Chapter Ninety-Eight: Return to Pingdu City Once More

Originally, it was a simple matter of revenge, but upon learning of the involvement of several figures from the Yanfu Palace and the Sea God Hall, Liu Junhuai’s plan for vengeance gradually transformed into a monumental battle.

According to Liu Junhuai’s strategy, he planned to make an appearance at the Tianji Sect once more. Wu Wanren had already returned ahead to the Tianji Sect to make the necessary arrangements.

Over the following days, Liu Junhuai and Mo Sitong patiently taught Bian Ji the Shadowless Wind-Piercing Technique. The three of them concealed their forms within the chaotic space, chasing and battling one another. This delighted Ajiu immensely. Abandoning the Godslayer Spear that usually accompanied its daily play, Ajiu joined the pursuit games. Of course, Ajiu was the victor every time. Liu Junhuai and the others were thoroughly overwhelmed, but their mastery of the Shadowless Wind-Piercing Technique grew ever more refined and fluid.

As their game extended, even Ajiu found it increasingly difficult to track the trio’s movements. At that moment, Liu Junhuai received a jade token message from Wu Wanren—the Battle of Pingdu City was officially commencing.

Taking leave of the others, Liu Junhuai alone piloted the Cloudpiercer straight toward the Tianji Sect.

A day later, he met Wu Wanren at the mountain gate of the Tianji Sect. Using his Heavenly Awareness, Liu Junhuai concealed his cultivation realm’s aura at the late Foundation Establishment stage. The two entered the sect side by side.

Night had fallen. At Wu Wanren’s residence, Zhong Yu, Zuo Xiangshu, and others were already waiting to sample the Sanggan Fruit Brew.

The rich fragrance of the immortal wine stirred a brief respite from the purpose behind Wu Wanren’s invitation. The revelry carried on until midnight when the sound of the courtyard gate interrupted them. Yun Jiezi appeared in the yard, prompting a wry smile among the group—they knew the feast was about to end.

Yun Jiezi entered the hall with a broad smile and, after some polite words, disclosed his purpose: “Wanren, the sect leader just ordered me to hurry to the martial arena. I’m afraid this banquet must end early. But there’s plenty of time ahead. Junhuai needn’t rush back. Tomorrow we can continue savoring the brew!”

Zuo Xiangshu and the others wished nothing more than to flee, fully aware that Liu Junhuai’s repeated attempts to discuss aid had always been deflected. If not now, when?

After everyone left, only Liu Junhuai and Wu Wanren remained inside. Exchanging a knowing smile, Wu Wanren hurried to the martial arena alongside the others.

At that moment, the gate opened again, and Xiao Qingtian, the sect leader of Tianji Sect, entered.

Liu Junhuai stepped forward quickly, clasping his hands respectfully. “Elder, coming at this late hour, I apologize for disturbing your rest. Please forgive me.”

Xiao Qingtian smiled. “No need for such courtesy, young friend. The Tianji Sect is the one seeking your help. Let’s dispense with formalities and get to the point. As you requested, all disciples have been gathered at the martial arena for a stern warning—no interference in the Pingdu City affair is allowed. Also, a few unfamiliar faces have been publicly stationed within the sect. What exactly are you plotting?”

Liu Junhuai replied, “Elder, I only asked Yun Jiezi to notify the Shen family that I, Liu Junhuai, lacked sufficient manpower and sought assistance from the Tianji Sect. Now that you’ve ordered all disciples to abstain from involvement, it only confirms that those strangers are here to obstruct my request. If you don’t believe me, I’ll bet you a wager: tonight, Yun Jiezi will petition your sect to dispatch forces to Pingdu City, under the pretext of monitoring my Uncle Wu.”

Xiao Qingtian’s expression turned serious. “If he truly makes such a request, it would confirm his suspicious identity. By the way, Wanren has reported your deployment plan. The entire strategy is quite comprehensive. My only fear is that unforeseen incidents might occur. Relying on last-minute efforts will be insufficient. Do you have any contingency measures?”

Liu Junhuai assured him, “Elder, rest assured, my master’s sect is assisting covertly with full strength. No suspect will escape. Also, please arrange for Uncle Wu to stay close to me so he can promptly convey any attack orders to your side.”

Xiao Qingtian nodded. “If we can uncover the truth this time, the Tianji Sect will be deeply grateful for your invaluable assistance.”

Liu Junhuai quickly waved off the gratitude. “No thanks necessary. I hope to live a few more years yet. I would be most grateful if information about me remains confidential. After all, I have my own motives in warning your sect. I hope the elder does not hold it against me.”

Xiao Qingtian laughed. “Very well, let’s leave it at that for now. I must return to the martial arena to continue this performance. You should wait here for the time being.”

After Xiao Qingtian closed the courtyard gate, Liu Junhuai extended his Heavenly Awareness toward the martial arena. The vast arena was densely packed with Tianji Sect disciples—it seemed the sect had exhausted every effort to capture the suspect. Such an extensive gathering was summoned merely at Liu Junhuai’s request.

He soon spotted Yun Jiezi among the crowd. Standing beside him was a young man of about twenty-five or twenty-six, likely the Ye Qili he had heard of. The two whispered to each other intermittently, their gazes fixed toward a direction. Liu Junhuai followed Yun Jiezi’s line of sight—it led directly to where Wu Wanren stood. Yun Jiezi’s suspicious behavior was glaringly obvious.

Not long after, the deputy sect leader finished his speech, and Xiao Qingtian ascended the martial platform.

With both hands pressed down, Xiao Qingtian instantly quelled the noisy crowd. Clearing his throat, he began: “The reason for gathering everyone today is to announce two matters. First, the selection process for the once-in-thirty-years Western Region Cultivators’ Conference. All disciples under fifty years old and below the late Golden Core stage may apply. Through an internal Tianji Sect competition, the top ten will represent the sect at the conference. Second, no one may leave the sect privately within the next ten days without elder approval. A Nascent Soul alchemist hired at great expense will instruct alchemy here on site. Those chosen by the alchemist may be accepted as disciples. Tonight, instruction begins with Daodong Sect disciples; others may disperse for now.”

Liu Junhuai smirked inwardly—Tianji Sect had certainly played their cards well, officially retaining a group of strangers while controlling the flow of information.

After a while, Wu Wanren entered and said to Liu Junhuai, “I’ve reported to the elders and obtained leave to go to Pingdu City. My master has sent a message to the sect leader, instructing you to wait one or two hours—apparently, there’s something to discuss.”

Liu Junhuai smiled. “There’s nothing special—just waiting on news from Yun Jiezi.”

Wu Wanren asked curiously, “Yun Jiezi? What news?”

Liu Junhuai replied, “I bet the sect leader that Yun Jiezi will request leave tonight to go to Pingdu City.”

Wu Wanren considered this, then said, “You might be right. That does suggest Yun Jiezi really has something to hide.”

Liu Junhuai nodded and asked, “Wanren, what is this Western Region Cultivators’ Conference? I’ve never heard of it.”

Wu Wanren explained, “The Western Region Cultivators’ Conference is held once every thirty years, mainly for young disciples from various sects. The top fifty competitors represent the West at the grand competition on the Starry Sky Continent. Independent cultivators may join by paying a modest fee through a sect. Every conference produces many young talents, most of whom are recruited by the major sects in the West, with generous rewards.”

Seeing Liu Junhuai deep in thought, Wu Wanren refrained from interrupting, quietly savoring his wine.

After a long pause, Liu Junhuai raised his head. “Wanren, Elder Jiao has arrived!”

Wu Wanren hurried toward the courtyard. Soon, Jiao Yihan pushed open the door, a complex expression on his face.

Liu Junhuai stepped forward to meet him. Seeing Jiao Yihan’s complexion, Wu Wanren cautiously asked, “Master, what’s the situation?”

Sighing, Jiao Yihan said, “As you predicted, right after the martial arena briefing concluded, Yun Jiezi went to Elder Ping to request leave to go to Pingdu City. His excuse was exactly as we guessed—to monitor Wanren.”

Wu Wanren laughed, “Then why the sigh? This confirms our intelligence was accurate—we’ve done the Tianji Sect a great service!”

Jiao Yihan looked dejected. “Before hearing the news, I secretly hoped Yun Jiezi would request leave. But now that it’s happened, I’m not happy at all. For one, we are fellow disciples. More importantly, the Tianji Sect faces a grave crisis. Though we’ve done a great deed for the sect, I wish we never had to prove ourselves this way. Wanren, the sect’s survival hangs by a thread!”

Hearing his master’s heartfelt words, Wu Wanren’s mood sank, and he stood silently.

Liu Junhuai spoke timely: “Forgive me for speaking bluntly, but I see this as an opportunity for the Tianji Sect. Every great sect’s development follows enormous trials before it rises again. Without hardships, how can disciples grow? Would mere safety and mediocrity suffice for growth? That only maintains the status quo. Since this crisis cannot be avoided, we might as well face it bravely. My master’s sect has a saying: ‘No rainbow without a storm.’ Elder, this is an opportunity!”

Jiao Yihan grew increasingly impassioned, ashamed of his momentary hesitation. His gloom vanished entirely.

“I will go find the sect leader at once. Young friend, your mind is meticulous and your vision broad. Keep striving—I have great hopes for you!” Jiao Yihan looked at Liu Junhuai with deep feeling before turning to leave.

Knowing there was no longer purpose in remaining at the Tianji Sect, Liu Junhuai said to Wu Wanren, “Wanren, why not enter the chaotic space to cultivate? I’m heading to Pingdu City now. I’ll summon you when needed.”

Wu Wanren nodded, and Liu Junhuai sent him into the chaotic space before departing the Tianji Sect.

The Tianji Sect lay only a few dozen miles from Pingdu City, both within the Crane Crown Ridge Mountains. Riding the Cloudpiercer, Liu Junhuai reached the skies above Pingdu City in less than half an hour.

Gazing upon the familiar city outline, a surge of restless agitation and overwhelming grief and rage welled up within him.