Qi Yunke stepped forward to smooth things over as usual. "This Sima An is a heinous criminal, and Brother Qiu acted out of a sense of justice. Since the matter is settled, let's all enter the hall."

Song Shijun remained noncommittal, deciding to swallow his anger for now and deal with it later.

Who knew that Qiu Yuanfeng was not willing to let it go. With a provocative smile, he said, "Since Sect Master Qi has spoken, the Grand Beginning Abbey naturally has no objections. However, I advise Sect Leader Song to properly clean up his house after returning this time..."

Song Shijun's face darkened. "What do you mean by that?"

Qiu Yuanfeng said, "Regarding Thunder Duke Fortress's call for help, those in the know would say the Vast Heaven Sect is large and busy, so some things slip through the cracks. Those who don't know might think that Sima An sent enough gold and silver treasures to bribe the stewards and martial uncles of the Vast Heaven Sect, which is why they played deaf and dumb."

These words were quite malicious. Song Shijun had never suffered such a great insult in his life. Before he could get angry, his eldest son, Song Maozhi, could no longer hold back and cursed, "You bastard surnamed Qiu, what nonsense are you spouting!" — At his lead, the disciples of the Vast Heaven Sect immediately stepped forward, shouting angrily.

The Grand Beginning Abbey had not brought so many disciples today just for show. They raised their voices and began to curse back in kind.

For a moment, the area in front of Twilight Palace was like a common alleyway, with harsh and crude profanities flying everywhere in a chaotic scene. Fortunately, because it was the day of the memorial ceremony, the disciples were forbidden from using martial arts, or else things would have long descended into a messy brawl.

Abbess Jingyuan said nothing, only lowering her head to chant sutras—it was not appropriate for outsiders to interfere in the internal disputes of the Six Sects of Beichen. It was Venerable Fakong who couldn't bear to watch any longer and advised Cangqiong Zi, "Originally, it is not this old monk's place to speak on the affairs of your sects, but brethren fighting amongst themselves is not a blessing for the righteous path. Daoist Master, you are the elder of all the sect masters, you should step forward and say something to quell the dispute."

But Cangqiong Zi said, "Martial Nephew Yuanfeng performed a righteous deed. Should I, as his elder, reprimand him for it? Besides, I am a cripple now. I couldn't manage things even if I wanted to."

Venerable Fakong shook his head, speechless.

Seeing this, Qi Yunke and Zhou Zhizhen frowned deeply. Yang Heying quietly took a few steps back, not wanting to get involved. Only Cai Pingchun stood to the side, completely unmoved.

On the other side, Ning Xiaofeng was bored to tears. She had a steward next to her grab a few oranges from an idle fruit basket outside. After taking a bite, she found that the soil and water of Myriad Waters Thousand Mountains Cliff were truly excellent; the oranges grown here were especially sweet and delicious. So, she instructed the steward to send a few to her daughter as well.

The steward brought an armful of oranges to Cai Zhao, just in time to hear Chang Ning say with a hint of schadenfreude, "...Truly of one breath and interconnected branches, the Six Sects are of one heart." He turned his head and saw the little girl clumsily picking at the orange peel piece by tiny piece. He immediately snatched it away. "That's not how you peel an orange."

As he spoke, he deftly broke open the bottom of the orange, tore the peel from both sides with two quick motions, and then placed the intact fruit in Cai Zhao's fair, tender palm, his tone filled with unconcealed affection. "Eat."

The orange was indeed delicious. Cai Zhao gave Chang Ning a happy smile.

Seeing the little girl's bright smile, Chang Ning experienced for the first time in his life the subtle emotion of 'being happier watching someone else eat than eating yourself'. Though he didn't know why, he truly felt an inexplicable joy, so he picked up another orange and began peeling it cheerfully.

Fan Xingjia: "..." 'Actually, Senior Brother, I'm not very good at peeling oranges either.'

While Ning Xiaofeng and her daughter were happily eating oranges, Yin Sulian could no longer bear it. She rushed to the front and shrieked, "Today is the second anniversary of the Grandmaster's death! If you want to cause trouble, at least pick another day! To make such a racket without any regard for your status, embarrassing yourselves in front of allied sects, aren't you intentionally shaming our Qingque Sect?!"

She was the daughter of the old Sect Master of the Qingque Sect and the wife of the current Sect Master. She had been ordering people around for decades, and the moment she spoke, Qingque Sect disciples began shouting for silence. In truth, Yin Sulian's move was quite clever. She was a woman of high status but extremely poor in martial arts. If Qiu Yuanfeng were to confront her, he would be accused of bullying a woman. If he didn't retort, he would have to accept his misfortune.

Who knew that Qiu Yuanfeng's gaze would shift, and he would smile, "Oh, it's Junior Sister Yin. Has your Senior Brother Qiu returned today? Alas, speaking of which, I haven't seen Brother Renjie in many years either."

As soon as these words were spoken, Yin Sulian's face flushed red, speechless with shame and anger. However, apart from a few older disciples, ninety percent of the people present did not understand what Qiu Yuanfeng meant.

"Who is this Qiu Renjie?" Cai Zhao didn't know either.

Fan Xingjia had actually heard bits and pieces, but he mumbled, not daring to speak.

"This Qiu Renjie was the most outstanding among Old Sect Master Yin Dai's seven disciples, and he was also the originally chosen successor for the Sect Master position. My father said he was once betrothed to Madam Sulian," Chang Ning answered cheerfully.

"And then what happened?"

"Later, Sect Master Qi broke through the meridian shackles of the 'Sky Fire Dragon' and his divine art advanced by leaps and bounds. He astonished everyone at the Qingque Sect's grand competition and took first place—and naturally, there was no 'later' for this Martial Uncle Qiu and Madam Sulian."

Cai Zhao was stunned and subconsciously looked at Qi Lingbo, Song Yuzhi, and even Dai Fengchi. "This Yin Family, they really are..."

She suddenly thought of her own mother, Ning Xiaofeng.

Within the Six Sects, there was probably no one who didn't know that Ning Xiaofeng and Yin Sulian didn't get along. Ning Xiaofeng certainly knew about Yin Sulian's past, but no matter how angry she got, she only ever mocked Yin Sulian for being ungrateful and two-faced, and never once mentioned Qiu Renjie in front of others.

Cai Zhao suddenly felt a surge of pride, then glanced contemptuously at Qiu Yuanfeng—'And he's the leader of the Grand Beginning Abbey? His magnanimity is less than that of her mother, a mere woman!'

Seeing Qiu Yuanfeng's frivolous expression and insulting tone towards his wife, Qi Yunke finally grew angry. He immediately sank his qi into his Dantian and bellowed, "This matter ends here!" — These four words were like the tolling of a great bell from the depths of the earth, each word resonating with power, filled with a profound, oppressive force that startled everyone.

"The matter of Thunder Duke Fortress will be discussed and handled by the Vast Heaven Sect and the Grand Beginning Abbey; the Qingque Sect does not wish to interfere. Eliminating evil and helping the good is a virtuous act. Abbot Qiu, please do not turn it into a blade for scheming and expanding your influence."

Qi Yunke looked at Qiu Yuanfeng and said word by word, "I said, this matter ends here. If there are other entanglements, we will speak of them another day—has Abbot Qiu understood?"

Qiu Yuanfeng met his gaze for a long time before retracting his arrogant expression. "Very well, I will listen to the Sect Master's command."

Song Shijun was furious. He wanted to step forward and mock Qiu Yuanfeng some more, but he was held back by Cai Pingchun from behind. He said angrily, "Xiao Chun, are you going to meddle too?!"

Cai Pingchun said calmly, "The Vast Heaven Sect was indeed in the wrong for leaving Thunder Duke Fortress with nowhere to turn for help. Big Brother Shijun should clean up his house when he returns this time, so as not to give others an opportunity to exploit in the future."

Hearing the first part, Qiu Yuanfeng was still grinning, but he couldn't smile after hearing the last half of the sentence. "What does Valley Master Cai mean? Are you implying that my Grand Beginning Abbey took advantage of a weakness?"

Cai Pingchun said calmly, "It can't be called taking advantage of a weakness. However, the Vast Heaven Sect's wealth is known throughout the land. To say that Sect Leader Song would condone Sima An's betrayal of his master for a paltry benefit is something no one would believe. Still, upholding justice is always a good thing. Next time Abbot Qiu is in the mood, feel free to come uphold justice within the jurisdiction of Falling Blossoms Valley. Our sect will certainly welcome you with lanterns and decorations. Falling Blossoms Valley is small and weak, but we can still serve you steamed plain buns with soy sauce."

Song Shijun burst out laughing. "Xiao Chun, you were so honest as a child. Now your sharp tongue has learned bad habits from Ning Xiaofeng!"

"I am only speaking the truth. If the Grand Beginning Abbey is willing, Falling Blossoms Valley can even compile a list of all the injustices in the region and invite you Daoist brothers to go and uphold justice," Cai Pingchun said.

Song Shijun couldn't stop laughing. Qiu Yuanfeng's face darkened, and he stormed off with a flick of his sleeve.

The dispute finally ended. Following a Buddhist chant from Venerable Fakong, the leading disciples of each sect entered the Chaoyang Main Hall, stood in their respective positions, maintained a solemn silence, and lowered their gazes. Incense was already burning on the altar. Amidst the curling smoke, Qi Yunke held a yellow silk memorial text and began to read aloud—

"In this year of peace, the world is tranquil. All disciples remember the Grandmaster. Today, with three types of livestock, three offerings, fresh flowers, and simple fruits, we pay tribute to the spirit of our ancestor, True Lord Beichen, in heaven. When demons rose on all four sides, plunging living beings into misery, when white bones stretched for a thousand li and the grass and trees were stained red, fortunately, our ancestor True Lord Beichen descended from the heavens. He accepted the mandate in a time of crisis, shouldered the righteousness of the common people, took the safety of all living beings as his own responsibility, and served the world..."

Cai Zhao frowned as she listened. "Where did Eldest Martial Brother find this ghostwriter? The writing is so bad, he would have been better off finding the play-script writer in our town."

"...How does Junior Sister know the writing is inadequate?" Fan Xingjia wanted to ask how she knew their master hadn't written it himself, but then thought it better not to upset himself.

Chang Ning: "Because she can understand every sentence."

Cai Zhao: T_T

Chang Ning: :)

Fan Xingjia: ...

After the memorial text was read, the sect masters of the Six Sects offered incense to the Grandmaster in order. When it was the Grand Beginning Abbey's turn, Qiu Yuanfeng caused trouble again—he insisted on pushing Cangqiong Zi forward to offer the incense.

Cangqiong Zi pretended to be angry. "Only the sect master can offer incense. Martial Nephew Yuanfeng, what is the meaning of this!"

Qiu Yuanfeng was like a famous actor on a stage. He said with tears in his eyes, "Martial Uncle suffered a vicious attack from the Demonic Cult's fiends for the safety of everyone in the Grand Beginning Abbey. How can we disciples be ungrateful! If not for this great disaster befalling Martial Uncle, he should have taken the position of Abbot after Master's passing! Although Yuanfeng has humbly taken the role of sect master, in my heart, Martial Uncle is the true backbone of the Grand Beginning Abbey!"

Cangqiong Zi, of course, refused repeatedly, and Qiu Yuanfeng, of course, pleaded again and again. The martial uncle and nephew's performance was deeply moving, with tears flying everywhere. In the end, Cangqiong Zi 'reluctantly' agreed.

—Everyone around them watched their performance with blank expressions, not saying a word.

After the incense offerings were finally completed one by one, disciples from each sect began to present various offerings: a pure white tiger pelt, a coral tree from the bottom of the sea, a green jade disc as large as an entire wall, a golden couch carried by two people, ginseng fruits that only bear fruit once a century, immortal spring water that extends life, and a blood-written sutra that was horrifying just to look at...

Cai Zhao was dazzled. "With so many rare treasures, do they all belong to the Qingque Sect now?"

Fan Xingjia quickly denied it. "After the ceremony, they are taken back by their respective sects."

Chang Ning sneered lightly. "Don't listen to Fifth Senior Brother sugarcoat things—if they encountered a powerful and assertive Qingque Sect Master, the other five sects would be falling over themselves to curry favor. If the Sect Master took a liking to any offering, the sects would leave it behind after the ceremony."

Cai Zhao was disappointed. "Then Uncle Qi definitely won't be able to keep anything."

Fan Xingjia: "..." 'Can you please not write off our master like that?'

As the three were chatting idly, they suddenly heard Ning Xiaofeng's sharp rebuke—"Who are you!"

Ning Xiaofeng had a vigilant expression, one hand tightly holding Cai Han, the other pointing straight ahead. Everyone followed her finger and saw that she was pointing at a disciple of the Grand Beginning Abbey.

The disciple had his head bowed low, carrying a two-foot-tall golden-thread bamboo basket on his back. He was slowly walking towards the altar—or rather, towards the two sect masters standing on either side of it.

Qiu Yuanfeng said unhappily, "Heroine Ning, don't stir up trouble for no reason and deliberately make things difficult for a disciple of my abbey..."

Ning Xiaofeng ignored him and continued to shout, "Guards! Quickly, surround this person!"

She then sneered at the person, "Stop pretending. When I was playing with disguises, you were probably still nursing! Daring to play tricks in front of me, you must be tired of living! Speak, were you sent by the Demonic Cult to launch a sneak attack!"

Everyone was shocked and paled. It turned out this person was in disguise.

Qi Yunke had witnessed Ning Xiaofeng's skills in unorthodox arts over a decade ago and knew this was no false alarm. He immediately shouted, "Guards, surround this scoundrel!"

Before his voice faded, a cold light flashed. Song Yuzhi leaped high from behind the crowd like a soaring dragon. The three-foot sword in his hand was unstoppable, thrusting several times towards the disguised disciple. Truly, a beauty like jade, a sword like a rainbow. Dai Fengchi and Ding Zhuo were a step behind, advancing side by side with swords raised, while the other Qingque Sect disciples formed a sword formation and surrounded them.

Song Yuzhi delivered several more sword strikes, intending to lock down the person's lower body. But the person's movement technique was extremely exquisite. Amidst a series of flashes, with a chi sound, Song Yuzhi's sword severed the brocade strap holding the bamboo basket on the person's shoulder. The golden-thread bamboo basket rolled onto the ground with a rumble.

Ever since they learned someone in disguise had infiltrated Myriad Waters Thousand Mountains Cliff, everyone's first reaction was 'the Demonic Cult is attacking.' The various sects immediately huddled together, prioritizing their own safety.

Song Shijun was worried for his son, yet also proud of his son's handsome and outstanding display. A thousand words ultimately turned into a hateful eye-roll directed at Qi Yunke.

Just as he was about to mock Qi Yunke, he was suddenly pushed so hard by Zhou Zhizhen beside him that he nearly fell. He was about to turn back and curse when he heard Zhou Zhizhen shout with all his might—"That's Thunderous Tempest, everyone, take cover quickly!"

Song Shijun's face changed drastically.

It turned out that when the golden-thread bamboo basket fell to the ground, the disguised person was greatly alarmed and tried to reach for it. Song Yuzhi forced the person back several steps with a series of sword strikes. The person seemed to get anxious and shouted directly, "The situation has changed, move now!"

At that, two more disciples shot out from the ranks of the Grand Beginning Abbey, brandishing their swords and thrusting at Song Yuzhi and the others to help the disguised person escape. With his hands free, the disguised person immediately pulled out two pitch-black spheres from his satchel, each as large as a child's head, and forcefully threw them towards the crowds on the left and right.

The moment Zhou Zhizhen saw those familiar black spheres, his pupils contracted sharply—his father, Old Manor Master Zhou, had been injured by this very hidden weapon in a fierce battle years ago, and after being bedridden for several years, he eventually succumbed to his illness.

Without a second word, Chang Ning pulled Cai Zhao behind a giant pillar. Fan Xingjia quickly followed. Fortunately, the giant pillars in Chaoyang Main Hall were each so thick that it would take two or three people to encircle one, so it wasn't crowded for the three of them hiding behind it.

Following two loud 'BOOM' 'BOOM' sounds, fragments from the ceiling beams scattered down. Mixed among them were barbed, poisonous needles as fine as ox hair, shooting out in all directions. Cries of pain echoed endlessly within the hall, and the terrifying smell of black gunpowder filled the air, intensely amplifying everyone's fear.

Cai Zhao, enveloped in Chang Ning's wide sleeves, was dizzy. "Didn't they say that Thunderous Tempest was lost after Elder Tianxuan died? Oh, where did the poison needles fly off to..."

"..." Fan Xingjia stood blankly to the side, looking at the straight-faced Chang Ning, then looked up at the ox-hair poison needles drifting in the other direction.

In the main hall, Qiu Yuanfeng was the first to protect Cangqiong Zi. Zhou Zhizhen repeatedly swung his palms towards the air, using his qi to force the poison needles up to the ceiling beams. Song Shijun took the opportunity to grab his son and hide under the altar. Qi Yunke pulled Dai Fengchi and Ding Zhuo to his side to take cover, one in each hand. Cai Pingchun had already lunged towards his wife and son.

In reality, those two Thunderous Tempests were mainly thrown towards the Grand Beginning Abbey. Most of the other sects were unaffected as long as they took cover in time.

Just as the sky-full of barbed poison needles finally fell to the ground, a tragic scream was heard from Madam Sha of the Siqi Sect—"Help! Tianci! My son, Tianci, someone help...!"

It turned out that the earlier ceremony was long and boring. Yang Tianci was young and had a big temper, and he couldn't sit still and wanted to play. Madam Sha, afraid he would cause a scene and disgrace the Siqi Sect, had let him run back and forth along the wall in a side hall with a nanny and a maid.

Because he was separated by the crowd, no one had noticed. But when the sudden incident occurred, everyone was running and hiding in a panic. The nanny and maid were separated by the terrified crowd, leaving Yang Tianci unattended.

When the Thunderous Tempest exploded, he thought it was like the ceremonial cannons from that morning. He giggled, covered his ears, and found it very amusing, stumbling towards the main hall. In the chaos, the disguised person had just dragged the golden-thread bamboo basket to his side when he saw a richly dressed little boy running over. He casually grabbed him to use as a hostage.

Yang Heying emerged from behind the altar curtains. Seeing his beloved son crying and struggling in the disguised person's grasp, he was terrified out of his wits. His hands were full of hidden weapons, but he didn't dare to throw a single one. The other masters in the hall were all frozen in place.

When Cai Zhao poked her head out from Chang Ning's embrace, she saw this very scene. The situation was urgent, leaving her no time to think. She forcefully pushed Chang Ning away and rushed out. Everyone saw a young girl flash out from behind the giant pillar. Without a word, she struck the golden-thread bamboo basket on the ground with one palm, then struck the disguised person with another.

The disguised person hurried to protect the bamboo basket. The girl immediately struck with two more palms. The palm force was like a strong wind in the mountains, slow yet powerfully compelling. It was precisely the eighth form of the Dragon Capturing Art, Xu Feng Shu Ran—the two palms forced the disguised person to dodge to the side.

At this moment, Song Yuzhi had just broken free from his father's protection. Seeing the situation, he tore off a sequin from his clothes, channeled his energy into it, and shot it heavily towards the disguised person's wrist.

The disguised person was already flustered, trying to protect the basket and dodge at the same time. Suddenly, he felt a sharp pain in his wrist, and it became light. The child in his hand had been pulled away like a kite on a string.

Song Yuzhi's eyes were full of approval as he shouted, "Good!"

It turned out that Cai Zhao, taking advantage of the moment Song Yuzhi hit the disguised person's wrist, had once again used the fifth form of the Dragon Capturing Art, Shu Gong Jing Jie, to channel her energy and 'suck' Yang Tianci over.

Seeing her fiancé praise Cai Zhao, Qi Lingbo pouted unhappily and said, "What's so great about that? Would it kill her not to show off her martial arts for one day?"

Zhou Zhixian, who had just been protecting her, stood up and happened to hear this. Although she didn't reprimand her, she thought to herself that Qi Yunke and Yin Sulian had done a poor job raising this girl.

With his hands empty, the disguised person immediately returned a heavy palm strike towards Cai Zhao. Holding Yang Tianci with one hand, Cai Zhao received the blow with the other. She felt a profound wave of internal energy rush towards her, and her blood and qi instantly churned. Unwilling to show weakness, she forced herself to endure it.

Madam Sha was the first to rush over. Wailing, she snatched her son from Cai Zhao's hands and ran off without even a word of thanks.

Seeing this, Chang Ning was furious. He dragged Cai Zhao back. "Did you see that! You should be selective about who you help. What are you going to do when you encounter an ungrateful wolf!"

Cai Zhao forced a smile. "It's fine, it was nothing."

"Nothing? Your face is pale!" Chang Ning was so angry he wanted to hit someone.

"I'll be fine after I regulate my breathing." Cai Zhao clutched her chest. "Stop yelling and help me over there to rest. Oh, my mom's coming, spare me the lecture..."

Chang Ning helped Cai Zhao sit down at the side and walked off in a huff.

Cai Zhao wondered, "Why is Brother Chang angry?"

Fan Xingjia thought to himself, 'He thought you saving him was something special, but now he knows you save anyone you see, so of course he's unhappy.'

Ning Xiaofeng quickly ran over and poured out two 'Medicine King's Heart-Mending Pills' from a porcelain bottle—unlike Chang Ning, she didn't scold her daughter for saving someone, but only nagged her about her unrefined skills, telling her not to show off and embarrass herself in the future if she wasn't confident.

The pills needed to be dissolved in hot water. Just as Ning Xiaofeng was about to look for some, Chang Ning arrived with a cup of hot water.

Ning Xiaofeng praised, "Ning'er is still the sensible one, unlike you! With so many people in this room, did you really need to be the one to step up!"

"I was just afraid that if I delayed for even a moment, something would happen to Young Master Yang!" Cai Zhao retorted, unconvinced.

"Not necessarily," Chang Ning said stiffly. "That person had no intention of harming the Yang family's boy at all."

Cai Zhao: "How do you know?"

"When the Yang family boy ran over, poison needles were still flying everywhere, yet not a single one hit him. I suspect that person knocked the poison needles away before grabbing him," Chang Ning said.

Ning Xiaofeng praised, "You didn't see the whole picture from behind the pillar just now, yet you managed to guess everything correctly. Ning'er is very clever." After a thought, she added, "Back then, Elder Sister of the Xue family could also understand ten things from hearing one."

Chang Ning froze, unsure whether he should say 'you flatter me'.

Cai Zhao: "Oh, Mother, you really know how to bring up sore subjects." 'His birth mother went mad right after he was born. If being mad wasn't enough, she also died early. Are you really praising him?!'

At this moment, Venerable Fakong's resounding voice echoed in the hall: "Benefactors, please hold your hands for a moment and listen to this old monk!"

As the most senior elder present in the hall, everyone stopped their actions and words.

Venerable Fakong took two steps forward. "This old monk does not know who you are, but from your actions just now, you do not seem to be a despicable person. Since you went to such great lengths to come to Myriad Waters Thousand Mountains Cliff, you must be seeking something. You might as well state it directly."

Qiu Yuanfeng, seeing that the disciples of the Grand Beginning Abbey had suffered the most injuries, roared angrily, "Show your true face first! I want to see which Demonic Cult scoundrel you are!"

The disguised person was silent for a moment, then looked at the two helpers behind him and nodded.

The three of them simultaneously began to tear at the skin on their faces. With a few rustling sounds, their true appearances were revealed. The leader was a beautiful and aloof middle-aged woman, and the other two were rough-looking men of about thirty.

Ning Xiaofeng and her daughter did not recognize these three at all, but the people of the Grand Beginning Abbey had drastic changes in their expressions.

Yin Sulian cried out in shock, "...Elder Sister Yuan Rong, you, you're still alive?!"

Wang Yuanjing also exclaimed, "Fourth Junior Sister, you, why are you here?!"