Three days before the Sect selection trials, just as in his previous life, Jian Wu arrived in Blue Cloud City. As soon as he stepped out of the carriage and grabbed his belongings, the driver wasted no time before leaving. The others in the group quickly scattered into the bustling streets, leaving Jian Wu standing there alone.

Everything was exactly the same as it had been ten years ago. Blue Cloud City was overwhelming—a chaotic, noisy place with towering buildings that were far more impressive than anything in his small hometown. For someone so young, it was easy to feel lost. Ten years ago, when he first came here, he’d been wide-eyed and clueless, his nervousness plain on his face. He had aimlessly wandered the streets, unsure of what to do, his expression filled with hesitation and fear.

Back then, a young cultivator—probably around eighteen—had approached him with a friendly smile. The man had offered to help, recommending a cheap and reliable inn where Jian Wu could stay. At first, Jian Wu had been reluctant, but the stranger’s insistence, paired with an underlying sense of threat, eventually pressured him into following.

The man had led him into a deserted alley, robbed him of everything, and beaten him mercilessly. As Jian Wu lay bruised and bleeding, the man sneered:

“You made me waste my time for this pathetic handful of mana crystals? If I’d known you were this broke, I wouldn’t have bothered with trash like you.”

Penniless and humiliated, Jian Wu had been forced to survive on the streets for the next three days until the trials began.

Now, standing in the same bustling square, he feigned the same lost and confused look from before. His eyes scanned the crowd, waiting for a familiar face to appear. Sure enough, he heard the same voice he had been expecting.

“Hey, young brother! First time in Blue Cloud City? You look a little lost.”

Jian Wu turned his head slightly, his expression carefully crafted to show a mix of nervousness and uncertainty.

"Long time no see. I’ve been waiting for you," Jian Wu thought, keeping his face completely emotionless.

Keeping his voice timid, he bowed his head slightly. “Senior brother,” he said, sounding unsure, “this really is my first time here. I came for the selection trials in three days, but I don’t know where to go.”

The young man’s expression shifted into one of concern as he looked at Jian Wu. But Jian Wu, knowing the true nature of the scoundrel standing before him, found the act almost laughable. It was hard to believe he had fallen for it before.

“Junior brother,” the man said, his tone dripping with fake sincerity, “I’m worried about you. Big cities like Blue Cloud City can be dangerous, especially for newcomers. You could lose your money—or even your life. But you’re lucky you ran into me! I know a safe inn where you can stay without any trouble. Let me take you there.”

Jian Wu hesitated, glancing around nervously. “I don’t know, senior brother... I’ve heard this city can be quite dangerous.”

Seeing Jian Wu’s apprehension, the scammer stepped closer and placed a hand on his arm.

“Don’t worry, junior brother. Trust me, and you’ll be safe until the selection trials. You’ll have a chance to focus on your cultivation without any distractions.” He gently tugged on Jian Wu’s arm, nudging him to walk.

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Lowering his head, Jian Wu mumbled, “Thank you for helping me, senior. I’ll be sure to repay your kindness someday.”

As they crossed the busy streets, the scammer kept up his friendly chatter, his fake smile never wavering. But as the streets grew quieter and more deserted, his mask began to slip. The chatter stopped, his smile faded, and his grip on Jian Wu’s arm tightened, sending a clear, unspoken message: It’s too late to escape now.

They finally arrived at one of the city’s most desolate corners. The area was eerily silent, with only houses that appeared to have been abandoned long ago in sight. Their dark, empty windows hinted at neglect. Even if someone still lived there, they were unlikely to care about what was happening outside.

In his previous life, this was the moment Jian Wu had panicked. He’d screamed for help, hoping someone would come to his rescue. No one had.

After that point, the scammer’s pace quickened, practically dragging him along. The man’s once-friendly expression shifted to something cold and serious. Inside, however, the scammer was brimming with satisfaction. He felt a twisted sense of joy, like a predator that had successfully cornered its prey. In his mind, the boy was already trapped, with no chance of escape.

“Senior, wait a second,” Jian Wu said, his voice trembling slightly. “I just remembered something. I need to tell you something.”

The scammer didn’t slow down. He assumed this was just another pathetic attempt to stall or beg for mercy, something he’d seen countless times.

“What is it now?” he snapped coldly, not even glancing back.

Jian Wu kept his head lowered, his voice calm despite the earlier tremor. “Senior, I owe you a debt from ten years ago. I’d like to repay it.”

The scammer froze, his brow furrowing in confusion. Of all the excuses he’d anticipated, this wasn’t one of them. He turned slightly, intending to demand an explanation from Jian Wu—

But in that instant, Jian Wu struck. Like a viper, his hand darted to his belt, drawing a knife and slashing at the man’s throat with ruthless precision.

The scammer reacted with reflexes honed by countless street brawls, stumbling back just in time while also pushing Jian Wu away. The blade missed his neck by a hair’s breadth, slicing through the air with a deadly whistle.

They now stood a few steps away from each other, eyes locked..

“Who are you?” the scammer demanded, his voice sharp, yet laced with unease. “I’ve never seen you before. Who are you working for?”

Jian Wu’s lips curled into a smirk, his gaze mocking.

“I thought I could finish you quickly,” he said, his voice calm, almost casual. “Save myself the trouble of wasting time on a worthless scammer. But I’ll admit—you’re not as useless as I expected.”

Jian Wu laughed coldly “But you know what? I’m glad. It’s more fun this way.”

The scammer’s expression hardened, a flicker of rage crossing his face. “You have a death wish, boy. Fine, remember this before you die—I’m Yu Wenyan, and I’ll be the one to end your life.”

This was it. Jian Wu felt the fire of battle ignite in his heart. This wasn’t just a fight—it was his first life-and-death struggle since his return. The blood in his veins burned, his entire being surging with fighting intent.

With a smooth motion, he shifted into a combat stance, his knife gleaming ominously in his hand. “Come,” he said, his voice like ice. “Show me what you’ve got.”

Yu Wenyan hesitated. The overwhelming aura of Jian Wu’s killing intent crashed over him like a wave. For a moment, doubt crept into his mind. Something about this boy was off—dangerous. Perhaps too dangerous.

The scammer forced a grin, raising his hands in a gesture of mock surrender. “Look, junior brother,” he said, his tone slipping into one of false camaraderie, “maybe there’s been a misunderstanding. We don’t know each other, and I don’t want to hurt you. Let’s just go our separate ways, eh? No need for anyone to get hurt.”

Jian Wu’s expression didn’t waver. His face was emotionless, his eyes colder than steel.

“You talk too much,” he said flatly. “If you won’t come to me, then I’ll come to you. We have unfinished business.”

Without another word, Jian Wu charged, his movements fluid and precise—a storm of deadly intent.

Yu Wenyan’s fake smile vanished. He drew his knife and lunged forward to meet Jian Wu head-on.

The fight had begun.