar, a young prodigy renowned throughout the South Sea?"
"Ah, and the black-robed swordsman must be Mo Tianyi, known as Ghost Sword Broken Sorrow!"
"I never expected these two to cross paths here! This promises to be an absolutely spectacular duel of swordsmanship."
"Who do you think will win?"
"Who cares? Their victory or defeat means nothing to us. I'm only interested in the process of the sword fight."
"Then let's watch and see."
As they spoke, Bai Yangsheng and Mo Tianyi were already locked in combat.
Their sword energy crisscrossed the air, and with their comparable cultivation levels, over a hundred exchanges passed in the blink of an eye, neither gaining the upper hand.
When the time for a single stick of incense had burned away, Bai Yangsheng, with a razor-thin advantage, seized a fleeting opening in Mo Tianyi's defense to secure victory and advance to the next round.
"Truly worthy of the name Bai Yangsheng! His sword techniques are so exquisite—a rare sword genius not seen in the Southern Domain for a century."
"I knew he'd win from the start. This match went exactly as I predicted."
"Mark my words, within thirty years, Bai Yangsheng's name will echo across the entire Immortal Martial Continent."
The three fools chattered on, each eager to share their insights.
Shen Zhao was utterly speechless. How had he not noticed these three oddballs in the Public Trial Group yesterday?
The second, third, and fourth matches proceeded smoothly.
Finally, during the fifth match, it was Su Yunying's turn to compete.
The moment she stepped onto the stage, a wave of excitement swept through the crowd.
"Whoa, who is she? She's stunning!"
"Oh no, I think I'm falling for her."
"Shh, keep it down! I remember—this girl was absolutely stunning yesterday. No one on the stage could withstand her for more than a single move before falling."
"Holy shit, she's that strong?"
"Isn't that obvious? Have you ever seen a beautiful woman in the cultivation world who wasn't incredibly powerful? Ancient texts say every beauty who ever appeared was a prodigy from the start!"
"How do you know so much?"
"Read more books."
Ignoring the surrounding chatter, Su Yunying sat silently, eyes closed, her expression serene and unaffected.
Meanwhile, Su Xuejiao, who was about to enter the arena, looked grave, her gaze toward Su Yunying filled with resentment.
"Hmph, little sister, don't be afraid. Let this dead girl see your true strength."
Su Jinyi and Su Jinyun, unaware of Su Yunying's true capabilities, were confident their younger sister could easily crush this "wild outsider."
Only Yin Jiao'e looked worried. She had personally witnessed Su Yunying's power.
How foolish she had been to think she could easily control this daughter. The realization that Su Yunying had simply been indulging her made her feel like a joke.
As Su Xuejiao stepped onto the arena, referee Shi Guanyin immediately announced, "In this round, Su Yunying will face Su Xuejiao. Please observe closely."
Su Xuejiao stepped forward, her voice dropping to a whisper only they could hear. "Sister, if you don't want to break Mother's heart, you should just yield and admit defeat.
No matter the outcome, I'll be admitted to the Confucian Sage Sect anyway. As for you, I'll have Mother bring you back to Su Manor and ensure you receive the treatment you deserve. What do you say? It's a pretty good deal, right?"
Su Yunying smiled faintly. "I have no use for such riches. There's no point in talking further. Just make your move."
Su Xuejiao's expression hardened as her left hand secretly reached behind her back.
"Sister, you'd better be careful. Since you won't accept this face-saving offer..."
The moment the words left her lips, Su Xuejiao suddenly whipped a purple flying dagger from behind her waist. It shot toward Su Yunying's forehead with lightning speed.
This Earth-Grade Spirit Tool had been privately given to her by Kong Lian after they had... *consorted* the previous day. A single strike from this blade could cripple even a Nirvana Realm cultivator, leaving them vulnerable to manipulation.
Su Xuejiao had gone for the kill, determined to end Su Yunying's life.
But...
Su Yunying simply raised her long spear. Three feet from the flying dagger, she swept it aside with a clang.
*Clang!*
A crisp echo rang out as the flying knife struck the ground, carving dozens of cracks into the divine-grade granite.
Su Xuejiao frowned, preparing to throw a second knife, but Su Yunying wouldn't give her the chance.
With a sweep of her spear and the Waterwind Stride, she closed the distance to Su Xuejiao in an instant.
"Ah~"
Su Xuejiao hadn't anticipated her opponent's speed and was caught completely off guard. She only realized what was happening when she felt the icy tip of the spear against her neck.
The cold steel was pressed firmly against her throat.
Shen Zhao had warned her about Su Xuejiao's dirty tricks yesterday; she should have been prepared.
Su Yunying's decisive strike left the crowd in stunned silence.
The three idiots, seeing this, immediately resumed their commentary.
"Awesome! As expected of Su Yunying—clean and efficient one-hit takedown."
"I knew she wasn't ordinary. Give her time, and she'll definitely make a name for herself on the Immortal Martial Continent."
"Should we go congratulate her now? Building good relations early would be smart."
Shen Zhao was speechless. These three idiots were so utterly ridiculous it was impossible not to laugh.
"You lost," Su Yunying said with a half-smile.
A wave of humiliation washed over Su Xuejiao.
"No! I didn't lose! You cheated! You cheated! I could never lose to you!"
Ignoring her, Su Yunying walked to Shi Guanyin, holding her spear. "Judge, announce the result."
Shi Guanyin was stunned for a moment before preparing to declare the outcome.
"Su Yunying, go to hell!"
Just as Shi Guanyin was about to announce the result, Su Xuejiao suddenly lunged from behind and stabbed with all her might, aiming for Su Yunying's back.
The attack happened so suddenly that Shi Guanyin couldn't react in time. The sword was already less than two inches from Su Yunying's body.
*Clang!*
But the next instant, the Earth-tier spirit sword shattered upon contact with Su Yunying's delicate body.
Simultaneously, the violent recoil sent Su Xuejiao flying backward.
"Xuejiao!"
The Su brothers, along with Yin Jiao'e, immediately leaped onto the stage to help Su Xuejiao.
*Pfft!*
The protective qi from Su Yunying's Dragon Scale Qi Armor had injured Su Xuejiao, forcing her to spit out a mouthful of blood.
Seeing his sister hurt, Su Jinyi flew into a rage. He pointed at Su Yunying and roared, "Su Yunying, you heartless wretch! How dare you injure my sister!"
Su Yunying frowned, about to retort, when Shen Zhao interjected, "Hey, Su Jinyi, are you blind? Su Xuejiao was injured because she tried to backstab someone and got hurt—that's her own fault! I suggest you apologize to Su Yunying right now, or this won't end well today."
-----------------------
Completed English PDF of this fan-fic on my Patreon shop if you want to support and own the full fan-fic in one go. Just grab the PDF and binge the entire story from start to finish!
Guys, I've uploaded some High Quality english translated fanfic on my Patreon shop! Feel free to check it out-if you're interested, you can grab a copy and support me there.
Here are a few titles of recently uploaded fanfics:
New Addition:
" Houtarou Oreki in the Classroom of the Elite 18+ "
" My Harem of Beauties "
" High School DxD: Endless Plunder "
" Demon King Priest (18+) "
" I Became a Village Chief in the Primitive Age "
" Fantasy: I Claimed a Million Saintesses "
" After Rebirth, I Became the Obsessive Tycoon's Addiction "
" Starting with Catching Ghosts in the Girls' Dorm "
" Smut: Haughty "Husband" (18+) "
" The Prosperous Dynasty (18+) "
" I Want to Be the Man of the Immortal Lord and Demon Emperor (18+) "
" The Scent of Rural Blossoms 🌸 (18+) "
" You Refused to Side with the Villain—So Why Cry When I Let You Go? (18+) "
" Succubus Physique: I Really Am Surrounded by Beauties (18+) "
" Many Children, Many Blessings—Starting with the Willow Deity (18+) "
Your support means a lot-thanks in advance, legends!
many more are available 75+
patreon.com/RoyalStories
(End of Chapter)