After that night, the entire Qingxiao Sect was on edge.
Though the sect strictly sealed all news of the Hidden Technique Pavilion attack, the inner and outer disciples could all sense that something was off.
Some said a demonic cultivator had infiltrated.
Some claimed it was a foreign race's plot.
Others whispered the Sect Master went mad in seclusion, triggering divine retribution.
—But no one knew the truth.
That the one who saved the Pavilion's legacy that night…
Was a nameless outer sect disciple.
Lin Ce.
"You've been making too much noise lately."
That was the first thing said to him by Sang Wei, the pale-robed division leader of the Dark Division.
Lin Ce was drinking medicine and coughing up blood, managing a weak smile:
"Means I'm still alive."
"But you've been exposed," Sang Wei said flatly. "Su Qingyu is investigating you."
Lin Ce nodded.
"I expected that."
"She's the light of Qingxiao Sect. If she suspects you… then you're the shadow."
"You should disappear."
Lin Ce shook his head.
"Can't."
Sang Wei's eyes finally stirred.
"Are you insane?"
"Right now, I am the bait." Lin Ce gave a bitter smile.
"If I suddenly disappear, the trail will go cold.
But if I stay, maybe I'll lure out the next wave."
He tapped his chest.
"My system just gave me a 'Fishing Title'—would be a waste not to use it."
Sang Wei looked at him with a strange expression.
"Are you sure… you're not Shen Changsheng reincarnated?"
Lin Ce didn't reply.
He just tossed a page from the "Shen Changsheng Quotes" into the fire.
"Leaving a flaw is the best bait."
Three days later — Moonflower Pool, Qingxiao Sect.
The full moon reflected across the still waters.
A white-robed woman stood alone in the pavilion at the center of the lake.
Su Qingyu.
She had requested one hour's access to this restricted ground from the Sect Master—to wait for someone.
Lin Ce arrived.
No longer wearing his gray servant garb, he now wore the light green robes of an outer sect disciple, his expression calm—like any ordinary cultivator.
"Lin Ce," Su Qingyu called. "Do you know who I am?"
"Senior Sister Su. Inner sect prodigy. Master of both alchemy and formations. Exceptional in swordsmanship."
"You saved me the other night. Do you remember?"
Lin Ce lowered his head.
"I was just passing by."
Su Qingyu chuckled gently, not angry in the slightest.
"An outer disciple… using a soul-sealing technique?"
Lin Ce stayed silent.
"Do you know who you're acting like right now?" she asked.
"A demonic cultivator?"
"No," she said, eyes piercing.
"Shen Changsheng."
Lin Ce raised his gaze—calm and unreadable.
Su Qingyu sighed, her voice soft:"Before he died, he said—
'If there's a next life, I'd still be a devil.'"
"A selfish man," Lin Ce said quietly.
"But one who truly lived."
The Moonflower Pool was silent, save for the rustle of a bird fleeing the treetop.
Then Su Qingyu said abruptly:
"I suspect you're a demonic cultivator."
Lin Ce smiled.
"So what now?"
She drew her sword.
"I'll find out."
"Let's duel beneath the moon—as potential Dao partners."
Her sword carried no killing intent—but it was sharp.
Very sharp.
Lin Ce understood immediately.
This wasn't just a fight—it was a trial, a rare and perilous custom among prodigies:
A duel used to judge friend or foe, life or death, truth or lie.
He remained composed—retreating slowly as he laid down three layered slowing talismans.
His bone puppet slid quietly from his sleeve.
He smiled.
"Senior Sister Su, I'm not your future Dao partner."
"Then you're my enemy."
She struck.
Her sword light was cold as autumn water.
Lin Ce flipped his wrist—activating the technique "Borrowing Force Through Weakness"—
He let himself be pushed back, feigning strain.
As her second sword swept in, Lin Ce suddenly countered—
Palm glowing with Scorpion Blood Poison, four bone needles launching from his sleeve.
Su Qingyu's eyes widened.
She flew back three meters, her robe torn at the edge—revealing a hidden golden talisman beneath.
"Poison, as expected," she murmured.
Lin Ce stood calmly.
"You had killing intent," she said softly.
"And you had a sword," he replied coolly.
"Are you really… him?"
"I'm me." Lin Ce turned and walked away.
Su Qingyu watched his back—made no move to chase.
Moments later, a faint voice echoed:
"Why didn't you kill him?"
A pale-blue figure appeared in the treetop above—a woman clad in moonlight.
Duanmu Yao, the sect's chief enforcer.
Su Qingyu didn't answer.
She merely drew her blade again—and slashed a shallow cut across her own arm.
"Because I saw it in him…"
"He fears death even more than us."
"And someone who fears death… isn't necessarily evil."
"But those who don't fear death… might be madmen."
Duanmu Yao chuckled softly.
"So which one do you like?"
Su Qingyu closed her eyes, said nothing.
—Meanwhile, deep underground within the sect, Lin Ce stood inside the Dark Division's secret chamber, quietly updating the "Su Qingyu Personality File."
He said coldly:
"Survival Rule No.10 —
If a female cultivator talks swordsmanship with you under moonlight, she's probably testing how hard you are to kill."
Shen Changsheng Quote, Page 12:
"When facing a pretty one, always carry three types of antidote pills."