This famous number one on the gold ranking list, the number one female immortal in the Four Regions as proclaimed by the Hui Gathering Building, had come personally?

At that time, she wore a golden silk veil that only revealed her clear, bright eyes.

From the Third Elder’s perspective, even without the hype, her reputation was well-deserved.

She smiled and said lightly, “Third Elder, could you spare a moment? I have some good news to share with you.”

Good news!

The Third Elder’s heart skipped a beat.

The Song family loved gossip, and this idol-level immortal, whom he had marketed himself, was someone he had long admired!

The Third Elder immediately cordially invited Qin Ruqing to a private room on the fourth floor, eager to hear this “good news.”

Qin Ruqing, perhaps feeling constrained by her fame and hesitant to reveal her true self in the crowd, wore the veil to cover her face.

She only removed it upon entering the private room.

As soon as this top-ranked female immortal was seated, she got straight to the point:

“I sensed that someone will attempt to assassinate me in the second round of the conference. Is Hui Gathering Building bold enough to take on this major news?”

Gasp!

With just that simple statement, the Third Elder already sensed the smell of a big scoop.

The Third Elder straightened up slightly and asked, “Could you tell me who might have come to assassinate Qin Ruqing?”

She smiled and replied with a hint of amusement, “Since the Song family investigated my background thoroughly, shouldn’t they be able to figure it out?”

The Third Elder could indeed make an educated guess, but making such guesses wasn’t the same as openly stating them.

Publicly attacking a family’s contestant during the Hundred Clans Conference would be a scandal that would outrage the entire realm.

Unless there was a deep-seated grudge or an unavoidable reason, most families would avoid such actions to prevent dirtying their own reputation.

So, the Third Elder asked, “Does Qin Ruqing have a specific confirmation?”

She shook her head, “Not certain. But whether it’s confirmed or not, it’s of no concern.

The Song family won’t suffer any loss.

Besides, Huizhu Building thrives on selling news.

Isn’t this exactly the kind of story they love?

Of course, if Huizhu Building fears offending the Fang family, that’s another matter.”

That was a valid point.

The Third Elder nodded subtly and asked, “So, what does Qin Ruqing plan to do?”

She smiled again, a smile that made the Third Elder think it would be a hit if recorded on an image stone.

Her response was bound to be popular:

“It’s simple. I want Huizhu Building to broadcast the footage of the Fang family’s assassination attempt against me throughout the city. With Huizhu Building’s capabilities, this shouldn’t be difficult, right?”

The Third Elder inwardly gasped.

Broadcasting live footage of someone being killed?

That’s quite a stir!

Isn’t she afraid of risking her own life?

The top contestant on the leaderboard, the precious figure in the Golden ranking, is worth a lot!

The Song family still plans to invest long-term in her.

The Third Elder sighed inwardly at the younger generation’s audacity and cheerfully asked:

“Then how much is Qin Ruqing willing to offer?”

After all, they were negotiating a deal, and their family would be taking on some risks.

She should show some sincerity.

The Third Elder thought this would be his opportunity to negotiate a high price.

However, the top contestant’s response was quite eye-opening.

She smiled, but instead of discussing the price, she said:

“The Song family has already profited immensely by selling the image stones featuring my likeness. Isn’t that enough to show sincerity for this cooperation?”

“Wow, so it’s all calculated into Qin Ruqing’s account?!”

“Yes!” Qin Ruqing raised an eyebrow, “At least they used my likeness. The Huizhu Building didn’t get my consent for profit, and I haven’t pursued this matter. I’ve already shown great consideration for the Song family.”

“And this collaboration is visibly full of explosive content. The benefits the Song family can gain from it will surely exceed my expectations. When the incident occurs, the Fang family will definitely be enraged, but to cover up the scandal, they’ll definitely come to negotiate with the Song family to withdraw the footage. At that time, heh heh…”

She rubbed her fingers together and said with a lively smile, “Another large sum of spirit stones will flow in. Do I need to calculate whether this deal will be profitable or not for Hui Gathering Building?”

The Third Elder stared at Qin Ruqing in shock.

He thought to himself:

A talent!

It’s a pity that such a talent isn’t working in my Hui Gathering Building!

You, as the person involved, are even inciting me to profit from both sides…

If this really works out, it would be fantastic!

“Will Miss Ruqing agree to withdraw the footage?”

She smiled, “Why wouldn’t I agree? I don’t want to offend the Fang family completely.”

The Third Elder was stunned, then burst into hearty laughter.

He treated Qin Ruqing as an esteemed guest and, after discussing the details of the matter thoroughly, they proceeded with the plan.

Now, from the assassination attempt by Elder Fang, his retreat, to the full live broadcast by Hui Gathering Building, less than fifteen minutes had passed.

In the fragmented space, the four department heads had already arrived at the scene of the incident and were investigating.

Qirong had helped Qin Ruqing up, supporting her as he healed her wounds.

Seeing the department heads arriving, his gaze flashed with sorrow and anger.

He said, “The Fang family dared to openly assassinate a family representative during the Hundred Clans Conference.

This is a provocation against the Hundred Clans and a disrespect to the Celestial Families.

I hope the department heads will give my sister and the Qin family justice!”

The Northern Department Head’s expression was displeased, and he said solemnly, “Rest assured, the Celestial Family will thoroughly investigate this matter! There will definitely be an explanation!”

The Bigfoot Department Head was most concerned about Qin Ruqing.

She was a promising candidate selected by their Fifth Clan and couldn’t be allowed to fall just like that.

He squatted down, his expression grave, and checked her pulse.

After a moment, his hand retracted as if it had been shocked.

The Western Region Department Head asked in confusion, “How is it? Is it a serious injury? Has it affected her foundation?”

The Bigfoot Department Head, with an odd expression, put his hand behind his back and cleared his throat, murmuring, “… It’s quite serious; she needs proper recovery.”

If she had come a little later, her injury might have been worse.

The Western Region Department Head also wanted to squat down to treat Qin Ruqing but was stopped by Bigfoot.

He was troubled about how to cover up the situation.

At that moment, Qin Ruqing coughed and woke up.

You woke up just in time.

Well, that saves him some trouble.

Qin Ruqing’s face was pale, and her eyes scanned the surroundings in a daze.

After a moment, she seemed to remember something, her face showing a trace of indignation, but she still controlled her emotions and said politely:

“I request the department heads to give me justice! The Fang family sent people to assassinate me!”

The Northern Domain Director crossed his arms and asked a crucial question, “How can you be certain it was someone from the Fang family?”

Qin Ruqing lowered her gaze and coughed weakly, “It was Fang Zhiming. He said it himself—he declared that I would die in this conference, spoke with hatred, and repeatedly provoked me…”

“And besides, who else but the Fang family would go to such great lengths to ensure my death…”

Qin Ruqing said this and seemed to withhold some further details, hinting at some hidden aspects of the matter.

The directors exchanged glances and couldn’t help but sigh.

By now, they had some idea about the Qin family’s background, and it was indeed possible that the Fang family was involved in the assassination attempt.

Director Feng looked at the destroyed tree demon and pondered for a moment, then said, “This matter needs thorough investigation. Rest assured, if it turns out to be the Fang family’s doing, justice will be served.

Although the demon of the Golden Core Stage is dead and the conference still has one day left, based on the remaining participants, the top seven spots are already determined.”

He paused and continued, “However, while the top seven spots are settled, the top three… Although most of it is based on your scores, it also takes into account the time you exit the space.”

Indeed, the second round of the conference was similar to a battle royale, with the top three receiving substantial rewards.

It wasn’t just about scores but also who could be the last standing.

At this point, Dan Qing, the Buddha Child, and Qin Ruqing gathered around.

Director Feng’s gaze fell on Dan Qing, the Buddha, and Qin Ruqing. “Currently, you three have the highest scores. The top three positions will be decided among you.”

Dan Qing seemed somewhat hesitant, while the Buddha joined his hands and said compassionately, “Originally, there was nothing. How could dust settle? I shall not participate in the competition for the top three.”

Director Feng looked at him, “Buddha Child, have you made up your mind? If you voluntarily forfeit, you will be ranked lower.”

The Buddha Child smiled, “This monk does not care about such things.”

He mainly came to impart teachings.

The Western Region Director scratched his head and chuckled, “We Buddhists are usually quite Zen.”

Nonsense!

Even a bald fool doesn’t know what to say about you!

With the Buddha’s forfeiture, the ranking would be adjusted, making the third place the beautiful Mingying!

She’s really focused on her career, still fighting demon beasts to this day.

Her score is still slowly rising, although the rate of increase is small due to the number of beasts.

Following her, the fourth place is the Buddha.

The fifth and sixth places are occupied by Qirong and Song Xinwu, respectively.

The two of them, at the last moment, followed Qin Ruqing’s instructions, took part in killing the Golden Core Stage demon, and earned a lot of points.

Song Xinwu felt a mix of emotions and had only one word to describe his feelings towards Qin Ruqing: respect.

He could never have imagined how her mind worked.

Even under the dire situation of evading a Golden Core’s pursuit, she managed to use the Golden Core’s attack to kill the Golden Core Stage demon, and allowed him and Qirong to benefit from it as well.

Qirong is her brother, which is understandable for Qin Ruqing.

As for Song Xinwu, it was completely because of what the Third Elder of the Song family had said: “Please take care of our unlucky one if there’s a chance.”

Although she didn’t have much hope for this non-gossipy Song family honest man, she still hoped he would make it into the top seven, at least.

After all, he was a Golden Grade.

Because of this, Qin Ruqing invited Song Xinwu to stay safe when she was dealing with the injuries, helping him make it to the top seven, even achieving sixth place.

As for the seventh place…

Qin Ruqing was taken aback and said with a complicated expression, “How did Rui Fenhua get so many points?”

The department heads’ expressions changed slightly.

The Wind Department Head, with a somewhat indescribable look, explained:

“She just happened to come across a beast in the Golden Core stage that was having a difficult delivery. When she passed by, the beast died during labor, and the points were counted towards her.”

Qin Ruqing’s eyes widened: Is that even possible???

The Bigfoot Department Head chuckled, “So, how about you and Dan Qing?”

You must be healed by now, right?

Dan Qing glanced at Qin Ruqing.

He had always hoped for a real showdown with her, but given her current injuries…

Dan Qing was about to say, “I…” withdraw.

But Qin Ruqing slowly got to her feet (still pretending), her eyes bright, and said, “Brother Dan, do you wish to battle with me?”

Dan Qing was clearly moved, but still insisted, “But your injuries…”

Qin Ruqing looked at the white tower to check the range of the miasma and then replied, “There is still one day left until the end of the conference. I can recuperate. As long as you are willing to wait for me!”

In reality, she was already fine.

As soon as she said this, Dan Qing’s body shook with excitement.

The sword intent of the sword cultivator surged, and even the sword in its sheath seemed to hum and tremble with enthusiasm.

Wow, you sword cultivators are so straightforward!

Qin Ruqing smiled, but her mind was already buzzing with plans.

She was determined to ensure that Dan Qing did not withdraw.

If Dan Qing withdrew, it would be seen as a concession, and her title as the top of the Hundred Clans Conference would be tainted.

Even if she dominated the whole event, any imperfection at the end would be magnified, lowering the value of her first place.

That’s unacceptable!

After all the effort she had put in, she wanted to end it with a glorious and perfect finish.

A fair and upright showdown with a universally acknowledged top genius was the best conclusion.

Besides, this was a good opportunity to test whether defeating top geniuses under saturated fame could help with the facade task.

After all, the task had a description with a limiting term: Become the top of the top geniuses!

Most importantly, her issue with the Fang family wasn’t over yet!

She had crafted an image of beauty, tragedy, and strength.

Now she needed to maintain that image.

After being beautiful, tragic, and strong, she would also exhibit the quality of relentless perseverance!

Even if she was gravely injured and could sit back and take first place, she wouldn’t!

She was determined to fight a fair battle despite her injuries, win her glory with dignity and without dispute!

Qin Ruqing calculated all the benefits in her mind, achieving three goals in one go!

This time, no matter how you count it, she would win spectacularly!