My disciples are all villains.

The cultivators at the base of Skylark Pagoda had weak cultivation bases. All they knew was that the newcomer was an elite. They did not know what his actual cultivation base was.

Smart and strong cultivators would usually conceal their auras and would not easily expose their own cultivation bases.

In any case, this scene was enough to intimidate the people here.

Little Yuan'er held the brocade box in one hand and held onto the Nirvana Sash with the other. She looked at the cultivator who was slowly making his way toward her with a curious expression.

Mingshi Yin said, "Master… I'll go and give junior sister a hand."

"There's no need for that." Lu Zhou said. His instinct told him Yanzi Yunsan was about to make an appearance. He was most probably hiding in the shadows while keeping an eye on the happenings. He might even be among this group of cultivators.

Yanzi Yunsan was only an alias. Nobody knew his real name nor did anyone know how profound his cultivation base was. He might be in the Brahman Sea realm or the Nascent Divinity realm.

The mysterious cultivator stopped when he was dozens of meters above Skylark Pagoda. He bowed slightly. After he straightened his back, he waved his hand lightly. "Congratulations on the anniversary of your birth, Miss Ninth. As ordered by my sect master, I'm here to present you with a gift."

A wave of gentle energy carried the brocade box toward Skylark Pagoda.

The cultivators at the bottom of Skylark Pagoda observed this scene in shock.

'Who is this young lady? Why is the mysterious cultivator so respectful toward her?'

Jiang Aijian smiled faintly. "The Evil Sky Pavilion's Si Wuya truly lives up to his name… The treasure contained within that brocade box must be the Giant Silkworm Gloves."

Everyone looked on as the brocade box floated slowly toward Little Yuan'er.

Little Yuan'er looked on expectantly as the brocade box made its way toward her. Her Eldest Senior Brother gifted her the Cloud Treading Boots, and her Second Senior Brother gifted her the Cloud Feather Raiment. What would her Seventh Senior Brother give her?

The brocade box was close at hand.

Whoosh!

A hook shot toward the box from a small boat on Nine Tune River.

The line of the hook resembled a fishing line as it sailed through the skies toward the brocade box.

Jiang Aijian smiled as he said, "The fish has taken the bait." With a tap of his feet, he shot toward Nine Tune River at lightning speed.

Naturally, Mingshi Yin and Duanmu Sheng would never allow themselves to lag behind.

The two of them flew up as well. Like dragonflies tapping on the water's surface, they sped across the river toward the small boat on Nine Tune River.

Everyone exclaimed in shock.

"Three Nascent Divinity Tribulation realm elites!"

Lu Zhou was not interested in the brocade box. Instead, he regarded Jiang Aijian curiously. Ever since he met Jiang Aijian, he had never seen him attack. He was slightly surprised to discover Jiang Aijian was not inferior to Mingshi Yin.

Bam!

Jiang Aijian was the first person to reach the small boat.

The hook that went straight for the brocade box was suddenly retracted.

Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!

Several hooks from the pavilion, Skylark Pagoda, and the bottom of Nine Tune River shot toward the brocade box at the same time.

They were too quick for the others to react.

"There's no one on the boat," Jiang Aijian said.

Mingshi Yin switched directions…

Hundred Tribulations Insight.

Mingshi Yin unleashed his Hundred Tribulations Insight avatar without any hesitation. At the same time, he unleashed his grand technique and shot toward his little junior sister. He had a feeling that if Yanzi Yunsan wanted to get his hands on the Giant Silkworm Gloves, he would not have just prepared simple hooks. It was possible that Yanzi Yunsan might target his little junior sister as well.

Meanwhile, Jiang Aijian flew toward the pavilion.

Duanmu Sheng brandished his Overlord Spear in one hand as he plunged into the river.

Bam!

The hook latched onto the brocade box.

Little Yuan'er looked around herself. She saw her Fourth Senior Brother flying toward herself and said, "Yunsan's not here!"

Mingshi Yin frowned slightly. 'If he's not in Skylark Pagoda, where's he?'

The Nirvana Sash flew toward the brocade box. Little Yuan'er would never let her gift be stolen under her nose.

The Nirvana Sash was a heaven-grade weapon after all. It reached the brocade box and wrapped around it in just an instant.

Little Yuan'er leaped into the air.

Meanwhile, the others saw a man-sized kite flying toward her.

"Yunsan, you won't get away!"

Jiang Aijian unsheathed his sword!

Zing!

When the sword was unsheathed, a majestic dragon's roar rang in the air.

Dragonsong moved at lightning speed and slashed at the kite.

Lu Zhou's gaze remained on the kite.

Bam!

The sword hit the kite.

The cord was severed, and the kite fell.

"Nobody?" Dragonsong returned to Jiang Aijian under his control. Yunsan's cunningness exceeded his imaginations.

The brocade box was pulled back into Little Yuan'er's arms by the Nirvana Sash.

The cultivators at the bottom of Skylark Pagoda watched with their mouths agape.

The cultivators on the flying chariot did not want to get dragged into this. They returned to the flying chariot with swift movements. In just a blink of an eye, it vanished before everyone's sight.

When Little Yuan'er saw the flying chariot making a run for it, she stomped her feet instead of feeling happy that her Seventh Senior Brother had given her a gift. "Hmph! You may run now, but I'll catch you on master's behalf one day."

Splash!

The Overlord Spear that was shrouded in energy spun before it broke the surface of Nine Tune River. Duanmu Sheng followed from behind and shot into the air, creating a huge wave. He returned to his master's side as he said, "He's not underwater as well."

Dragonsong returned to its sheath as well.

Meanwhile, Mingshi Yin landed at the base of Skylark Pagoda.

With the addition of Little Yuan'er, there were four elites.

The surroundings of Skylark Pavilion were deathly quiet.

The kite fluttered as it fell on the ground as though nothing had happened.

Jiang Aijian carried Dragonsong and walked toward Lu Zhou. He cupped his fists and said, "I'm sorry, I couldn't catch him."

Mingshi Yin returned as well and shook his head.

Duanmu Sheng was completely drenched. His hair was wet. His muscular build and the Overlord Spear made the other cultivators retreat. He snorted and Primal Qi surged out. The scalding heatwaves instantly evaporated the water on him.

"He's cunning indeed." Lu Zhou shook his head.

Little Yuan'er returned to the top of Skypark Pagoda. She eagerly opened the brocade box and saw a pair of delicate, exquisite, and pristine gloves.

Bam!

A black arrow shot out of Nine Tune River. The tip of the arrow was wrapped in shining golden energy. An energy seal that resembled a rounded Eight Trigrams revolved around the black arrow…

"Look out!"

It was too sudden.

Lu Zhou stroked his beard and said, "He's skilled with contraptions?"

Yanzu Yunsan did not have any other way of accomplishing this aside from setting up contraptions.

With Mingshi Yin, Duanmu Sheng, and Jiang Aijian's cultivation bases, it was impossible for them to miss any signs of living things. Duanmu Sheng had even investigated the river.

Little Yuan'er turned around and wrapped herself with the Nirvana Sash that shielded her like a red barrier.

Lu Zhou was not worried that Little Yuan'er might get hurt.

With the Nirvana Sash, Cloud Feather Raiment, and her Nascent Divinity Tribulation realm cultivation base, she could instantly put up a defense on par with the Six Compatible Seal.

However, this scene was too shocking.

The cultivators at the base of Skylark Pagoda thought the black arrow was going to take the young lady's life.

However, another shocking thing happened.

Whoosh!

In a forest path more than 100 meters away, a scarlet arrow shot toward her at a greater speed.

Bam!

The feathered arrow was also wrapped in energy.

When it hit the black arrow, a loud explosion rang in the air.

The two energies collided and erupted.

The black arrow snapped in half and fell.

Everyone else was attracted by the scarlet arrow. They looked in the direction from where it was fired on the forest path.

The cultivators were silent, they did not breathe loudly.

Creak, creak, creak…

Creaking sounds could be heard from the forest path.

Little Yuan'er was puzzled when she did not feel the impact from the black arrow so she unwrapped the Nirvana Sash. She put an arm around the brocade box and leaped off the pagoda.

"Master! I'm glad I didn't let you down! I have successfully retrieved the Sky Fragments," Little Yuan'er said.

"Very good," Lu Zhou said calmly.

Little Yuan'er was delighted when she heard her master's praise.

On the other hand, Lu Zhou was not particularly happy.

"Ding! Recovered Sky Fragments x2. Reward: 200 merit points."

He had obtained the Sky Fragments but did not catch Yunsan. Where was he going to find the remaining four fragments?

Creak, creak…

The creaking from the forest path was getting louder. There were also sounds of deliberate footsteps.

All of a sudden, a deep and firm voice rang loudly in the surroundings. "Lady Jade has arrived. Those who have no business here should leave!"

At the edge of the forest, an extravagant palanquin marched into sight. The golden curtains, ornaments, and the choice of colors seemed exotic. A beautiful girl dressed in white garments walked next to the extravagant palanquin. She held a dainty bow in her hand.

The palanquin continued creaking. The two rows of soldiers marched before it. They marched up to Skylark Pagoda and crossed their halberds.

"Those who have no business here should leave!"

The cultivators at the base of the pagoda shook their heads and left in the direction of the pavilion. They gathered there and observed from afar.

Lu Zhou and the others did not move.

The area before Skylark Pagoda was now empty.

The two rows of soldiers lifted their halberds.

The creaking palanquin arrived at the pagoda.

Lu Zhou's gaze fell on the girl beside the palanquin.

Name: Hua Yuexing

Race: Human

Cultivation base: Nascent Divinity Tribulation realm

…

"Halt –"

The palanquin was lowered. The curtains parted. Graceful and poised with a golden crown on her head, Lady Jade slowly emerged. She placed her hands in front of herself and walked with a straight back. She was elegant and dignified. The dark marks on her eyes that were similar to eyeshadow were her most striking feature as an Other Tribesman.

Two maidservants hastily walked up to her and supported her from the sides. Lady Jade walked up to Lu Zhou. With a smile on her face, she nodded and said, "Greetings."

Lu Zhou surveyed his surroundings through his peripheral vision and discovered Jiang Aijian had disappeared. 'Forget it. He must be worried that his identity will be exposed. Let him be.'

"You recognize me?" Lu Zhou said calmly. He was not affected by the aura of Lady Jade and her company at all.

When she greeted him, an audible gasp could be heard from the nearby pavilion.

'Who is this old man? Even Lady Jade is treating him politely!'

Lady Jade smiled and said, "Shall we talk in the pagoda?"

At this moment, the people manning the pagoda bowed and said, "This way, please."

Lu Zhou glanced at Hua Yuexing before he walked into Skylark Pagoda.

Since the Formations had been broken, the group did not meet with any resistance when they entered the pagoda. They easily made their way up to the ninth floor. They were facing Nine Tune River with their backs toward the mountains. Indeed, this was a good place to have a conversation.

The two of them sat down.

Mingshi Yin, Duanmu Sheng, and Little Yuan'er sat behind their master.

On Lady Jade's side, there were only a handful of soldiers, the two maidservants, and the archer, Hua Yuexing.

"One of the Divine Capital's Three Godly Archers, Hua Yuexing," Lu Zhou said nonchalantly.

Upon hearing this, a shocked expression appeared on Mingshi Yin and the others' faces.

That shocking arrow that had intercepted the black arrow that was fired from Nine Tune River was breathtaking.

When Hua Yuexing heard Lu Zhou's words, she was slightly stunned. Then, she cupped her fists while standing and said, "I'm surprised you know my name, senior."

Lu Zhou nodded and said, "If I'm not mistaken, you're originally from the Luo Sect."

Hua Yuexing's beautiful face reddened. She took a step back. Betraying one's sect was not something to boast about after all.

Lady Jade covered her face and chuckled. She said, "Old Pavilion Master, there's no need to make fun of a junior… Hua Yuexing is a skilled archer, and she's a woman. She can't possibly roam the lands on her own. Serving the Imperial court with her skills is her destiny."

Lu Zhou nodded.

To each their own. There was no need to force someone onto another path.

"Speak then. What are you here for?"

"I'm here to explain several misunderstandings to you, Old Pavilion Master… First, the assassin sent to Anyang, Shen Zhou, under the alias Wang Fugui, isn't one of mine. Someone's trying to make me take the blame and sow dissent among our ranks." She paused slightly before continuing, "It's true I'm from the Western Regions and that my sisters have died under Mister Second's hands. However… I do not hold it against the Evil Sky Pavilion. You're a good judge of character, old senior, I would never dare lie to you."

When Lu Zhou killed Wang Fugui back then, he did wonder if someone was trying to sow dissent. However, he had no way of proving it. A dead man could not come back to life. However, he, naturally, would not believe her just because she said she was telling the truth.

Lady Jade continued, "Second, after Shen Yuan's death, the Evil Sky Pavilion has had a few conflicts with the palace. All that has nothing to do with me. Regarding this… Hua Yuexing can vouch for me."

Lu Zhou stroked his beard and said calmly, "Why would I believe Hua Yuexing?"

"Well…" Lady Jade said awkwardly, "I speak the truth. Old Pavilion Master, you have fought with the elite from the palace before. It's easy to tell the truth from the lie."

There were no signs of witchcraft on Lady Jade. If she truly dared to go against the Evil Sky Pavilion, she would not have shown up at Skylark Pagoda.

However, Lu Zhou shook his head and said, "How did you know I'd be here?" Not many knew he was coming here.

Lady Jade said, "I've heard about the unrest in Anyang City. Apart from the Evil Sky Pavilion's master, I cannot think of any other person capable of making the Nether Sect's Four Great Protectors submit."

Lu Zhou stood up slowly and looked at everyone. He placed his hands on his back and walked to the edge of the pagoda. He looked down at Nine Tune River.

Skylark Pagoda's ninth floor was only surrounded by low railings. The scenery was practically unobstructed here.

Lu Zhou said, "In that case, do you know why I'm here?"

Lady Jade shook her head and said, "I'm merely here to clear up the misunderstandings… I don't know about anything else."

"Yunsan stole something of mine."

"Yunsan? The only descendant of the Pickpocket Sect, skilled user of Cloud Picking Hand technique, Yanzi Yunsan?"

"That's right."

"I've heard that he's sly. The Luo Sect, where Hua Yuexing was from, couldn't catch him… I'm afraid it won't be an easy task to capture him, old senior," Lady Jade said.

"He's only a rat in the shadows. If I make a move, he won't be… able… to… escape!" Lu Zhou's last words were enunciated slowly and clearly.

His expression remained indifferent as he raised his hand. A glowing item card appeared in his hand. He looked at the pavilion at the base of the pagoda…

A vortex appeared and swirled in an anti-clockwise direction. It glowed with a golden radiance. A square cage instantly took shape and flew toward the pavilion.

Mingshi Yin, Duanmu Sheng, and Little Yuan'er walked up to the edge as well. They were surprised at their master's sudden attack.

At the same time, they looked at the palm strike in shock.

Hua Yuexing and the handful of soldiers were stunned as well.

When the square cage descended from the skies, the Primal Qi shockwave rippled outward.

Bzzt –

In the pavilion, the cultivator who made it to the eighth floor previously wore a shocked expression on his face before he moved away swiftly. 'Drat, I'm exposed!'

He shot toward the forest.

The cage grew in size.

This person was none other than the only successor of the Pickpocket Sect, Yanzi Yunsan!

Yunsan laughed out loud. He ran as he said, "I'm sorry, Old Senior Ji. This technique can't do anything to me… From this day on, the name Yanzi Yunsan will spread across Great Yan!

What a feat it was to escape from the hands of the greatest villain in the world.