Headquarters of the Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion.

Deep within the tower.

Lu Shuyao sat alone, her expression dark as she tightly clutched a jade slip that had severed its connection.

"How audacious!"

"A mere sixth-rank Heaven-tier cultivator dares to betray me? There will be no place for you in the East Sea!"

Her beautiful face twisted with fury, her demeanor turning venomous—like a serpentine enchantress. Her chest heaved for several breaths before she could steady herself.

Yet, she was no ordinary woman.

Even in the throes of rage, she quickly regained composure.

After staring at the jade slip for a few moments, a trace of suspicion flickered in her almond-shaped eyes.

"Pei Songhe has always been obedient. For him to flee with Wu Cha in tow is beyond strange. Given his judgment, he wouldn’t abandon the greater good for such trivial gains."

"What exactly… has happened?"

As she murmured to herself, a respectful voice sounded from beyond the door.

"Reporting to the Young Mistress!"

"Young Mistress Lu Xinlan has arrived by flying vessel, and…"

Before the hesitant words could finish, Lu Shuyao’s gaze sharpened.

"And what?"

The voice outside grew more nervous.

"Pei Songhe… accompanies her."

The moment the words fell, Lu Shuyao’s delicate brows furrowed.

So.

Pei Songhe’s betrayal was to follow Lu Xinlan?

No wonder he dared to sever ties so decisively.

But upon further thought, Lu Shuyao found it even more perplexing.

In terms of resources and status, her younger sister couldn’t compare to her.

Why would a cunning old fox like Pei Songhe pledge such unwavering loyalty to Lu Xinlan?

The more she pondered, the more suspicious it became.

Her cold eyes fixed on the door.

"Aside from Pei Songhe, who else travels with Lu Xinlan? Are there any notable experts among her retainers?"

The critical question was met with an immediate reply.

"Reporting to the Young Mistress!"

"Four other experts accompany her, all confirmed to be at least fifth-rank cultivators. Among them, an elderly man seems nearly Pei Songhe’s equal—likely a sixth-rank!"

Lu Shuyao stiffened slightly, surprise flashing in her eyes.

To think…

While managing a branch on Sunlight Island, Lu Xinlan had managed to recruit such formidable figures. Even a sixth-rank expert had sworn allegiance to her? This was truly unexpected.

After a brief moment of astonishment, a cold smile curled on Lu Shuyao’s lips.

"Hmph."

"Well done! She does have some tricks up her sleeve—to find such talents in the outer islands. Who knows what promises she made to lure even Pei Songhe into betrayal? Truly, my dear sister never disappoints!"

"This makes things interesting. Now I have a reason to crush her properly!"

The subordinate outside bowed deeply, hurriedly offering flattery.

"The Young Mistress will surely emerge victorious and claim the legacy!"

Lu Shuyao gave a slight nod, her crimson lips curving with confidence.

"Naturally."

"Lu Xinlan may have some skill, but a handful of fifth and sixth-rank retainers won’t shake the foundations of power. Neither she nor that traitor Pei Songhe can fathom the depth of my influence. The gap between us is beyond their comprehension."

"If she insists on this contest, then she leaves me no choice but to act without mercy."

Rising gracefully, she strode forward with unwavering assurance.

"Make the arrangements. I will seek an audience with the Five Pavilion Elders at once."

The attendant outside swiftly departed.

Lu Shuyao stepped out, her trailing gown lifted by maids as her resplendent figure moved toward the grand hall of the Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion.

Within moments, she stood before the towering, solemn gates of the main hall.

Bowing respectfully, she announced,

"Esteemed Five Pavilion Elders, Shuyao seeks an audience on urgent matters."

The massive ancient doors remained shut, but a voice weathered by time echoed forth.

"Enter."

The command resonated like a decree from antiquity, silencing all in its wake.

Boom!

The colossal gates slowly parted, unleashing an oppressive aura that rolled outward like tidal waves. Guards and servants alike bowed deeply, trembling in reverence.

Only Lu Shuyao remained composed, stepping forward with steady grace.

Entering the hall, she advanced several hundred paces.

Seated in the shadows above were five figures, their presence nearly imperceptible. Their indifferent gazes followed her every move, revealing nothing.

These Five Pavilion Elders were beings of profound cultivation and revered status—the very foundation of the Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion. Even the former Pavilion Master would never dare show them disrespect.

Under their overwhelming pressure, Lu Shuyao bowed deeply, her voice filled with deference.

"Esteemed Elders,"

"The time for the trial has come. As per the ancestral agreement, I and my sister Lu Xinlan shall compete in achievements and the caliber of our retainers to determine the victor."

"This lowly one humbly seeks your guidance."

Her words were measured, stating only facts without a hint of presumption or pride.

Yet even so, she kept her head lowered, not daring to breathe a word more.

The silence stretched for agonizing moments, each second weighing upon her like an eternity.

The pressure mounted until it felt like a mountain pressed upon her shoulders. She barely dared to breathe, her posture rigid with respect.

At last, the aged voices spoke from above, one after another.

"So it shall be."

"Our East Sea branch has always upheld ancestral traditions. This trial is rightful."

"The Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion belongs to the worthy. Let the contest decide its ruler."

"Indeed…"

As their solemn pronouncements reverberated, an ethereal chant filled the air, resonating with the power of the Great Dao itself. Tens of thousands of disciples and elders bowed in unison, their voices carrying the decree across countless halls.

Only then did Lu Shuyao dare to rise and withdraw with utmost reverence.

Once she stepped beyond the threshold, the hall’s gates sealed shut once more.

Not until she had passed several courtyards did she finally exhale, her eyes gleaming with triumph.

"As expected."

"The Five Elders sanction this trial. Strength reigns supreme—this is the eternal truth. In absolute power, I will yield to no one!"

Hearing her quiet murmur, her attendants and maids immediately bowed.

"The Young Mistress is destiny’s chosen!"

Lu Shuyao acknowledged them with a faint nod, swiftly masking her satisfaction—a testament to her extraordinary self-control.

As she traversed the pavilions and gardens, elders and disciples alike bowed in her path.

Even before the trial began, nearly all had already concluded that this noble-born young mistress, with her terrifying resources and connections, was the inevitable heir to the Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion.

Within hours, news of the trial spread across Black Island, stirring discussions among all factions.

In a secluded corner, several ancient experts gathered, stirred by the commotion.

"The Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion’s trial approaches—a spectacle unseen in millennia!"

"Without doubt, Lu Shuyao will emerge victorious!"

"That girl may be young, but her cunning runs deep. With her resources and network, how could the Pavilion Master’s seat fall to another?"

"Shall we offer our congratulations in advance?"

"No need for haste. Present your gifts after the trial concludes in three days!"

Across Black Island, bets were placed, odds overwhelmingly favoring Lu Shuyao. Gifts in her honor were already prepared in secret.

To nearly all, the outcome was a foregone conclusion.