Primordial Era: The Holy Maiden Shiji, a woman of exceptional talent and beauty

Seeing this, the elder smiled slightly: "In that case, why don't you spar a few moves here? Remember, stop when you've made your point."

Li Yan was secretly delighted, thinking he had found an opportunity for revenge. However, the ensuing sparring match surprised him greatly.

Shi Ji's cultivation level was far above his. No matter how he attacked, Shi Ji could easily neutralize it, and each counterattack almost overwhelmed him.

After a few moves, Li Yan was drenched in sweat, while Shi Ji remained calm and composed. He finally realized how vast the gap was between him and Shi Ji.

After the sparring session, Li Yan, looking ashamed, bowed to Shi Ji and the elder, saying, "Young Master Shi's skill is superior; I admire him. Thank you, Elder, for giving me this opportunity to spar."

The elder nodded: "Li Yan, you should learn more from Young Hero Shi, cultivate diligently, and improve yourself."

"Yes, Elder." Li Yan bowed his head and answered, appearing very respectful on the surface, but inwardly he was burning with anger.

Li Yan thought to himself, "Shi Ji, you bastard, how dare you make me lose face in front of the elders like this! I will never let you get away with this! I'll make you know what happens when you offend me, Li Yan."

Although he pretended to be obedient in front of the elders, deep down he was already plotting how to make Shi Ji die a miserable death. He decided to use his connections in the sect to secretly lay a plan and look for an opportunity to strike at Shi Ji.

The elders and Shi Ji were unaware of Li Yan's inner thoughts and continued discussing martial arts and swordsmanship. Shi Ji was quite interested in the Lingyun Sect's swordsmanship, and the elders were happy to share the essence of their sect's martial arts with him.

However, a conspiracy against Shi Ji is brewing in the shadows. Li Yan is plotting a deadly trap, waiting for Shi Ji to step into it. This feud seems to have only just begun…

Inside the main hall of Lingyun Sect, the elder's conversation with Shiji continued...

The elder said, "Young Master Shi, your understanding and application of swordsmanship have truly impressed me. Would you be willing to learn more about the swordsmanship of our Lingyun Sect?"

Shi Ji nodded: "Elder, you flatter me. I have always held the Lingyun Sect's swordsmanship in the highest esteem. It is my honor to have the opportunity to learn more about it."

At this moment, a cold glint flashed in Li Yan's eyes as he listened silently from the side. He decided to take advantage of this opportunity to secretly sabotage the operation.

Li Yan interjected, "Elder, since Young Master Shi is so interested in our Lingyun Sect's swordsmanship, this disciple is willing to assist you in demonstrating the essence of our sect's swordsmanship to Young Master Shi."

The elder glanced at Li Yan and smiled slightly: "Alright, then you will be responsible for showing Young Hero Shi around our Sword Pavilion and demonstrating some basic sword techniques to him."

Li Yan was secretly delighted; this was the opportunity he had been waiting for. He planned to make his move in the Sword Pavilion and use the opportunity to frame Shi Ji.

Shi Ji was unaware of Li Yan's conspiracy. He bowed to the elder and Li Yan, saying, "Thank you for your kindness, elder and brother Li. I will definitely study hard."

The three of them headed to Jian Ge together. On the way, Li Yan secretly observed Shi Ji, looking for an opportunity to strike.

However, Shi Ji seemed to know everything, and he walked very steadily, leaving Li Yan with no flaws.

Inside the Sword Pavilion, Li Yan demonstrated the Lingyun Sect's swordsmanship to Shi Ji. He deliberately made the swordsmanship incredibly complex, trying to dazzle Shi Ji and create an opportunity to strike.

But Shi Ji watched with great interest, nodding in approval from time to time. He seemed completely absorbed in the beauty of the swordsmanship, oblivious to Li Yan's scheme.

However, just as Li Yan thought the time was right and was preparing to make a move in secret, Shi Ji suddenly turned around and stared at him with piercing eyes.

“Brother Li, your swordsmanship is indeed exquisite, but I would like to ask you a question.” Shi Ji’s tone was calm, yet it carried an irresistible force.

Li Yan felt a shiver run down his spine under Shi Ji's gaze, but he forced himself to remain calm and asked, "What's the problem, Young Master Shi?"

"There seems to be a hint of killing intent hidden in your swordsmanship," Shi Ji said slowly. "Could Brother Li explain this?"

Li Yan was greatly alarmed. He hadn't expected Shi Ji to be able to sense the killing intent in his heart. He quickly denied it, saying, "Young Master Shi, you jest. This disciple was merely demonstrating my swordsmanship; how could I have any killing intent?"

Shi Ji smiled slightly and did not press the matter further. He turned and bowed to the elder: "Elder, observing the swordsmanship today has been very beneficial to me. Thank you for the kindness of Lingyun Sect."

The elder nodded in return: "Young Master Shi, you are too kind. Since you are so interested in our swordsmanship, why not stay a few more days and exchange ideas with our disciples?"

Li Yan stood aside, his mind in turmoil. He realized that his original plan had been completely disrupted by Shi Ji. He began to doubt whether he could truly contend with such a master.

Within the Lingyun Sect, besides the First Elder, there are also the Second Elder and the Third Elder, each wielding considerable power within the sect. Li Yan, having suffered repeated setbacks in his battles with Shi Ji, grew resentful and decided to seek stronger allies to deal with the First Elder and Shi Ji.

One day, Li Yan secretly approached the Second Elder and the Third Elder.

Li Yan respectfully bowed to the two elders: "Second Elder, Third Elder, your disciple Li Yan greets you."

The Second Elder squinted at Li Yan: "Li Yan, what brings you here?"

Li Yan gritted his teeth and said, "Elders, I have something important to report. The First Elder... he intends to seize power and control the entire Lingyun Sect."

The Third Elder frowned: "Li Yan, you can't just say things like that. What evidence do you have?"

Li Yan hurriedly said, "This disciple witnessed the Grand Elder having a secret conversation with that outsider, Shi Ji, seemingly wanting to use him to solidify his own position. Moreover, the Grand Elder is also secretly accumulating power, intending to harm the two elders."

The Second Elder and the Third Elder exchanged a glance, both feeling somewhat shaken. They had always been dissatisfied with the First Elder's autocratic ways, and hearing Li Yan's words now made them even more wary.

The Second Elder said in a deep voice, "Li Yan, are you telling the truth?"

Li Yan said firmly, "This disciple would never dare to utter a single falsehood. The Grand Elder's ambition is already obvious. We must join forces to fight against him, otherwise Lingyun Sect will fall into his control."

The Third Elder sighed: "This matter is of great importance, and we need to consider it carefully."

Li Yan was secretly pleased, knowing that his words had moved the two elders. He seized the opportunity to say, "Elders, I am willing to serve you and fight against the Grand Elder together."

The Second Elder nodded: "Alright, Li Yan, you will stay with us and assist us in investigating the First Elder's affairs. If we find that what you said is true, we will reward you handsomely."

Li Yan quickly bowed and thanked them, saying, "Thank you for your trust, Elders. I will do my best." However, Li Yan did not tell the two elders that his true purpose was not entirely for the future of Lingyun Sect, but rather to use their power to deal with the Grand Elder and Shi Ji in order to avenge his personal grudge.

In the days that followed, Li Yan secretly sowed discord and created trouble, attempting to exacerbate the conflict between the First Elder and the Second and Third Elders. At the same time, he was also secretly observing Shi Ji's every move, looking for an opportunity to strike.

However, Shi Ji seemed to have already sensed Li Yan's plot and the internal strife within the Lingyun Sect. He remained vigilant and gave Li Yan no opportunity to exploit the situation.

The internal strife within Lingyun Sect is escalating, and a storm is brewing. The contest between Li Yan, the First Elder, the Second Elder, the Third Elder, and Shi Ji has also entered a fierce stage.

Within the Lingyun Sect, the Second Elder and the Third Elder had long coveted the position of First Elder. They had secretly plotted many times to find an opportunity to eliminate the First Elder and then jointly take control of the sect.

On this day, Li Yan once again came to the secret room of the Second Elder and the Third Elder.

The Second Elder looked at Li Yan and nodded with satisfaction: "Li Yan, the information you provided is very valuable. We have confirmed that the First Elder is indeed secretly accumulating power with the intention of harming us."

The Third Elder continued, "We've decided to take action and capture the First Elder in one fell swoop. Li Yan, would you be willing to lend us a hand?"

Li Yan was secretly delighted; this was the opportunity he had been waiting for. He immediately declared, "This disciple is willing to serve the two elders, even at the cost of my life!"

The Second Elder smiled slightly: "Alright, let's wait for the right opportunity to deliver a fatal blow to the First Elder."

The Third Elder added, "Li Yan, continue to observe the situation within the sect. Report to us immediately if there is any disturbance."

Li Yan bowed and replied, "Yes, disciple will do his utmost."

However, Li Yan was unaware that the Second Elder and the Third Elder were merely using him. They plotted to use Li Yan to eliminate the First Elder, and then seize another opportunity to eliminate Li Yan, ultimately taking control of the sect together.

In this turbulent struggle, everyone is secretly plotting, hoping to emerge as the ultimate winner. The future of Lingyun Sect is uncertain, and a storm is brewing.

Meanwhile, the Grand Elder also sensed the strange atmosphere within the sect. He began a secret investigation, trying to uncover the truth behind it all. As a guest of the Grand Elder, Shi Ji was thus drawn into this conflict.

Shi Ji found the Grand Elder and warned him, "Grand Elder, there seems to be some undercurrent within the sect. You must be careful."

The Grand Elder nodded and said, "Thank you for the reminder, Young Hero Shi. I have already noticed the anomaly and am secretly investigating. I hope to join forces with you to uncover the conspiracy behind this."

Inside the main hall of Lingyun Sect, the Grand Elder and Shiji continued their conversation.

The Grand Elder said, "Young Master Shi, your observation and reminder have come at just the right time. I have indeed sensed an uneasy atmosphere within the sect. This time, it seems someone is targeting me."

Shi Ji nodded and said, "Elder, now that we have sensed the danger, we should prepare in advance. I think the most urgent task is to find out who is behind this and then think of a countermeasure."

The First Elder sighed, "It's easier said than done. There are many disciples in the sect, and anyone could become a traitor. Moreover, the Second Elder and the Third Elder have always harbored resentment towards me, and they could very well be the masterminds behind this conspiracy."

Shi Ji pondered for a moment and said, "Elder, why don't we set a trap to lure them out? Since they want to harm you, they will surely seize the opportunity. We can deliberately create flaws to make them think they have a chance, and then secretly observe to see who will slip up."

Upon hearing this, the Grand Elder's eyes flashed with a glint of brilliance: "This plan is excellent. Young Hero Shi is indeed exceptionally intelligent. Let's do it this way."

Afterwards, the Grand Elder and Shi Ji began to discuss the specific steps of the plan in detail. They decided to deliberately make the Grand Elder appear "fatigued" at the upcoming sect conference, so that those in the shadows would feel that an opportunity had arrived.

Meanwhile, the Second Elder and the Third Elder were indeed plotting.

"The First Elder seems to be starting to doubt us," the Third Elder said with some concern.

The Second Elder snorted coldly: "So what if he suspects us? As long as we act quickly enough, he won't have a chance to retaliate. However, to ensure everything goes smoothly, we need to find a suitable scapegoat to take the blame."

"You mean Li Yan?" the Third Elder asked.

“Exactly.” The Second Elder smiled sinisterly. “Li Yan has always pledged his loyalty to us, but little does he know that we are merely using him. Once the deed is done, we will make him the scapegoat.”

The Third Elder nodded in agreement: "Good idea. Let's proceed according to plan. Once the First Elder reveals a weakness, we'll take him down in one fell swoop!"

However, they were unaware that the Grand Elder and Shi Ji had set a trap, waiting for them to fall into it.

The day of the sect conference arrived quickly. The First Elder, as planned, feigned fatigue, while the Second and Third Elders secretly observed and waited for their opportunity.

Halfway through the meeting, a group of men in black suddenly burst into the hall and rushed straight at the First Elder. The Second and Third Elders were secretly delighted, seeing this as a perfect opportunity to strike.

However, just as they were about to make their move, Shi Ji suddenly leaped out and engaged in a fierce battle with the men in black. It turned out that these men in black were deliberately arranged by the Grand Elder and Shi Ji to lure out the real traitor.

During the fierce battle, the Second Elder and the Third Elder finally revealed their true colors. Seeing that the situation was not good, they tried to escape, but were stopped by the First Elder and Shi Ji.

"What do you mean by this?" the Second Elder asked, feigning composure.

The First Elder sneered: "Second Elder, Third Elder, do I really need to spell out the conspiracy you've been plotting in secret? These men in black are nothing more than bait to lure you out of your predicament."

The Third Elder's expression changed drastically: "You...how did you know?"

Shi Ji interjected, "Because from the very beginning, the Grand Elder and I were aware of your conspiracy. We deliberately set this trap to make you reveal your true colors."

Upon hearing this, the Second and Third Elders turned ashen-faced. They knew their conspiracy had been exposed and there was no going back.

Even after exposing the Second and Third Elders' conspiracy, the First Elder and Shi Ji remained vigilant. They knew that there might be other people with ill intentions within the sect, and they still needed to be careful.

Sure enough, soon after, rumors began circulating within the sect that were unfavorable to the Grand Elder. Some said he was dictatorial and autocratic, others accused him of being power-hungry, and still others claimed he colluded with outsiders to betray the sect's interests. While these rumors were absurd, they did, to some extent, incite the uninformed disciples, causing them to harbor doubts and resentment towards the Grand Elder. (End of Chapter)