"Nine lives?" Chen Shanshui was stunned.
Seeing his astonished expression, Yu Daochen slowly began to speak.
He recounted his reincarnation as Xu Feng, and why he, a celestial being, had descended to the mortal realm.
Upon hearing this, Chen Shanshui finally understood how Yu Daochen had achieved his current power.
A nine-life plan, all for this very moment.
His own schemes were clearly no match for Yu Daochen's.
Yu Daochen set down his teacup, a proud expression gracing his face, and chuckled, "A nine-life plan leaves me no choice but to be powerful!"
The two conversed for over three hours, and Chen Shanshui became increasingly amazed by Yu Daochen's past.
However, after midnight, everything they had discussed would be forgotten.
If one were to ask Chen Shanshui about his feelings at this moment, the only word would be astonishment.
He was truly convinced, wholeheartedly, that he had lost to Yu Daochen.
Chen Shanshui glanced back at the room and said, "Time should be about up."
They both rose and walked towards the room.
Upon reaching the doorway, they saw Shi Bingzhi had already woken up, a smile on his face. "Everything is completed."
Yu Daochen nodded, but seeing the strange look in Shi Bingzhi's eyes, he knew that Shi Bingzhi had altered some memories.
Chen Shanshui, standing nearby, spoke, "This蛊虫 will take effect after midnight. You should make your plans accordingly."
Yu Daochen and Shi Bingzhi exchanged a glance, then rose to express their thanks and bid farewell.
Chen Shanshui, however, locked himself in his room alone.
Today's events would be treated as a dream, to be forgotten upon waking.
Leaving Chen Family Village, Yu Daochen asked, "Old Shi, what memories did you alter?"
Shi Bingzhi smiled and remained silent, looking at Yu Daochen.
Seeing his expression, Yu Daochen immediately reacted, "Old Shi, you didn't!?"
Shi Bingzhi nodded. "That's right. I altered the memories to make it seem like I was your enemy, and that opening the entrance seal was an act of revenge against you. After midnight, you and I will have a battle. With your current strength, breaking one of my arms should not be difficult."
Yu Daochen's face showed bitterness, and he remained silent.
To deceive the Godly Cult, such extreme measures were necessary.
But...
Shi Bingzhi smiled faintly. "I know what you're worried about, Yu Ye, but for the sake of all living beings, I am willing to do this."
Yu Daochen did not reply, remaining in silent contemplation.
Shi Bingzhi knew that making him break his arm would be more painful than breaking it himself.
But there was no other way.
Shi Bingzhi suddenly spoke, "Yu Ye, I want to drink!"
He was never one to enjoy drinking, but after this meal, he might not be able to drink again.
After all, he would then be an enemy to the entire martial world, with no friends left.
The sun began to set.
Both men were filled with worry. Yu Daochen held a cigarette in his mouth, and with each puff, his heart grew heavier.
They arrived at a small eatery; it was already 7:30 PM.
They spoke little, letting their drinks convey their unspoken thoughts.
Shi Bingzhi downed Erguotou wine from a beer bottle, gulping it down as if trying to get drunk.
Time passed quickly.
In the blink of an eye, it was past 11:20 PM.
Shi Bingzhi looked towards the counter and said loudly, "Boss, the bill."
Yu Daochen shook his head and replied, "I've already paid."
Shi Bingzhi was silent for a moment, then stood up and said, "It's about time."
"Mm!"
Yu Daochen responded, and then followed Shi Bingzhi towards a less crowded area.
They arrived at a deserted alley. Yu Daochen pulled out his hand to check.
It was 11:45 PM.
Shi Bingzhi looked into the pitch-black alley and slowly said, "Don't worry about me. After midnight, inform the entire martial world that I have betrayed you. Whether it's true or not, the Godly Cult will send people to investigate."
Yu Daochen remained silent.
Shi Bingzhi smiled faintly. "Alright, give me a farewell cigarette."
Yu Daochen said nothing but took out his cigarette case and lit one for Shi Bingzhi.
Shi Bingzhi took a deep drag, exhaled slowly, and said, "You stay here. It's almost time."
"Okay."
Yu Daochen stopped, while Shi Bingzhi walked alone into the darkness.
At this moment, he was truly alone and helpless.
It was 11:56 PM.
Watching Shi Bingzhi walk further into the darkness, Yu Daochen knew.
After midnight.
He and Shi Bingzhi would be enemies!
Fifty-seven minutes... fifty-nine minutes...
Twelve o'clock!!
As the time on the clock struck 00:00.
Shi Bingzhi suddenly turned around, his face filled with hatred as he glared at Yu Daochen, "You really are a persistent nuisance!"
Seeing Shi Bingzhi's hateful expression, Yu Daochen knew that his memories had been altered as planned.
Even the hatred towards him was genuine.
*Whoosh!*
Shi Bingzhi suddenly drew the cleaver from his waist and swung it.
Yu Daochen instinctively drew the Kanglong Rod from his back to block.
*Clang!*
The two weapons clashed, sparks flying.
Yu Daochen instinctively took a step back and, with instinct, swung the rod.
Shi Bingzhi reacted swiftly, raising his cleaver to block it effortlessly.
Yu Daochen gathered energy in his palm, preparing to unleash the Tianqian Palm.
However, upon seeing Shi Bingzhi, his movements slowed down.
Shi Bingzhi seized the opportunity, drawing his cleaver with his other hand and slashing it forward.
The blade flashed, and Yu Daochen quickly dodged, the Tianqian Palm never being unleashed.
*Squelch!*
The blade grazed his cheek.
Yu Daochen retreated, blood flowing from the wound on his face.
Shi Bingzhi sneered disdainfully, mocking, "Is this all Yu Ye is capable of?"
Yu Daochen remained silent, but Shi Bingzhi's words echoed in his mind.
Composing himself, Yu Daochen narrowed his eyes, gripping the Kanglong Rod tighter.
That's right, we are enemies now!
This plan was my idea, Yu Daochen owes you a life!
With flashes of blades and rods, Yu Daochen's attacks were fierce, showing no restraint.
Shi Bingzhi, however, was struggling to parry, with no room to counterattack.
But Yu Daochen only attacked fiercely, refraining from delivering a killing blow.
He truly couldn't bring himself to break Shi Bingzhi's arm.
Shi Bingzhi's face was full of mockery, sneering, "Is this the strength of a top-ranked expert? Nothing special."
Yu Daochen remained silent, but the longer the time dragged on, the more disadvantageous it became.
"Shi Bingzhi, I'm sorry!"
As soon as the words left his mouth, Yu Daochen narrowed his eyes, flicking Shi Bingzhi's cleaver away with the Kanglong Rod. With his other hand, he condensed the Dikun Hand and struck.
Shi Bingzhi, unable to dodge in time, had his left arm directly struck by Yu Daochen's hand-blade.
*Squelch!*
His arm was instantly severed, blood gushing out.
Yu Daochen stopped his attack, standing in place.
Unexpectedly, Shi Bingzhi did not dodge but instead thrust his cleaver forward.
Yu Daochen, worried about Shi Bingzhi, couldn't dodge in time, and his abdomen was struck by the cleaver.
Fortunately, he reacted quickly, retreating a few steps, and the wound was not deep.
"The road ahead is long, and it's not yet decided who will win!"
Shi Bingzhi uttered a threat and turned to flee.
Yu Daochen did not pursue, but stopped, watching Shi Bingzhi leave.