The next day marked the continuation of the group battles.
Every sect was in tense preparation.
The hot topic of discussion was simple: what should they do if they ran into Wushuang Sect, those shameless troublemakers?
If even Ziyun Sect's disciples couldn't break their barrier, then weaker sects stood absolutely no chance.
That left only two outcomes.
Either exhaust themselves until they collapsed…
Or refuse to fight at all, letting the match end in a draw.
It seemed… a draw was the only possible result.
But if every match kept ending in draws, how could this group battle ever produce a winner?
A cluster of sect masters gathered behind Yun Jin's back to whisper their frustrations. The result of their secret council could be summed up in one word: vexation.
A perfectly good tournament, and in barged Wushuang Sect, ruining everything like a stick in the latrine pit.
"Pavilion Master, what about Wushuang Sect?" The other sect elders all turned their eyes toward Lin Xiao.
Lin Xiao kept a blank face. "Since the rules of the group battles contain loopholes, this seat will add a new one. Within one incense stick's time, both sides must initiate an attack. If one side refuses to act, that side will automatically lose."
Forced to attack?
Now they felt secure.
Those disciples from Wushuang Sect only knew how to turtle up. If they were compelled to attack, their defenses would show cracks. This time, let's see them try to be tortoises. Of course, changing the rules mid-tournament was a bit shameless. But then again, hadn't Wushuang Sect been the first to abandon shame?
If Yun Jin dared to protest, they had plenty to say in response.
"Feng Yuan, tomorrow your Juling Sect faces Wushuang Sect. Do you have confidence?" Lin Xiao asked, looking toward Feng Yuan, Sect Master of Juling Sect.
Feng Yuan's expression instantly turned self-assured. "Rest easy, Pavilion Master Lin. What can Wushuang Sect disciples do besides turtle up? If the rules had stayed the same, we might have been stuck with a draw. But with the new rules, Juling Sect will surely triumph."
"It had better be so." Lin Xiao nodded. "Enough. Return and prepare."
Once everyone dispersed, Lin Xiao narrowed his eyes.
Oddly, he did not feel relieved at all.
Yun Jin… this woman was far too strange.
No matter. He would let these sects slowly probe Wushuang Sect's limits.
A newborn sect—how many trump cards could it really hold?
After a few tests, everything would be exposed. When the time came to strike, he would crush them in one blow. Yun Jin would have no chance to turn the tables.
While the other sects were nervously preparing…
The disciples of Wushuang Sect were busy making a ruckus all across the city. It was as if they had no idea they were the most hated group in Sky City. One after another, they roamed the four main streets, throwing their arms around the shoulders of every passerby.
"Brother, did you watch our match? Wasn't it awesome? What, you're from Ziyun Sect? Don't worry about it, just work harder next time. This time you had to stop at the first round. Hold on, I know you really want to hit me, but calm down. You're already in the Golden Core stage—if you accidentally punch me to death, our Sect Master Yun Jin will definitely go berserk. Then you'll have to die alongside me."
"Sister, don't you recognize me? No? Then let's fix that. Here, here, this is Wushuang Sect's little banner. Remember to wave it for us tomorrow. Take it, take it, don't be shy. Sect Master Yun Jin said this batch is free—next time, we'll start charging."
"What, you really don't know who I am? Since you've asked so sincerely, I'll tell you…"
While some disciples were making nuisances of themselves outside, another scene unfolded inside a quiet room.
Here, Yue Zhao—who had deeply inherited Yun Jin's teachings—was giving a lesson.
"Everyone memorized those lines, right?" Yue Zhao lectured until his throat was dry. He couldn't understand it. He had always been a mature, steady man. How had Yun Jin pushed him into running training sessions on… posturing?
Was he really that kind of person?
Then again, even if he hadn't eaten pork, he had seen pigs run.
After witnessing Yun Jin's antics up close, Yue Zhao had indeed picked up some experience.
Still…
He had lectured for so long, and only one or two disciples had gone out to practice. The rest all looked blank and lost.
This wouldn't do!
This was an important mission personally assigned by the Sect Master. As Yue Zhao grew anxious, Gao Jingxuan suddenly cast a serious look over the group. "You haven't learned it yet?"
With a stern expression, he summoned a ruler into his hand.
The ruler tapped lightly against the table. The righteous qi of the Confucian path surged, and instantly everyone's minds felt clear and focused.
Yue Zhao clicked his tongue in admiration and seized the chance to keep drilling them.
"Remember this: Wushuang Sect disciples must be as high-profile as possible. Show off whenever you can. If you fail to impress, run quickly!
When you see the innocent or weak, protect them. When you see corrupt bullies, strike hard. But if the enemy's strength is overwhelming, retreat first. What if they can seal space itself? Then we'd be trapped. Above all else, preserve your lives. Once safety is assured, make as much trouble as you like."
Yue Zhao carried on with another round of lessons. This time, bathed in Gao Jingxuan's righteous aura, the disciples all nodded earnestly, looking as if they had finally understood.
Yue Zhao felt satisfied. With a wave of his hand he declared, "Good. Go practice. The Sect Master said that the top three most infuriating disciples will receive her personal rewards when the conclave ends. And who is our Sect Master? A god among mortals! You all know what her rewards mean.
One more thing. Never forget to keep Sect Master's name on your lips at all times. Don't worry about sounding disrespectful—this is her order. Failing to obey would be the true disrespect."
The disciples nodded one after another and rushed out to begin their practice.
"Student Gao, stay behind." Yue Zhao stopped Gao Jingxuan. "You need to master this course quickly. From now on, training the disciples in this art will be your duty."
Gao Jingxuan seemed born for teaching. Handing the job to him felt warm and reassuring. He accepted gravely.
Though he didn't fully understand his master's intent, how could the Sect Master ever be wrong? He would devote himself to guiding the juniors properly.
Yue Zhao, pleased with his attitude, gave him an encouraging pat on the shoulder before sending him off as well.
Not long after the Wushuang Sect disciples spilled out into the streets…
Within half an hour, all four main streets of Sky City were deserted.
The Wushuang Sect disciples looked around in confusion.
"What??"
They had just gotten into the mood, and their practice targets had all vanished?
Forget it. They would work harder next time.
Meanwhile, Yun Jin, watching her steadily increasing Emotional Value, could only chuckle.
This was only the beginning.
With enough Emotional Value, she could raise the sect's strength. For the sake of their future, everyone had to keep working hard.
That night…
The other sect masters received wave after wave of complaints. Listening to their disciples' bitter cries, they could only comfort them, telling them to endure for now. Once Wushuang Sect's tortoise shell was broken, these brats would no longer be so smug.
The next day arrived.
Wushuang Sect faced Juling Sect.
As Wushuang Sect's disciples stepped onto the stage, they immediately felt a murderous intent far stronger than yesterday's.
But instead of fear, their eyes lit up with joy.
This was perfect.
The Sect Master had said it herself: only useless cowards are never hated. The more people despised them, the more impressive they were.
That meant their little group had already made a name for themselves in Sky City.
This was a blessing. A tremendous blessing indeed.