“How dare she attack with hidden arrows, how dare she bully others with power—a mere Jianzhu Sect, they should look in the mirror!”

Fudao Shanren rolled his eyes and viciously bit into his chicken leg.

Zheng Yao clapped his hands, chuckling: “The real show is yet to come. Central Domain’s Left Three Thousand, Kunwu’s Solitary Platform! Since ancient times, countless heroes have emerged. Grand Senior Sister has so many old acquaintances attending this grand gathering, but in this Solitary Platform competition, what does Jianzhu Sect amount to?”

Central Domain’s Left Three Thousand, Kunwu’s Solitary Platform.

The defeated remain mediocre among the three thousand streams, while the victor stands alone atop the Solitary Platform.

Among the countless cultivators of the vast Left Three Thousand sects, what did Xu Lan’er amount to?

Countless shadows suddenly appeared in Jian Chou’s mind.

Nie Xiaowan, Zhang Sui, Zhou Kuang, Zhou Baozhu, Jiang Ling, Gu Qingmei, Tao Zhang, Zhou Chenjiang… Meng Xizhou and others from the Bloodred Small Realm…

Name after name.

Some might be friends, some enemies, some merely acquaintances—neither enemy nor friend…

Seeing Jian Chou’s expression, Fudao Shanren knew she was already somewhat yearning.

Back in the day…

Heh.

Tossing away his chicken leg, he walked over and patted Jian Chou’s shoulder, leaving a greasy handprint: “Stop thinking about it. Focus on cultivation—your Dijiang Guyu hasn’t been processed yet. Come with this old man. This time, I’ll open your eyes and show you your master’s methods!”

As his words fell, he had already run far away and disappeared.

Jian Chou was stunned, frowning at her shoulder, suddenly speechless.

Zheng Yao laughed until he coughed: “Grand Senior Sister should hurry along, lest Master Uncle cause some trouble.”

Dijiang Guyu…

Thinking of the pitiful little bone, Jian Chou was also speechless.

She bowed: “Disciple takes her leave.”

Zheng Yao nodded, watching Jian Chou turn and walk away.

Directly ahead, an elderly man in gray robes with a stern expression walked hurriedly over.

Jian Chou immediately prepared to bow—this was Yashan’s Elder Bi Yan, the foremost of the four great elders, known for his strictness and unsmiling demeanor.

Unexpectedly, though she had already assumed the proper posture, this elder merely frowned tightly and walked directly into the hall: “Sect Leader, today—”

“Ah, Elder Bi, you come at the perfect time!”

Seeing him, Zheng Yao was worrying about having no one to help with tasks. Spotting this white-bearded old man, he was especially delighted, immediately jumping up to greet him: “Put other matters aside for now. How about we first send Jianzhu Sect a gift?”

“Send a gift?”

What was this about?

Elder Bi Yan had a square face with wrinkles squeezed together, looking bitter and resentful with downturned mouth corners—not a particularly likable appearance. The little rascals in Yashan feared him most, with his thick black eyebrows that looked painted with ink.

Hearing Zheng Yao’s words, he frowned: “Though Jianzhu Sect is a mid-level sect, they’re hardly worth Yashan breaking principles to send congratulatory gifts. Does the Sect Leader have some reason?”

Listen to that tone!

Are you the sect leader, or am I the sect leader?

Zheng Yao’s eyes widened, ready to explode.

However, seeing Bi Yan’s dark expression, he immediately changed his approach.

Rolling his eyes, Zheng Yao clasped his hands behind his back: “Though our Yashan has long avoided worldly affairs, we cannot tolerate others coveting Master Uncle Fudao’s position. Let them come with whatever ice blades and frost swords they have openly—Yashan disdains underhanded arrow attacks. Sending them things this time is to make them understand—whatever they’re doing, Yashan knows clearly. If they have the guts, let them come!”

Jianzhu Sect.

Leaving Yashan, crossing countless plains and mountain ranges, traveling southwest, passing over a vast lake, one could see an elegant mountain range stretching continuously, its azure color carrying the charm found in scholarly poetry.

Endless bamboo seas swayed in the wind.

Rustle, rustle.

One mountain range, one bamboo sea.

Countless bamboo grove retreats were hidden among bamboo forests of varying density, with occasional wind chimes hanging before houses ringing in the breeze.

“Ding ling ling…”

Near the cliff area, wind chimes rang outside a bamboo grove retreat.

A female Jianzhu Sect disciple in a blue dress came before the retreat, bowing: “Senior Sister Xu, today Master is holding discussions in Paiyun Hall and requests Senior Sister’s presence.”

Fallen bamboo leaves covered the ground—some withered yellow, some still carrying traces of sickly green.

These weren’t colors Xu Lan’er liked.

She sat cross-legged in the room, slowly exhaling turbid qi.

Opening her eyes, the familiar small room appeared before her again. Outside the window was a stretch of verdant bamboo sea. She withdrew her hand positions from her knees, rose, took the sword from the table, and opened the bamboo retreat’s door.

The female disciple seemed startled, burying her head lower: “Senior Sister Xu.”

“I’ll go immediately.”

Xu Lan’er didn’t say much, glancing at her lightly with seeming indifference, then directly rose on her sword.

Blue light transparent, instantly cutting across the emerald bamboo sea.

Beyond the bamboo forest was a vast lake nestled between two mountains.

At the narrow area where the lake edge met the mountain walls, palace-style buildings were constructed, with flying eaves and upturned corners, pavilions and towers standing in mid-air, appearing quite elegant.

The central great hall was named “Paiyun Hall.”

When Xu Lan’er arrived, quite a few Jianzhu Sect disciples had already gathered in the hall.

Jianzhu Sect was primarily a female cultivator sect, so the sect’s various decorations leaned toward elegance rather than roughness. Entering the hall, one could see countless glazed lamps, carved window lattices arranged around the perimeter, fine carpets covering the floor, and the dome painted with scenes of western window candles, beauty silhouettes, and green bamboo groves…

Above the great hall sat Jianzhu Sect’s leader, Zhu Xin, known as “Fairy Zhu Xin.” She had delicate features and skin smoother than an eighteen-year-old girl’s, though the inscrutability and vicissitudes in her eyes couldn’t be hidden.

She had been cultivating for several hundred years.

Today, she wore moon-white Taoist robes, loose and comfortable, sitting in the place of honor while speaking with Zhou Baozhu beside her.

“Wuyi Sect has no objections, so everything’s settled. Though Tao Zhang has some friction with your Senior Sister Xu, she’s merely a minor figure in Wuyi Sect who can’t make big waves…”

Speaking thus, her bright eyes turned, and Zhu Xin spotted Xu Lan’er just entering the hall.

“Lan’er, you’ve come.”

Xu Lan’er stepped forward to bow, glancing at Zhou Baozhu standing at the side, then prostrating: “Disciple pays respects to Master.”

“Rise. We were only waiting for you.” Seeing this disciple whose cultivation progress was quite rapid, satisfaction showed in Zhu Xin’s eyes: “This seclusion not only healed your injuries but allowed further advancement—truly a blessing in disguise for you. Cultivating for only ten years yet already reaching mid-stage Foundation Establishment, even Golden Core is within sight. Though your aptitude cannot compare with extraordinarily talented individuals like Longmen’s Zhou Chenjiang, combined with our Jianzhu Sect’s secret methods, you might well compete.”

Secret methods?

Hearing these two words, Xu Lan’er’s eyes widened immediately.

Slightly surprised, she tentatively raised her head to ask: “Master means?”

Zhu Xin smiled and rose directly from her seat.

Her skirts trailed elegantly, her stunningly beautiful face tilting slightly upward as she took a step, drawing everyone in the hall’s attention.

Zhu Xin declared loudly: “Today, all elders are present. You must have heard of our Jianzhu Sect’s recent activities. The title ‘Middle Fifty-Six sects’ has rested on us too long. And Yashan is no longer what it once was. In two years comes the Central Domain Left Three Thousand Minor Assembly’s grand event will come—a perfect opportunity for our Jianzhu Sect to make its mark. Lan’er, Baozhu, and Jiang Ling are all outstanding disciples I’ve taken in recent years, likely to bring glory to our sect in the future. So today I’ve gathered everyone to announce something—”

All elders and important disciples in the sect raised their heads.

The Left Three Thousand Minor Assembly was called a “minor” assembly because of cultivation restrictions—by established convention, only the new generation of cultivators between the boundary assemblies could participate, with each assembly defining a cohort of “peers.”

Those currently holding elder positions and many deeply cultivated core disciples had participated before and lacked this qualification.

The sect’s recent major activities had indeed been noticed, though those of higher status understood why, while those of lower status were confused and even worried.

Seeing the usually action-oriented, silent Zhu Xin finally speaking today, everyone couldn’t help but prick up their ears.

Zhu Xin chuckled, her gaze returning to Xu Lan’er.

“Our Jianzhu Sect predecessors left a hidden realm specifically for sect disciples’ cultivation and opportunity-seeking. Now, with just over two years until the Left Three Thousand Minor Assembly, the timing is perfect. Therefore, I plan to send ten sect disciples into the hidden realm for cultivation, secluding for two years before emerging during the Left Three Thousand Minor Assembly. What do you elders think?”

Quite the empress indeed.

Zhu Xin’s features were both gorgeous and gentle, yet the cold light in her eyes was piercingly sharp.

Jiang Ling quietly raised her head for a quick scan—all elders remained silently motionless, presumably offering no opposition, while Zhou Baozhu and Xu Lan’er in front showed slight smiles.

Naturally…

These two had the highest cultivation among their generation and naturally hoped to enter.

Seeing no opposition, Zhu Xin satisfiedly flicked her sleeves and sat back down.

“Lan’er’s emergence from seclusion truly fills me with joy. Our Jianzhu Sect is not incapable of producing geniuses—we simply must be willing to invest effort in cultivation. During the previous Qingfeng Nunnery hidden realm expedition, Lan’er rendered great service to our Jianzhu Sect, but immediately entered seclusion upon return, giving the sect no time for rewards. Now that Lan’er has emerged, Master has prepared several magical artifacts for Lan’er, who goes there!”

Before finishing her words, Zhu Xin suddenly raised her head, expression cold and focused, looking toward the great hall’s exterior.

A crane’s cry came from over the calm lake, suddenly piercing the sky and echoing throughout the great hall!

A pure white immortal crane drifted and swayed, actually flying from the horizon, carrying five-colored radiance and rolling five-colored auspicious clouds, flying directly toward the hall’s interior.

Disciples guarding the hall entrance immediately struck out with swords to block the crane, but unexpectedly, the sword light merely passed through the crane’s body without leaving the slightest trace!

Everyone was momentarily horrified.

Zhu Xin’s body had already tensed, watching the crane intently, a thunderous strike ready to unleash.

Unexpectedly, the crane flew to the great hall’s center and opened its beak to spit.

“Whoosh!”

A crimson flame shot from its mouth, and upon reaching mid-air, immediately flickered and instantly transformed into red lightning, striking down upon Jianzhu Sect’s great hall!

“Crack!”

The crimson lightning exploded the moment it hit the ground!

Everyone was greatly alarmed, feeling a tremendous force surge with this explosive sound.

Crimson radiance filled the entire great hall!

Simultaneously, a cold, solemn voice carrying a thousand-year unchanging rigidity emerged from the red light.

“Learning that Fairy Zhu Xin’s beloved disciple has emerged from seclusion with great cultivation progress, reaching mid-stage Foundation Establishment—how joyous and congratulatory. Our sect leader commands that, mindful of our sect’s Grand Senior Sister once receiving favor from the fairy’s beloved disciple, we specially present a Soul-Listening Bell on Grand Senior Sister’s behalf to encourage the younger generation toward greater heights.”

As the words ended, the crane dispersed automatically.

The dazzling radiance gradually faded. Everyone felt as if dreaming, looking closely to see: what had landed in Paiyun Hall’s center was a massive bronze bell!

The Soul-Listening Bell, entirely ancient bronze-colored, is no ordinary item. Though making no sound, it emanated an indescribable atmosphere of ancient vastness.

Worthy of Yashan’s deep foundation—striking with grand gestures from the start.

Many watching felt their eyes reddening.

But…

Was Yashan sending gifts?

Was their sect leader’s brain damaged?

Jianzhu Sect’s attempt to seize Yashan’s Enforcement Elder position was no secret in Shijiu Zhou, causing quite a stir.

How could a mere Jianzhu Sect disciple’s emergence from seclusion prompt the opposing side to send gifts?

Demonstration?

Or congratulations?

Those unclear on the situation felt utterly confused.

However, those who understood felt like being slapped across the face, bruised and battered!

Who didn’t know of Yashan’s recent female cultivator who “achieved Foundation Establishment in thirteen days while bearing the Heavenly Disc”?

In ordinary sects, achieving Foundation Establishment within several years made one a genius among geniuses, but in Yashan and Kunwu, such people were common and worthless!

Listen to that transmitted message’s meaning!

Yashan’s Grand Senior Sister receiving favor from Xu Lan’er? Yet now speaking of “encouraging the younger generation.”

What fine “encouraging the younger generation”!

Xu Lan’er’s face alternated between green and white, immediately recalling how, when she was outside Qingfeng Nunnery’s hidden realm, that so-called Yashan Grand Senior Sister Jian Chou was merely a Qi Refining cultivator who had just begun cultivation.

But after her two-month seclusion, everything had turned upside down!

Thirteen-day Foundation Establishment, and with the Heavenly Disc.

Soon after, she had rapidly broken through mid-stage Foundation Establishment. Her current realm was unknown; only heard that she had gone traveling and hadn’t returned to Yashan.

A Yashan female cultivator once trampled underfoot, showing no hint of talent, even just a common mortal from some worldly island, had in mere months directly risen above her!

Whether in cultivation, reputation, or status!

One was Yashan’s Grand Senior Sister, the other merely a personal disciple of Jianzhu Sect’s leader.

The difference was more than a hundred thousand li!

Xu Lan’er felt chest tightness and shortness of breath, her fingers gripping the water-blue longsword so tightly that not a crack could be found!

Yashan’s Jian Chou…

Yashan’s Jian Chou…

Why?

Like stepping on her face to rise!

“Too much…”

The voice that finally rang through the great hall was low precisely because it was too gritted-teeth!

Fairy Zhu Xin’s gaze flickered uncertainly as she stared at this Soul-Listening Bell.

“What a Yashan, what a lofty Yashan—they’ve come to our Jianzhu Sect to protect their own!”

Not just protection, even.

Given Yashan’s height in the Central Domain—a starved camel still larger than a horse, with hundred-legged insects dying but not stiffening—they couldn’t possibly be unaware of any news regarding the Jianzhu Sect. Knowing Jianzhu Sect was scheming for the Enforcement Elder position, yet still sending congratulatory gifts was naturally not a weakness.

Conversely, this was blatantly pointing at Jianzhu Sect’s nose to tell them—

Want to oppose Yashan? Weigh your worth first!

On the surface, merely venting anger for Yashan’s Grand Senior Sister…

But in reality, Zhu Xin thought of all Jianzhu Sect’s recent actions.

She had thought her planning perfect, fearless, even if Yashan knew. But when Yashan so blatantly slapped her face, she couldn’t help but doubt.

Yashan knew everything yet didn’t use underhanded methods privately, just simply and brutally sending this congratulatory gift!

Should the Jianzhu Sect accept or not?

Accepting meant Yashan’s Grand Senior Sister “appreciating” and “encouraging” her disciple Xu Lan’er, undoubtedly placing Jianzhu Sect in the lowest possible position. At this juncture, when Jianzhu Sect proposed competing for the Enforcement Elder position, showing weakness once, what face remained?

An ant-like sect also daring to replace Yashan?!

But refusing would undoubtedly slap that “Grand Senior Sister” and Yashan’s sect leader in the face.

Originally, underwater conflicts would immediately surface, leaving Jianzhu Sect no retreat! Moreover, once everything surfaced, what would happen was completely unpredictable to Zhu Xin!

Advance or retreat—both difficult.

Everyone in Paiyun Hall stared fixedly at that bell, hearts trembling, unable to speak.

Timid Jiang Ling stood below, also feeling frightened. At this moment, she looked up at Xu Lan’er again.

Xu Lan’er’s previously calm expression had completely vanished, eyes staring dead at that great bell as if blood would drip from them.

Momentarily, images of that backlit figure on the Sword-Drawing Platform surfaced in Jiang Ling’s mind.

Yashan’s Grand Senior Sister…

Complex feelings arose as Jiang Ling slowly lowered her head.

This move by Yashan was both brilliant and shameless.

While the southwestern Jianzhu Sect remained in shocked confusion.

Yashan, atop Lingzhao Peak, Fudao Shanren held Dijiang Guyu freshly snatched from Shen Jiu and others, followed by Jian Chou, striding quickly toward Guihe Well.

Jian Chou knew Fudao Shanren planned to help study this Dijiang Guyu, but why come to Guihe Well? To retrieve letters?

Apparently not.

“Master, about that congratulatory gift we sent—wasn’t it… a bit too shameless?”

“Shameless?”

Fudao Shanren stood beside Guihe Well, stroking his chin with a cunning smile.

“Tsk tsk, little Jian Chou, that’s where you’re wrong. Shameless? So what if it’s shameless? As my Yashan disciple, the most important principle is being shameless. As for that Jianzhu Sect… hehe, watch this old man not play them to death!”

Though Fudao Shanren himself quite disdained the Enforcement Elder position.

But he could disdain it himself—others trying to snatch it were dreaming! He could casually throw away bones he didn’t want, but if anyone thought he didn’t want this bone and came pointing at his nose, saying, “You don’t deserve this bone.”

Hehe, watch him not torture these ignorant fools to death!

When this old man roamed Shijiu Zhou, you weren’t even born yet!

Disdain flashed across his face as Fudao Shanren snorted and directly beckoned: “Follow me.”

After speaking, he leaped directly into Guihe Well!

Da Bai’e was so frightened that it flapped its wings and quickly escaped.

Surprisingly, not a single splash emerged. Fudao Shanren’s figure, once entering Guihe Well, was never seen again. Jian Chou was slightly amazed—this Guihe Well contained another unknown, wonderful place?

She walked to the side, gritted her teeth, and also leaped down!

Transparent water waves flashed past her eyes.

Jian Chou felt the entire world darken. She sensed her body falling, and after passing through a long stretch of darkness, voices suddenly carried from far away.

Her body lightened, then the sensation of solid ground returned.

Looking up, Jian Chou found herself standing in a massive underground passage.

Fudao Shanren stood beside her, chuckling: “This is Yashan’s Beast Trap Arena, taking the meaning of… trapped beasts still fighting.”

Jian Chou was stunned.

Fudao Shanren looked ahead, where a group of people surrounded the circular Beast Trap Arena, apparently discussing something.

He immediately exclaimed, “Eh,”: “That fool Qu Zhengfeng is here—perfect, Zheng Yao was looking for him. Second Brother, come over!”

Fudao Shanren called out loudly.