For two days straight, Zhuge Xiang gave his all to imitate Lu Yuling's Clear Wave Palm by the lakeside. She never once showed displeasure. As she had said, the Clear Wave Palm was simply a martial art available to any disciple who had comprehended Qi, not a unique secret technique. In fact, during her breaks, she occasionally pointed out his mistakes, allowing his understanding to improve at astonishing speed.
Though he lacked Qi and could not unleash the technique's true essence, Zhuge Xiang had already mastered its movements.
They trained side by side without bothering one another. Even after learning his identity, Lu Yuling never demanded flattery or deference. People often sought company, and during her rest, she would chat with him casually to ease the monotony of training.
Every day, they remained at the lake until late into the night before parting ways. Zhuge Xiang, still unable to comprehend Qi Jin, pushed himself relentlessly; Lu Yuling, already a Qi Jin cultivator, worked just as hard—reminding him that even geniuses achieved greatness only through perseverance.
"Senior Sister Lu, I'm heading back. Please continue," Zhuge Xiang said at dusk, beneath a sky washed in crimson clouds—far earlier than the past few nights.
Lu Yuling had noticed how tirelessly he trained, often until he collapsed from exhaustion. Leaving early today? Something must have happened. She gave him a curious glance but didn't pry, simply nodding in acknowledgment.
Meanwhile, Li Bin walked back with light steps and an excited glow in his eyes. Zhao Feiyun had instructed him meticulously these past few days. Although Li Bin lacked Qi and couldn't grasp the true essence of Ghost Walk, he had memorized the footwork well enough. Against Zhuge Xiang, he believed the other boy wouldn't even touch the hem of his clothing.
He reached into his robe and pulled out a small packet of medicinal powder. A cold glint flashed in his eyes as he tucked it back carefully.
It was Duanchang Powder. It wouldn't kill immediately. Instead, it would cause confusion, dizziness, weakness in limbs—symptoms that lingered quietly until the true poison erupted a day later. It was rare and extremely difficult to obtain; Zhao Feiyun had gone to great lengths to secure it.
According to him, one must be fully prepared. With both the poison and Ghost Walk, Li Bin was certain victory was guaranteed. And since Zhuge Xiang knew about the Blood Spirit Fruit, he could not be allowed to live. Either could Niu Geng.
Thinking of Niu Geng, Li Bin smirked. He genuinely liked that straightforward, loyal boy—always ready to pour tea or fetch water. A shame to lose someone so useful.
But once Li Bin consumed the Blood Spirit Fruit and became an official disciple, the sect would naturally assign him servants. Asura Sect's disciples trained exclusively; their daily needs were taken care of by attendants. With that thought, Li Bin's reluctance vanished.
Niu Geng had also finished training early today. After eating in the disciples' dining hall, he returned to his room with worry creasing his brow. Clearly, he was troubled by the conflict between Zhuge Xiang and Li Bin.
To him, it was rare fate to share a roof with others. They were all friends—why escalate things so far?
"Niu Geng, there you are. Perfect timing." The door swung open as Li Bin stepped inside, beaming. He glanced around, as though to ensure no one else was present.
"This is some spirit fruit pulp I got from my younger brother. You and Zhuge Xiang should share it. I've been thinking these past few days… We're all friends from the same roof; there's no need for things to stay tense. And you've taken care of me this whole year—serving tea and water. I never repaid you." With a seemingly guilty expression, he pushed a small wine gourd toward Niu Geng.
"Spirit fruit pulp!?" Niu Geng's eyes widened.
The Asura Sect was vast and wealthy. Even preparatory disciples like him lived well—eating meat and drinking good wine whenever they wished. But spirit fruit pulp was truly rare. Only disciples who had comprehended Qi received it regularly; preparatory disciples got only a small cup once a month.
It was refined from dozens of spirit fruits and herbs through a complex process. Though it couldn't help one comprehend Qi, it healed the hidden injuries accumulated from rigorous training—injuries that could hinder one's future path. That was why spirit fruit pulp was so precious.
This single small gourd was worth more than what Niu Geng received in an entire year.
"You're right—we're all friends. And Zhuge Xiang isn't petty. Once we talk things out, this fight won't be necessary. This spirit fruit pulp is too valuable; you should keep it." Niu Geng waved his hands. More than treasure, he wanted their tensions resolved.
Li Bin's expression darkened. He feigned irritation. "What? Do you look down on my apology? If you really think of me as a friend, don't refuse."
"Well… all right, then." Embarrassed, Niu Geng accepted the gourd. He lifted the lid, and a refreshing aroma drifted out.
He inhaled deeply, eyes half-closing in delight, but didn't drink. Instead, he smiled innocently. "It'll mean more if Zhuge Xiang and I drink it together as a sign of peace. I shouldn't drink it alone, right?"
"Don't you treat me as a friend?" Li Bin said sternly.
"Fine, fine. I'll go find Zhuge Xiang now and share it with him." Seeing Li Bin insist, Niu Geng relented. Clutching the wine gourd happily, he hurried off.
"Oh, and don't tell him it came from me. We're competing tomorrow, and I want to see his true strength. I don't want him backing out." Li Bin added sharply.
"Don't worry. I won't say a word." Niu Geng patted his chest solemnly before leaving, excited to share the drink.
"Heh… None of you can be allowed to spread news of the Blood Spirit Fruit." Li Bin muttered coldly, eyes gleaming once Niu Geng disappeared from sight.
He wasn't worried about the pulp going to waste. He knew Niu Geng's honest nature—once it was poured, both he and Zhuge Xiang would drink it without hesitation.
About an hour passed before Zhuge Xiang returned. He and Li Bin exchanged cold glances, turning away from each other without a word. Just then, Niu Geng burst in excitedly.
"Zhuge Xiang! I was looking for you outside. Didn't expect you to be back already. I got some spirit fruit pulp—let's share it!" he said cheerfully, lifting the wine gourd.
"Spirit fruit pulp?" Zhuge Xiang blinked in surprise. Such a small gourd was hard to believe.
Niu Geng poured three cups. He even offered some to Li Bin, who shook his head dismissively.
He refuses? Zhuge Xiang stared at him, puzzled by his strange behavior. But he didn't dwell on it. Trusting Niu Geng completely, he raised his cup and drank—one cup after another until the gourd was empty.
"This spirit fruit pulp is amazing. Once I become an official disciple, I'll be able to drink it every day," he said, wiping his mouth.
Becoming a preparatory disciple had already changed his life. A full disciple, with greater resources and security—no more hunger, no more beatings, no more fear. That dream drove him forward and had brought him to the Asura Sect.
Beside him, Li Bin watched Zhuge Xiang drink the poisoned pulp. When he heard his hopeful words, a cold, vicious smile curled on his lips.
An official disciple?
In your next life.
After drinking Duanchang Powder…
you won't live to see tomorrow.