My disciples are all villains.

Lu Qiuping could have sworn that he saw stars after he was slapped. His cheek stung from the hit.

The initially quiet street began to turn lively. The occasional sounds of fighting and swords clanging rang in the air. Soon after, a fire broke out. Smoke billowed in the sky above the city.

After Si Wuya landed, he smiled faintly before he said, "Fourth Senior Brother, why the disguise?"

'Fourth Senior Brother?' An expression of shock appeared on the two grey-robed cultivators and Ye Zhixing's faces.

Lu Qiuping, whose arm was broken, looked up frightfully. Indeed, the person was the Evil Sky Pavilion's fourth disciple, Mingshi Yin.

"Old Seventh… you can see through this disguise as well?" Mingshi Yin rolled his eyes. He had completely changed his appearance, the way he spoke, and the way he dressed. However, Si Wuya still managed to see through the disguise with just a glance.

"There aren't many who would go by the surname Ri," Si Wuya said.

"…" Mingshi Yin did not dwell on the matter. Instead, he said, "Old Seventh, I caught a mouse for you. Aren't you going to thank me?"

Lu Qiuping's knees gave way. If Mingshi Yin had not been holding his arm with a death grip, he would have fallen a long time ago. He felt as though he was going to wet his pants.

Si Wuya said, "Thank you, Fourth Senior Brother."

Lu Qiuping said, "Big brother, one should spare a life whenever possible…"

"Shut up," Mingshi Yin glared at Lu Qiuping and said, "You dare ask me to spare your life after stealing from the Evil Sky Pavilion? Keep on dreaming!"

Lu Qiuping looked at Si Wuya and said, "… The Five Mice has no quarrel with the Darknet. I'll tell you what, there's no need for any payment between us. Rules are written by men and can be changed by men. What do you say?"

"Ouch!" Lu Qiuping cried out in pain when Mingshi Yin tightened his grip on his arm again.

Mingshi Yin's voice was deep as he said threateningly, "I'm not from the f*cking Darknet… Stop talking about stupid rules or the Darknet."

Lu Qiuping was rendered speechless.

Si Wuya spread his arms in a helpless gesture.

The Evil Sky Pavilion's disciples who left the pavilion founded their own organizations and did not join each other's sects. Mingshi Yin was not a member of the Darknet so the rule did not apply to him. Even if he were a member of the Darknet, he was still likely to not follow the rules. He asked, "Where's the zen tunic?"

Lu Qiuping said as he endured the pain, "I don't have it… I'm only here to meet Sect Master Si. We won't meddle in the Evil Sky Pavilion's affairs from now on. Please have mercy, brother."

"Who's your f*cking brother?! You're sh*t to me!"

"Ahh!" A wail that was louder than before resounded in the street.

This time, Mingshi Yin broke Lu Qiuping's leg with a kick before he let go of Lu Qiuping's arm.

Lu Qiuping fell limply to the ground.

Mingshi Yin removed his fake mustache and tossed his jacket to the side, revealing his original appearance. Then, he said with a smile, "Keep an eye on this mouse… I have business with your sect master."

Ye Zhixing raised his sword and said, "Mister Fourth, please forgive me for not being able to agree to your request."

"Get lost," Mingshi Yin said with a straight face. After all the delay, he was getting impatient.

Si Wuya said calmly, "Zhixing, stand down."

"Sect master?"

"Are you going to disobey me?"

"I dare not!" Ye Zhixing retreated to the side.

Si Wuya walked over with his hands on his back and stood in front of Mingshi Yin. There was barely half a meter between them.

When Mingshi Yin saw Si Wuya put his hands on his back, he followed suit. He felt more like an elite in this pose.

Si Wuya smiled and said, "Fourth Senior Brother, would you care to take this inside?"

"Spare me. Second Senior Brother isn't here today. Nobody's here to protect you." Mingshi Yin was determined to capture Si Wuya this time.

"Perhaps, you'll change your mind after listening to me, Fourth Senior Brother."

"In that case, I won't listen… I know you're good at leading others astray. I say, even without your cultivation base, your subordinates are still so loyal. What have you been feeding them?" Mingshi Yin said before he turned to look at Ye Zhixing and said, "Hey there, you with the sword, are you interested in joining the Evil Sky Pavilion? No, wait, you aren't qualified. Forget it."

Ye Zhixing was puzzled.

Si Wuya said, "Since you know my cultivation base has been sealed, senior brother, do you think I'd leave myself vulnerable?"

"Hm?"

The smoke grew thicker. The sounds of fighting nearby intensified as well. Some cultivators that could fly took their fights to the skies.

Mingshi Yin was baffled. 'Why is Upper Prime City suddenly in chaos?'

Ye Zhixing said, "Mister Fourth… To tell you the truth, we have 3,000 men here in Upper Prime City at the moment."

Mingshi Yin's expression remained calm as he said disapprovingly, "Are you trying to threaten me? You're a bunch of insignificant small fries… Old Seventh, let's hear what kind of marvelous story you've come up with this time."

Si Wuya said, "This way, Fourth Senior Brother.'

They went up the stairs of Long Wind Restaurant.

Two grey-robed cultivators guarded Lu Qiuping. They did not give him an opportunity to run away.

The Long Wind Restaurant was deserted.

The two of them sat down opposite each other.

"Speak…" Mingshi Yin said impatiently.

Si Wuya waved his hand.

A subordinate served them tea.

Si Wuya said, "Actually, I knew you would come, senior brother. And yet, I chose to come to Upper Prime City anyway. Do you know why?"

"I'm not a tapeworm in your stomach. How would I know?"

"Upper Prime City is now in chaos. General Shang, who's stationed here, will definitely be flustered," Si Wuya said.

When Mingshi Yin heard this, he said, "What are you trying to do?"

"Fourth Senior Brother… If I were to tell you, will you give up on capturing me?"

"Ptooey! Do you think you have the right to bargain with me?"

"You might not believe this… However, I came to Upper Prime City to help master," Si Wuya said.

"I wonder why I'm having difficulties believing your words," Mingshi Yin said sarcastically.

"The Evil Sky Pavilion's barrier is weakening. The Noble Path is eyeing the Evil Sky Pavilion as though it's their prey…"

Si Wuya raised his teacup, took a sip, and said, "My men are everywhere. I received some news…"

"What news?"

"The palace is organizing an unprecedented mission to annihilate the Evil Sky Pavilion." Despite his words, Si Wuya was exceptionally calm. From his expression, it was clear that it did not matter to him if Mingshi Yin believed him or not. He continued drinking from his teacup casually.

"The Evil Sky Pavilion is no stranger to all these vengeful and futile missions. We'll kill them as they come," Mingshi Yin said.

Si Wuya shook his head and said, "I'll admit that master is still powerful. However, even if you can fend them off this time, do you think you can fend them off forever? Senior brother, I'm sure you know the answer as well as I do. There's no need to fool yourself."

Mingshi Yin fell silent.

Si Wuya continued to say, "Apart from the siege by the ten great sects, the palace had a hand in the incidents at the Measure Heaven River's Chen Zhu, Tangzi Town's Ten Shamans, and the Grand Formation on the Lotus Dais… Mo Li alone has brought so many troubles to the Evil Sky Pavilion. The Evil Sky Pavilion is too eye-catching lately. All the factions who have conflicts in the palace are now united against the Evil Sky Pavilion. Let alone five years, do you think the Evil Sky Pavilion would still be as glorious in two years' time?"

Mingshi Yin said with a frown, "We'll talk about the future in the future."

"The future?" Si Wuya shook his head. "If it were anybody else, I would've been too lazy to explain. However, since you're my senior brother, I have no choice but to be honest with you. Moreover, you're intelligent so I won't be able to fool you."

"You can save your flattery for someone else," Mingshi Yin said.

Si Wuya smiled. He poured a cup of tea for Mingshi Yin. "Currently, the ten great sects on the Noble Path aren't what they once were. The Clarity Sect is gone, and the Righteous Sect is barely staying afloat with Zhang Yunshan's help. The five Buddhist sects put their own safety above everything else. With master's powers, I don't think they'll dare to make any movement in the near future. However, the palace isn't like the ten great sects… You must know what's keeping Great Yan going until this day."

The answer was obvious. If the palace's strength was inferior to the ten great sects, the elites of the ten great sects would have taken control of the palace.

"Is the palace that powerful?" Mingshi Yin asked skeptically.

"Do you know what moves the human heart?" Si Wuya asked confidently.

Mingshi Yin shook his head.

"Power, status, gold, wealth, women… Cultivation base, cultivation methods, reputation, treasures that could be encountered but not sought, and the world."

"How profane and materialistic."

"Men aren't saints. How many of us aren't materialistic? If you're not, why don't you give me your Separation Hook, Fourth Senior Brother?" Si Wuya chuckled as he said, "I'm just joking. Anyway, back to the topic, the palace is able to provide all these things, therefore, they're able to attract many elites from all over the world. Don't forget, senior brother, the Imperial guards have never left the Divine Capital. Even when there was a rebellion in Anyang City, the Imperial guards were not mobilized."

The Evil Sky Pavilion possessed many heaven-grade weapons and cultivation methods. The ten great sects might not even be able to compare to the Evil Sky Pavilion. Naturally, there were many who envied the Evil Sky Pavilion.

Mingshi Yin shook his head and said, "At the end of the day, you're trying to say that the Evil Sky Pavilion will, one day, fall, am I right? You said you're trying to help the Evil Sky Pavilion… Is this the method that you have in mind?"

Smoke permeated the Upper Prime City, accompanied by the sounds of killing. Many cultivators were shot down from the skies.

Si Wuya stood up. He looked out the window and said, "This is a sacrifice that has to be made… Upper Prime City's General Shang is stationed here. If he dies, Upper Prime City will surely be plunged into chaos. Wei Zhuoyan has led the three armies to Liang Province… The palace will not mobilize the Imperial guards so they'll probably mobilize other forces to quell the disturbance here. With this, the palace, naturally, won't have time to deal with the Evil Sky Pavilion. If it doesn't work the first time, I'll do it the second time. If the second time doesn't work, I'll do it ten times. I'll continue doing it until it works."

Mingshi Yin spat out the water he just drank. He laughed before he said, "This is your grand plan? Maybe I'll believe you if I lose my brain." He thought to himself, 'With great difficulty you created such a vast network of information and founded the Darknet. You have capable subordinates in your sect as well. And yet, you're telling me this is all you're up to? I'd be a fool if I believe you!'

Si Wuya had expected Mingshi Yin to doubt him. He poured Mingshi Yin another cup of tea. He continued talking in a strange tone, "If ten times won't do, I'll try 100 times. An ant hole can cause the collapse of a great dike. A 100 feet room can burn from smoke from a gap… When that day comes, no one would be a threat to the Evil Sky Pavilion."

Mingshi Yin was puzzled. After a moment's silence, he smacked the table in front of him. He chuckled and said, "I think I understand now… I didn't know that you had such ambitions. Do you think that everything will go according to your plan? You say you're trying to help the Evil Sky Pavilion, but it's only an excuse to save your hide!"

"I have no such ambitions." Si Wuya shook his head.

"If not you, then, who?" As soon as Mingshi Yin spoke, his mind suddenly went blank as realization dawned on him. He slumped back against the chair. A person's broad back appeared in his mind. The answer was clear.

"You think that my method is child's play… In that case, do you have any better idea, senior brother?" Si Wuya asked.

"…" How could Mingshi Yin have any suggestions in regard to this matter? If he did, the Evil Sky Pavilion would not have been under siege twice.

Clop! Clop! Clop!

The hurried sound of hooves rang from the streets.

It seemed like the soldiers were here to quell the disturbance!

Ye Zhixing took a look outside before he turned to look at Si Wuya, cupped his fists, and said, "Sect master, it's time to leave."

"Alright." Si Wuya looked at Mingshi Yin and said, "It's good that Eldest Senior Brother has such ambitions… At the very least, the Evil Sky Pavilion won't be attacked like before."

After that, Ye Zhixing supported Si Wuya as they leaped out the window.

Mingshi Yin raised his teacup. He nodded despite himself and mumbled, "He has a point..." He continued drinking before his mind suddenly cleared. 'Wait a minute! The plan can still be carried out even if he's captured! I was f*cking fooled again!''

Mingshi Yin hurriedly leaped out of the window, but Si Wuya was nowhere to be seen.

Meanwhile, two grey-robed cultivators tossed Lu Qiuping onto the ground. They bowed in midair. "Mister Fourth, there's no need to give chase… I've never seen the sect master telling another person this much. In truth, even if the sect master didn't explain himself, you still wouldn't be able to capture him."

Whiz! Whiz!

Two Four-leaf avatars appeared.

Mingshi Yin looked at them disdainfully when the two avatars combined and became a Six-leaf avatar. They unleashed a grand technique and a burst of light flashed before they disappeared before Mingshi Yin's eyes.

Mingshi Yin glanced at Lu Qiuping and asked in a deep voice, "What're you looking at? Do you want me to gouge your eyeballs out?"

"No, don't… M-mister Fourth, please don't!" Lu Qiuping wanted to cry, but no tears came out.

At this moment, Mingshi Yin saw a familiar-looking messenger bird flying toward him from afar. "Hm? A letter from junior sister?"

The messenger bird recognized Mingshi and flew toward his raised hand, and a letter appeared in his hand.

A frown appeared on Mingshi Yin's face when he read the letter's content. "No way… Master's going to the Divine Capital?"

What kind of place was the Divine Capital? It was a place where elites gathered. It was where the Imperial guards were stationed.

According to Si Wuya, Old Seventh, the various factions in the palace were united to deal with the Evil Sky Pavilion. Was it not akin to walking into a lion's den if his master were to go to the Divine Capital now?

"Which idiot was it that gave master this idea?!" Mingshi Yin destroyed the letter and grabbed Lu Qiuping's collar before he flew toward the Divine Capital.

As Mingshi Yin flew above the city, he saw the city was in complete chaos. He shook his head and sighed. To prevent himself from being mistaken as an enemy, he circulated his Primal Qi and rose even higher up into the sky. He looked in the direction of the Divine Capital and cursed under his breath, "It's so f*cking far away…"

Lu Qiuping continued to plead, "M-mister Fourth… Please spare me!"

Mingshi Yin scoffed before he said, "You dare steal my junior brother's zen tunic…" Then, he chuckled. However, a hint of anger could be heard in his chuckle.

Lu Qiuping broke out in cold sweat. He hastily said, "I'll ask my big brother to return the zen tunic! It can be done! It can be done!"

Mingshi Yin shouted, "Silence!"

...

Half a day later, in the forest outside of the Divine Capital.

Whitzard descended slowly.

"Master, the Divine Capital is up ahead." Little Yuan'er leaped off Whitzard.

Lu Zhou looked in the direction of the Divine Capital. He stroked his beard and nodded.

Little Yuan'er ran up to Whitzard's side. She supported Zhao Yue who had leaped down and said, "What did I tell you, Senior Sister Zhao Yue? Whitzard is much more comfortable than the flying chariot!"

Zhao Yue nodded. Perhaps, she had just recently recovered, her expression was slightly unnatural. She looked in the direction of the Divine Capital before she said hesitantly, "Master… are… are we really going to the Divine Capital?"

Lu Zhou said apathetically, "This is related to your past. We can't afford to be careless."