The atmosphere on Skull Mountain remained tense.
Luo Wuyai, Ouyang Feng, and Yun Zhiqiu—all three at the peak of Qi Refining—faced off against one another. None were willing to back down.
Just then, a streak of light shot across the horizon. As it drew near, the glow faded, revealing an old monk in a kasaya robe, a staff in hand. He bowed toward Yun Zhiqiu.
"This humble monk, Mingchan, greets Benefactor Yun."
Yun Zhiqiu nodded calmly. "'Subduing Demon Zen Master' Mingchan. I've heard of you. I believe you had a connection with my uncle some years ago."
"Benefactor is well informed." Mingchan smiled faintly. "Years ago, Senior Yun was hunting evil spirits in the East Sea and rested at my humble temple. I received his guidance, and through it achieved what I have today."
At this moment, Skull Mountain teemed with all sorts of people. With a Foundation Establishment opportunity on the line, the Divine Martial Sect, the First Holy Sect, and the Jade Pivot Sword Pavilion were not alone. Some renowned rogue cultivators had also gathered, seeking their own fortunes. Among them, 'Subduing Demon Zen Master' Mingchan stood out—a rare Qi Refining Perfection cultivator among the unaffiliated.
Yet it was clear where his loyalties lay.
Luo Wuyai, confident in his backing by Yinshan True Person, remained relatively calm. Ouyang Feng, standing nearby, could not suppress a frown.
He knew Mingchan was no ordinary man.
Originally a mortal, Mingchan had devoted himself to Buddhism across three lifetimes, his faith unwavering. Thus, he bore a karmic connection to the Buddhist path, and in this life, he had inherited the mantle of a high monk.
Thanks to three lifetimes of Buddhist affinity, his cultivation progressed swiftly. Moreover, the inheritance he received was the most powerful and domineering of Buddhist techniques: Subduing Demon Zen. He often fought against demons and possessed exceptionally rich combat experience. If Ouyang Feng were to face him, victory was far from guaranteed.
"By my reckoning, Miaozhen should return soon." Yun Zhiqiu calculated with his fingers, then glanced at Yun Miaoqing's body—now split in two beside him. He shook his head. "A pity. Miaoqing could not escape her fate."
"Amitabha." Mingchan pressed his palms together, concern flickering across his face. "May Benefactor Miaozhen be safe."
"Fellow Daoist, you worry too much." Yun Zhiqiu chuckled. "There's no denying that 'Blood-Clad Pavilion Master' has some skill. He must have mastered the Demonic Sect's Profound Yin Body-Capturing Technique."
"But with Miaoqing dead, Miaozhen should be unharmed."
"Speaking of which, this too is cause and effect. Miaoqing stayed by that demon's side yet never suffered humiliation at his hands—which is precisely why she was killed by him today."
Mingchan nodded, then turned his gaze back toward the market. His thoughts churned.
He had not come merely to ingratiate himself. More importantly, he sought to climb the ranks of the Jade Pivot Sword Pavilion. After all, if one could join a prestigious sect, who would choose to remain a rogue cultivator?
Just then, a thunderous explosion erupted from within the market.
Yun Zhiqiu laughed heartily. "Junior Sister must have succeeded! She returns victorious!"
Before he could finish, the Heavenly Escape Sword trembled violently. Its light blazed forth once more, tearing through the void. A figure stepped out.
"...Hmm!?"
Yun Zhiqiu's laughter died in his throat.
On the other side, Ouyang Feng's eyes went wide. Even Luo Wuyai's pupils contracted. They stared in disbelief at the figure in midair.
"...Lü Yang? He survived?"
"Where is Fairy Miaozhen?"
Ignoring the commotion around him, Lü Yang stood proudly in the air. He reached out, and the Heavenly Escape Sword—now bereft of its original owner—fell instantly into his hand.
A precious treasure. Destined for him.
The next second, Yun Zhiqiu transformed into a streak of sword light and appeared at the edge of the market. He fixed Lü Yang with a deep stare and spoke in a low voice.
"I underestimated you."
Lü Yang glanced at him sideways. "...Who are you?"
"Yun Zhiqiu. Miaozhen's senior brother." His tone was calm. "Miaozhen's path to immortality is not yet over. Give me her true spirit. I will send her to reincarnation."
Lü Yang paused. Then he laughed.
"Fellow Daoist, you may not know this, but I am a disciple of the Holy Sect's Heaven-Mending Peak."
Yun Zhiqiu's expression shifted drastically. "What did you do to her?!"
Lü Yang ignored him and laughed louder. "Fellow Daoist Miaozhen was a beauty of unparalleled grace and talent. What could I possibly do? Naturally, I defiled her—then killed her!"
Yun Zhiqiu's eyebrow twitched. For the first time, anger surfaced on his face. "You dare covet my Sword Pavilion's divine abilities?"
Lü Yang met his gaze calmly. "What can you do to me?"
A chilling killing intent flashed in Yun Zhiqiu's eyes.
But Lü Yang paid it no mind. He looked up at the boundless sky.
Damn it. I can't hide anymore.
The moment he killed Yun Miaozhen, he knew what was coming. A swarm of enemies. No room to retreat.
More importantly, he clearly felt an invisible force surge within him after her death. His mind grew sharper. His comprehension deepened. The bottleneck blocking him from the ninth level of Qi Refining—once immovable—finally loosened.
Lü Yang understood perfectly.
Yun Miaozhen had to die.
This is fate. That True Person did this deliberately. He sent Yun Miaozhen to me on purpose—either for her to kill me, or for me to kill her.
He was being forced onto a shelf. No way down.
Either Yun Miaozhen killed him and became the Foundation Establishment cultivator's tool. Or he killed her and took her place. There was no third option.
How domineering these Foundation Establishment True Persons were!
Having grasped this, Lü Yang had no interest in Yun Zhiqiu's threats. He knew he could no longer survive by playing it safe.
Because what that True Person likely wanted was a great battle. A life-or-death clash.
If that was the case—might as well make it quick and decisive.
Lü Yang sighed, looked at Yun Zhiqiu once more, and adjusted his mindset.
At least this means the True Person values me.
I don't fear your malice. I fear your indifference.
After several lifetimes of cultivation, Lü Yang understood this truth all too well: in the Holy Sect, you only have the right to live if you prove your worth.
Just then, a figure approached.
Mingchan.
"Amitabha." He stepped forward and spoke loudly. "Benefactor Lü, you must know that doom awaits you. Yet this humble monk has a way to save you from this sea of suffering."
"Oh? Save me?" Lü Yang glanced at him and sneered. "Then I thank you for your kindness, Master. What is this method of yours?"
Mingchan pressed his palms together and spoke calmly. "Though you are trapped in the demonic path this life, and your sins are heavy, you still possess a kind heart. This humble monk is willing to personally send you into reincarnation. When you return in your next life, I will take you as my disciple. Then you may yet have hope of attaining the righteous path."
Lü Yang stared at him. "Personally send me into reincarnation? You want to kill me too?"
"It is not killing. It is forming a karmic connection." Mingchan's aged face was full of compassion. "When you are reborn, this humble monk will have you serve as a menial laborer in the Sword Pavilion for thirty years."
"Thus, the karma will be cleared. In the future, you may cultivate the righteous path."
"I'll give you karma!"
Lü Yang burst into laughter. "A thousand words, ten thousand arguments—none of it compares to a simple duel. In my Holy Sect, broken bones are the best excuse!"
As he spoke, a talisman appeared in his hand.
The Returning Wind and Reversing Fire Talisman.
The next second, the talisman shattered. Lü Yang's aura surged back to its peak.
Without another word, he raised his sword and slashed.