Xue Jin had reached the fourth layer of the Nurturing Essence Realm, while back when Li Qingqiu had gone to the Seven Peaks Alliance, he himself had only been at the third layer.
This mission was meant to be a test for Xue Jin. Li Qingqiu could tell the young man was ambitious—he didn't want to remain merely Jiang Zhaoxia's disciple forever.
Though many in the sect felt Li Qingqiu's decision was too domineering, none dared to argue. The more they thought about it, the more they realized—if a disciple of Qingxiao Sect were to die at the mountain's foot, it would bring nothing but chaos both within and beyond the sect.
Zhu Yan spoke up calmly. "Sect Master, if you don't mind, I can spread certain rumors across the martial world. I'll say the Sect Master of the Nine Absolutes Sect sent an assassin to kill you without reason. Even without evidence, such a claim will stir interest. Once the rumors spread, others in the martial world will no longer see Qingxiao Sect as reckless—they'll only learn to fear and respect it."
Her words impressed everyone present.
Truth be told, many Hall Masters had initially been uneasy about having a famous scholar like Zhu Yan become Vice Hall Master. They thought her reputation didn't necessarily mean capability. But tonight, hearing her speak with such confidence and foresight, and seeing how her plan would directly benefit the sect, they began to truly accept her.
Li Qingqiu smiled faintly. "If Hall Master Zhu is willing to handle such matters, that would be excellent."
Though his manner was commanding, he was far from foolish. Having someone stir the waters for him was precisely what Qingxiao Sect needed—chaos worked in their favor.
This was the Qingxiao Sect he wanted. He would decide the grand direction, while his subordinates handled the rest—each with their own duties. Even in war, strategy should not be limited to brute force.
After discussing a few other matters and reaching agreement, Li Qingqiu dismissed the meeting.
Back at Qingxiao Mountain, Bai Ning'er looked around with awe. Everything felt fresh to him. It had been a long time since he was last here, ever since he'd been reassigned to the Spirit Mine.
He bore no resentment—only gratitude. Not everyone was allowed to cultivate at the Spirit Mine, and he had remained there longer than anyone else. Other disciples rotated in and out, but not him.
It hadn't gone unnoticed. Many whispered that the Sect Master held him in high regard.
Now, Bai Ning'er had reached the third layer of the Nurturing Essence Realm, and his newfound confidence made him seem like a completely different person from two years ago.
That morning, a disciple brought word that the Sect Master had summoned him to the Lingxiao Hall. He was thrilled—and nervous. He had no idea what the Sect Master wanted.
As he climbed the mountain path, he passed the guest courtyard of Zhu Yan and Su Xiling. After a moment's hesitation, he stepped forward and knocked on the door.
A maid opened it—someone Bai Ning'er didn't recognize.
"May I ask if Senior Zhu Yan is here?" Bai Ning'er bowed respectfully.
The maid blinked, startled. "You mean the scholar Zhu Yan?"
"Yes."
"She's now the Vice Hall Master of the Heavenly Works Hall. She moved up the mountain. You didn't know?"
"So that's it," Bai Ning'er said quickly, bowing again. "I've been at the Spirit Mine for a year. I truly didn't know. Sorry to disturb you."
He turned and left, smiling faintly. The news made him happy. Su Xiling had always guided him, and he already regarded her as a teacher. If she had joined Qingxiao Sect alongside Zhu Yan, then they were all truly part of one family now.
When he arrived at the Lingxiao Courtyard, he found several other disciples gathered there. Most were those who had also spent time cultivating at the Spirit Mine—faces he recognized.
At the center stood Xue Jin. At twenty years old, he was in his prime—famous throughout the entire sect as a genius second only to Xu Ning. Naturally, the others clustered around him.
When Xue Jin caught sight of Bai Ning'er, he nodded slightly. Bai Ning'er was startled but returned the gesture gratefully.
Xue Jin wasn't being polite just because Bai Ning'er had the Sect Master's favor. He could see the man's cultivation clearly—third layer of Nurturing Essence Realm. That alone was impressive enough to command respect.
"I wonder why the Sect Master called us here?" someone murmured.
"I heard a rumor," another said. "It's for a mission."
"Nonsense. You think he called us just to eat?"
"Whatever it is, if the Sect Master's giving orders personally, it's bound to be something major."
"With Senior Brother Xue leading us, we'll succeed for sure."
As they whispered among themselves, Yuan Qi stepped out of Li Qingqiu's room, counted heads, and called back, "Sect Master, everyone's here."
The moment the words fell, the twelve True Disciples standing outside tensed up. The Sect Master himself was inside?
They fell silent, none daring to speak.
Soon, Li Qingqiu walked out, his expression calm yet commanding. He looked over the twelve disciples, then said evenly, "The Nine Absolutes Sect sent an assassin after me."
The air grew heavy at once. Rage burned in every disciple's eyes.
"I order you to go to the Nine Absolutes Sect," Li Qingqiu said coldly. "Kill their sect master. Destroy their sect. You don't need to wipe them all out—but they must be broken beyond repair. Finish the mission before year's end. Xue Jin will take command. The rest of you will follow his lead. When you return, I will reward you handsomely."
The disciples bowed deeply, answering in unison, "Yes, Sect Master!"
Xue Jin's eyes gleamed. At last, his chance had come.
If this mission succeeded, he would no longer remain merely a disciple.
Li Qingqiu waved his hand dismissively. "Go prepare."
The twelve True Disciples bowed once more, then turned to leave together toward the mountain gate.
Each of them was among Qingxiao Sect's elite. The weakest among them had reached the second layer of Nurturing Essence Realm. Even if they met masters from the Demonic Sect, they'd have the power to fight—or at least survive.
And so began the mission that would shake the martial world—and make their names known across all of Dongling Prefecture.
Li Qingqiu had high expectations for them. After all, reaching the second layer of the Nurturing Essence Realm was no easy feat. More than half of those disciples had only managed to break through within the past six months.
Once they left, only a handful of disciples at that level remained within the sect—excluding, of course, the higher-ranking elders and Hall Masters whose cultivation wasn't counted among them.
Li Qingqiu lingered in the courtyard for a while before stepping out. He planned to personally guide Li Yang in cultivation.
With Li Yang's talent, simply handing him the technique would have been enough, but Li Qingqiu wanted to reinforce his image and authority.
By teaching him personally, Li Yang would be seen as a genius favored by the Sect Master himself. And the greater Li Yang's achievements, the higher Li Qingqiu's prestige would rise within the sect.
The rumor that an assassin had attacked the Sect Master spread swiftly through Qingxiao Sect. Before long, whispers claimed that the culprit was none other than the Nine Absolutes Sect of Dongling Prefecture.
The disciples were furious, while pilgrims and visitors grew curious about what kind of grudge could have caused such enmity between the two sects—and how Qingxiao Sect would respond.
In the wake of the rumor, the Law Enforcement Hall expanded to 25 disciples. Each day, 5 disciples guarded the mountain gate, while 10 others patrolled the mountain paths.
Such actions only confirmed that the rumor about the assassination attempt was true.
Everyone waited for Li Qingqiu's official response. Yet no public announcement was made, nor did he summon anyone to the Mystic Heart Hall for a meeting.
As autumn deepened, and since the Sect Master remained silent, the matter gradually faded from the disciples' minds.
One day, Feng Dai sent a letter—delivered once again by the wandering swordsman Ma Yu.
Li Qingqiu received him and broke the seal to read.
Feng Dai was faring well in Zhenyang Imperial City. With Jia Yi's help—and a bit of fortune—he had officially been accepted into the government ranks.
However, the capital was far from peaceful. It was said that the Crown Prince and the Emperor were locked in a power struggle. The conflict within the court had already spread across the entire city. Officials were dismissed and replaced almost daily.
Feng Dai's writing carried a tone of excitement. He firmly supported the Crown Prince, believing that only with his ascension could the Great Li Dynasty truly prosper.
After reading the letter, Li Qingqiu looked up and smiled. "Why are you the one delivering the letter again?"
Ma Yu answered flatly, "My lord doesn't trust anyone else."
"Have you heard any news from the Guzhou prefectural office?"
"I haven't heard much, but I did learn some things on the road."
At the mention of Guzhou, Ma Yu's expression stiffened. He had heard that Guzhou's government had fallen to the Demonic Sect, and that countless civilians had perished. The news had shocked him deeply—such a devastating event, yet not a single whisper of it reached the imperial capital.
Still, Ma Yu was a calm man. Since Li Qingqiu didn't bring it up further, he wouldn't ask. He knew this was not a matter he had the right to question, much less discuss.
Li Qingqiu nodded slightly. "Stay the night here. Rest before returning."
"No need," Ma Yu said. "Does the Sect Master have a reply for my lord?"
"No," Li Qingqiu said simply.
"Then I'll take my leave."
Ma Yu cupped his hands, turned, and walked away without hesitation—clean, sharp, efficient.
Li Qingqiu watched him go, a hint of appreciation in his eyes. 'Feng Dai really does have a good eye for people.'
Then he rose and made his way toward the Underground Spiritual Lake to cultivate.
Knowing that the Emperor and the Crown Prince were at odds put him at ease. The longer their struggle lasted, the better. His inevitable clash with the Emperor was destined—but it was best delayed as long as possible.
Recently, he had been focusing on breaking through to the eighth layer of the Nurturing Essence Realm. The higher he climbed, the harder the breakthrough became. Even with his Heavenly Thunder Spiritual Root, progress was grueling—let alone for anyone else.
'Cultivation truly demands time,' he thought. 'No wonder immortals can dream through a thousand autumns.'
When the first winter snow fell, a piece of shocking news spread through Qingxiao Sect—shaking the entire mountain.
Xue Jin, leader of the Thirteen Swords of Qingxiao's Might, had led eleven True Disciples into the Nine Absolutes Sect, slain their sect master, and crushed their disciples into complete retreat. They still occupied the sect's grounds, refusing to withdraw.
The news came from passing pilgrims, and it sent waves of excitement through Qingxiao Sect.
Many disciples had been frustrated before, wondering why the Sect Master hadn't retaliated. After long discussion, they had concluded it wasn't simple to handle—after all, the Nine Absolutes Sect could always deny involvement.
But now, when everyone thought their Sect Master had chosen patience, this news struck like thunder.
The name Xue Jin spread across every peak of Qingxiao Mountain.
He had made his name in a single battle. Rumor had it that the entire martial world of Dongling Prefecture was now abuzz with talk of him. Some even launched a "Save the Nine Absolutes Sect" campaign, claiming that Qingxiao Sect's invasion was a deliberate provocation against Dongling's martial world.
But it wasn't only Xue Jin—Bai Ning'er and the other True Disciples had also risen to fame, though none as brightly as him.
This battle marked Qingxiao Sect's true emergence from Guzhou's shadow.
While the martial world of Dongling seethed with outrage, the cultivators of Guzhou were inspired. Many even declared they would travel to aid the twelve disciples of Qingxiao Sect, for word had already spread that the Nine Absolutes Sect had sent assassins against their Sect Master.
Zhang Yuchun came to find Li Qingqiu, asking, "Senior Brother, should we send reinforcements? The matter's escalating fast—I'm afraid other sects might get involved."
Li Qingqiu smiled faintly. "No need. Xue Jin will handle it. Besides, our Sixth Junior Brother just accepted a mission in Dongling Prefecture not long ago."