A blue figure entered the docks. She wore a hood with hanging blue veils concealing her features.

People nearby paid her no attention, completely unaware as someone quietly passed by, scanned the sailing routes hanging in the docks, then silently left.

Echo followed the city’s no-flying rules, obediently walking out of Sunset Glow City before sword-flying toward her destination.

Water Dragon’s Hymn transformed into a pale blue woman’s form, following beside Echo. She asked, “You’re not taking a boat.”

“Boats are slow,” Echo said. “I want to return before the third day.”

Water Dragon’s Hymn simply said, “Oh.”

Her blue dress fluttered as she landed on Echo’s sword, saying calmly, “You might not be able to beat him. Do you need me to help?”

Echo thought about it. “If my plan fails and this body dies, please try to bring my corpse back.” After my endorsement fees accumulated enough points, I could have the Main System repair it and continue using it.

Water Dragon’s Hymn simply said, “Oh.”

“I’ll try my best.”

Echo gave Water Dragon’s Hymn a thumbs up.

Good friend.

Her sword rushed through the air like a meteor streaking across the sky toward her destination.

⁂

Central Province, Jade Cauldron Sect.

Night enveloped the majestic architectural complex. Even the winds passing through here couldn’t help but become solemn, lowering their presence to quietly slip along the edges.

In the silence, a spirit boat seemed to carry anger as it descended. The night-watch disciple looked up in surprise at the person jumping from the boat, quickly saying, “Greetings, Elder Nie!”

Nie Xiu snorted coldly in response, striding toward the distant great hall without looking back.

The disciples behind exchanged glances.

Nie Xiu knelt before the hall. “Disciple Nie Xiu requests an audience with Master.”

The hall remained silent. Nie Xiu kept his head down without speaking, cold sweat beading on his forehead. After a long while, the door creaked open. Nie Xiu’s heart leaped as he quickly walked inside.

The hall had no lighting, only wisps of smoke curling upward. The Jade Cauldron Sect Master sat in the moonlight, his face cold as he spoke to the disciple kneeling by the door. “News of your elimination from the second trial reached the sect long ago. I haven’t yet blamed you for losing face, and you disappear without a trace. Speak! What have you been doing these days!”

Nie Xiu said dejectedly, “Master, I was forced to withdraw from the second trial by Lingshan Sect’s Xi Lingren and Luanyang Palace’s Seraphine Valka. Earlier, when Seraphine disrupted the trial to seize opportunities, I spoke up for our fellow disciples but was oppressed instead. They’ve held grudges against me ever since!”

The Jade Cauldron Sect Master’s expression remained flat, his tone equally calm. “Don’t spout such foolishness before me.”

Nie Xiu paused, then smiled awkwardly. “In any case…… I mutually despise these two women—we all wish the other would die. Originally I planned to settle accounts after the second trial ended, but I never expected that Xi Lingren person to advance from mid-Nascent Soul to early Soul Transformation in such a short time! I couldn’t resist and didn’t want to hand over the fragments I’d worked so hard to obtain……”

He continued angrily, “I never thought I’d still end up fulfilling their wishes! I was so frustrated that I took it out on some insignificant small sects nearby who’d always been dissatisfied with our sect!”

The Jade Cauldron Sect Master made no comment on Nie Xiu’s latter actions, frowning instead. “Xi Lingren? I didn’t take her seriously before, but she’s already reached Soul Transformation……”

At this point, Nie Xiu suddenly straightened up and sneered. “Master doesn’t know—when I first encountered that Xi Lingren in the Twin Dragon Secret Realm, she was only mid-Nascent Soul. I really can’t understand how she managed to advance two major levels in less than a year…… Don’t you think she deliberately concealed her cultivation?”

The hall fell silent except for the drifting incense.

The smoke obscured his face, making his expression unreadable. The Jade Cauldron Sect Master pondered for a moment, then said quietly, “No. The Insight Academy Palace’s Blue Jade Bead wouldn’t be wrong. When she entered Twin Dragon, she was definitely mid-Nascent Soul. I’m afraid this person obtained a great opportunity in the Secret Realm!”

Hearing this, Nie Xiu’s face immediately turned ugly. Something like acid seemed to rise in his stomach, soaking his heart. He ground his back teeth, saying indignantly, “Fine if the Chongshan Immortal Palace opportunity was taken by someone else, but if there really was an opportunity that could advance someone two major levels, it’s unheard of! Why did that Xi Lingren have to get it!”

The Jade Cauldron Sect Master stroked his beard, cold intent spreading in his eyes. “Unfortunately, if she really enters the Insight Academy Palace, I can’t easily make a move.”

Once you enter the Academy, you become one of Ink-Trace Venerable’s people. And with Ink-Trace Venerable still in Sunset Glow City, even if he wanted to act, he’d have to consider how tough his own life was.

Nie Xiu immediately showed a pitiful expression, crawling forward to kneel before the Jade Cauldron SectMaster. “Please seek justice for me, Master! If we really let Xi Lingren and Seraphine grow stronger, they’ll be endless trouble for our Jade Cauldron Sect!”

“Wasn’t it your hesitation that led you to bring a group of waste to block Seraphine’s boat! If you’d gone quietly and struck directly, Seraphine’s soul would be on the Bridge of Helplessness by now—where would today’s troubles come from!” The Jade Cauldron Sect Master scolded him for his incompetence. “But you waited until the people from Autumn Water Pavilion arrived, got knocked off the ship, and didn’t even dare to fight back!”

Nie Xiu regretted it deeply, thinking he’d underestimated Luanyang Palace too much, never expecting Seraphine to have such a temper despite her low cultivation, and to latch onto such a mysterious backer.

With things as they were, it was too late for regrets. The Jade Cauldron Sect Master snorted twice and placed his hand on Nie Xiu’s shoulder. “It seems I can only ask you to endure this temporary humiliation—”

Seeing Nie Xiu about to speak, he raised his hand for silence, saying coldly, “Don’t worry. I only ask you to endure temporarily. The Insight Academy Palace isn’t a place people stay forever, and great opportunities aren’t roadside stones you can pick up at will. I don’t believe these two can hide in the Academy forever!”

“Have the sect disciples keep close watch on their movements. The moment they show themselves…… hmph!”

Strike quickly and cleanly then, without anyone knowing.

Nie Xiu’s eyes shifted as he said quietly, “Master, since that’s the case, why not strike directly at Luanyang Palace? If we hide our identities and slaughter Luanyang Palace completely, won’t we force them out of the Academy?”

The Jade Cauldron Sect Master rubbed his fingers, still hesitating about massacring Luanyang Palace, worried that Yunong Velka had left contingencies that would create endless trouble if even one person escaped.

Just as he and Nie Xiu were plotting revenge against Xi Lingren and Seraphine, a disciple suddenly landed outside the hall, saying urgently, “Sect Master, trouble! Someone’s attacking our sect—their cultivation is extremely high and we can’t resist!”

Both men in the hall changed expression. The Jade Cauldron Sect Master looked up in shock, waving hi spalm to open the hall doors. The kneeling disciple outside tremblingly presented a challenge letter.

The Jade Cauldron Sect Master ignored the messenger, looking toward the distance.

In the night sky, a brilliant light pierced the darkness. In the depths of autumn, vast snow fell like rain. The earth instantly turned white, and the world suddenly brightened, clearly illuminating the shocked expressions on the faces of Jade Cauldron Sect disciples.

Nie Xiu spun around and roared, “Xi Lingren!”

“Master, it’s her!” Nie Xiu pointed at Echo and shouted to the Jade Cauldron Sect Master.

The Jade Cauldron Sect Master looked up at the woman standing on the roof ridge across from the hall, viciousness flashing in his eyes.

Such audacity!

Only early Soul Transformation, yet she dared come calling! He’d been wondering how to catch this person and grind her bones to dust!

In the wind and snow, Echo’s silver-white hair was blown by the wind, large snowflakes hanging in her hair and on her lashes. She held her sword and nodded politely to the Jade Cauldron Sect crowd.

“Hello.”

“I intend to destroy the Jade Cauldron Sect. Those who don’t wish to perish with the Jade Cauldron Sect, please sever your spiritual veins and leave the sect,” Echo said calmly. “Once I begin, there won’t be time for hesitation.”

“Hahaha!” The Jade Cauldron Sect Master laughed loudly, appearing outside the hall in a blink. With a wave of his hand, the wind and snow suddenly stopped. He said disdainfully, “Xi Lingren, your mouth is as big as your audacity.”

Echo said, “I’m being honest.”

Nine Heavens traced a sword flower in Echo’s hand as she curved her lips. “And I’ll act accordingly.”

While they were talking, thousands of Jade Cauldron Sect disciples rushed over, standing in the square and mockingly staring at the woman on the roof.

“Sect Master, don’t waste words with her. How dare she deliver a challenge letter—she must have a death wish!”

“The famous Xi Lingren from Lingshan Sect? Heh, what heavenly genius—I think she just lacks brains!”

“She probably relies on her looks and has been spoiled by those around her, thinking she’s something special before daring to come provoke the Sect Master!”

Nie Xiu stood behind the Jade Cauldron Sect Master, feeling inexplicably worried. Remembering his recent experiences, he couldn’t help but whisper, “Master, be careful she has backup.”

Others looked at Nie Xiu with displeasure. “Junior Brother, don’t tell me she scared you senseless!”

The Jade Cauldron Sect Master raised his hand for silence, looking behind Echo mockingly. “Backup? You mean bringing Autumn Water Pavilion’s divine weapon makes you think you can contend with me?”

The blue dragon flew in the sky without descending.

Echo spun another sword flower. “You and your disciple both talk too much. Since no one’s leaving, let’s begin.”

The Jade Cauldron Sect Master’s eyes grew colder. His long sword unsheathed as he charged toward Echo.

Echo turned and ran.

Dare to run?

The Jade Cauldron Sect Master was furious. His late Soul Transformation pressure spread out, rushing straight at Echo. Feeling the gap between them, Echo forcibly took his strike, spitting blood while throwing out an artifact.

“Full moon.” Echo said quietly.

The Crimson Moon Blood Seal instantly created a massive space, enveloping the entire Jade Cauldron Sect. Under the moon’s shadow, the white snow and buildings, every blade of grass and tree, were all dyed blood red.

The disciples whose smiles hadn’t yet faded found their expressions turning to terror as they felt the moonlight like knives, cutting piece by piece into their bodies, making them scream in agony.

The Jade Cauldron Sect Master was late Soul Transformation. They weren’t.

But Xi Lingren was genuinely early Soul Transformation, and among them, the highest cultivation was only mid-Nascent Soul.

Many disciples with only Foundation Establishment cultivation instantly became blood-covered. Those with higher cultivation quickly pulled out artifacts to resist, crying for master to save them.

“You dare, wretch!” The Jade Cauldron Sect Master, thinking he understood Echo’s purpose, immediately struck toward the Crimson Moon Blood Seal.

But Echo had already stepped forward, using injury as the price to block his attack.

Echo quickly stuffed a handful of restoration pills in her mouth, calmly telling the Jade Cauldron Sect Master, “Actually, I’m just preventing them from leaving. They want to perish together with the Jade Cauldron Sect.”

“Also—” While enduring the Jade Cauldron Sect Master’s attacks and eating restoration pills until her spiritual power reached its peak, Echo stopped dodging and threw out a red maple leaf.

Massive waves surged, roaring as they crashed toward the Jade Cauldron Sect Master. In this gap, Echo sat on the ground covered in blood and whispered, “Please open the door.”

Two golden birds flew from her palm, passing through the water wall. When they neared the Jade Cauldron Sect Master, they suddenly transformed into two giant dragons, opening their massive mouths to swallow the Jade Cauldron Sect Master whole.

“Click.”

A soundless great door opened. Behind it appeared a devastated world. The Jade Cauldron Sect Master looked surprised and uncertain, not knowing where he’d arrived, when he heard thunderous footsteps urgently approaching from the ground.

He suddenly looked up, and the moment he saw what was coming, his face turned deathly pale.

“Cough.”

“Cough cough!”

Feeling pain and discomfort, Echo patted her chest. Blood dripped from the corner of her mouth as she pulled out a small handkerchief to wipe it, muttering to herself, “If someone delivers you a letter, please check it promptly.”

That way you’d know whether you’re fighting a system or a Stone Giant.

“Master—”

Within the Crimson Moon Blood Seal, seeing his master “swallowed,” Nie Xiu cried out in panic. Herecognized the origin of those two dragons, his face changing as he met the cold eyes of the silver-haired woman kneeling on the ground.

“Oh right, there’s all of you too.”

Nie Xiu’s heart went cold, his knees went weak, and he fell to the ground with a thud.

[Task: Eliminate Jade Cauldron Sect]

[Status: Complete]

“Pah.” Echo spat out another mouthful of blood, saying sadly, “That really hurt.” Just like when I’d forced out my heart’s blood.

Water Dragon’s Hymn descended. “You didn’t die. Good.”

Yes, saved a fortune in points! Echo was covered in her own blood, but her eyes were bright. Though she’d have to waste a set of clothes—hahaha!

⁂

Sunset Glow City, guest quarters.

Seraphine leaned against the soft couch, holding a novel but staring out the window in a daze.

They’d be leaving Sunset Glow City soon. Why wasn’t that fool back yet? Seraphine had been restless these past two days, even searching around Sunset Glow City, not knowing where Echo and Water Dragon’s Hymn had run off to.

Just as her mind was in chaos, a blue figure passed by the window. Seraphine instantly stood up, reaching the door before the person could knock.

“Echo—” Seraphine’s smile vanished, her expression going blank. “Your face.”

Face?

Echo raised her hand, elegant fingers brushing across her cheek.

“Dust?”

Blood stains marked Echo’s face, and when her hand passed over them, faint red traces appeared on herpale knuckles.

Seraphine narrowed her eyes and took out her natal artifact.

“Echo.” Seraphine gripped her long whip and gave it a snap. Golden-red fire danced along the whip, reflecting in her eyes as she angrily lashed out. With a sharp “crack” countless fire sparks scattered.

“Next time use a dust-removal spell—don’t forget your face!”

[Author’s Note]:

Echo: Hahaha! Not familiar with it. I’ll definitely do it next time!

Seraphine's fire whip? Totally a sign of affection. I think. Watch her try to knock some sense into me, 20 chapters ahead at Pxtreon➡️LoveisLove520!