Information concerning the Liu Yun Sea Peak flashed swiftly through Ji Changkong’s mind, his brow furrowing almost imperceptibly as his gaze swept over Liu Yunhaifeng. Liu Yun Sha, much like the He Family and the Star Stone Sect, stood as one of the three most formidable powers on the Blood Rain Mountain. The former Sect Master had also reached the Eight Trigrams Heaven Realm, yet he traveled extensively and spent little time on the mountain itself.

Unlike the He Family or the Star Stone Sect, Liu Yun Sha was not a native martial sect of the Blood Rain Mountain; it had relocated from the East Sea area several decades prior. The East Sea region was vast, and its populace originally hailed from the Central Lands. Although the Blood Rain Mountain was notoriously isolationist, the East Sea people shared ancestral roots in the Central Lands, often lending aid whenever foreign tribes attempted incursions.

Consequently, the Central Land inhabitants regarded the East Sea people as their own kin. When Liu Yun Sha arrived, they faced no rejection and quickly integrated into the cultivation sects of the Blood Rain Mountain.

Upon their migration, the sect lacked a master in the Eight Trigrams Heaven Realm. The previous leader, Liu Yun Feihe, had only achieved the Seven-Star Heaven Realm. However, not long after the Blood Rain Territory stabilized, Liu Yun Feihe achieved a breakthrough, ascending to the Eight Trigrams Heaven Realm.

What had been merely a second-rate sect, Liu Yun Sha, instantly became one of the most influential powers on the Blood Rain Mountain, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the He Family and the Star Stone Sect, thanks to Liu Yun Feihe’s promotion.

While Liu Yun Feihe governed Liu Yun Sha, his conduct was commendable; he courted no animosity, rigidly disciplined his disciples, forbade them from associating too closely within the Blood Rain Territory, and especially barred them from making enemies of other sects. During his tenure, the major sects of the Blood Rain Mountain maintained friendly relations with Liu Yun Sha, and even the He Family and the Star Stone Sect would extend invitations to Liu Yun Feihe for their events.

However, shortly after reaching the Eight Trigrams Heaven Realm, Liu Yun Feihe departed for prolonged travels, entrusting the leadership of Liu Yun Sha to Liu Yunhaifeng. Once in command, Liu Yunhaifeng revealed a hard edge utterly contrary to his outward demeanor, preferring to contend and struggle in every matter.

Furthermore, Liu Yunhaifeng quickly began consolidating influence. Soon after taking the reins, he allied himself with several second-tier sects within the Blood Rain Territory, subtly forming a minor coalition within the Blood Rain Alliance, with Liu Yunhaifeng himself emerging as the spokesperson for this small faction.

Inadvertently, several ambitious second-rate sects gravitated toward Liu Yunhaifeng. With his assistance, these sects managed to secure substantial benefits during the preceding Sect Gatherings, which gradually elevated Liu Yunhaifeng’s prestige among them.

And because Liu Yun Sha now enjoyed the backing of these second-tier sects, it showed subtle signs of potentially supplanting the He Family and the Star Stone Sect to become the premier power on the Blood Rain Mountain!

The Yao family was one of the clans reliant upon Liu Yun Sha for sustenance!

Seeing Liu Yunhaifeng step forward, Yao Yue secretly rejoiced. He immediately recounted how Ji Changkong had violently attacked Yao Hai and Zou Zhilan, emphasizing that had he not arrived suddenly, Ji Changkong would have throttled both of them to death. He stressed that Ji Changkong’s methods were excessively brutal, violating the rules of the Blood Rain Mountain.

After Yao Yue finished speaking, Liu Yunhaifeng nodded slightly, then glanced at Yao Hai. “Clarify the reason for the dispute between you three juniors.” By this time, Yao Hai had recovered. Hearing the command, he erupted in anger, lambasting Ji Changkong for every offense, completely omitting his own earlier provocative remarks. He claimed Ji Changkong had deliberately destroyed his and Zou Zhilan’s spiritual treasures, and when they sought redress, Ji Changkong viciously attacked, intending to kill them both.

“Is that so?” After hearing Yao Hai’s account, Liu Yunhaifeng’s willow-leaf slender eyes shifted toward Zou Zhilan.

Zou Zhilan, having just narrowly escaped strangulation, harbored a deep-seated fear of the ruthless Ji Changkong. As Yao Hai loudly condemned Ji Changkong, she kept her head bowed, daring not speak much. When Liu Yunhaifeng’s gaze fell upon her, she timidly glanced at Ji Changkong and gave a small nod.

“Mmm.” Liu Yunhaifeng seemed satisfied with the response, finally directing his attention to Ji Changkong. “Is what they said the truth?”

“A pack of lies! Anyone who believes them must be possessed!” Ji Changkong adopted an expression of immense injustice, pointing furiously at the pair. “Trying to frame me? Not like this! They were just two utterly common, worthless stones, yet they insisted they were precious and demanded compensation. Where in the world can you find people who can speak such blatant falsehoods with a straight face!”

“The Azure Misty Smoke Stone, and the crystal sphere containing Yuan Power—even if they turned to dust, one could discern their original material. Don't try to argue your way out of this!” Yao Yue sneered. The Azure Misty Smoke Stone had been given to Yao Hai by him; of course, he knew Yao Hai was telling the truth.

“What’s going on? We waited in that valley for ages, but no one showed up. What are you all gathered here for?” He Haoran’s voice, resonant as a great bell, boomed. The assembled group quickly parted, clearing a path for him to approach.

“Oh? Brother Liu Yun, why are you here?” He Haoran first glanced at Ji Changkong upon arrival, then turned to Liu Yunhaifeng with a strange expression. “Brother He, it’s like this…” Liu Yunhaifeng replied with a gentle smile, swiftly recounting the situation. However, everyone could see Liu Yunhaifeng’s clear bias toward the Yao Family; his narrative adhered almost entirely to the accounts given by Yao Hai and Yao Yue.

“Changkong, is this how it happened?” He Haoran clearly wasn't taking Liu Yunhaifeng’s one-sided story at face value, fixing Ji Changkong with a stern look, clearly ready to demand an explanation.

To onlookers, it appeared He Haoran was preparing to discipline Ji Changkong. But the sharp-eyed discerned the underlying tension. The surrounding veterans of considerable strength frowned slightly, their eyes flickering between Liu Yunhaifeng and He Haoran. In recent years, Liu Yun Sha’s deliberate courting of various sects and its tenacious struggle for every sliver of resource had already provoked the He Family and the Star Stone Sect. Moreover, Liu Yun Sha was an outsider sect, unlike the established, native sects of the Blood Rain Mountain. Liu Yun Feihe’s previous carefree demeanor was acceptable, but Liu Yunhaifeng’s sweeping, decisive actions clearly aimed to challenge the He Family and the Star Stone Sect, attempting to surpass them in strength.

The conflict had been simmering unseen for some time, only not brought into the open because everyone involved held prominent positions and avoided overt confrontation.

“Of course not! Obviously, Yao Hai and Zou Zhilan tried to extort me. When his father, Yao Yue, saw the situation turn sour, he immediately resorted to force. Three mouths against one—they were trying to crush me to death!” Ji Changkong looked around, adopting the posture of one who had suffered a grave injustice. His eyes immediately snagged on Huang Kun, whose gaze was evasive. “You! You’re here! You saw the whole sequence of events. Tell them—are they deliberately trying to frame me?” This bastard is dragging people into it! Why didn't I just keep my mouth shut earlier? Huang Kun mentally cursed. This kid is clearly trouble; why did I have to stick my nose where it didn't belong? Everything became complicated once Liu Yunhaifeng and He Haoran became involved.

When Liu Yunhaifeng and He Haoran both turned their smiles toward him, Huang Kun cursed Ji Changkong inwardly. A single word from him now could decide the fortunes of the Huang Family—whether to lean toward Liu Yun Sha or align with the He Family. A single statement could shatter the neutral stance his family had maintained.

“Th-this…” Under the scrutinizing smiles of Liu Yunhaifeng and He Haoran, cold sweat began to bead on Huang Kun’s forehead. With a pained expression, he furtively glanced at Ji Changkong beside him. The young man was constantly signaling him with his eyes, urging him to decide quickly through exaggerated facial movements.

This kid, despite his youth, defeated Yao Hai, and is rumored to have close ties to that elder… Huang Kun secretly observed Ji Changkong. The brat is certainly troublesome, but his strength is astonishing, his heart ruthless, and his nerve thick—truly a man destined for great things! Plus that elder behind him… Forget it, I’ll take the gamble!

Once his decision was made, Huang Kun abruptly looked up and clasped his hands. “I happened to be nearby just now and indeed witnessed the entire sequence. Yao Hai and Zou Zhilan spoke disrespectfully first. Ji Changkong did step on those two items, true, but I was too far away to know if he stepped on ordinary stones or spiritual treasures…” He paused, then continued, “But then Yao Hai suddenly rushed forward, and Zhilan also pointed at Ji Changkong and started cursing wildly. And then… then both of them were simply outmatched and subdued by Ji Changkong’s hands. Immediately after, Yao Yue arrived, and the Ji Family Head also appeared. Under the Ji Family Head’s signal, Ji Changkong released Yao Hai and Zou Zhilan. Then Yao Yue rushed over, attempting to strike Ji Changkong, only to be heavily wounded by Ji Changkong again. That is roughly the sequence of events.” Huang Kun’s account clearly favored Ji Changkong. He Haoran looked genuinely pleased, nodding with a smile toward Huang Kun. The Huang Family’s sudden declaration of support was a pleasant surprise, as they had maintained strict neutrality.

“I think if we can confirm whether what he stepped on were spiritual treasures, we’ll know if he acted intentionally,” Liu Yunhaifeng snorted, glancing dismissively at Huang Kun. He knew that with Huang Kun’s testimony, pinning the blame squarely on Ji Changkong would be difficult, so he shifted tactics.

“Yao Hai and Zou Zhilan spoke disrespectfully first. Even if Changkong intentionally stepped on their spiritual treasures, it could have been out of anger—it’s hard to say who was truly at fault,” He Haoran pivoted, glaring sternly at Yao Yue. “Why did you, a third-generation elder, interfere in a dispute between juniors? For years, the Blood Rain Territory has operated under one rule: one generation does not meddle in the affairs of another. You’ve been on the Blood Rain Mountain for years and don't know this!” With so many sects on the mountain, conflicts were inevitable. When disputes arose between those of the same age group, the older generation could only mediate; under no circumstances could they rashly intervene! This was an ironclad rule!

Under He Haoran’s stern gaze, Yao Yue mumbled, “But… but that kid, even though he’s also a third-generation disciple, his displayed strength is too terrifying. It’s not power a third-generation disciple should possess. Even I suffered a great loss…” Yao Yue’s face was wretched. Under everyone’s eyes, he hardly knew what to say. Admitting he was inferior to Ji Changkong would mean losing all face; denying it meant facing severe punishment for breaking the rules. After weighing both options, he could only admit his skill was lacking.

“Yao Yue was not only defeated but severely injured. Brother He, shall we drop the matter?” Liu Yunhaifeng interjected.

“Brother Liu Yun, in your view, how should this be settled?” He Haoran smiled.

Let’s see if those two items are spiritual treasures. If they aren't, it proves Yao Hai and Zou Zhilan were deliberately trying to cheat, and they deserve what they got! If they truly were spiritual treasures, then this boy sought revenge and used such vicious methods—then Yao Hai and Zou Zhilan losing their heads and striking back is understandable. Liu Yunhaifeng was clearly preparing an excuse for them.

“That’s not appropriate. Regardless of whether the items were spiritual treasures, since they spoke disrespectfully first, Ji Changkong retaliating was normal. As long as the spiritual treasures are compensated for, it can be dismissed.” He Haoran knew Ji Changkong’s ruthless nature and what he had done.

“As long as it is confirmed that the two things I stepped on were spiritual treasures, I am willing to accept punishment!” Suddenly, Ji Changkong, who had been silent, spoke up loudly before He Haoran could continue excusing him.

“You…” He Haoran, who had been trying to defend him, was stunned by this inopportune outburst, unable to gauge his meaning.

Huang Kun was also bewildered. What is he doing? I clearly saw both items emit light and smoke when he kicked them! Even if they are now mundane objects, anyone skilled in testing materials could see their original composition with a closer look. Isn't this suicide?

“Refreshing!” Before He Haoran could say more, Liu Yunhaifeng declared decisively, smiling as he commanded, “Yao Hai, Zou Zhilan, hand over your shattered items to Sect Master He so he can see what truly happened!” Yao Hai gathered the Azure Misty Smoke Stone, now broken into four pieces, and Zou Zhilan held up the crystal sphere. They presented them both to He Haoran.

He Haoran managed a wry smile, thinking, What is there to look at? I know this kid’s disposition well enough. Last time at the Ji Estate, he managed to disfigure Zhao Meilan in full view of everyone. It would be strange if this fellow could endure an insult quietly.

Casually taking the shattered Azure Misty Smoke Stone and the crystal sphere, He Haoran internally planned how to excuse Ji Changkong later. The Azure Misty Smoke Stone and the Yuan Power-storing crystal sphere weren't major spiritual treasures in his view. He considered whether he should cover the cost if Ji Changkong couldn't produce them.

Thinking thus, He Haoran put on a show of glancing at the broken stone and sphere in his hand, then suddenly smiled and walked toward Liu Yunhaifeng, handing the items over. “Brother Liu Yun, take a look for yourself.”

Liu Yunhaifeng looked bewildered, his expression turning strange as he glanced at the items before his eyes. His face instantly changed with horror. Liu Yunhaifeng shot a cold look at Yao Hai, Zou Zhilan, and Yao Yue. “How dare you try to extort people during the Sect Gathering! You truly don’t know how to value your lives! Brother He, I will not pursue this matter further; you handle it as you see fit!” With that, Liu Yunhaifeng left, his face grim, passing straight through the crowd.

“Liu… Liu Yun…” Yao Hai and Yao Yue cried out together. “Sect Master He, wh-what exactly is going on?” Yao Yue looked utterly confused, seemingly still unaware of the situation.

“You should be able to discern the material of the Azure Misty Smoke Stone,” He Haoran said sternly, handing a piece of shattered stone to Yao Yue. Yao Yue glanced at it, his face going blank, then suddenly turned to stare at Yao Hai. “What’s going on? Why is this just ordinary (crushed stone)? Do you—do you even know what you were talking about?”

No further explanation was needed. Everyone present understood what had occurred from the situation. Yao Hai and Zou Zhilan stood frozen like wooden statues, staring blankly at the smiling Ji Changkong, suddenly feeling as if they had been drenched in ice water, their entire bodies turning cold. Huang Kun’s pupils constricted; he stared at Ji Changkong in disbelief. Apart from Yao Hai and Zou Zhilan, he was the only one who had seen the entire process. An Azure Misty Smoke Stone and a crystal sphere—when Ji Changkong stepped on them, both emitted smoke and a brilliant light screen. Those were undeniably genuine spiritual treasures!

Even if the Yuan Power within had vanished, clear-sighted individuals could still recognize their original composition. He Haoran and Liu Yunhaifeng both possessed eyes like sharp blades; their affirmation meant that what Yao Yue held now was indeed just common stone!

What a terrifying young man! He had only approached that stone when he was grappling with Yao Hai to seize Zou Zhilan. That was the only moment he could have managed a switch. In such a short span, he managed to deceive even me! This boy’s power is unfathomable!

It was then, right then! This boy was already plotting against Yao Hai and Zou Zhilan, wasn't he? Afterward, he deliberately escalated the situation, drawing more attention to the stone, and continually provoked and terrified Zou Zhilan and the other with his words, ensuring they paid no attention to the items on the stall beneath their feet, which had already been swapped.

No wonder he looked so composed even when Liu Yunhaifeng and He Haoran appeared. Every move he made was flawless. He silently wove a net, waiting for people to jump in. He calculated everything; what did he have to fear?

Terrifying! Too terrifying! Huang Kun was filled with dread.

If I had sided with Liu Yunhaifeng just now, if I had declared those two items were absolute spiritual treasures, in full view of everyone, wouldn't I have become an accomplice? Thinking of this, Huang Kun felt a chill run down his spine. For the first time, he felt true fear toward a young man decades his junior.

Huang Kun had seen countless talented youths during his years on the Blood Rain Mountain, but this was the first time he was genuinely intimidated by someone.

He knew that Yao Hai, Zou Zhilan, and Yao Yue would not only lose their eligibility for the Sect Gathering but would also face severe punishment. Those three were in for a massive disaster…

And the instigator looked so terribly wronged.