A few days after Yan Chaosheng left, the Kung Sang Competition was about to begin.

The competition was originally a contest between young immortal clan disciples, but over time, it had evolved into a recruitment gathering for many clans. In simpler terms, its importance to the Immortal Realm was like the imperial examinations in the mortal world.

As long as one stepped onto the Spirit Testing Platform and displayed talent, immortal clan disciples could be appointed to official positions within the Immortal Realm by the Realm Master.

As for ordinary disciples, they had the opportunity to achieve instant success by becoming apprentices to powerful immortal elders with strong family backgrounds, which could also secure them positions within the Immortal Realm.

Early in the morning, Liu Shuang was nibbling on spirit fruits brought by her mother, Lady Zi, when a young man with a dark expression walked in.

“I’m gone for a few days, and you’ve been confined again? And now you’re punished to go to the Demon Suppression Tower. Chi Shui Liu Shuang, do you have a brain? Can you even survive three days in that place?”

Liu Shuang smiled at him cheerfully: “Second Young Master, come sit down.”

“Who wants to sit on a detention lotus platform? It’s bad luck,” Bai Yuxiao said irritably.

He had been summoned by his father upon his return to discuss competition matters. The competition was equally important for the immortal clan disciples. Bai Zhuixu had once taken first place in the competition a hundred years ago and had become the right-hand man of the Realm Master.

Bai Yuxiao had been living recklessly for years, and the Bai Clan leader could no longer tolerate it. He ordered that Bai Yuxiao must step onto the Spirit Testing Platform this year, and if he couldn’t win first place, he would be expelled from the Bai family.

“Did you agree to Lord Bai’s demand?” Liu Shuang asked.

Bai Yuxiao twisted his mouth and waved his hand, drawing a spirit fruit into his palm through the air. He mumbled vaguely, “Mm-hmm.”

Liu Shuang was quite puzzled. With her memories, she had realized that Bai Yuxiao most disliked being compared to his brother and didn’t like following the path Bai Zhuixu had taken.

He was rebellious by nature.

Where Bai Zhuixu was gentle and steady, he acted absurdly. Where Bai Zhuixu doted on Liu Shuang, he often deliberately bullied her.

He was truly an immature character. How had he suddenly become reasonable this time, willing to listen to Lord Bai and formally serve Kung Sang through the competition?

“Can you refuse to go?” she asked.

Bai Yuxiao nodded: “I can, and my father will remove me from the Bai clan register.”

“…” Liu Shuang thought to herself that it seemed Bai Yuxiao had no choice but to participate in this competition.

However…

“Don’t you usually love to defy the Bai Clan leader? So you’re afraid of being removed from the register?” Seeing Bai Yuxiao’s slightly unnatural expression, Liu Shuang smiled knowingly. “Oh, I see, you’re looking for a dual cultivation partner and afraid of being rejected.”

Sure enough, this statement was like stirring up a hornet’s nest. Bai Yuxiao nearly jumped up: “Chi Shui Liu Shuang, don’t talk nonsense! Do you believe I’ll kick you into the pond?”

Liu Shuang just smiled.

This made Bai Yuxiao even angrier, his face reddening: “I said it’s not true! Who’s looking for a dual cultivation partner?!”

“It’s written all over your face,” Liu Shuang said leisurely, nibbling on her spirit fruit. “Everyone in Kung Sang knows you like Mi Chu, except you won’t admit it. But I advise you to give up on this. You two aren’t compatible.”

One despised the constraints of fame and fortune, while the other wanted to be a celestial consort or a demon queen. What Mi Chu wanted, Bai Yuxiao could never provide.

Bai Yuxiao pointed at her in embarrassed anger: “You still have the leisure to mind my business? I think you should worry about yourself. Is the Demon Suppression Tower a place you can survive?”

Liu Shuang said: “It’s fine. I have magical treasures. Going to the Demon Suppression Tower won’t be a problem. Bai Yuxiao, in this competition, if you encounter Yan Chaosheng, you must be careful.”

“Would this young master fear him?”

“I’m afraid you’ll underestimate him.”

Bai Yuxiao nearly rolled his eyes: “This young master personally destroyed his cultivation power once. I can do it a second time.”

Liu Shuang looked at him with pity and warned, “His power has returned now, perhaps even greater than before. I’m not sure about the exact situation.”

Bai Yuxiao waved his hand carelessly, clearly not taking it to heart.

Liu Shuang anxiously grabbed another fruit to nibble on. According to the competition rules, once on the Spirit Testing Platform, unless one voluntarily admitted defeat, the fight wouldn’t stop. Participants were responsible for their injuries or deaths, and no grudges could be held afterward.

Given Bai Yuxiao’s personality, if he encountered Yan Chaosheng, asking him to admit defeat would be more painful than killing him. He definitely wouldn’t concede.

And if Bai Yuxiao could win, he would taunt Yan Chaosheng and not easily show mercy. Bai Yuxiao was an expert at making enemies.

For the public good, Yan Chaosheng couldn’t die; and for her personal feelings, the second brother who had protected her since childhood couldn’t die either.

Originally, she hadn’t known Bai Yuxiao would step onto the Spirit Testing Platform, but now that she did, before Bai Yuxiao left, Liu Shuang said: “Second Young Master, I’m coming too!”

Bai Yuxiao thought she wanted to watch the excitement and said, “The Realm Master told you to reflect here.”

He was secretly letting her assimilate the divine artifact’s power. Chi Shui Chong had no intention of confining her! Moreover, now that everyone knew the Young Lord had been demoted, and Liu Shuang’s punishment was too severe, no one would care whether she was at Nine Thoughts Pond beforehand.

“Are you afraid of my father?” she asked.

Bai Yuxiao snorted: “This young master fears neither heaven nor earth.”

“Then prove it to me. Let me go with you.”

Bai Yuxiao indeed couldn’t resist the challenge: “Let’s go!”

Liu Shuang transformed herself, changing into a pink and white furball that stuck to his waist with a “plop”: “Let’s go!” She had transformed into a spirit-gathering small beast. These little furballs were pets that many immortal clan disciples kept, as they could help gather spiritual energy to a certain extent, aiding in cultivation.

Bai Yuxiao picked her up to look at her. She was just the size of a palm, a pink and white furball with soft fur and a pair of watery eyes on her head that looked like two beautiful purple grapes. When the wind blew, the pink and white fur on her body seemed to explode outward, looking so cute that Bai Yuxiao stared at her and wanted to pinch her.

Damn… damn, this was too adorable. She was larger than other spirit-gathering beasts, and her fur wasn’t just white like the others, but seemed dyed with a layer of shy pink, impossibly soft.

Liu Shuang anxiously asked: “Does it not look right? I just mastered the transformation technique.”

Bai Yuxiao stammered: “It’s… passable, nothing special.”

After a while, he finally reacted: “You can use transformation techniques now!” When he had mastered the transformation technique smoothly, it had taken him nearly a year. How long had it been for her? A month?

The little furball in his palm proudly said: “Yes, I’m amazing, right?”

Bai Yuxiao: “Don’t flatter yourself. This young master only took ten days back then.”

The two bantered. Bai Yuxiao simply tucked her away, since the competition would begin the next day.

The next day, Bai Yuxiao changed into his competition clothes, and Liu Shuang simply flopped onto his belt, following him to the Spirit Testing Field.

The Spirit Testing Field was behind the mountain in Kung Sang. By the time they arrived, many people had already gathered.

Many came to greet Bai Yuxiao. Though Second Young Master Bai had a sharp tongue and an arrogant demeanor, he was usually generous, with many friends and followers.

Someone immediately noticed Liu Shuang: “Since when did Second Young Master keep a spirit-gathering beast?”

As he spoke, he curiously tried to pick up Liu Shuang for a closer look.

Bai Yuxiao swatted their hands away: “Get lost! This young master’s spirit beast—what are you looking at? Are you all so confident about defeating me in a moment?”

As one of the outstanding young immortal clan disciples, Bai Yuxiao indeed had the right to say this. The others sheepishly took their leave.

Liu Shuang observed her surroundings with her large furball eyes.

Kung Sang Immortal Realm in its current state was surely at its best era—jade palaces, flying cranes, immortal clan disciples coming for the competition in an endless stream.

Liu Shuang didn’t see Yan Chaosheng.

Soon, it was time for the first round of drawing lots. Liu Shuang leaned over to look at the lot in Bai Yuxiao’s hand.

“Xie Clan, Cheng Prefecture.”

Liu Shuang had some impression—it seemed to be the eldest young master of the Xie Immortal Clan. The Xie Clan was one of the four major families under the Kung Sang Immortal Realm’s banner.

Ten Spirit Testing Platforms have been set up in total. It seemed Bai Yuxiao’s luck wasn’t very good; in the first round, he had drawn the young Lord Xie.

The two stepped onto the Spirit Testing Platform together. Thanks to Bai Yuxiao’s arrogance, he dared to bring Liu Shuang along. As the two immortal lords competed, sand and stones flew everywhere, nearly blowing away her fur. Liu Shuang had to cling tightly to Bai Yuxiao.

Bai Yuxiao still remembered her presence. Once, when she almost fell off, Bai Yuxiao quickly caught her without interrupting the competition.

This was the first time Liu Shuang had seen Second Young Master Bai’s true strength.

Back when he had summoned so many souls outside the mortal city, she had known Bai Yuxiao’s power was impressive. Now she could see this was indeed the case. His magical weapon was also an immortal sword, fiery red throughout, with broad and powerful techniques.

The opposing Lord Xie could initially parry his attacks, but later, as Bai Yuxiao fought with increasing ferocity, Lord Xie was stabbed several times before voluntarily cupping his fists in defeat.

Bai Yuxiao smiled proudly.

Liu Shuang let out a sigh of relief.

After descending from the Spirit Testing Platform, Liu Shuang happened to see someone being kicked out of the adjacent platform. Looking closely, she recognized a familiar face: Ding Feng, one of the outstanding outer disciples.

Now he was covered in wounds, limping away reluctantly.

It seemed Yan Chaosheng truly had no intention of killing him again.

Looking up, Liu Shuang saw a familiar figure approaching gracefully. Bai Yuxiao’s eyes brightened: “Mi Chu, did you come to watch my competition too?”

Mi Chu smiled and nodded: “I was just below the Spirit Testing Platform earlier. Second Young Master’s elegant bearing was truly impressive.”

Bai Yuxiao said, “Of course! Just keep watching and see how this young master wins the next rounds.”

Mi Chu looked at his waist, her eyes brightening: “Oh, what a beautiful spirit-gathering beast. May I exchange a magical artifact with the Second Young Master for it?”

In the past, if she had asked like this, Bai Yuxiao would have happily given it to her and absolutely refused to accept anything in return.

But today, Bai Yuxiao looked at her with difficulty, stammering: “She… she’s not available. If you like spirit beasts, I’ll send you another one another day.”

Mi Chu was taken aback, forcing a smile: “Alright.”

She had an ominous feeling in her heart. It wasn’t about not getting a spirit-gathering beast, but about Bai Yuxiao’s attitude. In the past, he had been like a mad dog standing before her, biting everyone else while being obedient only to her.

Now he carefully protected the spirit beast with a very treasured manner. Who had given him this spirit beast?

Mi Chu vaguely felt that something had slipped from her control.

Before Mi Chu could figure it out, Bai Yuxiao’s second round of drawing lots had already begun.

Liu Shuang remained silent throughout, playing the role of a qualified little furball. Bai Yuxiao hadn’t given her away, which made her breathe a sigh of relief. Fortunately, their childhood friendship still mattered. Just now, she had been truly worried that Bai Yuxiao might give her to Mi Chu.

Bai Yuxiao went on to fight twelve consecutive matches, winning all twelve. Only the first match could be considered somewhat evenly matched; the rest were like child’s play. He had come to win first place. As his father said, with the Bai Clan being Kung Sang’s number one family, if he couldn’t win first place, he needn’t bother returning home today.

Liu Shuang was fortunate to accompany him, enjoying the admiration and cheers from many disciples below.

After the twelfth match ended, they descended from the Spirit Testing Platform and overheard discussions.

“Second Young Master Bai has won twelve consecutive matches in a short time. The champion of this competition is already decided, right?”

Another person sneered in contradiction: “That’s not certain. Don’t you know that on the adjacent Spirit Testing Platform, someone has already won thirteen consecutive matches?”

“Thirteen matches?” the person exclaimed in surprise. “Who?”

“Not sure. I heard it’s an outer disciple who used to guard the Immortal Realm’s gate.”

Liu Shuang sighed—who else could it be?

Bai Yuxiao also realized something was wrong and frowned: “He’s already won thirteen consecutive matches?”

Congratulations, you’ve finally noticed the trouble.

Mi Chu was also beside them. Hearing this, her beautiful eyes shifted thoughtfully.

Fighting their way through, Bai Yuxiao eventually faced Yan Chaosheng.

As this was the final match, an unprecedented number of spectators had gathered. Even the Realm Master and his wife sat on the high platform, along with many elders and clan ministers, including Bai Yuxiao’s father.

When Chi Shui Chong saw the spirit beast at Bai Yuxiao’s waist, his expression changed, and he whispered: “Such recklessness!”

Lady Zi asked puzzlingly: “What’s wrong?”

Chi Shui Chong held back his words and sighed: “Nothing.” The other elders hadn’t noticed anything unusual either.

Although Bai Yuxiao was arrogant, he was also intelligent and knew the final match was no trivial matter. He was about to put Liu Shuang down, but she clung to him desperately, using mental communication: “No, no, I want to go too.”

“Once the fight starts, I can’t look after you.”

“I’ll find a corner to hide in. Hurry up, it’s your turn to enter. If you don’t go in now, others will think you’re afraid.”

Bai Yuxiao was instinctively provoked and rushed in.

After a whole day, Liu Shuang finally saw Yan Chaosheng. His attire today differed from before; the young man wore a dark combat outfit with his hair tied high.

In the past, he still carried the demon clan’s bewitching beauty, but today, he looked remarkably resolute.

However, being from the snake clan, the cold and gloomy aura around him was something no immortal clan member possessed.

As soon as the Spirit Testing Platform opened, people below began to discuss: “How is it just an ordinary disciple?”

“I heard he carries demon bloodlines.”

“A mere little demon dares to seek the immortal path? Ridiculous.”

“What does it matter if he’s won eighteen consecutive matches? Even if he wins the final match, the Immortal Realm won’t use him, nor will anyone take him as a disciple or incorporate him into their clan.”

…

Liu Shuang observed Yan Chaosheng’s expression. The young man’s gaze was calm, as if the people below weren’t looking down on him. He looked at Bai Yuxiao, his lips curving into a cold smile: “I am Yan Chaosheng, an outer border disciple. Please guide me.”

Here it comes—this smile made Liu Shuang’s entire body shiver, sensing trouble. Fortunately, he didn’t even glance at Liu Shuang, completely uninterested in what pet Bai Yuxiao had brought. The beautiful furball that caught others’ eyes seemed like a dead thing to him. He was extremely cold, not even bothering to spare a glance as he materialized a dark golden whip.

Bai Yuxiao’s gaze also darkened as he summoned his immortal sword.

Yan Chaosheng casually stroked his whip, resembling a malicious villain. His tone was sinister: “Should this disciple let Second Young Master have ten moves first, to repay the previous kindness of Second Young Master?”

Bai Yuxiao was provoked, letting out a cold laugh as he charged forward, eager to pierce Yan Chaosheng with his crimson sword.

In the next moment, Yan Chaosheng was no longer in his original position.

His figure was like a dark ink mist, instantly appearing behind Bai Yuxiao.

Bai Yuxiao felt a chill in his heart and turned to block with his sword. The immortal sword clashed with the ruthlessly flicked whip, making a metallic ring. Yan Chaosheng coldly praised: “Not bad.”

However, his whip still struck Bai Yuxiao’s leg with vicious force.

Bai Yuxiao let out a muffled groan, gritting his teeth without making a sound. He brought his palms together, and his immortal sword transformed into twelve streaks of light heading toward Yan Chaosheng.

Yan Chaosheng narrowed his eyes, and without any visible movement, eleven sword light shadows vanished. The remaining sword targeting his brow froze inch by inch before his eyes.

With a wave of his hand, the immortal sword fell to the ground.

Below, the crowd fell silent, never so quiet before, with not even cheers of support. Everyone could see that in this final match, the two men’s strengths were completely mismatched.

Liu Shuang was also shocked. She had thought Yan Chaosheng had merely restored his original power! She hadn’t expected that with the Clear Ripple Jade, plus the immortal weapon transformed from the ancient demon bird, Yan Chaosheng would become so powerful! Last time in the bamboo forest, he had been holding back. Now, in this competition, which he had been anticipating for three years, he naturally wouldn’t show any mercy, revealing his full strength without concealment.

Originally, even with the Clear Ripple Jade, its effectiveness would be limited by the user’s foundation. Unexpectedly, Yan Chaosheng had made a shocking debut. Liu Shuang now understood that long ago, before his cultivation was destroyed, even without a sect or lineage, walking a wild path, Yan Chaosheng had already been very powerful.

It was only to stay in Kung Sang that he had endured everything Bai Yuxiao had done to him. The humiliation and desire he felt then would determine how he treated Bai Yuxiao today.

“Would Second Young Master like to concede?”

“No!”

“Very well.” The two exchanged dozens more moves, with the whip viciously targeting Bai Yuxiao, striking his most vulnerable spots.

Bai Yuxiao endured firmly, fighting back directly.

The worst scenario indeed occurred—the whip landed on Bai Yuxiao’s body, one strike after another. Liu Shuang quickly transmitted: “Bai Yuxiao, concede! If this continues, he’ll kill you!”

Yan Chaosheng already hated Bai Yuxiao and wouldn’t spare him. Yan Chaosheng knew that Bai Yuxiao wouldn’t concede and was determined to have his revenge.

“Never!”

Seeing the Bai Clan leader unable to restrain himself from standing up, just before the next whip strike fell, Liu Shuang steeled herself. A pink furball leaped onto Yan Chaosheng’s hand with a “plop” and bit down.

Yan Chaosheng winced in pain, his expression turning cold. The aura around him turned violent, and he was about to crush Bai Yuxiao’s useless spirit beast that had ambushed him, when his movement paused.

He picked her up, frowning as he examined her.

The little furball was still biting him with an “awu” sound, her large, dark eyes staring at him.

Their eyes met, and he pressed his lips together: “Let go.”

The furball shook her head.

Expressionless, he said coldly: “If you continue like this, I will get angry.”

Still biting his fist, she shook her head again.

Yan Chaosheng said, “I won’t let him off. This is my only chance.”

With that, he roughly pulled her off and tucked her into his clothes. Looking at the severely injured Bai Yuxiao, who still refused to concede, he coldly kicked him off the Spirit Testing Platform.

Standing on the platform, despite being the winner of the competition, his expression was even more difficult than that of Bai Yuxiao below the platform.