“Surround that boar. Be careful of its tusks.”

Yao Mao shouted as he readied his saber to take the swing. The third seat and the rest of his team poked the boar with their staff, distracting it.

Two of the men threw ropes trying to tie the boar or at least hinder its movements.  The wild beast struggled for a few moments before falling into their trap.

The poor beast stood no chance against the cultivators. Even the Veteran Path Forgers could fight it one on one, let alone the Sense Trainers.

Yao Mao swooped in and lopped its head off in one clean strike. He sheathed the sword and looked at his party members.

Not a single one had broken sweat. This training was clearly an exercise in futility. The silence in the grounds was broken by the sounds of clapping.

Clap! Clap! Clap!

The Hu Clan Master applauded the Second seat’s saber skills. Yao Mao and his team turned and cupped their fists while lowering their heads.

“Good. Just like you cut off that boar, you need to cut the head of the  beast tomorrow.”

‘Just because we took down some random wild boar, doesn’t mean the Spirit Condensation Stage beast would be so easy, Old Man!’

Yao Mao cursed in his heart, but on his face, he showed devotion and loudly yelled, “As you command, Clan Master!”

His shout was echoed by his team.

Seeing his dose of morale boost work, the Hu Clan Master looked forward to the team’s performance the next day.

—

“They have all learned the Demon Subduing Formation from your Sect, Path Finder. With our resources and techniques from your sect, they are ready to kill any beast tomorrow.”

The Sect Master of the Monstrous Flame Sect assured the white-bearded man beside him. They stood before a group of people crouching on one of their knees while their heads were lowered.

A symbol of a flaming beast was etched on the chest of their maroon robes signifying their identity as the disciples of the Monstrous Flame Sect.

The Chakra sensing realm expert carefully observed their condition. When he reached the head of the group, the Second Elder who was acting as a team leader spoke up.

“Path Finder Zhi, our team will not disappoint your expectations tomorrow.”

A maniac grin appeared on the old man, Zhi Yang’s face. He patted the second elder’s shoulder and whispered.

“You better not. The rise of the Secular world is on the line.”

——-

A mature beauty with a veiled face stepped through the entrance of the Grand Hall of City Lord’s manor. Her sudden entrance surprised the occupants of the room.

“Sister! Why did you not notify me of your arrival? I would have come out to greet you!”

The City Lord hurriedly got up from his chair and so did Xue Miao.

“There is no need. I didn’t want to announce my arrival to the entire Birch City.”

The lady spoke with a frosty edge to her voice. While her eyes were focused on the bearded City Lord, Xue Miao did not miss the subtle glance of contempt she threw at her.

“You must be tired from your trip. Please rest while I arrange refreshments.”

Xue Miao greeted her Sister-in-law with a smile. Taking note that her presence was unwanted in the room, she excused herself.

Zhen Wu watched the interaction with sadness in his eyes. But he understood that his family would never accept Xue Miao unless she can prove her worth.

The City Lord turned his attention to his sister. Trying to ease the atmosphere, he attempted some small talk.

“How have you been, Ya’er? I heard you are close to another breakthrough?”

Zhen Ya ignored his attempts to thaw the atmosphere and posed a question of her own.

“Brother, how ready are you for tomorrow’s event? Are you sure you can take first place?”

City Lord put away his casual attitude and turned serious. Her cold tone was ever present but she had concern in her eyes and that worried him.

“I have found a capable helper.”

Zhen Wu answered while trying to see her reaction. There was no change in her deadpan look.

But he saw her hand twitch.

He recognized the tick. It meant he was testing her patience and she was about to get violent. He had a bad premonition and explained quickly.

“I cannot guarantee the first place but I am sure Hu Clan stands no chance of winning before my team.”

He did not mention the Sect because he had no information about their current situation.

Zhen Ya looked straight into his eyes and spoke with an indifferent tone.

“Do you remember how our elders always warned you and Big brother to stay away from the Secular World?”

The City Lord nodded. He still remembered the lessons embedded in his head from his childhood.

Even if he forgot them, he couldn’t forget the horrific-tongue lashing he had received when his father came to know of his collusion with the Monstrous Flame Sect.

He became apprehensive when she simply stared at him without speaking anything.

“Ya’er if you have something to say, speak. Don’t keep me in unnecessary suspense.”

“Big Brother has found signs of activity from one of the sects in the Furnace Fire Empire. One of their deacons has arrived in this county.”

Zhen Wu understood her words but not the implications. He knew he was missing a piece of a puzzle that would let him see the entire picture that scared even his maverick sister.

“Sister, stop speaking in riddles. Why should a deacon’s arrival concern me?”

Since childhood, he knew only one way to get straight answers from his sister; agitate her by acting stupid. And it worked this time as well.

Her cold facade fell and she knocked on his head without holding back.

“You stupid Brother! Do you know what you have done? If you don’t trounce and deter the Monstrous Flame Sect in this tournament, they can invoke the Pact!”

Hearing the words ‘the Pact’, made hair stand on his body. He shivered as his mind went back to the classes he had attended with his Family’s Elders.

Under the shade of a tree, an elder was seated with kids surrounding him.

The usually jovial and friendly elder had an expression of the utmost seriousness. He enunciated every word he said so it would enter the thick skulls of his charges.

“Remember, there is only one thing preventing the Secular world from taking over our fiefs and cities. The Pact!”

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep