Could it be that I am the cruel villain?

Her whole body was sore and weak, and even though Liang Yu had rested for a full day and was able to get out of bed and walk, she still appeared somewhat strained.

Her lips lacked much color, and it was clear from a glance that her body was extremely weak. Yet, despite this, she actively chose to come and watch the battle. It was evident that Jiang Feng had improved again, leaving her both joyful and frustrated.

Joy for her brother's progress, and frustration for the ever-growing gap between herself and her brother.

Originally, she thought she could challenge her brother again after learning these new moves. But she didn't expect his progress to be even faster; just from watching their hour-long exchange, she knew she had no chance against him now.

The audience watching from above was even more astonished.

"The Mountain River Fan? Isn't this treasure the gem of the Mountain Water Alliance? It was lost after Xuanyin Sect was exterminated; how did it end up in Jiang Feng's hands, Junior Sister Liu, you..."

Staring wide-eyed at Liu Tangxi, even Gu Yuanshan was dumbfounded, feeling both amused and frustrated.

Originally, he thought this battle had many uncertainties, even thinking Yun Xiyin had a greater chance of winning. His considerations made sense, as the situation was highly unfavorable for Jiang Feng at the time, with him seemingly lacking many countermeasures.

Soul cultivation through melody and the opponent's special Daoist skill were already quite difficult to handle. To be able to endure for an hour in battle without falling behind, despite only being at the Core Formation low-grade realm, already proved Jiang Feng's capabilities. But...

Once the Mountain River Fan appeared, all suspense was gone.

This was a matter of attribute restraint.

Mountain River Fan is one of the best suited magic treasures for Yun Xiyin, as its contained mountain and gale force not only spares her the trouble of beguiling minds, but also perfectly complements her Exquisite Brush, housing all the black ink within its folds. Whether wielding or generating power, it elevates to another level.

The more the item suits you, the more it restrains you when in someone else's possession.

Yun Xiyin perfectly illustrated this point; the black ink she painstakingly gathered was entirely absorbed, the fan's hurricane rendering her willow wood qin's melody ineffective, unable to affect the opponent's mind. Coupled with the various protruding building structures the ground offered, this environment was fatal for mages, especially those specializing in long-range magic.

Mages' worst fear isn't trading spells at range, but being drawn into close combat. Now, with rocky terrains overlapping in complexity, it provided the most suitable, comfortable environment for a sword cultivator.

Brandishing the crackling Thunder Sword as if going for Yun Xiyin's face, that image looked no different from a lustful dog, swinging each strike for a new place, everywhere surrounded by fragments of rock, while against Jiang Feng's terrifying Thunder Sword, she could only endure bitterly.

Her face fully displayed grievance.

"Such familiar cultivation techniques, the aura on this young fellow is quite intriguing.

"I heard recently that the Demon Clan Domain Master Moonlit Spirit Fox visited, due to a Fox Clan disciple under Swordmaster Peak severely wounded and near death, personally coming to demand accountability."

"Seems he managed to acquire something good from her."

"Vast, grand, unrestrained, though this cultivation technique isn't bad, it still has high physical demands. If Jiang Feng generally uses this technique as a benchmark, then it's no surprise he developed the Thunder Essence method."

"His physique is truly remarkable; young people's bodies are indeed good."

Even Sect Master Gu couldn't help but feel a bit envious for a moment, especially with Jiang Feng's cultivation technique exuding a familiar sense, although he didn't delve deep, simply watching the juniors' battle with a smile on his lips.

And as for Liu Tangxi at this moment...

"He snatched it from Xuan Yinzi; it has nothing to do with me."

Shifting the blame instantly.

Noticing their accusatory expression, Liu Tangxi didn't hesitate to betray her junior brother, appearing somewhat guilty.

The others held back laughter, as they definitely knew well about the Yuzhu Peak's renowned skills, knowing if Yun Xiyin couldn't overcome it when Mountain River Fan emerged, the martial arts competition would be nearly concluded. Their amusement was natural.

In particular, such a good thing coincidentally ending up in Jiang Feng's possession, this item could be deemed as the most restraining magic treasure against Yuzhu Peak, while also being best suited for them. The key being its appearance in the competition setup with Yun Xiyin, hadn't been used prior.

It's hard not to suspect Liu Tangxi specifically reserved this secretly for her disciple's use.

"Previously, he traveled to Country Liang and fought with Xuan Yinzi; this item was gifted to his wastrel grandson for defense by Xuan Mingzi. Not long ago, didn't he slay that evil beast, destroy its body, thus making this magic treasure fall into his hands?"

"Logically speaking, it belongs to him; naturally, I, as Senior Sister, couldn't shamelessly demand it. If inclined, once the martial arts competition concludes, Senior Sister Yun can personally discuss it with him."

"I won't step forward."

Her gaze wavered slightly, but who knows if she spent too much time around Jiang Feng, stating lies so confidently, yet it wasn't strictly false either—more like a half-truth.

The item was indeed Jiang Feng's acquisition, but just...

Accidentally picked up by her, then accidentally given to her junior brother.

Yun Yue's complexion softened slightly, knowing the item was indeed in Xuanyin Sect's possession, coupled with the commotion caused by the master-disciple duo in Country Liang recently, was likely when the treasure was acquired, making it irrational to blame Liu Tangxi.

Although her disciple might lose this martial arts competition, the attainment of news regarding the Mountain River Fan, especially from Xuanyin Sect, meant she might as well bleed a little later and figure a way to acquire it from Jiang Feng.

Many may not understand why Liu Tangxi felt guilty or why Yun Yue felt a tinge of unhappiness, it's simple, recall Jiang Feng's prediction for this Nine Peaks martial arts competition?

Yes, the theory of looking for an excuse to openly distribute treasures to key disciples from various mountain gates to enhance strength, everyone just going through the motions.

The martial arts competition's rewards are managed by each Peak Master, Elder, and Sect Master; everyone as elders hold countless resources and wealth. Naturally, the competition held every few decades requires effort, while the sect's rules dictate specialization priority.

Meaning, priority in furnishing mountain gates with treasures suiting its excellent disciples.

The Mysterious Moon Pipa can be deemed tailored for Yun Xiyin, and the rare longevity lock similarly perfectly matched, many items meant to suit disciples, such items are clearly designated to encourage top-ranking disciples' selection.

It's not about forcibly taking something from Jiang Feng, but incentives for top-ranked disciples, who receive first priority.

Cloud Moon Peak Master from Yuzhu Peak directly revealed all the items prepared, tailored to top-ranking disciples, be it elixir, magic treasure, or cultivation technique.

Among these were many items suitable for Jiang Feng's cultivation, given upon taking in disciples, specifically prepared for his disciples, simply waiting for them to excel and pick worthy rewards.

Then it arrives at Liu Tangxi's turn, reversing immediately to give something to her junior brother.

That's why she felt a bit guilty, if the Mountain River Fan fully matched Jiang Feng, it'd be fine; naturally, no one would comment, what's in possession lies with the capable, but the issue is...

Not quite suited.

Yet despite poor compatibility, Jiang Feng continues to rampage relying on Mountain River Fan's traits and restraint effect against Yun Xiyin, forcing her into the open under relentless assault from Thunder Swords, unable to evade any further, having no choice but to endure, eyes turning toward her waist.

Immediately taking out the Demon Burning Furnace.

"True fire ignite, three flames blaze."

A strand of true fire surged from the furnace, those rocky terrains as cover exploded instantly, with the right hand's Mountain River Fan stirring, the wind fueling flames were maxed by him at this moment.

"Wild winds from the sea roar, breath of heaven and earth! True fire of the earth, heed my command!"

"Assist!"

Today.

Should be Jiang Feng's peak numerical day.