Advancing to the Top 4, Are Cynthia and the Others Back

The morning in Tianhai City bathed the arena in golden light as the second day of the Sect Tournament arrived as scheduled. The battles of the Top 16 were about to determine the final four, and the entire venue buzzed with excitement, countless spectators holding their breath in anticipation.

Qin Luo, Su Muwan, and Yan Qiuyue—the usual trio—sat in the commentators' booth, overlooking the scene below.

Su Muwan lounged lazily in her chair, toying with the ice-blue earrings Qin Luo had bought her the night before, though her gaze kept drifting toward the arena. When she caught sight of the Dragon King Palace’s banner, she rolled her eyes hard.

Seriously, Dragon King Palace? What are you still doing here?

What era is this already? Why are you still haunting us like a lingering ghost?

All the members wore black robes covering their faces—what, is there a new Dragon King now?

Down below.

The matches began with Qingxia Sect and Blood Shadow Sect clashing first.

The sword cultivators of Qingxia Sect struck with blinding speed, piercing their opponents' defenses in three moves, while the Blood Fiend of Blood Shadow Sect relied on eerie footwork to land a sneak attack, crimson blades slicing through the air and decisively ending the fight.

Though thrilling, these bouts were merely appetizers. The crowd’s attention quickly shifted to the clashes between the top factions.

Taichu Holy Land faced Wind Thunder Pavilion, with Chu Yu stepping onto the stage first.

Dressed in cyan robes, her long hair fluttering in the wind, her gaze was as sharp as a blade, faint arcs of lightning flickering between her fingers.

Her opponent from Wind Thunder Pavilion was a burly man wielding a massive hammer crackling with electricity. Grinning provocatively, he taunted, "Taichu Holy Land’s beauty, don’t expect any mercy today!"

Chu Yu snorted coldly in response. Spiritual energy erupted around her as thunder roared across the arena. A violet lightning whip materialized midair, lashing out with a deafening crack.

The man swung his hammer to meet it. Lightning clashed against lightning, the impact shaking the ground, yet Chu Yu didn’t retreat an inch.

Her movements were swift as lightning, her whip strikes a relentless storm. In an instant, the whip coiled around the hammer, and with a sharp tug, she wrenched it from his grip, sending it flying off the stage.

Seizing the opening, she raised her hand, summoning a roaring thunder serpent that slammed into the man’s chest.

"Boom!"

The impact sent him hurtling to the edge of the arena, blood spraying from his mouth as he collapsed unconscious.

Chu Yu retracted her whip, sweeping a cold glance toward Wind Thunder Pavilion’s waiting area. "Next."

Gasps erupted from the stands. The sheer killing intent in that brief flash of lightning sent chills down spines.

Up in the commentators' booth, Qin Luo nodded slightly. "Chu Yu’s lightning-based spiritual energy is truly domineering—swift and ruthless, leaving no room for counterattacks. That Wind Thunder Pavilion guy didn’t stand a chance."

Seeing Qin Luo praise yet another woman, Su Muwan pouted and let out a soft huff. "Not bad, I guess. The whip strikes were fierce, but the rhythm was a bit messy. If it were me, I’d have finished it faster. Qin Luo, don’t let such basic tricks dazzle you."

Qin Luo: ???

Su-jie, I’m just maintaining my image here!

Next up, Profound Demon Sect faced Blazing Flame Sect, with Xiao Fei taking the stage as their ace.

Carrying a black coffin on his back, he nervously eyed his opponent. "H-Hello."

The Blazing Flame Sect disciple, wreathed in flames and brandishing a fiery spear, sneered. "Xiao Fei, that coffin of yours is about to be reduced to ashes today!"

Xiao Fei gulped—but then he caught sight of Senior Sister Mo Li watching from below.

No choice but to fight!

With a swift hand seal, the black coffin burst open, unleashing a wave of chilling energy across the arena.

Then—

Whoosh!

In a flash, he appeared behind his opponent. Dark chains shot from the coffin, coiling around the man’s legs.

The flame cultivator swung his spear in retaliation, fire surging skyward, but Xiao Fei countered with a palm strike sharp as a blade, shattering the spear midair.

The coffin slammed down with terrifying force, splitting the arena floor as the man was sent flying without even a chance to scream.

Xiao Fei hastily recalled the coffin and retreated offstage.

Clap clap clap clap!

The audience erupted in applause. Qin Luo chuckled. "Xiao Fei’s moves were precise and ruthless—can’t hide that protagonist aura."

Yan Qiuyue nodded in agreement. "I’m really looking forward to the next matches now."

Just then, Qin Luo’s lips curled into a faint smirk. "Alright, up next—Dragon King Palace versus Extreme Frost Sect."

"Dragon King Palace, as a long-standing powerhouse of the royal capital, needs no introduction."

"Let’s see what they’ve got."

Su Muwan’s gaze sharpened as she turned to watch. She was determined to see just what the Dragon King Palace was up to now.

But when her eyes swept over their waiting area, they suddenly froze.

Squinting, she scrutinized the five robed figures—something about them felt familiar.

Then, in unison, they threw off their cloaks, revealing their faces—Huang Lingfeng, Huang Lingyu, Jiang Zixuan, Zhu Lan, and Shen Fei.

Su Muwan blinked, stunned, before a spark of joy flashed in her eyes.

She whipped her head toward Qin Luo, voice tinged with excitement. "Zhu Lan and Shen Fei are back?"

Her tone was unmistakably elated, like reuniting with old friends after a long absence.

"Weren’t they sent undercover by you?"

Qin Luo’s smile deepened as he nodded. "Yeah, they’re back."

"And not just them—Huang Lingfeng and the others returned too."

"Originally, it was just an undercover mission to infiltrate advanced technology into the major sects. Now that the mission is complete, it’s only natural to return."

His voice was calm, as if he had long anticipated her reaction.

Oh, better turn off the microphone first.

Down in the preparation area beneath the arena, the five of them had clearly noticed the gaze from the commentators' booth.

Zhu Lan looked up and waved at Su Muwan from afar, her eyes slightly red but a smile on her lips, like an adoring fan finally meeting her idol.

Wahhhh!!!

You’re finally back!! I finally get to see the young mistress again!!

The young mistress must have had such a hard time without me by her side!

She must have been so lonely without me!!

Don’t worry, young mistress.

Zhu Lan took a deep breath. This time, I won’t leave again!

Shen Fei grinned and gestured at Qin Luo, his lips seemingly forming the words, "Bro Luo!"

Huang Lingfeng, Huang Lingyu, and Jiang Zixuan stood ramrod straight, bowing slightly in Qin Luo’s direction, their eyes filled with respect.

Seeing this, Su Muwan couldn’t help but smile and waved back in acknowledgment.

Sorry, Zhu Lan, I almost forgot about you for a second there. Ahem.

Qin Luo chuckled lightly and casually raised his hand in a brief greeting.

"Speak of the devil, and they appear."

He murmured to Su Muwan, a hint of amusement in his tone.

Su Muwan huffed and shot him a glance. "You knew they were coming back and didn’t even give me a heads-up?"

Though her words were a complaint, her eyes sparkled with delight, clearly pleased by the unexpected reunion.

Meanwhile, the live chat was exploding.

[Whoa, Dragon King Palace—that’s such a throwback!]

[Yeah, after the spiritual revival, people almost forgot about this ancient deity.]

[Wait, wasn’t it because of Young Mistress Su that the Dragon King Palace fell into decline?]

[Huh? Why? Spill the tea!]

[You know, that thing—Young Mistress Su threw the new Dragon King into the river to feed the sharks!]

Feed your sister!

Su Muwan clenched her fists. He’s clearly in a mental hospital, okay?!

Don’t get angry. Su Muwan took a deep breath, forcing herself to stay calm.