Yao Hai, Yao Yue, and Zou Zhilan were disqualified from this Sect Gathering because their sponsoring clans and families had failed in their education of the younger generation!

He Haoran did not impose severe penalties on Yao Hai and the other two himself; however, since the incident implicated their backing families and sects, upon their return, their kin would surely deal with them harshly. Facing the wall in contemplation would be the lightest of punishments; it was not impossible they could even be expelled from their clans.

When Yao Hai, Yao Yue, and Zou Zhilan departed with the experts from their sect, Ji Yusheng and his group had already settled all necessary matters. He Haoran smiled broadly, offering solace to Ji Changkong, while Huang Kun stood by with a wry smile, occasionally glancing at Ji Changkong with a strange expression as He Haoran spoke.

With affairs here settled, Mo Yunyi and Han Hai finally arrived to meet with Ji Wanyun, Ji Changxiao, and the rest of the Ji family members, convening with Ji Yuxing and Ji Yusheng.

"Come, let's go to that Earth-Split Chasm; this Gathering is still being held in the northern Earth-Split Chasm," He Haoran said enthusiastically, gesturing to the elders and juniors of the Ji family. Of course, he did not forget Huang Kun. Huang Kun held considerable weight in the Royal Family, and his public defense of Ji Changkong on this occasion greatly pleased He Haoran.

Huang Kun followed behind He Haoran and the Ji family elders with a grim face. He Lixie and He Zhizhang followed as well, their gazes never leaving Ji Changkong as they conversed in low tones.

The onlookers who remained felt a touch of disappointment that the matter concluded so quickly. Through this incident, they had all imprinted one name in their memories: Ji Changkong.

"Little brother, impressive," Huang Kun whispered as he caught up to Ji Changkong, walking shoulder-to-shoulder with him, his voice lowered. "To manipulate Yao Hai and Yao Yue so completely, forcing them onto a dead end—what a strategy."

Ji Changkong’s lips twitched. He slanted a look at Huang Kun, a smile playing on his face. "I was merely securing a fallback route for myself. If Yao Yue and that person hadn't been so aggressive, nothing would have happened, right? Sometimes, it’s not that I intend to push people to the brink; they rush headlong onto that path themselves. What recourse do I have?"

Huang Kun was astonished. He shook his head with a bitter smile. "Regardless, I have witnessed your methods, little brother. If you have free time, you may visit my Huang family anytime; I will personally come out to welcome you."

"Hehe, we'll see," Ji Changkong replied with a light laugh, neither agreeing nor refusing.

The Earth-Split Chasm, as its name suggested, was a peculiar valley formed by a massive fissure in the earth. Within the valley were resonant stones and lush vegetation.

Every Sect Gathering was held in a location like the Earth-Split Chasm. While the ambient elemental energy here wasn't overwhelmingly abundant, and there were no rare flowers or strange herbs, the valley's rock formations were exceptionally sturdy. Engaging in combat here allowed one to use the terrain for concealment and to wreak havoc on everything without restraint.

Open, flat ground favored those skilled in direct confrontation, but it put those adept at stealth and utilizing elemental energy and topography at a disadvantage. To truly reflect an individual's strength, the Blood Rain Alliance chose the Earth-Split Chasm for the Gathering.

Inside the chasm were towering cliffs, ancient trees, and even swamps and pools excavated later. These additions served only to complicate the terrain, increasing the challenge and amusement of the contests.

When He Haoran led the Ji family elders to the Earth-Split Chasm, he found quite a crowd already gathered outside. Baili Ke of the Flowing Cloud Peak and Star Stone Sect, who had just left, were present, each surrounded by a group of people with whom they were conversing in low tones.

"Gentlemen, I'll leave my son here to brief you on the situation. I have matters to discuss elsewhere. Forgive me," He Haoran said, smiling and cupping his hands after briefly explaining the Sect Gathering arrangements on the way.

"You attend to your business, attend to your business," Ji Yuxing and Ji Yusheng quickly returned the courtesy.

"Nephew, I heard you encountered some trouble at the foot of the mountain? The Yao family these years has truly let its younger generation stagnate. Being kicked out this time is only fitting!" Suddenly, Baili Ke, who had been speaking to a group, smiled, nodding slightly to He Haoran before his gaze landed directly on Ji Changkong.

Baili Ke’s words immediately caused a stir. The surrounding participants of the Sect Gathering exchanged surprised glances, scrutinizing the Ji family group.

Following the affair involving Yao Yue and Yao Hai, people here had a general understanding of the Ji family’s identity. Since the He family had provided them refuge in the Profound Origin Valley, their close relationship with He Haoran wasn't surprising. However, Baili Ke's unexpectedly friendly gesture left many perplexed. The clear, beautiful face of Flowing Cloud Haifeng, who was surrounded by another group, suddenly twitched slightly, a flash of gravity in his eyes as his gaze lingered on Ji Changkong for an increasing duration.

Why would the He family and the Star Stone Sect both show friendliness toward a single young man? The crowd was somewhat bewildered, sensing something unusual was afoot, and their curiosity about Ji Changkong grew.

"Thank you for your concern; everything is fine now," Ji Changkong replied with a gentle smile, neither haughty nor humble, bowing slightly.

"Since Old He has made arrangements, I won't overstep," Baili Ke said vaguely, letting out a dry laugh. "Nephew, feel free to visit the Star Stone Sect when you have time. Young people should travel around." This was a benevolent invitation, perhaps restrained by He Haoran's presence.

"Definitely, definitely," Ji Changkong responded with a smile, "Who knows what his intentions are." After nodding, Baili Ke did not linger but returned to his own conversation.

"Changkong, why is this old fox suddenly showing you such warmth?" He Haoran asked in a low voice, finding it quite strange himself.

He Zhizhang and He Liyi beside him leaned in, appearing equally interested. Huang Kun, however, was tactful enough to smile and deliberately move away from Ji Changkong's side.

"I'm somewhat bewildered too..." Ji Changkong frowned, voicing the doubts in his heart.

"Has Baili Ke changed his ways? You offended his daughter, and he hasn't sought trouble with you?" He Haoran scratched his messy hair in confusion. "That old fox dotes on his daughter; anyone who offends her faces his wrath. What is he up to this time?"

"Could it be... he fancies you?" He Liyi pursed her lips and snorted dismissively.

He Liyi only said it casually and didn't truly believe it, but He Haoran shuddered slightly and exclaimed, "Highly possible! That old fox has sharp judgment and is willing to invest resources. He truly might be interested in Changkong, wanting to recruit you as his heir! Little Yi, your guess has a very high probability!"

"No way?" He Liyi looked astonished.

"Nonsense! Besides this possibility, I truly cannot fathom why he would change his tune! Changkong, that old fox’s girl is certainly attractive, but her temper is poor, and her cultivation isn't deep enough; she’s simply not worthy of you..." He Haoran shifted his tone, becoming quite serious, and said quietly, "My He family has girls who are much better than her—both beautiful and powerful. How about... Little Xie?"

"Uncle!" He Liyi cried out, stomping her foot angrily. "Stop talking nonsense! He Lan and He Ningzhu are both prettier than me; bring them up instead!"

"Beautiful and powerful, hehe, in our He family, only you deserve that title!" He Zhizhang gloated, finally finding a chance for revenge.

"You, both of you!" He Liyi was furious, pointing at the father and son pair with indignation.

"Uncle He, please stop. I can't handle her," Ji Changkong waved his hands repeatedly, acting completely unwilling.

"Hmph, who would fancy you!" He Liyi stomped her foot, unable to bear the babbling of the three men any longer, and muttered resentfully before storming off.

"Changkong, you all get acquainted with the situation first. I'll go over there to make some arrangements," He Haoran did not dwell on the Baili Ke matter. He smiled, leaving He Zhizhang behind, and walked directly toward Flowing Cloud Haifeng and Baili Ke.

Ji Yuxing and Ji Yusheng were full of questions. Due to the vast difference in status, they always felt slightly unnatural around He Haoran. Only after He Haoran left did they relax and immediately surround He Zhizhang to press him for answers.

He Zhizhang’s eyes kept darting toward Ji Changkong, seeming eager to get closer to him. Unfortunately, he was encircled by Ji Yuxing and Ji Yusheng, busy answering their questions, leaving him little time to converse with Ji Changkong.

Huang Kun approached Ji Changkong again, engaging him in soft, intimate conversation. Huang Kun had suddenly taken a great interest in him, showing clear signs of closeness in his words. Ji Changkong, experienced in such social maneuvering, naturally sensed this. He thought that if he could truly pull the Huang family into the He family's camp, it would be beneficial. With this in mind, he smiled and engaged in pleasantries with Huang Kun; to outside observers, the two seemed to be getting along wonderfully.

Mo Yunyi, Han Hai, and Ji Wanyun stood together. Ji Haoguang, Ji Haohong, and Ji Changxiao stood together, all quietly discussing the Sect Gathering. After confining themselves to a corner of Azure Rock Mountain for so many years, this was their first time out, and they realized how vast the outside world was, causing them to appear somewhat excited about the Gathering.

Perhaps influenced by the proactive friendliness of He Haoran and Baili Ke, many experts from the Blood Rain Mountain sects who previously looked down on the Ji family now walked over with smiles, trying to build relationships with Ji Yuxing and Ji Yusheng, seemingly wishing to signal something through these overtures.

Observing closely, Ji Changkong noticed that the factions approaching them were mostly those closely associated with the He family and the Star Stone Sect. As for the sect and family experts gathered around Flowing Cloud Sha, not a single one approached. Instead, they glared at the Ji family group with ill intent, clearly suggesting they intended to cause trouble during the Sect Gathering.

After only a brief observation, he gradually understood the competitive dynamic between the He family, the Star Stone Sect, and Flowing Cloud Sha. Since the He family and the Star Stone Sect originated from the Blood Rain Mountain, their relationship wasn't terribly strained, despite their underlying competition.

This was evident in the casual way Baili Ke referred to He Haoran as "Old He" and He Haoran called him "Old Fox." One could say the competition between the Star Stone Sect and the He family was a form of benign rivalry.

However, Flowing Cloud Sha, having arrived from the Eastern Sea, combined with Flowing Cloud Haifeng's somewhat radical and unconventional methods in recent years, severely threatened the dominance of the He family and the Star Stone Sect—the two historically powerful sects in Blood Rain Mountain. This bred considerable dissatisfaction in both. Flowing Cloud Haifeng's actions carried a connotation of insidious opportunism, a style neither He Haoran nor Baili Ke favored.

Yet, Flowing Cloud Sha had quietly integrated into the Blood Rain Alliance, gathering a segment of the Blood Rain Mountain sects, causing its influence to swell. He Haoran and Baili Ke clearly recognized Flowing Cloud Haifeng as a canker sore, but they discovered it too late. By the time they identified him as such, removing him had become no easy task. The Blood Rain Alliance rested on three pillars: the He family, Flowing Cloud Sha, and the Star Stone Sect. The He family and the Star Stone Sect had traditionally maintained a relatively balanced relationship, while Flowing Cloud Sha favored unorthodox, unscrupulous means. The conflict between these three major powers gradually became more apparent as the Sect Gathering commenced.

A familiar shadow hesitantly approached from a distance. "Sect Master Yu." Ji Yuxing leaned back, his face cold, and let out a tepid snort.

The last time Yu Luan was at the Ji family, he had spoken disrespectfully, mocking Ji Yuxing for failing to forge his own Divine Weapon as a family head and sneering that the Ji family’s strength made participating in the Sect Gathering unnecessary. Now, Ji Yuxing knew Mo Yunyi possessed the cultivation of the Seven Stars Heaven Realm, and Ji Changkong had just made a name for himself publicly. This allowed Ji Yuxing to stand a little taller.

"Sect Master Ji, I was blind before and ask your forgiveness for any offense," Yu Luan bowed to Ji Yuxing with sincere expression.

Ji Yuxing, who had been planning to deliver some sharp words to regain his dignity, froze, looking at Yu Luan strangely, his mouth twisting as he struggled for words.

"Oh, isn't this Sect Master Yu?" Ji Changkong called out in a high, level voice.

Yu Luan's face flushed with shame. He dared not look at Ji Changkong, bowing his head low, dragging his disciples as he scurried away as if fleeing.

"Ji... Changkong, what is going on?" Ji Yuxing suddenly realized something and looked at him with a frown.

Ji Changkong shrugged, feigning ignorance. "I don't know. Perhaps Yu Luan finally realized how formidable our Ji family is? Hehe, in any case, he isn't our target this time!" With this thought, his gaze sharpened, and he suddenly glanced toward the Heaven Scholar sects gathered beside Flowing Cloud Haifeng, a resolute light flashing in his eyes.

From the moment they arrived, the Heaven Scholars beside Flowing Cloud Haifeng had worn hostile expressions, their chilling gazes sweeping over the Ji family members. When He Haoran was present, they had been somewhat restrained, but after He Haoran left, they became brazen. The sheer coldness in their eyes was palpable even from a distance.

"As expected, Flowing Cloud Haifeng isn't taking the proper path; the Heaven Scholars he gathers are all unscrupulous individuals." He mentally defined them with disdain, letting his gaze sweep over them with an air of utter indifference.

"These gentlemen are Sect Master Flowing Cloud's most loyal friends. They are, respectively..." Huang Kun seemed to sense Ji Changkong's thoughts and quietly introduced the identities of those individuals, offering unsolicited assistance.

After hearing Huang Kun's introduction, he gained a better understanding of the group opposite them. He nodded to Huang Kun with a smile, acknowledging the favor.

"Today we separate into teams, and tomorrow we participate in the duels!" He Haoran announced loudly from a distance, standing beside Flowing Cloud Haifeng and Baili Ke, who appeared to have just finished their discussion.

"We’ve uncovered three cultivation sanctuaries this time, and everyone is aware of the details, so I won't elaborate. Next, I will announce the names of the participating sects and families. Those whose names are called should send a representative forward to draw lots to confirm their first opponent." He Haoran continued his booming announcement.

One faction name after another was called out. Representatives stepped forward to draw lots before He Haoran, Baili Ke, and Flowing Cloud Haifeng to determine their opponents for the next day.

"Profound Origin Valley... Ji Family." The announcement was both expected and unexpected.

"Wait!" Just as Ji Yuxing smiled and prepared to step forward, Flowing Cloud Haifeng softly called out. Under everyone's gaze, Flowing Cloud Haifeng smiled slightly. "The previous factions have all participated in the Sect Gathering before. We know their strength; we know they all have masters in the Seven Stars Heaven Realm stationed within..."

He paused, then continued, "However, the Ji family has only recently arrived in Blood Rain Mountain and is participating in the Sect Gathering for the first time. According to Blood Rain Mountain rules, to secure a newly excavated cultivation ground, the clan must possess a master of the Seven Stars Heaven Realm. I believe it is necessary for the Ji family to prove this matter, don't you agree?"

Upon this, the crowd murmured in agreement. Flowing Cloud Haifeng’s suggestion was reasonable; no one could find fault with it, yet everyone could see he was specifically targeting the Ji family.

"This old woman will venture to show off," as all eyes turned toward the Ji family, Mo Yunyi smiled faintly and, under their watch, caused a strand of brilliant starlight to bloom in her palm.

"Indeed, the Seven Stars Heaven Realm! They truly have a master at the Seven Stars Heaven Realm stationed there! I thought the Ji family was only vying for cultivation grounds vacated by others this time. It's strange; with a Seven Stars Heaven Realm master, why were they content cultivating in Profound Origin Valley initially?"

"Who knows? They were probably waiting for this opportunity. If they can secure one of the three cultivation grounds, they will thrive! The spiritual energy in any newly discovered location is dozens of times richer than in Profound Origin Valley!"

The onlookers chattered amongst themselves.