Starting as a Grandmaster, all of my cultivation techniques are at max level.

As soon as Xia Jin returned, Yin Shixuan came to greet her, holding a cup of freshly brewed hot tea, and offered it to her solicitously.

"My lord, you're back!" Yin Shixuan's eyes held a hint of anticipation. "Did you defeat Xing Ruoliu, who was ranked fifth?"

Xia Jin remained silent.

He took the teacup, walked to the pavilion not far away, and sat down on the stone bench.

Xia Jin held her teacup, but her gaze was somewhat vacant, as if she saw something else through the wisps of steam.

Yin Shixuan stood aside, not daring to ask any questions, but carefully observing Xia Jin's expression.

Did we win or lose?

If you had won, why do you look like that, sir?

If they lost, there's clearly no sign of injury on the adult's body...

Yin Shixuan was filled with doubt.

for a long time.

It was so long that the tea in the cup was almost cold before Xia Jin finally spoke.

"Yin Shixuan".

"Yes!" Yin Shixuan quickly replied.

"Do you know if Xing Ruoliu has any connection with the demon race?"

"Demon race? My lord, we are human beings, how could we possibly have anything to do with that demon race..." Yin Shixuan was stunned.

"Wait a minute..." As if remembering something, Yin Shixuan's eyes suddenly lit up.

"My lord, your question reminds me of something!" Yin Shixuan said softly. "This is something that others really don't know. I once overheard a secret about this Xing Ruoliu from Mr. Gu."

Xia Jin paused slightly in the hand holding the teacup.

"explain."

Yin Shixuan organized his thoughts and continued, "This Xing Ruoliu is indeed a human cultivator, but in reality, the bloodline flowing through her veins is not pure."

"It is said that her ancestors mated with demons, and she probably inherited a very thin trace of the Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox bloodline."

"A nine-tailed celestial fox?" Xia Jin raised an eyebrow slightly.

"Exactly." Yin Shixuan nodded. "Although it has been diluted over several generations, the power of this bloodline is extremely faint, but it does exist. This is why she can have such amazing attainments in the art of illusion. The Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox clan is said to be born illusion manipulators."

Xia Jin fell silent.

Possesses a trace of the Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox bloodline...

It turned out to be the case.

It seems the problem lies here. The *Primordial Demon Emperor Technique* he cultivated, though a system reward, is, judging from its name, a supreme technique even among the demon race. Those who cultivate this technique gradually accumulate demon emperor energy within their bodies, possessing a natural suppressive effect on those with demon blood...

attract.

To be precise, it stems from a deep-seated sense of submission and worship.

Although Xing Ruoliu was human, the trace of the Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox bloodline within her caused her to have a certain instinctive reaction when facing herself.

That's why she did that after her defeat.

That wasn't admiration, nor was it teasing; it was...

The deep-seated submission is mixed with a kind of inexplicable intimacy.

Thinking of this, Xia Jin's frustration finally dissipated somewhat.

"My lord?" Yin Shixuan looked at him cautiously. "You ask this? What did Xing Ruoliu do?"

Xia Jin did not answer.

He picked up the teacup and drank the now-cold tea in one gulp.

"Next."

Yin Shixuan was taken aback: "What?"

"Who is ranked fourth among the top-tier disciples?"

Yin Shixuan realized what was happening and quickly replied, "My lord, the fourth-ranked person is named Yin Qianji."

"This person possesses a formidable physical body and excels in close combat, earning him the nickname 'Humanoid Beast.' Among the top-ranked disciples, he is the most troublesome, not because of his highest cultivation level, but because he never holds back when he attacks."

"Disciples who fought him were either killed or maimed."

As Yin Shixuan spoke, a hint of worry appeared on his face: "My lord, you just finished fighting Xing Ruoliu, shouldn't you rest for a few days? This Yin Qianji is no pushover..."

"No need."

Xia Jin interrupted him.

"Make the arrangements for me."

"Tomorrow at noon, on the battle stage, fight me!"

......

at the same time.

On a deserted island with jagged rocks.

A figure was moving forward at lightning speed.

If anyone were here, they would recognize him as the follower who had been with Xing Ruoliu earlier.

His face was gloomy. He glanced back at the direction he had come from, a hint of resentment flashing in his eyes.

"Hmph! Xing Ruoliu, I've followed you for almost decades, serving you faithfully and without complaint. Even if I haven't done anything meritorious, I've certainly put in the hard work!"

"I never imagined that you would almost kill me for a pretty boy!"

Meng Xian gritted his teeth, the red mark on his neck still throbbing slightly.

"Since you're so heartless, don't blame me for being ruthless in return!"

He snorted and skillfully navigated the jumbled rocks, twisting and turning as if he knew the terrain intimately.

About an incense stick later,

He arrived at the entrance of a palace, took a deep breath, and stepped inside.

However, as soon as he entered, a fragrant breeze wafted towards him, and then a hand blocked his way.

"Hey, isn't that Meng Xian?"

A charming voice rang out.

Meng Xian looked up and saw a woman dressed in a thin veil blocking his way. Her face was still slightly flushed, her eyes were full of spring, her clothes were slightly disheveled, and her neckline was slightly open, revealing a dazzling white.

Meng Xian's gaze involuntarily swept over that patch of snow-white skin, his Adam's apple bobbing slightly, but he quickly averted his eyes, lowered his head, and dared not look any longer.

He wouldn't dare mess with the women here.

After all, this is the territory of that humanoid beast, and the woman in front of her is one of its followers.

"Miss Mu," Meng Xian cupped his hands in greeting, smiling obsequiously, "I have something to ask Lord Yin."

The woman, addressed as Miss Mu, gave him a languid glance, a playful smile curving her lips. "Looking for my master? Meng Xian, why aren't you staying by your beautiful palace mistress's side? What are you doing here? Were you kicked out?"

Meng Xian's expression stiffened slightly, but he forced a smile and said, "Miss Mu is too kind. I do indeed have important matters to report to Lord Yin, and I hope you will inform him."

Miss Mu glanced at him but didn't press the matter further. She simply pointed towards the depths of the palace: "The master is still inside. Go ahead, but don't blame me for not warning you to pick a good time."

After saying that, she swayed her hips and walked to the side, leaning against a pillar, looking at him with a half-smile.

Meng Xian felt a chill run down his spine, quickly thanked her, and strode towards the depths of the palace.

Before he could speak, a woman's soft moans, mixed with heavy breathing, came from inside the door.

Meng Xian felt a chill run down his spine, and quickly took a few steps back, lowered his head, and dared not listen any longer.

He stood there outside the door with his head down, motionless.

Time slips away, bit by bit.

The commotion inside lasted for a long time before it gradually subsided.

Meng Xian waited for a while longer, estimating that things should be ready inside, before taking a deep breath, stepping forward, and respectfully bowing to the door.

"My lord, my name is Meng Xian, and I request an audience!"

There was a moment of silence inside the door, then a hoarse voice said, "Wait."

Meng Xian dared not say more and quickly stepped aside, continuing to stand respectfully with his head bowed.

Another half hour passed.

The door finally opened.

A wave of heat, mixed with sweat and a certain ambiguous atmosphere, rushed in from inside the door.

Meng Xian subconsciously raised his head.

A massive, imposing figure strode out of the door.