95: Chapter 95: If you want to spar with my disciple, just suppress your cultivation level.

Liu Rurao’s vicious and explicit words, designed to pierce the Heart-Nature, were like poisoned icicles, suspended in the cold air before Ningyin Hall, waiting to ignite a storm, or at least, to tear open Xiao Nianyin’s seemingly impeccable mask of indifference.

After a brief silence, what came from within Ningyin Hall was not the expected furious rebuke or exasperated retort, but a very soft, yet incredibly clear, sneer from Xiao Nianyin.

In that laughter, there was not a trace of panic from a secret being exposed, only an unyielding mockery and an air of aloof condescension.

"Liu Rurao, it seems after a hundred years, not only has your cultivation not improved, but your mind has also become increasingly muddled, only capable of using such vulgar and filthy conjectures to stir up trouble."

Xiao Nianyin’s voice returned to its usual clear and cold tone, even calmer than before, as if Liu Rurao’s provocation was merely a wisp of turbid wind brushing past a mountain peak.

"When did the affairs within the Hehuan Sect become something for an outsider, especially one with ulterior motives, to comment on?

When I, Xiao Nianyin, take a Disciple, I look at their bone structure and Heart-Nature. As for how others discuss it, whether it's envy, jealousy, or sordid speculation like yours, what does it have to do with me? What does it have to do with my Disciple?"

Her tone shifted, carrying an undeniable decisiveness: "However, since you've brought your Disciples under the banner of 'visiting and exchanging,' if my Hehuan Sect were to simply turn you away, it would seem petty."

A glint flashed in Liu Rurao's eyes. Her vigilance remained, but she opportunely displayed an expression of

Only then did Xiao Nianyin continue: "Elder Hu."

"Your subordinate is here." Elder Hu, who had been nervously on guard, quickly responded.

"I order you to open the Law Execution Platform. You and the Grand Elder will jointly preside over it, organizing Disciples of the Foundation Establishment Stage and Golden Core Stage from our sect to engage in a 'friendly' exchange of techniques with the 'esteemed students' of the Meiying Sect.

Remember, stop before injury, and do not harm the 'guests'' dignity."

Xiao Nianyin's tone was flat, yet possessed an inherent authority, "Also, let my Hehuan Sect Disciples see what 'profound' Dao techniques the Meiying Sect truly excels in."

This counts as... an agreement? Liu Rurao’s thoughts raced.

Xiao Nianyin's action, seemingly a spontaneous response to provocation to maintain the demeanor of a major sect, might also be intended to observe the strength of the Meiying Sect's younger generation, or even... to lure the snake out of its hole? However, this was precisely the opportunity for contact she desired!

"My sister is indeed straightforward!" Liu Rurao clapped her hands and chuckled charmingly, "This is the Nianyin sister I know. Caidie, and the rest of you, later you must 'consult' the Senior Brothers and Senior Sisters of the Hehuan Sect well, and do not tarnish the reputation of my Meiying Sect."

She deliberately emphasized the words "consult."

Just then, Xiao Nianyin’s voice rang out again, this time clearly directed at Xu Ruyu:

"Liu Rurao, aren't you just trying to probe the depths of my Disciple?"

Liu Rurao's smile slightly faded as she listened intently.

"You may." Xiao Nianyin's voice betrayed no emotion, "My Disciple, Xiao Nianyin, naturally does not fear sparring with peers. But—"

Her tone suddenly sharpened, carrying an unyielding and unchallengeable force:

"Since it's a sparring match between peers, rules must be followed.

If your Meiying Sect Disciples wish to 'exchange pointers' with my Disciple, Xu Ruyu, they may, but their cultivation must be similar to his, or... no Disciple higher than him may make a move!"

As these words left her mouth, everyone was stunned, their expressions subsequently varied.

Liu Rurao first frowned, then a cold sneer formed in her heart.

No higher than him? Isn't Xu Ruyu only in the Qi Refinement Stage? Qi Refinement Stage... in their eyes, what's the difference between that and a Mortal ant? The Disciples she brought, the lowest cultivation was Mid-stage Foundation Establishment!

This condition, seemingly protective, was actually... a disguised refusal? Or perhaps, Xiao Nianyin knew her Disciple's cultivation was low and feared revealing weakness, so she deliberately used such 'fair' conditions to shut her up?

"My sister, what are you saying?" Liu Rurao feigned confusion, "My unworthy Disciple Caidie, and these other good-for-nothings, their lowest cultivation is also Foundation Establishment. How can they be 'similar' to a Qi Refinement Stage Martial Nephew? Wouldn't that mean the Martial Nephew wins without a fight?"

"That's your business." Xiao Nianyin's voice was icy, "Xu Ruyu is my Disciple, Xiao Nianyin. How I discipline him, how I arrange his cultivation, is my business.

I, Xiao Nianyin, can 'bully' him, but others cannot."

She paused, each word like a falling ice bead, containing undisguised warning and killing intent:

"Liu Rurao, I'll remind you, this is the Hehuan Sect, not your Meiying Sect.

I don't care if you're a weasel paying respects to a chicken, or if you truly harbor some deluded fantasy of 'forming a marriage alliance.'"

"I, Xiao Nianyin, will state it clearly today—"

Her voice suddenly rose, carrying an invisible, chilling Aura. Although not direct pressure, it made everyone present, including Liu Rurao, feel a chill down their spines:

"If anyone you've brought dares to oppress my Disciple, Xu Ruyu, with a higher Realm, or harm him in the slightest with underhanded methods... I, Xiao Nianyin, guarantee that you, Liu Rurao, and these Disciples you've brought, will absolutely not leave the Hehuan Sect's mountain gate today!"

"At that time, our new and old grievances will be settled all at once!"

The last sentence was decisive and filled with killing intent!

It was as if that obscure and terrifying pressure from before subtly reappeared, firmly locking onto Liu Rurao and her group.

The smile on Liu Rurao's face completely vanished, and a hint of apprehension flashed deep in her eyes.

She had no doubt that if she truly crossed this bottom line, Xiao Nianyin would absolutely strike without hesitation!

She had witnessed that woman's madness and protectiveness before.

Moreover, on the Hehuan Sect's home ground, with the assistance of that mysterious pressure, she might not gain any advantage.

"Hehehe... my sister exaggerates, exaggerates." Liu Rurao forced a smile, waving the silk handkerchief in her hand as if to dispel the invisible chill, "It's merely a friendly spar between Disciples, an exchange of insights. How could it harm our harmony?

Since my sister has this rule, we guests will follow the host's lead.

Caidie, have you all heard? Later, if you are fortunate enough to exchange pointers with Martial Nephew Xu, be sure to 'pay attention to moderation,' lest Sect Leader Xiao misunderstands."

She deliberately emphasized the words "pay attention to moderation," her gaze meaningful as it swept over Caidie and Lei Xuan.

Caidie quickly nodded, but the unwillingness and resentment in her eyes deepened.

Lei Xuan lowered his head even further, concealing the sinister glint in his eyes—not being able to personally crush Xu Ruyu greatly disappointed him, but his Revered Master's words... seemed to carry a deeper meaning?

"Very good then." Xiao Nianyin's voice returned to its calm state, "Elder Hu, take Sect Master Liu and the esteemed guests to the Law Execution Platform. You will arrange the exchange."

"Yes, Sect Master!" Elder Hu breathed a sigh of relief and quickly agreed, making a welcoming gesture to Liu Rurao, "Sect Master Liu, please follow me."

Liu Rurao cast a deep glance at the tightly shut doors of Ningyin Hall, as if trying to see through the truth behind them, before turning and leading her Disciples away with Elder Hu.

A storm seemed to have been temporarily quelled, but the undercurrents swirling in the air grew even more turbulent.

As Liu Rurao walked, her mind raced: "No higher than Qi Refinement Stage? Hmph, Xiao Nianyin, your protectiveness is too obvious!"

However... Qi Refinement against Qi Refinement, can't my Meiying Sect find someone to handle that brat? Even if not..."

She glanced at the closely following Lei Xuan, a cold, sinister arc forming at the corner of her mouth.

Rules are dead, people are alive.

Some "accidents" don't necessarily require a high Realm to create.

Meanwhile, inside Ningyin Hall, Xiao Nianyin stood alone by the window, watching Liu Rurao and the others' retreating figures, her face as pale as snow, her body swaying almost imperceptibly.

The effort to maintain her Aura and simulate pressure with her Divine Soul power for the transmission had taken a considerable toll on her current state.

But she had to do it; she had to appear incredibly strong to intimidate Liu Rurao and to secure a 'relatively fair' space for Xu Ruyu—even though this 'fairness' was based on Xu Ruyu's peculiar 'Fifth Layer of Qi Refinement.'

She didn't know Xu Ruyu's true combat strength, but this was the best protection she could think of for now.

"Xu Ruyu..." She silently repeated the name, a complex flicker in her tired eyes.

This Disciple, unexpectedly involved, seemed to bring more and more trouble.

And at this moment, the center of that trouble was still completely oblivious.

Hall of Power Transmission, District C.

Xu Ruyu had just put down another Incomplete Manual on Ancient Qi Cultivation Theory, rubbed his sore neck, and sighed helplessly: "Why do I feel more confused the more I read... Forget it, practice makes perfect. Perhaps I should try the preliminary energy guidance model for that Acetylene Array..."

He was completely unaware that outside the mountain gate, a 'friendly exchange' sparked by him was about to unfold, and he, the 'protagonist' with theoretically the lowest cultivation, had been pushed into the eye of the storm, temporarily protected by a strange barrier called 'Qi Refinement Stage.'

And it was unknown how many overt and covert attacks this barrier could withstand.