It's Cold at the Top

Sun Zimei solemnly instructed, "And this is our only chance to turn the tide, as long as you gain Su Bai's support, then no matter who it is—Shi Qingwu, Yi Feng, or even the Elder Council—they won't stand in our way."

"Because with Su Bai's support, you will have the backing of the Heavenly Tyrant Sect and countless subordinate sects."

"Just imagine, what kind of tremendous power that would be?"

Sun Zhonghuang's eyes lit up.

"You're not just fond of Shi Qingwu, are you?"

"Our original plan was merely for you to marry Shi Qingwu, to keep her in check and prevent her from fully seizing power."

"But if you gain Su Bai's support, that changes everything. You could ascend to the position of sect master, and Shi Qingwu would become your subordinate!"

At this, Sun Zimei grinned, his heart swelling with joy.

Sun Zhonghuang's eyes sparkled as well, his heart racing with excitement.

"Then, Master, with Su Bai's status, there must be countless others trying to curry favor with him. How can I gain the upper hand and secure his support before anyone else?" Sun Zhonghuang inquired further.

Sun Zimei let out a mysterious smile.

"Humph, those commoners won't stand a chance. A powerhouse like Su Bai is not easily swayed by mere flattery."

"Then, Master, do you have a plan?" Sun Zhonghuang couldn't help but ask.

"Such a person can only be swayed by understanding his desires and needs, then providing what he seeks. Fortunately, I've already prepared for this."

Sun Zimei sneered, "During this time, I’ve investigated many things about Su Bai. I discovered that he is urgently in need of many beast corpses."

"Beast corpses?"

Sun Zhonghuang was puzzled.

"Exactly, beast corpses."

Sun Zimei declared with confidence, "Initially, he went on a rampage slaughtering the beasts in our sect's back mountains, even the mighty Seven-Colored Crow fell victim to his hands."

"Later, when he saved Wang Yue's brother, the price he demanded was the Seven-Colored Baby."

"Just a few days ago, frequent battle disturbances occurred in the back mountains. Though I was preoccupied and couldn't check, it's likely he was hunting beasts again!"

"So, I’m certain…"

Sun Zimei stated firmly, "Su Bai must be refining some kind of elixir or concocting a special magical ingredient—he needs vast amounts of beast corpses as materials, and the more precious the better!"

Sun Zhonghuang was filled with admiration.

He never imagined his master had already uncovered such information.

"So, Master, your plan is for me to approach him through this?" Sun Zhonghuang asked, though his brow furrowed slightly, "But where would I acquire high-quality, precious beast corpses?"

"I’ve already prepared!"

Sun Zimei waved his hand grandly, "There’s a nest of Flying Fiends down the mountain. Go now and bring back the corpse of a Flying Fiend for Su Bai."

"What, Master?"

"A Flying Fiend?"

"Isn’t that your contracted mount? You’ve already…?" Sun Zhonghuang asked in shock.

"You have to sacrifice something to catch a wolf, and at this juncture, we can only gamble it all." Sun Zimei said resolutely, "If we don’t make this sacrifice, the situation will only grow worse."

"This Flying Fiend is of precious bloodline, extraordinarily talented, and reached the level of a True Immortal long ago. Surely Su Bai will be very pleased. It can serve as your steppingstone."

"If this succeeds, not just one Flying Fiend, but ten, a hundred, will be as easy as waving a hand!"

"Go now!"

Having given his final instructions, Sun Zimei waved his hand.

"Yes, Master, rest assured."

Sun Zhonghuang’s eyes glistened with tears as he declared solemnly, "Disciple will not disappoint you, Master. I will fulfill the heavy responsibility you’ve entrusted to me."

"Good child, I trust you."

"Go."

"But remember, return immediately to report any news or progress!"

Sun Zimei gave his final charge.

Sun Zhonghuang nodded firmly, his eyes gleaming with unwavering resolve as he departed…

"Good child."

Watching Sun Zhonghuang's determined form, Sun Zimei couldn't hold back his tears.

Over the years,

He hadn’t misjudged his disciple.

If this succeeds, they would truly rise from the ashes!

Emerging from the Hundred Refinements Sect’s prison, Sun Zhonghuang rushed without delay toward the Flying Fiend’s lair.

…

At the same time.

In one of the Eight Realms—the Realm of Guang.

A few figures flew out, cursing loudly.

"Spirit King, tell me, were you deliberately messing with me?"

Leading the group was a man in black robes, holding a soul form firmly in his grasp.

Even so, the soul form remained tangible in his hand.

"You told me earlier that once I get to Guang Realm, they’d all call me Handsome, but why are they calling me Goofball?"

"Brother, brother, I really didn't lie to you!" Spirit King raised his ethereal finger, proclaiming solemnly, "If I lied, let my entire family die."

"Then explain to me, why are they calling me Goofball?" Lu Benwei crossed his arms, grumbling loudly.

Seeing this,

"Brother," Dog hastily stepped forward, trying to smooth things over, "This really isn’t Spirit King’s fault. The issue lies with you, brother."

"Oh?"

Lu Benwei tilted his head.

"Brother, don't you see?"

"It's all about your aura!"

Dog poured out his heart, speaking sincerely, "Your aura of romance, boundless universe, menacing allure, unrivaled supremacy, strategic brilliance, supreme elegance, and that lunar glow—it’s impossible to hide, causing envy. That’s why they’re trying to bring you down by calling you Goofball!"

"Oh, is it really like that?"

Lu Benwei’s spirits instantly lifted. His small legs in tight pants and pointed shoes couldn’t help but strut, as he lowered his head saying, "Is this dandy’s aura truly that overpowering?"

"Not just your aura, brother, you’re seriously underestimating yourself."

Night Wind moved swiftly, his clothes extending thirty fists to massage Lu Benwei’s shoulders, shaking his head as he added, "Brother, I know saying this might seem disrespectful and upset you, but I must speak from the heart..."

"Brother, you're really out of touch."

"Don’t you know how handsome you are?"

"Don’t you realize how ahead of your time your fashion sense is?"

"Your never-before-seen looks, groundbreaking style, combined with Dog’s described incomparable aura, stepping into any place is bound to incite jealousy not just from men, but from women too—jealousy that they couldn’t bear such beauty."

"Ah..."

"I, Night Wind, the Hundred-Legged Centipede, pledge loyalty to you not because of your strength, but because of the attraction you exude."

"Attraction, understand?"

"That’s all I have to say. Despite how harsh it might sound, these are my honest feelings. Brother, I’ll take whatever punishment you give."

Saying this, Night Wind bowed his head, looking ready to accept any consequence.

"Night Wind, don’t feel guilty for speaking your mind. On the contrary, your boldness is commendable, brother appreciates it!"

Lu Benwei patted Night Wind’s shoulder with a pleased smile, "Even though you called me out of touch, you’re a straightforward speaker."

"I respect that!"

"Of course, Dog, you get it the most, Brother!"

Lu Benwei’s praise instantly brought smiles to Dog and Night Wind’s faces.

Nearby, milk rubbed his fingers, laughing innocently, "Brother, I don’t know how to say much, just this: Brother, you’re the best, hehe!"

"Little milk, you’re honest too."

Lu Benwei praised him in turn.

Then, remembering Spirit King in his hand, he quickly set him down, "Spirit King, you’re included too."

"This time, I mistook Spirit King. It’s all my fault for being too dashing, causing jealousy!"

"Ah..."

"It’s lonely at the top!"

"Brother, your loneliness, we understand. That’s why your brothers are here with you!"

Dog, night wind, and the others quickly crowded around Lu Benwei.

Surrounded by them, Lu Benwei lifted his chin slightly, his gaze unconsciously drifting to the distance.

"It’s time to return to the master..."