The North Peak Grand Competition was drawing quite near now.

In the six months leading up to the North Peak Grand Competition, there was a distinct tension in the air, though life otherwise carried on much as usual.

A month before the competition, that tension had spread like wildfire across North Peak. The ordinary disciples practiced with a fervor unknown in normal times, while the Ten Great Direct Disciples had already been whisked away by their respective masters for specialized training—Ye Fang and Ye Yuan, for example. Disciples with powerful backing and connections, such as Sima Hao, were also undergoing intensive tutelage. Everything pointed toward the North Peak Grand Competition.

Naturally, this intensive preparation excluded Lu Yuan. It was simply deemed unnecessary.

His master, Li Yuanbai, believed that with his disciple having grasped the notoriously elusive Sword Intent and having further increased his magical power, no specialized training was required. This was Li Yuanbai’s firm conviction.

However, now, just a few days before the event, the atmosphere of tension, though not entirely gone, had settled. Those who needed to exert themselves had largely done so; those needing special training had largely completed it. Everyone had eased off, waiting for the approaching contest. Those who needed to prepare were preparing; all focus now rested on the North Peak Grand Competition.

With the frantic rush over, people began gathering in small groups of three or five.

When people gathered informally, they inevitably discussed the latest interesting tidbits.

Humans, after all, possess an inherent appetite for gossip.

“Did you hear? Both the Eldest Martial Brother and the Second Martial Brother have returned to the mountain this time.” On North Peak, there was only one Eldest Martial Brother and one Second Martial Brother. The Eldest Martial Brother was Yun Yi, and the Second Martial Brother was Yun Ping. However, these two were quite unlike the other eight Direct Disciples. They had belonged to North Peak for a long time, serving as key figures among the tenth-generation disciples, often sent down the mountain for missions, thus rarely returning.

“I heard. With the Eldest and Second Martial Brothers back, it’s certainly going to be a spectacle.”

“Indeed. Those two have been vying for the leadership position among the tenth-generation disciples for ages.” The Ten Great Direct Disciples of North Peak were headed by Yun Yi and Yun Ping. Both possessed profoundly deep strength, far surpassing the other eight, and their power levels were strikingly close.

The trouble lay precisely in that proximity of strength.

The previous generation’s leading figure on North Peak was naturally Venerable Yuan Yuan, the foremost of the Six Sword Immortals of North Peak. The others—Gentleman Sword Fang Ru, Twilight Sword Li Yuanbai, Rising Sun Sword Sima Changbai, Harmonious Sword Ye Rongyang, and Solitary Heart Sword Dugu Ye—were merely stars orbiting the celestial body of Yuan Yuan.

A collective could only sustain a single leader. Two leaders would inevitably cause the entire body to fracture.

The leader of the ninth generation was Venerable Yuan Yuan.

So, who would be the leader of North Peak’s tenth generation? Currently, only two were plausible candidates: Eldest Martial Brother Yun Yi and Second Martial Brother Yun Ping. The irony was that these two possessed ambition in spades and coveted that very position.

For decades, Yun Yi and Yun Ping had dueled countless times, yet neither had managed to establish a clear superiority.

It now seemed that this North Peak Grand Competition would serve as the stage for their next confrontation.

Consequently, everyone anticipated a magnificent show.

Of course, after discussing this, their conversation naturally shifted to another anticipated spectacle.

That was the question of which of the lower-ranked Direct Disciples might be supplanted, and by whom.

After much deliberation, the general consensus settled on the one most likely to be replaced: the Sixth Direct Disciple, Lu Yuan.

When speaking of the Eldest and Second Martial Brothers, their voices held genuine reverence. Yet, when mentioning the Sixth Martial Brother Lu Yuan, there was remarkably little respect. He was known for his habitual laziness, and his strength ranked among the lowest of the Ten Direct Disciples.

“This time, I fear it will be Sixth Martial Brother Lu Yuan who is ousted,” someone murmured.

“Exactly. While he ranks low among the Ten, there are others of comparable strength. He shouldn’t be the target, but alas, his master, Martial Uncle Li Yuanbai, is running out of life force, which is why people dare to press against his doorstep. Rumor has it that Martial Uncle Sima Changbai intends to have his second grandson, Sima Hao, take Lu Yuan’s spot.”

“So, it is Rising Sun Sword Martial Uncle Sima Changbai who has designs on that position. No wonder.”

“Martial Uncle Li Yuanbai and Martial Uncle Sima Changbai are both counted among the Six Sword Immortals of North Peak. Their titles—one Twilight, the other Rising Sun—now perfectly mirror their current states. Martial Uncle Li is truly sinking into twilight, while Martial Uncle Sima Changbai is at his zenith, making him almost impossible to resist.”

The truth was, Li Yuanbai was named Twilight Sword because of his swordsmanship. Anyone caught in his killing intent felt the world darken, seeing no light, only the chilling aura of death emanating from beneath his blade.

Sima Changbai was named Rising Sun Sword because his sword techniques were often wreathed in flame. As his movements intensified, the heat grew fiercer, until the blade shone with the scorching intensity of a sun, making combat excruciatingly difficult for his opponent. Hence, Rising Sun Sword.

In those days, their titles were purely derived from their martial arts. Who would have thought that now, the titles would so accurately reflect their circumstances—one in decline, the other at his peak? Was it coincidence, or fate?

“It’s a pity Sima Changbai is playing this hand; it’s rather dishonorable. Martial Uncle Li hasn't even passed away, and he’s already scheming for his assets.”

“There’s no alternative. Everyone knows the Great Jin Dynasty is resource-scarce. Martial Uncle Li commands significant assets—the herb fields, for instance, and the position of the Tenth Direct Disciple held by Lu Yuan—things others covet. Under normal circumstances, no one would dare challenge him. But now that his lifespan is waning, he’s become a piece of fat meat, and who wouldn't dare approach to take a bite?”

“True enough.”

“By the way, does Sima Hao actually possess the strength to challenge Lu Yuan successfully?”

“I heard Sima Hao was raised by Martial Uncle Sima Changbai from a young age, and his skill is considerable.”

“And Lu Yuan? Rumor has it he only entered the sect six years ago, and he’s notoriously lazy, always has been. I doubt he’s absorbed much of Martial Uncle Li’s immortal arts. In normal sparring among the Ten Direct Disciples, he’s always ranked last.”

“Besides, the situation is clear. Martial Uncle Sima Changbai intends to clash with Martial Uncle Li. Few are willing to aid Li Yuanbai. After all, challenging the blazing Sima Changbai for the sake of a fading, near-expired Li Yuanbai is profoundly unwise.”

“Yes. Lu Yuan’s position among the Ten Direct Disciples is surely going to be taken by Sima Hao this time.”

Lu Yuan was walking along the path, intending to buy some yellow wine.

Roast rabbit paired with yellow wine—that was a delicacy of life.

Furthermore, Lu Yuan’s inherent nature was one who appreciated good food and fine drink.

But on his way to fetch the wine, he overheard these garbled, gossipy discussions.

Sigh. It seems truly no one has faith in me. Most assume Sima Changbai will win, most believe Sima Hao will prevail. What can be done? My master’s current predicament, coupled with my own habitual image of laziness, fosters such assumptions. But at the corner of Lu Yuan’s mouth, a faint smirk curled, accompanied by a cold laugh.

Sima Changbai, you seek to seize my master’s assets? It won't be that easy.

Sima Hao, you aim to take my position among the Ten Direct Disciples? That won't be easy either.

My strength has also advanced significantly now.

If you wish to take it, come and try. At the Peak Assembly, I will slap Sima Hao’s face soundly, and Sima Changbai’s as well.

I will ensure both Sima Changbai’s and Sima Hao’s faces swell up.

In daily life, I may be a slacker.

But against those who become my enemies, I have never shown mercy.

Unconsciously, he reached the tavern, purchased the yellow wine, and strolled unsteadily toward Changchun Residence.

The autumn wind stirred the leaves, carrying an inherent air of killing intent.

The Peak Grand Competition was upon them.

The yellow wine was warmed, perfect for sipping against the backdrop of the autumn wind and falling leaves. (The splendid second chapter is here; the third chapter will arrive around midnight.)