Sin in the Present, Merit in the Future

The moon was high and the wind was strong, a night for killing!

In the western valley of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, what was originally a natural barrier to prevent enemy ambushes due to its advantageous terrain had now turned the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect into a complete sitting duck.

Jiang Mian, dressed in black, was followed by Xie Yue, Yan, Hu Liena, Zhu Zhuqing, Bear Lord, Crimson King, and a host of other experts.

He looked up at the moonlit night sky and said calmly, "A fine night. After tonight, the entire continent's situation will change."

"They've started fighting," Bear Lord said, looking toward the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect in the distance. A ball of fire illuminated the sky, making the entire sect brightly lit.

"Spirit Kite Douluo has made a move," Jiang Mian said, hands behind his back. At this moment, he was full of spirit, not like a thirteen-year-old boy, but like a seasoned general.

"It's a good time to fish in troubled waters."

"What's going on!"

Ning Fengzhi, holding his cane, rushed out of the house. The entire Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect was now engulfed in flames, with screams of agony echoing endlessly.

"Someone is attacking," Sword Douluo Chen Xin said, arriving before Ning Fengzhi, dusty and travel-worn. His brows were tightly furrowed. "The enemy numbers are extremely large, and they are operating at night. My Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect did not have time to prepare corresponding defenses."

"Quick, go meet the enemy," Ning Fengzhi said, moving as fast as lightning. At this moment, he could no longer maintain his usual composed demeanor. The Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda Martial Soul fully amplified Chen Xin.

"En!"

Chen Xin grunted, his Soul Power soaring. As expected of the continent's number one support Martial Soul, the amplification for a Spirit Master was indeed not to be underestimated.

"Chen Xin has made his move," Ghost Douluo said hoarsely. "Chrysanthemum Douluo, attack!"

"Fifth Spirit Skill, Gathering of Cold Primrose!"

A giant petal-shaped blade flew out. Chrysanthemum Douluo Yue Guan leaped into the air, intending to kill Ning Fengzhi directly.

"Chrysanthemum Douluo?" Chen Xin was greatly shocked. He could never have imagined that the attackers of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect would be the dignified Spirit Hall.

Chen Xin, holding the Seven Kill Sword, broke the Gathering of Cold Primrose in half with a single sword strike. He protected Ning Fengzhi, attempting to break through forcefully.

"Fengzhi, hurry and leave," Chen Xin said, grabbing Ning Fengzhi's arm. His figure shot away like a rainbow. "As long as you're alive, we still have hope."

Ning Fengzhi's eyes dimmed. The screams of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect disciples continuously stimulated his heart, causing him immense pain.

"Trying to run?" Ghost Douluo's figure was like a swimming dragon, appearing behind Ning Fengzhi in an instant. Black shadows bloomed in his hand, reaching for Ning Fengzhi's heart.

A crisp metallic sound rang out. Chen Xin turned and blocked with his sword, sending Ghost Douluo flying. At this moment, Chen Xin truly felt what it meant to be unable to fight many with just two fists, let alone four Titled Douluo being present.

"Hahahaha," Spirit Kite Douluo said, covering his mouth and laughing excitedly. "Burn!"

"Sect Master, the enemy on the west side is weak," a disciple, completely engulfed in flames, knelt before Ning Fengzhi. After saying this, he immediately ceased to breathe.

"No," Ning Fengzhi fell to the ground. He suddenly felt a surge in his throat, and a mouthful of blood sprayed out.

"Old Bone, take Rongrong and run!" Chen Xin channeled his Soul Power and roared, "I'll hold them off!"

Bone Douluo Gu Rong's Martial Soul, besides its formidable defense, also possessed an unbelievable spatial traversal function. This was Chen Xin's last desperate hope.

As long as even one disciple of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect survived, the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda Martial Soul would not be considered extinct.

Although Gu Rong had been beaten down to the strength of a Soul Douluo by Bear Lord, he had still seen the scenery at the mountaintop and could mobilize his abilities.

"You can't escape," Magic Bear Douluo suddenly released his Martial Soul True Body. A massive Blood Demon Rampage Bear appeared before them.

He roared and charged towards the spatial movement technique fluctuation that Bone Douluo had just displayed, attempting to prevent Gu Rong from taking Ning Rongrong and escaping the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.

"Sixth Spirit Skill, Myriad Swords Returning to Origin!"

Sword Douluo leaped into the air, and ten thousand Seven Kill Swords appeared behind him, charging majestically towards Magic Bear Douluo.

Magic Bear Douluo could not dodge in time and was directly pinned to the ground by this sword strike, unable to move. The gap in strength between him and Sword Douluo Chen Xin was already immense, and with Ning Fengzhi's amplification, being repelled by a single sword was inevitable.

"Chrysanthemums wither, the ground is scarred, petals fall, breaking the heart!"

Chrysanthemum Douluo Yue Guan wiped his lips, and flower petals rained down from the sky. The scene was as spectacular as it was bloody.

Chrysanthemum Douluo stood within it, alluring and cold. His gaze was disdainful as he looked down at the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect disciples, like lambs awaiting slaughter, feeling an unspeakable pleasure.

"Chrysanthemum Douluo!" Chen Xin glared at Yue Guan, as if about to spew blood!

"Ninth Spirit Skill, God-Demon Dual Slash!"

This was Sword Douluo Chen Xin's strongest attack, condensing supreme sword energy, capable of instantly killing a Titled Douluo.

"Quick, dodge," Ghost Douluo's expression changed greatly. He instantly rushed to Chrysanthemum Douluo's side, the two sticking together as they unleashed the Two Extremes Stillness Domain.

Boom!

The world seemed like a gigantic piece of glass, and a crisp shattering sound was heard. The might of Chen Xin's sword had actually managed to cleave open the Two Extremes Stillness Domain.

Chrysanthemum and Ghost Douluo fell to the ground like two meteors, appearing to be quite injured.

Chen Xin's Ninth Spirit Skill had an unprecedented killing power, but in exchange, after this sword strike, he would be unable to fight for a considerable time.

"Hurry and go," Sword Douluo said, dragging Ning Fengzhi as they ran towards the west.

"Spirit Kite, Magic Bear, you two go chase Bone Douluo, don't let him escape," Ghost Douluo roared. "Leave the cleanup to us two."

"Yes," Spirit Kite Douluo and Magic Bear Douluo transformed into two beams of light, pursuing the spatial aura emitted by Bone Douluo Gu Rong to search for him.

Ghost Douluo struggled to stand up, clutching his chest. He walked to Yue Guan's side, slapped him on the head, and said angrily, "Chrysanthemum Douluo, are you looking for death?"

"Old Ghost," Chrysanthemum Douluo's gaze flickered, his expression like a child who had made a mistake.

"That's enough. Jiang Mian is blocking the west, so it's not our concern anymore," Ghost Douluo clasped his hands behind his back, watching the Spirit Hall Spirit Masters who were slaughtering continuously, and ordered, "Remember to finish them off, don't let any escape."

Chrysanthemum Douluo's emotions recovered somewhat. He murmured with a complicated expression, "Old Ghost, do you think what we're doing is right or wrong?"

"Our sins are of this generation, but our merits will last for ages," Ghost Douluo helped Chrysanthemum Douluo up and said lightly, "The Upper Three Sects have controlled the resources for Spirit Masters for too long. Ordinary Spirit Masters have no hope of rising."

"Our Pope's ambition is truly unprecedented," Chrysanthemum Douluo couldn't help but sigh.

"Jiang Mian's ambition, compared to His Holiness the Pope, is even greater," Ghost Douluo said calmly. "I have a premonition that if Jiang Mian one day reaches the heights we can't even imagine, it will be a good thing for the world and for us."

"Yes," Yue Guan said. "A child who reached the Soul King level at thirteen, followed by so many powerful experts who look down on the world. It would be strange if he didn't reach that height."

"Alright, after we clean up the mess, we'll go back for drinks and meat," Ghost Douluo patted Chrysanthemum Douluo's shoulder and turned to harvest the remaining disciples of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.

"Leave a few alive," Chrysanthemum Douluo reminded him. "His Holiness the Pope doesn't want the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda Martial Soul to be extinguished."

In fact, Bibi Dong's plan was even more sinister. By leaving a few disciples with the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda Martial Soul and taking them to train the next generation for Spirit Hall, they could ensure that powerful auxiliary Martial Souls like the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda would all be under Spirit Hall's command.

This approach yielded far greater benefits than simply annihilating the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.

In the western canyon, Sword Douluo Chen Xin and Ning Fengzhi walked at the very front, followed by a mere ten-odd disciples of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect who had narrowly escaped death.

If he were allowed, Sword Douluo Chen Xin would even have wanted to perish together with the people from Spirit Hall, but he dared not. Ning Fengzhi was still alive, and he had to ensure that there were still successors of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect in the world.

As long as Ning Fengzhi was alive, the root of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect would not be severed, and they would still have a chance!

After all, a portion of the disciples were out on missions and not in the sect. They were also a significant reserve force. Chen Xin thought that as long as Ning Fengzhi was safely escorted out, with the strength of the Heaven Dou Empire, Spirit Hall would not dare to do anything.

But he was truly too naive. Since Spirit Hall had made a move, how could they not understand the principle of cutting the grass and removing the roots?

"Attack!"

On the rocky peak beside the canyon, Jiang Mian had been waiting in anticipation.

Bear Lord and Crimson King occupied rocky peaks on both sides. They attacked simultaneously, and countless falling rocks instantly descended like a torrential rain, completely blocking the path for Ning Fengzhi and his group.

"Be careful." Chen Xin pulled Ning Fengzhi and instantly retreated. Several disciples who couldn't dodge in time were crushed to death by the falling rocks and buried.

"Who's there!" Sword Douluo Chen Xin scanned his surroundings, immediately locking onto the two powerful experts, Bear Lord and Crimson King.

"Sword Douluo, Sect Master Ning, Jiang Mian has been waiting here for a long time." Jiang Mian's voice echoed through the canyon. Ning Fengzhi's heart chilled. Trembling, he shouted, "Jiang Mian, have you forgotten the kindness of my Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect in raising you? For the sake of our past relationship, please let us go."

"When you sent people to assassinate me, where was our relationship?" Jiang Mian seemed to hear the greatest joke. "When you diverted the disaster and led Spirit Hall to hunt me, where was my gratitude?"

"Jiang Mian," Chen Xin reprimanded, "The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect has already been destroyed. What more do you want!"

"If you don't cut the weeds and remove the roots, they will grow again with the spring breeze," Jiang Mian said calmly. "Even a child knows this principle."

"Rongrong's state of mind was shattered by you, and Old Bone's arms were crippled by you," Chen Xin said with burning anger, shouting from a distance. "Now, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect has been destroyed by you. After all this, isn't it enough!"

"Hahaha," Jiang Mian clenched his fist, a look of disdain on his face as he said, "Not enough!"

"Why are you wasting your breath with him?" Bear Lord released his Martial Soul True Body. A massive Dark Gold Dreadclaw Bear, its body like a mountain, appeared in the middle of the canyon. It was like a city wall, completely blocking the survival of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.

"Sixth Spirit Skill, Myriad Swords Returning to Origin…"

Sword Douluo Chen Xin forcefully mobilized his just-recovered Soul Power, wanting to fight to the death. Thousands of flying swords, like a great river, surged towards Bear Lord.

However, the powerful spirit skill that could nail the Magic Bear Douluo directly to the ground seemed like ordinary raindrops against Bear Lord's inconceivable defense.

"Are you tickling me?" Bear Lord scratched his belly with a look of disdain. "Do you have any stronger skills? If not, you can only die."

"Ninth Spirit Skill…"

Before he could finish speaking, Sword Douluo's face turned instantly pale. He knelt on one knee, holding his sword, clearly having overexerted himself and unable to summon any more Soul Power.

"Uncle Jian," Ning Fengzhi curled up beside Sword Douluo, supporting Chen Xin with despair in his eyes.

Bear Lord extended a finger and casually released a mocking Sky Rend Claw. Blood flowed from the corner of Chen Xin's mouth. His eyes were bloodshot, and he swung his sword, barely blocking the attack.

However, he himself was also sent flying backward and fell to the ground.

"Do not humiliate Sword Douluo," Jiang Mian said. "Sect Master Ning, for the sake of Sword Douluo, I'll give you a choice."

"Let the disciples who survived spar with the people behind me, best of three. If you win, I'll let you go, how about that?"

"Good!"

Did Ning Fengzhi have any other options now? Refusing Jiang Mian was a dead end. It was better to take a gamble. Perhaps Jiang Mian was a trustworthy person?

"Who among you wants to try?" Jiang Mian looked back. Xie Yue and Yan looked full of fighting spirit. It seemed they both wanted to step forward and showcase their abilities, as such opportunities were rare.

Hu Liena and Zhu Zhuqing had calm expressions, especially Zhu Zhuqing, who seemed accustomed to such scenes.

"Yan, you go first," Jiang Mian chuckled. After all, it wouldn't be interesting to catch fish right from the start.

"Alright," Yan leaped down and jumped in front of Ning Fengzhi, saying, "Who among you will come?"

"I will," a disciple in tattered clothes, with several patches of skin scorched by flames, limped towards Yan and said, "Tian Jiahong, level fifty-eight Attack-type Battle Soul King, Martial Soul Giant Rock Dragon."

"An outer disciple?" Jiang Mian clicked his tongue in amazement. As expected, those who managed to escape had considerable cultivation. Yan would have a tough bone to chew this time.

"Yan, level forty-seven Attack-type Battle Soul Ancestor, Martial Soul Flame Lord."

"The level difference is eleven. Is Yan capable?" Xie Yue frowned slightly, asking nervously, "What if the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect really wins two rounds, what do we do?"

"Don't be ridiculous," Jiang Mian leaned into Xie Yue's ear and whispered with a laugh, "We set the game rules, and we have the final interpretation. Understand?"

"This isn't good, is it?" Zhu Zhuqing said.

"Zhuqing, rules are made by the strong," Jiang Mian said indifferently. "If you have strength, you have a voice. If the people below were us today, do you think they'd let us off?"

"Besides, what if Yan loses?"

Jiang Mian smiled mysteriously and said indifferently, "Aren't Bear Lord and Crimson King holding the line?"

"Interesting." Xie Yue's lips curved upwards. "Quick, look, it's starting."

"First Spirit Skill, Hellish Magma Charge!"

Yan pressed his hands to the ground, and scalding magma instantly erupted, its immense heat surging towards the outer disciple.

"Second Spirit Skill, Giant Rock Shield."

Tian Jiahong placed his hands horizontally across his chest, and surrounding rocks immediately condensed around his arms. The magma and the giant rock shield collided, and surprisingly, they couldn't break through his defense in that moment.

"Even with his severe injuries, the eleven-level difference isn't that easy to make up," Hu Liena mused, her chin resting on her hand as she analyzed carefully.

"Don't worry." Jiang Mian's eyes flickered. He looked towards Sword Douluo Chen Xin and noticed that while Chen Xin stood beside Ning Fengzhi, his eyes were closed, as if he were breaking through!

"Crimson King, stop Chen Xin!"