Meanwhile, the atmosphere within the Iron Sword Sect was completely relaxed.

Many disciples who hadn’t been able to go to the Jingwu Bureau to watch the fight were gathered in small groups, excitedly discussing the day’s battle.

It wasn’t that they didn’t want to witness Senior Brother Xiong’s glorious display of power, but the Sect Leader had strictly forbidden a large-scale exodus of disciples. If only a few elders were sent to accompany him, it could be passed off as a spar between the younger generation.

But if the Iron Sword Sect turned out in full force, it would inevitably look like they were trying to use their numbers to intimidate the other party.

In truth, the Iron Sword Sect had no desire to make a mortal enemy of the Jingwu Bureau. This duel was merely to reclaim the prestige lost during the Han Family incident and maintain the sect’s status within Ning’an Prefecture.

Inside the grand hall, Lu Qingsong sat high upon the Sect Leader’s throne, his fingertips drumming lightly on the armrest. He was calculating what lavish gifts to prepare for a visit to Nie Xuanfeng and Sun Yuzhi at the Jingwu Bureau after Xiong Lie’s victory today.

This strategy—a show of force followed by a gesture of goodwill—had been meticulously planned.

"Greetings, Sect Leader."

An elder in a green robe walked steadily into the hall. It was none other than Elder Qi, who oversaw the sect’s laws and punishments.

Lu Qingsong snapped out of his reverie and asked with a smile, "What is it, Elder Qi?"

Elder Qi’s expression was grave.

"I’ve just received news. It seems Gao Yuanzhao has gotten mixed up with the Cyan Flood Dragon Alliance."

"The Cyan Flood Dragon Alliance?"

Lu Qingsong’s eyes narrowed, a cold glint flashing within them.

’I never thought Gao Yuanzhao would go so far as to collude with water bandits just to avenge his family.’

’Still, this gives me the perfect excuse. When I visit the Jingwu Bureau with gifts, I can offer some Healing Elixirs as a gesture of goodwill and also ’casually’ mention this, demonstrating that the Iron Sword Sect has completely cut ties with Gao Yuanzhao.’

"Keep this under wraps for now. Don’t let word spread," Lu Qingsong said, a slow smile spreading across his face.

"I understand."

Elder Qi nodded slightly, then changed the subject, his voice tinged with anticipation.

"Sect Leader, about Lie’er’s trip to the Jingwu Bureau today... has there been any news?"

Xiong Lie was his personal True Disciple. He had wanted to attend the duel himself but had been dissuaded by the Sect Leader.

"Patience, Elder Qi."

Lu Qingsong gave a confident smile. "With Lie’er’s strength, there’s no way he can lose unless the Jingwu Bureau sends out an Earth Fiend."

He was extremely confident in Xiong Lie’s abilities. After all, among the entire younger generation in Ning’an Prefecture, you could count on one hand the number of people who could stand against him.

"My only worry is that the Jingwu Bureau might bring someone in from an Outer Mansion, or even from the State City..." Elder Qi said, his brow furrowed.

Lu Qingsong laughed heartily.

"Rest assured, the Jingwu Bureau can’t afford that loss of face. Besides, even if they did bring someone in, we must have faith in Xiong Lie..."

Before he could finish, a shout laced with immense True Qi thundered from the direction of the mountain gate, rolling through the entire Iron Sword Sect like a clap of thunder:

"Chen Sheng of the Jingwu Bureau has come to pay a visit!"

The smile on Lu Qingsong’s face froze. He stared toward the mountain gate, a mixture of shock and suspicion on his face. Down in the hall, Elder Qi’s expression changed drastically, his features a mask of utter disbelief.

For a moment, the entire Iron Sword Sect fell into an eerie silence, only to erupt in a clamor of commotion.

...

Before the imposing mountain gate of the Iron Sword Sect, the atmosphere was grim and tense.

Chen Sheng sat astride a magnificent Black-Scaled Horse, one hand holding the Earth-shaking Treasure Spear he had taken from Xiong Lie. His black official robes billowed slightly in the wind.

Behind him, hundreds of Jingwu Guards stood in solemn formation, while dozens of Peacekeeper Envoys stood with hands on their hilts, their cold gazes locked on the gate.

In the distance, thousands of spectators who had heard the commotion had gathered, a dense sea of people stretching to the end of the mountain path. The sound of their hushed whispers rose and fell like the tide.

The echoes of his challenge still reverberated through the valley.

WHOOSH—

Dozens of figures shot out from within the Iron Sword Sect, arriving at the mountain gate in a few quick bounds.

Leading the group were several elders with powerful auras, followed by a cohort of True Disciples. But when they took in the scene before them, their faces all turned grim, and they exchanged uncertain, shocked glances.

’What is going on? Why would the Jingwu Bureau come to our gates in such force?’

’Where is Xiong Lie?’

’Could it be...?’

A dreadful, unbelievable thought began to form in their minds.

Chen Sheng urged his horse forward a couple of steps. His gaze swept over the members of the Iron Sword Sect, his voice clear and resonant, yet filled with an undeniable authority.

"I am Chen Sheng of the Jingwu Bureau, here to pay my respects. I have long heard that the Iron Sword Sect produces many brilliant talents. I hope you will not be shy in offering me your instruction."

"Deputy Captain Chen."

A young man in white robes with a steady expression stepped out from the crowd. Forcibly suppressing his unease, he asked in a deep voice, "Where is my Junior Brother Xiong Lie?"

Although he already had a suspicion, he was unwilling to believe the worst-case scenario.

A slight smirk played on Chen Sheng’s lips. "Xiong Lie of your sect? He was defeated at my hands, of course. It’s just a shame that I wasn’t fully satisfied, so I’ve come here to experience the grand techniques of the Iron Sword Sect’s masters."

His gaze then swept across all the Iron Sword Sect disciples present, and his tone, though level, was laced with astonishing arrogance.

"So, who will be the first to offer me a lesson? Or... would you all like to come at me together?"

"Impossible!"

"Insolent!"

"Arrogant!"

"Senior Brother Xiong is the strongest expert in our Iron Sword Sect below the Earth Fiend realm! How could he possibly lose to you?!"

The moment Chen Sheng finished speaking, the crowd from the Iron Sword Sect erupted.

Shouts of doubt, angry rebukes, and gasps of disbelief filled the air.

Chen Sheng merely smiled, then lightly tapped the butt of the Earth-shaking Treasure Spear on the ground.

"The strongest below the Earth Fiend realm? At the end of the day, he’s still just a Chaoyuan Martial Master. Besides," he added, "did he ask for my permission to use that title?"

At this, Chen Sheng’s gaze turned cold, and he cut his words short.

"I came here today for a fight, not to trade insults. Who’s first?"

"That’s... Senior Brother Xiong’s Earth-shaking Spear!" a sharp-eyed disciple suddenly cried out in shock.

All eyes snapped to the spear in Chen Sheng’s hand, and an uproar ensued. The Earth-shaking Spear was a Treasure Soldier that Xiong Lie cherished above all else. The fact that it was now in Chen Sheng’s possession was the most damning evidence of all.