When Tian Jinzhong heard Zhang Zhiwei's words, his face changed instantly.
He could feel the cold, killing intent hidden beneath his senior brother's calm tone.
This accidental death had triggered consequences far beyond anything he had imagined.
He knew Zhang Zhiwei's temperament well—once the old master decided something, there was no turning him back.
But he couldn't simply watch Dragon-Tiger Mountain's Celestial Hall descend into a storm of bloodshed because of him.
The secret he had guarded for decades wasn't merely to protect the reputation of their elder brother Zhang Huaiyi, but to preserve the honor of the mountain itself.
"Senior Brother, this must not be done!" Tian Jinzhong pleaded, his voice heavy with worry.
"We cannot drag Dragon-Tiger Mountain into endless conflict over my mistakes!"
Zhang Zhiwei half-closed his eyes and replied coolly,
"Junior Brother, my decision is made. Rest and recover—you need not trouble yourself further."
Though Tian Jinzhong lived again, the flame of rage still burned in Zhang Zhiwei's chest.
To be the greatest sage of the age, yet have his own brother die under his roof—an intolerable disgrace.
If word spread, Dragon-Tiger Mountain's prestige would crumble.
Thus, by both emotion and reason, Zhang Zhiwei felt compelled to descend the mountain—to make those who had dared provoke them pay in blood.
As the brothers argued, a familiar voice broke the tension.
Hikaru Uchiha stepped forward and said bluntly,
"Now that your brother's alive, isn't it time you upheld your end of the bargain? When do I get the Heavenly Talisman?"
Zhang Zhiwei frowned. He knew Lu Jin would hand it over if he asked—but not without mockery, and this would only complicate his plans to annihilate Quanxing.
He hesitated.
Hikaru caught that flicker of frustration and instantly understood.
In the original course of events, Lu Jin had once tried to stop Zhang Zhiwei's rampage. This time, because Hikaru demanded the Heavenly Talisman, Zhang Zhiwei would have to go to Lu Jin personally—creating a debt that might restrain his wrath later.
The thought amused Hikaru. A sly smile curved his lips.
"Interesting," he murmured.
Then, as if struck by inspiration, Hikaru reached into a pocket of warped space and drew out a dust-covered videotape.
"I might have something to solve your problem," he said, grinning.
Zhang Zhiwei eyed him suspiciously. "What trick are you playing now?"
Without a word, Hikaru held up the tape, eyes gleaming with mischief.
"Tell me, Old Celestial Master—do you remember that duel you once had with Lu Jin?"
Zhang Zhiwei's mouth twitched into a rare smirk. He understood immediately.
He didn't know how Hikaru had acquired such a thing, but it hardly mattered.
"With this," he said confidently, "I'll have no trouble reclaiming the Heavenly Talisman today."
Hikaru nodded, handing over the tape.
Their gazes met—two cunning smiles flashing in silent accord.
Off to the side, Tian Jinzhong stared blankly, completely lost.
He didn't know what kind of scheme the two were weaving, but some instinct told him he should probably start praying for Lu Jin.
That videotape promised quite the spectacle.
Once Zhang Zhiwei accepted it, Hikaru turned to leave.
He trusted the Old Celestial Master to keep his word—such a small favor wouldn't be broken.
After all, to Zhang Zhiwei, even the Eight Forbidden Techniques were not treasures beyond sharing—especially with someone stronger than himself.
And since he had to meet Lu Jin anyway, Zhang Zhiwei postponed his descent to settle the aftermath of the battle before departing with Tian Jinzhong in tow.
The fear of nearly losing his brother still lingered; if not for Hikaru, Tian Jinzhong would have been gone forever.
Meanwhile, Hikaru returned to the arena and rejoined Xia He and the others.
Because of Quanxing's assault, the Trinity Gate Gathering had been temporarily canceled.
Not that Hikaru cared—his mission here was complete.
Only the Heavenly Talisman remained to be delivered, and that could wait a day.
Over the past few days, Zhang Chulan had devoted himself to serving Hikaru with near-comical diligence.
Tea, food, anything the man desired—Zhang Chulan anticipated it before he spoke.
Though the boy's motives were obvious, Hikaru still found his thoughtfulness entertaining.
And Hikaru was not heartless. He knew exactly what Zhang Chulan sought: answers about his grandfather.
But there was nothing more Hikaru could tell him; Zhang Zhiwei knew far better what truly happened back then.
So, unable to help directly, Hikaru chose another form of aid.
If so many coveted the Qi Source Technique flowing through Zhang Chulan's body, then Hikaru would grant him the strength to protect it.
He placed a hand on the young man's shoulder. A pulse of power surged through Zhang Chulan's body, etching itself into his very soul.
The boy gasped as warmth flooded his veins—something vast, destructive, and alive now slept within him.
Hikaru smiled.
"Relax. I left you a bit of my power. It's a fire-based ability—destruction incarnate. Use it when your life's on the line."
He paused.
"It'll work ten times. After that, it'll vanish on its own. So use it wisely."
Zhang Chulan stared wide-eyed. Gratitude warred with unease.
"This fire… it's not gonna burn me too, right?"
Hikaru turned away, feigning guilt, though the corner of his mouth twitched upward.
"Of course not. You've seen what I can do—my control's perfect."
Then, after a beat, he added with mock seriousness,
"…Probably."