My disciples are all villains.

The waterfall fell like a curtain of water. The sun's rays glinted in the light.

Lu Zhou sat on the flying chariot. He stroked his beard as he took in the scenery.

The flying chariot was swaying. The flight was rough. However, this did not stop him from admiring the sights.

The flying chariot arrived at a spot near Cloud Shine Peak when it was getting dark.

"Old senior, we're at Cloud Shine Peak. However, I'm guessing your disciples will only show up in two days." Duan Xing walked to Lu Zhou's side.

"We're already here?" Lu Zhou said.

Duan Xing scratched his head. 'Was it too fast? We have been flying for a long time. Even the sun has set...' In fact, it would have been faster if he had flown on his own. In the end, he decided to play along and said, "I personally manned the helm and put my back into it. I didn't dare to waste your time, old senior…"

Lu Zhou frowned slightly. He said nothing. He merely waved his arm irritably.

Duan Xing felt awkward. He wondered what he had done wrong. He did not even speak during the journey, afraid of disturbing Lu Zhou while Lu Zhou was enjoying the scenery. However, Lu Zhou was still displeased.

Lu Zhou stood up and looked down at Cloud Shine Peak. At this moment, it seemed like images buried in the depth of his mind were slowly surfacing.

"Cloud Shine Nunnery." Lu Zhou saw the temple halfway up the mountain. He nearly forgot that Cloud Shine Nunnery was built here. The temple was located 1,000 miles away from the northern capital. It had a lonely and isolated air to it. Perhaps, the monks and nuns were truly indifferent to material things.

"You're indeed knowledgeable, old senior. The temple here is indeed called Cloud Shine Nunnery. Only nuns occupy the temple," Duan Xing said. After that, he entertained thoughts about seeking shelter at Cloud Shine Nunnery. However, there were only nuns there. He thought it was inappropriate for a group of men to stay there.

Cultivators could spend the night anywhere. The location did not matter much to them. Since their bodies were impervious to cold, they could fall asleep even if they were hanging off a tree branch.

"Descend," Lu Zhou said curtly.

"At once." Duan Xing hastily brought the flying chariot to a slow descent.

There were no signs of civilization for 100 miles around Cloud Shine Peak. The trees were tall while the cliff faces were steep.

When the flying chariot descended into the forest, they saw the dense canopy covering the sky.

Lu Zhou had recovered some of his Primal Qi during the journey so he leaped off the flying chariot.

The others dropped down as well. Only a handful was left to guard the flying chariot.

Shortly after, Lu Zhou and the others were outside Cloud Shine Nunnery.

Duan Xing volunteered without any prompt. "I'll knock." He knocked twice on the door loudly.

The doors swung open. An old nun came out.

"It's you?" Lu Zhou recognized the nun immediately.

Xuan Jing was startled. She immediately straightened a palm and bowed. "Old benefactor Ji… Forgive me for the hospitality even though you traveled so far." She pushed the doors until they were completely open.

Lu Zhou was puzzled. 'Isn't there anyone else in the Cloud Shine Nunnery? Why would Buddhist Master Xuan Jing personally answer the door?' He glanced at the courtyard. It was filled with overgrown weeds and fallen leaves. It seemed slightly desolate.

"This way, dear benefactors."

When they entered the courtyard, Lu Zhou asked, "Are you the only one here?"

"Wu Nian left long ago. For now, I'm the only one in Cloud Shine Nunnery," Xuan Jing replied with a straightened palm.

Lu Zhou stroked his beard and nodded. 'Just as well. There won't be as many rules if she's alone.'

The place was big enough.

"I'll be staying here for a few days," Lu Zhou said.

Upon hearing this, Xuan Jing said, "Benefactor Ji, this way please…" She did not have time to settle the others in. She was short-handed, after all.

Duan Xing shrugged helplessly. He glanced at his comrades. 'Don't look at me. There aren't any young nuns here. Clean it up yourselves!'

…

Lu Zhou followed Buddhist Master Xuan Jing to a secluded room. The view, location, and environment were clearly a notch above the rest.

Buddhist Master Xuan Jing said, "This way."

Lu Zhou nodded slightly. He walked into the room with his hands on his back.

The surroundings were unique and beautifully secluded. There was a bookshelf, a desk, and a round window ledge that provided a view of the mountains beyond Cloud Shine Nunnery.

"All those years ago, you had a discourse about the Path with my master in this very room, Benefactor Ji," Xuan Jing said.

They had a discourse about the Path in Cloud Shine Nunnery, watched the moon on Lilac Mountain, and observed the fishes in Hundred Leaves Lake. When Lu Zhou recalled this, he shook his head and sighed. "Jing Yan was greatly talented. Alas, she couldn't get rid of the distracting thoughts."

"You're right, Benefactor Ji. That was what my master said as well."

"How did she die?"

"My master's great limit was brought forward by two centuries…" Xuan Jing shook her head and sighed.

Lu Zhou considered it. Usually, a Nascent Divinity Tribulation realm cultivator could live for 600 years… With every subsequent leaf that sprouted, their life span would increase by 50 years. Nobody had ever attained the Nine-leaf stage. For this reason, nobody could overcome the Thousand-year limit. That was how the great limit came to be.

If the cultivator did not actively seek death, it would not have been a problem to live for 900 or even slightly more than 1,000 years. Why would her great limit be brought forward?

"My master attempted to enter the Nine-leaf stage but failed in the end. For that, she depleted her essence and blood," Xuan Jing replied.

Lu Zhou stroked his beard and nodded, "It's the ninth leaf again." He remembered the sword path genius of the northern capital. Gong Yuandu, said the same words before he died. Indeed, the loss of one's essence and blood would negatively impact one's longevity.

However, according to the ordinary rules and cultivation paths, the life span of humans should increase with their breakthroughs. Why would the Nine-leaf stage shorten their lives?

"Before my master died, she warned everyone who has reached the Eight-leaf stage to not foolishly attempt breaking through to the Nine-leaf stage," Xuan Jing said.

"When I had a discussion with her, she was filled with tenacity and courage, determined to reach the Nine-leaf stage…" Lu Zhou said with a hint of irony.

"You're at the peak of the Eight-leaf stage since a long time ago, Benefactor Ji… You should have more experience and insight compared to my master about this matter."

Lu Zhou said nothing. Xuan Jing had a point. Since Ji Tiandao was at peak of the Eight-leaf stage, could he have attempted to enter the Nine-leaf stage? Was that why he died?

"Make yourself comfortable, benefactor. I'll take my leave." When Xuan Jing saw that it was getting late, she no longer bothered him. She turned around and left.

Lu Zhou continued to entertain his thoughts. How many Eight-leaf cultivators could not resist the temptation of attempting to break through to the Nine-leaf stage?

Lu Zhou remembered the Reversal Cards. If attempting to enter the Nine-leaf stage would shorten his life… He had the Reversal Cards... Did this mean he would be different from others and would successfully become the first Nine-leaf elite in the cultivation world?

He thought about it for a while before he finally shook his head. 'It's useless to think about this now. I'll find out after my cultivation base improves and I can personally make an attempt. I should think about how to capture the three rascals instead."

Lu Zhou needed to stay here for five days. He hoped that Yu Zhenghai and Yu Shangrong would not appear too early. His item cards were on cooldown. This meant that he could only depend on the Heavenly Writing scroll.

When he thought about this, Lu Zhou walked up to the bed and sat on the floor. He faced the Hundred Leaves Lake that was miles away and entered his meditation state.

…

At night. Near Hundred Leaves Lake.

The moon was reflected on the lake's surface.

Yu Shangrong stabbed his Longevity Sword into the ground and rested his hands on its hilt. He sighed and said, "After this battle, should I conceal my identity and leave out the rest of my life near this lake?"

Nearby, Si Wuya was trying to adjust his Primal Qi. He said with a smile, "Indeed, this is a nice place. Alas, Cloud Shine Peak is too near." In other words, their master had spent too much time here. 'Do you dare?' Usually, he would not speak to his Second Senior Brother in this manner.

Yu Shangrong walked away from the Longevity Sword and walked toward the Hundred Leaves Lake. He slowly walked on the lake's surface as though he was walking on land as he said, "The most dangerous place is also the safest place…" The water did not touch him. He waved his arm gently.

Zing!

His Longevity Sword left its scabbard of its own accord. The red blade stood out in the dark of the night.

The sword rose, and the water of the lake rose with it as well!

The water rained down like a waterfall.

Yu Shangrong remained above the lake's surface. He did not conjure up his protective energy before he swung his Longevity Sword around. He raised his hand and cast a shadow with his sword.

Boom! Boom! Boom!

The water droplets were hit by Yu Shangrong at a terrifying speed. They flew into the trees nearby and left holes in their wakes.

The body of water fell back on the lake. Everything turned quiet again.

Yu Shangrong's sword skills bordered on perfection. He was the only one who could remain dry using his sword skills alone without relying on his Primal Qi or energy blades.

Crash!

Several trees in the vicinity fell to the ground, and the Longevity Sword returned to its scabbard.

Yu Shangrong said gently, "Seventh Junior Brother, in terms of sword skills, how would you rate this move?"

Si Wuya said earnestly, "You're peerless in terms of sword skills, Second Senior Brother."

"That's why… even if master is here, there's no need to worry."

Si Wuya, on the other hand, was not as confident as Yu Shangrong. Otherwise, he would not have constantly reported their master's whereabouts to Yu Shangrong. Zuo Xinchan, Sword Saint Luo Shisan, Runan's Zhuo Ping, Yu Shangrong feared none of them. He fearlessly met them in battles, risking running into their master in the process. However, those were different times. In the end, he said, "Second Senior Brother, I'm not questioning your strength… but master's strength seems to have improved."

Yu Shangrong frowned. His feet sunk half an inch into the water. He pushed away from the lake's surface at once. A burst of energy appeared, and the water stains on his feet instantly disappeared. He looked at Si Wuya as he waited for an explanation.

Si Wuya said, "Outside the Obedient Villa, I saw master standing on a blue lotus… Initially, I thought it was the barrier's power. I was wrong. The power from the blooming blue lotus is capable of removing the mantra on my body. The barrier doesn't have such capabilities…"

"Are you certain?" Yu Shangrong asked.

"I am," Si Wuya said gravely, "Perhaps, master has found a way to overcome the great limit."

Yu Shangrong's gentle expression remained unchanged when he heard this. However, he said in a displeased tone, "Junior brother, if you're trying to dissuade me from fighting Eldest Senior Brother with this, I'm afraid that I'll have to disappoint you."

"You've misunderstood me, senior brother. That's not what I meant at all," Si Wuya said.

Yu Shangrong responded, "I hope not."

"I swear to the heavens that I have no such intentions." Si Wuya raised three fingers in the air.

Yu Shangrong let the matter rest. He turned around slowly, and the Longevity Sword flew into his hand. He asked, "Seventh Junior Brother, who do you think will win, between Eldest Senior Brother and I?"

'Here we go again. This is too difficult.' Si Wuya felt speechless, but he did not show it on his face. He said, "You will win, of course."

"I think so too," Yu Shangrong said gently, "It's getting late. You should get some rest, Seventh Junior Brother."

His voice barely faded when a blue fluorescent light sparkled in Cloud Shine Peak's direction. It was like a firefly. Unfortunately, it was too far away. At a distance of several miles, this level of brightness was the same as darkness.

Si Wuya continued to sit in the lotus position and adjusted his aura. He had to recover as much of his cultivation base as he could within these few days. He did not want to waste any time. He stayed that way the whole night.

...

Early the next morning.

When the sun rose, Si Wuya was awakened by the dew that fell on his face. When he opened his eyes, he saw his Second Senior Brother standing at the side.

Yu Shangrong only pointed at Cloud Shine Nunnery and said, "Smoke from kitchen chimneys."

Si Wuya wanted to say that standing next to someone while they were sleeping was scary. However, he had no choice but to swallow the words. In the end, he said, "I've investigated Cloud Shine Nunnery. After the abbess, Wu Nian, lost her cultivation base, she left Cloud Shine Nunnery. The remaining members are nothing to be worried about. The Cloud Shine Nunnery has disbanded. Xuan Jing is managing the place on her own. Why would there be smoke from the kitchen chimneys?"

"Pleasure," Yu Shangrong said softly, "You don't understand the pleasures of the world, Junior Brother Wuya."

"Perhaps," Si Wuya replied.

"I know what you want to say…" Yu Shangrong chuckled. As soon as he finished speaking, he launched himself into the sky and brandished the Longevity Sword.

An Eight-leaf avatar materialized out of thin air. It was 100-foot tall with an Eight-leaf Golden Lotus spinning under its feet. Its radiance was blindingly bright.

Yu Shangrong hovered within the avatar. He crossed his arms and said with a smile, "Junior brother, after this battle, I won't have any more opponents in swordplay." Then, he added, "Apart from master."

Si Wuya regarded this avatar with a complicated look in his eyes. Sometimes, he felt that his Second Senior Brother was foolish. Sometimes, he felt that he could not understand him at all. He wondered what the Sword Devil, whose name struck fear in those who heard it, was pursuing.

…

Inside Cloud Shine Nunnery.

Lu Zhou opened his eyes. He looked at the 100-foot avatar that was miles away. "Hundred Leaves Lake?"

'Rascal.' There were more than four days left before the cooldown period was over. There was no need for him to rush. There was nothing he could anyway. It was better for him to be patient.

At this moment, Duan Xing's voice rang from outside. "Old senior! There's a situation! An Eight-leaf avatar has been sighted."

"I know," Lu Zhou said indifferently.

Duan Xing, initially, wanted to ask if Lu Zhou planned to do anything about it, but then, he thought better of it. After all, it was too offensive. Whether the old senior decided to make a move or not had nothing to do with him. Hence, he only bowed and said, "I'll await your good news, old senior."

In any case, Duan Xing and his Fiend Temple could only be sideline supporters before the battle. They could not do anything else. That was an Eight-leaf Avatar. Anyone in their right minds would not go any closer.

After the avatar vanished, the Hundred Leaves Lake was silent once more.

Lu Zhou closed his eyes again and meditated on the Heavenly Writing.

...

Another day passed.

Lu Zhou felt that only one-fifth of Heavenly Writing's extraordinary power had been restored. At this level, he could only repel a Nascent Divinity Tribulation realm elite once, at most. It was far from enough. However, there was nothing he could do. There was too little time. His meditation speed did not improve as well.

At this moment, someone's voice rang from outside again. "Old senior, the Nether Sect's flying chariot is here."

Lu Zhou opened his eyes slowly and replied, "Alright." He stood up and emerged with his hands on his back.

Duan Xing and the others respectfully stood outside. He said, "It has been confirmed that the ultimate battle between your first and second disciple will be above the Hundred Leaves Lake. Indeed, it's a wonderful place for a sparring session."

Lu Zhou ignored Duan Xing. He stepped out of the courtyard with his hands on his back. He needed to find another spot that was more suited to watch the battle instead of being cooped up in his room with a limited view. Although he had a great view of Hundred Leaves Lake, for a battle of this level, the range could easily extend for several miles. It was too easy for the battle to be out of his field of vision.

Lu Zhou walked toward Cloud Shine Peak. At the same time, from the distance, he saw a huge black flying chariot flying toward the Hundred Leaves Lake.