Lin Xiao's expression shifted ever so slightly.
No one had expected Yun Jin to act with such decisiveness.
She had only just secured Lin Xiao's promise, and the very next moment she had already established some kind of "Administration Office."
And just listen to her words!
Affiliated sects, as long as they registered, would be placed on a review list. Even those merely on the review list would be under the protection of Wushuang Sect!
As for disciples who wished to join Wushuang Sect, they could now sign some sort of intent contract. Once the contract was signed, if they failed to appear on the day of recruitment, Wushuang Sect would personally go to their sects to verify!
Wasn't this blatant distrust?
Wasn't this deliberately guarding against other sects' tricks?
Yet by doing so, Yun Jin had indeed cut off countless channels for scheming.
And this was Sky City.
Because of the beast tide, the place was more bustling than ever. If disciples and sects chose to register on the spot, could anyone still stop them? Especially since Lin Xiao had only just given his promise.
Liu Hua's first instinct was to glare coldly at the disciples of Xinghe Sect, trying to cow them with sheer force of presence.
As the sect once hailed as "the number one sect beneath the Holy Lands," Xinghe Sect had always been the one stealing disciples from others. They had never before suffered being "poached."If Xinghe Sect's disciples defected to Wushuang Sect, then he would truly become a laughingstock.
On the side of Xinghe Sect—
Ji Heng's face flickered with hesitation. He genuinely wanted to join Wushuang Sect. But he still had concerns. This recruitment differed from the last. It was bound to be overcrowded, and Wushuang Sect headquarters would only take in two hundred.
Their selection standards were unlike other sects, and no one could guarantee acceptance. Even if he was considered a genius disciple of Xinghe Sect, there was no certainty he would be chosen. If he signed the intent contract now, it would mean thoroughly severing ties with his sect. If afterward he still failed to join Wushuang Sect…
"Senior Brother Ji, what do you think?" someone whispered to him.
Many were tempted.
But they shared Ji Heng's concerns.
Ji Heng's body trembled slightly. He lifted his gaze, meeting Liu Hua's warning glare. Yet it was precisely that look that firmed his resolve completely.
Today, he had already offended the Sect Master. If he stayed, he would only face endless targeting. In that case, why not gamble?
If he failed, he could still try to join one of Wushuang Sect's affiliated sects. And if he could not even manage that, then he might as well die.
Drawing in a deep breath, Ji Heng strode directly toward Wushuang Sect's new office. It was already crowded and lively. But Ji Heng was the very first disciple of a super sect to step forward.
"I want to sign the intent contract," he declared without hesitation.
"Right away, dear Daoyou, let me process this for you," a Wushuang Sect disciple quickly recorded Ji Heng's details and handed him a small pearl. "Bring this with you on recruitment day."
Ji Heng accepted with mixed feelings.
Today—
He had chosen a completely different path. He thought he would be nervous, fearful. But he wasn't.
Instead, he felt relieved, as if a weight had been lifted.
It was decided.
Whether or not he succeeded in joining Wushuang Sect, he would never again be a disciple of Xinghe Sect.
Once, he had competed against tens of thousands for a single slot in Xinghe Sect. He had endured ten thousand times the effort of others just to be recognized as a genius. He was already strong. Wherever he went, others looked upon him with envy and respect.
But only today—
Did Ji Heng truly understand.
He had lost his original heart. He had cultivated endlessly, worked tirelessly.
But for what?
To ascend as an immortal?
And then what?
What purpose would that power serve?
If one possesses strength but has no purpose, then that strength is rootless.
Ji Heng was still unsure where his dao heart truly settled. But he knew this: as long as he followed Yun Jin, as long as he kept his eyes on her back, one day, he would find his answer.
"Ji Heng!" Liu Hua's teeth ground with rage.
The very first super sect disciple to sign was his own man. How could he show his face now?
Ji Heng felt Liu Hua's gaze, but he only tightened his grip on the pearl, his heart resolute. For the next month, he would not leave Sky City.
He would remain meditating beside the Wushuang Sect office. When the time came, he would follow them straight to the assessment. That way, nothing could go wrong. He sat cross-legged at once, entering cultivation.
Yun Jin, watching his behavior, couldn't help but laugh.
This Ji Heng… quite an interesting one. His action inspired the rest even further. Soon, other disciples from the super sects began stepping forward.
The Wushuang Sect office became a whirlwind of activity. After signing, they too imitated Ji Heng, simply sitting down nearby in meditation. It was only one month. They could wait.
When Xinghe Sect's first disciple defected, Liu Hua was enraged. When the second did so, he grew more furious. By the time the tenth, the twentieth followed… Liu Hua was left utterly numb. Just for a chance to apply, without even a guarantee of success—these disciples dared to risk so much?
Madness. The world had gone mad.
Even disciples of Bitao Sect rushed to sign.
Hua Ran let out a long sigh.
Honestly, if not for her unique status, even she would want to join Wushuang Sect…
After all—
Since Qin Ping and Hong Ye joined, their progress had been terrifying. Her eyes gleamed. Perhaps when Wushuang Sect officially rose to super sect status, she could negotiate to make Bitao Sect an affiliate. That too would be a path forward.
Meanwhile, Lin Xiao stood, his face calm as still water, watching the bustling office. He sent a voice transmission to Di Xiao. "Senior Di, Yun Jin's heavenly tribulation… it truly will come soon?"
Di Xiao replied evenly. "There is no mistake. Her heavenly tribulation will arrive even before recruitment day. Pavilion Master Lin, let Wushuang Sect celebrate now. When their Sect Master dies before they begin, let us see if they still laugh."
Lin Xiao's eyes narrowed with satisfaction.
Then it was settled.
No matter how grand the show now, Wushuang Sect had a fatal weakness. That weakness was their absolute reliance on Yun Jin. The miracle of Wushuang Sect was entirely her doing. So if she fell, Wushuang Sect would crumble with her.
Let them enjoy their last days of arrogance.
Inside the water mirror—
Fang Mingyue and others had already reached the Battle Hall.
The stage was prepared.
Only the top ten by points could fight in the individual duels.
The rest could only spectate.
Yun Jin too watched with interest. She knew Wushuang Sect maintained an internal disciple ranking. But she wondered how accurate it truly was when tested in actual combat. The top ten Unity stage disciples—how strong were they really?
Everyone's eyes turned to the duels.
Even Lin Xiao paid attention.
Five duels began simultaneously.
The water screen split into five sub-screens. Every battle blazed with ferocity.
The crowd marveled nonstop.
These disciples fought in formations with flawless coordination, like true siblings. In single combat, each fought with unrestrained ferocity, leaving no sign of holding back. Soon, the final rankings emerged.
Yun Jin glanced over them.
"Unity stage first place: Nie Yueling."
This Nie Yueling had been a simple loose cultivator when she joined. Yet after entering Wushuang Sect, her progress had been terrifying. Now she stood at the very top, undisputed. Whether by internal rankings or by the duels, she was number one.
As for others—
Among Tianxing Sect disciples, only Elder Ming managed to scrape into tenth place.
Fang Mingyue had strength enough for top five, but as she had been commanding while slaying beasts, her points fell to eleventh, just missing qualification.
Other Peak Masters could only watch.
Such was the cruelty of cultivation. Even with equal resources and environment, some always outstripped the rest. Latecomers like Kong Huai, though advancing rapidly, still could not match the first batch.
The Unity duels concluded.
A hundred disciples returned through the teleportation array.
Stepping onto the lively plaza, they froze in surprise.
What?
A Wushuang Sect Administration Office in Sky City?
And so bustling?
The spectators also turned to the disciples. For it was this very Unity stage competition that had shown Wushuang Sect's terrifying foundation.
"Sect Master, we did not fail you." Fang Mingyue, spotting Yun Jin, wore an expression begging for praise. Her points did not matter. Her true strength was known. All that mattered was she had not let Yun Jin down.
Yun Jin chuckled softly. Once, Fang Mingyue and the others had been her seniors in Tianxing Sect. Now their roles had reversed, leaving her slightly unaccustomed. But they had adapted well. Even Elder Ming's eyes held a new respect toward her.
"Well done." Yun Jin smiled faintly, then turned to Lin Xiao. "Pavilion Master Lin, the Unity rankings can now be announced."
The suspense was already gone.
Lin Xiao declared calmly, "This time, first place: Wushuang Sect."
They had claimed nearly all the points.
Other sects had pitiful scraps.
On the ranking board, Wushuang Sect soared ever higher, while the others fell further and further behind, unable to catch up.
Fang Mingyue and the others, freshly returned, were immediately sent to help at the office. They quickly learned what Yun Jin had done.
Kuang Wuchang trembled inwardly. Wushuang Sect disciples had sworn their Sect Master would save them. He had doubted it. Even after the spatial blockade broke, he had thought it coincidence.
Only now did he see.
Yun Jin had gone far beyond what he imagined. Sacrificing her sect's fortune to distribute treasures, rallying every power, even summoning statues to shatter the blockade. This disaster—Yun Jin's contribution was eighty percent or more.
Kuang Wuchang felt conflicted. Truthfully, as Wushuang Sect's Sect Master, once she had broken the blockade, she could have stopped. She knew her disciples could survive the three days alone. So why spend so much to save all the others too?
He suddenly recalled the unwavering gaze of Wushuang Sect disciples.
Yun Jin saved everyone.
They too, without hesitation, saved others.
Just as a thousand years ago—
Wushuang Sect perished to save the world.
Some spirits never fade.
His thoughts were interrupted when he saw Ji Heng meditating. They were acquainted, so he asked curiously, "Ji Heng, what are you doing here?"
Ji Heng replied calmly, "I signed the intent contract. A month later, I'll attend Wushuang Sect's recruitment. Senior Brother Kuang, do you want to join too?"
Recruitment?
Kuang Wuchang quickly pressed for details. Having just returned, he had missed it.
Ji Heng explained carefully.
Hearing there were two hundred openings, Kuang Wuchang was overwhelmed by temptation. The twenty disciples they had saved, after only a moment's thought, all rushed to sign intent contracts.
The various Sect Masters: "…"
It was like their hearts were bleeding.
Those last twenty rescued were the finest geniuses of their sects.
Now Wushuang Sect had swept them all up?
No, Wushuang Sect hadn't even promised to accept them yet. These brats just ran up on their own!
After so many years of being hailed as geniuses, could they not keep a shred of dignity?
Yun Jin gazed at the lively scene with deep satisfaction. The great plan for Wushuang Sect's second recruitment was proceeding smoothly. And before that, it was time to settle the greatest hidden danger.
Lin Xiao.
It was time to send him to hell.
Before everyone's eyes, Yun Jin summoned Bai Yiran and instructed, "For the next month, you will guard Sky City and ensure everyone's safety."
Bai Yiran readily agreed.
Only now did Lin Xiao notice this woman in the crowd of disciples.
Suddenly—
His expression shifted.
She looked familiar.
In a flash, he recalled.
There was once one known as the Ice Enchantress, who mastered ice magic to perfection. Thousands of years ago, during the struggle for the Four Immortal Artifacts, she had been there.
She had missed one only by a step.
Otherwise—
Perhaps one of the four Holy Lands today would have been hers.
So this was a truly ancient monster. And she had joined Wushuang Sect?! Her strength must have grown even greater over the millennia. Yet now she followed Yun Jin with absolute loyalty?
Just what was it about Wushuang Sect that could command such surrender?
With Bai Yiran, Wushuang Sect had another peak powerhouse. Even if Yun Jin were absent, they would remain safe. After entrusting Bai Yiran, Yun Jin exchanged a glance with Di Xiao. He nodded, then signaled Lin Xiao.
Lin Xiao too gave a knowing nod.
"Pavilion Master Lin, I'll take her to the Divine Palace to familiarize with the grounds. Await my signal. Remember the dragon scale I gave you—when it burns hot, rush at once."
Lin Xiao replied firmly, "Rest assured, Senior Di. This time, Yun Jin will not survive."
Di Xiao's voice was sure. "I guarantee it."
After this brief exchange, all sides were satisfied.
Before departing, Yun Jin casually waved her hand. The towering pile of storage bags in the plaza returned to their owners.
"These things, I don't want. I only hope one day to see you all in Wushuang Sect," Yun Jin said with a final wave, then vanished from sight.