Confrontation and Murderous Intent

Yang Lingrui sat to the side, quietly waiting for He Shenglai to finish reviewing the scrolls in his hands.

"Eighth level of Qi Gathering; you have done well. Your progress is far faster than I anticipated, and this concealment technique of yours has some substance to it."

As a direct descendant of the He Family, He Shenglai naturally possessed many rare treasures, allowing him to see through Yang Lingrui's disguise at a glance.

"It is all thanks to the support of the Wangchao and Lord He. Otherwise, relying on my own efforts, I could not have reached my current standing," Yang Lingrui replied.

He Shenglai nodded with satisfaction, gathered the scrolls on the table into his sleeve, and handed a roster to Yang Lingrui.

"Too many have gathered this time. Only those who have reached the Perfection of Qi Gathering may enter the palace to observe the ceremony directly. The rest must pass through a selection to determine the thirty official observer seats. This is the roster of participants-their names, realms, and basic information are all recorded here."

"Yes, thank you, Lord He."

"The selection will be held at the Wangchao Martial Academy. Come here at noon tomorrow, and you will accompany me."

He Shenglai turned his gaze toward Yang Lingrui, adding, "I have high expectations for you, and the Wangchao also anticipates much from the Yang Family. The competition for the vacant spots for newly rising noble clans is fierce. Whether you can seize this opportunity rests entirely upon your shoulders. I hope you will not disappoint me."

Yang Lingrui rose and bowed. "I shall give my all, Lord, and will not fail your cultivation."

That evening, Yang Lingrui carefully studied the roster.

There were one hundred and twenty-four cultivators, all in the late stage of Qi Gathering, and many names were familiar.

Zi He was ranked third.

Demon-Slaying Bureau, Slaying Guard Zi He, peak of the ninth level of Qi Gathering; practices external phase techniques and specializes in ocular arts.

In second place was a disciple of the Wangchao Martial Academy named Xia Liheng, peak of the ninth level, who practiced the Dragon-Elephant Strength Method and had mastered the Spirit-Commanding Method.

First place went to a Daoyuan Mountain disciple named Chu Hao, also at the peak of the ninth level, who practiced both fire and wood paths and had mastered the Spirit-Commanding Method.

Feng Lingyue of the Feng Family appeared in fifth place.

Among the top eight, only Zi He had not mastered the Spirit-Commanding Method. Being ranked third without this technique spoke volumes of his terrifying combat strength.

Further down, Li Qingwan was ranked fifteenth, placing her above many ninth-level cultivators.

"The Chess Path Dragon-Slaying Technique... I did not expect that beneath Miss Li's gentle exterior lay such lethal cultivation arts," Yang Lingrui mused to himself.

He scrolled further and found his own name ranked fortieth.

This position was roughly the middle of the eighth-level cultivators-neither high nor low.

However, the document only noted his proficiency in wind arts and contained no mention of his success in the Mayfly Phantom Body Art.

Of these one hundred and twenty-four, only thirty would reach Chongtian Palace to witness the Dharma demonstration. Confronting ninth-level cultivators was inevitable.

Yang Lingrui was not surprised; such was the nature of a Qi-Fall Condensed Origin ceremony. He simply remained curious about how the Wangchao intended to conduct the selection.

The next day, Yang Lingrui arrived at the base of Wangtian Tower half an hour early.

As noon approached, cultivators began to emerge from the tower in groups, heading toward the Wangchao Martial Academy.

Yang Lingrui stood quietly with his hands tucked into his sleeves. Before long, he saw a figure he remembered vividly.

Su Lingyun lay lazily on a jade bed, carried by four servants.

These four were all martial cultivators at the Perfection of the tenth level of Qi Gathering. Outside these walls, they could have governed small sects or families, yet here they served merely as porters for Su Lingyun.

"Wait. Stop."

Su Lingyun raised a hand, rolled off the bed, and activated his spiritual senses. His gaze locked onto Yang Lingrui.

"Wait for me to the side."

He instructed softly before leaping forward to land before Yang Lingrui.

"Lingrui! You have come as well! It has been a long time. How is the family?"

Su Lingyun's eyes shone with surprise, and his demeanor was warmth incarnate. To any observer, they appeared to be the closest of friends.

Knowing his character, Yang Lingrui retreated half a step without visible effort and performed a formal salute. "This minor cultivator greets Young Master Su."

"Ah, why so distant after only a short time apart?"

Su Lingyun persisted, reaching out to grasp Yang Lingrui's arm.

Swish.

A slender willow leaf drifted down and rested upon Yang Lingrui's shoulder.

Su Lingyun stopped abruptly. He forced a dry laugh, turned toward Wangtian Tower, and cupped his hands. "Heh... Lord He, do not misunderstand. Lingrui and I are old acquaintances; I merely wished to exchange pleasantries."

He Shenglai walked out of the tower, hands clasped behind his back, followed by four guards in black.

"Young Master Su, many mortal children have gone missing near the base of Jingyun Peak in recent years. Do you happen to have any insight into this?"

He Shenglai ignored his excuse and countered with a question.

Su Lingyun wore a mask of absolute astonishment. "I have never heard of such a thing! To think such evil occurs at the foot of my Jingyun Peak-it is outrageous! I thank you for informing me, Lord He; I have been completely in the dark. Rest assured, I shall investigate this thoroughly once I return!"

Listening to the exchange, Yang Lingrui recalled the young boy lifting stones in the illusion realm of the Dharma Assembly. Clearly, Su Lingyun knew exactly what was happening and was feigning ignorance.

He Shenglai, knowing Su Lingyun's propensity for effortless lies, showed no surprise.

"Oh, is that so?"

He stepped directly in front of Su Lingyun. The latter maintained a smile, meeting his gaze without flinching.

He Shenglai spoke first.

"You know, I have wanted to kill you for a long time. See to it that you do not provide me with a reason."

"Hehehe, such words, Lord He. You wish to kill me, but have I not also dreamt of butchering you?"

As the words fell, the atmosphere grew heavy. Two distinct, icy streams of murderous intent locked onto one another.

Though both were merely at the eleventh level of Qi Gathering, the raw pressure they exerted caused even the twelfth-level guards nearby to grow solemn.

Clang! Clang!

Two Condensed Origin cultivators from the tower descended instantly, each placing a hand upon the shoulders of Su Lingyun and He Shenglai.

"The two of you, Chongtian City has rules. Do not make things difficult for us."

Whoosh.

The tension dispersed. He Shenglai ignored the grinning Su Lingyun and led Yang Lingrui away.

"Until we meet in the palace, Lord He!"

Su Lingyun waved at their retreating backs before leaping back onto his jade bed.

After they had moved a fair distance, he gestured, and a Su Family guard at the twelfth level of Qi Gathering appeared from the shadows.

"Pass this word: whoever kills this Yang Lingrui during the selection shall have my guarantee of a path to the Condensed Origin realm," Su Lingyun said, his voice cold as ice.

"As you command, Young Master."

The guard vanished into the throng of cultivators in the blink of an eye.

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