Within the pavilion, the only ones aware of what Shi Chun and his companion had done were the seven Domain Lords.
When they saw Shi Chun jump out again, those Domain Lords who understood the situation glanced at the Sheng Prefecture Domain Lord, Wei Mo, and chuckled.
Wei Mo wasn't pleased upon seeing Shi Chun and his partner, his expression immediately dropping.
He was concerned about who these two had intercepted this time, worried they might be causing trouble for other sects in Sheng Prefecture again.
Previously, they had already faced ridicule, and he hoped these two wouldn’t paint his face with disgrace once more.
Perhaps it wouldn't come to that, he thought optimistically.
But watching Shi Chun jump out with such ease, it was clear they weren’t new to this kind of act.
Even those not familiar with Shi Chun and Wu Jinliang’s backgrounds found out quickly.
Upon a gesture, someone responsible came forward to explain.
Inside the martial arena, Elder Fei Zhengong from the Jade Spirit Sect felt a mix of relief and tension upon seeing the images of his sect’s disciples.
Relief came with learning three of his disciples had managed to escape pursuit, but tension arose because they were clearly heavily injured.
This image had been hastily ordered by him, paid for after he accidentally caught a glimpse of his Jade Spirit Sect disciples being ambushed in another’s feed.
It took quite a while in queue before it was his turn.
“Elder Fei, those are your Jade Spirit Sect disciples…” someone familiar with his sect discreetly informed him.
But before he could react, the name “Shi Chun, Wu Jinliang” thundered loudly, drowning out the previous conversation.
Upon seeing Shi Chun and Wu Jinliang blocking the path in the image, Elder Fei Zhengong exclaimed in shock, “What do they want?”
A fellow elder attempted to reassure him, “Don't worry, Brother Fei. One has just reached the Advanced Martial Realm and the other is at the Initial Martial Realm. They pose no threat to your disciples.”
Fei Zhengong retorted, “With Immobilization Talismans from Wukang Mountain being used, my disciples injured, and given this duo’s audacity, any misstep might lead to unforeseen trouble.”
Understanding his concerns, the other elder lapsed into silence.
Out of one predicament only to meet another, Fei Zhengong was agitated and restless. “Aren't they from Sheng Prefecture? How close are the entries for Sheng and Ying Prefectures?”
Nobody present could answer this, so they just watched the images intently without knowing what Shi Chun and Wu Jinliang intended after blocking the Jade Spirit Sect disciples without attacking or retreating.
Elder Ke focused on the screen, “Which sect are they from?” worried that they might be from Sheng Prefecture again.
Wei Mo's earlier words of caution were still fresh in his mind, and he couldn't bear that pressure again.
His companions had no answers either.
Feng Chi, hidden discreetly by her cloak, was watching keenly, unexpectedly coming out to observe, her curiosity piqued.
Even Lan Qiaoyan and her daughter on the viewing platform were watching closely.
Young Master Nan paid close attention too.
The only ones not quiet were the nobles who had been chatting and socializing.
Driven by the reactions on the scene, they inquired about Shi Chun and Wu Jinliang’s identities.
Inside the best viewing pavilion, Xuan Prefecture Domain Lord Chi Rang, after watching the screen for a while, asked seriously, “Which sect are those two against? It's not Sheng Prefecture again, is it?”
Those in the know laughed, understanding he was teasing Wei Mo again.
The person in charge immediately stepped forward, “Not Sheng Prefecture, it's the Jade Spirit Sect from Ying Prefecture.”
Just having heard from someone about joking at the expense of Ying Prefecture Domain Lord Wei Xuanzhang, he was nodding with an "I see" demeanor, but upon hearing the response, his smile faded.
How did this now concern his side? “Are the entrances for Sheng and Ying Prefectures' Xun Gates close?”
“Not quite,” the manager replied, “There's an eleven-gate separation.”
Wei Xuanzhang wondered aloud, “Weren't they separated from the group? Why did the two run so far?”
Someone joked, “Clearly, they went over to see the beauties of Ying Prefecture.”
A lighthearted banter echoed around, among those of equal status, not as solemn as outsiders imagined.
Wei Mo slightly exhaled, “As long as they aren’t tearing at Sheng Prefecture again, that's all that matters,” but now he was curious, “Why did those two separate from the Sheng Prefecture group to go so far?”
Unfortunately, the image had already vanished, and no one could see what happened next.
Xuan Prefecture Domain Lord Chi Rang, having looked at Wei Xuanzhang and mentally noted something, realized perhaps they were attacked by his own Xuan Prefecture people as the entries for Sheng Prefecture and Xuan Prefecture were indeed close.
After the images switched, back in the martial arena, Fei Zhengong could not sit still.
He quickly instructed his disciple, “Go, order another viewing.”
“Yes,” the disciple promptly complied.
The martial arena hummed with discussions, each seemingly curious about what would happen next in the cut-off scene.
Young Master Nan secretly smiled, recognizing the renewed attention was due to his prolonged viewing earlier, which stirred it up.
Lan Qiaoyan and her daughter, intending to leave earlier, decided to stay seated, both refraining from ordering a new viewing to follow up, but evidently not planning to leave so soon...
In reality, Shi Chun and his partner dropped low to hide upon spotting someone approaching.
As soon as the person neared, they sprung up to block the path.
Wu Jinliang knew the drill well.
He brandished his blade and shouted, “Rascals of Xuan Prefecture, where do you think you're going?”
Shouting was a way to test the waters.
If they were from the Xuan Prefecture, they’d take up a defensive stance; if not, they’d likely protest, useful for gathering information about Xuan Prefecture's movements.
Their haggard appearance suggested they were not from a strong Xuan Prefecture group.
The bloodstained trio, wary of the threat, quickly clarified, “You misunderstand, we're not from Xuan Prefecture. We’re disciples of the Jade Spirit Sect from Ying Prefecture.” They even showed their small identification talismans.
Seeing they weren’t from the Xuan Prefecture, Shi Chun lowered his blade, “Ah, three brave men from the Jade Spirit Sect, why are you so battered?”
The leading man replied, “Precisely because we encountered those Xuan Prefecture rascals hunting us.”
As Shi Chun and Wu Jinliang exchanged glances, they knew the routine to follow an exchange like this.
Wu Jinliang burst out in an angered declaration, “Where are those Xuan Prefecture scoundrels! Lead the way, I'll kill every last one of them!”
The trio glanced at each other.
With injuries, unable to fight, the lead disciple, holding his arm in pain, asked, “Which sect are you two from?”
They wanted to verify their identities.
Shi Chun gestured to calm Wu Jinliang, “Calm yourself, junior brother.”
He then explained to the trio, “Gentlemen, forgive us for not revealing our sect name. We've killed many Xuan Prefecture disciples along the way and made numerous enemies. I trust you understand. We hope you’ll act as though you never saw us afterward.”
“Of course,” they replied, casually masking their alliance.
The lead disciple hesitated, “Do you two hold grudges against Xuan Prefecture’s people?”
Shi Chun stated, “A deep-seated hatred. They killed my junior sister!”
Wu Jinliang theatrically lamented, “Oh, my poor junior sister, as fair as a flower, treated heinously and killed by them. I vow to avenge her, killing every last Xuan Prefecture dog!”
The trio sighed with understanding, expressing sympathy.
The lead disciple even cursed, “Despicable beings, exploiting their numbers!”
Shi Chun continued, “You can relax, just lead us to those pursuing you, and you can withdraw. Leave the killing to us, brothers.”
The disciple with the long chest wound replied, “There are many, over ten. We lost two comrades and had to throw away our Insect Essence Crystals to escape.”
Shi Chun calmly replied, “Numbers mean nothing. I fear not their numbers, only that they aren’t enough for me to slaughter.”
Wu Jinliang waved his weapon aggressively, “I've slain over a hundred Xuan Prefecture troops under this blade, never mind what my brother has killed!”
He suddenly pointed his blade at the trio, “If you don't lead us, you must be their accomplice, and I'll slay you first!”
Startled, the trio recognized that blade was something remarkable, not to be undervalued easily.
“Junior brother, don’t be rash!” Shi Chun intervened, pressing down Wu Jinliang's blade, maintaining an air of refinement, “Let’s not drag others into this.”
He sheathed his weapon and courteously asked, “I kindly request you lead the way.”
The Jade Spirit Sect trio, sensing they were in the presence of experts, exchanged glances and the leader nodded, “Alright, though we can't be sure they’re still there, we’ll give it a try. Injured as we are, we indeed can't assist further.”
Shi Chun reassured, “As said, just help us find them. Our blades need no assistance for mere rabble.”
“Understood,” the leader agreed, motioning for them to follow.
Politely, Shi Chun gestured, “Thank you for your trouble.”
He then softly spoke to Wu Jinliang, “Keep the pace reasonable. They’re injured and we needn't rush.”
Wu Jinliang understood, cautioning against letting on in case the trio had higher cultivation, “I understand, brother. No worries.”
Thus, the five set off together.
Despite not knowing the identities of Shi Chun and Wu Jinliang, inside, the Jade Spirit Sect trio were hopeful.
Having endured hardship and loss, nearly losing their lives, the prospect of someone avenging them was exhilarating.
Occasionally, they curiously eyed Wu Jinliang's sword, perceiving that its wielder must indeed be extraordinary.
(End of Chapter)