As soon as Quan Zhiyang's mother intervened, Quan Lingshu's first thought wasn't anger—it was damage control.

He had to minimize the impact of this disaster as much as possible.

A strained laugh left his lips as he rose from his seat.

"Haha… They say a mother's love transcends all reason. She must have been too anxious about her son's safety. Rest assured, I will punish her severely for this."

His tone was calm, almost courteous, but every word was chosen carefully—to defuse the tension, to salvage face.

However, Princess Sun Yaoqing and Bai Zihan didn't even look at him.

Princess Sun's eyes were wide with disbelief.

To stop an attack from someone three major realms above—that wasn't something that should have been possible.

And for it to be done by a slave who had never even studied a proper technique?

(Could he be a genius?)

She wondered.

Bai Zihan, meanwhile, looked unimpressed.

He could tell that while Quan Zhiyang's mother was indeed three realms higher, she hadn't used her full strength.

If she had, no amount of talent or cleverness could have saved Chong Sheng. Against overwhelming power, experience meant nothing.

Quan Lingshu saw that neither of them reacted harshly, and relief began to settle in his chest.

(Phew! Looks like two of them think nothing of this.)

Perhaps this matter could pass quietly after all.

But then—

Quan Zhiyang's mother, her face twisted with fury, raised her hand once more.

This time, the air around her rippled violently; she was gathering her full strength.

(This woman!)

Quan Lingshu cursed inwardly.

If he didn't act now, it would be far worse than before.

In a flash, his figure vanished from the viewing platform and reappeared between her and Chong Sheng.

His hand caught her wrist before she even realized he had moved.

"Stop!"

He hissed under his breath, his voice low but sharp as a blade.

"Did I not warn you that we have important guests tonight? How dare you ignore my command?"

The fury on her face faltered, replaced by fear. Her body trembled, and she slowly lowered her arm.

Though her anger hadn't faded, the weight of her brother's authority crushed any further impulse to act.

"But that beast dared to—"

"Silence!"

Quan Lingshu snapped, his eyes narrowing dangerously.

"No matter the reason, you should not have acted now."

He turned then, bowing slightly toward the guests' seats.

His expression was composed once more, his voice steady.

"I apologize for this shameful display. Our Quan Clan will take full responsibility. As for this youth—"

He glanced briefly at Chong Sheng.

"—I will personally see to it that he is made a disciple of our clan. Consider it both an apology and an acknowledgment of his ability."

Quan Zhiyang's mother opened her mouth to protest, but one look from Quan Lingshu silenced her immediately.

Chong Sheng, on the other hand, said nothing.

He knew he had gone too far.

And he also knew—if Princess Sun hadn't been here, Quan Lingshu would never have spared him this easily.

So he bowed his head and accepted in silence.

Seeing no one object to his decision, Quan Lingshu finally exhaled softly.

"Continue the Competition and I hope there will be no more disturbance, otherwise you will bear the consequences!"

Quan Lingshu gave a stern warning, so that no one thinks that they would be fine even if they pull off something similar to Quan Zhiyang's mother.

Quan Lingshu returned to his seat, his expression composed but the faint sheen of sweat on his brow betrayed his unease.

He smiled faintly, turning toward the guests' section.

"I hope the two of you are satisfied with how this matter was handled."

He said with practiced calm, his voice carrying the perfect balance of humility and confidence.

Princess Sun said nothing, her gaze still fixed on Chong Sheng with quiet curiosity.

Bai Zihan, too, gave no immediate answer.

He merely inclined his head slightly, his eyes narrowing as they lingered on the battered figure standing in the arena below.

Seeing that neither seemed displeased, Quan Lingshu allowed himself a silent sigh of relief.

Around them, the murmuring crowd began to settle, and the next bouts cautiously resumed.

Yet Bai Zihan's attention never left Chong Sheng.

(How shall I take care of you?)

Bai Zihan knew very well that right now was the best chance to take care of Chong Sheng, who has yet to grow.

However, he also feared that if Chong Sheng were to escape then he would hold a grudge against Chong Sheng.

As Demonic Cultivator that too of Former Supreme Immortal Cultivation, it was for sure that his revenge would be devastating.

Being a target of such individuals is extremely dangerous.

His gaze was unreadable—part curiosity, part calculation.

To any observer, it might have seemed as if the young master of the Bai Clan had taken an interest in the lowly servant.

Quan Lingshu noticed it too. His heart gave a small jolt.

(Could it be… that Young Master Bai wanted to recruit him?)

Suppressing his eagerness, he leaned forward slightly, voice tinged with anticipation.

"If Young Master Bai finds this boy interesting, then our Quan Clan will have no objection. Should you wish to take him under your wing, I will gladly send him to your Bai Clan myself."

But Bai Zihan merely smiled—a small, almost lazy curve of his lips.

"Hmm… there's no need for that," he said evenly. "I was only curious."

His eyes shifted toward the arena once more.

"I'm simply wondering… how could someone at the Qi Refining Stage—and a slave, no less—possibly block the strike of a Core Condensation Realm cultivator?"

The words hung in the air like a blade.

Quan Lingshu's smile froze, while several nearby elders exchanged glances.

Indeed how?

Because of Quan Zhiyang's mother, they almost forget about that.

Princess Sun Yaoqing also nodded, wondering the same thing. No matter how talented, it just didn't make sense to her.

Bai Zihan continued calmly, his tone light but laced with suggestion.

"Unless, of course… he's practicing a forbidden or demonic technique."

A murmur rippled through the stands.

The atmosphere, which had only just begun to recover, thickened once again with suspicion.

Even Princess Sun turned her head toward Bai Zihan, sensing the underlying implication.

Indeed, if one were to practice Demonic Art, it would explain the power of Chong Sheng. However, there was no sign of Demonic Qi from Chong Sheng.

But Princess SUn Yaoqing didn't interrupt. Who knows, Bai Zihan's sense should be stronger than her and she could be wrong, so she just watched without doing anything.

Quan Lingshu's expression darkened ever so slightly, though he forced a laugh.

"Surely, Young Master Bai jests. Our Quan Clan would never harbor one tainted by demonic arts."

But Bai Zihan didn't respond. He simply looked down at Chong Sheng, his eyes reflecting a faint amusement—like a hunter watching two beasts tear each other apart.

Inside, he was already calculating.

(Killing with a borrowed knife… is far more convenient.)

The last time, he had reaped reward and recognition merely because Bai Xueqing defeated Nie Fengzhuo.

If the Quan Clan themselves were to eliminate this "Chong Sheng" under the suspicion of demonic cultivation, it would once again be to his benefit—without him lifting a single finger.

Moreover, it wasn't like he was lying.

Chong Sheng is a Demonic Cultivator, so if the Quan Clan wants to kill him, what can he do?

He as rigtheous Cultivator shouldn't protect someone who is a Demonic Cultivator.

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