“Ming Tian, agree to his terms.”
Master Bai Yun suddenly spoke.
“Oh? You’re finally seeing reason. Not bad, not bad. All these years haven’t been wasted.”
The black-clad man laughed, clearly pleased.
Hearing Bai Yun’s words, the last shackle in Ming Tian’s heart broke free.
His loyalty to Bai Yun had always been a means to an end—a stepping stone to enter one of the Twelve Sects, as advised by the strong figures of the Ninja Clan.
His earlier hesitation stemmed from fear that Bai Yun’s anger might harm the Ninja Clan or himself. Though the black-clad man called Bai Yun insignificant, a mere ant, he was still a Mortal Realm martial artist—killing Ming Tian would be effortless.
“I, your disciple, am willing to join the Demon Flame Heavenly Sovereign’s sect!”
Ming Tian knelt, declaring without hesitation.
“Hahaha, excellent! Truly excellent! You’re a smart one!”
The black-clad man roared with laughter. “Rest assured, you’ve made the most important choice of your life! Join the Moon Blossom Sect, and with your talent, under my master’s personal guidance, you’ll step into a vibrant, boundless world. You’ll meet the greatest geniuses from other continents and become a martial arts legend!”
These words were for Ming Tian, but also for Ling Xiao.
Taking Ming Tian wasn’t enough; he wanted Ling Xiao too.
He knew well that young martial artists like them yearned to explore a broader, more colorful world, to access superior martial arts, to see what the world truly held.
In that sense, he had succeeded.
Ling Xiao was indeed tempted.
Becoming a disciple of the Demon Flame Heavenly Sovereign meant bypassing the outer sect’s hardships, receiving direct guidance, and likely becoming an inner disciple quickly. Rapid cultivation growth and even reaching the Heaven-Human Realm seemed entirely possible.
Ever since meeting the blue-clad woman, Ling Xiao’s curiosity about the world had been ignited.
“What about you, kid? Ming Tian’s agreed. What’s your choice?”
The black-clad man turned to Ling Xiao.
“Heh, Senior from the Moon Blossom Sect, your offer is incredibly tempting. And since Master Bai Yun has already expelled me, there’s no reason I shouldn’t join you under the Demon Flame Heavenly Sovereign.”
Ling Xiao smiled. “But I don’t believe it’s that simple.”
Though tempted, his instincts told him things weren’t as rosy as they seemed.
“Hahaha, clever! You’re too clever—I’m starting to like you!”
The black-clad man laughed heartily. “Your talent may be lacking, but with that sharp mind, you’d make a fine lackey for my master.”
“Heh, I don’t have that kind of skill. You’re better suited for it, Senior. It’s clear you worship the Demon Flame Heavenly Sovereign.”
Ling Xiao chuckled.
“Bold words, kid. Do you think I can’t kill you?” The black-clad man’s brows furrowed.
He knew exactly what Ling Xiao’s jab implied—it was an insult.
“You really can’t kill me.”
Ling Xiao was confident. As long as he didn’t make a foolish mistake, the black-clad man couldn’t touch him.
“Heh, bold and cautious, with both brains and bravery. Fine, I won’t haggle over trivialities. You’re right—joining the Demon Flame Heavenly Sovereign requires a pledge of loyalty.”
The black-clad man smirked.
“What kind of pledge?”
Ling Xiao asked.
“Cut something off old man Bai Yun—say, an ear, nose, or eye. That’ll do.”
The black-clad man said casually. “I know you’re close with your master, so I won’t make you kill him. That’d be too hard.”
Ling Xiao sucked in a breath at those words.
This man was vicious.
Though Ling Xiao wanted to join the Moon Blossom Sect and disliked Bai Yun, he couldn’t bring himself to do something so cruel.
“Black Rope, you’ve gone too far!”
Bai Yun roared in anger.
“Too far? And what can you do about it?”
Black Rope sneered.
“Sorry, I may not like the old man, but we don’t have some irreconcilable grudge. Plus, he saved my life once. I can’t do it. Looks like I’m not fated for the Demon Flame Heavenly Sovereign.”
Ling Xiao shrugged, giving up the opportunity.
“Ming Tian, what about you?”
Black Rope turned coldly to Ming Tian. “You know this pledge is mandatory. You’re Bai Yun’s disciples. If you’re only pretending to defect, my master would be at a disadvantage.”
“I… I…”
Ming Tian trembled, looking at Bai Yun.
At that moment, Bai Yun felt true despair. He could accept Ming Tian joining the Demon Flame Heavenly Sovereign, but this? He couldn’t comprehend it.
He had poured all his effort into nurturing Ming Tian and Zuo Leng, even offending Ling Xiao and others in the process.
Yet now, the disciple he’d devoted himself to was about to harm him!
“Sorry, Master. I’ll borrow your ear. When I achieve greatness, I’ll repay you.”
Ming Tian walked toward Bai Yun.
“You beast! You vile beast!”
Bai Yun spat blood in rage.
Gravely injured, he was powerless. Ming Tian could kill him, let alone take an ear.
“Hahaha, well done, well done! ‘No ruthlessness, no greatness!’ You’re the kind who achieves big things! Soon, you’ll take pride in this choice.”
Black Rope laughed, delighted.
“Ah! I can’t take it! Ming Tian, you beast! Don’t you dare harm Master!”
The first to rush out to protect Bai Yun was Shi Lei.
But before he could take a step, he was sent flying.
Black Rope hadn’t moved, merely unleashing a burst of true essence that struck Shi Lei, leaving him heavily injured and unconscious.
Truth be told, if Black Rope weren’t standing there, even the Tianren Academy disciples would have scorned Ming Tian’s actions.
They’d have tried to stop him too.
But with Black Rope present, it was clear: anyone who interfered would be attacked.
The remaining disciples, including those from Hidden Dragon Camp, were powerless despite their intentions.
“Yuling, save Shi Lei. I’ll handle the old man.”
Ling Xiao couldn’t stand by any longer.
He disliked Bai Yun, even found him repulsive, but if he let Ming Tian, this traitor, cut off Bai Yun’s ear, Ling Xiao would carry that guilt for life.
It would become his inner demon.
So he sent a voice transmission to Dai Yuling to rescue Shi Lei while he sought a chance to save Bai Yun, repaying the old man’s life-saving grace.
Ming Tian was a disappointment. Bai Yun had showered him with nearly all his favor—personal guidance, abundant resources.
Yet in the end, this wretch showed no gratitude. Ling Xiao suspected his heart was black.
If Ling Xiao were in Bai Yun’s shoes, he’d be heartbroken.
To save Bai Yun, Ling Xiao might have only one chance.
Based on repeated calculations through his Mountain and River Martial Soul, the success rate was about sixty percent.
The plan required combining Blood Shadow Martial Soul, Cloud Dragon Divine Steps, Martial Soul Clone, and Mountain and River World.
“Sixty percent is enough!”
Ling Xiao took a deep breath, resolving to act.
