"Lin, you’re here too."

"Xiao, long time no see..."

The Seven Peaks Grand Competition had yet to begin, but the central plaza of the Seven Profound Sect was already packed with people. Cultivators who knew each other were exchanging pleasantries in small groups of two and three.

However, as these people talked, their gazes couldn’t help but drift toward the VIP platform. There, the Clan Leaders of the Cheng, Hong, and Zhu families were surrounded by a group of supporters, forming their own exclusive clique.

And on a pavilion ship not far from them, the elders and seniors of the Seven Profound Sect were also gathered together.

What was most unsettling was that the gazes of several High Cultivators from the Seven Profound Sect were like tempered, cold blades. When they landed on the three major families, the chill they emitted was almost palpable, causing the atmosphere in the plaza to grow heavy.

"Sigh, at a critical time like this, how could the three major families start a fight with the Seven Profound Sect?"

Some sighed, while others found it completely normal:

"It can’t be helped. The resources around our Jade Lake City are limited. If you take more, others get less. Conflict is inevitable. The Seven Profound Sect suffered several crushing defeats before, which let others see an opportunity."

"But even so, the three major families alone shouldn’t be enough to shake the Seven Profound Sect, right?"

Many heads of minor families nodded at this. "Indeed, they’re not strong enough. But the Cheng, Zhu, and Hong families have survived in Jade Lake City for centuries; they can’t be fools. For them to dare make a move and test the waters, knowing they are outmatched, means they must have backing."

Hearing this, the names of two other sects immediately surfaced in the minds of these minor family heads:

"Could it be the Golden Armor Sect and the Mist and Smoke Sect?"

"Watch what you say!"

Although they didn’t dare discuss it openly, learning that there was a rift between the three major sects still filled many of the smaller families with worry.

This was especially true for the families with deep ties to the Seven Profound Sect, whose faces were etched with anxiety.

"...I hope the Seven Profound Sect can repel the three families’ probing. Otherwise, we’ll be in big trouble."

"Tell me about it. The Seven Profound Sect is a massive establishment. Even if they’re defeated, they can hold out for a long time. But us..."

"They’ll definitely pull through. The Seven Profound Sect’s Sword Cultivator lineage may have declined, but their Artifact Cultivators are on the rise. This generation’s Yan Chen has already completed the initial Refinement of a top-grade Magical Artifact’s embryo... A powerful Artifact Cultivator is no weaker than a Sword Cultivator."

"And there’s Han Yu of Dharma Seal Peak. A top-grade Jade Talisman has been embedded in his body, one that carries the aura of Dao Rhyme. It’s said he’s already managed to comprehend some of it by imitation. With that Jade Talisman, he can imbue his Magic Techniques with intent one hundred percent of the time. Someone like that can go head-to-head with a Sword Cultivator who has comprehended Sword Intent."

The strength of Yan Chen and Han Yu allowed many of the Patriarchs who favored the Seven Profound Sect to breathe a sigh of relief, their anxious hearts finally settling.

As they were discussing, the three major families were also communicating privately using a Magic Technique.

Hong Yuan, Patriarch of the Hong Family, fiddled with a black Jade Talisman between his fingers, his voice cold and heavy. "Seven Profound Sect, don’t blame us. It’s the Six Extremes Sect that wants to put down roots here. Jade Lake City can’t support four sects. Someone has to go."

After him, Zhu Tianqi, Patriarch of the Zhu Family, also spoke. "Elder You She has arrived, yes? And you’ve invited City Lord Yue as well?"

"In front of such a large crowd, the Seven Profound Sect probably wouldn’t surround and slaughter us after being defeated, but just in case, we should still make ample preparations."

Cheng Zhi replied, "I’ve invited them all. They will come... But what about you two? Have you sent your most outstanding disciples?"

"This is no time to hold back. The Six Extremes Demon Sect wants ’useful’ forces for the branch they’re establishing in Jade Lake City. If we don’t perform well, we’ll be the next ones targeted."

Zhu Tianqi said, "Don’t worry. With Feiyu here, our performance won’t be too shabby!"

"Announcing the arrival of City Lord Yue Shan—!"

As the three major families of Jade Lake City were conversing, a loud announcement rang out from the sect’s main gate.

Everyone turned toward the sound and saw Yue Shan walking in slowly, dressed in an ink-black brocade robe. Behind him followed a group of Cultivators from the Demon Suppression Bureau.

Seeing this, everyone gathered within the Seven Profound Sect rose to their feet to welcome him, a clear show of respect.

—Because of the existence of Cultivators, the Frost Moon Dynasty’s control over its regions was very weak. A place like Jade Lake City, for example, was primarily dominated by the three major sects. Any interests outside the purview of these sects were claimed by the three major families and numerous smaller ones.

But Jade Lake City was, after all, territory of the Frost Moon Dynasty, and the City Lord was appointed by the Immortal Dynasty. Therefore, everyone was still willing to give the City Lord some face.

At this moment, Law Enforcement Elder Wei Jingcheng was personally welcoming and hosting the City Lord.

During the reception, he frowned, noticing that the smile on the face of this normally affable City Lord... was somewhat unnatural.

This made Wei Jingcheng narrow his eyes. He sensed something was off. With his straightforward personality, he didn’t beat around the bush and asked directly:

"City Lord Yue, it seems you don’t have much faith in our Seven Profound Sect."

Yue Shan laughed. "HAHAHA, how could that be? The Seven Profound Sect has a deep foundation. Dealing with the three major families should be a simple matter for you."

"But our opponents are not just the three major families."

The upper echelons of the Seven Profound Sect weren’t fools. They had also sensed something was fishy about the three families suddenly making a move, but they couldn’t be certain who was backing them.

Now, realizing the City Lord might have a clue, he immediately pressed for information.

Unfortunately, City Lord Yue Shan was unwilling to say more on the matter.

And his status prevented Wei Jingcheng from being able to force the issue.

...

With City Lord Yue Shan taking his seat, all the guests invited by the Seven Profound Sect had finally arrived.

Seeing this, Law Enforcement Elder Wei Jingcheng took a deep breath, ready to wave his hand and declare the start of the Seven Peaks Grand Competition.