My disciples are all villains.

Mingshi Yin replied without any hesitation, "Of course." He paused for a moment before he continued to say, "Leng Luo was at the top of the blacklist 300 years ago. You should know this better than me, Your Majesty. I don't think I have to introduce Pan Litian and Zuo Yushu as well since they're both notable figures of their generations. Hua Wudao was an elder of the Yun Sect, but he left the sect because of the chaotic state the sect was in. With nowhere else to go, he had no choice but to stay in the Evil Sky Pavilion…"

"I heard that Yun Tianluo isn't a despicable character. Why would he let Hua Wudao leave? Also, an Eight-leaf elder would've been an honored guest no matter where he went," Liu Ge said.

'This old fox isn't as gullible as I thought he would be.' Mingshi Yin maintained the expression on his face as he said, "Let's not dwell on the details. You're the monarch of the empire, Your Majesty. You can easily find out about these things."

Liu Ge nodded. He looked at Mingshi Yin and said, "I was the monarch. Now, I… am here as an old friend who wishes to reminisce with your master."

Mingshi Yin said, "I've told you, my master is cultivating in seclusion. It'll remain that way for at least another two months. Nobody is supposed to disturb him before that."

At this moment, Su Sheng spoke up. "I heard that Senior Ji has attained the Nine-leaf stage long ago. Why would he still cultivate in seclusion?" The Nine-leaf stage was in a league of its own, invincible. Why would someone at the Nine-leaf stage need to cultivate in seclusion?

Mingshi Yin rolled his eyes at him and replied, "There's no end on the path of cultivation. My master has only recently entered the Nine-leaf stage. It's only natural for him to stabilize his realm… By the way, who are you?"

"Su Sheng, the Great General of the Imperial guard's northwestern gate garrison," Su Sheng said proudly.

"Oh… I've never heard of you."

"…"

'Why are you reacting as though you know me when you said you've never heard of me?' Su Sheng was rendered momentarily speechless. Then, he asked, "Sir, why is Senior Zuo in the Evil Sky Pavilion?"

Mingshi Yin did not answer Su Sheng directly. He could sense they were wary of Zuo Yushu. It seemed like his plan did not fail. Fear still lingered in his heart when he recalled the scene in the valley where he met Zuo Yushu. If he did not mention master, Zuo Yushu would have killed him. After a beat, he smiled and said, "Elder Zuo has admired my master for a long time… I'm sure you know the rest."

Liu Ge nodded approvingly and said, "When I was first acquainted with Brother Ji back then, indeed, there were many beauties who fawned over him. If Brother Ji's temper had been more agreeable, I… I wouldn't have stood a chance."

"…" Mingshi Yin was truly speechless. Why was this old man so shameless? In the end, he ordered the visitors to be escorted away after he said, "Alright, I've spoken enough. You've entered and seen the Evil Sky Pavilion as well. Now, it's time for you to leave."

Liu Ge slowly rose to his feet as he said, "Since Brother Ji can't meet me now, I'll wait for him. Surely there are rooms in the vast Evil Sky Pavilion to accommodate a bag of old bones like me?"

"You're staying?" Mingshi Yin was shocked.

"I won't disturb Brother Ji during these three months," Liu Ge replied.

"…"

Things had become slightly more complicated with this development. These three visitors were elites. Nobody could guarantee that nothing untoward would not during their stay here. Clearly, they came prepared.

If a conflict were to break out now, the fact that the four elders had severed the lotuses would certainly be exposed. If the trio was allowed to stay, it would only bring unnecessary complications and uncertainties to the Evil Sky Pavilion.

At this moment, Su Sheng said, "The Evil Sky Pavilion's four elders were restraining their auras earlier so I couldn't sense any Primal Qi surges. I wonder why is there a need for them to do this since they're in the Evil Sky Pavilion where there are no outsiders?"

Mingshi Yin was taken aback by Shu Sheng's words. As expected, this plan could not fool these people.

Su Sheng continued to say, "Elder Zuo is a Confucian cultivator. She's also a rare genius from the Confucian school 500 years ago. The thing she hates the most is to be secretive…"

Although Shu Sheng was not blunt with his words, Mingshi Yin could, naturally, infer the hidden meaning behind Su Sheng's words. He replied with a straight face, "It seems like you know nothing about the Evil Sky Pavilion."

This statement took Su Sheng by slight surprise.

Indeed. The Evil Sky Pavilion was not like the other places. Logic should not be applied here.

When Su Sheng regained his senses, he cupped his fists together and said, "In that case… I'd like to spar with the elders."

"…" What a pain in the a*s! Mingshi Yin's mind went into overdrive immediately. The four elders had already severed their lotuses and were in the process of recultivating. If they were to spar with Su Sheng now, they would surely lose. However, if the elders did not accept Su Sheng's challenge, it would not look good on the Evil Sky Pavilion. What a conundrum!

While Mingshi Yin was mulling over that matter, Su Sheng said, "I'm genuinely asking for a lesson and have no ulterior motives. Since the elites of the Evil Sky Pavilion are as numerous as the clouds… I'm sure that they won't mind teaching me a thing or two."

Su Sheng was advancing without any hesitation. Perhaps, Mingshi Yin's hesitance had convinced him and Gu Yiran that the Evil Sky Pavilion was hiding something. They were trying to get a feel of the situation under the pretext of sparring and learning. This was a good way to ensure they did not offend the Evil Sky Pavilion.

'These three old foxes!'

Liu Ge sat at the side without saying a word. It was clear he approved of Su Sheng's actions.

Mingshi Yin finally said, "There's no need for a sparring session… The Evil Sky Pavilion doesn't have the time to play with you."

At this moment, an elegant melody floated into the hall. The flute's song was refreshing and melodious like the gentle spring breeze blowing on one's face… Although it was not loud, everyone heard it clearly.

Liu Ge was intrigued by the sound. He looked outside the great hall and asked, "There's someone gifted in tune in the Evil Sky Pavilion?"

Mingshi Yin said, "Naturally."

As soon as Mingshi Yin finished speaking, a miniature energy sword flitted into the great all, aimlessly flying around. Although it was not powerful, its movements were nimble.

Gu Yiran exclaimed in shock, "Controlling Qi and energy with sound… Who's the person outside the hall?"

An idea appeared in Mingshi Yin's mind as he said with an indifferent expression on his face, "She's just controlling Qi with sound. It's not worth mentioning."

Su Sheng and Gu Yiran felt awkward when they heard Mingshi Yin's words. In their opinion, this was an amazing ability. After spending so many years on the battlefield, they knew very well what characters and abilities were more advantageous in a war. Whether it was the Buddhist areal healing technique, the Bright Mirror, or an attack like the Brahmic Lullaby, they were potent weapons that could be used during wars. The Confucian Formations were also useful. If they were used well, their army would be invincible.

At this moment, the energy sword suddenly shot toward Su Sheng.

Whoosh!

Su Sheng's expression darkened. "Despicable!" He flicked two fingers. Two talismans shot toward the energy sword. The talismans ignited as two script seals devoured the miniature energy sword.

At the same time, a deafening sound resonated in the air.

The flute's song and the peculiar script seals faded away.

Outside the hall, the flute song wafted in the hall again. The flute player seemed unwilling to submit herself as she played her flute again. The tempo of the song was faster now.

Su Sheng laughed and said, "Interesting!" He closed his palms, and several scripts of varying sizes flew in the air and collided with each other.

The ringing sound of the collision mingled with the flute's song.

The flute stopped for a moment. Then, it began playing at a higher key. If it had been a trickling stream before this, it was now a tidal wave.

Su Sheng appeared delighted. "I've never heard about someone skilled in tune among the Evil Sky Pavilion's nine disciples. I'm fortunate enough to witness this for myself today. Although I'm a crude person, I like music very much. I think I've met my match today. Again…"

Su Sheng rose to his feet. His hands were just a blur as he made several hand signs.

If their earlier exchange was just casual, they were serious now.

The surging of Primal Qi and the increase in script seals were in the Nascent Divinity realm.

Su Sheng clearly took this seriously!

Upon seeing this, Mingshi Yin's heart sank. Naturally, he knew who was playing the flute outside. How could that person compare to Su Sheng, one of the Imperial guard's eight great generals!

Dong! Dong! Dong!

The script seals enlarged and sounded like tolling bells when they collided.

As the flute's song dissipated, the soundwave of the collision spread out.

Mingshi Yin released a burst of energy and moved swiftly.

Whizz!

Energy resonated.

A Five-leaf avatar stood inside the Evil Sky Pavilion's great hall. Its power moved to the ceiling of the hall and blocked Su Sheng's soundwave.

All the sounds ceased in just an instant.

Mingshi Yin had to step in. His little junior sister would not have been able to withstand that soundwave.

Su Sheng frowned and asked, "Why are you interfering, sir?"

"This is the Evil Sky Pavilion, not a place where you can do as you please," Mingshi Yin said.

"He's allowed to taunt me, but I'm not allowed to strike back?" Su Sheng could not understand this logic.

Mingshi Yin shook his head helplessly. "I've told you… This isn't a place where you should be staying."

Su Sheng said, "There must always be a beginning and an end to a sparring session." He folded his palms again. Script seals emerged from his body and arranged themselves neatly in a light circle. The light circle resonated in the air, sounding like the Buddhist Brahmic Lullaby.

Mingshi Yin frowned slightly.

At this moment, a deafeningly loud and impatient voice rang from behind the great hall. The soundwave rolled out with a crashing momentum along the walkway. "Impudent!"