Clash of Hidden Dragons, Rematch with Thousand Faces

Three days had passed since Thousand Faces suffered a narrow defeat at the hands of the Heavenly Eye. Legends of the "Heavenly Eye" had already spread throughout every corner of Jiangzhou, and naturally, Thousand Faces remained an inescapable topic of discussion. "Have you heard? Another hidden dragon has emerged in our Jiangzhou." "What hidden dragon? Heavenly Eye already rivals a grandmaster—he's a soaring dragon in the heavens!" "I keep feeling the rumors are overblown. Could it be that Thousand Faces isn't all he's cracked up to be?" "Thousand Faces is a grandmaster who escaped the Heavenly Sword's blade! His might is beyond doubt." "Then how could Thousand Faces fail to defeat a mere Qi Condensation realm martial artist?" "According to reliable sources, Heavenly Eye is no longer in the Qi Condensation realm. When he defeated Thousand Faces, he had already stepped into the True Intent realm." "Even in the True Intent realm, he shouldn't be able to defeat Great Grandmaster Thousand Faces!" "Who knows? Thousand Faces's current strength is an utter enigma. At his best, he can battle the Heavenly Sword; at his worst, he trades blows with the Heavenly Eye. Since ancient times, there has never been a Great Grandmaster whose record fluctuated so wildly." Similar chatter could be heard everywhere in Jiangzhou. Without question, Lianshan Xin and Thousand Faces were the two hottest sensations in Jiangzhou over the past two days. Except one was a heroic icon, and the other a villainous buffoon. Diagonally across from Huichun Hall, to the left, stood a steamed bun stall. A middle-aged man sat listening to the chattering diners around him. His expression remained unchanged, but his molars were ground to powder. Across from him, a simply dressed young woman looked anxiously at her Master and offered soft concern. "Master, are you all right?" "I am fine. What could possibly be wrong with me?" Thousand Faces replied, looking calm and breezy. Seeing her Master forcing such composure, Lanxin could not help but feel a pang of heartache. When she received her Master's message arranging to meet near Huichun Hall, Lanxin thought he had gone mad. Having lost to the "Heavenly Eye," was he preparing to vent his fury on Heavenly Eye's parents? That was a surefire path to ruin! Back then, she had braced herself to hold Thousand Faces back. Fortunately, upon meeting, Lanxin found that her Master still retained his sanity. Yet the noise from the diners around the bun stall was simply deafening. Heavenly Eye and Thousand Faces were the absolute center of attention across Jiangzhou these two days. Whenever people gathered, they invariably talked about this. With every sentence uttered, Lanxin felt as though another dagger was being plunged straight into her Master's heart. "Master, there is no need to stoop to the level of these ignorant fools," Lanxin whispered in persuasion. "They know nothing about you. How could a mere Lianshan Xin possibly defeat you? At most, he saw through your disguise—" "Nonsense!" Thousand Faces's voice suddenly rose five octaves, drawing astonished stares from the surrounding tables. Realizing his lapse in composure, Thousand Faces swiftly forced a smile, cupping his fists to the crowd. "Apologies, my apologies. This apprentice of mine insisted that salted tofu pudding tastes better, which provoked my temper." "So that's it!" "Brother, I stand with you! I only drink sweet tofu pudding!" "Bull! Salted is the only proper flavor!" Seeing that the bystanders had descended into an argument over tofu pudding, Thousand Faces finally cast a glance at Lanxin. Within his outwardly calm gaze lurked thunderous fury, leaving Lanxin's heart fluttering with dread. "Master, where did I misspeak?" Lanxin still had not realized what she had done wrong. She had clearly been trying to comfort him. Thousand Faces hissed in an enraged whisper, "Even Zhang Aniu couldn't see through my disguise! What right or ability does a mere Lianshan Xin have to see through me?" "Ah? But that's how everyone is telling it, and—" "And what?" "And the day before yesterday, this disciple also heard Lianshan Xin's loud roar with her own ears." Lanxin felt her Master was truly being stubborn. She had heard it with absolute clarity: Lianshan Xin roaring, *"A myriad manifestations of Thousand Faces cannot escape the Heavenly Eye!"* If that was not seeing through him, then what was? One could not simply disregard the facts, could they? Thousand Faces grew even angrier. "He didn't see through a damn thing! I sat right in front of him, and he noticed nothing amiss. He only caught a flaw because of that maidservant! Even then, he didn't realize my true identity—he only took me for an ordinary Sacred Cult expert. Otherwise, he wouldn't even have dared to call for help!" As the party involved, Thousand Faces was acutely aware that Lianshan Xin had only guessed his identity when he fled from Zhang Aniu's sword. It was a guess, not sight. Heavenly Eye, my foot! He had answered every question fluently right in front of Lianshan Xin, and Lianshan Xin hadn't seen through a single thing. As one of the Four Great Elders of the Demon Cult, Thousand Faces never doubted his own abilities. "That boy Lianshan Xin doesn't have keen eyes; he just has quick reflexes and the shameless audacity to snatch credit! The ones who actually took action to hold this seat back were Tian Ji and Zhuo Biyu, yet the entire world thinks it was all Lianshan Xin's doing. In all my life, having read countless people, I have never seen anyone so brazenly shameless!" At this point, Thousand Faces burned with fury. When he was up in midair and heard Lianshan Xin tearing him down—belittling him so loudly that half of Jiangzhou could hear—Thousand Faces had nearly been unable to hold back. He had wanted to whirl back around and beat that insolent scoundrel to death on the spot. Unfortunately, Zhang Aniu's sword had been hot on his heels. Thousand Faces had no choice but to make a strategic retreat. And because of that, he had even taken the blame for assassinating Zhang Aniu. Looking back now, it was a total loss on all fronts. Thousand Faces felt he had not suffered such a humiliating, silent grievance in years. Enduring for a moment only made him angrier the more he thought about it; taking a step back only made the loss feel all the greater. Giving way before the Heavenly Sword was something Thousand Faces could accept, the Demon Cult could accept, and the entire world could accept. But being trodden underfoot as a stepping stone by an eighteen-year-old kid in the True Intent realm—what kind of disgrace was this? Thousand Faces could not stomach it, and the Demon Cult could not stomach it either. He could not allow the prestige of the Demon Cult's Four Great Elders to be dragged through the mud because of him alone. Thus, Thousand Faces had to prove himself anew. The best way was to kill Lianshan Xin and wash away this stain. Realizing Thousand Faces's intent, Lanxin immediately advised, "Master, lack of forbearance in small matters will upset great plans." Thousand Faces ground his teeth. "Some things can be endured; others cannot. If this seat does not kill Lianshan Xin, will not the hearts of the Sacred Cult disciples in Jiangzhou scatter?" Lanxin was left speechless. Forget the other disciples—even she had thought Thousand Faces was caught red-handed by Lianshan Xin. "When hearts scatter, a team can no longer be led," Thousand Faces murmured chillingly. "Therefore, Lianshan Xin must die." Lanxin also recognized the severity of the problem and the necessity of killing Lianshan Xin. At this critical juncture, Lanxin displayed her loyalty. "Master, let me go. I am also in the True Intent realm. Taking Lianshan Xin off guard, I have at least a fifty percent chance of assassinating him." Thousand Faces flatly refused. "You were not trained as an assassin and lack experience in this regard. This seat must handle it personally. Although Lianshan Xin is brazenly shameless, he is also an extraordinary figure. You lot might not be his match." Fury had not completely blinded Thousand Faces. He still acknowledged a portion of Lianshan Xin's capabilities. "Master, if you wish to kill Lianshan Xin, why come to Huichun Hall?" Lanxin asked, curious. Thousand Faces glanced toward Huichun Hall, which was clearly under the covert protection of Nine Heavens members, and calmed his emotions. "I want to see what kind of parents could give birth to such a bastard." Lanxin was at a loss for words. Her Master's composure had truly cracked. She tried her best to caution him: "Master, you must never harm Lianshan Xin's parents. We still have grand schemes in Jiangzhou; we cannot jeopardize the greater goal for petty grievances." "Your master knows. For now, I am merely an ordinary patient, come to see just what skill this so-called Divine Hand of Jiangzhou possesses." Thousand Faces set down his bowl of tofu pudding. Bolstered by his supreme skill and daring, he strode directly toward Huichun Hall. Lanxin could only admire him. Knowing full well that Nine Heavens agents lurked around Huichun Hall, he still possessed the courage to venture into the dragon's pool and tiger's den alone. Truly worthy of being her Master. She lacked such courage. If they were exposed, she knew she would only be a burden to Thousand Faces. Thus, she remained hidden in the shadows, watching the movements at Huichun Hall. Upon entering Huichun Hall, Thousand Faces glanced left and right and spotted Lianshan Jingcheng. "Welcome, sir. Are you here for a consultation or to fetch medicine?" Lianshan Jingcheng greeted him warmly. "A consultation first, then medicine." "What seems to be the ailment?" "Lately, I've felt constantly uneasy, and also... a bit of a loss in my manly vigor." "Very well. Please have a seat, and I will take your pulse." Thousand Faces sat down as instructed. Lianshan Jingcheng placed his fingers on Thousand Faces's pulse, and after a moment, his brow furrowed deeply. Thousand Faces asked, "Doctor, is there something wrong with my body?" "There is a problem. A major problem." These words made Thousand Faces's heart tighten reflexively. Could this man truly be a hidden divine physician? Could he see through his true foundation? That shouldn't be possible. His *Myriad Manifestations Classic* allowed him to disguise himself as ninety-eight percent of all people, which naturally included patients. And this time, the persona he mimicked was clearly a middle-aged man without any serious ailments. On the way to Huichun Hall, Thousand Faces had spent the time it took an incense stick to burn watching the entrance of Jiangzhou's largest brothel. After locking onto a middle-aged patron, the instant they brushed past each other, Thousand Faces had memorized his aura and seamlessly disguised himself as that man. A myriad manifestations of Thousand Faces was no empty boast. For someone emerging from a brothel early in the morning, performance in that area was likely subpar, so Thousand Faces did not believe his stated symptoms had any flaw. Yet Lianshan Jingcheng told him there was a major problem. "You have contracted a venereal disease." "What?!" Thousand Faces nearly slammed the table and jumped up. "I fully understand your feelings right now. Have you been frequenting brothels or similar establishments?" Lianshan Jingcheng asked gently. Thousand Faces was struck dumb. He suddenly realized that Lianshan Jingcheng was indeed a divine physician. The fellow he had disguised himself as probably truly had a venereal disease! What kind of absurd luck was this? Meeting Lianshan Jingcheng's caring, empathetic gaze, Thousand Faces hesitated for a moment, then covered his face and turned to leave. It was simply too humiliating. Nor did he dare lay a hand on Lianshan Jingcheng right here; retreat was the best policy. "Sir, you haven't bought your medicine yet!" "No need for now." "Sir—" "Doctor, please don't see me out!" "I meant that a consultation also requires payment," Lianshan Jingcheng said helplessly. Thousand Faces ground his teeth in silence. He felt that this father and son were both his banes. Tossing down the silver for the consultation, Thousand Faces hurried away, perfectly matching the typical behavior of a venereal patient. Naturally, Lianshan Jingcheng made no further effort to stop him. After watching the departing figure, Lianshan Jingcheng turned back, preparing to continue sorting medicinal ingredients, only to see He Miaojun walking in with a basin of clear water. She carried a bar of scented soap as well. "Husband, wash your hands quickly so you don't catch any foul disease," He Miaojun said nervously. Lianshan Jingcheng chuckled. "Madam, you heard from the back?" "Yes, so wash your hands at once." "It's fine. Taking a pulse doesn't transmit it." Though he said so, Lianshan Jingcheng obediently followed his wife's instructions. He Miaojun frowned. "That man was well along in years—how could he still catch such an affliction? Truly lacking any dignity in his old age." "Indeed a bit improper. And there was something strange about him, too." "Strange in what way?" He Miaojun asked. Lianshan Jingcheng shook his head. "Hard to say. Something just felt off. Perhaps I've simply been too tense lately. "Little Xin, that boy, quietly gets up to huge things. He's only been at Bailudong Academy for a few days, yet he went and provoked Thousand Faces, keeping you awake the entire night." Hearing Lianshan Jingcheng mention this, He Miaojun's temper flared. "Out of all those people in Nine Heavens, he just had to be the one showing off! Is a Demon Cult titan like Thousand Faces someone he can afford to offend? Now that he's injured, he didn't even come home to let you examine him. If he hadn't sent someone to deliver word that he's fine, I'd have stormed over to the academy myself by now!" "Madam, it's best you don't go. The academy is filled with students and instructors. If you go, the other classmates will laugh at Little Xin." "I know," He Miaojun said, her lingering anger unspent. "Still, he must come home so you can examine him thoroughly. Husband, send someone to pass a message to Little Xin." "Very well, I will arrange it." Lianshan Jingcheng nodded to He Miaojun. "Fret not, Madam. Although Little Xin is a bit bold, he still acts with measured sense." "Let us hope so. Go speak with Qi Wenbin quickly and have him deliver the message." "I shall go right away." *** "Master, how did it go?" Thousand Faces looked back at Huichun Hall and said in a low voice, "Lianshan Jingcheng's medical skill is exceptional. The 'Divine Hand of Jiangzhou' is no undeserved reputation." "He didn't see through your identity, did he?" Lanxin asked with concern. Thousand Faces felt his authority being questioned once again. In normal times, who would ever suspect that anyone could see through his disguise? Now, after being dragged down by Lianshan Xin, even a stalwart follower like Lanxin had begun to worry about such things. The moment the words left her mouth, Lanxin realized her blunder and swiftly changed the subject: "Master, what do we do next?" "Go to the Kong family." "The Kong family?" "Yes, the Kong family. I need an assistant there. Disguise yourself and come inside to help me handle matters." Lanxin was astonished. "Master, aren't you hiding on Mount Kuang? Were the rumors false?" Thousand Faces wore an enigmatic smile. "The Six Sects of Mount Kuang, together with Bailudong Academy, hold the leadership of Jiangzhou's martial world. Now that Bailudong Academy is occupied by Nine Heavens, my hiding on Mount Kuang naturally makes the Jiangzhou officialdom and martial world assume that Mount Kuang and the academy are at odds. As for which of the Six Sects it is, or whether it's all of them—who knows? Would Zhang Aniu dare investigate?" Lanxin was completely convinced. "Master's calculations are flawless. The Heavenly Sword possesses only brute courage; he is no match for you, Master." "Save the flattery. Go kill Kong Sanlang's maidservant, replace her, and enter the Kong family to assist me with routine matters," Thousand Faces instructed. "Kong Sanlang, Kong Ningze? Master, you are currently Kong Ningze?" "Indeed." "What about the original Kong Ningze?" "What do you think?" Lanxin was at a loss for words. "Why have you locked horns with the Kong family?" First Kong Ningyue, and now Kong Ningze—both were direct bloodline descendants of the Kong family's younger generation. "Master, do you have an enmity with the Kong family?" "It has nothing to do with the Kong family. It is Lianshan Xin who seeks trouble with them." During their first meeting, Lianshan Xin had explicitly displayed hostility toward the Kong family, especially toward Kong Sanlang. Thousand Faces had keenly picked up on it back then. "Lianshan Xin is currently at the academy, right under Zhang Aniu's nose. To approach him requires a legitimate reason and a suitable identity. Kong Ningze provides a very fitting one. In fact, I was waiting for Lianshan Xin to come find me yesterday, but he never showed." Had Lianshan Xin come, Thousand Faces would have killed him yesterday. "Master, Lianshan Xin's reputation is soaring right now. Could he have pushed the Kong family to the back of his mind?" Lanxin reminded him. Thousand Faces nodded slightly. "That possibility cannot be ruled out, which is why your master intends to take the initiative." "How will you take the initiative?" "Lianshan Xin has already stepped into the True Intent realm, and by audaciously trampling my reputation, his record is sufficient to earn him a place on the Hidden Dragon Rankings." Hearing Thousand Faces say this, Lanxin lowered her head, fearful her expression might appear disrespectful. If Lianshan Xin's battle record were real, it wouldn't just be a matter of getting onto the Hidden Dragon Rankings. Claiming the top spot would be no problem at all. "However, Lianshan Xin's battle record is far too exaggerated. The Candlelight of Millennia Pavilion strives for strict impartiality when compiling the rankings and will never accept claims lightly. Therefore, they will certainly send someone to verify it." The various rankings beloved by the world—such as the Hidden Dragon Rankings, the Peerless Beauties Rankings, and the Heavenly Rankings—were all created by the Candlelight of Millennia Pavilion. The Candlelight of Millennia Pavilion maintained perpetual neutrality. It possessed a five-hundred-year heritage, and its pavilion master was a Great Grandmaster known throughout the realm. For five hundred years, the Candlelight of Millennia Pavilion had never participated in wars between good and evil, nor meddled in court struggles. It focused wholeheartedly on ranking compilations, using the profits from the lists to fund its own development. Five hundred years had passed, and even the Demon Cult had seen its leadership change, yet the Candlelight of Millennia Pavilion remained steadfast. Its reputation only grew louder, and its rankings were universally recognized. Precisely because of this, the pavilion placed extraordinary weight on rankings and would never allow impostors or pretenders onto the lists. Hearing Thousand Faces's explanation, Lanxin nodded. "According to the Candlelight of Millennia Pavilion's style of conduct, they will indeed send someone to verify it. But who knows when they will arrive." "They have already sent someone," Thousand Faces said. "Today, a representative from the Candlelight of Millennia Pavilion will meet with Lianshan Xin." "So fast?" Thousand Faces smiled faintly. "Naturally, it was arranged by me." Lanxin was internally shocked. "Master, do you have an inside agent within the Candlelight of Millennia Pavilion as well?" Thousand Faces merely offered a mysterious smile. This immediately restored Lanxin's awe toward her Master. "Master, what does this have to do with Kong Ningze?" "Kong Ningze joined Jianji Abbey, one of the Six Sects of Mount Kuang, and received their true teachings. He is already at the peak of the Qi Condensation realm and has hopes of making a run at the Hidden Dragon Rankings. Having killed Kong Ningze, I shall use his identity to kill Lianshan Xin and claim a place on the Hidden Dragon Rankings myself. That way, Kong Ningze may rest in peace in the netherworld." Lanxin felt it would be hard for Kong Ningze to rest in peace, but she did not dare question it. She could only caution, "Master, Lianshan Xin is now in the True Intent realm." Thousand Faces appeared entirely nonchalant. "A mere True Intent realm—I can slay him while restricted to Qi Condensation. It is precisely by using the weak to defeat the strong that the world will see he was merely blowing his own horn. I will not only take Lianshan Xin's life; I will make him thoroughly disgraced." *** Meanwhile, matters unfolded elsewhere. Lianshan Xin had originally planned to head out today to look for trouble with Kong Sanlang. However, upon waking, he pleasantly discovered that "Heavenly Eye Search" had refreshed. Yesterday, he had spent the whole day chatting with Tian Ji and Zhuo Biyu without killing any princesses or princes. Thus, Lianshan Xin could rule out the influence of dragon qi on Heavenly Eye Search. *"It really is prestige. Over three days, the news of me defeating Thousand Faces must have spread across all of Jiangzhou. Because my fame is still expanding rapidly, I gained another active use of Heavenly Eye Search!* *"Wonderful. Thousand Faces truly is a great stepping stone."* Lianshan Xin gave Thousand Faces a silent thumbs-up. This was a genuine, pleasant surprise. He hadn't expected to be able to use Heavenly Eye Search again after just a single day. Not knowing when the next use would refresh, Lianshan Xin, having experienced it once, refrained from using it recklessly, intending to save good steel for the blade's edge. Composing his joyful mood and washing up, Lianshan Xin first went to check on Tian Ji and Zhuo Biyu. The internal injuries of both were rapidly mending, posing little danger, but compared to the completely healed Lianshan Xin, their eyes held only jealousy. "Get lost already. Stop loitering in front of us all day!" Zhuo Biyu issued an eviction notice. "Seeing you bouncing around alive and well makes this old lady jealous." Lianshan Xin feigned grievance: "Miss Zhuo, I did chase off Thousand Faces and save both your and Brother Tian's lives. Is this attitude of yours really appropriate?" Tian Ji fumed upon hearing that. "Come over here, and I promise not to hit you." Lianshan Xin did not go over. He believed that distance created beauty, so he magnanimously presented the back of his head to Zhuo Biyu and Tian Ji, infuriating the two into pounding their beds. "Brother Jiu, let's go have breakfast together." Lianshan Xin waved to Du Jiu. A quarter of an hour later. During a lull over breakfast, Du Jiu handed an investigation report to Lianshan Xin. "Young Master, here is the dossier you requested on Kong Sanlang. Quite surprising—he is actually a disciple of Jianji Abbey." Lianshan Xin reviewed Kong Ningze's information, his expression growing slightly solemn. "Jianji Abbey, one of the Six Sects of Mount Kuang?" "Yes." "The Six Sects of Mount Kuang... Their relationship with the academy is currently delicate, and their relationship with Lord Heavenly Sword is rather delicate as well. It seems I must report this matter to Lord Heavenly Sword first." Having heard the name of Mount Kuang twice from Zhang Aniu, Lianshan Xin knew Zhang Aniu took Mount Kuang very seriously. Even without Zhang Aniu mentioning it, Lianshan Xin, as a native of Jiangzhou, was naturally aware of Mount Kuang's formidable reputation. After all, he had grown up listening to legends of Mount Kuang. The reason Mount Kuang got its name was said to be a gentleman named Kuang Su, who once cultivated the Dao and sought immortality within the mountains. Later, news of Kuang Su's pursuit of immortality reached the imperial court, and the Founding Emperor repeatedly invited him out to assist the throne. Kuang Su evaded each summons and retreated deeper into the mountains. Eventually, Kuang Su vanished without a trace. Some claimed he had ascended to become an immortal, and the place where he sought immortality was called the "Hut of the Immortal." Because the ascended immortal was surnamed Kuang, it was called "Mount Kuang." Beyond that, another legend circulated locally in Jiangzhou: Kuang Su had not ascended as an immortal, but still hid within Mount Kuang. For a thousand years, Mount Kuang had never lacked prestigious orthodox sects. Developing to this day, it had even produced a Heavenly Rankings grandmaster like the "Celestial Master." Paired with the current glory of one mountain and six sects, Mount Kuang appeared all the more profoundly unfathomable. "Young Master, this subordinate suggests letting it drop. Kong Sanlang is no major figure; he isn't worth antagonizing Jianji Abbey over," Du Jiu offered. Lianshan Xin nodded slightly. "What you say makes sense." He was not so pigheaded as to offend Jianji Abbey just for Ju Jingji. Although he had a decent impression of Old Ju and sympathized with him, that was not enough to warrant such a sacrifice. Unless Zhang Aniu wanted him to oppose Jianji Abbey to probe their stance. Thinking of this, Lianshan Xin prepared to report to Zhang Aniu. "By the way, I haven't congratulated you yet, Young Master," Du Jiu said with a smile. "You made a name for yourself in a single battle and have shaken Jiangzhou. You are fully qualified to enter the Hidden Dragon Rankings. I estimate that within these two days, the Candlelight of Millennia Pavilion will send someone to contact you." "The Candlelight of Millennia Pavilion?" It was the first time Lianshan Xin had heard the name. Knowing that Lianshan Xin was truly green to the jianghu and even less experienced than Tian Ji, Du Jiu briefly explained the pavilion's standing and influence. Lianshan Xin chuckled immediately upon hearing it. "Perpetual neutrality? Who are they kidding?" He had seen far too many organizations claiming perpetual neutrality, only to rip off their masks the moment trouble struck. Du Jiu, however, held a different view: "Young Master, the Candlelight of Millennia Pavilion has endured for five hundred years and truly has maintained neutrality throughout." "Is that so?" Lianshan Xin reserved his opinion, then shifted the topic: "Given my illustrious record, why do they still need to contact me before putting me on the list?" Du Jiu wore an expression of complicated difficulty. "Young Master, your record... The Candlelight of Millennia Pavilion probably finds it hard to gauge. After all, according to the rumors, you could be ranked at the very top." The number one on the Hidden Dragon Rankings could never possibly defeat Thousand Faces. Yet Lianshan Xin had done it. Lianshan Xin also felt qualified to take first place, but he remained modest: "Forget first place. Ninth will do. The top three are a bit too conspicuous." Du Jiu lowered his head to eat his noodles, offering no reply. "Young Master, there you are!" Lianshan Xin heard someone calling him. Looking up, he saw Qi Wenbin. "Brother Qi, what brings you to the academy?" Qi Wenbin explained, "Your father asked me to pass a message to you. He wants you to return home once. Both he and Madam are quite worried about your injuries." Lianshan Xin nodded. "Understood. Once I finish my business today, I'll strive to head home." If he had truly been gravely wounded, Lianshan Xin wouldn't have dared go home. Now that he was fine, it was the perfect time to put their minds at ease. "Brother Qi, have breakfast with Brother Jiu. I'm going to report to Lord Heavenly Sword." A quarter of an hour later. Lianshan Xin stood before Zhang Aniu. After hearing Lianshan Xin's report, Zhang Aniu was visibly surprised as well. "Kong Ningze is a disciple of Jianji Abbey?" "Yes. This subordinate requests Your Lordship's instructions: should we continue investigating Kong Ningze?" He wanted to use this to gauge Zhang Aniu's attitude toward Jianji Abbey. Zhang Aniu pondered for a moment before stating his stance: "If Kong Ningze truly colluded with Thousand Faces, we will naturally investigate to the very end without leniency." Lianshan Xin understood at once. "This subordinate will spare no effort to uncover the truth." "With you handling matters, I am at ease," Zhang Aniu said with an approving nod. "Thousand Faces likely hates you to the bone right now and surely wants to kill you. Do not go to the Kong residence for Kong Ningze. Send a formal summons to the Kong family, directing Kong Ningze to come to the academy for questioning. With me here, Thousand Faces will not dare come." "Thank you for your protection, My Lord," Lianshan Xin said with genuine gratitude. Zhang Aniu gave another reminder: "Do not keep your mind entirely on the Demon Cult. Remember to study the lessons taught in the academy as well. Attend classes when you should; do not forget you are still an academy student. The past few days have drained too much of your energy and impacted your studies." Lianshan Xin readily agreed. "This subordinate will do his best to balance both, though I am indeed stretched a bit thin." Zhang Aniu said bluntly, "If you cannot manage both, prioritize your academy studies. You will spend a very long time in Nine Heavens in the future, but your time studying at the academy lasts only these one or two years. Treasure this experience of seeking learning. Learn more things; it will help you go further down the road." "This student thanks My Lord for his guidance." *** When a leader issues instructions, execute them if understood, and execute them even if not. Therefore, after leaving the Imperial Library Pavilion, Lianshan Xin had Du Jiu deliver the summons to the Kong family. Then he headed to Minglun Hall for class. Three days had passed since the start of school, and this was Lianshan Xin's very first time attending class. He felt a faint concern: would he be ostracized by his classmates for being too outstanding? Soon enough, Lianshan Xin discovered his worries were entirely superfluous. There was no need for his classmates to ostracize him—the instructor struck first. "You are that fame-stealing Lianshan Xin?" Upon hearing Lianshan Xin announce his name, Kong Yujia's expression shifted slightly, her gaze turning cold. Lianshan Xin naturally caught the instructor's hostility. Looking at the fair-skinned, tender-faced instructor before him, Lianshan Xin first confirmed that this was a class in martial studies. With that, he felt relieved. Kong Ningyuan had mentioned that in the great academies, the literary instructors were far more formidable than the martial ones. If she were a literary instructor, Lianshan Xin would have shown her three parts deference. A mere Master of Martial Studies—what was she putting on airs for in front of the Heavenly Eye who had defeated Thousand Faces? "I am Lianshan Xin. Why does the instructor speak thus? Is there some misunderstanding between us?" Lianshan Xin asked. Kong Yujia sneered. "My surname is Kong." Lianshan Xin said, "Brother Kong Ningyuan and I are very good friends." Kong Yujia's voice grew even colder: "Among the seven children of the Kong family's younger generation, the one I dislike most is Kong Ningyuan." The matter of sharing pears could fool outsiders, but it could not fool the Kong family. Within the clan, Kong Ningyuan's reputation was decidedly mediocre. At that, Lianshan Xin grew angry on Kong Ningyuan's behalf. "Instructor Kong, are you an apprentice of Thousand Faces?" Kong Yujia's face tightened. "Insolent! At such a young age, all you know is framing and slandering others!" "I am merely raising a reasonable suspicion. Lin Xiangwen, the 'Purple Lightning Sword,' was also a Master of Martial Studies, and he has already been confirmed to have colluded with Thousand Faces. I just defeated Thousand Faces, yet Instructor Kong glares at me with cold hostility. I cannot help but suspect Instructor Kong is venting anger on Thousand Faces's behalf." At this point, Lianshan Xin added a pointed reminder: "Instructor Kong, do not forget that Kong Ningyue died at the hands of Thousand Faces." Kong Yujia merely sneered. "Who knows how Ningyue truly died?" Lianshan Xin was astonished. "You are questioning the official notice from Nine Heavens?" Kong Yujia indeed doubted it, but she did not dare openly admit it, so she changed the topic: "Why were you late today?" "I was reporting to Lord Heavenly Sword earlier. Does Instructor Kong wish to verify it with Lord Heavenly Sword?" Rebuffed, Kong Yujia grew even more furious. "Lianshan Xin, do you know that you have brought shame upon our entire Bailudong Academy?" Lianshan Xin frowned. He noticed that not only Kong Yujia, but also the other classmates were looking at him with undisguised contempt. What was going on? "Please enlighten me, Instructor." "You steal fame and deceive the world, making outsiders believe you can see through Thousand Faces to elevate your own standing, even plotting to enter the Hidden Dragon Rankings. But every single hidden dragon on that list must be verified by the Candlelight of Millennia Pavilion! Lacking true ability, you pander for public applause. When the pavilion exposes you, you will naturally bring shame upon all students of Bailudong Academy!" Saying this, Kong Yujia let out a cold laugh. "Do not think your petty tricks are clever. Tricking ignorant commoners is one thing, but anyone with the slightest understanding of martial arts—who would believe Thousand Faces fell into your hands? Lianshan Xin, the lie you fabricated is about to be punctured!" Realization dawned on Lianshan Xin; he had clearly overestimated these people's judgment. He had stated plain facts, yet they actually dared to question him. Utterly outrageous! "Everyone is unaware: I have mastered the 'Void Penetration True Intent,' which happens to be the nemesis of Thousand Faces's 'Myriad Manifestations True Intent,'" Lianshan Xin explained. Kong Yujia burst out laughing. Many students joined in the laughter. Someone even jeered from the crowd: "Fooling us is one thing, but whatever you do, don't end up fooling yourself!" "Cultivating the nemesis of Thousand Faces? Who do you think you are?" "Hawks of the court, accustomed to twisting black into white!" Lianshan Xin's gaze snapped onto a stout, dark-skinned youth kicking him while he was down. "You. Stand up and repeat what you just said." The stout youth was firmer than Lianshan Xin anticipated. He actually stood up and repeated, "Hawks of the court, accustomed to twisting black into white! What, you want to arrest me?" Seeing his fearless demeanor, Lianshan Xin narrowed his eyes. "Speak. Who is your father?" The stout youth said proudly, "The Vice Alliance Master of the Golden Scale Alliance!" *Bang!* Lianshan Xin slapped him down. With his True Intent realm fully unleashed, he slammed the stout youth cleanly into the floor. Only then did Lianshan Xin sneer, "What kind of garbage dares to bark in front of me?" *I've even killed a princess of the Golden Scale Alliance.* *What does a vice alliance master amount to?* The entire hall instantly fell dead silent. Everyone aside from Kong Yujia realized one thing. And Lianshan Xin stated it outright: "I might not be able to kill Thousand Faces, but do you think I can't handle you lot? Anyone else unconvinced? Step forward!" No one answered. Among the new students who had just entered Bailudong Academy, Lianshan Xin was the only one in the True Intent realm; the highest among the rest were merely at Qi Condensation. For Lianshan Xin to cross realms and beat them was like crushing dry twigs—each blow struck one into silence. They simply hadn't expected Lianshan Xin to be arrogant enough to actually strike. Those seeking to rely on the safety of the mob to mock others folded completely when faced with a ruthless figure like Lianshan Xin. This was entirely within Lianshan Xin's expectations. He shifted his chilling gaze toward Kong Yujia, his tone dripping with provocation: "Instructor Kong, do you have any further objections?" Kong Yujia was not intimidated. Every instructor at Bailudong Academy was at least a grandmaster. She had just carefully observed the martial intent Lianshan Xin used. Although she had not discerned its inner workings, she was certain of one thing: "Your martial intent could never see through Thousand Faces." "What would useless trash like you know?" Lianshan Xin dealt a critical blow. "I am a young prodigy destined for the Hidden Dragon Rankings. Your level is too low; you simply cannot comprehend it." Kong Yujia laughed out of sheer fury. "It seems you don't know: the person sent by the Candlelight of Millennia Pavilion to investigate you this time is my sworn elder sister." Lianshan Xin frowned slightly. "So what? The Candlelight of Millennia Pavilion has always been neutral. Could they twist black into white?" Kong Yujia was amused by his words once more. "Who is black, and who is white? Enough, I won't waste words with you. My sister and Ningze will arrive shortly. Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, whatever ability you have will be laid bare." An ominous premonition stirred in Lianshan Xin's heart. Had the people from the Candlelight of Millennia Pavilion joined hands with the Kong family? "Ningze? Kong Ningze? What does the instructor mean by that?" "Ningze will challenge you directly before the envoy of the Candlelight of Millennia Pavilion. Lianshan Xin, if I were you, I would feign illness to avoid the battle. Otherwise, if you lose to a Qi Condensation realm martial artist, all your lies will collapse on their own." "Kong Ningze wants to challenge me?" Lianshan Xin realized he might genuinely be in some trouble. He wasn't worried about losing to Kong Ningze; after all, he was a full realm higher, and the power of his "Dragon Slaying True Intent" was no empty boast. What worried Lianshan Xin was that beating Kong Ningze would earn him no extra credit. Relying on this alone would hardly convince the Candlelight of Millennia Pavilion. "Shortly, I will take everyone to watch the match. Many within the academy, including other instructors, are very interested," Kong Yujia sneered. "Lianshan Xin, you propped yourself up so high; let us see how you plummet to the very bottom." "Instructor Kong, are you targeting me, or are you targeting Lord Heavenly Sword and Nine Heavens?" Lianshan Xin asked. He had guessed Kong Yujia's true motive. The old powers of Bailudong Academy were likely using him to kill the chicken and warn the monkeys. Naturally, Kong Yujia would not admit it. Ignoring Lianshan Xin's piercing words, she smiled and walked forward to greet a man and a woman approaching. "Youzhu, long time no see." "Indeed. Our last meeting was two years ago." "This is our family's Ningze. You've met him already, yes?" "We just met. A handsome young talent of remarkable strength. If his realm advances further, he might well enter the Hidden Dragon Rankings," Nie Youzhu praised. Kong Ningze fixed his gaze on Lianshan Xin, speaking with supreme confidence: "Why wait for another breakthrough? Auntie Nie, I have the chance to make the Hidden Dragon Rankings today." "Oh?" Nie Youzhu showed interest. "Why do you say that?" Kong Ningze pointed at Lianshan Xin. "This is the envoy's target for this visit. Lianshan Xin claims he defeated Thousand Faces. If I defeat True Intent realm Lianshan Xin today with my Qi Condensation cultivation, wouldn't I also be qualified to enter the Hidden Dragon Rankings?" Nie Youzhu turned her gaze toward Lianshan Xin as well. "Young Master Xin, what do you think?" Lianshan Xin's heart sank. This pair of schemers sang the same tune, clearly colluding to dig a pit for him. Yet under the scrutiny of all these eyes, this challenge could not be refused. The culture of Great Yu dictated that when young people disagreed, they fought. Losing was acceptable, but showing cowardice meant losing all face forever. How could a prodigy of the Hidden Dragon Rankings fear someone of a lower realm? Lianshan Xin was not afraid either. He aimed for a swift victory—ideally an instant kill. Yet Lianshan Xin lacked absolute certainty. Thinking of this, Lianshan Xin activated "Heavenly Eye Search," hoping to uncover some surprises regarding Kong Ningze. *Hm?* *Observation failed?* *Observation failed?!* Kong Ningze was clearly at the Qi Condensation realm—weaker than himself. It should have succeeded without fail! "Young Master Xin, surely you aren't afraid?" Nie Youzhu asked, slightly surprised. Lianshan Xin snapped back to reality and finally spoke: "May I ask Envoy Nie's cultivation realm?" "Domain realm." "That is well." Lianshan Xin breathed a sigh of relief. A Domain realm was enough to hold out until Zhang Aniu drew his sword. Lianshan Xin smiled at Nie Youzhu. "Envoy Nie, you were the one who brought Kong Ningze into the academy, correct?" Believing Lianshan Xin was angry, Nie Youzhu took the initiative to explain, "Young Master Xin, I am not intentionally targeting you. Our Candlelight of Millennia Pavilion must conduct rigorous investigations for everyone on the rankings to prevent mixing pearls with fish eyes. This is our responsibility to the entire world." "I understand. As long as you admit you brought him here, that is enough." Lianshan Xin relaxed completely. With leisurely composure, he looked toward Kong Ningze. His voice burst forth like spring thunder, echoing across the four quarters: "Thousand Faces, come claim your death!" The moment his voice fell, Lianshan Xin retreated rapidly backward. *What?* *What?!* Everyone present, including Thousand Faces, failed to react in time. Until both Thousand Faces and Nie Youzhu sensed the piercing sword qi. Nie Youzhu turned deathly pale, yet she moved instantly to shield the space between Lianshan Xin and Thousand Faces. Thousand Faces's hair bristled with rage. "Lianshan Xin, you—" Lianshan Xin drowned out Thousand Faces's roar with an even louder shout: "A myriad manifestations of Thousand Faces cannot escape the Heavenly Eye! Thousand Faces, I, Lianshan Xin, am your destined nemesis! A second time, you have lost to me!" Young Master Xin remained calm and unhurried, moving with effortless mastery, displaying the true demeanor of a Great Grandmaster. Thousand Faces panicked and scrambled, forced into retreat by a single shout from Young Master Xin, fleeing merely to preserve his miserable life. Heavenly Eye's second clash with Thousand Faces—a complete victory!