My disciples are all villains.

Lu Zhou studied the Sky Chariot for some time. The Formation veins inscribed on it were indeed exquisite Formations used to control flight. After confirming that there were no mistakes, he left the southern pavilion.

Zhu Honggong nudged Zhu Tianyuan with his elbow and said, "I thought you couldn't bear to part with me. I see now that you're only here to send a package."

"It's true foolishness to meet your master empty-handed," Zhu Tianyuan said.

Zhu Honggong scratched his head as he said, "You have a point."

"Son, how's your cultivation progressing recently? Everyone under the heavens is competing to become a Nine-leaf cultivator now. Your old man is a coward who loves his life too much. I'm not brave enough to sever my lotus. I'm proud that you're so courageous. When you're attempting the Nine-leaf stage, I'll personally keep watch for you," Zhu Tianyuan said.

Zhu Honggong cleared his throat before he solemnly said, "That's… Well, severing the lotus is just a trivial matter. It's not worth mentioning at all."

At this moment, Duanmu Sheng hoisted his Overlord Spear over his shoulder and stepped forward. He said, "Eighth Junior Brother, who's planning to sever their lotus?"

"N-no… No one's severing their lotus..." Zhu Honggong shuddered as he quickly waved his hand. At the same time, he moved to stand behind his father.

"…" Duanmu Sheng looked at the father and son in confusion before he finally said, "In that case, come and train with me. I've made some improvements in my spear techniques recently."

A bitter expression appeared on Zhu Honggong's face as he instinctively took a step back.

Zhu Tianyuan asked in confusion, "Practicing with the spear is a good thing, right? Son, you don't look so good. Forget it, I'll spar with your senior brother. Let's go." Since he was in the Evil Sky Pavilion, he had nothing to do anyway.

"Alright. Thank you, uncle." Duanmu Sheng cupped his fists together.

"Don't mention it…" Zhu Tianyuan was an Eight-leaf elite. If he could not even suppress an Evil Sky Pavilion disciple who had barely recultivated to the Five-leaf stage, he would be better off resigning from his position as the Ancient Cult Master and go into farming.

"Father, you mustn't go…"

"I don't mind. Your father isn't kicking the bucket just yet." Zhu Tianyuan stepped forward and grabbed Duanmu Sheng's wrist. "Let's go! I'll train with you. Even if it's for the entire day, I won't mind."

Zhu Honggong. "…"

Duanmu Sheng was greatly moved. He said, "In that case, I'll have to thicken my face and accept your kind offer, uncle… It'd be best if I could train in this manner every day." After he finished speaking, he pulled Zhu Tianyuan along with him as he walked away.

An ominous feeling rose in Zhu Tianyuan's heart immediately. He stammered, "E-everyday?"

Duanmu Sheng nodded and said, "Elder Hua was my training partner before this. When we first started, it was once every three days. However, he began avoiding me after that. Perhaps, I'd made a mistake and unknowingly irritated Elder Hua. Uncle… Uncle? You… don't look so good. Are you alright?"

"I'm fine, I'm fine…"

"That's great. Time waits for no man. Let's go!" He continued pulling Zhu Tianyun to his training spot halfway up the mountain. He was worried this high-level training partner would escape.

'Oh, no! I think I've fallen into a trap.'

…

When Lu Zhou returned to the eastern pavilion, Mingshi Yin was waiting respectfully inside the eastern pavilion. When he saw his master had returned, he followed his master into the hall after he greeted his master.

After they entered the room, Mingshi Yin bowed and immediately said, "Master, I'm ready."

Lu Zhou nodded, pleased. He said, "Good."

"Master, do we really need 1,200 years of life to reach the Nine-leaf stage?" Mingshi Yin asked.

Lu Zhou answered, "Yes, you'll need 1,200 years of life."

"In that case… Please give me Chi Yao's Heart, master… I can't wait!" Mingshi Yin said with a smile.

"Hm?" Lu Zhou's pitch rose at the end, making him sound stern and imposing.

An uneasy feeling rose in Mingshi Yin's heart. He quickly lowered his head and said, "I'm just kidding."

"Don't joke about this matter. You should treat this important matter seriously," Lu Zhou said.

"I understand."

"Since you're ready, let's try it tomorrow," Lu Zhou said.

"Huh? Are we in a rush?" It was completely out of Mingshi Yin's expectations that his master would ask him to attempt the Nine-leaf stage so quickly. He was slightly shocked.

Lu Zhou replied, "Your Eldest and Second Senior Brothers are in trouble in the red lotus domain where dangers abound… We can't put this off any longer."

"Master… Who's going to look after things in Great Yan when you leave?" After all, until now, there was only one Nine-leaf cultivator in Great Yan.

"I'll deal with everything here before leaving for the red lotus domain. Moreover, I'll only be gone for a short while," Lu Zhou said.

"I understand."

At this moment, Lu Zhou extended his hand and said, "Separation Hook."

"Uh…" Mingshi Yin flinched instinctively. He seemed reluctant. However, when he saw his master's stern expression, he had no choice but to bring his weapon out before respectfully placing it in his master's hand.

"That will be all."

"Understood."

After Mingshi Yin left, Lu Zhou returned to the rush cushion and sat down. He took out the Shining Stone and tossed it out to refine the Separation Hook.

After the Shining Stone's flames and the Separation Hook merged, Lu Zhou no longer bothered with it. It would succeed overnight.

Then, Lu Zhou looked at his merit points.

Merit points: 8,640 merit points.

It was not too practical to purchase item cards now. Instead, he decided to try and obtain them through lucky draws.

"Lucky draw."

"Ding! Spent 50 merit points and 18 luck points. Obtained: Reversal Card x10."

"Lucky draw."

"Ding! Spent 50 merit points. Thank you for your participation."

…

Early the next morning.

Lu Zhou opened his eyes, emerging from his meditative state.

When he heard the Separation Hook fell on the floor, he turned to look. The upgrading of the weapon had been completed.

He raised his hand and brought the Separation Hook into his hand. He circulated his Primal Qi slightly. There was vaguely visible light gleaming off the hook's blade. Indeed, it was now a desolate-grade weapon.

At this moment, Si Wuya's voice rang from the other side of the door. "Master, everything's ready. Fourth Senior Brother is already waiting in the southern pavilion."

"I see." Lu Zhou put the Separation Hook away and left the eastern pavilion.

...

When Lu Zhou arrived at the southern pavilion, he saw a tall square platform had been built outside the southern pavilion.

At this moment, Mingshi Yin was sitting on the platform. His spirits were calm, and he seemed composed.

"…"

When the others saw Lu Zhou, they bowed. "Pavilion Master."

"Master." His disciples bowed.

Lu Zhou looked up at Mingshi Yin. "What a mess! What kind of a joke is this? Get down."

'Flashy but without substance. He's spending too much time on useless matters.'

Mingshi Yin shuddered and leaped off the high platform immediately. He sighed inwardly. 'I can't even act cool like master.'

Lu Zhou pointed at a spot in a corner of the southern pavilion.

Mingshi Yin bowed and said, "Understood." Then, he walked over obediently.

The female disciples covered their mouths and stifled their giggles.

Little Yuan'er waved her hands and said, "Go for it, Fourth Senior Brother!"

"Go for it, Fourth Senior Brother!"

Duanmu Sheng sighed. He did not expect his Fourth Junior Brother who had always been weaker than him, was about to attempt the Nine-leaf stage. He could only blame himself for not working hard enough. Then, he turned to look at Zhu Tianyun with determination flashing in his eyes as he said, "I'll have to trouble you to train with me again next time."

Zhu Tianyuan's fingers trembled slightly. With a slightly unnatural expression, he said, "Sure, sure..."

Meanwhile, the four Evil Sky Pavilion elders were feeling emotional as well. Although they knew Mingshi Yin's cultivation base was profound and he liked concealing his strength, they did not expect Mingshi Yin to be the first to reach the Nine-leaf stage. They planned to observe the leaf-sprouting process to gain some experience. There was no harm for them to observe him.

Lu Zhou stroked his beard and said, "Begin."

"Understood." Mingshi Yin stepped into the center of the spot under the watchful eyes of the Evil Sky Pavilion's members. He sat down with his legs crossed.

"I feel slightly embarrassed with so many people watching me… Should we do this in the room?" Mingshi Yin had always cultivated in secret. This was his first time having so many people look at him. He felt awkward as though someone was peeping at him while he was showering.

Lu Zhou frowned slightly. He said in a low voice, "If you're not going to do this, I'll give this chance to another person."

'You're not the only one who wants to reach the Nine-leaf stage.'

"Don't… Master, I'll do it right away!" Mingshi Yin flipped his palm up. A miniature Eight-leaf golden lotus avatar appeared above his palm immediately.

Lu Zhou said, "Focus. Elders, guard the four directions."

The four elders bowed in unison. "Understood." They flew up and landed on top of the southern pavilion's great hall.

"Hua Yuexing."

"Here."

"Guard the highest point."

"Understood." Hua Yuexing wielded the Falling Moon Bow and flew to the top of the Evil Sky Pavilion.

"Everyone else, stand back."

The others bowed and retreated.

Mingshi Yin focused his mind. Golden radiant energy rings slid down from his avatar's waist.

Lu Zhou stroked his beard and nodded, watching Mingshi Yin. He was the only one standing in front of Mingshi Yin at this moment.

…

Meanwhile, in the red lotus domain.

In a dense forest in a valley several miles away from the Thousand Willow Monastery.

Yu Shangrong was sitting next to a huge tree. His Eight-leaf avatar hovered above his palm while his other held the Longevity Sword. His expression was calm as usual.

Without any hesitation, he raised his left hand slightly. The Longevity Sword buzzed before it flew out of its scabbard. It pierced through the heart of a flying beast above the forest.

Bam!

The flying beast was pinned to the tree.

Meanwhile, radiant energy rings were sliding down from the avatar's waist.