"Go back for what? To help those people oppress the common folk?"
Li Yang stared at the two figures standing atop the Martial Platform, his face expressionless as he spoke.
During his time at Qingxiao Sect, his martial arts had improved greatly. He often sparred at the Martial Platform, and by now, most disciples knew him—he had become a regular there.
Zhao Linglong sighed. "Things aren't as bad as you think. And even if the dynasty is corrupt, shouldn't you work to change it instead of running away and giving up?"
"How do you know I've given up?" Li Yang asked calmly.
Zhao Linglong opened her mouth but found no words. After all, Li Yang spent every day training diligently.
But what was the point of training alone?
His background destined him not to be a man of the martial world. His future lay on the battlefield—and in the imperial court.
"Senior Brother Xue, please give me your guidance!"
Ji Ya cupped his fists toward Xue Jin. His face was ordinary, his figure short and thin, and his voice slightly timid—but deep inside him burned a fierce determination that revealed itself in battle.
Xue Jin raised his sword and saluted before taking the initiative to strike.
Ji Ya immediately formed both palms into a stance, unleashing the Nine Heavens Divine Palm. Powerful vital energy erupted from his body, sweeping across the Martial Platform in a storm of force that left Xue Jin with no choice but to lift his sword to block.
"Same opening again—his internal energy's just too damn strong!"
A disciple watching below couldn't help but sigh. Ji Ya always began this way.
His Nine Heavens Divine Palm wasn't as refined as that of Yang Jueding or Wu Man'er, but the sheer volume of his vital energy made up for it. With just a casual strike, he forced opponents to meet him head-on; dodging was impossible.
And once the first attack landed, Ji Ya would unleash his second move.
His hands shifted rapidly through complex gestures as he began to chant. Vital energy surged outward from his body, coalescing in the air into the form of a silver-blue tiger, over one zhang tall, its presence fierce and majestic.
Divine Curse of the Mountain Lord!
This had become Ji Ya's signature technique. The moment the spectral tiger appeared, it pounced toward Xue Jin with terrifying momentum.
Zhao Linglong had seen this Mountain Lord Divine Curse before, but even now she still couldn't quite believe it.
'Is that really martial arts?' she thought.
The summoned tiger was agile and lethal. Its claws gleamed with killing intent, and even brushing against it could cause serious injury.
With this technique alone, Ji Ya had fought ten consecutive duels—and won every single one.
Of course, Zhao Linglong knew that even this move had flaws.
Xue Jin dodged the mountain tiger's charge again and again, his eyes calm. Then, finding a perfect opening, he suddenly threw his sword forward. The blade sliced under the tiger's body, flying straight toward Ji Ya.
At that very moment, Xue Jin stepped into a mysterious footwork pattern. His figure blurred, and in the blink of an eye, he appeared right behind the sword hilt, riding the sword's momentum forward like a streak of light toward Ji Ya.
Ji Ya's face changed slightly. He launched another Nine Heavens Divine Palm, but Xue Jin's sword had already reached within half a zhang of his chest before the blast hit. Ji Ya's body flew backward from the impact, crashing to the ground.
Xue Jin landed, avoiding the tiger's counterstrike, and swung his sword again, pressing his attack without pause.
His movements grew faster and sharper, while Ji Ya's flaw became increasingly clear. Though his vital energy was vast, his reflexes and speed couldn't match Xue Jin's precision.
After five exchanges, Xue Jin's sword stopped right before Ji Ya's throat. The younger boy froze completely.
"Junior Brother, you've lost," Xue Jin said flatly. Throughout the entire fight, the spectral tiger had never once touched him.
Ji Ya exhaled deeply and forced a wry smile. "Senior Brother is still stronger."
Xue Jin's lips curved upward slightly, but inside, his heart wasn't calm.
He had gone all out—his incredible speed had been boosted by burning his vital energy. If he fought like that a few more times, his body wouldn't withstand it.
He had won this match, but in terms of talent, he knew he had already lost. Ji Ya's potential left even him in awe.
The disciples below erupted in cheers. Both fighters had displayed skill and strength worthy of admiration.
Xue Jin stepped off the platform, intending to go up the mountain to recover his energy through cultivation.
He had barely taken a few steps when a middle-aged man in a blue robe approached with a smile. "Young Hero Xue, my name is Zhu Li of the Zhu Clan in Jiejun County, Dongling Prefecture. May I have a word?"
"No time."
Xue Jin didn't even glance at him. He brushed past and walked away without slowing down.
Zhu Li stopped, watching his back disappear, silently cursing his arrogance.
Turning back toward the platform, he began scanning the remaining Qingxiao Sect disciples. His family had given him a strict order: recruit a Qingxiao Sect genius at all costs to strengthen their connection with the sect.
Qingxiao Sect was now the number-one sect in Guzhou, overflowing with prodigies and limitless potential. Rumor had it the sect also possessed legendary martial arts from the ancient myths, making countless clans desperate to establish ties with them.
If force wouldn't work, then persuasion and flattery would have to do.
After watching a few more matches, Li Yang finally couldn't resist stepping onto the Martial Platform himself.
The disciples all knew him well—the court's Martial Champion—and no one was intimidated by his title. One after another, they challenged him, and one after another, they were defeated.
"I'll go next!"
A clear female voice rang out. From the crowd, a figure leaped gracefully onto the platform—Chai Yunshang, wearing the blue robe of Qingxiao Sect.
Li Yang frowned slightly when he saw his opponent was a woman. Instinctively, he wanted to refuse.
"Your spear technique isn't bad, but your internal strength is weak," Chai Yunshang said calmly.
Her words struck Li Yang like a slap. That tone of hers—condescending, almost like she was teaching him—reminded him too much of Zhao Linglong.
Even after one year, the bitterness of her deceit still lingered in his chest, festering, unresolved.
'Perfect,' he thought. 'I'll vent it all on this woman today!'
He raised his spear, its tip aimed straight at her. "Then show me just how strong your internal energy really is."
Chai Yunshang drew her sword, her expression unwavering. "Qingxiao Sect's internal arts stand unrivaled under heaven."
Li Yang's anger flared hotter. Without another word, he lunged forward, his spear thrusting toward her like lightning.
By dusk, Li Qingqiu returned to Lingxiao Courtyard with Yuan Li and Zhao Zhen. As soon as they stepped through the gate, Yang Jueding came to meet them.
Before the elder could speak, Li Qingqiu said first, "The sect-wide martial competition can't be held yet. Not until the situation fully stabilizes. We can't give our enemies any opening."
As the Hall Master of the Broad Relations Hall, Yang Jueding had long wanted to host a grand event for Qingxiao Sect. The Martial Platform he'd built had become extremely popular, and he dreamed of organizing a full sect-wide tournament to raise morale and enthusiasm for martial training.
But Li Qingqiu didn't think the time was right.
"That's not what I came to talk about," Yang Jueding said, shaking his head. "I wanted to ask if you could transfer Chai Yunshang from the Law Enforcement Hall to my hall. I don't have any geniuses under me, and I need someone who can represent us."
Li Qingqiu raised a brow. "Why the sudden interest in her?"
"This girl's growth rate is unbelievable," Yang Jueding said with a sigh. "Even the Martial Champion couldn't beat her! How long has it even been since she joined the sect?"
Hearing that Li Yang had lost to Chai Yunshang, Li Qingqiu wasn't the least bit surprised.
"That won't do," Li Dongyue said lightly as she served the dishes. "Senior Brother already decided long ago that she'll be trained as the future Hall Master of the Law Enforcement Hall. You'd better try asking to have Ning'er transferred to your side instead."
Yang Jueding blinked in surprise. "So this girl's one of your hidden talents, personally nurtured?"
No wonder her progress had been so terrifying.
Li Qingqiu smiled. "Hall Master Yang, as the sect grows, you'll need to learn to spot potential on your own—not just wait until someone shines before trying to recruit them."
With that, he stepped around Yang Jueding and walked toward the long table. Yuan Li and Zhao Zhen followed close behind.
Yang Jueding looked like he wanted to argue further, but as he turned, his gaze fell on Zhao Zhen's back—and he suddenly fell silent.
Yes, Qingxiao Sect was overflowing with geniuses now. But if he had to name the most terrifying one, it would be that boy surnamed Zhao.
Yang Jueding clenched his fists. A spark of competitiveness flared in his chest. He refused to believe he couldn't uncover a prodigy of his own.
Li Qingqiu sat down, and before he could even take a bite, Li Sijin came over with a bright smile. "Senior Brother, the spiritual plant experiment worked! I want to apply for a plot of land to cultivate them on a large scale—and I'll need the Treasury Hall to allocate some funds."
"Ask the Heavenly Works Hall for the land and your Fourth Senior Sister for the funds," Li Qingqiu said casually. "Tell them I've approved it."
Li Qingqiu had always valued spiritual plants highly and was more than willing to divert resources toward their development.
"Thank you, Senior Brother!"
Overjoyed, Li Sijin threw her arms around him, resting her cheek against his shoulder.
"You're grown up now," he said helplessly. "You should mind the difference between men and women."
"The difference between men and women only matters with outsiders," she said cheerfully. "You're my Senior Brother. Even if you get married and have kids, I'll still hug you!"
"You little rascal…"
Li Qingqiu sighed, unable to stop her. Among all his juniors, Li Sijin was the only one who hadn't changed as she grew older. He found her pure nature refreshing and had never tried to teach her the subtleties of worldly behavior.
A while later, an elder from the Training Hall came to see Li Qingqiu. With Li Sifeng away, many matters required the Sect Master's personal decision.
Li Qingqiu was used to it by now—someone was always looking for him.
This time, it was about an official request. The local authorities wanted to hire Qingxiao Sect disciples to hunt down a notorious criminal known as the Flower Thief. The man's martial arts were incredibly strong, and the Training Hall elder didn't think they could subdue him easily.
Li Qingqiu approved immediately. "Write up the mission details and post it for open registration. Let whoever's willing take it."
After the elder left, Li Qingqiu muttered, "Where are Third and Sixth Junior Brothers? Why aren't they back yet?"
Li Dongyue, sitting beside him, smiled softly. "Don't worry. With their skills, there's no danger. That rascal Sifeng probably got distracted playing around again."
Li Qingqiu nodded, then shifted the conversation to other matters.
Night fell, and a heavy rain poured down over the mountains.
In the forest, Jiang Zhaoxia and Li Sifeng stood beneath a massive tree, both dressed in black robes and veiled masks, wide bamboo hats shielding their faces from the rain. Each held a sword in hand.
Behind them, a drenched woman in coarse clothes stared ahead, her face pale with fear.
Thunder rumbled, lightning flashed, illuminating the dark woods.
From the shadows ahead, countless armed figures emerged—each wearing a wide hat and a hideous ghost mask. Their blades gleamed, and their bloodthirsty aura filled the air.
Li Sifeng muttered, "Senior Brother, why do they look so much like the Demonic Sect's people?"
Jiang Zhaoxia's gaze was calm. "They shouldn't be. The masks are different—more like another kind of ghost face. Stay alert. These people are strong, and their hidden weapons are dangerous."
With that, he stepped forward, sword raised, facing the encroaching enemy alone.
Li Sifeng turned slightly toward the terrified woman behind them. "Hey, we've fought through wave after wave to save you and your father. You'd better not be tricking us."
The woman lowered her eyes nervously. "Please be careful. I'm afraid the Martial God Pills I refined have already been taken by them."
Li Sifeng smirked. "Oh? Now I really want to see just how powerful your Martial God Pill made them."
Another flash of lightning split the sky.
And as the forest flared white for an instant, Jiang Zhaoxia moved. His sword cut through the rain like a streak of light as he charged headlong into the approaching mass of masked killers.