On the night of the eight-person battle, the sky was cloudless. The abandoned courtyard was dim and gloomy, without even a single lamp lit.

Yin Ci blended into the night like a ghost, approaching and knocking away Yan Qing's sword for the fifth time. He held back his strength, yet Yan Qing's wrists were still swollen and red. Yan Qing didn't utter a sound, obediently picking up the sword and earnestly pondering where his weaknesses lay.

Yin Ci remained silent, merely observing the person before him.

In terms of talent, Yan Qing was gifted, but not as much as Qu Duanyun. In terms of experience, he had been serving his father since childhood, learning to read by eavesdropping on others, far less than Qu Duanyun. Yan Qing had been accepted into the Ku Mountain Sect for less than a year, previously only learning the superficial skills of Taiheng. If he had any self-awareness, he should be worried about his own situation by now.

The Ku Mountain Sect had a notorious reputation, and Qu Duanyun definitely wouldn't show them any mercy. If the person fighting was Su Si, Young Sect Master Su would have probably packed his bags and fled long ago.

However, Yan Qing merely rubbed his wrists in deep thought, even taking up a stance on his own after a while, as if he had no worries at all.

This person, despite knowing nothing about their arrangements, dared to place such deep trust in them. When they had picked up a straggler in the Ghost Tomb, they had truly found a promising seedling.

The earlier discussion resurfaced in Yin Ci's mind.

"Zizhu, you and Shi Zhongyu will be in one group. Yan Qing and Qu Duanyun will be in another group."

Shi Jingzhi swallowed his congee pitifully, lacking the aura of a sect master, but at least his words were solemn enough.

"For Shi Zhongyu to choose this occasion to meet Qu Duanyun, she must have a reliable backup plan. You and I come from Ku Mountain, unable to convince the crowd, so when the time comes, you find an excuse to lose to her."

"Will Shi Zhongyu be willing?" Unless she had lost her memory after returning from Mi Mountain Sect, she should be able to see through Yin Ci's deliberate loss like a flood.

"I can tell, although she remains stubborn as ever, she has become much more tactful. She knows she can't win, but just wants to confront Qu Duanyun under the watchful eyes of everyone."

Shi Jingzhi put down his congee bowl, rubbed his paws, and looked forward to the future with anticipation.

"Once Qu Duanyun's misdeeds of harming his fellow disciples are exposed, let alone becoming the martial arts alliance leader, even his position as sect master will be unstable. By then, Shi Zhongyu will win without a fight, and we can use this great favor to exchange for Shi Rou! And with me on my deathbed like this, the Immortal Gathering will have to take some action, right?"

Using the martial arts tournament as bait, this person was playing a double-edged sword. Given Shi Zhongyu's personality, she might not be willing to become the martial arts alliance leader. However, with the chaos ahead, Shi Zhongyu couldn't refuse.

To outsiders, this fox hadn't changed a bit, insisting on scheming people to the bone. Fortunately, the direction was a bit more positive, not offending people to death.

"Yan Qing has an excellent temperament, just lacks experience. We've given Qu Duanyun such a big incentive, Sect Master Qu should at least be a sparring partner." Shi Jingzhi happily envisioned the future. "See, aren't we gaining a lot?"

Yin Ci was silent for a moment: "What about Su Si?"

"...Do you still remember the attitude of the Compassion Stone Sword? If that little rascal faces the Mirror of Sins, the mirror might give a warning on the spot."

At this point, Young Sect Master Su was frank and open about being a "bad seed", without any concealment. If it weren't for the mirror being able to distinguish between good and evil, this could also be considered a kind of distorted "clear conscience".

Yin Ci naturally understood this point: "You know I'm not asking about this matter. Since leaving the Northwest, you've been making him do odd jobs. This time Su Si can't intervene, it's better to give him some proper tasks."

"Oh, the two servants aren't being treated equally. Recently, I'm in a bad mood and don't want to bother." Shi Jingzhi snorted.

Yin Ci glanced at him.

To his surprise, Shi Jingzhi took advantage of the situation and beamed under his gaze: "Zizhu, you're becoming more and more like my exclusive advisor. Why worry so much? Even if Su Si rebels, you can stop him."

Every time he recalled this, Yin Ci always felt there was more to what this person said. Now that he had time, he was about to ponder the conversation in his memory—

"Senior Yin." At this moment, Yan Qing spoke up, interrupting Yin Ci's recollection.

"You may rest."

"No, I was just thinking, since that mirror is used for detecting sins, why was Qu Duanyun able to pass through it?" Yan Qing wiped the sweat from his face. "I heard from Ah Si that whether it was Sect Master Qi's death or the attack on Taiheng's subordinates, it seemed to be related to him..."

"Mm. He probably knew about the disaster of the 'Deity Summoning Formation' at the Ling Sect as well."

"Qu Duanyun clearly harmed people, harming others doesn't count as a sin?"

"He holds a high position in the Immortal Gathering, so it's normal for him to know some dispelling techniques."

Yan Qing leaned on his sword, hesitating for a moment before letting out a thoughtful hum.

"You practice your swordsmanship, why bother with these things?"

"Using techniques to conceal, then he feels guilty about his own sins. If he truly has a 'clear conscience', it can only mean he considers himself 'greatly benevolent', not hesitating to sacrifice the innocent... Since I'm going to battle him, naturally the more I know, the better. Knowing what kind of person Sect Master Qu is, I'll know how to fight him."

Seeing Yan Qing's solemn and serious expression, Yin Ci couldn't help but smile: "What, you want to defeat him?"

"Never thought about winning."

Yan Qing replied calmly.

"...But I've never thought about losing either."

The following days were all sunny, and the tournament situation was no different from what everyone had guessed.

Even for small sects, everyone fought with all their might. Even someone as strong as Qu Duanyun treated his opponents with utmost seriousness, unlike a certain sect—

The senior disciple of the Ku Mountain Sect seemed to be using his opponents to study new sword techniques. That person didn't take his opponents seriously at all, pondering on his own on the stage, poking here and there. The opponents were like mice under a cat's paw, all expressing that they couldn't endure such torture and might as well jump off the stage and give up the wooden bracelet to end their misery.

This person's behavior was strange and evil, was a demonic sect really allowed in?

However, despite Yin Ci's antics, his strength was clear as day. Many people placed heavy bets on him, hoping for a righteous versus evil battle between him and Shi Zhongyu.

Another group of people was more worried about the monk Zhixing on stage. The Ku Mountain Sect was the enemy of the Jianchen Temple, with the foe who betrayed his master and trampled on the way before him, yet Monk Zhixing didn't violate the precept of anger, truly a monk.

After all, that Ku Mountain Sect servant was even more outrageous than the senior disciple.

Yan Qing fully utilized the Compassion Stone Sword's ability—no matter if the opponent wielded a blade, spear, or staff, he would hold up the Compassion Stone Sword and toss it at them with a carefree attitude.

Everyone present was from orthodox sects, who didn't know how heavy their obsessions were. If they weren't careful, it could be like Mount Tai pressing down on them. No one dared to risk their lives, having no choice but to turn and dodge.

However, it was fine if he didn't dodge, but the moment he moved to dodge, he would be immediately kicked off the stage by Yan Qing. The entire process was smooth and dull. Relying on this sword and kick, Yan Qing actually fought his way through, not being eliminated early.

This kind of fight lacking chivalry almost incited public outrage. Just being able to pick up the Compassion Stone Sword, you could tie a monkey and even the monkey could do it! 
Fortunately, by tomorrow, the final contestants would be determined. This underling's path of muddling through was probably coming to an end here.

As the nameless pawns were eliminated, the atmosphere became more lively. The renowned Qu Duanyun and Shi Jingzhi, and the universally despised Ku Mountain Sect naturally went without saying. Even with the chaos of going after the Shi Rou, the various sects still had some experts left—

Although the Changle Sect lost a skinny sect leader in the Ghost Tomb, this time a bag-carrying sect leader emerged to steal the limelight. He knew he would be up against Yin Ci, but there was not the slightest worry on his face. Instead, he twirled his mustache with his pinky raised, looking like he had victory in the bag.

There was also an unknown Jiutian Sect, the two participants were a pair of twin youths. Although they had no reputation, the two acted with great skill, clearly not easy to deal with at a glance. The two were divided into different groups and had not been eliminated yet.

"Only eight people left. Forget about Taiheng, how come not a single one from Ku Mountain Sect has been eliminated?"

"Just dumb luck. See that, that's Sect Leader Xu from Changle Sect. He learned some secret art, his luck is incredibly strong. He hasn't lost a single match so far... but that Yin fellow is ruthless, this round is really hard to say."

"Those two from Jiutian Sect are quite formidable. Too bad Lin Xun and Lin Zhen aren't in the same group, I wanted to see the twins compete. Lin Zhen is up against Qu Duanyun this time, he probably can't win. Lin Xun and Shi Zhongyu are in the same group, that's still something to look forward to."

"That underling from Ku Mountain Sect is up against Elder Zhou from Taiheng. This time throwing the sword probably won't work. Sigh, if only Jianchen Temple was willing to send someone to participate. Someone should have long taught a lesson to that lunatic who recklessly throws the Compassion Stone Sword."

"Bet first, bet first. Putting everything else aside, bet first on Elder Zhou from Taiheng to win..."

The spectators who came after hearing the news were countless. The Golden Jade Gang started encouraging people to place bets with loose silver and copper coins, casually making some money. Seeing the number of participants about to go from eight to four, everyone's enthusiasm reached an unprecedented high.

Yin Ci couldn't be bothered with the noisy crowd, and was even less inclined to entertain Sect Leader Xu who came to ingratiate himself. Who knew this bag-like burly man had no sense of propriety at all, following him all the way to the abandoned house.

Everyone knew the Ku Mountain Sect was staying here, and the act of Shi Jingzhi pretending to be ill had to be played out. Yin Ci had no choice but to turn around and deal with him: "Sect Leader Xu, if you have something to say, let's talk after tomorrow's battle."

Sect Leader Xu from Changle Sect still had a face full of smiles: "You and I will face each other tomorrow, it's fate no matter what. I have long admired Young Hero Yin. Why don't we share a drink to avoid hurting our relationship tomorrow."

Yin Ci was annoyed to no end—Yan Qing had gone out to practice swordsmanship and Su Si had gone to stick to him as usual. Right now there was only him here, and he really didn't want to personally brew tea for this clingy person.

"No need."

Who knew as soon as he finished speaking, a smell of blood wafted into his nose. Yin Ci's expression turned grim. He saw Sect Leader Xu's smile deepen a few degrees: "Young Hero Yin is too polite."

The moment the door of the abandoned house opened, Yin Ci saw the restrained Shi Jingzhi.

Sect Leader Shi's face was pale as he pitifully tilted his head. There were some grass bits stuck in his long hair, and fresh blood stains at the corner of his mouth from vomiting. The captor stood behind the wooden chair, the short blade pressed against Shi Jingzhi's neck, the sharp edge already touching his skin.

Sect Leader Shi's Nuo mask had been removed, fully exposing that face full of devilish charm. It was truly... beyond words.

This fox is really getting into it, Yin Ci thought.

The martial arts of the person holding Shi Jingzhi hostage were mediocre at best, definitely unable to injure Shi Jingzhi. Sect Leader Shi's current state, rather than dutifully "persisting in pretending to be ill", looked more like he was enjoying himself.

"Ah Ci, save your master!" Shi Jingzhi put on a perfect damsel in distress act, "weakly" calling out.

Yin Ci sighed: "Sect Leader Xu, the Changle Sect is a righteous sect after all, what is the meaning of this?"

"I'm not even one tenth as good as you." Sect Leader Xu said frankly, "If we face each other on stage tomorrow, I will undoubtedly lose. The Ku Mountain Sect has a notorious reputation, why bother occupying this spot in vain?"

As he spoke, he took out a small compass. The object spun randomly in his palm before gradually stopping on a certain hexagram.

"My Changle Sect suffered heavy losses in the Ghost Tomb, but fortunately received the favor of the deities. We obtained this little item that can tell people's strengths and weaknesses..."

"The weak triumph, the strong coerce?" Yin Ci snorted coldly.

Sect Leader Xu clicked his tongue in disdain: "This is the first time coercing someone. For the rest, I had people spend money. Besides you dreamers, who would really want to take the Shi Rou from Taiheng's hands? Other than that, it's all about fame and gain, all negotiable."

Yin Ci didn't speak, only looked at him at his leisure.

The Changle Sect had indeed suffered heavy losses. Its reputation was already mediocre to begin with, and this time it was adding hail to snow, its fate nearly exhausted. Sect Leader Xu being so impatient for quick success and instant benefit was nothing more than wanting a resounding reputation to help the Changle Sect regain some face in the martial world.

Seeing Yin Ci unhurried, Sect Leader Xu started to sweat a bit on his forehead. He steadied his mind before insisting: "Fortunately, the Ku Mountain Sect doesn't count as a righteous sect. If I make a move today, when I face the Mirror of Sins tomorrow, I can still do so with a clear conscience. Your master will be temporarily kept in our custody. After you lose to me tomorrow, I will release him intact."

Sect Leader Xu's martial arts were passable, he just had never done this kind of coercion before. His face practically had the words "only outwardly impressive" written on it. The person holding Shi Jingzhi hostage also had not a shred of murderous intent. As long as a bit of pressure was applied, this situation could be easily resolved.

"So that's how it is." Yin Ci said, "At this age, still blindly believing in those magic tools and items, no wonder the Changle Sect hasn't made any progress. Just from watching a few fights, you think you have everything under control—"

The smell of blood suddenly intensified quite a bit.

Yin Ci almost instinctively sprang into action. With one hand on the disaster-warding talisman and the other swinging the Hanging Shadow Sword, the vast killing intent surged in all directions. Before his gaze even shifted over, the sword tip had already pierced through the palm of the captor.

That person immediately let out a miserable scream as the short blade clattered to the ground.

"What's going on? I haven't even said anything yet, why did you make a move!" Sect Leader Xu was no less shocked than Yin Ci. The killing intent and murderous aura that suddenly erupted were too terrifying. His legs turned to jelly and he nearly sat down on the ground.

"I... I don't know... He was just moving around and my hand slipped..." That person's martial arts were average. When had he ever seen this kind of situation? Suppressed by that murderous aura filled with blood, he instantly wet his pants.

Shi Jingzhi tilted his head slightly, revealing a not-too-deep yet not-too-shallow wound on his beautiful neck, with blood continuously gushing out. The injury was not life-threatening, but it looked quite horrifying.

Yin Ci stared at the blood, even forgetting to continue his revenge. He rushed to Shi Jingzhi's side, hurriedly bandaging the wound. The two people from Changle Sect didn't dare to threaten them anymore and immediately scrambled towards the door. Yin Ci freed one hand, intending to use his sword qi to forcefully "retain the guests," when a pale, cold hand suddenly reached out and tightly grasped his wrist.

"Shh, it's okay."

Shi Jingzhi finally moved. He raised his bloodstained index finger, lightly pressing it against his lips. The bright red blood smeared on his lips, which was quite startling. His long hair was as cool and smooth as silk, and the hand gripping Yin Ci's wrist was cold and pale, yet the blood dripping from the wound was scorching hot.

Those eyes were also as bright as ever, mixed with just the right amount of cunning.

"Don't chase them."