Nangong Shang's gaze gradually turned cold, sharp like a sword.

Chu Qing, the sect master of Moon Radiance Sect and the father of the Great Roc Young Master, Chu Tianpeng.

Han Xuetian, the sect master of Ice Snow Villa.

Teng Shan, the deputy sect master of Divine Dragon Court.

Xiao Hongchen, a royal prince and the father of Xiao Han, the young prince who had visited Canghai Sect a few days ago.

Apart from the Sunset Sect from the border region and the Yue Family and Yu Family from the imperial city, the other four forces, including the royal family, had simultaneously arrived uninvited. And on the day of the Canghai Sect's Grand Competition, it was clear they weren't here to offer congratulations.

"Sect Master Nangong, I, Xiao Hongchen, have come with my companions to visit. I hope you won't mind."

Xiao Hongchen stood atop the giant sword, draped in a white suit of armor, exuding an awe-inspiring presence. As he finished speaking, the massive sword descended directly onto the grandstand. The rumbling impact shattered one corner of the platform into dust under the force of the sword's aura.

At the same time, Chu Qing, Han Xuetian, and the giant Kun Python also landed on the platform with an air of disdain.

Beside Xiao Hongchen, Xiao Han stared coldly at Nangong Shang. Having been humiliated and sent away by him previously, Xiao Han had harbored resentment ever since. Today, he was determined to make Canghai Sect pay.

"Haha, it is truly an honor for my humble Canghai Sect to host Prince Hongchen," Nangong Shang said with a polite smile, though his heart remained cold. "May I ask, to what do we owe the pleasure of Prince Hongchen and these distinguished sect masters and leaders?"

"Not long ago, my son Xiao Han visited and made our intentions clear. His Majesty, with great foresight, plans to establish the Ice Moon Sacred Palace and requires the cooperation of all sects. The other sect leaders have already agreed to His Majesty's request, but it seems only Canghai Sect has yet to comply..."

Xiao Hongchen paused, his smile growing enigmatic.

"Hm?" A flicker of uncertainty flashed in Nangong Shang's eyes. Leaders like Chu Qing and Han Xuetian were cunning and experienced; they would never so easily hand over their most talented disciples to anyone. They surely understood that doing so would effectively transfer their sect's strength to the royal family.

However, Chu Qing and the others remained calm, as if this outcome had been expected. This puzzled Nangong Shang.

"What does Prince Hongchen intend to do, then?" Nangong Shang asked.

"If Sect Master Nangong is unwilling to offer disciples to His Majesty, I will personally select them. Coincidentally, today is the sect's tournament of Canghai Sect. I'll observe your disciples' performances and make my selections," Xiao Hongchen stated bluntly, his tone domineering.

The faces of everyone from Canghai Sect turned grim. How arrogant! Did they think Canghai Sect was theirs to take from as they pleased?

"And if I refuse?" Nangong Shang's voice grew colder.

"Sect Master Nangong will agree, just as the other sect leaders have," Xiao Hongchen replied confidently, his words exuding an unshakable authority, as if no one could oppose him.

"Sect Master Nangong, there's no need to argue just yet. Let your disciples perform in the Grand Competition and give it their best. The Ice Moon Sacred Palace doesn't accept mediocrity. But those who enter will have the full support of the Snow Moon Kingdom. Endless resources—elixirs, weapons, powerful techniques, and skills—will be at their disposal. They will become the sharpest swords of Snow Moon."

Laughing Hongchen's words were directed at the disciples of Canghai Sect, his tone full of temptation. As long as they joined the Ice Moon Sacred Palace, they would gain access to endless martial techniques, powerful weapons, and alchemical pills. What an enticing offer this was for those sect disciples who yearned for greater strength.

After all, they had come to Canghai Sect to train and grow stronger. If the Ice Moon Sacred Palace could offer better opportunities, why would they stay in Canghai Sect?

At that moment, many disciples' hearts began to stir. They silently resolved to give their all in the tournament.

"Despicable."

Nan Gongshang cursed under his breath. Laughing Hongchen's scheme to sow discord wasn't particularly sophisticated, but it was undeniably effective.

What enraged Nan Gongshang the most was the blatant provocation against Canghai Sect.

"I'd like to see who dares to betray Canghai Sect." Nan Gongshang's gaze turned icy as he said to Laughing Hongchen, "Since the Honorable Prince wishes to witness our sect's tournament, I shall oblige!"

"The sect tournament rankings for outer disciples and core disciples will be postponed and rescheduled for another day. Today, only the inner disciples will compete."

Hearing Nan Gongshang's declaration caused a commotion among the crowd. However, upon careful thought, they understood his reasoning.

Outer disciples were too weak to represent the sect's dignity, while core disciples were the backbone and future of Canghai Sect. Exposing their abilities prematurely wasn't wise. Having the inner disciples compete was a suitable compromise.

A subtle smile flickered in Laughing Hongchen's eyes. Did they think this would help?

"Inner disciples, follow the rankings on the stone wall and take your positions on the Life-and-Death Platform. Arrange yourselves in order!"

As Nan Gongshang's voice echoed, the 81 names carved on the stone wall became the focus. Their owners stepped forward and ascended the Life-and-Death Platform, basking in the attention and glory.

"This time, the rules for the inner competition will change," Nan Gongshang continued. "Anyone wishing to participate in the ranking battle must first challenge one of the top 81 ranked inner disciples. Only by winning will they qualify to join the rankings. Furthermore, no challenger may challenge the same opponent consecutively."

Once again, murmurs erupted among the crowd. Many felt disappointment. They had hoped to show off their skills and test their strength during the competition, but now it seemed there would be no such chance.

"Additionally," Nan Gongshang added, "in these qualification battles, life and death... will not be restricted."

"Boom!" A wave of unease swept through the audience. Life and death were not restricted.

Challenging one of the top 81 inner disciples would undoubtedly provoke their ire. Under this rule, challengers might very well face mortal danger. This meant they couldn't afford to lose.

Victory would grant them only the chance to participate in the ranking battle. Defeat, however, could cost them their lives.

"God damn! It's not worth it!!!"

"Betting your life just for a shot at the rankings? That's too risky. I'd rather wait and try again next year."

Several disciples shook their heads, whispering among themselves. It was far too dangerous and obviously not fucking worth the gamble.

"Li Xiaoyao, the Sect Master is ruthless. I've just stepped into the Spirit Martial Realm, but I'm only at the first stage, while those eighty-one individuals on the stone wall— even the weakest of them are at the second stage. I guess there's no hope for me," Han Kui said with a bitter smile. Originally, he had looked forward to fighting freely in the sect tournament, but he never expected things to turn out like this.

Li Xiaoyao's eyes flickered as he glanced at Nangong Shang on the viewing platform. This rule was indeed harsh, but it effectively weeded out those who lacked strength or courage. It ensured that only the elite, those with both power and the daring to fight, would participate. This was exactly the effect Nangong Shang sought: to showcase the best of the inner disciples to the outsiders.

"The eighty-one ranked disciples are now on the Life-and-Death Platform. Other inner disciples may challenge any one of them. All battles will take place on the central Life-and-Death Platform," Nangong Shang announced before taking his seat. His gaze swept briefly toward Laughing Hongchen and his group.

"I, Luo Lie, challenge You Lin!"

A figure leaped onto the Life-and-Death Platform, speaking loudly. Since repeated challenges against the same person were prohibited, the first challenger had an advantage—they could choose the weakest-ranked disciple. And You Lin, ranked eighty-first, was naturally the target.

You Lin's face darkened. As expected, he was the first to be challenged, which was utterly humiliating for him.

"Challengers, no mercy!"

Standing at the forefront of the crowd, Mo Water's lips moved slightly as his icy voice spread through the area, startling all the inner disciples considering a challenge. This man...

"Understood," You Lin nodded toward Mo Water before stepping onto the Life-and-Death Platform. Without hesitation, he launched his Poison Dragon Hand, unleashing a devastating attack. Even without Mo Water's reminder, he wouldn't have held back.

...

An incense stick's time later, in Wind Valley, the area around the Life-and-Death Platform had fallen deathly silent.

All eyes were on the central Life-and-Death Platform, now stained red with blood. Five corpses lay scattered across it—all of them challengers. Without exception, they had been defeated and killed on the spot. No one even bothered to clean up the bodies.

To lose is to die.

The brutal and bloody lesson snuffed out the fighting spirit in many who had entertained thoughts of challenging the rankings.

Moreover, the five challengers had only targeted the lowest-ranked individuals. To challenge someone higher up on the list would undoubtedly be even more perilous.

Those whose names were carved on the Inner Sect Honor Stone were, without exception, anything but ordinary.

Sitting on the viewing platform, Nangong Shang's gaze remained calm. Perhaps this blood-soaked lesson would leave a lasting impression on the disciples, helping them understand the brutal reality of martial cultivation.

Only those with unwavering determination and resolute hearts could move forward fearlessly. Those who cowered or retreated in the face of cruelty and bloodshed had no right to pursue the pinnacle of martial arts.

"A bunch of worthless trash, and you dare to dream of qualifying for the ranking battle? Death should be enough to extinguish the fantasies in your hearts," Mo Water sneered, pointing at the five corpses on the platform. His cold gaze swept across the crowd, brimming with arrogance and disdain.

He was the number one inner disciple, standing at the pinnacle, while these people didn't even qualify to participate in the inner ranking battles.

The crowd's faces turned grim, but no one dared to voice their anger. Mo Water was always domineering, and with his exceptional talent and strength, coupled with the sect's favor, no one dared to provoke him.

"Sect Master, I think we can begin the ranking battle now. They have no hope," Mo Water said, turning his gaze to Nangong Shang.

Nangong Shang's eyes scanned the crowd before he nodded slightly. While Mo Water was indeed arrogant, his talent made him an irreplaceable asset to the Canghai Sect. He was destined to become a pillar of the sect in the future.

"Ridiculous!!!!!"

Suddenly, a mocking voice rang out, disrupting the silence and stirring ripples in the hearts of the crowd.

Mo Water's eyebrows furrowed as his sharp gaze scanned the crowd, finally landing on a particular spot. A cold glint flashed in his eyes.

"You again,!!??" Mo Water said icily, his tone brimming with killing intent. "What do you find so laughable?"

"You're the number one inner disciple now, standing on high and looking down on others, insulting them as trash. But have you forgotten? Once upon a time, you were also a so-called 'trash' before you achieved your current position."

Li Xiaoyao's lips curled into a faint, mocking smile. Mo Water's arrogance needed to be put in check.