C9 Roc Essence Sect's Mu Xiuzhi

Certainly, those average disciples stood no chance against Chiang Jin. Within a handful of exchanges, they were swiftly defeated.

"You've slain Senior Brother Qu, Chiang Jin. Our house lord will never forgive you for this!" a Barbarian Essence disciple spat venomously after being wounded by Chiang Jin.

"Qu Xiangfei brought his own downfall in the duel, and his sneak attack afterward was despicable. His death at the hands of Brother Jiang is nothing but his own doing!" another disciple countered, with onlookers nodding in agreement.

Outmatched and morally defeated, the Barbarian Essence disciples had no choice but to carry away Qu Xiangfei's body, leaving behind threats as they hastily retreated.

"Brother Jiang, Qu Xiangfei was asking for trouble. Even the house lord will commend you for dealing with him. You've got nothing to worry about."

Noticing Chiang Jin's silence and distant gaze, a disciple with a broad forehead and wide nose approached to offer some reassurance.

"You make a good point," Chiang Jin responded with a smile, though his attention remained fixed on his attribute panel.

Host: Chiang Jin

Level: Mortal

Cultivation Method: None

Skills: Light Fixing Sword Technique (Beginner), Body Searching Steps (Beginner)

Physique: Superior

Insight: Excellent

Talent Points: +3

The system awarded him three talent points for defeating Qu Xiangfei, whose potential was evidently not insignificant. Concerning Qu Xiangfei's demise, there was no cause for concern.

Indeed, as the disciple had pointed out, Qu Xiangfei was the architect of his own misfortune, and justice was on their side. Should the Barbarian Essence Blade House seek vengeance, Qin Qinggang would surely defend the Sword Pavilion.

Chiang Jin shook off his contemplation and returned to his sword practice in the Martial Arts Hall.

It wasn't until the afternoon that Qin Qinggang and the other disciples made their way back.

Upon learning of the events, Qin Qinggang echoed the disciple's earlier sentiment, "Well executed! If those three barbarians dare to challenge us, I'll take care of them myself!"

Qin Qinggang had braced for a confrontation with the Barbarian Essence Blade House, but days passed without a peep from them, as if they were pretending the incident never occurred.

As days went by, the much-anticipated Liucheng Grand Tournament finally commenced.

...

"Jue'er, you're back at last!" On the morning of the Grand Tournament, Mrs. Lin tearfully greeted a dignified young man stepping off a carriage in front of the Lin Family Mansion.

The man's face bore a look of sorrow. He quickly moved to support Mrs. Lin, asking in a grave tone, "Mother, is it true that my brother was murdered?"

"Yes, it was Chiang Jin from the Wave Submitting Sword House! He's the culprit!"

Lin Zhaofeng, standing to the side, suggested somberly, "Let's discuss this inside."

Once back in the mansion, Lin Zhaofeng recounted all the details, including the hiring of an assassin.

In front of the ancestral tablets, Lin Juehai's eyes reddened with anger. Clenching his fists, he vowed, "Father, Mother, I swear I'll avenge my brother by killing Chiang Jin!"

Mrs. Lin, worried for her son's safety, pleaded, "But even Lin Fengyu couldn't handle the expert we paid dearly for. Jue'er, please don't take any unnecessary risks. We can always hire another expert."

Lin Juehai scoffed with pride, "Mother, my years at the Longitudinal Star House weren't for naught. A small-town Sword Pavilion warrior can't possibly know any profound martial arts. Killing him will be as easy as slaughtering a chicken!"

"Today's the Liucheng Tournament, and Chiang Jin is competing. I'll enter the contest now."

"That old fool Qin Qinggang thinks he can protect the murderer Chiang Jin, but I will not only slay Chiang Jin, I'll do it on the stage, right in front of Qin Qinggang! Let's see if he dares to cross me!"

Lin Juehai's words showed utter disregard for Qin Qinggang.

With concern etched on his face, Lin Zhaofeng inquired, "Juehai, you don't have an entry for the tournament. How will you compete?"

"I am a disciple of the Longitudinal Star House; even the City Lord of Liucheng must show me some respect. A mere entry is trivial." Lin Juehai declared, then beckoned his parents to join him in the carriage, heading for the Liucheng competition grounds.

In front of the City Lord Mansion, a pavilion overlooked a fighting stage where martial artists were currently engaged in combat.

City Lord Liu Zong presided over the event, with a tall, thin man, Deacon Mu Xiuzhi of the Roc Essence Sect, seated beside him. Below were other notable martial artists from the city.

"Deacon Mu, what do you think of the potential of those two fighters below?"

Mu Xiuzhi glanced down dismissively, "Their foundations are weak, their inner strength is scattered, and their swordsmanship is rudimentary. I fear Liucheng won't be sending many worthy candidates to the Roc Essence Sect this year."

Liu Zong's expression shifted subtly. He was tasked with defending the cities under the Roc Essence Sect's domain. Besides ensuring their safety, his other duty was to scout and select promising talents for the sect.

The Roc Essence Sect conducted these selections every three years. If the quota of disciples wasn't met, the City Lord's standing would suffer.

In Liucheng, the privilege of choosing disciples rested solely with Mu Xiuzhi.

Liu Zong was about to offer some flattering remarks when Mu Xiuzhi's eyes brightened. He pointed ahead and inquired, "To which martial arts school does that young woman belong?"

All eyes followed Mu Xiuzhi's gesture and landed on a strikingly beautiful girl clad in pristine white, her demeanor cool and detached. She advanced toward the arena, her swordplay dazzling, swiftly besting her opponent in a few deft strokes.

Recognizing her, Liu Zong grinned and said, "I know her. That's Qin Baizhi, the daughter of the Wave Submitting Sword House's Lord!"

Qin Qinggang had felt a surge of pride at Mu Xiuzhi's initial interest, hopeful that Qin Baizhi's exceptional abilities would secure her a spot in the Roc Essence Sect's elite training. But his heart sank as he watched Mu Xiuzhi fixate on Qin Baizhi, eyes nearly popping out in admiration as he exclaimed, "Such beauty, such grace, such poise!"

"House Lord Qin, your daughter is indeed a rare beauty. But I'm curious about her prowess in combat," Mu Xiuzhi said, bursting into unrestrained laughter.

Qin Qinggang's face turned a shade of stormy blue, his fists clenched, struggling for a response. Meanwhile, Man Sanxiong, the head of the Barbarian Essence Blade House seated across from him, couldn't help but let out a boisterous laugh.

The Roc Essence Sect wielded supreme power over its cities, with the authority to dictate life and death as if they were sovereigns.

Mu Xiuzhi, as an envoy of the sect, was not only of high rank but also possessed immeasurable strength. Qin Qinggang dared not cross him.

Although Liu Zong and Qin Qinggang were acquainted, the former quickly interjected upon hearing Mu Xiuzhi's comment, "If Deacon Mu is interested, I can summon Qin Baizhi to speak with you."

"No need to trouble yourself, City Lord Liu," Mu Xiuzhi replied with a sly grin. "I'll seek her out after the tournament."

Liu Zong nodded, his smile hinting at an unspoken understanding, and turned to Qin Qinggang, "House Lord Qin, when Deacon Mu graces the Wave Submitting Sword House later, be sure to extend your finest hospitality."