Master Lü understood instantly what this meant.
It hinted that the connection between Shi Chun and Lan Qiaoyan's family was indeed extraordinary.
Otherwise, this much attention wouldn't have been warranted.
These matters could be set aside for later.
The pressing issue at hand was how to manage the situation with the Holy Maiden.
At that moment, the scene in the mirror shifted to someone else.
"Did you notice that the previous scene lasted quite long?"
Once the mirrored image faded, discussions erupted in the martial arena.
Many were baffled by what they had just seen.
The focal point of their curiosity was the man wielding a blade.
Not long ago, he seemed frail and weak, yet he astounded everyone with his ferocity.
Few knew who he truly was.
Amidst the chatter, Miao Dingyi suddenly rose, calling his wife and daughter to leave, "Let's go."
Thanks to Young Master Nan, he no longer had the patience to stay.
Lan Qiaoyan and Miao Yilan rose without protest.
The family bid farewell to Young Master Nan and departed, leaving him behind with a sigh as if misfortune struck repeatedly and unmercifully.
Within the gorge, the stench of blood permeated the air.
The leading armored soldier, who had stared at Shi Chun for a while, considered the competition's rules.
Suppressing his budding annoyance, he said, "I shouldn't meddle in your contest affairs, but I must ask: was it necessary to be so ruthless?"
Claiming it was to save others a trip by killing off a few — such reasoning was a crown they couldn't bear to wear.
Shi Chun replied, "It wasn't I who was ruthless, but them. You only saw them fall under my blade, but not their wickedness. We held no grudges against each other, and none of us possessed Insect Essence Crystals. Yet, they ambushed and attacked us, intending to kill. They wouldn't even reveal their motives. How could I possibly let them go?"
One must offer explanations for their actions, whether or not the other party believes it, to allow both sides a way out.
As expected, upon hearing this, the expressions on the armored soldiers' faces relaxed significantly.
"That is your matter, not ours," the leading soldier said nonchalantly before instructing his men, "Gather the items."
The soldiers went forward, verified the names on the deceased's bracelets, retrieved the Parent-Child Talisman, and stored their bodies into Universe Pouches.
Before leaving, Shi Chun called out, "Since the Immortal General has already spoken, may I boldly ask, after half a month into the Heavenly Rain Meteor Conference, does anyone have the upper hand?"
The soldiers glanced back at him.
After a moment's hesitation, the leader casually mentioned, "The Shengshen Prefecture's number one sect, the Primordial Origin Sect of Juxuan Prefecture, seems to have victory in their grasp."
With that, he dashed out of the gorge.
The remaining four soldiers followed suit, flying away.
Peace returned within the gorge.
Shi Chun murmured, "Primordial Origin Sect..."
He had heard of the renowned Shengshen Prefecture's top sect.
Meanwhile, Wu Jinliang patted his chest with relief.
Suddenly, Shi Chun turned to him and asked, "Earlier, they didn't search the bodies for anything. What about the belongings of Sun Shigang and his men?"
Wu Jinliang hastily explained, "Brother Chun, I did search them, but they only had a bit of elixirs and some Sandalwood Gold. Truly, there wasn't much, not even as much as what we carry."
With such an explanation, Shi Chun didn't press further.
He understood that in such a place, there's no use carrying more wealth—it’d only bring trouble and, upon death, become someone else's.
He turned and re-entered the cave.
Wu Jinliang, dragging his blade, crouched by the cave entrance and asked, "When will we leave?"
Shi Chun's voice resonated, "I'll be in secluded cultivation for a while."
"Alright, I'll keep watch," Wu Jinliang agreed, nonchalantly assisting in covering the cave entrance.
In the best seats amidst the pavilions surrounding the martial arena, Sheng Prefecture Domain Lord Wei Mo stood up, drawing curious gazes.
He exited without a word, heading towards the rear of the pavilion, summoning his aide, and ordered, "Get the person in charge of Wukang Mountain here."
"Yes, sir."
The aide obediently complied and left swiftly.
In the arena, Falling Moon Valley Elder Jian Lingzhen approached Wukang Mountain.
Elder Ke raised his head to find the stern woman before him.
Though acquaintances, they had no deep ties.
Wukang Mountain was relatively sociable, often dealing with various sects.
"Elder Ke," Jian Lingzhen coldly addressed him from above, "Falling Moon Valley never had grievances with your Wukang Mountain in the past, did we?"
Nearby sect members feigned indifference, tuning in on the commotion.
Elder Ke stood, slightly embarrassed and stern, "There might be some misunderstanding. It takes two to tango."
Jian Lingzhen retorted, "Are you suggesting that my Falling Moon Valley disciples caused trouble first?"
Elder Ke waved his hands, "I didn't mean that. To find out the truth, we would need to ask after they’re out."
Jian Lingzhen shot back, "Ask after they're out? When? I'm expecting corpses soon! How am I supposed to inquire then? Won't it become 'whatever your people say goes?' My disciples, defeated and defenseless, killed just for the sake of killing—do you think my Falling Moon Valley is this easy to bully?"
Elder Ke sighed, "Elder Jian, those two disciples are newly advanced to Advanced Martial and Initial Martial Realms, not ones to seek trouble."
Not even his two accompanying Wukang Mountain disciples believed this—always embroiled in disputes!
Jian Lingzhen persisted, "You have Immobilization Talismans. Clearly evident by what transpired, suggesting my disciples were caught off guard—if they sought conflict with Wukang Mountain, they'd be prepared."
Elder Ke argued, "Guessing won't unveil the truth. We must wait until the competition ends."
Jian Lingzhen wanted to continue but halted as a man stepped up, dressed plainly with a modest smile, saying, "Elder Ke, come with me."
Seeing him, Jian Lingzhen restrained her temper, stepping back and nodding her deference.
Elder Ke sighed inwardly, predicting what was about to unfold.
With a deferential nod, he followed the man away.
A murmur swept the spectators; those in the know realized this man was a runner for the Domain Lord—indicating the Domain Lord's involvement, likely related to the recent mirrored scene.
The Wukang Mountain disciples' hearts trembled.
As did Elder Ke's, leading him behind the pavilions to a moonlit pavilion where Wei Mo sipped tea.
Anxious, he respectfully greeted, "Elder Ke Yizong of Wukang Mountain greets the Domain Lord."
Wei Mo lightly caressed his teacup, speaking mildly, "No need for formalities. Earlier, it seemed two Wukang Mountain disciples appeared in the Heaven-Gazing Mirror. They belong to your sect, correct?"
Apprehensions realized, Elder Ke braced himself, "Yes."
Wei Mo continued, "We recognize Wukang Mountain for its mastery in crafting Immobilization Talismans, but didn't expect disciples with such audacity. Are they direct disciples of Bian Jixiong?"
Given the audacity seen, only Bian Jixiong—the sect leader's—followers might muster such courage.
He truly hadn't kept track of whom Wukang Mountain sent to participate.
He skimmed the participant list; out of thousands from Sheng Prefecture, only a handful left a lasting impression.
Shi Chun and Wu Jinliang weren’t among them.
He rarely concerned himself with who attended but took note of those who didn't.
Whose disciples, indeed? Elder Ke recoiled, sensing the depth of the question.
His spine chilled, as he psyched himself, contemplating the ramifications—regretting having these two rebellious disciples under his wing.
Wei Mo’s probing gaze fell on him once more.
Elder Ke felt the weight and hastened to explain, "My disciples."
“Hm?” Wei Mo and his aide eyed him, surprised, sizing him up.
Could such a reserved elder cultivate such daring students? Unlikely.
Within the Sheng Prefecture, myriad cultivation sects abounded, nurturing common discernment based on experience.
From one glance, it was apparent the individual wielding the blade was rebellious.
Yet, Elder Ke held a disciplinarian role within Wukang Mountain, implying typically well-behaved students—any defiance long-quenched.
Yet, no reason to deceive in situations like this.
Wei Mo, after brief hesitation, posed, "What, do additional Xun Gates trouble you? Understandably, Wukang Mountain commands swift access to the Royal Court. Apologies for Sheng Prefecture’s small domain causing distress. Perhaps relocate? Should I petition the Royal Court or will Wukang Mountain do so themselves?"
Leaving Wukang Mountain meant halting talisman crafting—Elder Ke paled.
This contest involved rightful skirmishes; surely such exposure didn't deserve reprimanding from the esteemed Domain Lord?
Rapidly he pleaded, "Domain Lord, please… misunderstanding! Our sect reveres the Domain Office, means no disrespect. Those two were freshly released from the Exile Lands dungeons, newly joined to Wukang Mountain, still wild. I unknowingly allowed such behavior. Rest assured, if they survive, severe punishment awaits!"
New inductees? As comprehension dawned, Wei Mo dismissed fanciful discourse, rising with a declaration, "Should this contest shame Sheng Prefecture, I shall not tolerate Wukang Mountain’s presence."
A pall of gloom enveloped Elder Ke as he watched them leave—exploited for some unknown grievance.
What could he do but hasten down the mountain to notify the sect?
(Chapter End)