Chapter 26: The Finals

“I’ve long heard that everyone in Wanle Palace is a master of rhythm and an expert in instrumental music. Coincidentally, my Tianyin Sect is the same. Now that Wanle Palace has hosted such a grand event, naturally, we wouldn’t miss it. As the sect master, I’ve brought my disciple here for an exchange. Elder Zhong, you wouldn’t refuse, would you?”

Chu Biyue raised her voice deliberately.

Many in the crowd heard her clearly.

“So this whole tournament… was actually organized by Wanle Palace?”

That was the first thing that shocked everyone.

“Wanle Palace?!”

Even Liu Yingfeng, sitting high on the observation platform and closely watching the situation, furrowed her brow.

She, as a personal disciple of the Taixu Hall, knew very well what kind of faction Wanle Palace was.

“And the Sect Master of Tianyin Sect personally showed up?”

From afar, she looked at the Tianyin Sect Master.

Since Tianyin was one of the Six Great Sects, she had naturally seen Sect Master Chu before.

But having left her sect early, she wasn’t aware of the combined investigation the Six Sects were launching to test Wanle Palace—or rather, the demon race backing them.

She frowned.

Until she fully understood the situation, it was better not to get involved in this mess.

Still, this was clearly getting out of hand…

Her gaze shifted toward Lin Wuming on stage.

This Mister Lin had been innocently dragged into something much bigger.

Who would’ve thought that all this grand setup from Wanle Palace was just because their leader wanted to give her junior some rewards and a bit of reputation?

Zhong Xiao’s expression turned ugly.

Chu Biyue’s interference had completely changed the nature of the tournament.

By openly naming Wanle Palace and Tianyin Sect, this Wan Yin Tournament was no longer a neutral musical competition—it had become a battleground for two sects’ pride and face.

If Wanle Palace didn’t respond, their reputation would be crushed. It would also make these self-righteous “orthodox” sects believe the demon race was weak and embolden them to cause further trouble.

To fight or not to fight—this had become symbolic of their race’s stance.

And right now, showing weakness was not an option.

The Demon Empress had only just returned, and many things remained unsettled.

The demon race needed time to recover and rebuild.

But this was supposed to be a harmless little event.

Wanle Palace’s top disciples weren’t even present. If they really accepted this challenge… how would they stand against the Tianyin Sect Master’s personal disciple?

Zhong Xiao clenched his teeth, mind racing.

Even if they sent a disciple up only to get crushed, that might not be much better than refusing to fight at all…

His eyes couldn’t help but fall on Lin Wuming.

If he had to choose, well… they did have a “personal disciple of the Palace Master” here.

But… was this kid really up to the task?

Zhong Xiao still had doubts.

He didn’t know why the Palace Master thought so highly of this boy, even personally teaching him music.

But at least on the surface, this guy hadn’t even reached the Qi Condensation Realm, right?

Sure, he seemed talented in music, but…

This had gone beyond just music now.

“I say—are we going to continue this tournament or not?”

At that moment, Lin Wuming’s voice cut through the tension, sounding a bit impatient.

Wanle Palace, Tianyin Sect, whatever—none of it mattered to him.

They could be the strongest sects in the world, and it still wouldn’t bring him any benefits.

He was only here for the prize.

He wanted those spirit stones for cultivation and to heal his junior sister.

That’s it.

Once the tournament ended, they could tear the city down if they wanted—just don’t drag him into it.

“Oh?”

The sudden interjection surprised Chu Biyue.

She narrowed her eyes and looked toward Lin Wuming.

“What, Wanle Palace accepts human disciples now?”

“Chu Sect Master, there’s no need for questions.”

Zhong Xiao cut in quickly, gritting his teeth.

At this point, there was no other way.

They had to rely on this boy favored by the Palace Master.

He absolutely didn’t want Lin Wuming to blurt out something like “I’m not a Wanle Palace disciple”—that would be a disaster.

So, before Chu Biyue could say more, he jumped in.

“Since your precious disciple insists on stepping in, then so be it. Let the finals settle this!”

Lin Wuming didn’t bother to explain.

As long as the tournament continued, that’s all he cared about.

Let him take the championship prize and leave—no interest in sect drama.

Meanwhile, his opponent—Chu Biyue’s direct disciple—was now brimming with fighting spirit, locking her gaze on him with intense focus.

It made Lin Wuming a bit awkward.

“Uh… listen, I know I’m good-looking, but could you stop staring at me like that?”

Mo Xiaoyue was stunned.

Lin Wuming continued calmly…

“Seriously, I usually don’t care if people look at me, as long as they’re beautiful…”

Mo Xiaoyue’s face darkened.

“What are you implying?”

Lin Wuming shrugged…

“Don’t overthink it. I’m not being sarcastic or passive-aggressive. I just think… you’re ugly. That’s all.”

“You—!”

Mo Xiaoyue wasn’t a peerless beauty, but she was certainly striking and had been praised all her life.

Pursuers trailed her endlessly.

No one had ever called her ugly.

She nearly stormed the stage with her zither to settle it physically.

“Pfft—”

From the high platform, Ling’er couldn’t help but laugh.

“That young man insults people in such a funny way…”

But Liu Yingfeng didn’t find it funny.

She looked worriedly at Lin Wuming.

Though they barely knew each other, she did admire his talent.

Still… provoking the opponent like this—wasn’t that dangerous?

Things had escalated beyond a simple music duel.

That red-clad girl may not be as powerful as Liu Yingfeng herself, but she had already reached mid-Qi Condensation Realm, and that meant she could use spiritual energy.

And spiritual energy… wasn’t just for combat.

“Then—let the finals of this grand tournament… officially begin!”

With Liu Yingfeng still worried, the city lord on the stage, now trembling from stress, finally gritted his teeth and announced the start of the final round.

The moment the words fell, Mo Xiaoyue calmed down, took a deep breath, closed her eyes, and placed her hands on her guzheng.

Next moment—bold, aggressive zither music filled the air.

Sharp and pressing, like a tide bearing down.

Mo Xiaoyue went all out from the start.

She was determined to make this rude bastard pay the price—humiliate him thoroughly, strip him of every ounce of pride!

Lin Wuming’s face shifted slightly.

He had to admit—while this girl wasn’t as pretty as his junior sister, she did have skill.

Her playing was fierce and commanding, and the piece she chose was clearly meant to intimidate, adding real pressure to the duel.

Still… that was all.

He smiled faintly.

“No need to be in such a hurry. Sure, you’re kind of ugly, but as long as you behave and stop causing trouble, someone might still want you. Here—let me play you something to calm you down.”

The next moment, his fingers brushed the strings—and smooth, serene music began to flow.