Starting as a Grandmaster, all of my cultivation techniques are at max level.

The man was shirtless, his bronze skin covered with crisscrossing scars, and standing there, he resembled a ferocious beast in human form.

It was Yin Qianji, ranked fourth among the top disciples.

Yin Qianji reached inside and grabbed a red robe, which flew out of the room and landed in his hand. However, judging from the floral and bird embroidery on it, it was clear that the robe was not a man's, but a woman's.

He casually put it on, then glanced at Meng Xian standing to the side, grinned, and revealed a somewhat sinister smile.

"Meng Xian? Why aren't you staying by Ruo Liu's side? What are you doing here?"

Meng Xian suddenly felt a chill run through him, as if he were being watched by an evil spirit. He didn't even bother wiping the cold sweat from his forehead. He quickly stepped forward, bowed, and said, "My lord, I've come here because I have something important to tell you!"

Yin Qianji, wearing the embroidered red robe, casually sat down on a stone chair, crossed his legs, and said nonchalantly, "Alright, there are no outsiders here, just say it."

Meng Xian swallowed hard and then recounted, embellishing the events that had transpired after Xing Ruoliu returned from her battle with Xia Jin.

"My lord, I think our Master Xing... has probably fallen for this Xia Jin!"

"Bang!"

The stone table next to Yin Qianji shattered instantly, sending fragments flying everywhere.

He stood up, and an aura like that of an ancient ferocious beast suddenly erupted, directly forcing Meng Xian to kneel down uncontrollably.

"How dare anyone lay a finger on the woman I've set my sights on!"

A cold glint flashed in Yin Qianji's eyes.

Although Meng Xian was forced to his knees by this overwhelming aura, he was secretly pleased. Yes, this was exactly the effect he wanted. He was eager to see what kind of expression Xing Ruoliu would have after Yin Qianji killed that newcomer.

"Please calm down, my lord! After Xia Jin defeated my master, her next target will undoubtedly be you!"

He had just finished saying that,

Suddenly, a clear bird song came from above.

A small green bird, no bigger than a palm, circled once in the air, dropped a piece of golden paper, and landed in Yin Qianji's palm.

Yin Qianji stared at the challenge order, paused for a moment, then grinned, revealing a cruel smile.

"Hehe... Hahahaha!"

Yin Qianji threw his head back and laughed loudly. The laughter sounded rather sinister to Meng Xian, making him feel a chill run down his spine.

"Great! Excellent!"

"I was just thinking of going after this reckless fool, but he's delivered himself right to my doorstep!"

He clenched his fist tightly, and the golden challenge token instantly turned into dust, falling through his fingers.

Yin Qianji clapped his hands, turned to look at Meng Xian, a glint of shrewdness flashing in his eyes: "Meng Xian, once you return, keep a close watch on Ruoliu's every move. Especially on her interactions with Xia Jin; report back immediately if she has any dealings with him!"

"After tomorrow, the world will be one less person named Xia Jin!!"

"Yes, sir! Rest assured, I will report to you immediately at the slightest sign of trouble!"

Yin Qianji waved his hand: "Go ahead."

Meng Xian dared not delay, bowed again, and hurriedly left the palace.

Once his figure disappeared outside the gate, Miss Mu, who had been leaning against a pillar watching the show, finally swayed over.

She leaned gently against Yin Qianji's muscular shoulder, her delicate hand tracing his chest, her tone tinged with a hint of coquetry: "My lord, you've really fallen for that beautiful palace mistress?"

Yin Qianji reached out and pulled her close, drawing her into his arms. He lowered his head and inhaled deeply her fragrance, laughing loudly, "What, are you jealous? I like any beauty! I like her, and you... I like you too!!"

"Rest assured, I never show favoritism!"

Amidst the teasing, a greedy glint flashed in Yin Qianji's eyes. "I can sense a very special aura emanating from Xing Ruoliu, perhaps originating from her bloodline. I have a premonition..."

"If I could obtain her, I believe it would greatly benefit my cultivation. At that time, I would have a chance to defeat Fan Wujiu, who is ranked third, and break into the top three of the Heavenly Disciples!"

He patted Miss Mu on the back and said with a smile, "You've been following me for so long, you should know some secrets. The top three among the Heavenly Disciples receive special resources from the Temple!"

Miss Mu nodded and said sweetly, "My lord, you'd better prepare well, lest you be trampled on by that newcomer in tomorrow's battle. Otherwise, not only will you not get the beauty, but you'll also lose all face."

Upon hearing this, Yin Qianji was not angry at all; instead, he burst into laughter.

"You little vixen, are you looking down on me?"

He suddenly bent down, scooped up Miss Mu in his arms, and strode towards the room behind him.

"Today, serving me well is the best help you can give me!"

Miss Mu let out a soft cry, wrapped her arms around his neck, and the teasing sounds gradually faded behind the curtain.

……

The battle arena at noon on the second day.

Wearing a black dragon robe, Xia Jin walked out of the void gate, stood with her hands behind her back in the center of the battle arena.

There was no tension, nor any emotional fluctuation.

Yesterday, he had naturally read through all the information about Yin Qianji.

This person is physically strong, skilled in close combat, and never shows mercy when he strikes; he is known as a "human beast".

but……

Xia Jin's eyes were full of confidence.

With his current strength, unless the opponent has some hidden trump card, he can still easily crush them.