Chapter 91

The mountain demon standing behind Mo Lin tightened its fingers, which were loosely resting on the curved blade.

The atmosphere in the viewing seats shifted.

“…Ji Mo!” The younger members of the Zhongli family, unable to contain their anger, rose, but were stopped by their patriarch, Zhongli Kun.

“May I ask if Miss Ji Mo has any dissatisfaction with the conditions we proposed to the Zhongli family? Yue Niang is a talented individual, and it is truly pitiful to involve her in the conflict between our two families. If there is room for negotiation, the Zhongli family is willing to revisit the matter of Yue Niang’s affiliation,” he said.

Liuyu glanced around, meeting the piercing gazes from the Zhongli family that seemed to cut into her very heart.

“Patriarch Zhongli truly values talent,” Liuyu remarked with a slight smile. “Let me kindly remind you that your brother is extremely jealous. The woman he desired before marriage, he cannot forget, even more so than his own wife. The elder brother who took his position as patriarch, and his mother who controls the entire family and refuses to relinquish power—if he gets the chance, he will kill.”

Liuyu leaned her head on her hand, glancing sideways at the patriarch’s younger brother, Zhongli Yi. A smile gradually spread across her face as she caught his horrified expression.

“This reminder, let it be the reward I took from you in exchange for Yue Niang’s freedom. Patriarch Zhongli, please make sure to handle this well.”

Reward?

Now Yue Niang was equivalent to a living version of the “Xian Gong Kai Wu” (Immortal Craftsmanship), and Ji Mo had poured mud onto her father, yet it had become the reward for obtaining the “Xian Gong Kai Wu”?

Zhongli Lingzhao almost laughed at her shamelessness.

“What further negotiation is there?” Zhongli Lingzhao coldly ordered. “Bring back Zhongli family’s Yan Yue Niang. Anyone who stands in the way, kill them without mercy! If she cannot be brought back… then Yan Yue Niang need not be kept alive.”

Patriarch Zhongli Kun furrowed his brow and glanced at his niece. It was no wonder that the old lady placed so much importance on this granddaughter.

At such a young age, her actions were truly ruthless.

“Fang Fucang!”

Before Liuyu could speak again, Fang Fucang had already jumped down from the viewing seats.

With his twin blades at his back, carrying a powerful flow of energy, he slashed through the dozen or so Zhongli family guards heading toward the Qinyun Platform, creating a clear path like parting water.

Everyone only saw the flash of blades leaving behind a streak of light. In the blink of an eye, Fang Fucang had leaped onto the Qinyun Platform, grabbing the pale-faced young girl and throwing her over his shoulder.

The common folk were watching the spectacle, while the aristocratic families were both shocked and impressed by the display.

The rain of soldiers—this was a sword technique passed down in the Fang family, directly controlled by the Ji Mo family. This Fang Fucang, though unassuming, showed outstanding strength, taking on more than ten Zhongli family guards alone.

“Turns out he’s from the Fang family. Nine Fang family has actually trained such an capable individual for Ji Mo?” murmured a young master from the Wenren family.

Ninth Young Master of the Nine Fang family, Shao Geng, was getting irritated by the mockery and glances directed his way.

What was the big deal with just Fang Fucang? These fools had no idea that the Nine Fang family already possessed the world’s best puppet soldier.

As long as they could fully tame the Tianjia 31, even a Grand Master would be no match.

Shao Geng raised his hand to cover his right eye.

Centered on him, the flow of energy extended in all directions, moving toward the Qinyun Platform.

Yao Bian Tianmu · Third Form · Earth and Sky Domain

The noble families sitting in the rows of seats all changed their expressions.

Why was the Nine Fang family getting involved in this commotion?

Zhongli Lingzhao’s cold gaze landed on Shao Geng as he spoke:

“Ji Mo family has no shame, publicly tearing up the agreement with my Zhongli family. The Nine Fang family has always prided itself on righteousness and loyalty—today, are they going to tear off the false skin they’ve been wearing and join us in fighting for the same piece of flesh?”

Righteousness and loyalty?

Shao Geng found those words amusing.

His family had no connection to those ideals whatsoever.

“Don’t speak so harshly.”

The young man’s right eye, as deep blue as the sky, took in the entire Qinyun Platform.

It was the eve of the New Year, and there were ten thousand common folk gathered to watch the spectacle, among whom were undoubtedly quite a few cultivators.

Ji Mo couldn’t possibly have this many people in Xian Du Yu Jing, so these must be Zhongli family’s backup…

How could Ji Mo possibly win?

Without the help of the Nine Fang family, wasn’t this a guaranteed loss?

Shao Geng spoke casually:

“I only came to mediate. This is the Lingyong Academy, and Master Ji Yu is still here. Do you really want to start yelling and fighting right in front of the new students selected for the entrance trials? Don’t you understand the respect due to a teacher?”

The white-clad scholar holding a feather fan smiled subtly.

“Shaogeng, if you hadn’t deducted three points from Mr. Ji during the winter test, and then went on to beat him up, this statement would sound a lot more credible.”

Jiufang Shaogeng sneered, indifferent.

“As long as it’s not during the academic term and not a direct confrontation between students, Lingyong will not involve itself in the disputes of the noble families.”

“Jimo Gui.”

He suddenly turned to Liu Yu and asked:

“You couldn’t have just brought Fang Fucang alone, could you? The Zhongli family has hidden at least five hundred cultivators below, and they’re still waiting, biding their time until Fang Fucang exhausts his strength before they take care of you. Do you have any other tricks up your sleeve?”

The common people below the Qinyun Platform were initially cheering for Yue Niang, the first commoner in the history of Lingyong Academy to reach the top. But they soon sensed something was off, and the atmosphere began to stir with unease.

Liu Yu looked down from her vantage point, seeing the people like ants, unable to distinguish between the ordinary citizens and the cultivators of the Zhongli family.

The bizarre spectacle on the viewing platform must have seemed like an impending natural disaster to these commoners, indifferent to who would win or lose—what mattered to them was only the scale of the disaster.

“Isn’t my next move obvious?”

Liu Yu turned her head and glanced at Jiufang Shaogeng.

Her face, which appeared so plain, shone with confidence and calm in her gaze.

“You think, who do you think I’m with?”

Jiufang Shaogeng was momentarily stunned by her gaze, then quickly realized what she had said, turning to look at the mysterious figure in black sitting beside her.

The black-robed demon ghost had remained motionless the entire time.

But as soon as Liu Yu spoke, the twelve immortal families of Yujing City instantly became alert.

“No wonder they were so generous with the supplies; it turns out they were just using the power of the Nine Hells for today!”

“Even though she’s from a noble family, not only is she colluding with the Nine Hells’ demon ghosts, but she’s also breaking contracts and disregarding her word—how can she be called a person of principle?”

Liu Yu found it amusing as she watched the immortal families’ disdain.

To the immortal families, killing and massacring cities was no big deal, but breaking a contract was a serious offense.

“If I were you, I wouldn’t be laughing,” Zhongli Lingzhao spoke coldly.

“You should understand the principle that a powerful dragon can’t suppress a local snake. This is Yujing, the land of the noble families—”

“That’s a reasonable point.” Liu Yu turned her gaze back to Fang Fucang, who was now showing signs of decline. “But right now, we are in Lingyong. As for the local snake, it should be Mr. Ji.”

Behind the elegant scholar in white, a group of academy instructors stood solemnly, all at the eighth level—Lingyong’s elite.

Ji Yu smiled faintly.

“Lingyong has never taken sides. Little girl, I think you may have mistaken your target.”

“Even though Lingyong may not take sides in a chaotic world, it certainly has principles,” Liu Yu responded, her voice full of confidence.

A low laugh resonated in Ji Yu’s chest—this wasn’t mockery, but the affectionate smile of an elder admiring a younger.

Ji Yu spoke again, his tone calm but firm: “Principles don’t mean much in a chaotic world.”

Liu Yu locked eyes with him for a moment, then smiled brightly.

“A person without a weapon, whether it’s principles or kindness, is worth little. I understand that—fortunately, the sword in my hand is still quite sharp.”

She pulled out a thick stack of papers from her mustard seed bag and turned around, meeting the startled gazes of many.

“This is a copy of the Complete Works of Immortal Farmers, excluding the Immortal Valley volume, and a copy of the unique martial arts technique of the Shentu family.”

A wave of astonishment swept through the spectators. The Jiufang and Zhongli families quickly realized her intentions and their expressions shifted dramatically.

As expected.

The next moment, the young girl standing by the railing let go of her hand, and a gust of wind blew the papers into the air. The sheets flew like white cranes, swirling over Lingyong Academy.

The white-robed scholar, usually calm and composed, finally showed some emotion as he watched the flying papers.

Jiufang Shaogeng, who was closer, grabbed a handful and quickly skimmed through it. His face darkened instantly.

“Are you serious?”

Although Jimo had made this public before in Longduo City, that banquet had only been attended by a few people.

But this was Lingyong’s entrance exam.

Thousands of commoners were present, along with the twelve noble families of Yujing.

“Today, the Jimo family donates these two secret techniques to Lingyong Academy for all students to study. In the future, the Jimo family will also donate the Immortal Works of Creation to Lingyong Academy for all cultivators to learn.”

She casually scattered the papers again, and they fluttered down on the heads of the commoners. The girl, leaning against the railing, turned back and smiled at the noble families in front of her.

“The Jimo family may not honor the contract, but you don’t need to form an alliance with the Jimo family—just don’t stand on the side of their enemies, and you’ll gain more.”

Zhongli Lingzhao, watching Liu Yu’s smile, suddenly felt a sense of deja vu.

It was on the Qinyun Platform, that year, when Yinshan Liu Yu defeated her and took the top spot in the Lingyong Immortal Dao Conference.

“Don’t worry. Even if you lose to me, you don’t have to be my underling. What you’re pursuing, I have no interest in.”

Zhongli Lingzhao knew she wasn’t interested.

But the things that Zhongli had invested all her efforts into obtaining—things that she couldn’t get—were easily acquired by Liu Yu. Whether it was the love of the academy students or first place in Lingyong’s four tests, it was the same.

Zhongli Lingzhao glanced at the noble families in the viewing area.

The head of the Chishui family avoided her gaze and quietly ordered his subordinates:

“Why are you standing there? Go grab those secret techniques!”

An elder from the Xiahou family also spoke, “I’ve heard much about the Shentu family’s martial arts technique. Go, all of you, and bring it back once you’ve collected it all.”

Other noble families, realizing the opportunity, began sending their subordinates to take action, and the viewing area became noticeably emptier.

Jiufang Shaogeng’s gaze deepened as he stared at Liu Yu’s figure, who, with a casual wave of her hand, scattered the coveted secret techniques as if she were a young lady tossing out fish food, watching the fish swarm, with a smile on her face.

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The white-clad scholar holding a feather fan smiled subtly.

“Shaogeng, if you hadn’t deducted three points from Mr. Ji during the winter test, and then went on to beat him up, this statement would sound a lot more credible.”

Jiufang Shaogeng sneered, indifferent.

“As long as it’s not during the academic term and not a direct confrontation between students, Lingyong will not involve itself in the disputes of the noble families.”

“Jimo Gui.”

He suddenly turned to Liuyu and asked:

“You couldn’t have just brought Fang Fucang alone, could you? The Zhongli family has hidden at least five hundred cultivators below, and they’re still waiting, biding their time until Fang Fucang exhausts his strength before they take care of you. Do you have any other tricks up your sleeve?”

The common people below the Qinyun Platform were initially cheering for Yue Niang, the first commoner in the history of Lingyong Academy to reach the top. But they soon sensed something was off, and the atmosphere began to stir with unease.

Liuyu looked down from her vantage point, seeing the people like ants, unable to distinguish between the ordinary citizens and the cultivators of the Zhongli family.

The bizarre spectacle on the viewing platform must have seemed like an impending natural disaster to these commoners, indifferent to who would win or lose—what mattered to them was only the scale of the disaster.

“Isn’t my next move obvious?”

Liuyu turned her head and glanced at Jiufang Shaogeng.

Her face, which appeared so plain, shone with confidence and calm in her gaze.

“You think, who do you think I’m with?”

Jiufang Shaogeng was momentarily stunned by her gaze, then quickly realized what she had said, turning to look at the mysterious figure in black sitting beside her.

The black-robed demon ghost had remained motionless the entire time.

But as soon as Liuyu spoke, the twelve immortal families of Yujing City instantly became alert.

“No wonder they were so generous with the supplies; it turns out they were just using the power of the Nine Hells for today!”

“Even though she’s from a noble family, not only is she colluding with the Nine Hells’ demon ghosts, but she’s also breaking contracts and disregarding her word—how can she be called a person of principle?”

Liuyu found it amusing as she watched the immortal families’ disdain.

To the immortal families, killing and massacring cities was no big deal, but breaking a contract was a serious offense.

“If I were you, I wouldn’t be laughing,” Zhongli Lingzhao spoke coldly.

“You should understand the principle that a powerful dragon can’t suppress a local snake. This is Yujing, the land of the noble families—”

“That’s a reasonable point.” Liuyu turned her gaze back to Fang Fucang, who was now showing signs of decline. “But right now, we are in Lingyong. As for the local snake, it should be Mr. Ji.”

Behind the elegant scholar in white, a group of academy instructors stood solemnly, all at the eighth level—Lingyong’s elite.

Ji Yu smiled faintly.

“Lingyong has never taken sides. Little girl, I think you may have mistaken your target.”

“Even though Lingyong may not take sides in a chaotic world, it certainly has principles,” Liuyu responded, her voice full of confidence.

A low laugh resonated in Ji Yu’s chest—this wasn’t mockery, but the affectionate smile of an elder admiring a younger.

Ji Yu spoke again, his tone calm but firm: “Principles don’t mean much in a chaotic world.”

Liuyu locked eyes with him for a moment, then smiled brightly.

“A person without a weapon, whether it’s principles or kindness, is worth little. I understand that—fortunately, the sword in my hand is still quite sharp.”

She pulled out a thick stack of papers from her mustard seed bag and turned around, meeting the startled gazes of many.

“This is a copy of the Complete Works of Immortal Farmers, excluding the Immortal Valley volume, and a copy of the unique martial arts technique of the Shentu family.”

A wave of astonishment swept through the spectators. The Jiufang and Zhongli families quickly realized her intentions and their expressions shifted dramatically.

As expected.

The next moment, the young girl standing by the railing let go of her hand, and a gust of wind blew the papers into the air. The sheets flew like white cranes, swirling over Lingyong Academy.

The white-robed scholar, usually calm and composed, finally showed some emotion as he watched the flying papers.

Jiufang Shaogeng, who was closer, grabbed a handful and quickly skimmed through it. His face darkened instantly.

“Are you serious?”

Although Jimo had made this public before in Longduo City, that banquet had only been attended by a few people.

But this was Lingyong’s entrance exam.

Thousands of commoners were present, along with the twelve noble families of Yujing.

“Today, the Jimo family donates these two secret techniques to Lingyong Academy for all students to study. In the future, the Jimo family will also donate the Immortal Works of Creation to Lingyong Academy for all cultivators to learn.”

She casually scattered the papers again, and they fluttered down on the heads of the commoners. The girl, leaning against the railing, turned back and smiled at the noble families in front of her.

“The Jimo family may not honor the contract, but you don’t need to form an alliance with the Jimo family—just don’t stand on the side of their enemies, and you’ll gain more.”

Zhongli Lingzhao, watching Liuyu’s smile, suddenly felt a sense of deja vu.

It was on the Qinyun Platform, that year, when Yinshan Liuyu defeated her and took the top spot in the Lingyong Immortal Dao Conference.

“Don’t worry. Even if you lose to me, you don’t have to be my underling. What you’re pursuing, I have no interest in.”

Zhongli Lingzhao knew she wasn’t interested.

But the things that Zhongli had invested all her efforts into obtaining—things that she couldn’t get—were easily acquired by Liuyu. Whether it was the love of the academy students or first place in Lingyong’s four tests, it was the same.

Zhongli Lingzhao glanced at the noble families in the viewing area.

The head of the Chishui family avoided her gaze and quietly ordered his subordinates:

“Why are you standing there? Go grab those secret techniques!”

An elder from the Xiahou family also spoke, “I’ve heard much about the Shentu family’s martial arts technique. Go, all of you, and bring it back once you’ve collected it all.”

Other noble families, realizing the opportunity, began sending their subordinates to take action, and the viewing area became noticeably emptier.

Jiufang Shaogeng’s gaze deepened as he stared at Liuyu’s figure, who, with a casual wave of her hand, scattered the coveted secret techniques as if she were a young lady tossing out fish food, watching the fish swarm, with a smile on her face.

“Jimo Gui, you’re truly vicious.”

Liuyu turned around, about to speak, when he continued:

“But it seems I quite like you this way, being so vicious.”

Jiufang Zhanghua cast a cold glance, while beside him, Zhongli Lingzhao’s icy gaze almost turned into a blade. If it weren’t for her upbringing, she might have rolled her eyes in contempt.

Others’ opinions have never been important to Jiufang Shaogeng.

His qi surrounded him, his deep blue eyes cold as lifeless objects, as he stared in Liuyu’s direction and said:

“Today, the Zhongli family will use all their strength to reclaim Yan Yueyang. If you join forces with that demon Mo Lin, you’ll meet the same fate as the Yingshan Liuyu. But if you join me, you could become the future matriarch of the Jiufang family.”

Behind them, the sound of a heavy fall echoed from the Qingyun platform.

In the dust, Fang Fuchang, who had had enough, finally snapped:

“Seriously, aren’t you planning to help? Are you really going to discuss this at a time like this? Are you all serious?”

Mo Lin turned his head slowly and replied:

“Hang on a little longer.”

Jiufang Shaogeng sneered.

If Jimo Gui refuses to ally with the Jiufang family today, then he would first assist the Zhongli family in destroying them and then take back Yan Yueyang, the key that could control the Tianjia Thirty-One.

Hang on?

How long could Fang Fuchang hold on?

Whoosh—!!

Almost no one from the noble families reacted in time when a flash of purple-black shadow passed by. Jiufang Shaogeng’s qi shield, which seemed impenetrable, was suddenly pierced like paper, and he was thrown sideways, crashing into a nearby red pillar.

Wood debris flew in all directions, and a massive crash echoed across the ground.

When Jiufang Shaogeng came to his senses, he was in a huge deep pit. The ringing in his ears prevented him from hearing anything, and he could only see the expressionless figure in black robes on the second-tier spectator platform… and the sixteen tentacle-like limbs behind him.

This sensation seemed strangely familiar.

With a splitting headache, Jiufang Shaogeng finally remembered the source of this familiarity.

Taiping City, the Xi Li family residence.

Back then, the demon next to Jimo Gui had only shown a single tentacle, but the force, the crushing sensation of being hit so hard it felt like his internal organs were about to be crushed…

It couldn’t be wrong.

He was the same demon who had followed Jimo Gui around.

But that wasn’t what shocked Jiufang Shaogeng the most.

If they had been allies back then, then their alliance was far deeper and more tightly woven than anyone had imagined, and it had been hidden even more effectively.

What else was hidden beneath the surface?

From the time Jimo Gui first appeared in the world’s view, to today when she stood in the Xian Du Yu Jing, publicly standing side by side with the demon Mo Lin before all the noble families.

In just two breaths, Jiufang Shaogeng played everything out in his mind.

A fallen noblewoman, a demon lord with a wife.

Even blood relatives can be incited to turn on each other, and it’s not uncommon for couples to become enemies. Yet these two, who had no direct connection, had managed to form such a tight bond. There had to be some opportunity or trigger.

The opportunity—

A terrifying thought emerged simultaneously in Jiufang Shaogeng and Jiufang Zhanghua’s minds.

“Is he dead?”

Liuyu was standing on her tiptoes, peering down at the deep pit.

Mo Lin coldly looked down at the small black spot in the pit and said:

“The Jiufang family’s ancestral legacy protected his life. He won’t die, but he probably won’t be able to get up again.”

Liuyu clicked her tongue.

“Such a pity.”

“No need to pity him,” Mo Lin said, stepping forward, his hand holding a ghostly green flame that flickered without wind. “Another strike, and—”

He suddenly felt something in his forehead, quickly turning around to meet the oncoming jade sword.

The gentle sword aura almost reached his brow.

But it wasn’t because Jiufang Zhanghua was strong; rather, it was because his swordsmanship was so similar to Liuyu’s that he had almost no defenses at all.

Jiufang Zhanghua immediately felt the surge of killing intent from the other side.

He immediately shouted in a deep voice:

“Miaoyi!”

At some point, Jiufang Miaoyi had appeared at the bottom of the deep pit, clapping her hands and making a series of hand seals.

The young girl with innocent features took a deep breath and let out a clear, almost otherworldly sound:

“Tianxian, Seven Style, Dragon Roars and Tiger Howls—Seal.”

Holding a noble’s scepter and with Tianxian in her mouth.

Below the Grand Master level, regardless of realm, words alone could command the law to follow, and one sentence would become a prophecy.

Mo Lin felt his limbs stiffen as he was overwhelmed by a force.

This person could do it.

Although it seemed like a simple command, with the power of the Seven Realm, she had temporarily deprived a peak Nine Realm cultivator of his ability to resist.

The jade sword pressed forward half an inch, drawing a trace of blood.

But those eerie green eyes didn’t show the slightest fear. Instead, the corners of her eyes slowly lifted, revealing a sinister and captivating beauty.

Jiufang Zhanghua realized something, but only for a moment, before the figure lunged forward.

“Curse Seal, Twelve Meridians of the Sea.”

“Molten Stone—Sword, come.”

“Tian’s Law, Fourth Layer, Every Grass and Tree is a Weapon.”

The jade sword shattered with a deafening explosion.

Through the fine salt-like jade shards, Jiufang Zhanghua stared in shock at those bright, fiery eyes.

The girl holding the stone sword had an unremarkable face, and her techniques had nothing to do with elegance or nobility.

But those eyes.

Those eyes, sharp as a sword drawn from its sheath, were the same as the girl who had once saved him by standing in front of him—

Exactly the same.

The scattered, sparkling jade shards were swallowed up by a blood mist.

Jiufang Zhanghua, pushed out by the death warriors, crashed into dozens of tables. His moon-white robes were covered in alcohol and food scraps. As he came to his senses from the dizziness caused by the qi flow, his internal organs were wracked with pain, and blood poured from his mouth.

The vision became a bit blurry.

Jiu Fang Zhanghua slowly lifted his gaze, peering over the twenty or so death warriors standing in front of him. He saw the young girl flicking the blood off her stone sword, tilting her head as she carefully examined the injury on the forehead of the demon.

… He did it on purpose.

Risking being struck in the head at any moment, he had deliberately put himself in that danger just for this moment when she would show concern for him.

What kind of madman is this?

“Does it really hurt?” Liuyu asked, standing on tiptoe and inspecting the wound for a long time. “But I feel like it’s already healing.”

“…”

For the first time, Mo Lin hated the demon’s fast healing ability.

“It’s just the surface,” he lied seriously. “Maybe the bone is fractured; bones don’t heal that quickly.”

Liuyu believed part of it. From her perspective, if she had been just a little slower, just a tiny bit, Mo Lin would have been cleaved in half by Jiu Fang Zhanghua and Jiu Fang Miaoyi.

She glanced in the direction of Jiu Fang Zhanghua.

But unfortunately, she didn’t have time to worry about the Jiu Fang family right now.

Because just when Jiu Fang Shaogeng was pulled away, the people of the Zhongli family seized the opportunity and launched their move to capture Yue Niang and leave Ling Yong Academy.

“The mountain demons should be able to hold them off. Taking Yue Niang is not a problem.”

Mo Lin watched Bai Pingting, who was already treating Yue Niang’s blood loss, and turned back to Liuyu.

“But the most crucial issue is not this, do you understand?”

Liuyu nodded.

The key was that they had to erase all traces and disappear from Ling Yong Academy.

Otherwise, even if they managed to take Yue Niang today, the Zhongli family would relentlessly pursue them, making their lives miserable.

“Mr. Ji Yu?” Liuyu blinked at the calm white-robed scholar.

“Don’t you have something to say?”

Ji Yu smiled: “Your use of the Qi-forming technique to refine the energy of all things in heaven and earth is quite impressive. It’s somewhat too impressive. It’s not something that someone at your level could comprehend. The fourth level is already this powerful—what about the fifth? Can you tell me?”

“… No.”

Because she had only comprehended up to the fourth level, and it seemed that Mr. Ji Yu wasn’t willing to help them, she was a bit displeased.

The remaining people in the viewing area were all from noble families who intended to stay out of it. Liuyu stopped dragging things out and, with Mo Lin, went to support Fang Fuchang.

“How’s Yue Niang?”

When Liuyu landed, Fang Fuchang had already picked up Yue Niang again.

Bai Pingting said, “Her technique consumed a lot of blood from her body, and she has old injuries, possibly from when she first entered the Zhongli family and was tortured by the cultivators of the Legalist school. On top of that, there’s some poison in her system—the type commonly used on death warriors by noble families…”

“Just tell me the result.” Liuyu stared at Bai Pingting.

“The poison was removed by the Ghost Maiden, the old injuries will take time to heal, and I’ve given her the medicine from Miss Hualian. She will be fine.”

Liuyu observed and found that Yue Niang’s complexion had indeed improved a lot. Lying on Fang Fuchang’s back, she was even drooling in her sleep, following the “no work talk after work” rule Fang Fuchang had taught her.

She really was off duty.

But they still didn’t know how to leave.

Fang Fuchang was about to relax as he looked at the reassuring sight of the boundless ghost flames in the distance. Just then, he saw the figure in white robes throw a sword whip, aiming not at Lian Zhu but at a commoner behind him.

“Use the commoners to hold them back.”

Zhongli Lingzhao’s sharp eyes immediately saw through the demons’ deliberate avoidance of fighting among the crowds. He understood instantly and coldly ordered:

“Spread out, counterattack while they’re rescuing people.”

The Zhongli family cultivators responded in unison and swiftly scattered toward the crowd below.

Lian Zhu’s pupils constricted: “What the hell! Is this woman human or a demonic creature from outside the world? What is she?!”

Even so, the mountain demons, Ghost Maiden, and Lian Zhu immediately switched from offense to defense, diving into the crowd to rescue people.

Rescuing people isn’t as easy as killing people.

After just a few moves, blood beads appeared on the mountain demon’s cheek—this sword had been aimed at his neck.

Zhongli Lingzhao’s eyes were like knives, staring at Liuyu’s figure, as though trying to peel off her skin to reveal her true identity underneath.

Is it her?

The one who made the noble families of Yujing stand by and watch, who used the yet-to-be-obtained “Xian Gong Kai Wu” to pry open the hard-to-deal-with Mr. Ji Yu.

The one who could make Mo Lin, a powerful demon with control over the Nine Hells, obey her commands…

The one who could turn impossible situations into possible ones—there’s only one such person in the world.

Liuyu looked at the chaotic Qingtian Stage, her mind racing.

Mo Lin couldn’t recklessly use the boundless ghost flames here; they might affect the innocent citizens. However, the Zhongli family was resorting to any means to prevent the “Xian Gong Kai Wu” from leaking, almost ready to slaughter everyone in sight if they didn’t kill all their enemies today.

They couldn’t do it alone.

It was too passive.

Liuyu suddenly turned her gaze toward Ji Yu and was about to speak when she heard the sound of horse hooves pounding the ground like thunder, coming closer and closer.

Liuyu’s heart tightened instantly.

Could it be reinforcements from the Zhongli family…?

“Yinshan Clan, Tan Wenhe, under the command of Lord Yinshan Zenan Gongjing, ordered to assist the commoners in evacuating from the Ling Yong Academy chaos! Anyone who stands in the way will be killed without mercy!”

The Yinshan Clan!

How did people from the Yinshan Clan arrive? How did they get in?

Fang Fuchang and the others looked at Liuyu, who also had a puzzled expression.

She had considered asking her family for help, but this message hadn’t been sent out yet—how did their troops arrive so quickly?

Zhongli Yi suddenly widened his eyes, glaring at Ji Yu:

“—Ji Yu! We gave you some face, not letting the Zhongli family’s forces forcefully break into Ling Yong Academy, but you actually allowed the Yinshan Clan’s forces to enter Ling Yong!?”

Ji Yu shook his sleeve and closed his hands, then addressed Zhongli Yi from a distance:

“What did you say? The old man is getting on in years, and can’t hear too clearly…”

“The troops of the Yinshan clan came to save the common people, and they do not participate in the conflicts of the noble families. Since it does not violate the academy’s rules, I allowed them to enter the academy.”

Zhongli Yi’s eyes were bloodshot with fury: “You treacherous dog! You’ve been hiding all this time—so you’re in cahoots with the Yinshan clan!”

A breeze brushed through the pavilion, and a snow-white feather fan fluttered in the wind.

Ji Yu turned with a faint smile, addressing the clan leaders in attendance:

“Do you all think that the Yinshan clan’s troops came to save the people, and that Lingyong Academy allowing them to enter is a violation of the rules?”

The clan leaders looked at each other.

“…Is it a violation?”

“I don’t think so.”

“Everything was done to save the people from disaster. There can’t be any violation.”

“It’s clearly the Zhongli clan’s misdeeds, harming the people and causing suffering. Lingyong Academy had no choice but to act.”

“The noble families fight among themselves, but why should the common people be caught in the middle? Ji Yu has acted with righteousness.”

Seeing the clan leaders reach a consensus, Ji Yu only smiled and remained silent.

Ah, the human heart…

“Lord!”

As the personal guards were struggling, they suddenly heard a muffled grunt from behind. Turning around, they saw Zhongli Yi’s right hand with several thick silver needles lodged in the joints.

“I’m fine,” Zhongli Yi said with a grim face as he pulled out the silver needles that had pierced his bone marrow. Gritting his teeth, he added, “Send the message—summon the Zhongli clan’s troops. No matter what, today—”

His voice abruptly stopped.

Because as he pulled out the needles, the wound on his arm was not sealed by qi flow, and blood began to pour out slowly but steadily.

“Five movements, six qi, creation, and restraint—Eight Form: Unhealed.”

Bai Pingting softly spoke the name of her technique.

“Apologies, although I am a healer, my greatest skill is ensuring wounds do not heal, and the person dies from blood loss. Unless you sever the arm, this wound will never heal, no matter what elixirs or magical medicines you use.”

Zhongli Lingzhao’s face turned pale upon hearing this.

“I’ll kill you—”

“Lingzhao! Stop fighting!” Zhongli Yi decisively ordered, “The Yinshan clan’s troops have arrived. If we continue to hold out, the remaining elite of the Zhongli clan will be wiped out. Retreat!”

The Danwen and his Dan clan troops were the Yinshan clan’s most elite cavalry.

Even though they were currently only targeting the practitioners who harmed the common people and not interfering with Jimo Gui’s side, their mere presence already blocked Zhongli clan’s ability to mobilize troops for a second attack.

Yan Yue Niang was destined not to be rescued—prolonging the battle was useless.

More importantly—

He did not want to die.

They had already lost most of their elites; if they continued, they might not even have the strength to escape.

Zhongli Yi, who held a position almost equal to that of the clan leader, gave the order, and the remaining remnants of the Zhongli clan retreated.

Meanwhile, Zhongli Kun, who was left behind to cover their retreat, formed hand seals and summoned countless magical treasures to form a formation:

“Seizing the Heavenly Craft: Nine Forms, Myriad Phenomena.”

Golden light magical tools like arrows rained down, with axes, halberds, knives, and spears falling densely like rain, all carrying the qi flow of ninth-tier practitioners as they surged towards the common people below.

The defensive moves used in retreat almost exhausted all of Zhongli Kun’s life-long skills.

Danwen and the troops of the Dan clan looked up at the dense array of golden light magical tools in the sky, their muscles tensing as they immediately ordered their troops to form a protective formation to shield the thousands of civilians who had not yet escaped.

Then, there was a loud crash, followed by a burst of ghostly flames that turned the entire sky into an endless green glow.

The civilians below, hurriedly scattering in all directions, some were too exhausted to look up and see the scene, but others, in the chaos, looked back towards the sky.

The hideous, twisted, and terrifying limbs covered in scales and bone spurs.

The handsome face was covered in demonic patterns, obscuring his calm and indifferent eyes. All they could see was a twisted and sinister side profile, and the ghostly fire in his hand seemed to appear before the children’s eyes, much like the evil spirits that adults claim can stop a child from crying.

But the evil spirit didn’t seem as terrifying as imagined.

A little boy, carried by his parents, pointed at the magical tools in the sky melting under the ghostly fire and exclaimed in awe.

Iron drops fell from the sky, disturbed by the violent qi flow storm, transforming in an instant into bright daytime fireworks—dangerous and dazzling.

So beautiful.

Were the demons setting off fireworks?

“…Big Brother…kill him…”

The youngest of the Jiufang family, Jiufang Shaogeng, finally climbed out of the deep pit, his sister helping him. He could hardly muster any more qi.

Gritting his teeth, he said:

“Receiving Zhongli Kun’s attack will definitely drain his strength. Now is the opportunity to kill him—”

“You can’t kill him.”

Jiufang Zhanghua’s emotionless voice surprised Miaoyi.

Her elder brother seemed a little off emotionally.

“Why?” Jiufang Shaogeng roared angrily. “He nearly killed me! He almost killed me! Big Brother! Kill him! Or I will never forgive you—”

“Are you blind?”

Jiufang Zhanghua slowly turned his head and looked at the young girl standing below the Qingtian Platform in the distance.

In his eyes, as indifferent as mist, there was no smile, only a long gaze in that direction, like trying to see a flower in the mist—wanting to see clearly but not daring to look too deeply before averting his eyes.

“Before you kill the demon Mo Lin, she will kill you first.”

Jiufang Shaogeng wanted to say something more, but he saw Jiufang Zhanghua, covered in blood, turn and follow the crowd.

The death guard escorted the Jiufang family members as they left. Jiufang Zhanghua walked down the long stairs, passing by the flowerbeds of gold-threaded jade. He glanced at them.

“You’re leaving? Where are you going, Big Brother? The matter is not over, where do you think you’re going?”

“Today is New Year’s Eve.”

Jiufang Zhanghua’s voice, as faint as white paper, returned to its usual gentle and calm tone as he walked outside.

“Every New Year’s Eve, no matter how busy, I always go to see my master. This year is no exception.”

Besides his master, he also wanted to see another person.

Provided, of course, that she was still in the residence.