Qingqiu

Several thousand miles away from Skywind Martial City, the scenery by the roadside had become desolate.

The once lush forests gradually thinned out, replaced by large areas of low shrubs and dark brown, strange rocks. The air carried a peculiar, indescribable scent that grew stronger the deeper they went.

"Brother Qin, we're approaching the outskirts of the Black Wind Marsh."

Mo Xingkong, riding his Black Scale Horse, pointed towards a mountain shrouded in mist in the distance. "Qingqiu is in that geothermal valley. Don't be fooled by this desolate place; an ordinary martial artist who enters without a guide is as good as dead."

Qin Jue nodded slightly, his gaze sweeping across their surroundings.

He could feel the heavy humidity in the air, tinged with a faint, elusive poisonous miasma.

"Have you confirmed the details of the employer?" Qin Jue asked calmly, looking straight ahead. He recalled Mo Xingkong had only mentioned a family from Qingqiu before, without elaborating.

Mo Xingkong chuckled, took a swig from a gourd he pulled from his robes, and lowered his voice. "Naturally. This time, the patron is the eldest branch of the Qingqiu Yao Clan. You know the Yao Clan, right? They're an established alchemical family around Skywind Martial City. Several major pharmacies in the city get their supplies from them. This family has guarded the Black Wind Marsh for years, living off the land. They've dealt with poisonous insects and herbs for so long that they're not only skilled in alchemy but also proficient in detoxification and poison usage. They're quite influential in this region."

As he spoke, a sharp glint flashed in Mo Xingkong's eyes. "Recently, the old patriarch of the Yao Clan fell gravely ill. The eldest and second branches have completely fallen out over the control of the 'Purple Haze Medicine Field.' That medicine field is the lifeblood of the family; whoever obtains it will be the future head of the Yao family."

Qin Jue listened with a placid expression, uninterested in these family disputes. He had seen such dramas countless times in his past and present lives.

Greed stirred hearts, causing fathers and sons to turn against each other, brothers to fight – this was commonplace everywhere.

"To avoid damaging the family's foundation, they've invoked an ancient rule: victory will be decided by a martial arena."

Mo Xingkong's playful demeanor vanished as he spoke seriously.

"The arena competition is best of three rounds. To prevent too much external interference, the Yao family has set a restriction on the participants' cultivation realms – only the Jade Bone Realm, specifically those between the Hundred Refinements Third Layer and Sixth Layer, are allowed to compete."

"Brother Qin, although I mentioned the 'no mercy' rule before, I have to reiterate. The opponents this time might be desperate and ruthless individuals. For eighty-year spiritual medicine, no one will hold back. Once you're on the stage, it's about fighting to kill."

Mo Xingkong turned his head, fixing his gaze on Qin Jue, trying to discern any wavering in the young man's expression. "If you regret it now, there's still time."

Qin Jue smiled playfully upon hearing this.

Regret?

If one isn't ruthless, how can a sword edge be sharp? If one doesn't take risks, how can limits be broken?

"Spare me the nonsense. Since I've taken this job, I've already made up my mind. A fight to the death... is exactly what I want."

Mo Xingkong was taken aback. Seeing the young man's nonchalant demeanor, he let out a helpless wry smile and gave a thumbs-up. "Fine, I worried for nothing."

The two stopped talking and urged their horses forward.

Half an hour later, the terrain suddenly dropped.

A large valley, shaped like a gourd, appeared before them. Even before they got close, a wave of heat washed over them.

Geothermal vents dotted the valley, sending plumes of white steam soaring into the sky like white dragons. The ground was a bizarre dark red, and strangely colored, vibrant plants grew in the cracks of the rocks.

This was Qingqiu.

Due to the abundant geothermal resources, which were suitable for the growth of certain special medicinal herbs, the valley was home not only to the Yao family but also to scattered herb gatherers and lone martial artists. Along the way, they occasionally saw simple stone houses and figures faintly visible through the steam.

Mo Xingkong, familiar with the path, led Qin Jue through the rocky outer area and headed directly towards the depths of the valley.

After about the time it takes to brew a cup of tea, a grand architectural complex appeared before them.

A tall wall, constructed from dark green basalt, stood three zhang high, completely separating the pavilions within from the barrenness outside. A black plaque with golden characters hung above the main gate, bearing the four characters "Qingqiu Yao Clan," exuding a sense of history.

On either side of the gate, two guards clad in robes embroidered with the character "Yao" stood guard with spears, their expressions stern.

"Halt! Who goes there?"

As they approached, a guard stepped forward, pointing his spear tip directly at them, openly releasing an aura of the Hundred Refinements Fourth Layer.

Mo Xingkong dismounted, a smile spreading across his face. He pulled a green jade token from his robes and handed it over.

"You two guards have worked hard. I am Mo Xingkong, sent here by Miss Qingluo of the eldest branch to deliver someone."

The guard took the jade token and examined it. His tense expression eased slightly, but his gaze lingered on Qin Jue with a peculiar look.

He sized Qin Jue up from head to toe, his gaze carrying a hint of disdain.

"The person the young lady requested?"

The guard scoffed and tossed the token back to Mo Xingkong. "Another one... Fine, you can go in. Follow the main path straight ahead; the young lady is waiting at the 'Listening Rain Pavilion.'"

"Another one?"

Qin Jue keenly caught those three words.

It seemed that the young lady of the Yao family was indeed casting a wide net, inviting many people.

Mo Xingkong clearly heard the implication. He leaned closer to Qin Jue and lowered his voice. "Brother Qin, it seems the situation has changed a bit. This Yao Qingluo probably didn't put all her eggs in one basket."

"But then again, the Purple Haze Medicine Field is of great importance. She wouldn't solely trust the people I found. There are likely other reinforcements inside, and they're probably quite strong."

Qin Jue's expression remained unchanged.

This was normal.

He was recommended by Mo Xingkong, and in the eyes of the Qingqiu Yao Clan, he was merely an Outer Court Disciple with some reputation. Even with the record of killing Ning Zhiyuan, it wasn't considered a significant feat by the scions of prominent families who had seen more of the world.

Inviting more people and letting the best survive was the most prudent approach.

"It doesn't matter."

Qin Jue's expression was calm, and his steps didn't falter.

"Alright, as long as you know what you're doing."

Mo Xingkong led the horse, not intending to go inside. He was an information broker and would never put himself in a precarious position.

"This is as far as I go," Mo Xingkong patted the horse's back and looked at Qin Jue, saying with rare seriousness, "Brother Qin, that eighty-year-old Spiritual Medicine is precious, but you only have one life. If things go south… don't push yourself too hard."

Qin Jue glanced at him and nodded.

"Go back and prepare some good wine. I'll come to get it in ten days."

With that, Qin Jue no longer lingered. Carrying his package, he walked alone through the heavy vermilion-lacquered gate.

Mo Xingkong stood at the entrance, watching Qin Jue's retreating figure disappear behind the gate. He smacked his lips.

"This kid… he's really not afraid of anything."

He sighed, swung himself onto the horse, and turned to leave.