At the break of dawn in the Western Extremes, it was also the most leisurely time in the Shengshen Prefecture's capital city.
The martial arena on the hill was bustling with noble guests seeking entertainment, many still reeking of alcohol.
"The blade, that blade."
"Indeed, it's that large blade."
"It's Wu Jinliang's blade."
"No, there's nothing to see."
A sudden commotion erupted within the martial arena.
Elder Ke, having returned just after dodging the sunlight, was zoning out in front of the mirror.
He was jolted awake upon hearing his troublesome disciple's name.
He strained to examine the mirror image.
Where is it, where?
The mirror showed no Wu Jinliang nor his blade; only a group of people facing in the same direction, seemingly watching something unknown.
It was just a scene from a Xuan Prefecture sect's broadcast, capturing the state of their participating disciples.
Most in the martial arena couldn't fathom the excitement of those shouting.
Feng Chi, cloaked, widened his eyes but saw nothing.
Elder Jian Lingzhen of Falling Moon Valley also peered closely, seeing nothing.
Elder Fei Zhengong of Jade Spirit Sect squinted, yet also saw nothing.
Young Master Nan, seated in the stands, alongside Lan Qiaoyan and her daughter, were startled by the noise.
Though they had not paid much attention earlier, now the mirror showed nothing recognizable.
Some phenomena are mystical.
When you want to see them, they're nowhere to be found.
Yet, unexpectedly, they appear when you're not looking for them.
Inside the martial arena, a crowd inquired about the claimed sighting.
In the highest stands, where about twenty to thirty domain lords were either seated or standing, chatting away, the voice passed around.
By now, the domain lords were all somewhat aware of Xuan Prefecture Domain Lord Chi Rang's playful teasing of Sheng Prefecture Domain Lord Wei Mo.
Both involved parties were present but failed to see the scene in the mirror of the arena's buzz, concerning Wu Jinliang and his blade—none of it was visible.
Chi Rang, discerning the crowd in the mirror, recognized them as his Xuan Prefecture sect disciples.
From their postures facing a direction, he couldn't tell if they were spectating or involved in some activity.
His Xuan Prefecture disciples somehow tangled up with Wu Jinliang? Chi Rang turned and asked the presiding official, "What’s going on with the shouting below?"
The official respectfully approached, pointing at the mirror, explaining, "At the edge of the mirror they were watching, a blade swayed briefly earlier. Though only half shown, it was distinctive, seeming like that big guy Wu Jinliang's blade."
Wu Jinliang's blade indeed was unique.
The esteemed Xuan Prefecture Domain Lord had witnessed it before.
If noticed on the spot, it was unlikely to be mistaken.
The question was, how did that fellow get involved with his Xuan Prefecture forces?
A domain lord's curiosity ignited, he promptly ordered, "Go, have Yang Wu bring up that big guy's image and see."
He wouldn't phrase it like Young Master Nan, saying something like inserting a queue or noting it on the account; his style was to give direct orders for the mirror handler's compliance.
"Yes, sir."
The official turned, gesturing over someone to relay the message, promptly executing the task.
Seated, Sheng Prefecture Domain Lord Wei Mo was equally curious about what the irksome big guy was doing, yet he withheld asking face-saving concerns that inquiring about that shameful matter would reveal his care.
Even with a visible scene, only half a swaying blade made its appearance.
Coupled with the backstory's weight, other domain lords, curious as well, found places to sit and await viewing.
Soon, the mirror's screen jumped again.
This time, standing centrally was the towering Wu Jinliang, wielding a large blade, with Shi Chun beside him.
Both stood over clearly injured individuals, blood at the corners of their mouths.
From the scene's look, the two appeared surrounded by many, in a standoff with neither side showing signs of aggression.
Watching from the stands, Lan Qiaoyan urgently turned to look at Young Master Nan.
Whether by mutual intuition, Young Master Nan also glanced over at the mother and daughter upon seeing the scene.
Their gazes met, and Young Master Nan quickly walked over, gesturing hurriedly to explain, a bitter smile forming, "This really isn't my doing. I didn't request this one."
Portraying a 'Heaven and Earth, I'm innocent' look.
Lan Qiaoyan nodded slightly, saying nothing as she turned back to watch with her daughter.
A chaotic buzz arose again from the martial arena.
"Hey, they're back."
"After giving them that long of a scene last time, I suspected they'd show up again, and sure enough, here they are. These two certainly do get special treatment!"
An elder from a Xuan Prefecture sect, seeing his disciples trampled underfoot by Shi Chun and Wu Jinliang, stood up with a deepening frown.
If it happened with other sect disciples, the scene would pass without issue.
But with these two, the situation is unusual, defying common logic.
Based on this elder's analysis, these two troublemakers were notorious not because of their skills but their size, appearance, weapon, and behavior—sleeper topics blended into a single figure.
Since his sect disciples were tread upon by these two, the humiliation would soon widely spread and be sung and gossiped about.
Which sect would tolerate losing face like that?
The shame amplified with a high martial realm disciple brought down by an initial martial realm opponent—a humiliating topic that would spiral out of control if leaked.
This resentment may only be avenged by blood-letting at Wukang Mountain!
He observed the encircling Xuan Prefecture sect forces, spotting the snow-white Guran, hoping that they would quickly eliminate Shi Chun and Wu Jinliang to mitigate the impact.
Elder Ke also noticed the white-clad Guran, understanding that the ones surrounding his two mischievous disciples were from Primordial Origin Sect.
When unclear, it was tolerable; clarity sparked a headache-worthy issue.
How did they provoke those from Primordial Origin Sect again? After stirring local Sheng Prefecture forces, now they turned to Ying Prefecture's adversaries, and now again endorsed hostility towards Xuan Prefecture's top brass? These two pests… what were they doing?
They were just two individuals, lacking support and having low cultivation.
Instead of lying low till the end, what reason did they have for wandering around? Their free-roaming fascination seemed misplaced altogether.
The most surreal part was, these insolent disciples overturned opponents every time.
Within view, as their master, the elder perceived a dreamlike aura.
Encircled by Primordial Origin Sect's forces, they appeared calm and conversed freely, a far cry from the expected fear, audaciously raising hands against a sect master’s direct disciple.
He craved the understanding of how yet dreaded witnessing more, hoping the scene swiftly ceased, switching away.
Lest it’s forgotten, Primordial Origin Sect wasn't the same as Ying Prefecture's Jade Spirit Sect—a mighty force of Sheng Prefecture.
Packed with gruesome masters, numerous disciples held positions of influence in the Heavenly Court and the King's Court.
They needn't fear Wukang Mountain's court backing, if truly crossed, a serious trouble arose.
Reality insidiously contravenes wishes; this time's scene wouldn't easily shift unless Xuan Prefecture Domain Lord halted it.
Even his two disciples from Wukang Mountain marveled, amazed at how those two dared confront Primordial Origin's might.
Elder Jian Lingzhen of Falling Moon Valley and Elder Fei Zhengong of Jade Spirit Sect found casual balance upon the mirror's revelation, unwinding unconsciously.
Cloaked Feng Chi's eyes gleamed.
Amongst demon path’s new generation, he hadn't seen anything so domineering.
Narrowly retreating into obscurity almost led to forgetting the terror of "demons."
Running brothel operations as a madame was a dreadful squeeze only they understood.
With so much constraint, the demon path should project unstoppable might.
What face of Heavenly Court characters, what face of the Sheng Prefecture’s mighty first sect? Strike regardless!
From the stands, Miao Yilan anticipated confrontation and turned to her mother, asking, "Mother, won’t they be in trouble?"
Having seen too many corpses carried away recently, she understood the likely aftermath of such standoffs.
While no romance hovered, truly not wanting to witness violent consequences unfolding, they were, after all, friends.
Lan Qiaoyan forced a smile, "Not sure about them, but they don't appear afraid."
Young Master Nan couldn't help a dry chuckle nearby.
"That Shi Chun, they say, remains only an initial martial realm practitioner, genuinely... truly daring!"
Words spoken ambiguously could be commendation or something else entirely.
The Sheng Prefecture Domain Lord comprehending with basic insight, lifted a teacup, immersed in thought, facing downward, disdain grew ever so evident—a ‘can’t bear to watch’ sentiment swelling, betting how these eyesores’ days were likely numbered.
In the scene, the two characters displayed wristbands’ IDs, sending Elder Ke’s teeth gnashing.
Chronicles brought out the best of Chi Rang's humor: "What are those two up to, and those Xuan Prefecture folks, what's this gibberish over? Why aren’t they going for it? Can't my brother Wei’s scourge be swept aside?"
The gathered domain lords laughed heartily, understanding the tease wasn’t malicious—a measure of cordiality rather, as frequent encounters between them demonstrated it well.
Wei Mo, possessing a tongue himself, responded, "Oh, you hop high, but the Heavenly Rain Meteor Conference isn’t over. Whether your Xuan Prefecture secures the crown is uncertain."
Chi Rang remained composed: "Don't you believe Sheng Prefecture stands a chance? How about a wager, if Xuan Prefecture takes the prize, you'll launder my shorts for a year. If Sheng Prefecture claims it, I’ll do yours for a year. Fancy the gamble?"
"Absolutely, I see no reason why not."
"Elder Wei, go on! What's there to fear?"
"Wei Mo, don’t raise outsiders’ esteem, decrease your own courage and fight!"
"We mustn’t endure, bite back, and bet him!"
The domain lords erupted spiritedly, teasing impulsively, solely a fraction retaining anything like grandeur.
Luckily, the dim lighting discretion concealed visibility to the outside.
(End of Chapter)