Duan Yiwei's eyes grew brighter the more he listened.
He understood the Sect Master's meaning well. That Yun Jin still had to die—but it couldn't be done openly, and certainly not by their hands.
They needed someone else to do the deed. And now, this Yuehua Sect was like a blade delivered to their doorstep.
"But Sect Master," Duan Yiwei said, "if I just ask them for a favor, they might agree out of respect for our Holy Land's name. But if I ask them to eliminate Yun Jin outright, I doubt they'll listen."
"That's simple," Lin Xiao said mildly. "Offer them a reward. In three years, the sect rankings will be reassessed. Tell them that if they succeed, Yuehua Sect will be granted the number one spot among the Super Sects."
Duan Yiwei froze. "Sect Master, isn't that reward a bit... too generous?"
These rankings weren't just about prestige—they directly impacted the distribution of resources.
Being ranked first meant access to better disciples, more cultivation materials, more influence. Yuehua Sect had always ranked modestly. Now suddenly giving them the top position—it felt like far too sweet a deal.
"No matter. Just tell them exactly that. You can hand over the protective golden ring I gave you as a token. That way, they won't have any doubts." Lin Xiao spoke with calm confidence.
"Yes, understood." Duan Yiwei didn't hesitate to agree.
Lin Xiao gave a satisfied nod. "Once it's done, report back to me."
This matter was one he absolutely refused to show his face in. If anything went wrong, the blame would fall on Duan Yiwei alone. He would protect Duan Yiwei—if he could. If not, then the man would simply be a martyr for the good of the sect.
Duan Yiwei remained unaware that his Sect Master had already decided he would be the scapegoat. A cheerful smile still played at his lips.
That Yun Jin had dared be so disrespectful to him—she had already chosen the path to death. And now, with the Sect Master's backing, her end was sealed. This was what happened to anyone who dared slight Qingxiao Pavilion.
Duan Yiwei sought out Mu Lan. After a secretive conversation, he followed Mu Lan and went directly to Yuehua Sect.
No one knew what was said between them, but when they returned, Yuehua Sect dispatched ten Mahayana cultivators, ten Tribulation-stage cultivators, and ten Unity-stage cultivators—all of them accompanied Duan Yiwei to Lin City.
As the group departed, someone cautiously glanced at Yuehua Sect's Sect Master.
"Sect Master, why would Qingxiao Pavilion go to such lengths just to eliminate a little girl at the Golden Core stage?"
The Yuehua Sect Sect Master chuckled. "It's not the girl they fear. It's the legendary Wushuang Sect."
Wushuang Sect?
The man looked puzzled.
The Sect Master offered no further explanation.
A thousand years ago, that sect was shrouded in mystery. Few in the current generation even knew it existed.
And now, after a millennium, those who still remembered Wushuang Sect were fewer than ever.
He happened to be one of them.
Back in the day, Wushuang Sect never vied for power or clashed openly. The world rarely saw them take action.
Most people only knew of the Four Great Holy Lands, and had never even heard of Wushuang Sect.
But within those Holy Lands, they all knew the truth: they were not invincible. Looming above them all was the immovable mountain known as Wushuang Sect.
They didn't need to fight. They didn't need recognition. Wushuang Sect was invincible simply by existing.
A sect like that—was terrifying.
Now, Wushuang Sect was stirring once again. The Yuehua Sect Sect Master asked himself honestly: if he were one of the Four Holy Lands, would he want them to rise again?
Absolutely not.
But Wushuang Sect had once perished for the sake of the world, and the righteousness of that sacrifice still lingered. There were likely differing voices among the Holy Lands. To avoid open conflict, they had chosen instead to borrow someone else's blade.
Yuehua Sect had become that blade.
If they killed Yun Jin, they might be cursed, might even suffer a little symbolic suppression, but the Yuehua Sect Sect Master believed their sacrifice would not go unrewarded.
He believed it wholeheartedly.
None of the true higher-ups in the Four Holy Lands would want Wushuang Sect to return.
This time, Qingxiao Pavilion merely played the front-facing role while letting them act as the executioner.
And once they became that blade, Yuehua Sect would become Qingxiao Pavilion's trusted ally. The other three Holy Lands would also take note of their contribution.
What they had to give up was nothing more than reputation.
Reputation was worthless next to tangible gains.
The Four Holy Lands didn't want to bear the stigma. Yuehua Sect would bear it for them. In doing so, every one of the Holy Lands would owe them a favor. As long as the job was done, Yuehua Sect would soar.
Looking at the confused expressions of those around him, the Sect Master felt a bit superior. He alone was sober while all others remained in the dark. To have him as Sect Master—how lucky Yuehua Sect was.
Only he could see this deep layer of strategy. Only he could pave such a heaven-reaching path for the sect. Once Yuehua Sect truly rose, they would all understand his efforts.
"You heard your Sect Master. For now, follow my orders," Duan Yiwei said arrogantly. "Before the Wushuang Sect treasure vault opens, do not reveal yourselves. Do everything you can to assist Yun Jin in resolving the Luohua Mountain issue. Understood?"
Though Duan Yiwei had the lowest cultivation in the group, his tone was far from polite.
A few Mahayana cultivators frowned, clearly displeased. But remembering Duan Yiwei's identity and their Sect Master's instructions, they had no choice but to swallow their pride.
So be it.
This man was from a Holy Land—and a core disciple at that. He wasn't someone they could afford to offend.
When he saw them nod, Duan Yiwei finally looked satisfied.
A subtle smile tugged at his lips.
Did Yun Jin have any idea that her own plan would dig her grave?
With this kind of lineup, once they made their move, she would have no path to survival.
Just a few more days of tolerance.
The day the treasure vault opened would be the day Yun Jin fell.
By the time Duan Yiwei returned with the group, three days had passed.
During those three days—
Yun Jin had already informed the Tianjian Peak members of the situation.
Senior Brother, Second Senior Sister, and Yu Songnian—those three would take up three of the five slots.
Ye Cheng lacked talent for combat, and the secret realm was filled with danger. He would stay behind for now. If she obtained suitable inheritances or treasures, she could always pass them on to him later.
That left two slots.
After some thought, Yun Jin decided to invite Gu Jinghong as well.
She never fully trusted Gu Jinghong, but with the master-servant contract in place, she wasn't too worried about betrayal.
She intended for Gu Jinghong to walk the path of arrays or talismans.
It was said the Wushuang Sect treasure vault contained a vast array of legacies. Perhaps it could help him go further down that road.
That left just one final slot.
And Yun Jin already knew who she wanted.
She headed out and went to visit Qin Ping.
Qin Ping seemed to be waiting for her. He hadn't left Lin City these past few days.
When Yun Jin finally arrived, he actually let out a small sigh of relief.
His gamble had paid off. She had come.