Spatial ripples suddenly spread across the Seeking Dao Palace. All the Yin Spirits turned their gazes there, curious to see who and how many would emerge.

Before anyone appeared, however, a voice echoed in all their minds.

—So many Yin Spirits gathered here. What day is it? The New Year? Is there a banquet?

Qi Yuan appeared, with Wujun standing behind him like a silent attendant.

Everyone was stunned. One look at Wujun, and they knew he had lost.

The Violet Palace cultivators of the Seeking Dao Palace showed disbelief. Their supreme master, the hidden ruler of three regions, lost to the Blood-Clothed Sword God?

They gazed expectantly at Wujun, as if needing to hear it from him directly.

Wujun admitted without hesitation, "I lost."

The Yin Spirits' expressions shifted subtly. The way they looked at Qi Yuan changed. If they had once regarded him as merely a capable junior, they now saw him as an equal.

"Your Dao techniques are astounding. I admire you," the Seven-Scar Elder said amicably.

Jasmine cast Qi Yuan a flirtatious glance. "When will you visit the Phoenix Palace and discuss the dao with me?"

The other Yin Spirits also introduced themselves and congratulated Qi Yuan. Wujun remained silent.

Qi Yuan greeted Seven-Scar Elder briefly before turning to Jasmine. "Didn't you say you liked me? I've defeated Wujun. Aren't I impressive? Don't I exude manly charm?"

He even raised his arm. Unfortunately, he no longer sweated, there was no scent at all.

Jasmine narrowed her eyes, a bad premonition forming.

Sure enough, Qi Yuan escalated it. "You must love me even more now, right? Isn't this the perfect chance to confess? If you present the Mythic Secret Treasury as a gift, I might reluctantly agree to be your boyfriend for a day."

The Yin Spirits couldn't help but chuckle. The Blood-Clothed Sword God was indeed as eccentric as the rumors claimed.

Jasmine's smile froze. She laughed awkwardly. "Aren’t you rushing things? I’m starting to feel shy."

"A high value man like me would be incredibly popular on the matchmaking market," Qi Yuan said seriously. "If you don't act fast, you won't get to be this close to me in the future."

He still found Jasmine appealing for now, but that would likely change after another game. By then, he would be far beyond her reach.

Jasmine smiled enchantingly, without giving any response.

Qi Yuan shrugged and turned to the Violet Palace cultivators who had previously surrounded him.

He said firmly to Wujun, "Now that you’re dealt with, I suppose it’s those old monsters next?"

Blazing with battle intent, Qi Yuan turned to the Violet Palace cultivators.

The Yin Spirits were speechless.

The Violet Palace cultivators exchanged helpless glances. He’s joking, right? Challenging us right after defeating a Great Venerable?

Still, they trembled, not daring to say a word. The Blood-Clothed Sword God slaughtered ruthlessly. If they angered him and were cut down, they would truly die with no one to avenge them.

Wujun felt deeply vexed, unable to comprehend Qi Yuan's train of thought. "On behalf of the Seeking Dao Palace's Violet Palace cultivators, I will concede."

"How can you represent them like that?" Qi Yuan was puzzled. "They haven't expressed their opinions. What if they don't want to concede? What if they wish to fight me openly?"

Then, he turned toward them. "Is there anyone willing to accept my challenge?"

Wujun fell completely silent.

At that moment, a slovenly Daoist stepped forward respectfully, though he couldn’t hide his trembling. "Blood-Clothed Sword God, I concede! I am willing to offer my cultivation techniques!"

Dozens of Violet Palace cultivators hurriedly followed after him. "We concede and are willing to offer our techniques!"

Accept his challenge? Even with ten thousand times more courage, they wouldn't dare. They had no other choice aside from admitting defeat and handing over their cultivation techniques.

Qi Yuan beamed. "See? This is the will of the people. They've been conquered by my charismatic personality and voluntarily surrendered."

He sighed inwardly. So this is what it means when they say the righteous gain many supporters.

Wujun dared not respond. He was scared that if he opened his mouth, he would blurt out that Qi Yuan was basically forcing them.

Qi Yuan accepted the jade slips with great satisfaction. "Surrender acknowledged. Now, your techniques. Now, now... No need to be so enthusiastic, it's embarrassing."

If only the old fellows of the Bright Palace had been this sensible. Had they offered their techniques, they wouldn't have been reduced to ashes.

Then, Qi Yuan asked, "What about the remaining Violet Palace cultivators? When will they return? I'll challenge them one by one."

Wujun answered expressionlessly, "Before today ends, they will all return."

He had learned not to speak on their behalf again.

"Good." Qi Yuan nodded. "Since I've defeated everyone in the Seeking Dao Palace, shouldn't you fulfill your promise?"

The agreement had been clear. If Qi Yuan defeated Wujun and all Violet Palace cultivators, the Seeking Dao Palace would hand over all techniques and assist the Yuan God Sharing Society.

Wujun was silent for a moment, before saying solemnly, "A wager lost is honored. From this day forth, the Seeking Dao Palace shall obey Senior's dispatch!"

The Yin Spirits' expressions changed.

Jasmine and the Seven-Scar Elder exchanged meaningful looks. If Wujun's defeat had merely been surprising yet acceptable, his attitude now was akin to outright allegiance. That meant he had lost utterly and completely. Their evaluation of the Blood-Clothed Sword God rose yet another level.

Following that, Qi Yuan turned to the six Yin Spirits. "Perfect timing. Since most of the Yin Spirits of Phoenix Heaven are here today, I have something to announce. I've established the Yuan God Sharing Society to, uh, prepare for the Great Calamity ahead. I hope you will offer your support."