The kill happened so fast that many spectators didn’t even get the chance to react. When they finally did, they were all in an uproar!

“What—what just happened?! A century-old big shot dead? Just like that?!”

“Yeah! How did he die all of a sudden?! Why didn’t he fight back?! I call rigged—rigged, I tell ya!”

“Oi! Don’t jump to conclusions. It must’ve been some mysterious means we don’t know?”

“Maybe backlash from the curse?”

The audience was in chaos and all sorts of speculations were flying around.

Comparatively, those with higher levels of insight were far calmer and their focus was on the bigger picture.

Inside one of the top-numbered private boxes.

Lounging on an Arhat bed by the window was a man decked out in a blood-red gown trimmed in gold.

Those privy to upper-class intel will recognize: this was the core disciple, Jin Guangta!

Observing the victor stripping the corpse of his clan mate, the man leisurely took a sip from his glass of blood then casually utter a command. “Bring me everything we have on him.”

“Yes, this little one will see to it immediately.”

A eunuch standing behind his seat bowed and turned to leave.

Just when the servant was about to head out, Jin Guangta called out again.

“Oh—one more thing. Send out another blood bag to test the waters. If it’s too hot… you know what to do.”

“As you command, my lord.”

Click. The door sealed shut and Jin Guangta took another sip to empty his wine glass.

His gaze then dropped down to the delicate young lamb servicing him and petted her head with a kind smile. “Time’s up, little one.”

At that comment, the girl’s face blanched and panic flooded her eyes.

She frantically bobbed her head, desperately wanting to sprint towards the finish line, but the next heartbeat, her bloodshot eyes bulged in horror.

One moment she was still a beauty in the flesh...

The next—all her blood drained out from her orifices, condensing into a thick, viscous beads that flowed into the man’s wineglass!

A shriveled, ashen husk toppled over to the floor and Jin Guangta didn’t even bother sparing it a second glance.

“Next.”

Two maids hurried forward to drag the corpse away while another shivering young lamb timidly crawled over and knelt at his bedside to start the service anew.

Sighing comfortably, Jin Guangta swirled the blood in his wineglass and casually declared.

“Blood debts must be paid in blood sooner or later. Any who stands between me and what I desire will only have one ending!”

The line of maids all bowed their heads and shivered, but none dared to even make a peep.

In another private room...

The dandy, Wu Khan’er, watched the winner pack away the corpse of a legitimate mid-stage foundation establishment cultivator and felt cold all over.

The shivering dandy swallowed hard and can’t help but look to his calm older brother for help. “B-brother, w-what should I do?”

Wu Chaofeng folded his fan with a snap and spared his brother a disdainful look. “Now you know how to be afraid?”

Wu Khan’er looked like he was about to cry. “H-how was I supposed to know it’ll turn out like this? Who knew the shabby beggar I randomly pick on can actually be so terrifying!”

“Pathetic.” Wu Chaofeng snorted then his narrowed gaze locked onto the field sweeper that didn’t look tire at all. “No matter. After offending that man, his days are numbered. Besides, there’s still me.”

“R-right, right! Brother, as long as you’re here, there’s nothing to fear!”

After injecting himself with some confidence, Wu Khan’er relaxed, but his eyes soon darted about restlessly as if a bad idea spawned in his mind. “That…”

He leaned in closer. “Brother… when… will you be making a move?”

“Oh?” Wu Chaofeng shot the little schemer a second glance. “And who do you think I should make a move on?”

Wu Khan’er timidly stole a glance at his brother, trying to read his thoughts, before mustering his courage to speculate.

“I-I think… perhaps now would be a good chance to remove that lowly branch clown from the heir competition?”

Wu Chaofeng looked away, disappointed.

“No, it’s still not time. I was hoping this Mo Clan dog could force him to use that thing, but he still kept his hand. That’s the power of a golden core’s strike and I’m not so silly to waste my life against a disposable aid.”

“Ah?!” That branch clan peasant actually has something that powerful?! No wonder his elder brother…

No! Can’t think like this! Wu Khan’er quickly snuffed out that disrespectful thought, became more timid to mask his emotions, then hesitantly set the topic again. “So brother, your next target is…?”

Wu Chaofeng smiled and looked away from the man with little thoughts. Setting his sight on his target, he lightly fanned himself.

“Hmm. Don’t you think his physique is... quite interesting? Perhaps the road to my promotion lies there.”

Wu Khan’er was stunned for a heartbeat, but he quickly reacted and started showering praises.

“Yes, brother is right! Brother is wise beyond compare! Congratulations, brother! Your ascension through the dragon’s gate is imminent!”

Wu Chaofeng shushed his little brother using his fan and drawled, “Eih, don’t celebrate too soon. We’ll still have to wait and see if I can claim him successfully.”

Wu Khan’er hurriedly flattered, “Then that’s for certain! This stage is dominated by brother! Even late-stage disciples have to give you face! As long as brother makes a move, nobody can possibly stop you!”

Wu Chaofeng’s eyes narrowed. “...Not necessarily.”

“Huh?” There’s somebody who can stop brother? Wu Khan’er was about to ask who, but a knock cut him short.

A squeaky, high-pitched voice announced from outside. “My lord, I’ve brought the sacrifices.”

Wu Chaofeng smiled. “Bring them in.”

Wu Khan’er glanced back and saw their Wu Clan eunuch leading in an entourage of pretty maidens both young and mature.

All looked at his brother with worship on their faces.

Wu Khan’er recognized several of them and his face turned strange. “Sister-in-law? This… brother you…”

Ignoring him, Wu Chaofeng went over to his concubine and used his fan to lift her chin.

“Even a lion must fight a rabbit with all his strength. Best to be fully prepared. You’re willing to dedicate yourself to me, won’t you, Xiao Man?”

The beauty’s face glowed like peach blossoms in spring and she replied with adoration that burned hotter than incense. “Yes... please use me however you like…”

While devotion played out in this chamber, in private box 11, a different tension brewed.

Sitting there like a Greek sculpture, the muscular Jia Shizi watched his prey like a hawk and sneered. “The prize I’ve set my eyes on really can’t sit still.”

Beside him, the baldy wrapped in bandages like a half-mummified monk blinked curiously.

“Em. Brother Bubai must’ve lucked out nine lifetimes to catch your eyes. So... is cousin gonna make a move?”

“Maybe? Haha.” Jia Shizi flashed a grin.

“But first, I should send out the message and let the jackals know to not stick their filthy hands where they don’t belong. I hope grandfather will support my… willfulness.”

The little thoughts of those below certainly didn’t escape those above.

Listening to all the gossip, the younger Elder Feng Huajin covered her smile with her sleeves and giggled.

“This Boya is quite good. Everybody wants a piece of him. Even I find his physique and... skills... to be quite interesting. Don’t you agree, elder sister?”

Feng Lupeng did not so much as blink, simply shooting back a flat, emotionless reply. “Physiques and skills that has an effect on the spirit is rare, but not unheard of.”

The old experienced salesman, Ma Pei, immediately shoved himself into the conversation. “Hohoh. Don’t try to sell that cheap brat short! Anyone with eyes can see how valuable he is with one look!”

Hearing this, Grand Elder Jia Wunan kindly smiled and rested his gaze on Mo Badao. “Since you two know his value so well, then why is your Mo Clan so willing to give up such a good seed?”

Mo Badao scoffed. “Bah! No need to test me. Our Mo Clan can’t house such a big Buddha under our roof!”

“My ancestors passed down clear rules—certain characters can’t be kept and plundering their foundation is even more taboo! If any other faction wants to shoulder such a great karma, go for it! But don’t count my Mo Clan in!”

The bald elder Jia Gufan laughed out loud. “Ahahaha! You still believing in that child of destiny nonsense like always?”

“Be like me—believe my fist can overturn destiny! If opportunity comes knocking, don’t be afraid to grasp it! If you don’t want that kid, we Jia Clan will be happy to take him!”

Finally getting down to business! The old geezer Ma Pei rubbed his hands together excitedly and grinned. “Since that’s the case, then how about we discuss...”

But it seems his good scarecrow buddy Tai Yinjun didn’t want to see his rival happy and butted in to stop the transaction.

“Gah! Stinky Old Fart, don’t celebrate too early! Who knows if that dollie of yours can still survive that long!”

Ma Pei rolled his eyes back. “Pei! Isn’t the outcome obvious already? I’m afraid that bloody brat’s got no more cards to play this year!”

“That’s hard to say! There’s still others!” Tai Yinjun barked back, but that only earned him a sneer.

“So what if there are! Those little brats always like playing these same lame tricks. If they can’t walk the straight path, they’ll have no chance to win!”

“Gah! You say it like you’ve never done it! Didn’t you also like playing these crooked tricks back then? But you gave up because you had no talent!”

“Pei! What fart talent no talent! I didn’t give up! I just preferred simplicity! Slap them with a bloody sword and it’s over! Simplicity, get it?!”

“Gah! Simplicity, my stinking foot! I remember clearly, back in the old days, you—”

Seeing the two old geezers kicking off another argument again, Grand Elder Jia Wunan massaged his temples and placated them.

“Enough, enough you two... Save your breath. Let’s just quietly watch how things play out. The Jin Clan has already sent out their next torchbearer.”

Hearing this, the bickering pair “humphed” and turned away from each other.

It really just looked like another argument, but was it really?

The other elders all had thoughtful looks, but nobody pointed out the problem.

Instead, they all cast their attention down to the arena where a battle started anew. All were wondering: how long can that young man survive?