Could it be that I am the cruel villain?

"Junior Sister Liu, please calm down."

Yun Yue suddenly spoke.

This young Peak Master, with an orchid-like and bamboo-like demeanor, turned sideways. She was slightly older than Liu Tangxi, both belonging to the second generation of disciples, and entered the sect earlier. Now, both hold the position of Peak Master.

"There's no need to be so tense. When the martial arts competition list was announced yesterday, I instructed Xi Yin to show mercy, considering that Jiang Feng is still young and was injured a few days ago. His ability to stand here with his initial Core Formation realm already proves his talent."

The woman displayed a noble yet elegant smile, head held high, and was particularly radiant and spirited when her disciple showcased their skills.

The two have distinctly different demeanors. If Liu Tangxi exudes genuine coldness and tranquility, observing the world with indifference, then Yun Yue is generous, intellectual, possessing the charm of a mature woman, while also revealing an underlying arrogance.

In Yun Yue's eyes, Jiang Feng is certainly a promising sect junior, but compared to her own disciple, he naturally falls short. No matter how gifted he is, at this stage, he simply cannot compare to her direct disciple.

She acknowledges that Jiang Feng might catch up in the future, but for now, the young lad is only at the initial Core Formation stage; it's still far off. In her eyes, or rather in most people's eyes, Jiang Feng reaching this level is already quite surprising.

For this session of the Nine Peaks martial arts competition, Jiang Feng isn't considered its leading star.

"Junior Sister Liu, your disciple's strength is indeed commendable. I've heard he is capable of surpassing cultivators at the high grade of Core Formation, and can even defeat Xuan Mingzi's young grandson. However, I am very familiar with Xi Yin's capabilities."

"If facing an ordinary high grade Core Formation disciple, Jiang Feng should have a good chance. But Xi Yin has been at the Peak of Core Formation for over two years and could form her Nascent Soul at any time. Calling her back to the sect for the martial arts ceremony is our hope to provide her with some realm insights."

"The direct disciples under Swordmaster Peak are all exceptionally talented, albeit still young. If they wait until the next session..."

She starts the conversation with Liu Tangxi with a smile.

Her smile reveals both concern and a barely discernible smugness. Anyone would likely show this expression when they see their disciple showcasing their skills. Other Peak Masters nod understandingly, empathizing with Liu Tangxi's anxiety over her disciple's possible defeat and harm.

She has never worried about her junior brother being beaten.

In this Nine Peaks martial arts ceremony, Jiang Feng isn't the focal point. The interest in Jiang Feng is due to curiosity about Swordmaster Peak reopening, and what kind of talent Liu Tangxi would value. Praise aside, no one actually believes he has the qualifications to compete with their direct disciple.

Passing through a couple of moves would already be admirable.

"He doesn't need the next session."

Suddenly interrupting Yun Yue's words.

"...What?"

The mind operating suddenly comes to a halt.

At the moment, none present immediately comprehended the meaning behind Liu Tangxi's words. In the Martial Arts Arena's center, it appeared to be Yun Xiyin's advantage, essentially chasing that young man around, making even Yun Yue feel something was amiss.

Just about to retort, but Gu Yuanshan's kindly voice redirected everyone's attention.

"Interesting."

Zing!

A sudden clap of thunder in the clear sky.

The slightly older girl flicked her right hand, sending out over ten Wind Blades from her fingertips, encircling the young man from all directions. Skillfully blocking left and right, the youth always seemed in a relatively disadvantaged position.

His legs carved a groove in the ground, and upon closer inspection, it would be clear that since the opponent summoned a splendid brush, he hadn't opted to attack proactively; he'd been studying the opponent's techniques.

Now, more than a quarter hour has passed.

Holding the brush in his left hand, Spiritual Energy continuously gathered within his body, the conspicuous black ink at the brush tip landed.

"The art of literature and warfare, advancing and retreating; the way of heaven and earth, rising and falling."

Drip—

As ink landed on the ground, the center of the Martial Arts Arena transformed into chaos, glancing at his feet, Jiang Feng suddenly realized he'd stepped into a whole new world!

"Junior Brother Jiang, reaching this point is already remarkable. It's still time to concede."

For the first time, Yun Yue's voice revealed some loneliness, just like her teacher — a person gentle and kind, yet internally proud.

Eyes wide open, the sound of that wooden lyre continued. Soon, he realized that his Divine Soul seemed influenced, although he didn't know to what extent it was manipulated, but unquestionably already caught in the Illusion Realm.

Nearby, spectating disciples also exclaimed enchantingly due to that mysterious melody and manipulation of emotions. To their eyes, similar to Jiang Feng's experience, in that unique world filled with mist, the ground was white pure water, rising with ripples.

Standing atop the lake, he couldn't make out any noise from others, his Divine Soul guarding his heart, not bothering to observe the steps of his opponent anymore, knowing that from this moment his senses failed him.

Swish!

A drop of ink dripped into the lake.

"Illusion Realm, Qingyun Light Ink."

A flick of the small hand.

Under the lake immediately came a commotion, and those chilling goosebumps sent him leaping high, just as a figure made of ink wielded a saber, emerging from beneath!

"Capturing form and spirit, masterful brush strokes!"

The once slim brush, merely half a foot in length, instantly transformed into a spear-like size in his hands, revealing the magical essence of the splendid brush. Its end resembling branches, crookedly nurturing flowers.

Just a point, causing the lake to boil instantly, the dripping ink dyeing the entire surface black, outlined soldiers, creatures, Spiritual Beasts, all emerging from underfoot.

In an instant, forcing the youth without any footing.

The flying sword flung to stand upon high, but before finding balance, lifting his head found Yun Xiyin holding a splendid brush as tall as herself floating aloft.

This brush was her flying sword.

"Shaping and imagining, painting a realm."

Boom!

Body aches.

His whole being dropped like a cannonball from above, shaking the lake, sliding tens of meters before stopping, twisting while supporting the ground, iron wire piercing!

Using powerful core strength, forcibly burst the skull of a beast attempting to drag him underwater, transforming into a pool of ink.

"What's going on?"

His mind full of shock.

For the first time fighting against a specialist in Divine Soul Melody, despite Yu Ying explaining last night, the niche contestants indeed caused immense pressure.

"That woman was just opposite, how suddenly... I get it."

"That was an illusion, an enticing attack illusion. She isn't a Body Cultivator; although that strike had force, compared to a Body Cultivator, it lacked power, even less than Xuan Yinzi."

"Most Soul Cultivators are frail in constitution, Yu Ying was right; even if I were defenseless, getting hit only caused internal turbulence, not injury. Her weak body can't engage on the ground."

"She must hover above, avoiding any attacks."

His brain rapidly analyzing.

Once the battle stalls, Jiang Feng's intellect immediately prevails, unaware that the scene already left elders and Peak Masters at the stone stairs baffled.

From their viewpoint, Jiang Feng of low-grade Core Formation suddenly leapt to the sky, untenably taking a strike from Yun Yue at Peak Core Formation, upon witnessing, Cloud Moon Peak Master nearly popped champagne in celebration, given their vast gap, guaranteeing victory.

Yet...

Before all eyes, Jiang Feng slid tens of meters on the ground, then casually stood, dusting off his seat, merely showing mild discomfort — unharmed.

"Liu, Liu sister, is your disciple enduring or just..."

"No."

Liu Tangxi shook her head, confidently delivering a jaw-dropping statement.

"He gets beaten daily; this extent is just warm-up."