Jiang Kai followed Zhu Hai through the back door into the Kunlun Guild.
To keep Jiang Kai's identity from being exposed, Zhu Hai specially made him change into a long white robe and put on a monkey mask.
"Jiang Kai, from now on, you're a disciple of the Qingyun Sect's adopted branch. Your name is Han Yi. Got that?"
Jiang Kai frowned. "Brother Zhu, does this Han Yi really exist, or did you just make him up?"
"He really exists. Han Yi was somewhat famous in his early years, and he also liked wearing a monkey mask. But later, he disappeared from public view. I heard he caught some strange illness and went to the capital for treatment. He hasn't logged into Ghost Star in a long time."
Jiang Kai said nervously, "So there really is such a person… Then, there aren't any Qingyun Sect people participating in this competition, right?"
"The Qingyun Sect's lineage is long and well-known in the circle, with many talented young disciples. Of course they have people here," Zhu Hai replied.
"What?! Then what if they recognize me? Even if I'm wearing a mask, your ancient martial sects or whatever have your own techniques and styles, right? I'll be exposed easily!"
Zhu Hai was silent for a moment, then nodded. "You're right… In that case, the Qingyun Sect has a sword style called the Nine Heavens Execution Sword. Learn it from me."
"Right now?"
"When else?" Zhu Hai said anxiously. "I just need you to learn the form. You only have to show one or two moves during the fight."
"At this point, I can only imitate it as best as I can!"
Saying that, Zhu Hai demonstrated a few moves of the so-called Nine Heavens Execution Sword for Jiang Kai.
Zhu Hai had solid fundamentals. Even though it was a sword technique from another sect, he easily grasped the outer form. His movements were a blend of hardness and softness—quite impressive to watch.
Oddly enough, although Jiang Kai had never practiced martial arts before, when he saw Zhu Hai's demonstration, he had a strange sense of familiarity.
Suddenly, something clicked in his mind!
"This looks a bit like the sword technique that senior I met in the Immortal Traces Valley used…"
Though only somewhat similar, Jiang Kai could feel that this Nine Heavens Execution Sword had some connection to that senior's sword style.
"Have you learned it yet?" Zhu Hai sheathed his sword and looked back at Jiang Kai.
"Uh… How could I learn it that fast…" Jiang Kai said hurriedly.
The preparation was so rushed, Jiang Kai had absolutely no confidence.
"Forget it, forget it, there's no time. Just use whatever you remember! Let's hurry!"
As Zhu Hai dragged him along, Jiang Kai asked, "Then what if those same-sect people talk to me?"
"Ah, I don't know what to tell you. You'll have to figure that out yourself. I can only help you this far!"
"Damn it, Brother Zhu, I'm starting to feel like you're really unreliable," Jiang Kai said in despair.
Crossing through the Kunlun Guild's main courtyard, Zhu Hai led Jiang Kai into the back courtyard.
The moment they entered, Jiang Kai realized the Guild's supposed desolation was all an illusion—there were nearly a thousand people gathered here!
The Kunlun Guild's back courtyard had a wide, flat martial field, with racks around it holding swords, spears, staves, and other weapons.
At that moment, two people were sparring in the arena, surrounded by hundreds watching. From time to time, the crowd clapped and cheered at a particularly skillful move.
On the northern side of the viewing area stood a group of older men, with characters like "Kunlun," "Tianxuan," "Lingxiao," "Murong," and "Dongfang" written on their robes. Clearly, they were senior figures from these sects or noble families.
The other three sides were filled with younger men and women from various clans and sects, though the Kunlun Guild had the largest group.
What shocked Jiang Kai most was that the vast majority of them wore the War God Hall emblem!
Whether local or from Huaxia's central War God Hall, eight out of every ten people here were from it!
Jiang Kai had been to many guilds before, but he had never seen such an overwhelming ratio of War Gods!
Chang Siyao stood on the northern viewing platform, surrounded by senior Kunlun Guild members. Each had an imposing presence and reserved gaze—clearly people of high status.
Jiang Kai was puzzled.
Just what kind of status did Chang Siyao have? If she were only an ordinary disciple within her sect, there was no way her matchmaking event would be held on such a grand scale.
"When this round ends, go up when they call for the next one," Zhu Hai whispered beside him. "And remember—if you're found out, don't drag me down with you!"
Jiang Kai's eyes widened at him. Only now did this guy say that? After all this preparation, how could he possibly not get found out?
So in the end, he'd have to shoulder everything alone?
"Brother Zhu, I—"
Before Jiang Kai could finish, Zhu Hai had already walked toward the northern platform. As a young elder of Kunlun, he naturally belonged on that side.
That left Jiang Kai all alone. He looked at the lively arena, then turned toward Chang Siyao.
Her eyes, once always so bright, were now dim. Even in this competition held in her honor, she sat watching expressionlessly.
Looking at her flawless profile, Jiang Kai felt a sting in his chest.
"Forget it. For my happiness—damn it, I'll risk it!" he muttered through gritted teeth and slipped into the crowd.
The match in the ring had already gone far beyond what Jiang Kai thought "sparring" meant—it was incredibly intense.
Both fighters were War God–level experts and skilled martial artists. Their exchanges were fierce, neither giving an inch.
There was indeed a difference between those who knew martial arts and those who didn't.
For example, when Jiang Kai dodged attacks, unless he used a skill, he could only run frantically. But these fighters' evasions looked elegant—somersaults, backflips, effortless movements.
They also combined their martial arts techniques with Ghost Star skills.
By using their body movements and timing perfectly, they unleashed their Ghost Star skills for maximum effect.
Jiang Kai watched, utterly fascinated.
Unfortunately, he had come too late—the match was nearing its end. One fighter had already built up a clear advantage. Finally, he activated his extraordinary talent, Bestowal of Power, and delivered a crushing punch to his opponent's chest, sending him flying off the stage.
The defeated fighter spat out several mouthfuls of blood before losing consciousness—his condition uncertain.
The victor steadied his breath and raised his arm, shouting, "Tianxuan Sect—invincible!"
Below the stage, disciples in similar attire echoed loudly, "Tianxuan Sect—forever divine!"
Soon, an elder from Kunlun stepped onto the platform and said cheerfully, "Congratulations to Yang Wei of the Tianxuan Sect for winning this match. Yang Wei, you may now present a gift to Junior Sister Siyao."
"Thank you, Elder Qian, for the honor," Yang Wei said respectfully, suppressing his earlier pride. Then he walked toward the northern viewing platform to stand before Chang Siyao.
Facing her, his heart surged with excitement.
"Siyao, do you remember when you came to our Tianxuan Sect to study, and we practiced martial arts together every day?"
"Sorry, Senior Brother Yang Wei, I've visited too many sects—I don't remember," Chang Siyao replied calmly.
Yang Wei's expression darkened briefly but he quickly masked it. Taking out a card, he handed it to her. "That's all right. I believe if we get to know each other better this time, you won't forget me again."
"This is a set of ultra-five exclusive-grade armor. I hope you like it."
Chang Siyao accepted the gift, glanced at it, and put it into her card pouch. "Thank you, Senior Brother Yang Wei. If fate allows, I'll keep it. If not, I'll return it to you another day."
This line was something she said almost every time—clearly part of the routine.
"No need," Yang Wei said, gazing deeply at her. "A mere set of equipment is nothing compared to my ten-thousandfold affection for you, Junior Sister Siyao."
Chang Siyao turned her head politely. "Thank you, Senior Brother Yang. Please go rest and tend to your injuries."
A nearby Tianxuan disciple exclaimed, "Look! Junior Sister Siyao's shy in front of Senior Brother Yang Wei—she must like him!"
"Yeah, yeah! It's the first time she's ever looked embarrassed. Honestly, she's too beautiful—she truly deserves the title of the number one beauty of the ancient martial world!"
In the crowd below, Jiang Kai frowned at their chatter and snorted coldly. "Can they be any more nauseating? Anyone would be embarrassed being stared at like that!"
"Good!" Yang Wei returned to his group, looking extremely pleased—as if victory was already his.
After he finished presenting his gift, the Kunlun elder called out again, "All right, this round is over! Which talented young hero wishes to come up next?"
From across the arena, someone immediately shouted, "Elder Qian, I'll go!"
One man was already stepping forward, while others looked eager to join in.
Seeing that, Jiang Kai quickly leapt onto the stage. "Me!"
When he appeared on the platform, Chang Siyao's dim eyes suddenly lit up slightly.
His posture… his voice… they both felt oddly familiar to her, like someone she once knew…
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