On one side, Gao Qiu nonchntly epted the challenge, but Xiao Shun was not faring as well. If not for his robust physique, he would have been knocked out by the Arcane Vigor from Gao Qiu’s body by now. Despite being a peak “Anterior” cultivator, the “Unification Phnx” was too mysterious and, with thebined effort of twenty-one Old School Society Seniors, it could suppress his spiritual energy. Most importantly, Xiao Shun was not yet willing to exert all his power. It was not due to self-doubt but because Nie Jiuchong was waiting for him at the mountain peak. If he expended too much energy here, his strength would bepromised when he reached the summit. Nie Jiuchong, one of the four altar masters of the Old School Society, was not to be underestimated. Xiao Shun was confident in victory but cautious.


    With this thought in mind, he gritted his teeth and sent his dark energy towards Gao Qiu once again. Immediately, he nced at the Senior beside him. As expected, several weaker cultivators spat out blood and looked defeated. Even their hand gestures were weakening. At the same time, Xiao Shun felt the domain around him weakening slightly, bringing a sense of relief. However, Gao Qiu remained oblivious.


    An enraged person easily loses their rationality, and Gao Qiu was no exception. His eyes were fixed on Xiao Shun, determined to make him pay for tarnishing his and the Old School Society’s reputation in the “Hero Cup.” “Your efforts are in vain. With the divine formation, I can torture you in an instant!” Gao Qiu’s gaze was cold, his smile full of confidence.


    To this, Xiao Shun just chuckled and replied, “Is that so?” With that, he once again used his dark energy to injure three nearby Seniors. At this moment, half of the Old School Society Seniors were forced to retreat due to his tactics. Meanwhile, some Seniors realized the deceptive nature of the situation and yelled at Gao Qiu to reconsider. Startled, Gao Qiu looked around and realized that half of his allies were already on the ground.


    Cursing under his breath, Gao Qiu tried to retract his fist, unwilling to continue the strenuous battle with Xiao Shun. Xiao Shun, sensing his thoughts, taunted him, “Only now do you realize it’s toote?” Before Gao Qiu could respond, he found his fist stuck to Xiao Shun’s body as though a massive force was pulling it in. Despite his efforts, he could not break free. Xiao Shun remarked, “I told you, it’s already toote!” With that, his spiritual energy surged into Gao Qiu, weakening the domain further and increasing his own strength. The sound of three painful cries echoed through the air, followed by three more.


    Feeling desperate, Gao Qiu roared at Xiao Shun, “Bastard, I’ll fight you to the end!” Xiao Shun just smiled and said, “Don’t worry, you still have four colleagues maintaining the formation for you. Let me deal with them first, then we can settle our score.” As he finished speaking, four more painful cries erupted. Suddenly, the domain that had imprisoned Xiao Shun dissipated, causing Gao Qiu to cough up blood, severely injured by the bacsh of his own formation.


    Sitting on the ground, Gao Qiu aged decades in an instant, his once determined face now filled with despair. Compared to the other Old School Society Seniors, the burden on him, as the core of the formation, was undoubtedly the heaviest. At this moment, Gao Qiu was broken, his strength drained. Watching the pitiful sight, Xiao Shun sighed and shook his head, wondering why it hade to this.


    “With the divine formation in hand, I cannot harm you. It seems this is fate,” Gao Qiumented, his eyes filled with defeat. Xiao Shun calmly responded, “Though powerful, the formation cannot contain me. If not for my need to conserve energy for the encounter with Master Nie at the mountain peak, I could have broken it instantly.”


    Realizing the truth, Gao Qiu looked at Xiao Shun with aplicated expression. “You are strong, one of the strongest among the younger generation I have ever seen. Even many veteran experts of the Old School Society are no match for you.” After a moment of contemtion, Gao Qiu regretted, “If the Old School Society had not shed with you, things would be different.”


    “There are no ‘ifs’ in life,” Xiao Shun replied. “Acts of injustice lead to self-destruction. Even if not me, someone else would rise against the Old School Society. Remember, the world’s resources belong to all cultivators, not just the Old School Society.” With passion in his words, Xiao Shun pointed out the arrogance of the current Old School Society’s ways.


    When a ruler bes a dictator, rules be meaningless, leaving no room for envement.


    Sighing, Gao Qiu acknowledged the truth but still felt conflicted. “I know what you say, but loyalty to the Old School Society, even if wed,pels me to stay the course.”


    Reflecting on Gao Qiu’s words, Xiao Shun remarked, “It seems you still haven’t realized. It’s not the Old School Society’s fault, but those who treat it as a tool. Your loyalty ismendable, but aiding in wrongdoing is where you falter.” The words struck Gao Qiu, causing him intense inner turmoil.


    Seconds passed before Gao Qiu closed his eyes, his face contorted in agony. “I am nothing but a broken man now. I shall offer this body to atone for my sins of many years.” Suddenly, Xiao Shun intervened, preventing Gao Qiu from harming himself. “Why do you act this way?” Xiao Shun questioned.Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.


    “This is not redemption,” he continued. “If you truly wish to restore the Old School Society, join me in overthrowing the current rulers.” With that, Xiao Shun handed a golden pill to Gao Qiu and departed.