"The sect is sending Senior Brother Lin Ya to Starfall City? I must be seeing things!"
"What is the Merit Hall thinking? Do they want to see a bloodbath, or are they sending Senior Brother Ya to his death?"
Every disciple who saw the message was stunned. What kind of place was Starfall City? It was a city of vice! One of the few lawless zones permitted by the Qingyuan Sect, and one of the largest hubs for "black industries" in the Qingtian Domain. The illegal trades there generated massive amounts of wealth every year.
The reason the sect had permitted its existence for so long was that the vast majority of that wealth ended up in the pockets of the sect's own members. The true backer of Starfall City was the Qingyuan Sect itself!
In the past, whenever the sect dispatched Wardens to such cities, they would use various means to send their own people or choose flexible, diplomatic individuals to avoid conflict with the local bosses of the black industries. After all, some disciples were very upright; having illegal operations happen right under their noses would inevitably lead to conflict.
And when it came to being unyielding and fiery, who in the current Qingyuan Sect could compare to Qi Ping, the man who had shut his doors to all three major factions? Furthermore, Qi Ping wasn't just unyielding; he was terrifyingly powerful. His battle in Lingxiao City a few months ago was still fresh in everyone's minds—a man who had shredded six peak Foundation Establishment experts with his bare hands!
Now, he had been in seclusion in the Pavilion of Scriptures for over three months, reportedly reading a massive number of texts. Qi Ping's spells were already masterful; who knew how much stronger he had become with the addition of the sect's knowledge? Placing such a fierce and unyielding man in that den of vice... god only knew what would happen.
Either Qi Ping or Starfall City would likely end up destroyed!
From the current situation, it seemed highly likely that someone was trying to use the 'blade' behind Starfall City to kill Qi Ping. Simultaneously, they were dragging Han Li and Zhang Da-niu along to serve as a warning to others.
The realization chilled the hearts of many disciples. Was even a man as strong as Senior Brother Ya unable to escape the liquidation of the three major factions?
"Brother Han, Brother Zhang, what are your thoughts on this?"
Inside Manor Seven, Qi Ping looked at Han Li and Zhang Da-niu, whose expressions were quite grim.
"I think someone in the three factions is targeting you, Senior Brother. Everyone knows that Starfall City is a place you cannot touch. To touch it is to die!"
Zhang Da-niu was fuming. He and Qi Ping were being targeted simultaneously. He hadn't expected the people above to be so heartless. Senior Brother Ya was a genius evaluated as a 'Mainstay' by the Heart-Questioning Mirror and had shown terrifying power and potential. He was friendly to his fellow disciples and never hesitated to share his experience; Zhang Da-niu's own strength had improved significantly due to Qi Ping's guidance.
Did they truly have to kill such a pillar of the sect to be satisfied? What were the high-level leaders outside the three factions doing? It was one thing for ordinary disciples to compromise, but was a man like Qi Ping not worth protecting?
"I also believe we are being targeted. Most positions in the Merit Hall are controlled by the three factions. Openly, they cannot trouble Senior Brother Ya, but using a mandatory mission to 'borrow a blade to kill' is exactly their style. Behind Starfall City stand legacy disciples, and even elders. They might even have conflicting interests..."
"So, this is likely a move to 'drive the tiger to swallow the wolf.' Given Senior Brother Ya's character, conflict in Starfall City is inevitable. That conflict will draw out the people behind the city. Regardless of who wins, the three factions benefit."
"But we must fulfill a mandatory mission. If we refuse, they can charge us with violating sect rules!"
"Including Junior Brother Zhang and myself is likely because of our close relationship with you. They want to increase the likelihood and intensity of a conflict. Their intent is truly malicious."
Compared to Zhang Da-niu's anger, Han Li calmly dissected the origins, the interests involved, and the reasons behind the move. He had a much deeper understanding of the sect's inner workings.
As Qi Ping listened to Han Li's analysis, the puzzle pieces fell into place.
"I am sorry. You are being dragged into this because of me," Qi Ping said with a trace of guilt. He could understand why Zhang Da-niu was targeted, given his blunt personality. But Han Li had always been careful to protect himself; if it weren't for Qi Ping, he wouldn't have caught the attention of the three factions.
"Senior Brother Ya, don't say that. I, Da-niu, truly admire you. I take responsibility for my own actions; there is no such thing as being 'dragged in.'"
"Yes, Senior Brother. Please do not think that way. We do not regret our actions today, and we have the courage to face whatever comes!" Han Li said, his gaze firm.
The death of the senior brother who had once saved him was the greatest regret of his life. Seeing someone so similar appear, he refused to stand by and watch Qi Ping be sent to his death. He had anticipated the consequences and was prepared for them.
Looking at the two determined men, a smile appeared on Qi Ping's face. At that moment, he made a decision. Since things had come to this, why not have a clash with the hidden hands behind the scenes?
'If I go all out this time, I wonder if I can slay a Golden Core cultivator? It would be perfect if the final conflict coincides with the successful setup of the Heavenly Extinction Yin-Yang Array...'
The powerful array, the catastrophic number of Wind-Blade Bees, and the strength of his clone were his current foundations. If he won, he would seize the massive fortune of three hundred thousand Contribution Points and soar within the Qingyuan Sect! If he lost, he would at most lose a Treant clone.
Regardless, he intended to get his due! As for Han Li and Zhang Da-niu, he would find a safe way for them to leave—at worst, they would temporarily leave the Qingtian Domain...
Meanwhile, when the news of Lin Ya's appointment reached Starfall City, the entire city fell silent for a fleeting moment.
"What did you say? Lin Ya of the Qingyuan Sect is coming as the Warden of Starfall City!?"
"You mean the Lin Ya who caused a bloodbath in Lingxiao City a few months ago!?"
Disbelieving roars erupted throughout the city.