My disciples are all villains.

Yu Zhenghai turned around and walked to the edge of the flying chariot and looked down at Pingdu Mountain.

When they saw their sect master was quiet, the Four Great Protectors dared not continue the topic regarding Ji Tiandao. They had never spoken to their sect master about the Evil Sky Pavilion until now. They knew their sect master was the first disciple of the Evil Sky Pavilion and possessed unfathomable strength. If they had not been dispatched to Anyang for this matter, they would not have the opportunity to discuss the Evil Sky Pavilion with their sect master. After all, their sect master had never talked about the Evil Sky Pavilion.

The Azure Dragon Hall's First Seat, Hua Chongyang, recalled something and said, "Sect Master, the old senior has a message for you…"

"What is it?"

"If you want to apologize, you'd better personally come," Hua Chongyang repeated the words he heard. At the same time, his heart thumped wildly in his chest. He was not sure if Yu Zhenghai would be angered by these words.

Yu Zhenghai's expression was as calm as his emotions. He said loudly, "How can I give up before accomplishing my grand ideals?"

"We'll follow you until death!" Yu Zhenghai's four subordinates said in unison.

Yu Zhenghai nodded in satisfaction. Then, he said, "Do you know who it was that impersonated the Nether Sect?"

Hua Chongyang replied, "They were only there for a brief moment. Their flying chariot and methods are similar to ours. Other than the mysterious expert onboard the flying chariot, the others are weak."

Bai Yuqing said, "They're skilled in mimicry. Even the Dark Heaven Starlight was similar to yours, sect master… When we arrived, we discovered them using witchcraft spells as well. It's most probably a powerful witchcraft practitioner."

Yu Zhenghai asked, "Is it Mo Qi, the Sect Master of Clarity Sect?"

"It's true that Clarity Sect's Mo Qi has the advantages of 100 sects… However, he doesn't seem to be skilled in witchcraft. I heard there's a powerful witchcraft practitioner in Great Yan's palace," Hua Chongyang said.

"There's another possibility…" Bai Yuqing chimed in, "The Clarity Sect's Mo Qi might have aligned himself with the palace, and there was more than one expert on the flying chariot!"

The speculations were logical. However, they were just speculations. They needed evidence. If they were off in their calculation even by the slightest bit, it would most certainly affect Nether Sect's subsequent plans.

The Nether Sect had planned each step carefully to reach where it was right now. They played it safe and eventually grew to their current scale. They could not afford to stumble over such trivial details.

Hua Chongyang proposed, "Give me three days. I'll get to the bottom of this."

"Very well." After Yu Zhenghai finished speaking, he turned around to look at the mountain terrain before his eyes finally shifted to the direction of Skylark Pagoda. He, naturally, knew about this place. Hua Chong Yang's words were not wrong. Each of the nine floors had its own Formations. Cultivators would frequently visit the pagoda to try their luck at obtaining the treasure.

...

The Skylark Pagoda was not located in Anyang City. Instead, it was located northeast of Anyang City. It was a paradise for cultivation near Nine Tune River's mouth, and it was not protected by the city. The scenery of Skylark Pagoda near Nine Tune River was captivating. It was a utopia that was reminiscent of the immortals' dwelling place.

When Lu Zhou and his three disciples were fast approaching Skylark Pagoda in the air, their attention was caught by the scenery. The mountains, the tranquil forests, the river… There were all kinds of insects, fishes, and birds.

Mingshi Yin asked in confusion, "The waters of Nine Tune River are muddy with no fish all year-round. Is Jiang Aijian pulling our legs?"

Duanmu Sheng said, "You think he has the courage for that?"

Mingshi Yin nodded and said, "Jiang Aijian is an intelligent person. He doesn't seem like the type to do something so foolish. Skylark Pagoda is a peculiar place… We should proceed with utmost caution." At the same time, he thought to himself, 'Since master is here, what is there to fear?'

"Look, it's Skylark Pagoda!"

The towering Skylark Pagoda appeared within their sight at this moment.

"As expected of Skylark Pagoda… It's so tall." Mingshi Yin had never been here. When he laid eyes on Skylark Pagoda, he was awed by its height.

Lu Zhou had been here several times before. To be more precise, Ji Tiandao had been here several times before… However, his recollections of this place were blurry at best. He descended, and his three disciples followed suit.

Mingshi Yin looked at his master in confusion. They had flown here at a very slow pace. It was almost unbefitting of a Nascent Divinity Tribulation realm cultivator. However, he did not dare to question his master. He had thought, perhaps, his master was getting old and preferred to travel at a steadier and more comfortable pace. His master was probably also being considerate to them since he could have left them in the dust if he had ridden on Whitzard.

Swoosh!

A figure flew overhead. It shot toward a branch and perched on it.

A chuckle could be heard as the figure's voice rang in the air. "It's been a while. I miss everyone so, so much. The distinguished, elegant, handsome, and confident Jiang Aijian, at your service."

Jiang Aijian carried his sword as he stood on the branch in a lazy manner.

Lu Zhou regarded him calmly. With his hands on his back, he said, "My patience is limited."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Aijian shuddered and hastily said, "Alright, alright, I'll be down in a second. See? I'm really obedient." He leaped down and pointed to a nearby pavilion and said, "Old senior, shall we?"

They made their way to the pavilion as Jiang Aijian busied himself with wiping the bench with his sleeve. Then, he said, "Have a seat, old senior."

Lu Zhou did not hesitate and sat down.

Initially, Jiang Aijian had intended to sit across Lu Zhou, but when he saw Lu Zhou's glare, he chose to stand instead. He did not even have anything to lean on. All the pillars had been taken by Mingshi Yin, Duanmu Sheng, and Little Yuan'er.

Lu Zhou did not bother himself with the scenery beyond the pavilion. His eyes were trained on Jiang Aijian.

Jiang Aijian felt goosebumps rising on his skin, and he quickly said, "Old senior… please don't stare at me like this. It's kind of embarrassing."

Lu Zhou stroked his beard and said, "Say what you have to say."

Jiang Aijian put away his frivolous attitude and mustered up some courage. He sat before Lu Zhou and said, "Firstly, I want to thank you for helping Li Jingyi, old senior."

"Is Li Jingyi your woman?"

"She's a friend."

"So… how do you plan on repaying the favor?" Lu Zhou narrowed his eyes, looking like a predator that was eyeing its prey.

Jiang Aijian gulped. He felt goosebumps rising on his skin again. He produced a brocade box from his chest pocket and placed it on the table.

Everyone shifted their gaze toward the box.

What a strange day! It seemed like everyone was gifting brocade boxes.

Jiang Aijian's brocade box was exquisite and fine. "Open it, old senior."

Lu Zhou waved his arm, and the brocade box opened. "A Sky Fragment." The content of the box was an item that he was looking for, one of the eight Sky Fragments. It was curved and more battered than the one in his possession.

Lu Zhou glanced at the mission list on the system dashboard. Search for Sky Fragments (2/8)…

When Mingshi Yin, Duanmu Sheng, and Little Yuan'er saw the Sky Fragment, they were slightly surprised that Jiang Aijian was capable of such a feat.

"This is what I obtained from the palace's warehouse. When I first visited, I discovered there was a Sky Fragment there, but I paid no mind to it. I heard you're looking for Sky Fragments so I visited the warehouse again. Although the Sky Fragment is a fragment, it's a unique weapon as well. It can easily pierce through energy and can be used to harm your enemy when their guard is down," Jiang Aijian said.

Lu Zhou nodded and put the fragment away.

"Ding! Retrieved Sky Fragment. Reward: 100 merit points."

It was a surprise to find a fragment in the palace's warehouse.

'This is a windfall. In addition to the targets Mingshi Yin and Duanmu Sheng killed in the Anyang rebellion, I've earned 1,900 merit points so far.'

Lu Zhou asked, "Is Yunsan in Skylark Pagoda?" Lu Zhou asked.

Jiang Aijian said with a smile, "I'll have to ask you the same question, old senior… Everyone says that the Evil Sky Pavilion's seventh disciples, Si Wuya, has an information network that extends to every corner of Great Yan. He let slip that a certain treasure will appear in Skylark Pagoda, the Giant Silkworm Gloves. Coincidentally, the Giant Silkworm Gloves are what Yunsan likes the most. The gloves were initially in the possession of the Yun, Tian, and Luo Sects. Yunsan prides himself on being the only descendant of the Pickpocket Sect, but he couldn't steal this item. However, now it's suddenly made known that the Giant Silkworm Gloves are in Si Wuya's hands. Old senior… You're not the one behind this, are you?"

Lu Zhou did not deny it. He nodded frankly.

Jiang Aijian scratched his head, speechless.

Lu Zhou stared at Jiang Aijian and said, "Is this why you called me here?"

"No, no… Of course, not." Jiang Aijian straightened his back and cleared his throat.

Mingshi Yin and the others were speechless. Jiang Aijian had gone on and on for half a day, and he was only going into the main topic now?

Jiang Aijian said, "Old senior… I want to know which side will you choose?"

"Hm?"

Jiang Aijian waved his arm casually. A few pebbles flew toward him and landed on the stone table before him. "This is the First Prince, the Second Prince, and the Third Prince… Oh, no, this doesn't count… This is the Fourth Prince, the Fifth Prince… and Lady Jade."

As he looked at the five pebbles on the table, Lu Zhou said indifferently, "Continue."

Jiang Aijian said, "I don't think you'll pick the First Prince since you've never met him. The Second Prince's subordinate, Mo Li, views you as a thorn in the flesh, the Fourth Prince is exiled to a border garrison post and doesn't have much support in the palace, the Fifth Prince is meek and won't amount to anything great, and Lady Jade despises the Evil Sky Pavilion. Eh, you don't have a choice, old senior! Just as well… So long as you don't meddle in the palace's affairs, I'll feel relieved, old senior."

"…"

Jiang Aijian had taken the liberty to analyze the choices and answered his own question for Lu Zhou.

This rendered everyone speechless.

Lu Zhou stroked his beard and finally said, "Is the palace already in chaos?"

Jiang Aijian sighed before he said helplessly, "The power struggles in the palace will surely spread outside one day… Anyang is a good example of this."

"Since you've left the palace, why did you meddle in Anyang's affairs?" Lu Zhou asked.

"Well…" Jiang Aijian scratched his head and said, "As I said, Li Jingyi is my friend, I can't possibly watch her die."

"If Li Jingyi dies, Wei Zhuoyan will die. The three armies will have no leader, the Second Prince will act out of anger, the Imperial family will be in ruins, and the world will be plunged into chaos… I think you're suited for the throne for having such considerations," Lu Zhou said.

When Jiang Aijian heard this, he hastily waved his hands and said, "I'm not that ambitious… What I yearn for is simple. I want to be alive and to wield the sword."

Mingshi Yin and Little Yuan'er could no longer refrain from laughing out loud. This fellow was indeed cheap.

Lu Zhou looked at the sword in Jiang Aijian's arms and said, "Dragonsong?"

Jiang Aijian shrunk back instinctively even though he knew it was useless. He placed Dragonsong on the table.

Its scabbard was wrapped in a layer of cloth. When the cloth was removed, the most striking dragon carving could be seen on Dragonsong's scabbard.

Zing!

The sword was drawn, and it gleamed in the light.

Jiang Aijian often admired the sword in this manner. His glazed eyes told the others that he was infatuated and mesmerized.

A sword freak was a sword freak after all.

"A good sword." Lu Zhou nodded.

Jiang Aijian said, "I think so too… I have never seen such a nice sword in my life…"

"Is it sharp?" Lu Zhou asked.

"It is…" Jiang Aijian seemed proud. "To test its sharpness, I've lost weapons that were almost close to heaven-grade. Weapons that are earth-grade or lower were like tofu."

"That's good." Lu Zhou raised his hand. An exquisite and delicate sword materialized above his palm.

Unnamed spun and glowed faintly, shrouded by energy.

Jiang Aijian hastily sheathed Dragonsong, wrapped it with the cloth, and closely hugged it against his chest. He chuckled and said, "There's no need for you to do this, old senior. If both swords are broken… It won't be worth it."

"Forget it." Lu Zhou did not force Jiang Aijian when he saw Jiang Aijian seem to genuinely care for the sword. He recalled Unnamed.

Lu Zhou stood up slowly, placed his hands on his back, and looked at Skylark Pagoda.

A group of cultivators appeared in the air. They were flying toward Skylark Pagoda from the other side of the Nine Tunes River.

Jiang Aijian stood up and looked at the cultivators in the air as he said, "They're here… Let's go have a look."

Mingshi Yin saw the cultivators as well. "Master, there are so many of them, things might get messy. Should I go ahead first?"

"It's alright." Lu Zhou shook his head.

Yanzi Yunsan was a cunning person. Mingshi Yin might not be able to catch him with his abilities. Back then, Yunsan had managed to escape after being surrounded by the Yun, Tian, and Luo Sects.

Yunsan's cultivation base was not profound, but he was a renowned master thief and a troublesome opponent.

Lu Zhou turned around and left the pavilion. He walked toward Skylark Pagoda along the path.

When Mingshi Yin saw Jiang Aijian nonchalantly crossing his arms, he calmed down as well.

...

At this moment, many cultivators were gathered in front of Skylark Pagoda. There were cultivators from the Mystic Enlightening realm to the Divine Court realm.

From the ground, the top of the towering Skylark Pagoda could not be seen. It took up a wide area of land, and the higher floors were shrouded by clouds.

"It's rumored that a short sword is kept on Skylark Pagoda's ninth floor. I wonder who'll be able to obtain it."

"Let the best man win… Brains are more important than brawns to bypass the nine Formations. I heard that a Nascent Divinity Tribulation realm expert from the Divine Capital was ejected from the seventh floor. On the contrary, a Brahman Sea realm cultivator made it to the ninth floor and obtained a treasure."

The cultivators looked up at Skylark Pagoda.

At this moment, a cultivator was sent flying out from the third floor of the pagoda. He threw out a mouthful of blood as he fell.

The cultivators backed away. They showed no signs of sympathy for the challenger. They only watched as he fell on the ground.

Jiang Aijian shook his head and straightened two fingers as he said, "Old senior, let me tell you a secret… There's no short sword at the top of Skylark Pavilion. Instead… they're Sky Fragments… and there are two of them. Although Sky Fragments are no match for heaven-grade weapons, two fragments brought together can be reforged… If the forging is done right, it'll surely be a heaven-grade weapon."

Mingshi Yin frowned slightly. He looked around and said, "No wonder there are so many people here who would throw their lives away just to climb the pagoda…"

At this time, another few cultivators were sent flying out of the sixth and seventh floor of the pagoda.

The observers on the ground shook their heads and sighed. "I'm afraid nobody will make it to the ninth floor this year."

A sly expression could be seen on Jiang Aijian's face as he said, "Old senior, why don't you give it a try? I'm sure it'll be a piece of cake for you to pass the nine Formations."

Lu Zhou turned to look at Jiang Aijian and said, "Are you here for the short sword?"

"No, no, you misunderstand me! We're talking about the nine Formations of Skylark Pagoda after all… In any case, two Sky Fragments are what awaits you at the top of the pagoda. They can be a heaven-grade…" Jiang Aijian stopped speaking mid-sentence when he felt the eyes of the other cultivators on him. "Uh, I got carried away and spoke too loudly. Carry on, carry on…"

A commotion broke out at the entrance of Skylark Pagoda immediately…

"It's Sky Fragments!"

"This time, the treasures are Sky Fragments!"