“The sect competition…”

A fine drizzle fell over Little Jade Peak.

Li Changshou finished organizing the medicinal pills in his elixir room and headed toward the thatched cottage, contemplating the unavoidable major sect event that he and his junior sister could not avoid.

Currently, his surface cultivation level was at the first stage of the Return to Dao realm, and his ranking among disciples maintained around twentieth place within the sect.

To the sect, he was like a seedling of immortality that had strayed slightly from its path, showing a preference for pill refinement and array studies.

For Li Changshou, however, this position was just right – maintaining a low profile while still receiving favorable treatment within the sect.

Keeping a thread of immortal consciousness observing Daoist Kuai Si in seclusion on Raincloud Peak, Li Changshou returned most of his attention to the immediate matters at hand…

“Time to bid farewell to Youdu.”

Youqin Xuanya had arrived just yesterday and likely hadn’t left yet.

Over these past dozen years or so, Youqin Xuanya’s visits to Little Jade Peak had become extremely regular.

She would appear on Little Jade Peak once every two years, like clockwork.

Like fulfilling a routine duty, and maintaining their friendship.

Additionally, when she couldn’t see a certain senior brother for extended periods, her heart would feel somewhat empty.

According to her understanding, Senior Brother Changshou was her role model for learning – she needed to observe him frequently to ensure she hadn’t deviated from her path…

Each time she came, Li Changshou would avoid her, letting Ling’e accompany her in conversation, play, and tea drinking.

Only when Youqin Xuanya was about to leave and return to Sky-Breaking Peak for continued secluded cultivation would Li Changshou appear, exchange a few words with her, and bid farewell.

This way, Youqin Xuanya would feel fulfilled from her visit and wouldn’t keep looking back repeatedly when leaving.

The fine rain hazed the view, as clouds and mist rose;

Li Changshou quickly walked to the lakeside, took some fish food, and scattered it on the water’s surface.

Distant mountains vanished in the mist, while nearby waters rippled with waves.

Behind him in the thatched cottage, within two layers of protective arrays, amidst scattered cups and plates from a finished feast, three graceful figures were taking a drunken nap on Ling’e’s bed…

Youqin Xuanya’s designated spot remained at the foot of the bed, sleeping while sitting;

Ling’e lay on one side, while Senior Aunt Jiuzhou sat slumped against the bedside, hugging a wine jar.

All three faces were painted with rouge in ghostly patterns, with Jiuzhou’s face bearing the most – having lost the most rounds yesterday.

Li Changshou glanced at Youqin Xuanya’s cultivation level…

The sixth stage of the Return to Dao realm – just three stages away from facing her tribulation.

Li Changshou held a tiny bit of concern regarding Youqin Xuanya’s tribulation.

Judging from her current displayed talent, her heavenly tribulation would be at least seven bolts, possibly even eight lightning tribulations;

However, throughout Youqin Xuanya’s cultivation journey, her accumulated foundation was somewhat shallow. If she encountered a tribulation like his own, perhaps…

Although Youqin Xuanya didn’t provide much ‘benefit’ to him, she was still considered half a friend…

He decided to give her one-tenth of the tribulation package he had prepared for Ling’e.

Smiling inwardly, Li Changshou simultaneously monitored his master’s situation while keeping watch on that enemy.

Comparing the two, Li Changshou felt somewhat indignant in his heart.

Back then, Ling’e had learned about the incident between ‘Junior Brother Qiqi’ and ‘Senior Sister Yan’er’, as well as the rumors about Master, Uncle Master, and Daoist Kuai Si.

In those rumors, Master and Daoist Kuai Si had developed conflicts over dao companion matters, leading to a private duel;

However, Senior Aunt Jiuwu had previously mentioned something about an ‘ambush.’

Moreover, based on Li Changshou’s secret investigations over these past dozen years, along with information gleaned from indirect questioning of his master, he had nearly reconstructed the original story in his mind…

About a thousand years ago, Little Jade Peak had three master-disciple relationships. The master had taken two disciples, and after guiding them onto the right path of cultivation, the master went wandering the four directions seeking breakthrough;

Left behind were Senior Sister Wan Jiangyu and Junior Brother Qi Yuan.

They were both seedlings of immortality from that batch of disciples, with Wan Jiangyu ranking eighth or ninth, and Qi Yuan around fourteenth or fifteenth;

As childhood sweethearts, in an environment where the Crossing Heaven Gate promoted dao companionship, they naturally developed mutual feelings.

Later, Kuai Si of Raincloud Peak fell in love with Wan Jiangyu at first sight, pursued her unsuccessfully for over ten years, and redirected his anger toward Qi Yuan.

This person provoked in secret, opposed at every turn, and finally challenged Qi Yuan to an outside duel, but actually ambushed him, leaving Qi Yuan severely injured…

Thus came about the incident of Wan Jiangyu risking herself to venture out searching for medicinal herbs for Qi Yuan.

As for the rumor Ling’e initially discovered:

Wan Jiangyu, angered at being treated as a ‘treasure’ to be fought over by male cultivators, left the sect to find her master, while Qi Yuan arranged a duel with Kuai Si and was severely injured after being defeated.

—This was news spread by Raincloud Peak at the time, biased in Kuai Si’s favor.

Back then, Senior Sister Wan Jiangyu and Master were isolated and helpless – Little Jade Peak had neither elders nor immortals, forcing them to swallow this bitter fruit.

Now…

Senior Sister Wan Jiangyu died tragically in the North Continent, fortunately, her remnant soul entered the six paths of reincarnation;

Qi Yuan’s dao foundation was damaged, struggling for eight or nine hundred years, should have died under the heavenly tribulation, but was saved by a pill from his eldest disciple, Li Changshou.

Li Changshou felt quite indignant about this.

His indignation wasn’t about Kuai Si’s despicable nature – he had plenty of experience with such people in his previous life.

What angered Li Changshou were two things:

First, the sect’s subsequent punishment followed the principle of minimizing major issues and dissolving minor ones – Raincloud Peak protected Kuai Si.

Now Kuai Si was proud and ambitious, accompanied by dao companions, scheming for Celestial Immortal status, aspiring for long life, while his own master could at most reach the True Immortal realm.

Second, just how desperate must Senior Sister Wan Jiangyu have been back then, what level of helplessness, that among so many immortals in the sect, she had to journey alone to the Northern Continent…

But no matter.

If the sect wouldn’t punish the culprit, he as a disciple would seek justice on behalf of his master!

There had always been friction and discord between the various peaks – this was a conclusion Li Changshou had drawn after two or three years of observation since joining the sect.

Therefore, he wouldn’t deliberately target Raincloud Peak, at most he would be a bit harsher when encountering their disciples during the sect competition.

‘Now, just make one move.’

Li Changshou’s eyes narrowed slightly as he gazed at Raincloud Peak through the rain and mist, watching that figure meditating deep in the cave dwelling.

“Senior Brother? When did you come over?”

A gentle call came from behind, and Li Changshou turned to look – it was Ling’e walking out from the thatched cottage.

She was combing her smooth hair with her fingers, her pretty face bearing a slight flush from just waking up, offering Li Changshou a gentle smile;

Behind her in the thatched cottage, those two figures were also slowly awakening…

Li Changshou gave Ling’e a slight smile.

Back then, the senior sister couldn’t protect her junior brother, and no one stood up for Little Jade Peak;

Now, however, things would be different.

…

A moment later.

“Tsk tsk, little Changshou, little Ling’e.

What ranking is your Little Jade Peak aiming for in this sect competition?”

Senior Aunt Jiuzhou leaned against the cottage doorframe, her lips bearing a slight smile as she crossed her arms and asked such a question.

Ling’e blinked and looked toward her senior brother;

Inside the cottage, Youqin Xuanya, who was nervously arranging her robes, also rose slightly on her toes to peek outside.

They were all very interested in Li Changshou’s ‘ambitions.’

Li Changshou pondered for a moment, initially wanting to say that he would strive for a place in the top fifty, which would be enough to receive most of the sect’s rewards – there wasn’t much point in competing for the top twenty.

But to be safe, he reported his expected ranking with slight hesitation:

“Secure one hundred and eighth place, strive for seventy-second… perhaps.”

With a “pfft,” Ling’e couldn’t help but laugh;

Jiuzhou immediately rolled her eyes, while Youqin Xuanya, who had just finished tying her waistband, frowned slightly.

Youqin Xuanya thought privately: ‘Senior Brother Changshou is excellent in every aspect, except sometimes he’s too modest and somewhat lacks confidence.’

Just as she was about to speak, the little Senior Aunt had already put her hands on her hips and started scolding:

“Little Changshou, can’t you show some promise!

Now who at Sky-Breaking Peak doesn’t know that this Senior Aunt is close to you?

If you rank too low in the sect competition, you’ll make this Senior Aunt lose face as well!”

Ling’e on the side just smiled lightly, knowing her senior brother had already passed the immortality tribulation, she wasn’t worried at all about his performance in the sect competition…

“Senior Brother Changshou.”

Youqin Xuanya walked out of the thatched cottage, gazing at Li Changshou, and said:

“There are still three years until the competition, and I’ve recently encountered some minor obstacles in my cultivation.

Why don’t I come over more often, and we can practice combat arts together, which would benefit us both.”

Li Changshou smiled and replied: “Junior Sister Youqin should focus on cultivation. When the time comes, I’ll try my best, and should be able to muddle through to the Heavenly Warrior level.”

“Now that’s more like it!”

Jiuzhou snorted, but still somewhat dissatisfied, continued: “The number of sect disciples is fixed every two hundred years, this sect competition is crucial, determining whether you can continue cultivating within the mountain gate in the future.

Ling’e’s entry time is still short, but you’ve been in the sect for over a hundred years.

You must secure a position in the top thirty-six!”

“Senior Aunt’s teachings are correct!”

Li Changshou made a serious Daoist salute and took a breath, saying solemnly:

“Then this time, your nephew will be bolder.

Secure seventy-second place, strive for thirty-sixth!”

Jiuzhou was immediately moved beyond words, giving Li Changshou a thumbs up, “Although the sect competition definitely won’t let you use poison pills and drugs, and there won’t be space to deploy arrays.

But if you give it your all, you can do it!”

Beside them, Ling’e clasped her hands behind her back, looking up at the sky…

“Senior Brother Changshou,” Youqin Xuanya also stepped forward, her beautiful eyes full of light, “What expectations does Senior Brother have for me?”

“As the head disciple, naturally you should…”

Li Changshou paused in his speech, feeling his words might put too much pressure on Youqin Xuanya, so he changed his words to: “Strive for the top three positions.”

“Pah!”

Jiuzhou let out a cold snort, with slight vibrations, her aura fierce.

She said fiercely: “Xuanya naturally needs to strive for first place, only then would the position of head disciple be well-deserved.”

Li Changshou smiled and said: “Combat isn’t just about cultivation level. Battlefield reactions, technique countering, and abundance of treasures all have certain influences, and the latter three factors might even have a greater impact…”

As he was speaking, Li Changshou’s words paused slightly.

His immortal consciousness detected that Daoist Kuai Si of Raincloud Peak had stood up and was walking toward the outside of his cave dwelling;

Outside the cave-dwelling, three young disciples stood there, reporting matters about the sect competition…

Li Changshou’s thoughts turned quickly, maintaining his composure, and smiled as he said:

“If Junior Sister Youqin doesn’t mind, why not come over tomorrow, and we can practice for a few days.”

Youqin Xuanya immediately smiled and said: “Then, I’ll come early tomorrow morning.”

“Looking forward to Junior Sister’s arrival.”

Li Changshou and Youqin Xuanya saluted each other with clasped hands, and they shared a smile.

Youqin Xuanya didn’t think too much of it, simply feeling pure joy.

But on Li Changshou’s side, he was considering that if Daoist Kuai Si was going out this time, then…

The first alibi witness was in place.

Based on Li Changshou’s understanding of the three people before him, the second alibi witness would soon volunteer themselves.

“In that case! Ahem!”

Jiuzhou clasped her hands behind her back, putting on the airs of a senior, and stepped forward twice, “Then this Senior Aunt will reluctantly come over to guide you for a few days.

Remember to prepare your thanks properly, I want…

One hundred candy pills and ten portions of good wine!”

Li Changshou immediately smiled and nodded.

In the nearby thatched cottage, the somewhat haggard Old Daoist Qi Yuan stood at the doorway, hearing the laughter from outside, his lips showing slight contentment as his raised hand fell again.

Afterward, Old Daoist Qi Yuan turned back to his meditation cushion, sat cross-legged, and continued cultivation.

Li Changshou naturally noticed this scene, and after some thought in his heart, made his calculations…

Although revenge was important, getting Master to cheer up again and enjoy his remaining years was equally important.

After all, Li Changshou wasn’t going to make things difficult for this Daoist Kuai Si just to ‘vent anger’;

He was just seeking justice for his master.

…

Daoist Kuai Si didn’t disappoint Li Changshou.

This True Immortal who had been cultivating in the mountains for over ten years promised his disciples – before the competition, each would receive a high-grade magical treasure.

Thus, Daoist Kuai Si set out the next day, heading towards a familiar market town in the north.

Li Changshou naturally wouldn’t miss this opportunity he had waited fifteen years for. Two paper avatars set out simultaneously, and these paper avatars, of course, carried backup paper avatars.

As the other party flew ahead, the paper avatars followed secretly using earth travel, following for two full days, arriving at a market town near the Northern Continent’s border.

—For an ambush attack, naturally the further from the Crossing Heaven Gate’s mountain gate, the better.

This place was a mix of demons and humans, quite lively, gathering many who did dirty work for profit.

After some thought, Li Changshou began implementing his second plan.

Half an hour later…

While Daoist Kuai Si was selecting some magical treasures of questionable origin for his disciples at a familiar treasure shop, he suddenly saw a familiar figure walk past the street corner.

The Daoist was first stunned, his immortal consciousness immediately following, his eyes somewhat bewildered.

The person wore a cloak, but their appearance and figure… were the same as Daoist Kuai Si himself, without the slightest difference!

However, their cultivation level was barely at the True Immortal realm.

Although this person was straining to ‘pump up’ their cultivation to the mid-stage True Immortal realm, any experienced eye could see through their superficially strong but internally weak state.

This is…

‘How daring!

To dare impersonate this poor Daoist here, truly seeking death.’

At once, Daoist Kuai Si told the shop owner he’d return later, quickly walked out of the shop, concealed his aura, and secretly followed, soon leaving the market town and pursuing by cloud.

Meanwhile, on Little Jade Peak.

Li Changshou looked at the dazzlingly bright Youqin Xuanya before him and made a gesture of invitation.

“Junior Sister, please make your move… remember to conserve some strength today as well.”

Youqin Xuanya’s face turned serious, made a Daoist salute to Li Changshou, and immediately charged forward with her flying sword.