The Southern Alliance Saintess said nothing, but her gaze clearly turned colder. Granny Snake let out a cold snort:
"You say he's dead, and we're just supposed to believe it? Who knows if it's true or not? Besides, even if that man really is dead, who's to say your Demon Sect doesn't have others who know that same poisonous power?"
At this point, of course they couldn't admit any fault. Otherwise, the upcoming negotiations would become passive.
Moreover, Granny Snake was partially involved—after all, it was she who identified the poisonous energy. Now that it's being claimed she got the wrong person, that implicates her.
Ghostface ignored Granny Snake and turned his gaze to the Southern Alliance Saintess, continuing,
"Since the Saintess has determined this power belongs solely to Elder Wang of our Sacred Sect, then you must also know he previously infiltrated Zhenwu Sect. Aside from that, he never revealed himself."
"It was during that mission that Elder Wang died. We have no reason to lie to you. Things are quite clear now—someone impersonated Elder Wang and destroyed your Qingzhou stronghold, hoping to spark a war between us. If we continue like this, we're only doing others a favor."
Everyone's eyes glinted coldly, filled with a fury that came from being played.
Qin Yun, however, felt a jolt in his heart. Ghostface had once again brought up the night when five Heaven-Man experts ambushed Zhenwu Sect—and Elder Wang had been involved. He couldn't shake the feeling that this might have something to do with Zhenwu Sect, something he did not wish to see. Being caught between the Demon Sect and the Southern Alliance was far from ideal.
The Southern Alliance Saintess finally spoke, arching her delicate brows:
"But what we heard was that your Elder Wang escaped with his life from the Northern Suppression King?"
At the mention of this, Ghostface's expression turned grim.
"Hmph! That Northern Suppression King is cunning. After seriously injuring Elder Wang, he didn't pursue him openly, but secretly followed him. Just as Elder Wang was healing, he suddenly attacked and blasted him to death. We found traces of his exclusive martial art, Heaven-Suppressing Fist, at the mountain range where it happened."
"If you don't believe me, you're welcome to come take a look."
Granny Snake's gaze turned grave.
"Are you saying it was the Northern Suppression King who did it? But how could he have Elder Wang's exclusive poisonous power? The traces at the Qingzhou stronghold couldn't have been faked."
She was still doubtful, but deep down she was already half convinced. After all, the Demon Sect had offered to go with them to inspect the site where Elder Wang died. Even though it had been some time, she could still tell if they were lying.
Ghostface let out a long breath.
"Seems likely. Perhaps the Northern Suppression King obtained Elder Wang's techniques after killing him and used them to pit us against each other. If we go to war, the biggest winner would be the Great Yan!"
He felt he was getting close to the truth.
Qin Yun's gaze flickered. He had other suspicions but didn't want to bring them up—especially since they involved Zhenwu Sect.
But the Southern Alliance Saintess slowly shook her head.
"No. Maybe we should look at this from another angle."
Everyone froze.
Then they heard her voice like thunder:
"What if the 'Northern Suppression King' who killed Elder Wang was also a fake?"
Ghostface's pupils contracted violently.
The Southern Alliance Saintess rhythmically tapped the table with her jade-like finger:
"Suppose someone is incredibly skilled at mimicking others' powers, and their strength ranks mid to high on the Heaven-Man list. That person could have first impersonated the 'Northern Suppression King' to kill Elder Wang, and then impersonated 'Elder Wang' to wipe out our Qingzhou stronghold." ṟÂℕỖᛒÈ𐌔
"Such a person might not just be from the Great Yan Court... They could be from somewhere else."
She was clearly hinting at something.
Ghostface caught on immediately, his expression turning solemn.
"You're suggesting… Zhenwu Sect?"
The Southern Alliance Saintess nodded slowly.
"Exactly. Your Elder Wang was on his way to destroy Zhenwu Sect and was ambushed. From a beneficiary perspective, Zhenwu Sect is suspicious. Previously, you ignored them because of their strength. To be honest, our Qingzhou base's destruction also involved Zhenwu Sect."
"Although we don't have concrete evidence, too many strange incidents are linked to Zhenwu Sect. It's hard not to be suspicious."
Qin Yun lowered his eyes slightly, fists clenched tightly within his sleeves, a dark cloud looming in his heart.
Granny Snake hesitated.
"But… that day, we witnessed the Sword Intent of Daoist Tianjian. He's a swordmaster who's taken the path to its extreme."
The Southern Alliance Saintess countered:
"What if it was someone else? There's no rule saying Zhenwu Sect can only have one Daoist Tianjian. Perhaps another even more hidden expert exists?"
Everyone mulled over this perspective.
The more they thought about it, the more it made sense.
"I also doubted Zhenwu Sect before, but later dismissed the idea. Now, putting everything together, I find their involvement even more suspicious."
"We shouldn't abandon the lead on the Northern Suppression King, but neither can we ignore Zhenwu Sect."
Her voice rang clearly through the great hall.
Ghostface couldn't help but sigh and clap softly.
"Truly worthy of being the future pillar of the Southern Alliance. So sharp and perceptive—you've really opened our eyes. If only you'd been born into our Sacred Sect."
As he spoke, he shot a dissatisfied glance at Qin Yun, who had remained silent.
In this round of negotiations, the Southern Alliance Saintess had clearly taken the lead.
"What does the Saintess propose we do next?"
The Southern Alliance Saintess smiled lightly.
"Didn't you already have something in mind? Let our two sides form an alliance."
"If this was the Great Yan's doing, we'll join forces to retaliate. If we find it was really Zhenwu Sect, we'll eliminate them together—then face the Great Yan as one."
She rose and sighed softly.
"The Great Yan has ruled the central lands for two thousand years. That's long enough, isn't it?"
Everyone felt a surge of emotion.
Two thousand years of dominance—it truly had been too long.
"Does your Southern Alliance have a method to achieve Martial Saint?" Ghostface asked the crucial question.
If they wanted to overturn Great Yan, they had to deal with its Martial Saint.
The Southern Alliance Saintess shook her head.
"Come now, Ghostface Sect Master. Let's not pretend. We both know the path to Martial Saint has long since been erased in this era. The only way to reach it now is through alternative means. The Martial Saint of Great Yan won't sit idly by and watch a new one rise. He's ruled alone for too long."
"Don't tell me your Demon Sect has no way to reach Martial Saint either? If so, forget about the alliance."
Ghostface hurriedly said,
"Saintess, wait!"
He chuckled twice.
"Our Sacred Sect has stood against the Great Yan Court for a thousand years—we naturally have our foundations. I was just testing whether you were qualified to form an alliance. If we are to join forces, we must be united in purpose."
"Centuries ago, our Sacred Sect had a Martial Saint about to emerge. But he was discovered at the critical moment and destroyed by the Great Yan Martial Saint. This time, we must be more cautious. If two Martial Saints emerge together, we'll have two against one—more than enough to suppress him!"
"That old bastard's been alive so long. Every time he acts, he grows weaker. Even two newly risen Martial Saints should be able to take him on!"
Ghostface's tone was full of bitterness.
The Demon Sect had endured like a centipede that refused to die—yet it hadn't been idle. Every century, they provoked the Great Yan Martial Saint to act, using it to measure his declining strength.
The Southern Alliance Saintess was stunned—now understanding the Demon Sect's depth and sincerity.
She sat back down and took the initiative:
"Our Southern Alliance will need your sect's assistance in refining the Blood King Gu."
Ghostface smiled.
"No problem. Our Sacred Sect will need a large quantity of exotic beast inner cores—the higher the quality, the better! You're close to the Ten-Thousand Mountains, so that shouldn't be hard for you."
Their eyes met—both understanding the subtext.
Clearly, this tied into each side's methods for cultivating Martial Saints. But the wise didn't need things spelled out. This exchange marked the beginning of trust.
Next came the wrangling phase.
Discussions of benefits were always full of contention.
Qin Yun calmed himself and joined the talks. But in his heart, he couldn't stop thinking about Zhenwu Sect being brought up again. A shadow loomed. Maybe he needed to find a chance to give someone a warning…
…
Time passed day by day.
The date of Zhenwu Sect's sect-opening ceremony drew closer.
A few days ago—
Luo Wentian and Daoist Longshan had returned to the mountain, bringing the news that Zhenwu Sect had climbed to ninth place among all Daoist sects in the land. The entire sect rejoiced, and enthusiasm for accepting new disciples surged even higher.
While making preparations, Ning Qi quietly trained his "Divine" force.
He continued perfecting the Secrets of Myriad Forms, while also refining several secret arts to boost his combat ability.
His protective techniques couldn't be neglected either.
Take for example the Virtual Sword Core Detonation Method he created earlier. Now that he had a true core, after adjustments, he was able to condense three virtual sword cores around it to maintain balance.
This allowed him to unleash more than double his strength if he went all out.
As for the fake core—
Ning Qi had already removed it.
Back when he was weaker, he had relied on the fake core to bluff. But now, its use had diminished greatly. Even the Fake Core Detonation Method was no longer that useful—its power was now about the same as the improved Virtual Sword Core Detonation Method.
Thus, Ning Qi had decisively severed his last attachment to the fake core.
But he didn't intend to waste it.
Instead, he gave it to Luo Wentian as a hidden trump card.
With his research into techniques like Fake Core Heaven Union and Fake Core Detonation Method, Ning Qi's understanding of the Beast King Inner Core was no longer shallow.
After optimizing and lightly modifying one new secret art, he reimplanted it into Luo Wentian's body.
Although Luo Wentian couldn't master Heaven-Human Unity Technique, the power of the fake core alone allowed him to unleash strength comparable to the Core Realm. Once fully mastered, he might even surpass average Core Realm cultivators.
To support the Thunder Tiger Beast King Inner Core, Ning Qi also simplified parts of the Heavenly Thunder Method so Luo Wentian could better control the path of thunder.
Right now, Luo Wentian was still getting used to the fake core.
In addition—
Ning Qi was refining the various forms of the Heavenly Sword Technique.
Now that he had reached the Core Realm, the quality and quantity of his qi had greatly increased. His earlier plans were finally becoming reality.
At present—
He could comfortably control thirty-six Heavenly Swords to form the Skyforce Sword Formation.
He was even experimenting with merging it with the Heavenly Thunder Method, his self-created thunder path technique full of profound mysteries. Ning Qi had already applied it to pill refinement. He realized that to rapidly improve Zhenwu Sect's strength, it all came down to pills.
In his spare time, he would study refining techniques, using the Heavenly Thunder Method to temper spiritual herbs, which greatly improved efficiency and produced higher-quality pills.
However, Ning Qi didn't let this delay his own cultivation.
His cultivation was growing deeper by the day, and as his martial path advanced, he began reflecting on the road he had taken.
By summarizing his path, he could simplify the martial journey itself—a sort of experimentation, in a way.
Of course, these experiments were harmless and beneficial.
Time passed.
The long-anticipated day of Zhenwu Sect opening its gates finally arrived.
In recent days,
Zhenwu City had become packed with people.
Many had traveled from far away, and among them were countless children.
Most of them had been brought by elders, hoping they could board Zhenwu Sect's great ship before it truly rose to prominence.
A small number, however, had come alone—some were beggars, others from impoverished lands—seeking a chance to change their fate.
"Sis, I'm definitely going to join Zhenwu Sect and give you a better life!"
A boy with thick brows and big eyes said solemnly to the frail girl beside him.
His face was dirty, but his eyes shone brightly.
Still, he was very weak—hunger was consuming him.
The scrawny girl's eyes lit up with hope:"Brother, I believe in you!"
But she quickly noticed a few mocking gazes and instinctively shrank into the boy's arms.
Both their clothes were ragged—if not for the spring weather, they might not have even made it to Zhenwu Sect.
A figure stopped in front of them.
The boy quickly stepped in front of his sister, not daring to look up, nervously saying:"Sir, we'll leave right away, we'll leave immediately."
The newcomer said nothing—just placed a paper-wrapped bundle of buns down and turned to leave.
The boy looked up in surprise, catching only the back of a white-haired figure walking away, with a glimpse of a mask showing on his face.
"Thank you, thank you!"
The boy trembled with emotion, mumbling his thanks repeatedly, his eyes blurring.
Along the journey, he'd experienced cold and warmth—few had lent a helping hand.
He had no strength left, and these few buns might just change his destiny.
"Sis, hurry and eat."
"Brother, you eat. Once you pass Zhenwu Sect's exam, you owe me ten buns!"
The boy just shook his head.
He stubbornly shared the buns with the girl, and in his heart, he etched the image of that white-haired figure into his memory.
Such scenes were not uncommon in Zhenwu City.
There were simply too many people.
The disciples of Zhenwu Sect were already overwhelmed trying to maintain order and prepare for the sect-opening disciple recruitment.
Inside a pavilion,
The white-haired masked man stood by the railing.
A cold voice spoke from nearby:"Who would've thought the Sacred Son of the Demon Sect would have such a kind heart. You've really changed my perception of your sect."
Qin Yun didn't look at the Southern Alliance Saintess, only replying calmly:"If the Saintess has time to watch me so closely, why not focus on how to get our people embedded into Zhenwu Sect during this recruitment?"
The Southern Alliance Saintess smiled and said:"My Southern Alliance has its own methods. As for your Demon Sect, that's not my concern.
In any case, with Zhenwu Sect opening its gates in such a grand fashion, there's no doubt that spies from many factions will sneak in.
Still, it's better to have a mixed crowd—gives us a chance to test whether Elder Wang's death and the Qingzhou stronghold incident were really Zhenwu Sect's doing."
She suddenly tilted her head, her eyes carrying a trace of seductive mischief:"Come to think of it, I remember Sacred Son Qin used to be a former disciple of Zhenwu Sect? Don't tell me you're feeling soft?"
Qin Yun stared at her coldly:"I advise the Saintess not to think this is already in the bag. I know my senior brother well—he might look simple, but he's always cautious.
If he's decided to open the sect, then he definitely has countermeasures.
The Saintess would do well to prepare for failure."
"I was against this plan from the start. It might expose our intentions instead."
The Southern Alliance Saintess furrowed her brow, then chuckled lightly:"I don't believe that."
Qin Yun said nothing more.
At this point, he couldn't stop it anyway.
He had done what he could—now it was just one step at a time.
…
Inside Mingwu Pavilion,
Ning Qi sat across from Daoist Longshan.
In front of them was a chessboard.
With their strength, they could both sense the commotion at the sect gates.
Countless people had gathered there, waiting for Luo Wentian's formal announcement.
Daoist Longshan casually placed a black stone and sighed:"This recruitment—I can't tell if it's good or bad.
I didn't expect so many eyes would be watching us."
"Xiao Jiu, do you think that secret message we got a few days ago was real?"
His eyes turned cold.
A few days prior, a secret message had been quietly delivered.
It contained only one sentence:
The Southern Alliance and the Demon Sect have formed an alliance and plan to infiltrate Zhenwu Sect.
This stirred unrest in everyone's hearts.
Ning Qi's hand paused over a white stone."Real or not, we'll find out during the tests."
He had many suspicions.
After wiping out the Southern Alliance's base in Qingzhou, they'd heard nothing from them.
He had assumed their attention had been diverted to the Demon Sect, or that they hadn't noticed the forged evidence.
Now it seemed—he had underestimated them.
After all the twists and turns, the Southern Alliance still suspected Zhenwu Sect—and had even allied with the Demon Sect.
But Ning Qi wasn't too anxious.
Now that he had stepped into the Core Realm, his power gave him confidence.
Give him another year or so—if he advanced to the Heaven-Man Realm,
Then if the Southern Alliance and Demon Sect dared cause trouble, it would be suicide.
"But… who sent the message?" Ning Qi murmured.
Daoist Longshan also pondered.
But there wasn't enough information.
"Could it be the message itself was a probe?
Maybe they're still not sure it was you who destroyed the Qingzhou base."
Hearing this theory, Ning Qi slowly nodded."In any case, let's remain calm.
The longer we stall, the weaker their threat becomes.
During today's recruitment, we'll use the assessment to root out all those 'snakes and rats' first."
As the two spoke,
Their gazes turned toward the sect gates.
Luo Wentian's voice echoed throughout Zhenwu Mountain—it was clear the assessment was about to begin.
At the mountain gate,
A large crowd had gathered. Many were here to join Zhenwu Sect. Others had come just to watch.
Zhenwu disciples were doing their best to maintain order.
Luo Wentian swept his gaze over the crowd, already bearing the demeanor of a sect master.
He raised his voice and said:"Today, Zhenwu Sect opens its gates wide.
Thank you all for coming from afar.
However, we've made it clear—this recruitment is for children under ten who haven't practiced martial arts.
For those already skilled in martial arts, only those above the White Mist Realm will be considered.
Anyone else, please leave the mountain."
His tone was calm but firm—completely unquestionable.
At once, an uproar erupted.
"How can this be? We traveled from so far. Sect Master Luo, please give us a chance!"
"Yes, yes, our young master just started training in the family's martial arts."
"Didn't expect Zhenwu Sect to be so domineering… this isn't what the rumors said…"
Some people began making sarcastic remarks.
They tried to rally the crowd to pressure Luo Wentian into changing the rules.
But Luo Wentian's expression remained unmoved.
These conditions had been decided long ago.
The recruitment standards had been publicly announced three months prior.
Many here already knew that—
They'd simply come to try their luck.
Hoping maybe they'd slip through the cracks.
After all, Zhenwu Sect was known for its benevolence.
But they forgot—Zhenwu Sect had never lacked for ruthless decisiveness.
Luo Wentian didn't move.
Beside him, Xiong Shi shouted angrily, his qi surging like a furious lion:"The recruitment criteria were set three months ago.
Anyone who keeps spouting nonsense—will be killed!"
He threw a punch, and his qi shattered a boulder.
Instantly, the noise was crushed under his force.
In Qingzhou, those at the White Mist Realm were already top experts.
Some weaker martial sects didn't even have someone at that level.
It was intimidating enough.
Especially now—Xiong Shi was serving as the Discipline Hall Elder, and his authority was only growing.
The troublemakers instantly turned pale.
Seeing the cold gleam in the Zhenwu disciples' eyes, they shivered—realizing their schemes had failed.
One figure after another lowered their heads and left.
The chaotic base of the mountain suddenly emptied by half.
Now, the crowd was clearly split into two groups.
One group was made up of children—some with elders, some alone.
There were about ten thousand of them.
If you counted those who'd left, the total was around thirty to forty thousand.
They were the main participants in this assessment.
The other group had just over a hundred people.
All of them were martial experts above the White Mist Realm.
Expressions varied—arms crossed, eyes narrowed, some whispering to each other.
These were rogue cultivators seeking better futures and more resources.
They had struggled for years, and rarely did such a chance come.
The possibility of joining Zhenwu Sect meant a lot to them.
Luo Wentian quietly sensed the unhidden auras and was surprised—
There was even a Core Realm expert among them, and seven or eight in the Jade Liquid Realm.
But along with his surprise, he remained wary.
Daoist Longshan had already shared the message with him.
Looking at the gradually quieting crowd,
Luo Wentian declared in a clear voice:"I hereby announce the start of the Zhenwu Sect assessment!"
"First trial—Heaven Ascension Steps!"
He pointed with his hand, and everyone's eyes turned to the stone staircase behind him.
Luo Wentian's gaze was full of majesty:"Only those who pass the Heaven Ascension Steps are considered to have cleared the first trial.
Anyone who gives up or fails to reach the top will not enter our sect."
The children immediately grew nervous.
The stone stairs looked ordinary,
But under Luo Wentian's words, they seemed to exude a strange energy—
They no longer looked ordinary at all.