On the mountain path not far from the council hall.
"Young Master, Sect Master Shangguan has summoned us for a meeting."
The Helmsman bowed his head and spoke in a low voice.
"Qingyuan Sect... how times have changed."
The Blood-Robed Young Master of the Crimson Whale Gang gazed at the mist-shrouded Qingyuan mountain range and sighed as if struck by a sudden realization.
"What aspect do you mean, Young Master?"
The Helmsman was slightly puzzled.
The gang leader had only instructed him to treat this mysterious young master with utmost respect, without revealing much else.
From the sound of it, had the Young Master visited Qingyuan Sect before?
The Blood-Robed Young Master walked ahead with his hands behind his back. He seemed to be in a good mood today, willing to chat a little more.
"What do you think of the current state of the Crimson Whale Gang?"
"Our gang has numerous disciples, with eyes and ears spread across Purple Sun Prefecture. Wherever the Crimson Whale sails, its commands shake the martial world. We are thriving without question."
A trace of pride seeped into the Helmsman's tone.
The Young Master neither agreed nor disagreed before casually asking,
"And how does it compare to Qingyuan Sect today?"
The Helmsman was straightforward.
In terms of influence in the martial world, Qingyuan Sect couldn't hold a candle to the Crimson Whale Gang.
But after witnessing the abundance of talent at the Nine Peaks Tournament today, he gave a modest evaluation—otherwise, he would have called it a close match.
"What if I told you that in its prime, even a single peak of Qingyuan Sect could effortlessly crush the Crimson Whale Gang?"
The Helmsman was stunned.
He had heard of Qingyuan Sect's former glory, but never imagined it to such an extent.
Without waiting for his reply, the Young Master pointed casually.
"Look at these nine peaks of Qingyuan."
"Forging weapons, alchemy, beast taming, compiling scriptures, enforcing discipline, commerce, cultivation—every facet is covered."
"Tell me, what other sect in this world is so self-sufficient?"
The Helmsman pondered deeply.
Most sects in the world specialize—those known for alchemy excel in it, those famed for forging weapons rely on that craft. Each has its own unique expertise.
But one like Qingyuan Sect, dabbling in every field, is indeed rare.
Was the Young Master revealing the secret to Qingyuan Sect's enduring prosperity?
"Your esteemed presence honors us. Forgive our lack of preparation in welcoming you."
Ahead stood a towering giant of a man, clasping his hands in greeting.
Beside him stood the Lord of Ziyang Prefecture and Yin Huaxuan, elder of the Rare Beasts Peak.
"To have such distinguished figures greet us is an honor for the Crimson Whale Gang. There is no need for apologies," the Helmsman returned the courtesy.
He was flattered but quickly understood when he noticed the Lord of Ziyang Prefecture among them.
The group proceeded toward the council hall together.
Upon entering, they saw representatives from various sects already gathered.
Shangguan Wencang sat at the head, still dressed like a simple farmer. He puffed on his long pipe, his gaze sweeping through the smoke with an imposing, unshakable presence.
Once everyone had arrived, he spoke slowly.
"All of you must be familiar with the Rain Pavilion's Trial of Shadows."
"Not long ago, disciples of our sect retrieved an Iron Swallow during a mission."
As he spoke, a small iron swallow landed on the long table with a crisp clink.
Many in the hall frowned.
Every Trial of Shadows inevitably stirs chaos. Though it is the Rain Pavilion's method of selecting and training assassins, it always brings trouble.
Those seeking to exploit the turmoil are never in short supply.
"This matter was reported by me."
"The prefectural capital is the lifeline of the region—it must not descend into disorder. Thus, I ask for your assistance."
The Lord of Ziyang Prefecture stood and declared firmly.
Everyone nodded in agreement, willing to lend their aid, then turned their eyes back to the head seat.
Shangguan Wencang tapped his pipe slowly before speaking again.
"Qingyuan Sect will dispatch several core disciples and one elder to assist."
"This... isn't the number a bit too small?"
"Which disciples and which elder does Sect Master Shangguan intend to send?"
A scholarly middle-aged man from the Blazing Jade Forest spoke up.
Shangguan Wencang glanced at him.
"For disciples, we'll select the top performers from the Nine Peaks Tournament. As for the elder..."
"Shang Wu has volunteered."
A collective intake of cold breath filled the room.
The Lord of Ziyang Prefecture's expression froze.
Shang Wu was far more terrifying than the Trial of Shadows.
The Nine Peaks Tournament resumed as scheduled.
Li Mo had run into Wang Hao in the dining hall earlier. The details need not be elaborated—it was a rather typical encounter.
"Ever seen a black hand?"
"If we meet on the stage, I swear I'll yank that Crimson Sky Sword right off you!"
That was the gist of it.
Li Mo noticed that Wang Hao seemed particularly eager to obtain the Crimson Sky Sword, despite not being a swordsman himself.
During the afternoon's drawing of lots, the two were paired in the very first match.
"Inner disciple Wang Hao versus Jade Cluster Peak core disciple Li Mo!"
Qian Bufan announced loudly, holding up two name plaques.
Wang Hao was among the top eight, arguably the closest to the historical standards of the Nine Peaks Tournament, and his cultivation level was among the highest in the competition.
Most disciples who reached the Observation Divine Realm had already aged out of eligibility.
Even the Mystic Core Realm was a rarity in the tournament.
Wang Hao landed heavily on the stage, his aura surging at the peak of the Jade Marrow Realm, brimming with arrogance.
His icy gaze locked onto Li Mo, fists clenched so tightly they creaked.
Opposite him, Li Mo stepped onto the platform as well.
The atmosphere in the arena grew heated.
Seeing Wang Hao's expression, it seemed he wanted to devour Li Mo alive.
This time, there was no room for backdoor dealings, right?
After three consecutive forfeits, the famed "Li the Unchallenged" would finally have to fight.
And to outsiders, the difference was stark.
Wang Hao: Jade Marrow Realm.
Li Mo: mere Qi-Blood Realm.
The gap in cultivation was simply too vast.
On the high platform.
The elders also turned their attention downward, deep in thought.
They had no doubts about Li Mo's combat prowess, but Wang Hao was a full generation older.
This bordered on bullying the young.
"This won't be easy."
"Ying Bing could fight at the Jade Marrow Realm while still at Qi-Blood perfection, thanks to her extraordinary bloodline."
As the elders discussed, Shang Wu's gaze lingered on Li Mo.
She hadn't paid much attention to her disciple's progress in a long time.
Yet for some inexplicable reason, she felt an odd confidence—
Her precious disciple had the upper hand here?
"Li Junior Brother is amazing! Li Junior Brother, go for it!"
Xiao Qin shouted at the top of his lungs.
Beside him, Lin Jiang and Murong Xiao flushed with embarrassment. Xiao Qin's outburst had made the trio the center of attention.
Xiao Qin even turned to ask,
"Why aren't you two cheering?"
"Brother Li will definitely win, so... no need for us to cheer, right?"
Lin Jiang lowered his voice.
"This is too conspicuous."
Murong Xiao wished he could vanish into the ground.
"But if we don't cheer, how will everyone know we didn't throw our matches?"
Xiao Qin's words struck like lightning.
The two jolted, realization dawning.
"Brother Li, you're unstoppable!"
"Brother Li, victory is yours!"
Shouting together, the three of them felt it was far less embarrassing than doing it alone.