A max-level player in Jade Dynasty: Awakening the Innate Dao at the start.

The award ceremony was held on the high platform of Tongtian Peak.

The intense sunlight relentlessly drenched the smooth, mirror-like surface of the white jade table.

It reflected a blinding white light, so bright that people could hardly open their eyes.

The seven leaders stood on either side, each with a different expression.

Dao Xuan Zhenren sat upright in the central position, his black Daoist robe motionless in the breeze, like an ancient mountain.

The Pine Immortal stood beside Dao Xuan, his face calm and expressionless.

Even when Ueda Fuki glanced at him, he gave a slight nod in greeting.

It was as if the unpleasant conflict from yesterday had never happened.

But Tian Buyi could see clearly that deep within those seemingly calm eyes...

There was absolutely no warmth, only a deathly, icy silence.

Like a lake frozen before a blizzard, who knows what turbulent undercurrents are brewing beneath.

Dao Xuan Zhenren spoke, his voice not loud.

Yet it clearly resonated throughout the entire square, drowning out all the noise:

"The champion of this Seven Peaks Martial Arts Tournament is Zhang Xiaofan of Dazhu Peak."

According to the sect's old traditions, he was bestowed the "Six Harmonies Mirror."

His gaze shifted to the ancient pine tree beside him, his tone indifferent:

"Junior Brother Cangsong, since you are in charge of the martial arts competition, you shall be the one to bestow this treasure."

This is a long-standing tradition of the Qingyun Sect. As the host and law enforcement elder of the martial arts competition, it is naturally the duty of Master Cangsong to present the awards.

Upon hearing this, Cangsong bowed and accepted the legendary ancient mirror from Daoxuan's hands.

It was an antique bronze mirror, about the size of a palm, its surface as smooth as autumn water.

The edges are engraved with intricate and mysterious cloud patterns, and the mirror body has a dark gold luster that has been saturated over the years.

It had no dazzling brilliance, no oppressive spiritual pressure.

It lay there quietly in the palm of the pine tree, yet it possessed a majestic and profound aura, containing the essence of heaven and earth.

All who witnessed it could clearly feel the vast spiritual power dormant within.

The pine tree turned around, facing thousands of eyes below the stage.

His gaze slowly swept across the silent plaza, upon the Dragon Head Peak Chief who had been in charge of Qingyun's punishments for over a hundred years.

His authority was deeply ingrained; a single glance was enough to silence even the most unruly young disciples, leaving them speechless and afraid to utter a sound.

"Zhang Xiaofan," he said, his voice deep and authoritative, devoid of any emotion, "step forward and accept the award."

Zhang Xiaofan walked up the platform step by step, his pace neither hurried nor slow.

He took the Six Directions Mirror from the open palm of the pine tree.

The mirror felt cool to the touch, with a smooth texture. He held it in his hand and weighed it in his hand.

A playful smile suddenly appeared at the corner of his lips as he looked up at the pine tree:

"Uncle Cangsong... seems a little reluctant to part with this treasure?"

The pine tree remained expressionless, its voice as still as a deep well:

"The sect's heirloom is naturally invaluable. I hope you will cherish it and not let it down."

"That's natural." Zhang Xiaofan nodded.

He solemnly twirled the mirror in his hand, and a ray of light refracted from its surface in the sunlight.

"What a pity, your precious apprentice is not very promising."

Such a good thing, in the end... can only benefit me, a 'Dazhufeng' native."

Cangsong's eye twitched almost imperceptibly.

Zhang Xiaofan seemed completely oblivious to the other person's emotional fluctuations, instead holding the Six Harmonies Mirror...

He gestured in front of the pine tree, a very "sincere" smile appearing on his face:

"Uncle-Master, you don't look too well. Are you still upset from yesterday?"

Or... shall I use this mirror to massage your back? Consider it a gift from a junior who has received a precious item, a way to show respect and soothe your nerves.

As he spoke, he actually raised the Six Harmonies Mirror, making a gesture as if to strike the pine tree on the back!

"presumptuous--!"

Cangsong could no longer contain himself, and a sharp shout, like a thunderclap from a clear sky, suddenly exploded!

A tremendous spiritual pressure erupted with a furious roar, causing the entire platform to tremble slightly!

The thousands of disciples below the stage were startled and craned their necks, staring at the high platform in bewilderment.

Some sharp-eyed disciples vaguely saw Zhang Xiaofan holding a mirror up to the pine tree, and immediately began to whisper among themselves:

"Is Uncle Cangsong... reluctant to part with the Six Harmonies Mirror?"

"Definitely! That's an ancient treasure passed down from the tenth generation patriarch! Who wouldn't be heartbroken?"

"But if you lose in martial arts, you lose. Rules are rules. You have to give it up, no matter how reluctant you are..."

These whispers, like countless tiny needles,

It drifted up the high platform with the wind and nestled into the ears of the ancient pine trees.

His originally ashen face instantly turned red.

Then the red turned into a terrifying pale white, and his chest heaved violently, as if it were about to explode at any moment.

He stared intently at the smiling yet piercingly venomous boy before him, a metallic taste rising in his throat—

"puff--!"

A mouthful of dark red blood spurted out without warning.

Under the blinding midday sun, it turned into a tragically beautiful cloud of blood mist.

Zhang Xiaofan reacted extremely quickly, deftly dodging the splattered blood by sidestepping.

The mouthful of hot blood splashed onto the clean white jade floor of the platform with a few "plop" sounds.

Several striking "red plum blossoms" bloomed and quickly seeped into the jade's texture.

Zhang Xiaofan wrinkled his nose, as if he really smelled something, his tone carrying a hint of disgust:

"Tsk, this blood... it smells really strong."

No wonder, their hearts are black, so their blood naturally stinks.

"You...you..."

Cangsong pointed at Zhang Xiaofan, his fingertips trembling uncontrollably.

He made a strange hoarse sound in his throat, but couldn't utter a complete sentence for a long time.

Extreme anger, humiliation, and a surge of blood rushing to his head caused his vision to blur.

He suddenly raised his head and let out a long, mournful, and heart-wrenching howl!

"ah--!!!"

The howl, carrying the spiritual power of the Shangqing Realm cultivators, resembled the mournful cry of a wounded wild beast.

The sound instantly spread throughout the entire square, making everyone's eardrums buzz.

The disciples with lower cultivation levels turned pale and were terrified.

The once bustling square suddenly became so quiet you could hear a pin drop, with only the mournful howl echoing through the mountains.

Dao Xuan Zhenren frowned almost imperceptibly and coughed lightly.

The whistling sound was cut off abruptly, as if by a sharp blade.

Cangsong abruptly shut his mouth, his chest still heaving violently, and took several deep breaths.

He barely managed to suppress the surging blood and the rage that was about to overwhelm his reason.

He slowly turned around, faced Dao Xuan, and bowed deeply.

His voice was terribly hoarse, yet he struggled to maintain his last shred of dignity.

"Senior Brother Sect Leader... This boy is unruly and disrespectful to his elders, so let's leave him aside for now."

However, the mysterious, club-shaped magical weapon in his hand exuded an overwhelming aura of malevolence.

Its ferocity was palpable, clearly indicating that it was a malevolent creature forged using the evil "blood refining" technique of the demonic cult!

This matter concerns the reputation and safety of my Qingyun Sect; it is no small matter and must be thoroughly investigated!

Dao Xuan Zhenren's gaze shifted from the pine tree to the black fire poker at Zhang Xiaofan's waist.

After a moment of silence, he slowly spoke, his voice revealing neither joy nor anger:

"We will discuss this matter again tomorrow at Chenshi (7-9 AM) in the Yuqing Hall."

The long and awkward awards ceremony finally ended, and the crowd began to disperse in twos and threes.

The discussions continued, with the focus naturally on the astonishing "mouthful of blood" and the mysterious "fire stick."

The pine tree walked at the very end, its steps slow and deliberate.

As he passed by Zhang Xiaofan, who was still standing on the edge of the platform, playing with the Six Harmonies Mirror, his steps faltered almost imperceptibly.

He didn't turn his head, but lowered his voice so much that only the two of them could hear it.

There was no longer any pretense in that voice, only naked coldness and killing intent:

"Tomorrow... you will surely die."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Xiaofan turned his head, grinned at Cangsong's profile, and...

He replied in the same volume, which only the two of them could hear:

"Alright, when I die, Uncle-Master, remember to come to my grave..."

Oh, wait, I forgot. Someone like you, Uncle-Master, who is utterly wicked, probably doesn't have the kind heart to offer incense.

Well then, we'll wait until you're ready to leave first.

I will definitely go to your grave and jump around a few times to make it a little lively for you.

Cangsong: "..."

A surge of sweet, metallic taste, even stronger than before, rushed to his throat. He clenched his teeth and forced the blood back down.

However, a trickle of dark red blood still seeped uncontrollably from the corner of his mouth, which he quickly wiped away with his sleeve.

Zhang Xiaofan blinked, his face displaying just the right amount of "surprise" and "concern":

"Oh? Here we go again? Uncle Cangsong, the frequency with which you cough up blood... is more frequent than a woman's period."

You wouldn't actually be... a woman disguised as a man, would you?

"puff--!"

This time, the pent-up energy could no longer be suppressed.

A mouthful of blood finally spurted out, splattering onto the steps in front of him.

Cangsong suddenly clutched his chest, slowly turning his head, his eyes blazing with resentment and murderous intent.

The ice spikes, almost solidified, pierced through Zhang Xiaofan.

He ultimately said no more harsh words, only glaring at Zhang Xiaofan with his bloodshot eyes.

Then he abruptly flicked his sleeve, turned around, and strode away.

His silhouette stretched long in the setting sun, each step heavy with every tread.

It seemed as if it wanted to crush the stone steps of Tongtian Peak, exuding a fierce and resolute ruthlessness that would devour anyone it chose.

Tian Buyi then slowly strolled over, reached out and patted Zhang Xiaofan on the shoulder, his dark face displaying a complex expression.

He sighed, "You brat... do you really not know how to spell 'death,' or are you just naturally audacious?"

"What's there to be afraid of?" Zhang Xiaofan continued to casually toy with the Six Harmonies Mirror, his calm expression reflected in the mirror.

"He practically has 'I want to kill you' etched on his forehead, and I still have to be polite to him and put on a smiling face?"

Master, that doesn't make sense.

Tian Buyi shook his head and didn't say anything more.

He merely gazed in the direction where the pine tree had disappeared, a deep worry flashing across his eyes.

He knew that this matter would not end easily.

The next day, at Chenshi (7-9 AM), at Yuqing Palace.

The thin morning sunlight slanted in through the tall palace gates, cutting out several distinct bands of light and shadow on the gleaming black floor.

Inside the hall, wisps of blue smoke rose from the enormous dragon-shaped incense burner, swirling and curling.

The statues of the Three Pure Ones, the Taoist Ancestors, loftily positioned above, appear and disappear in the smoke, adding to their solemn, dignified, and inviolable aura.

Zhang Xiaofan stood alone in the center of the main hall.

He had a black fire poker tucked diagonally into his waistband, and in his hand he held the Six Harmonies Mirror that he had just received yesterday.

The warm, smooth surface of the mirror shimmered with a restrained radiance in the morning light filtering through the palace gates.

But at this moment, none of the people in the hall had the heart to appreciate this sect's most precious treasure.

Dao Xuan Zhenren sat upright in the main seat of the sect leader, his wide sleeves of his black Daoist robe hanging down to the side of the chair, without moving an inch.

Tian Buyi sat to his right, his dark face taut.

Their gazes were like two red-hot irons, firmly welded to the pine tree opposite them.

Cangsong did not sit down at this moment.

He stood in front of the high platform, no more than three zhang away from Zhang Xiaofan in the center of the hall.

The distance was chosen with extreme subtlety—neither too far nor too close.

It ensures that it can launch an attack at any time without appearing too deliberate or aggressive.

"Zhang Xiaofan".

Cang Song spoke, his voice echoing coldly in the spacious and high hall.

"Where did that fire poker at your waist come from?"

"It was by chance, I got it by accident," Zhang Xiaofan replied briefly.

"Opportunity?" Cangsong sneered, his laughter filled with sarcasm and an undeniable assertion.

"Who in the world doesn't know the method of 'Blood Refinement'?"

It is a unique and evil weapon-forging technique of the Demonic Sect!

Magical artifacts crafted using one's own or others' essence and blood as a catalyst, and the souls of living beings as fuel, are undoubtedly incredibly powerful.

Yet it also exudes a murderous aura, devouring the lifeblood of living beings, and is extremely insidious!

Your stick is so full of malevolent energy and so fierce that even in my hundred years of administering punishments, I have never seen many things that can compare to it!

"Speak! Who exactly are you? Are you a spy planted in my Qingyun Sect by the Demonic Cult?!"

The final question rose abruptly, the voice booming like a bell.

The shockwave caused dust to fall from the palace beams, carrying with it a sharp and penetrating aura!

Zhang Xiaofan's expression remained calm as he looked up at the pine tree:

"May I ask Uncle Cangsong, in the five years since I entered the sect, have I ever gone down the mountain once?"

If they never left the mountain, how could they have colluded with the evil cult outside?

"That's exactly what makes you so suspicious!"

Cangsong stepped forward, pointing his finger at Zhang Xiaofan, his words growing increasingly fierce.

Five years ago, the Grass Temple Village massacre occurred, and the entire village was slaughtered. Only you and Lin Jingyu survived!

In retrospect, that tragedy was probably not a natural disaster, but a man-made one!

Perhaps it's a trap meticulously set by the evil cult, deliberately sparing your lives.

"So that you, a spy carrying out a mission for the Demonic Sect, can infiltrate my Qingyun Sect with impunity!"

He abruptly turned to Dao Xuan, bowed deeply, and spoke with unwavering resolve, leaving no room for negotiation:

"Sect Leader! Zhang Xiaofan possesses a ferocious weapon forged by the Demonic Sect's Blood Refining Technique!"

His origins are shrouded in mystery, his whereabouts are unpredictable, and his cultivation progress defies common sense!

These wicked and evil beings are lurking among the leaders of our righteous path. Their hearts deserve to be punished, and their deeds deserve to be annihilated!

To preserve my Qingyun's reputation for a thousand years, and to prevent a future catastrophe,

According to Article Seventeen of the sect rules, any disciple who possesses a demonic or heretical magical artifact and cannot prove their innocence shall be executed without pardon!

The words "shall be executed" struck the silent hall like two heavy hammer blows, their echoes lingering long afterward.

Tian Buyi stood up abruptly, his beard and hair bristling, and roared:

"Cangsong! Don't you dare make false accusations!"

Since Xiao Fan joined the sect, he has never stepped out of Dazhu Peak in the past five years, which is obvious to all!

How could they collude with the Demonic Cult? That fire poker, though forged in blood,

The aura was strange, but the world is vast and full of wonders.

Opportunities and serendipity are beyond comprehension; how can one conclude he is a spy for the demonic sect based solely on this item?!

"Not a gift from the Demonic Sect?"

Cangsong suddenly turned his head, his gaze piercing Tian Buyi like an icicle, pressing closer with each step.

"That was something he refined himself! But this Blood Refining Evil Technique is a core secret of the Demonic Sect, and only direct descendants can learn it!"

If he wasn't a spy for the Demonic Cult, where did he learn this weapon-forging technique from?!

Junior Brother Tian, ​​you'd better give me an explanation!

Tian Buyi was speechless for a moment when asked the question.

Even he, as the master, didn't know the exact origin of the fire poker.

Zhang Xiaofan only said it was "chance encounter," so how could he possibly explain it away?

A deathly silence fell over the main hall.

The only sounds were the faint crackling of burning incense and the cold, mournful wail of the mountain wind blowing through the eaves and bells outside the hall.

And the heavy or rapid breathing of the people inside the hall.

Intertwined, they form an invisible yet suffocating pressure.

Dao Xuan Zhenren remained silent throughout the entire process.

His gaze, like a deep, still well, lingered for a moment on Zhang Xiaofan's calm face.

His gaze then swept over the pine tree's face, slightly flushed with indignation.

Finally, it landed on that seemingly simple, unadorned, yet subtly ominous black fire poker.

His eyes held an unpredictable expression, and no one could fathom his thoughts.

Cangsong knew that the time he had been waiting for had arrived.

We can't wait for Dao Xuan to make a decision any longer! The longer we wait, the more things might change; delay could lead to unforeseen consequences!

At this moment when the silence reached its peak, and everyone's minds were most tense—

The pine tree moved!

His target was neither Dao Xuan nor Tian Buyi.

Instead, without warning, he stepped towards Zhang Xiaofan, who stood alone in the center of the hall!

This step was taken without reservation!

The obsidian ground beneath his feet, which was harder than refined iron, cracked open with a "crack" when he stepped on it, creating several spiderweb-like cracks!

His right hand, hidden in his sleeve, had been poised to strike; now it suddenly rose.

With his index and middle fingers joined together like a sword, a blindingly bright blue light suddenly burst forth from the fingertips!

His terrifying cultivation at the peak of the Upper Clarity Realm was no longer concealed and erupted with a roar!

A vast, boundless surge of spiritual energy rushed wildly to his fingertips, and in an instant...

It condensed into a cyan sword aura, over three feet long and as solid as a true divine weapon!

At the edge of that sword aura, the air was torn apart by the extremely sharp sword energy, emitting a chilling "buzzing" vibration!

A chilling, pure, and utterly deadly killing intent, like an invisible cage,

The space around Zhang Xiaofan was locked down for three zhang, blocking all possible ways for him to dodge or escape!

He had been preparing this attack for a long time, and he was going all out to kill the target!

The distance was only three zhang!

Although Tian Buyi was shocked and furious, his seat was far away, and there was no time to rescue him in the rush!

Although Dao Xuan was within arm's reach, Cang Song chose an extremely cunning angle.

With his back to the sect leader's seat and the attack coming suddenly, even Dao Xuan would need a split second to react!

This instant, however, was long enough for a peak Shangqing Realm cultivator to launch a full-scale attack!

Cangsong's calculations were precise and ruthless:

Under the pretext of "eliminating traitors of the demonic sect and cleaning up the ranks," they suddenly launched an attack and killed Zhang Xiaofan on the spot.

Even though Dao Xuan was furious afterward and Tian Buyi fought desperately, he was already dead, and there was no way to verify the truth!

At most, they will be charged with "acting rashly and enforcing the law too strictly" and will receive some minor punishment.

But if this kid is allowed to live, given his terrifying talent and growth rate, coupled with the deep-seated hatred he incurred yesterday...

They will surely become a major threat to myself and even to Longshou Peak in the future!

New and old grudges fueled his burning desire to kill!

The cyan sword energy tore through the air, emitting a shrill whistle, and with the force to pierce through metal and stone, it went straight for Zhang Xiaofan's unsuspecting vital heart!

The shadow of death looms over us!