"Zongzi, you've got a good eye."
[Ding! Not bad at all!]
Ye Junlin shrugged nonchalantly. After being cooped up on the mountain for so long, he was starting to feel a little stir-crazy. This was a perfect chance to stretch his legs—and drag his cheap disciple along for the ride.
"Yeah, I think the issue lies with the Wei Kingdom," he added.
Xu Yonian nodded thoughtfully.
"How about I handle it myself?" Ye Junlin offered.
Shua!
Everyone in the hall turned toward him.
Xu Yonian stroked his beard and chuckled. "Ye Shizhi always gets straight to the point. If you're going, I doubt it'll take long."
"Alright then. I'll head out."
Ye Junlin turned and walked out of the grand hall.
As they watched him leave, the Cangjian Peak Master looked uneasy. "Is Ye Shizhi really up to the task?"
"You dolt," the Tianxiang Peak Master rolled his eyes. "What in this tiny Arid Province could possibly threaten a Transformation Stage cultivator?"
In the Arid Province, reaching the Transformation Stage meant being virtually invincible.
"If even he can't solve it," Xu Yonian said, his smile fading into a more serious expression, "then this province truly is in trouble. Everyone, get back to your training. Don't dwell on it too much. Let's not disappoint Ye Shizhi."
"Yes, Master!"
Everyone responded in unison.
——
The Arid Province, located in the Eastern Domain, was a desolate and overlooked corner of the world. Because of its isolation, cultivators from other regions saw it as a barren backwater.
But that was the view of cultivators.
To commoners, the Arid Province was vast and boundless. Traveling from one kingdom to another could take two or three months—and for some, they might never reach their destination at all.
Clouds churned overhead.
Two figures flew through the sky, riding flying swords one behind the other.
Ye Junlin hummed a casual tune as he admired the landscape below.
Behind him, Hong Qianye stared at his back, recalling all the incidents from Mysterious Peak, his frustration bubbling to the surface.
"Hmph. No need to rush. There'll be plenty of chances on the road," he muttered.
"Just wait. When I get my hands on you, I'll make sure you beg for mercy."
Ye Junlin smirked faintly, clearly sensing the simmering hostility behind him.
"Heh. You're holding quite the grudge."
"In that case, I'll take my time teaching you a proper lesson."
Before long, they arrived above the territory of the Great Wei Dynasty.
Cities of varying sizes stretched across the land below like a mosaic.
From this height, people looked like ants—tiny and fragile.
Most people were bound by fate from birth. Some were born into privilege; others into poverty. Many lived and died without ever changing their lot in life.
In this world, only cultivation could break that cycle.
"…Hmm?" Ye Junlin narrowed his eyes. "Something's going on down there."
Hong Qianye looked below. "Looks like a group of horse bandits attacking a village."
It was a scene Ye Junlin had seen countless times—too often to care anymore.
"Oh? Let's take a look."
His eyes sharpened. With a burst of speed, he dove down on his sword.
"Ugh, how boring."
Hong Qianye grumbled but followed close behind.
——
Peach Blossom Village.
Flames raged. Thick black smoke rose into the sky.
Villagers were rounded up like livestock, herded into the square.
Anyone who resisted—or tried to flee—was mercilessly cut down by the bloodthirsty bandits.
Screams, sobs, and desperate pleas filled the air of what was once a peaceful village.
"Heroes, we're just poor folk. We have nothing but some chickens, ducks, cows, and sheep. Please, take whatever you want—just spare the people!"
An elderly village chief, hair as white as snow, hobbled forward on a cane and pleaded.
"Outta my way!"
A bandit kicked him aside, sending the old man sprawling, blood spilling from his mouth.
The gang had about a hundred men. Their faces were cruel, their weapons gleamed coldly. They had forced hundreds of villagers into a tight group.
Panic spread like wildfire—men, women, and children all trembling in fear.
"Zhaizhu, everyone's been gathered."
A lackey stepped forward respectfully.
The leader of Heifeng Zhai rode forward atop a tall horse.
To everyone's surprise, he didn't look like a rugged bandit. Instead, he resembled a scholarly gentleman—more tutor than thug.
Heifeng Zhai's Zhaizhu scanned the crowd calmly.
His eyes fell on a couple dressed in red wedding robes—clearly newlyweds.
A cold smile tugged at his lips.
"You two. Bring them over."
"Yes, Zhaizhu!"
Several lackeys rushed forward.
"Don't! Let go of me!"
The couple was dragged forward and pinned down.
Fear shone in their eyes. No one else dared to move.
The bandit leader dismounted and lifted the bride's chin, examining her delicate face.
"You're quite the beauty," he said with a smirk.
"Please… let me go," she begged, trembling.
"Don't touch my wife!" the groom roared, eyes blazing with fury.
The villagers looked away, unable to watch.
To everyone's surprise, the Zhaizhu asked, "Do you love him?"
The bride froze, clearly confused.
She nodded slightly. "Yes."
"And you?" the Zhaizhu turned to the groom. "Do you love her?"
"Of course! We've known each other since childhood. Today is our wedding day—I promised I'd take care of her for the rest of our lives!"
"Tie Zhu, my love…"
Tears welled up in Xiao Mei's eyes.
The Zhaizhu paused, then casually pointed at another villager.
A lackey dragged the man forward—and with one swing, beheaded him.
Puchi!
Blood sprayed. The severed head hit the ground and rolled.
"Ahhh!"
Shrieks of terror echoed from the crowd.
The man's eyes remained wide open, even in death.
The Zhaizhu kicked the head toward the couple with a mocking grin.
Xiao Mei recoiled in horror. Tie Zhu turned pale.
"I just had a fun idea," the Zhaizhu said, chuckling.
"You two—play rock-paper-scissors. The winner lives. The loser dies."
"I'll even give you half a stick of incense to talk it over."
The couple stared at each other, stunned.
When they hesitated, the Zhaizhu's tone turned icy. "Not playing? Then you both die."
"No! We'll play!" Tie Zhu shouted. One life was better than none.
"Good. Begin."
They crouched by a nearby wall.
"Xiao Mei," Tie Zhu said softly, "I'll throw rock. You throw paper. You'll win."
Tears streamed down Xiao Mei's face. "No! I don't want to live without you!"
Tie Zhu gently stroked her hair. "Didn't I promise to take care of you forever?"
"In our next life… let's be husband and wife again."
They embraced, cherishing their final moments.
Half a stick of incense later—
"Time's up. Bring them forward."
"Yes!"
The lackeys dragged them before the Zhaizhu.
"Ready? Begin," he said.
"Wait."
Tie Zhu looked him in the eyes. "Are you really going to let the winner live?"
"How dare you question our Zhaizhu!" a lackey snapped.
The Zhaizhu just smiled. "I gave you my word."
"Alright then."
Tie Zhu took a deep breath and turned to Xiao Mei.
They played.
The result came out—Tie Zhu froze.
Xiao Mei's face twisted with panic. "I'm sorry! I didn't mean to! Please don't kill me!"
"HA HA HA HA HA!"
The Zhaizhu burst into laughter, eyes filled with mockery.
As promised, Tie Zhu had thrown rock—
But Xiao Mei… had thrown scissors.
---