As the sky darkened, dusk had arrived.

Just half a mile outside the Zhenwu Sect, in a bamboo house, the body of "Ning Wuming" lay quietly on a bamboo chair, looking as if it were merely napping.

The death of the Divine Captor was of great significance, hence no one dared to easily handle "Ning Wuming's" body, awaiting instead for someone sent by the Emperor Qian's Faction to deal with it personally.

Many constables lingered outside in a daze, glancing at the seven cloud-piercing peaks in the distance with hatred and loathing.

Ning Wuming had presided over the affairs of the Six Gates for years; even as the Divine Captor Wu Que, he aided the former head captor in significant matters. With his intellect, methods of management were second nature to him, truly earning the unwavering loyalty of the constables under Six Gates.

This was the primary reason why Ning Wuming could steadily assume the position of the Divine Captor.

'So loyal.'

Ignoring those constables outside, Qing Yu walked straight towards the bamboo house. The constables completely disregarded Qing Yu, allowing him to pass by.

One constable even walked directly towards Qing Yu, but unconsciously avoided him upon approaching.

Like a non-existent ghost, Qing Yu floated into the bamboo house.

The body of "Ning Wuming" showed no visible wounds, except for a sword mark that pierced the heart, leaving behind faint traces of Yin Yang Qi.

This sword mark was the main reason the Six Gates constables suspected Qing Yu of being the culprit.

"A clumsy and direct framing, as well as..."

Qing Yu looked at the body identical to what he saw last night, "such ruthless and decisive thinking."

He described the method as clumsy because the Yin Yang Qi used to frame was too evident. Yet it was also the most straightforward framing due to Ning Wuming having an enemy skilled in the Dao of Yin Yang nearby.

He called it ruthless and decisive because Qing Yu saw the peculiarity of this corpse.

In reality, Qing Yu's original intent wasn't to inspect the body but to follow imprints he left earlier to find the fake-dead Ning Wuming.

However, what Qing Yu did not expect was that Ning Wuming had skinned himself and merged with another body. Though he failed to detect the imprints, most of them were left on the human skin.

'Using such a method, it's fortunate Ning Wuming's true body still had some residual imprints,' Qing Yu thought privately.

························

Back at the mountain from where one could see the Zhenwu Seven Peaks, a third figure now appeared there.

"Ning Wuming," a deep voice full of anger and intense power sounded as Pei Dongliu stared at the Divine Captor of Six Gates and slowly said, "You should know what you have done!"

"Wuming knows," Ning Wuming bowed calmly, "Wuming merely did what he felt necessary."

"Qing Yu was once the Director of Imperial Observatory of Northern Zhou and had a profound relationship with Emperor Zhou, Feng Jiuyu. There's even a rumor that his contributions were pivotal for the emperor's ascent. Also, because of him, Northern Zhou and the Hou Qian rebels developed a mutual aid, posing a great threat to the empire of Daqian."

"A few months ago, Qing Yu went to Ling Province and, together with the Haqi Alliance and Lian Family, formed the Taiping Association, recruiting numerous small sects and forces, as well as many loose cultivators. Among them, there are even some experts."

The small forces and loose cultivators, in terms of power, naturally cannot match those great sects and families with thousands of years of heritage, but due to their large population base, several Hidden Dragons emerge during major times.

The Taiping Association, due to its stance, naturally attracts these loose cultivators and small forces. As a result, it rapidly expanded.

"Northern Zhou is in the north, Ling Province in the south, and not far from Central Province stands the Zhenwu Sect, Instructor Pei, doesn't this resemble an arrow piercing through Daqian?"

Ning Wuming said with a serious expression, "Even among the court, there must be some insightful people who perceive Qing Yu's threat, but due to his status, they hesitate to act. This is why Wuming decided to help them make a decision."

"Instructor Pei, you came personally, it seems Wuming's actions align with the wishes of the officials."

"To be precise, it suits the Old Prince's intentions," Pei Dongliu showed a slight smile, "Daqian, after all, has been established for three hundred years, and some rot exists, from the rebel parties supporting Prince Shunping to those aged remnants. But with talents like you, Daqian can surely endure this trial."

"Thank the Old Prince for the support," Ning Wuming said humbly.

With this, he felt at ease. Previously, Ning Wuming was prepared to return and serve as a tool in the Divinity Realm, though he would regret not being able to personally hunt down Qing Yu, he still wanted to fight for the Divine Captor position.

After all, while the Zhenwu Sect could be annihilated, Qing Yu could escape. Ning Wuming didn't want to passively guard the rear while Qing Yu roamed free.

It now seemed he had won the gamble. The court's dispatch of Pei Dongliu showed determination, but with only Pei Dongliu...

"Instructor Pei," Ning Wuming hesitated, "Based on previous observations, Qing Yu might have reached the peak just below the Supreme, perhaps..."

"Perhaps his strength isn't below mine?" Pei Dongliu smiled.

He patted Ning Wuming's shoulder and said, "Qing Yu is indeed a genius, and I anticipated he would rapidly advance to such a level. However,..."

A fierce gleam flashed in Pei Dongliu's eyes momentarily, his entire being exuding a heroic aura of commanding the storms, "Realm does not equate to strength. When I challenged the Old Prince back in the day, I wasn't cowardly due to a disparity in realm. Facing a younger peer of similar realm, should I hesitate, what right do I have to be called the 'King of Battle'!"

When challenging Mu Cangsheng earlier, Pei Dongliu didn't even know Mu Cangsheng's identity. Back then, he overlooked life and death entirely, and facing Qing Yu now, should he falter, he might as well await death.

"You say Qing Yu is nearly at my level, but have you truly witnessed my full strength?" Pei Dongliu said confidently with a smile.

Ning Wuming thought about it and realized it was true. Although Pei Dongliu's reputation over the years might be a bit ironic, he truly lived up to it. All these years, he had never gone all out.

It was true at the Taizhen Palace and it was true when he was instructing Ning Wuming.

The World's Number One, indeed, lives up to its name.

"Wuming, your mind is clouded, and you've somewhat lost your composure. While this recent incident was executed well, it was a bit reckless. But don't worry, given our master-disciple relationship, I can certainly help you clear your mind."

Gold-colored battle aura emanated from Pei Dongliu, the overwhelming fighting spirit forcing Yang Tu, who was behind Ning Wuming, to repeatedly step back.

"Destroy the Zhenwu Sect and slay Qing Yu. Let the world see that Daqian remains the same Daqian."

The golden figure vanished instantly, shooting towards the seven peaks still glowing in the dusk.

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