Master Baiyun struggled to believe that a peak Sevenfold Martial Vein master could outshine a Ninefold master in military merits.
“Fine, keep reading,” he said, intending to compare and check for errors in the merit device.
“Second, Ming Tian, 350 points!”
“Third, Ling Yixue, 200 points. Fourth, Zuo Leng, 190 points…”
Wan Ben listed the twelve disciples’ points. Except for Ming Tian and Ling Yixue, no one else broke 200.
Yet Ling Xiao’s points dwarfed Ming Tian’s, which seemed implausible.
Even subtracting the 450 points from killing the hidden assassin, Ling Xiao still had 610—nearly double Ming Tian’s.
The others couldn’t compare.
“The merit device must be faulty. This is impossible!” Fei Yu and the Heavenly Ninja Academy disciples stood, protesting.
The Hidden Dragon Camp warriors, however, remained calm. They’d witnessed Ling Xiao’s pivotal role; without him, the war would’ve been lost long before the end.
Ming Tian smirked coldly at Ling Xiao. Cheating was one thing, but faking so many points? Didn’t he know Master Baiyun despised fraud?
“Ling Xiao, hand over your merit device,” Baiyun said, his face grim.
“Yes, Master.”
Ling Xiao, confident in his integrity, wasn’t afraid of scrutiny.
He was right. Baiyun, though biased toward Zuo Leng and Ming Tian, wasn’t corrupt. After inspecting the device, he returned it, frowning. “The device is fine. I checked the records—Ling Xiao’s merits are legitimate.”
“Master, how is that possible?” Ming Tian stood, incredulous.
“What, you doubt me now?” Baiyun’s brow furrowed.
“I wouldn’t dare,” Ming Tian backtracked.
“Ling Xiao earned so many points largely because he held off the wolf beast, earning 300 points directly, plus 450 for the assassin, totaling 750,” Baiyun explained, likely to ease Ming Tian’s concerns. “The other 310 came from kills. His speed and special abilities far outpaced others.”
“Even so, it’s unbelievable!” Ming Tian persisted.
“True,” Baiyun nodded. “But Ling Xiao’s combat techniques are masterful, beyond even my skill. He kills with one strike, always hitting vital points, making him far more efficient. Still, these are just clever tricks—don’t dwell on them.”
Though Baiyun accepted Ling Xiao’s merits, he disapproved of his focus on combat techniques.
Ming Tian, however, seethed with anger and resentment.
Ling Xiao had not only killed his father in battle but also claimed first place in merits, nearly tripling his points. As a Ninefold master and true disciple, losing to Ling Xiao was unbearable.
The Heavenly Ninja Academy disciples bristled. Ling Xiao’s high merits meant more Ninja and Blue-Eye Clan deaths—a double insult.
The Hidden Dragon Camp geniuses, used to Ling Xiao’s standout performances, smiled approvingly.
“Alright, the rest of you can go to the Merit Hall for rewards. Ming Tian, Zuo Leng, stay,” Baiyun said, sensing Ming Tian’s unrest and keeping his prized disciples behind.
After Lin Ze, Wan Ben, Ling Xiao, and others left, Baiyun spoke warmly. “I know you’re upset about the merits, but it’s unnecessary. Ling Xiao’s combat skills surpass even mine, but that’s meaningless. Among the twelve, only you two have a shot at joining the Moonlight Sect and reaching the Mortal Realm!”
His pride in his two disciples was evident.
To him, Ling Xiao’s feats were mere parlor tricks, unworthy of note.
Ming Tian and Zuo Leng grinned.
“Thanks for your faith, Master!”
Their excitement surged. So what if Ling Xiao topped the merits? He’d never outshine them. No matter his skills, without reaching the Mortal Realm, he’d always be beneath them.
…
Leaving the True Spirit Hall, the group headed to the Merit Hall.
Previously, merits were redeemed at the Border General’s Mansion. Now, the higher-tier Merit Hall was a rare opportunity.
Though they’d learned of humanity’s shared origins, centuries of hatred wouldn’t fade overnight.
The Hidden Dragon Camp and Heavenly Ninja Academy remained at odds.
Ling Xiao’s suppression of Ming Tian and Zuo Leng especially stung the Ninja Academy disciples.
Both groups entered the Merit Hall, each planning their rewards.
Ming Tian and Zuo Leng arrived.
“Ling Xiao, not bad. A peak Sevenfold master killing a Ninefold one? Impressive,” Ming Tian said, his tone laced with hatred and sarcasm.
“But can you qualify for a hidden sect? Heh, I hope you do. Then we can really settle things.”
“No problem,” Ling Xiao replied coolly. “Just don’t let your guard down, Brother Ming Tian. My cultivation might surpass yours soon.”
Truthfully, Ming Tian and Zuo Leng were prodigies with immense potential.
With Baiyun’s full support, they’d left him far behind.
But that only fueled Ling Xiao’s excitement.
Without a target to chase, he’d lose drive.
“Hahaha, we’ll see,” Ming Tian laughed, heading with Zuo Leng to pick rewards.
Ling Xiao didn’t linger. With over 1,000 merit points, he could claim plenty—martial manuals, treasures, divine weapons.
But abundance brought its own dilemma: choosing wisely.
He didn’t need martial manuals for now.
He had attack, defense, and movement techniques—all Mortal-level.
His inner cultivation method was near-Mortal, and the Merit Hall lacked an upgrade.
With his martial soul and secret techniques, he was set.
In three months, joining the Moonlight Sect might offer better options. For now, his points were best spent on elixirs to boost his cultivation.
