My disciples are all villains.

Lu Zhou looked at the collection of items. Naturally, he recognized some of these items. He stroked his beard as he considered them. Lu Ping was here to offer his apology. Why did he bring these items?

Before he could ask, Lu Ping cupped his fists and said, "Old Senior Ji, these four are my most trusted helpers in the Luo Sect. They're skilled in refining weapons. I heard that Shan Yunzheng gave her Falling Moon Bow to Lady Hua Yuexing…"

Clang!

"Hold it right there!" Duanmu Sheng stepped forward with his Overlord Spear in hand and cut Lu Ping short. With his muscular build, he seemed to stir the wind as he walked.

Lu Ping grew nervous at the sight of this. He was the Luo Sect's Third Elder, but he commanded no respect in the Evil Sky Pavilion.

"I have to correct your mistake… Shan Yunzheng did not give the bow to Hua Yuexing. There's no giving. The bow was returned to its original owner." Duanmu Sheng glared at Lu Ping.

"Yes, yes, yes… It was returned to Lady Hua." Lu Ping smacked his own forehead. He cursed at Shan Yunzheng 100 times in his mind again. "The Falling Moon Bow has acknowledged Shan Yunzheng as its owner. Just as well, my four brothers and I can refine the Falling Moon Bow again."

Lu Zhou stroked his beard and nodded. He thought to himself, 'Since I didn't get any Refining Talismans from the lucky draws, I might as well let them try.'

Refining weapons was a rare skill in the cultivation world. It was not strange for the Luo Sect to have such talents.

"How confident are you?" Lu Zhou asked.

"More than 60 percent," Lu Ping said proudly.

That was a high success rate. Even if it failed, all that was needed was another attempt, and the refining would succeed.

"How long?"

"10 days."

10 days was very quick, indeed. However, that was only if they had all the material needed. If not, it would be hard to complete the refining in a few months. Even the materials needed were rare, it would take even longer.

Then, Lu Ping continued to say, "I'm here to sincerely offer my apology. Please forgive me for my mistake, old senior."

Lu Zhou rose to his feet and walked down the steps. He stood beside the pile of items and asked with his hands on his back, "How did you know that witchcraft cultivator?" He picked up the essential iron and prime-gathering stone. He appraised them briefly before putting them back down.

"I was in the Divine Capital 10 days ago, and I befriended him there. It's my fault for being vain and accepting the mount," Lu Ping said.

"Where's this person?" Lu Zhou asked.

"He should still be in the Divine Capital," Lu Ping said helplessly, "After the mount was lost, I couldn't get a hold of him as well."

Lu Zhou did not expect the person to still be in the Divine Capital. The Second Prince was dead. Mo Li was dead. There should be no reason for him to stay in the Divine Capital.

Lu Ping said again, "Kindly investigate this, old senior."

"I'll give you a chance… However, you must answer my question honestly," Lu Zhou said.

Lu Ping hastily bowed. "I'll tell you anything and everything I know."

"Very well." Lu Zhou paused briefly as he stood with his hands on his back before he finally asked, "Where is Yun Tianluo now?"

If it were anyone else, Lu Ping would have been infuriated by this question. However, Lu Zhou was from the same generation as the patriarch. Perhaps, Lu Zhou was the only one who would address the patriarch by his name. He answered honestly, "The patriarch has always been cultivating in seclusion."

"Is he looking for a breakthrough?" Lu Zhou asked.

"Well…" Lu Ping stammered. This was something of a secret in Luo Sect. However, when he saw Lu Zhou's stern expression, he had no choice but to answer, "Yes."

"Yun Tianluo has been at the Eight-leaf stage for a long time now. Is he not at the Nine-leaf stage yet after all this time?"

Lu Ping was shocked at the mention of the Nine-leaf stage. "There's no need for such a joke, old senior. It's extremely difficult to break through to the Nine-leaf stage…" He wanted to say that even Lu Zhou could not attain the Nine-leaf stage, let alone the patriarch. However, he did not want to offend anyone. Hence, he swallowed those words.

"How long until Yun Tianluo's great limit?" Lu Zhou asked an important question.

Yun Tianluo's lifespan had always been a mystery. Ji Tiandao was about 100 years older than Yun Tianluo. If attaining the Nine-leaf stage was indeed damaging to one's lifespan, it was highly possible that Yun Tianluo would meet his end sooner.

Lu Ping felt caught between a rock and hard place at this moment. He did not expect the Evil Sky Pavilion to inquire about these matters.

When Lu Zhou saw him hesitate, he stroked his beard and said, "I know Yun Tianluo. There's no need to worry."

Lu Ping found that he had a point.

Ji Tiandao's great limit was near as well, and he was not even nervous. Why would the Luo Sect be nervous about their patriarch? Moreover, if the Evil Sky Pavilion had intended to attack them, it would have done so ages ago. There was no reason for them to delay.

"Around 30 years," Lu Ping replied.

'30 years,' Lu Zhou mused inwardly.

Gong Yuandu spent about 100 years of his life and failed.

Yun Tianluo had spent about 70 years, and he was not at the Nine-leaf stage yet.

In other words, at least 100 years of life was needed for a cultivator to attain the Nine-leaf stage. Unfortunately, he had too few examples to confirm his theories. Lu Zhou asked again, "So, Yun Tianluo is still cultivating in seclusion?

"Yes."

With his hands on his back, Lu Zhou sighed and said, "The stubborn man's efforts are in vain."

'He has only 30 years left. Why would he insist on trying?'

Lu Ping bowed and tentatively said, "I guess everyone at the Eight-leaf stage would give it a go… Isn't that so, old senior?"

Lu Zhou glanced at Lu Ping, causing a jolt of fear in Lu Ping's heart.

If what Lu Ping said was true, Ji Tiandao's demise back then was most probably caused by his failure while trying to attain the Nine-leaf stage. Although the battle between Ji Tiandao and the ten great elites ended in a draw, he was still injured in the process… If the ten great elites were to attack again, Ji Tiandao would have to attain the Nine-leaf stage if he wanted to survive the attack. That was the most reasonable explanation. What a shame.

Lu Zhou calmed down and said, "I'll give you a chance."

Lu Ping was overjoyed. He said at once, "Thank you, old senior. I'll certainly refine the Falling Moon Bow in ten days and revert it to its ownerless state."

"10 days won't be enough," Lu Zhou said.

"Huh?"

Jiang Aijian stepped forward with his arms crossed. He looked at Lu Ping and said, "How can you be so dumb? Ba Ma was even willing to abandon his mount to cause a conflict between Luo Sect and the Evil Sky Pavilion. If you return, he'll surely kill you along the journey."

Lu Ping was shocked. When he thought about this, he could not help but feel a chill running up his spine. He hastily said, "Thank you for reminding, comrade. Thank you, old senior!"

"Escort him out." Lu Zhou waved his hand.

Lu Ping was momentarily stunned. Then, he ventured awkwardly, "Old-old senior…"

"What is it?"

"How… H-how long do I have to stay in the Evil Sky Pavilion before I… before I can leave?" Lu Ping had a feeling that something awful would happen to him if he stayed here for too long.

Lu Zhou stroked his beard and said, "Come to think of it, it's been a long time since I've met Yun Tianluo."

Upon hearing this, Lu Ping started. What did Lu Zhou's words mean? His eyes widened.

Jiang Aijian said with a smile, "You should be honored. The old senior will be protecting you during your journey back to the Luo Sect."

"…" Lu Ping was close to tears.

"There's no need to feel nervous. I'm quite close to Yun Tianluo. If I want to cause trouble, would I have allowed Shan Yunzheng to return?" Lu Zhou asked.

Lu Ping scratched his head. That was right. He was overthinking this.

Initially, Lu Zhou did not intend to go to the Luo Sect. However, it seemed that he would have to make a personal visit to confirm the connection between the Nine-leaf stage and life. Perhaps, he could learn something important from Yun Tianluo.

The Yun Sect was the only sect out of the Three Sects that had conflicts with the Evil Sky Pavilion. However, the Yun Sect's forces were no longer what they once were. It was a far cry from the Tian and Luo Sects. They could almost be disregarded.

Yun Tianluo only had 30 years left to live. Yet, he was still cultivating in seclusion. There was even a chance that he might tomorrow. It was better for Lu Zhou to pay him a visit as soon as he possibly could.

…

15 days later. In the Luo Sect.

Inside the meeting hall of the Luo Sect's first holy land.

The elders looked at Shan Yunzheng, who did not seem to be in a good mood, and said, "There's no need to worry, Second Elder. Lu Ping is a cautious man. There won't be a problem during this trip."

Shan Yunzheng sighed and said, "The patriarch said that we should never make an enemy out of the Evil Sky Pavilion. When I think about that now..." She trailed off.

"Why do you seem defeated after your visit to the Evil Sky Pavilion?" The other elders laughed.

When Shan Yunzheng remembered Lu Zhou's amazing arrow shot, she shuddered inwardly.

At this moment, a disciple appeared outside the meeting hall.

"Greetings, elders! Elder Lu has sent word that the Evil Sky Pavilion Master will be personally making a visit here!" The disciple appeared to be flustered.

"What?!" The elders rose to their feet abruptly. A frightened expression could be seen on all their faces.