My disciples are all villains.

"We're both brothers. There's no need to be so polite," Yu Shangrong said gently.

Mingshi Yin nodded when he heard this. His pride and confidence that he had been carrying all day seemed to leak out of him as though he was a deflating balloon.

"Second Senior Brother, what brings you to Yellow Peak Mountain?" Yellow Peak Mountain was in a remote location that was difficult to find. Mingshi Yin did not think his Second Senior Brother would disregard his pride like he did and searched all over the place like a fool.

Yu Shangrong said with a faint smile, "I have an appointment with Seventh Junior Brother."

Upon hearing this, chills ran up Mingshi Yin's spine, and he felt goosebumps rising on his arms. He looked at Si Wuya who was standing straight. He understood Bai Yuqing was here to protect him from elites who might come looking for trouble. However, what's the meaning of arranging to meet his Second Senior Brother as well? He really wanted to give Si Wuya a thumbs-up despite himself. 'Now that's a good schemer!"

After the three disciples exchanged pleasantries, everyone looked at Bai Yuqing.

Bai Yuqing's avatar had taken a blow from Yu Shangrong's sword. He had yet to catch his breath.

Yu Shangrong looked at Bai Yuqing and said, "Are you Bai Yuqing, the White Tiger Hall's First Seat, under Eldest Senior Brother's command?"

Bai Yuqing gulped. He endured the pain and calmed his turbulent emotions before he straightened up. However, his knees remained on the ground. He cupped his fists and said, "Greetings, Mister Second."

Bai Yuqing did not show any dissatisfaction or anger. His sect master had taught them that the Nether Sect would kill gods and buddhas alike to achieve their goal. However, there were two individuals whom they must avoid. One of them was the Evil Sky Pavilion's patriarch, and the other one was Yu Shangrong.

The Four Great Protectors had always kept this rule close to their hearts. However, the Four Great Protectors longed to spar with such an elite in the depths of their hearts. Only by fighting him would they know if the legendary Sword Devil, Yu Shangrong, was truly on par with their sect master. If Bai Yuqing had any doubts, they were completely gone now. Yu Shangrong's attack had made the difference between them as clear as day even though the difference was only a single leaf. He accepted his defeat without complaints.

Yu Shangrong smiled and said, "Not bad."

"Thank you for being merciful, Mister Second…" Bai Yuqing said.

"You seem to like bullying the weak with your avatar?" Yu Shangrong said lightly.

"Uh…" Indeed, Bai Yuqing's move of using his avatar to crush his opponent seemed like an act of bullying. "I was given an order to protect Mister Seventh by my sect master. Mister Fourth insists on taking Mister Seventh away so I had no choice but to do that. Please try to understand my position, Mister Second."

When Yu Shangrong heard this, he turned to look at Si Wuya and asked, "Seventh Junior Brother, is that true?" He did not wait for an answer as he continued saying, "There's no need to answer in haste. If you say it's not true, I'll end him right here… I'm more than willing to help Eldest Senior Brother get rid of lying evildoers by his side."

Bai Yuqing, "…"

Mingshi Yin, "…"

Mingshi Yin shuddered inwardly. His Second Senior Brother was unfathomable as always.

Yu Shangrong had clearly placed Bai Yuqing's life in Si Wuya's hands.

Si Wuya did not hesitate as he replied, "Of course, it is."

Yu Shangrong was direct. He cupped his fists at Bai Yuqing. "My apologies."

Bai Yuqing felt his scalp prickle. He hastily cupped his fists. "It's alright."

After that, Yu Shangrong completely ignored Bai Yuqing. He looked at Si Wuya and said, "Seventh Senior Brother, since it was to protect you, then, you're at fault."

"Hm?" Si Wuya's eyelids twitched.

Yu Shangrong said, "Fourth Junior Brother might seem sly on the surface, but he's actually a person who values relationships and loyalty. Knowing him, there's no way he would threaten your life."

"Second Senior Brother…"

"There's no need to explain." Yu Shangrong stood straight in the air as he flew forward slowly. He flew to Bai Yuqing's side.

Cold sweat trickled down Bai Yuqing's face. He was shaking.

Yu Shangrong ignored Bai Yuqing. Instead, he looked at Si Wuya and said coldly, "It's only right for a senior brother to discipline his junior. How could you behave so rudely to your senior?"

Si Wuya sighed inwardly. He said helplessly, "You're right, Second Senior Brother."

At this moment, Mingshi Yin flew over and landed at Bai Yuqing's other side. He said, "Thank you for understanding, Second Senior Brother… Old Seventh, come quietly with me and face master."

"Fourth Junior Brother," Yu Shangrong said, "May I?"

"By all means, Second Senior Brother."

Yu Shangrong said, "Seventh Junior Brother is intelligent and has been a great help to me throughout the years… I hope you'd consider this for my sake."

An unnatural expression appeared on Mingshi Yin's face. He forced a smile on his face as he said, "As you please, Second Senior Brother."

"Junior Brother Wuya, surrender your Peacock Plume and apologize to your Fourth Senior Brother," Yu Shangrong said with a faint smile on his face, "This way, your Fourth Senior Brother won't have to return empty-handed."

Si Wuya, "…" He was starting to regret his arrangement to meet his Second Senior Brother here. He could sense his Second Senior Brother's displeasure. He was not certain if the displeasure stemmed from his Eldest Senior Brother or Bai Yuqing. In any case, it was meaningless to make wild guesses. He cupped his fists and said, "You're right, Second Senior Brother." He bowed at Mingshi Yin. "Fourth Senior Brother, I was rude earlier. Please accept my apologies."

The Evil Sky Pavilion had never practiced such customs. Usually, it was the sects on the Noble Path that stuck with such rigid and corrupted formalities. It seemed awkward for them to be behaving in such a way all of a sudden.

Mingshi Yin did not dare to voice his opinion as well. He said, "I won't hold this against you. After all, I didn't think I'll be able to smoothly bring you back as well." It seemed like he was out of luck. He truly did not expect Si Wuya's cultivation base to be sealed. He was even more surprised to learn that it was sealed by his master. What had Si Wuya been up to these past few days? He shook his head. It was useless to think about all these now. He would learn about it once he returned to the Evil Sky Pavilion and speak to his juniors.

Mingshi Yin extended a hand toward Si Wuya.

Si Wuya waved his hand at his subordinate.

In no time at all, the subordinate carried the Peacock Plume in his hands and hurried over.

From its appearance, the Peacock Plume seemed to be forged from pure gold. The shining golden cylinder had two hinges. When they were pressed and Primal Qi was infused into it, the Primal Qi would be condensed into energy before it was shot out from the hinges. It was as beautiful as a peacock spreading its tail. It looked brilliant and splendid. While one was immersed and mesmerized by this otherworldly sight, it would take one's life. This was the way of the Peacock Plume.

Si Wuya remained expressionless.

Mingshi Yin moved quickly and took the Peacock Plume. He clicked his tongue in wonder. He appraised it for a moment before saying, "Now you have neither your cultivation base nor your weapon. However… You do have your brain…"

"Do you want to break my head, Fourth Senior Brother?"

"On account of Second Senior Brother, I won't stoop to your level. However, I should remind you that the cultivation world is a treacherous place. Without your Peacock Plume and cultivation base, you'd do well to avoid your enemies…"