Chapter 111: Surrender

Ning Ling, overseeing the examination from above the sky, gazed down at the fierce battle unfolding below, a scene that seemed to stir memories of his own past. Especially when he saw those fighting desperately for survival, a radiant smile spread across his face, his eyes shimmering as if filled with stars.

"Night Nine Demon versus Cao Sisi, step onto the stage!"

Ning Ling recited the names for the next round of battles as the previous one concluded. Although the order was announced sequentially, the actual matches were shuffled.

"Huh? Where are they?"

Suddenly, the absence of the two contenders on stage sparked surprise among the crowd. Such a critical moment, and yet no one appeared.

This was truly disheartening for many, as Cao Sisi’s battles were always a spectacle. Voices soon rose from the audience.

"Sisi!"

"Sisi!"

"Goddess Sisi!"

...

Hearing this, a peculiar expression crossed Ning Ling’s face. Yet, impartiality was paramount, so he spoke again, firm and resolute.

"If you do not appear soon, it will be considered a withdrawal by both parties. Cao Sisi will be demoted to a menial role, and Night Nine Demon will be banned from next year's battles, only allowed to participate in the promotion battles after the third year!"

"Shh!"

"What?!"

"Is that allowed?!"

...

Ning Ling’s words drew a collective sharp intake of breath. The penalty for not participating was harsh.

His expression also shifted; Cao Sisi had apparently gone to find someone and had yet to return, while Night Nine Demon showed such boldness as to skip even the first evaluation.

After all, the initial test was relatively simple. The following two rounds, with resources heavily skewed, would make victory much harder.

Especially for major sects like the Thousand Leaf Sect, where resource allocation was even more significant. A single year was enough to change many things.

"Cao Sisi versus Night Nine Demon, three seconds to appear. Failure to do so will be deemed a blatant disregard for sect rules, and the penalties previously stated will apply."

Ning Ling furrowed his brow, raising his voice once more.

"Three!"

"Two!"

Suddenly, a figure drifted in from outside, his robe fluttering in the wind. A youth with a face as flawless as jade stepped forward.

"Ah, just in time. Luckily, I’m punctual, or else I’d be late."

Night Nine Demon wore a look of relief, but was met with cold stares from the crowd. Few had ever encountered such shameless audacity.

"Hmph, scoundrel."

As the crowd murmured about Night Nine Demon’s shamelessness, Cao Sisi’s voice rang out, causing an odd hush.

Yet, those who understood the situation showed expressions of sudden realization.

"Um... Cao... Cao Sisi, are you still going to fight?"

"No, I concede."

Cao Sisi looked at Ning Ling with disdain. He couldn’t fathom how he could be so oblivious, no wonder she never got along with the sect’s inner circle.

Ning Ling studied her expression and briefly wondered if he had erred. Yet, he was unsure, and dared not ask given the crowd’s presence.

"Then I declare Night Nine Demon... the winner?"

Ning Ling asked Cao Sisi hesitantly, still uncertain.

He knew Cao Sisi’s strength well; to concede to a newcomer so easily puzzled him. Matters involving the outer sect were never their concern as inner disciples.

Even if rumors occasionally reached them, they were seldom taken seriously or remembered.

Cao Sisi rolled her eyes at Ning Ling once again and nodded in affirmation.

"Then the victor of this match is Night Nine Demon."

Ning Ling announced the result, but those unaware of the truth were instantly displeased, especially the Thousand Leaf Sect disciples who had traveled far. Seeing a battle won without a fight only deepened their frustration.

"Sisi, go up and fight him! We came all this way to watch you."

"Uncle can endure, but auntie cannot! We’re all beauties here; Sisi, you can’t fall for him!"

...

The crowd below became uncontrollable, some revelers shouting loudly. Cao Sisi looked down with contempt.

"Scoundrel, rough them up for me. I’ll open a back door for you, how about that?"

"A back door?!"

Night Nine Demon sized Cao Sisi up and down, eyes filled with puzzlement. Then, as if recalling something, he shook his head.

"Senior brother, when did you enter the outer sect after winning? And when did you move from the outer to the inner sect?"

"Heh... you’re amusing. Just became an outer disciple and already dreaming of the inner sect. As someone who’s been there, I’ll tell you one thing..."

"Don’t aim too high!"

Night Nine Demon sneered disdainfully. "Senior brother, I’m standing right here on the ground. How is that aiming too high?"

"If anyone’s aiming too high, it should be you, senior brother. Don’t bully your junior for being less learned."

"Pfft... hahaha..."

Cao Sisi burst into laughter. Although the other disciples wanted to laugh as well, they stifled it upon realizing she was an inner disciple.

"Distorted reasoning."

Ning Ling frowned slightly, casting a glance at Night Nine Demon.

"Senior brother, shall we fight? There are some elders watching; I feel uneasy."

Night Nine Demon suddenly spoke loudly. Ning Ling’s expression tightened as he looked toward a certain spot.

There, three elderly men sat, and upon Night Nine Demon’s words, they appeared surprised.

"This kid seems to have noticed us."

"Not seems—he definitely has."

"I told you not to underestimate him. This kid’s strange. If my White Brow loses a disciple, I’ll be furious with you two!"

White Brow glared fiercely at Cao Zheng and the others.

"Then be a good guy and work things out. Year after year, this promotion contest grows tedious. Other branches are strong; we’re the weak ones, that won’t do."

Cao Zheng said to White Brow, who raised an eyebrow before nodding.

"In previous years, the evaluation yielded no rewards. Today, the elders will arrange a ranking match for you. The requirements are simple: any one of the top ten outer disciples who wins a challenge may enter the Primordial Technique Tower and select a primordial technique..."

"What?!"

"Is there really such a good thing?"

...

The old man's announcement sparked a wave of excitement, even if many were unfamiliar with his identity. The offer was undeniably tempting.

"Ten of you come up and choose your challengers. Also, your senior brother in the sky—defeat him, and I will personally grant you a primordial artifact, plus..."

"...if you can defeat all ten outer disciples and your senior brother, I will personally award you a unique primordial artifact and technique."

Suddenly, White Brow’s playful tone made some doubt the sincerity, but the temptation was overwhelming.

Wealth and power stir the heart; no one can resist.

Instantly, the newcomers and disciples burst into excitement.

"One more thing: only newcomers and those facing expulsion from the sect can participate, so others shouldn’t celebrate too soon."

White Brow’s voice rang out again, dashing the hopes of returning disciples, yet it did little to quell the enthusiasm of those eligible.

Ning Ling felt a bitter taste. Having just been challenged to a duel, now he was thrown into the fray. The anguish in his heart was unspeakable, leaving him no choice but to fight.