As the legendary spot where the Founding Master of Diāohǎi Tower sat alone and fished for dragons, Tiānyá Stage naturally held a certain sacred significance.

Once the Sea Sacrifice Ceremony concluded, no unauthorized personnel were permitted near this place.

In fact, outside of the Sea Sacrifice, Tiānyá Stage was often empty, with only fierce winds and a bright moon.

However, this time, due to the casual command of Diāohǎi Tower Master Wēi Xún, Zhú Bìqióng, the disgraced disciple of Diāohǎi Tower, remained here in a dying state.

Waiting for that person to return and take her, or, waiting to die.

This was undoubtedly the most agonizing wait.

It was precisely because he had experienced the same waiting to die in that ruined Daoist temple outside Maple Forest City, and knew that pain, that Jiāng Wàng fought so desperately in the maze.

“Without permission, no one is allowed to trespass on Tiānyá Stage!”

Two tall, black-armored soldiers held out their iron arms, blocking a stout figure, their stance resolute.

Chóngxuán Shèng spread his hands, indicating he had no intention of forcing his way in, his voice urgent and strong: “It’s time to release her! Jiāng Wàng killed over a hundred commander-level sea creatures in the maze, he has already completed his atonement! Zhú Bìqióng is now innocent!”

The two black-armored soldiers exchanged glances, clearly unsure whether to let him pass directly.

Just then, a voice sounded from behind them: “Young Master Chóngxuán, you say the atonement is complete, what proof do you have?”

The speaker was a young cultivator dressed in black brocade robes with gold trim. He had a proper appearance, around twenty years of age, and an naturally extraordinary demeanor.

The two black-armored soldiers who had blocked Chóngxuán Shèng moved aside, showing great respect: “Senior Brother Jì.”

The person who arrived was none other than Jì Shàoqīng, a prodigious figure of Diāohǎi Tower. Like Xú Yuán, Bāo Sōng, and Yáng Liǔ, he was one of the young geniuses frequently discussed overseas.

Of course, among all the young geniuses of Diāohǎi Tower, Chén Zhìtāo was in a league of his own, no longer on the same level as them. Although he was a disciple, his status had long surpassed that of many elders. Since the establishment of the Town Sea Alliance, he had become even more prominent, already regarded as a major figure and no longer viewed as a young genius.

There was another reason why Jì Shàoqīng appeared here. He was a direct disciple of the Fourth Elder of Diāohǎi Tower, Gū Huáixìn, and belonged to the same faction as Granny Bìzhū… It was thus not difficult to understand his attitude.

Before this, Chóngxuán Shèng and others had been to Tiānyá Stage several times, but had been turned away by him, not even getting to see Zhú Bìqióng. He insisted on upholding the sect rules with an iron face and impartiality.

No matter how strong the backgrounds of Chóngxuán Shèng and the others were, they could not exert influence on this Huái Island.

Facing Jì Shàoqīng’s repeated obstruction, Chóngxuán Shèng had not yet spoken when a very heroic female voice interjected: “On the Sea Border List, you can see for yourself!”

It was Húayīng Palace Mistress Jiāng Wúyōu, who landed before Tiānyá Stage.

Following her descent were Lǐ Lóngchuān and Yàn Fǔ.

Several young figures landed on the stone steps leading to Tiānyá Stage. Without much action, their family backgrounds alone conveyed enough pressure.

Jì Shàoqīng’s gaze swept over these people indifferently before looking back at Jiāng Wúyōu: “So it is Palace Mistress Húayīng, no wonder you have such prestige!”

He was indeed composed.

Jiāng Wúyōu’s phoenix eyes turned, and she looked at him with a slight tilt of her head: “You seem dissatisfied with this Mistress?”

“I wouldn’t dare.” Jì Shàoqīng bowed politely: “However, regarding Jiāng Wàng’s successful atonement, words are not enough proof, it must be seen with one’s own eyes. Please wait a moment, allow me to retrieve the Sea Border List.”

Although his words sounded pleasant and reasonable, it was difficult to say how long this departure would take or how long the investigation would last.

Jiāng Wúyōu casually shook out a Sea Border List: “If you seek to see for yourself, look here!”

She took a step forward, standing below the steps of Tiānyá Stage, yet appearing as if she was the one looking down from above, “Jì Shàoqīng, you wouldn’t tell this Mistress that you are illiterate, would you?”

“The Sea Border List is a vital military artifact, how can it be casually displayed?” Jì Shàoqīng said softly: “Of course, I am not saying that the Palace Mistress would forge it, but the Town Sea Alliance has been recently established, the sea is not peaceful, and there are many with ulterior motives. My eyesight is not good, and my experience is shallow, so I cannot be certain of its authenticity. As a disciple of Diāohǎi Tower, at this time of chaos, I must be extra cautious. I implore the Palace Mistress, please allow me to first retrieve the Sea Border List from the tower.”

His tone was humble, his voice gentle, and even his expression was polite.

But it was precisely this attitude that fueled one’s anger.

Arguing was impossible, unless they resorted to direct confrontation.

But resorting to violence against a direct disciple of Diāohǎi Tower on Tiānyá Stage was also not a rational choice.

Jiāng Wúyōu was burning with anger, but with her status, it was no longer appropriate for her to speak further.

So Chóngxuán Shèng spoke again. At this point, his face was ashen: “Jì Shàoqīng. Some things can be done once or twice, but not again and again. This is our fourth time coming to Tiānyá Stage. Are you sure you still want to stop us? Especially when Jiāng Wàng has already completed his atonement… Are you sure you have thought through the consequences?”

“I don’t understand what Young Master Shèng means by that.” Jì Shàoqīng even wore a fawning smile as he counted them one by one: “Húayīng Palace, Chóngxuán family, Shímén Lǐ clan, Bèi Prefecture Yàn family, right? How illustrious! How could I possibly dare to deliberately oppose you? However…”

He retracted his smile and changed the subject: “This is Tiānyá Stage, the Tiānyá Stage of Diāohǎi Tower. It is my duty, how can I be careless? You say Jiāng Wàng has completed his atonement, I must verify it. Is this not a matter of course?”

How could he not know that Jiāng Wàng had completed his atonement?

Granny Bìzhū was already dead! She must have died at the hands of that Jiāng Wàng, how could he not know?

It could be said that his attention to Jiāng Wàng and Granny Bìzhū’s journey in the maze was no less than that of Chóngxuán Shèng and the others.

One Granny Bìzhū, who ruined a great plan, her death was not to be mourned. But her death had caused the entire faction of Gū Huáixìn to lose face! Let alone vying for third or second place in Diāohǎi Tower, one misstep, and they would have to give up several significant pieces of flesh in the current situation!

As Gū Huáixìn’s most valued direct disciple, he could gain immense benefits during Gū Huáixìn’s ascent. If Gū Huáixìn failed, his losses would also be among the foremost!

It was originally a good opportunity to stand out among the geniuses of his generation, but now he was standing still and even regressing.

How could this not make him hate Jiāng Wàng, how could this not make him hate that traitorous Zhú Bìqióng?

Chóngxuán Shèng looked at him and slowly said: “It is indeed reasonable for you to want to confirm the atonement result. Your Diāohǎi Tower’s care for its own disciples and its strict and impartial official attitude are admirable.”

Jì Shàoqīng seemed to completely ignore the sarcasm in the words, only saying: “Brother Chóngxuán overpraises me, I am only fulfilling my duties. Let’s just understand each other.”

“Then how do you intend to verify it? If you want to go back to the sect’s residence to retrieve the Sea Border List, please do so.” Chóngxuán Shèng made a gesture of compliance: “If you need to verify it with someone, you might as well say so. We people, after all, have some friends, perhaps we can help you contact them as soon as possible.”

Jì Shàoqīng paused, momentarily at a loss. He was originally just stalling for time, deliberately making things difficult for these people. It would be even better if they caused trouble. On this Huái Island, there was no reason for him to fear anyone.

He just didn’t expect this fat guy to let him have his way.

Upon being allowed to have his way, he realized the difficulty.

If he left Tiānyá Stage now, those black-armored soldiers might not be able to withstand the pressure from these people. And if he named someone, would that person, without any prior discussion, know to help him stall for time?

“A life is at stake, Brother Jì, please make a decision soon.” Lǐ Lóngchuān immediately added: “Fulfilling your duties does not equate to deliberately delaying time, does it? Or are you intentionally sitting by and watching Zhú Bìqióng slowly die? Even if she has a thousand faults, she was once your fellow disciple!”

“How could I!” Of course, Jì Shàoqīng would not admit to this bad reputation, and immediately said: “Brother Lǐ, please do not misunderstand. Alas, this matter. I also hope little Zhú is well…”

While explaining, his eyes darted around, and he suddenly said: “Junior Brother Xú! Please come here for a talk!”

At this moment, a cultivator happened to be flying not far in front of Tiānyá Stage. He stopped upon hearing the call, hesitated for a moment, and still flew over.

After this person flew closer, Jì Shàoqīng smiled and said: “Junior Brother Xú, it’s like this. I am guarding Tiānyá Stage and supervising important criminals, so I cannot leave. Could you please help me go and see the Sea Border List in the sect’s residence and check if that Jiāng Wàng has completed his atonement?”

For the elite disciples of Diāohǎi Tower, partial copies of the Sea Border List were not uncommon. Jì Shàoqīng deliberately pointed to the Sea Border List in the Diāohǎi Tower sect’s residence. That copy, as one of the three main bodies of the Sea Border List, was naturally more detailed and credible, but the main purpose was to make it clear that the person coming would have to go a few extra steps.

But in fact, there was a deeper layer to Jì Shàoqīng’s choice.

Because the person who came was named Xú Yuán, the biological son of Xú Xiàngwǎn, the Third Elder of Diāohǎi Tower!

Given the competitive relationship between Gū Huáixìn and Xú Xiàngwǎn, especially this time on Tiānyá Stage where they had almost fallen out, his relationship with Xú Yuán was naturally not good either.

He was confident that with Xú Yuán’s personality, it might be difficult for him to refuse in front of outsiders. But once he turned around, he might not pay him any mind.

This would in fact stall for time, and Chóngxuán Shèng and the others would not be able to blame him, but could only blame Xú Yuán. It was killing two birds with one stone.

Xú Yuán glanced at Jiāng Wúyōu and the others, nodded, and was about to leave.

“Brother Xú, please wait!” Yàn Fǔ, who had been silent all along, suddenly spoke: “How can I trouble you to travel so far? I have a partial copy of the Sea Border List here, I will give it to you as a token of friendship. If there is anything you need to verify, just look at it yourself.”

Partial copies of the Sea Border List, as duplicates separated from the main Sea Border List, were not very rare. But the qualification to possess them was not easy to obtain.

These partial copies were also divided into several different grades.

Like the one Jiāng Wàng took with him when he went to the maze, it only recorded his own achievements and would be retrieved after leaving the maze.

And the one Yàn Fǔ now took out and gifted to Xú Yuán could reflect the information of many cultivators in the maze, belonging to the grade that was very difficult to obtain. If its value was to be discussed, it could be called considerable.

Yàn Fǔ had always been quiet and reserved, gentle and introspective. But often, when he spoke, he would strike at the core of the matter, and there was an undeniable aura of extravagance.

It was either buying or gifting.

Jì Shàoqīng naturally could not be happy to see this, and quickly tried to stop it: “It is better to check it at the sect’s residence. I don’t mean to say that your copy is fake, but it is difficult to distinguish between true and false after all. I said before, one must be careful…”

“This is real.”

Xú Yuán took the Sea Border List in his hand and suddenly interrupted Jì Shàoqīng, saying with a very serious look: “This Sea Border List is real, I can tell that much.”

Jì Shàoqīng pouted but eventually said nothing.

“Then I’ll trouble you to take another look. Has Jiāng Wàng completed his atonement?” Chóngxuán Shèng asked with a smile.

He actually opened the Sea Border List and began to read.

His eyebrows twitched: “He really completed his atonement in such a short time!”

Jiāng Wàng entered the maze on the day of the Sea Sacrifice Ceremony, April 4th. He was ambushed on the eighth day of entering the maze. He fought one against nine, killed six, forced three to retreat, and then returned to the island to rest.

On the ninth day, he encountered the sea creature army surrounding the floating island.

He broke through on the same day, and also on the same day, using the suppression of the Pagoda Pure Land, he almost wiped out the sea creature warriors attacking him, completing his atonement.

This day was April 13th.

In just nine days, he killed over a hundred commander-level sea creatures. Even if they were all initial commander-level, this was a very remarkable achievement!

On average, it was equivalent to killing more than ten Outer Tower level cultivators every day.

What kind of concept is this?

It was only because the maze was a battlefield where the entire human race of the Eastern Region fought against the entire sea creature race of the vast sea, and there were so many powerful individuals, that it didn’t seem so terrifying.

But the deaths of a hundred commander-level sea creatures had, in fact, almost emptied the elite strength of an entire sea nest.

It was a loss that even the White Elephant King felt pain over.

Why did Fú Yànqīng recognize Jiāng Wàng so much? Because he also knew that among these hundred commander-level sea creatures, there were even absolute powerhouses like Shuǐ Yīngróng, Yú Wàngǔ, and even Yú Sìqìng.

Even without knowing the details, based on the battle achievements Xú Yuán now saw, this was absolutely a genius-level achievement.

He had no reason to hide for Jì Shàoqīng, and in fact, if he could make Jì Shàoqīng look bad, he would definitely not mind.

Chóngxuán Shèng then looked at Jì Shàoqīng: “Did you hear? Senior Brother Xú wouldn’t lie to help us, would he? Can you move aside now?”

“Of course, since Senior Brother Xú has said so, there will naturally be no problem.”

Jì Shàoqīng smiled: “Then please ask Jiāng Wàng to come and claim the person. I will absolutely not obstruct him.”

He said he would absolutely not obstruct him, but he still insisted that only Jiāng Wàng could come and take the person away!

Everyone knew that before Jiāng Wàng set off for the maze, Zhú Bìqióng was already on her last breath. Wēi Xún was using Zhú Bìqióng’s life and safety to force Jiāng Wàng to complete the atonement task in a shorter time.

And Chóngxuán Shèng and the others came repeatedly to ensure Zhú Bìqióng’s safety before Jiāng Wàng returned. So that his desperate efforts would not be in vain, and he wouldn’t return to find nothing!

Jì Shàoqīng completely understood their feelings, and even deliberately insisted on not letting them take Zhú Bìqióng away for treatment first, just to spite them!

Xú Yuán frowned. He didn’t understand what was the point of Jì Shàoqīng insisting on delaying. Could an earlier or later time change anything? It was nothing more than annoying Jiāng Wàng. It simply made Diāohǎi Tower lose face.

He couldn’t stand it, so he spoke: “Junior Brother Jì, why do you need to personally guard Tiānyá Stage? Have you been too idle these past few days?”

The possibility of Gū Huáixìn’s faction ascending was cut off on Tiānyá Stage, and many of their plans fell through. Are they not “very idle” now?

What he didn’t know was that Jì Shàoqīng didn’t need any reason, he just wanted to annoy Chóngxuán Shèng and the others to vent the resentment in his heart.

Hearing this, he only said: “I know Senior Brother Xú has been very busy these past few days, and is naturally unwilling to bother with trivial matters. However, guarding Tiānyá Stage, although not by the command of a senior, was volunteered by Shàoqīng. But upholding the dignity and prestige of our Diāohǎi Tower is an undeniable responsibility of every disciple of Diāohǎi Tower!”

“Enough!” Jiāng Wúyōu’s eyebrows stood on end, and she angrily reprimanded: “The sin has been atoned for, and the verification has been done. You are still entangled here, do you really think you can do whatever you want by relying on your Diāohǎi Tower origin? Do you think this Mistress’s halberd is not sharp?”

“What is the meaning of the Palace Mistress’s words! What do you mean by entangled here? I said, when Jiāng Wàng comes, he can take the person away at any time. Is there any problem with that?” Jì Shàoqīng looked at her without any fear: “Your Highness the Palace Mistress, I must remind you, this is Huái Island!”

He even provocatively looked at Chóngxuán Shèng and the others: “If you want to cause trouble, although Shàoqīng is not talented, I have the guts to accompany you!”

He had reached Five Palaces Perfection, and obtained two divine abilities. Even just in terms of combat power, he was not afraid of these noble scions in front of him. Let alone that this was Tiānyá Stage!

No matter what backgrounds Jiāng Wúyōu and Chóngxuán Shèng had, causing trouble on Huái Island and going against the people of Diāohǎi Tower would only result in them suffering losses. If even these few juniors could not be suppressed, Diāohǎi Tower might as well stop talking about integrating the nearby islands.

“I am now speaking as a member of the Town Sea Alliance, in the name of Wú Dōng Island.”

Chóngxuán Shèng narrowed his eyes and said: “If the Town Sea Alliance wants to truly integrate the nearby seas, the foremost principle is to reward the good and punish the evil, speak reason and abide by rules! Jiāng Wàng has completed his atonement, and Zhú Bìqióng is now innocent. Why are you still holding her captive?”

Those who were close to him knew that when this fat man narrowed his eyes, it meant killing intent was brewing.

Unfortunately, Jì Shàoqīng did not know, or even if he did, relying on Diāohǎi Tower, he didn’t care.

Hearing this, he only said: “If I remember correctly, our Tower Master said that after Jiāng Wàng completed his atonement, he could take her away.”

His gaze swept over Chóngxuán Shèng, Jiāng Wúyōu, Lǐ Lóngchuān, and Yàn Fǔ, emphasizing: “It is Jiāng Wàng who takes her away, not any one of you.”

Then he even turned back to look at Xú Yuán: “Senior Brother Xú, someone gave you a Sea Border List, and you can forget the Tower Master’s words? Otherwise, Junior Brother will also give you one, just please do not forget your roots! How about it?”

“You!”

Xú Yuán’s face turned red with anger, but in the end, he had nothing to refute.

Because what Jì Shàoqīng said was true.

Even if Wēi Xún said it casually at the time, it was unlikely that he would be so strict as to require Jiāng Wàng to personally return to Tiānyá Stage after completing his atonement to take Zhú Bìqióng away.

But what if?

Who would dare to verify with Wēi Xún?

Jì Shàoqīng treated every word of the Diāohǎi Tower Master as truth, who could find fault with that?

Jiāng Wúyōu and Chóngxuán Shèng could not find fault with this.

Xú Yuán, as a disciple of Diāohǎi Tower, even less so!

(5K, two chapters merged. No updates tonight)