In Profound Heaven's inn, Jiang Xuan stormed into Zhang Ling's room. "Elder Zhang! Why didn't you kill those brats today? They humiliated me in public—unforgivable!" His face was铁青 (livid); he'd become a laughingstock.
"Jiang Xuan, how could I kill them in front of all sects? Didn't you see the other girl had another wooden sword?" Zhang Ling sighed. "You said you'd suppress your cultivation, then went back on your word. If I'd attacked, what would sects think of us?"
"I don't care! I can't calm down until they're dead. Elder Zhang, you must help me!" As a Profound Heaven prodigy, he'd been sent to show reclusive sects surpassed ordinary ones. Trial geniuses were mere stepping stones, but today's defeat stained his record. Only killing Chu Chu could restore his pride.
"Before we left, the Grand Elder told me to watch over you." Zhang Ling nodded. "I can't ignore your grievance. Wait two days—deal with them after the trial starts."
"The trial..." Jiang Xuan's eyes lit up, grinning viciously. "Right! The trial is in a monster-infested mountain. I'll capture those brats, especially the Profound Yin one. I'll refine her into a cauldron and drain her yin energy!"
"Don't forget our trial plan." Zhang Ling whispered.
"Right, and Yu Weiwei—she ignores me in sect. Her Ice Heart Jade Bone is better than Profound Yin. I'll force her to be my Dao companion during the trial. With her bone, I'll reach Myriad Manifestations!" Jiang Xuan smirked, bowing. "Elder Zhang, count on you!"
"You and Weiwei are sect prodigies—perfect together. Many in sect support it, and the Grand Elder helped me. Of course I'll aid you." Zhang Ling and Jiang Xuan shared a knowing smile.
...
As sects gathered in Great Zhou, the trial began. Moyun Ridge, hundreds of li northwest of the capital, was a branch of Cloud Ridge, stretching thousands of li with countless monsters, even Purple Mansion Realm ones. The trial wouldn't go deep, so geniuses would face at most Xiantian monsters, and all carried life-saving treasures. Still, encountering stronger monsters could be fatal. Elders warned disciples not to treat it as a picnic. The winner wasn't just the one who killed the most monsters but the one who survived.
Arriving at Moyun Ridge, the Zhou Emperor ordered camp set up. Lin Yu followed Su Miaozhen to her camp, envied by many Great Zhou geniuses. Su Miaozhen, in a black warrior uniform,玉带, and high ponytail, was graceful even in her silver mask—no wonder rumors said she was beautiful, attracting many suitors.
"Third Prince, stay here while I'm in the mountain. My guards will protect you." Su Miaozhen prepared to represent the royal family, walking with Lin Yu to the emperor's tent for the pre-trial speech.
Lin Yu smiled, spotting Chu Chu and Seventh Princess. They beamed at his arrival. As sect warriors gathered, the tent area bustled.
"Look, Profound Heaven is here! They'll surely win."
"Of course—two Purple Mansion disciples. How can we compete?"
"Not necessarily—if they don't find strong monsters, they might fail."
All eyes turned to Zhang Ling, Jiang Xuan, and the indifferent Yu Weiwei.
"Chu Chu, Seventh Sister, stick together in the mountain—watch for revenge." Lin Yu whispered. Together, their two wind intents could hold off a Myriad Manifestations expert long enough for his sword strike.
"Got it—I won't leave Seventh Aunt." Chu Chu hugged his arm, still the little girl at heart.
Lin Yu sensed Jiang Xuan's gaze on Chu Chu—greedy and vicious. When Jiang Xuan noticed Lin Yu looking, he sneered defiantly.
**This person must not live.** Lin Yu's杀意 (killing intent) flared. Even if Jiang Xuan didn't attack, he'd find a way to eliminate him.
"Geniuses of all sects, gathering at Moyun Ridge is an honor for Great Zhou!" The Zhou Emperor spoke, drawing attention. "To show our sincerity, we've added a reward to the trial!" He paused dramatically, then continued: "We discovered an ancient sect ruins in a blessed land, lost during the Demon Clan invasion. There are nine jade talismans to enter—awarded to the top nine trialists!"
"Ancient sect ruins—there must be great opportunities! Can't miss this!"
"I thought to half-ass the trial, but now I'll give my all!"
"Hehe, I'll claim one talisman for the top nine!"
The emperor's words ignited the geniuses, while even ineligible elders eyed the talismans enviously.