Zhai Ge had not even reacted.
Yun Jin suddenly surged toward him with a fierce attack.
His expression shifted instantly.
He had spent a lot of time thinking of ways to deal with Yun Jin. Most of them were subtle, behind-the-scenes maneuvers. After all, they were not street thugs. If word got out, it would involve people of status. How could they fight openly like commoners?
Even if they hated each other privately, it should be done in secret, to maintain their dignity.
Yun Jin, however…
She came straight at him, shouting for blood and battle.
Zhai Ge swore silently. He had forgotten that Yun Jin was a disciple of Ji Wusi, effectively half a sword cultivator. And sword cultivators… could they be trusted to think logically?
Seeing Yun Jin's sharp attack, Zhai Ge sneered and met her blow head-on. At the same time, he wanted to see for himself how formidable the Sect Master of Wushuang Sect truly was.
He had investigated thoroughly. A month ago, Yun Jin had fought Xue Daoren in the capital. The two had been nearly evenly matched. Only after chasing him three thousand miles did Yun Jin manage to kill Xue Daoren.
Xue Daoren was of the Illusion Demon clan, not renowned for combat ability, and was only at the early Mahayana stage.
Zhai Ge, on the other hand, was already mid-stage Mahayana. Do not underestimate the difference of a small step. In the Mahayana stage, every bit of progress was incredibly difficult.
The gap between early and mid-stage Mahayana was like a vast chasm. If he had been in the capital at that time, Xue Daoren would not have survived three moves.
Yun Jin, who had struggled against Xue Daoren, would naturally not be a match for him.
Zhai Ge knew Yun Jin's growth had been rapid, even terrifying. But no matter how fast one grew, cultivation only got harder the higher one went. Yun Jin was still only at the peak of Unity. In a single month, how much could her combat strength improve?
Could she have suddenly comprehended a new Primordial Force?
Zhai Ge's expression twisted with mockery. This time, he would make Yun Jin show her limits.
Inside Mingxin Hall, many watched the aerial battle in silence.
"Sister Hong, do you think this new Hall Master can win?" a man asked cautiously.
About thirty or forty people stood in the corners, observing the battle.
The leader among them was clearly a woman. A massive sword taller than herself was strapped to her back. A gruesome scar ran from her eye to her mouth, marring her otherwise beautiful face.
Despite this, those around her looked at her with unquestioning trust.
Sister Hong, she spoke slowly. Her voice was hoarse, carrying a subtle resonance. "Let's wait. It is not yet the time for us to take sides."
Her words convinced the others to nod.
"Rin Feng, why are you staring so seriously, as if you can see the outcome?" someone asked.
Rin Feng's face reddened slightly. "I… I've seen Hall Master Yun before. Sister Hong is right, it is not time to take sides yet, but… I secretly hope she will win."
He quickly added, "It is only my personal wish. I mean nothing else by it."
Sister Hong glanced at Rin Feng and smiled. "I remember last time on that Tianxing Sect mission, it was you and a few others who went, right?"
Rin Feng and several others nodded. Few in Mingxin Hall were actually responsible for work; it was mostly this group. When the Tianxing Sect incident happened, they had been nearby and rushed to assist. They had witnessed Yun Jin's heroic demon-purging firsthand.
"Although young, Hall Master Yun was decisive and meticulous. Not entirely reckless," another said.
"And unlike us, who have no backing, Hall Master Yun's masters are formidable. Though this is Qingxiao Pavilion territory, she has the support of the other three Holy Lands."
"Exactly. If she wins, life may become easier for us loose cultivators."
"Over the years, all the dirty work falls to us. We do most of the work, but when resources or artifacts are distributed, sect disciples are prioritized. I've had enough of this life!"
"I just hope Hall Master Yun wins."
"You're too optimistic. Don't forget, Yun Jin is the Sect Master of Wushuang Sect. She has her sect's backing. How could she care about us loose cultivators? Once she rises to power, she may be another Zhai Ge."
"Not necessarily! I heard that Wushuang Sect treated all new recruits equally. Several of my loose cultivator friends have joined. Hall Master Yun shows no sect bias."
"Over the years, loose cultivators have suffered most from demons. Demons dare not attack sects, so they target us. Zhai Ge does nothing about the rampant demons, but Hall Master Yun's approach is thorough. If she maintains that, our workload will lessen."
They spoke quietly among themselves. All of them were loose cultivators. Some had become loose cultivators due to lack of aptitude, unable to join sects. Others preferred freedom, avoiding sect constraints that would go against their hearts.
Their lives had been manageable… until now.
In the past hundred years, the environment worsened, demons acted frequently, and many unable to resist temptation or threats fell into the evil path.
Those unwilling to become evil and without sect protection were in even harsher situations. They had no choice but to find a place to survive. They joined the Demon-Slaying Alliance.
The alliance was freer; anyone who wanted to purge demons could join. Tasks were issued, and completing them led to promotion. Compared to sects, it was freer and fairer.
But upon arrival…
They realized the freedom and fairness applied only in other regions.
Mingxin Hall was a different story. Life for loose cultivators there was exhausting and unfair. Fortunately, Sister Hong joined later. Her real name was Hong Ye. Also a loose cultivator, her cultivation was high—early Mahayana. When she erupted in power, she rivaled mid-stage Mahayana.
Zhai Ge feared her somewhat. Under Hong Ye's protection, life for loose cultivators improved. From unbearable to barely manageable. Yet, it still could not change the overall injustice in Mingxin Hall.
Hong Ye looked up calmly at the flames burning in the sky.
The new Hall Master.
Yun Jin.
Her arrival…
Would it bring change?
Would this flame continue to burn, or…
Slowly extinguish?