Yu Ci's surprise was sparked by nothing else but the name that had just escaped Xia Boyang's lips.

Red Yin?

Upon hearing this name, a wave of displeasure surged through him. Thoughts of the Piercing Chin Sword's failure to achieve its purpose, the subsequent days filled with deceit, and the fleeting encounters at the source of the Boundary River ignited a fire in Yu Ci's heart. As for descriptions of "betrayal," they slid off his mind without a trace.

His gaze fixed on Xia Boyang, who stood with a face full of righteous indignation, suggesting that Red Yin's current state was less than favorable. The Young Sect Master, however, seemed to be playing the part of a lovestruck fool.

Yu Ci was skeptical of this display, yet he did not pursue the matter further, responding only with a chilly retort: "So she's not dead yet?"

His words detonated the air around them!

Xia Boyang bellowed in anger and swung at Yu Ci's face as if they were brawling in the streets. But with the power of the Golden Elixir Upper Level cultivation, even a simple gesture could shatter stone, and a direct hit would have sent Yu Ci's head flying.

With a hiss, Yu Ci used the Void Divine Travel Talisman to advance rather than retreat, charging directly into Xia Boyang's central palace.

The distance between the two men closed to a mere two feet, and a burst of energy like fireworks exploded from the tight space. Yu Ci grunted and was sent spinning away; the gap in their cultivation levels was still evident. Yet Xia Boyang did not pursue. In the instant of close combat, he had exposed at least three vulnerabilities, and the piercing chill of sword aura threatened to freeze his five viscera and six bowels.

"This guy's close-quarters combat is terrifying!"

The Thousand Mountain Sect was renowned for its sorcerer's curses, not hand-to-hand combat. Xia Boyang had initially relied on his cultivation level, which was two ranks higher, but now he dared not be complacent, readying a sorcerer's curse in response. Just then, a figure tore through the void, and a powerful spiritual pressure approached from the side as a voice resonated through the void:

"Brother Xia seems in high spirits!"

The newcomer was Zhao Fu from the Theory Department. With his scholarly appearance, he seemed approachable, but now there was a cold sternness about him as he positioned himself between Yu Ci and Xia Boyang, forcibly breaking up the fight.

"Senior Brother Zhao," Yu Ci greeted. Zhao Fu had also participated in the Sword Garden Great Assembly. However, he had withdrawn early to care for his fellow senior brothers afflicted by the Plague Demon Seeds and had not entered the Guixu. Both men had received guidance on talismans from Old Master Zhu, and their relationship was cordial.

Zhao Fu nodded in acknowledgment before turning to Xia Boyang, his icy face barely mustering a smile: "Brother Xia, this is the territory of the Star Plucking Tower. Sightseeing is permitted, but all forms of sparring and fighting are forbidden. If my junior brother has offended you in any way, please state it clearly, and we will provide an explanation."

"It's none of your business!" Xia Boyang took on the air of a Young Sect Master, with a reckless stance.

Zhao Fu's gaze grew colder still. Cultivators from the Theory Department usually immersed themselves in their studies, known for their mild and traditional temperament, never lacking in propriety, always straightforward in speech, rarely duplicitous. Among them, Zhao Fu was a standout.

Now, he was irate at Xia Boyang's audacity in the Sect's sacred grounds. The last shred of his patience had vanished as he shielded Yu Ci behind him and said in a deep voice, "As Fellow Sect Members, how can it not be my concern?"

The conversation had reached an impasse. Xia Boyang, with gritted teeth and a smirk, retorted, "Then let it be your concern!"

Following the echo of his words, the void filled with the rising sound of a Curse. Xia Boyang had actually made a move against Zhao Fu, clearly showing he was prepared to face all consequences. Zhao Fu, too, fell silent, his sleeves fluttering as he cast out a Communication Flying Sword, and in his hand, he now held a small, intricate Talisman Plate, with a complex Talisman swiftly taking shape.

Xia Boyang was adept in sorcery and curses, while Zhao Fu was a master of Talismans. Even before the actual confrontation, their Spiritual pressure surged overwhelmingly, suffocating those around.

A fierce battle loomed ahead, but Yu Ci had no chance to be a mere spectator. Another figure plummeted from the sky, unleashing a barrage of ghostly green flames without warning, swirling like a wheel, raining down ferociously.

Yu Ci hastily dodged, while Zhao Fu, enraged, shouted, "Xia Boyang!"

Xia Boyang laughed heartily, "Actually, Brother Zhao is right. I am interested, but it wouldn't be fair to bully the weak. Fortunately, you're here, Brother Zhao. One of my brothers has reached the Initial Stage of the Golden Elixir, a fitting match for Young Brother Yu. Uncle Zhi, come and learn from the expertise of Young Brother Yu!"

"Has this man gone mad?"

The thought flashed through Yu Ci's mind, sensing something odd about the situation. But this was not the time for pondering. The attacker from above maintained a distance of over half a mile, yet his Ghostly Green Witch Fire assaulted like a tempest, more intense than close combat.

This book's true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.

Yu Ci weathered the first wave, but the second, third, and fourth waves followed in quick succession, leaving no chance to catch a breath.

"Ow-ah!"

The assailant let out another Curse Sound, the sonic waves tangible, tearing through the void, attacking the soul, and catalyzing the witchfire that dyed the expanse of the void a deep indigo. The temperature, however, plummeted unnaturally. Yu Ci recognized this as a type of Yin Fire, which upon contact, penetrated deep into the marrow and damaged the Yin Spirit—utterly ruthless.

The attacker's offensive was relentless, airtight, and despite its ferocity, it was methodical—an adversary of considerable strength. Yet, it was this very move that provided Yu Ci with a gap to exploit. The assailant should never have used the Curse Sound, intended to assault the soul, as part of his offensive sequence.

When had Yu Ci ever feared such a thing?

However, he did not immediately erupt in anger but casually released a "Flying Star Escape Talisman," forcing his way through the blaze with the formidable Flying Star Escape Technique. As expected, this provoked the other's subsequent moves—a series of rapid sounds as four Red Glows shot towards him. Observing the erratic flickering of their tails, he knew these were of the type that would explode upon contact.

As the Red Glows neared, Yu Ci reflexively pressed down on the hilt of the Seven-Star Sword.

Up until now, this was the first time he had grasped the sword in battle.

Lifting his head, the Ghostly Green Witch Fire could not obscure his vision. Yu Ci pinpointed the location of his adversary, noting the tall, thin figure with gaunt features—a stark contrast to Xia Boyang, without a hint of resemblance. His impression halted there; as their gazes collided in the void, the other faltered, his exceptional combat instincts sensing something amiss. It was at this moment that the Seven Dipper Star Sword rang as it was unsheathed.

The sword's hum resonated like a dragon's call, boldly countering the attack, perfectly timed to crush the lingering Curse Sound. This forced the other to stagger, his chest tightening and momentum faltering. The four Red Glows veered off course, and as he tried to gather his energy again, a string of starlight flashed before his eyes. An inexplicable panic set in, and a sharp pain struck his forehead. The previously laid seventeen layers of Lightless Witch Armor were simultaneously pierced, even cracking his skull, as the sword aura froze his Brain Palace.

Darkness fell upon the man's eyes, followed by a fierce shout: "Cease!"

Another had arrived!

Yu Ci swiftly retreated, a surge of dark energy approached like a deep-sea current—subtle yet deadly. At this point, he had yet to discern the newcomer's location, only aware that the individual was at least at the Vacuum Walking Cultivation level and harbored ill intentions. It seemed as though the intention was to halt the fight, but in reality, it was a covert strike against him.

There may not have been a killing intent, but other ulterior motives were undoubtedly present.

From the moment Xia Boyang had confronted him out of "righteous indignation," a suspicion had been fermenting. Were all these sudden changes directed at him? Or were they using him for some other probing?

Halfway through his retreat, Yu Ci had a vague answer in mind. He focused intently, navigating the layers of undercurrents. Just then, a very familiar voice rang out:

"It's merely two children sparring, why must Brother Su be so irate!"

Yu Ci was taken aback. The pressure from the dark currents was instantaneously cut off, and he halted, exclaiming in surprise, "Taoist Yu?"

The white-haired Old Daoist appeared with a smile, his robe sleeves sweeping through the air as Sword Energy whistled, dissipating the dark currents into nothingness. In the distance, about five miles away, another figure emerged. This person had an ordinary face but bore a strange mark on his forehead—Yu Ci recognized it as the "soul" character, often used in Talisman Forms.

In this realm, there was only one place known for cultivators with such a mark:

Flying Soul City.

The man with the ordinary face revealed a smile: "Where is the anger you speak of? I am merely separating the two youngsters. Brother Yu, fifty years ago, you did not have such a protective streak for the young."

As the two conversed here, the one who had nearly been pierced by the sword felt the presence of death receding like a tide. Blood covered his face, blurring his vision, unable to see where the young man named Yu Ci had gone. Only a remnant of stubbornness allowed him to muster his voice and call out:

"I, Xia Shu Qi, have been defeated this time, but I shall certainly seek to experience your superior skills another day!"

"Suit yourself."

Yu Ci replied curtly, sheathing his sword back into its scabbard. It was the Seven Dipper Star Sword's first battle, and to wound without killing was truly regrettable.

Yet he was quite satisfied with the technique of wielding the sword. Now, when he used the sword, he no longer deliberately pursued the "Purification" of the Sword aura. To him, the Sword aura, the Sword Energy, and even the Treasure Sword itself were merely vessels. Whether it be Talismans or the Qi of the Heavenly Dragon, or the various powers settled within the Inner Void of the Heart, as long as he could 'manipulate' them, they could all be channeled through this sword and unleashed.

This time, he had employed the True Essence of the Heavenly Dragon, but in the future, it might be something else. The only constant was the life-and-death True Divine, seizing that sliver of opportunity.

By now, Zhao Fu and Xia Boyang had also ceased fighting. A long procession of figures was approaching in the distance, each one a Golden Elixir cultivator, each one adept in Sword Control, their presence quite formidable.

Yu Zhou glanced over, then turned back with a slight smile, his aged face crinkled with folds, looking amiable and kind: "It's fine for young men to test their skills, but bloodshed and injury are unfortunate. Might I inquire what brings you here?"

Yu Ci shrugged: "You should ask Young Sect Master Xia."

At this point, Xia Boyang knew it was impossible to cause further trouble, but his anger had not subsided, and he said furiously: "There's nothing to say. Mr. Yu, regarding Red Yin, this is not over!"

With that, he stormed off, transforming into a streak of light, apparently intending to fly straight out of the Lichen Sect's Mountain Gate, brazenly showing his face.

Hey, if you go around flaunting like that, you're overplaying the 'lover' part!

Yu Ci stroked his chin, his suspicions becoming more certain. Wealth tempts the heart; it seemed that even with the Clan Leader's distribution of profits, some were not content and still sought to dig out something more... His prominence in the Sword Garden had inevitably led to scrutiny, and truly, that place could be harmful.

However, the current situation was somewhat awkward due to Xia Boyang's actions. The Cultivator surnamed Su could only smile helplessly: "Young Sect Master Xia's temper is such that not even the Lady of the City can manage him. It seems this time, the fault indeed lies with him. Everyone, I offer my apologies on his behalf."

Yu Ci could tell that this fellow was nothing but a smiling tiger, but one does not strike a smiling face, and as a visitor from afar, people could only laugh it off.

Everyone understood the situation.

When Cultivators from various Sects later arrived, they were naturally surprised and curious, but Yu Ci was unconcerned, for Yu Zhou had said to him:

"Ci, come, join me for a walk."