“Lady Shi Yun, may I ask you a few questions?” Ling Yi asked, frowning. He was not as brash as his grandson, Ling Xi.

　　“Ask away.”

　　“Firstly, will this technique result in any side effects? And secondly, why are you helping us in defeating Gu Ruoyun? What are the intentions of the Weapon Refining Sect? If you wanted to deal with her, why isn’t the Weapon Refining Sect handling it personally? Why do you choose to utilize people like us instead?”

　　Shi Yun smiled, taking no offense towards Ling Yi’s bluntness, “I can assure you, the technique I am about to teach you will not result in any side effects! As for why we need your help in defeating her… You’ve probably heard of the humiliation that the Weapon Refining Sect is suffering, despite not being in attendance at the imperial palace today. We want to teach her a lesson. And to answer your last question…”

　　She paused hesitantly, then continued, “Only strong powers within the mainland have the right to know of this affair. However, since you’ve asked, then I’ll explain it to you. Have you heard of the Three Great Authorities, Master Ling?

　　“The Three Great Authorities?” Ling Yi stared at Shi Yun, perplexed, “I have never heard of the Three Great Authorities.”

　　“The Three Great Authorities consist of three great and powerful cultivators. Among them, the Immortal Realm and Courts of Hell are the two great powers clashing against each other. The Spirit Sect is considered a neutral party. These three great powers are the first in rank in all of the mainlands. They have determined a set of rules, and one of them includes this: Members of powerful sects that hold top-ranking titles are not allowed to bring harm upon the common folk at will! Anyone who defies this rule will be hunted and killed by the Three Great Authorities!

　　Of course, that was not the only reason.

　　The other reason was that Gu Ruoyun’s older brother, the most talented cultivator of their generation in Azure Dragon Country, had joined the Spirit Sect masters as a disciple.

　　Only powerfully ranked sect masters like herself would know of this, for even General Gu himself was kept in the dark. Otherwise, he probably would not have dared to treat Gu Ruoyun so poorly, even if he swallowed one hundred spoonfuls of liquid courage.

　　Hence, the Weapon Refining Sect can only plot against Gu Ruoyun in absolute secret, and the Ling family just happened to be perfect for cannon fodder! So when the time comes for Gu Shengxiao to return, he would only question the Ling family, instead of dragging the Weapon Refining Sect into the mud.

　　“Master Ling, I’ve said all that needs to be said. What do you think? Remember, Gu Ruoyun must not die! I want you all the cripple her in front of everyone, then hand her over to the Weapon Refining Sect. I do not wish for anyone else to know about this. You both understand what I mean.”

　　Just then, the shadow of the silver-haired man flashed across Shi Yun’s mind, and she unconsciously clenched her fist.

　　Ling Yi paused momentarily to deliberate, then replied, “Very well. Whatever you command, Lady Shi Yun, I dare not defy.”

　　Shi Yun suppressed the jealousy and rage she felt, then stood up and smiled, “Once you complete this task, I will award Ling Xi with a place at the Weapon Refining Sect. I hope you won’t disappoint me.”

　　She then turned around and made her way out the door. The gentle smile on her face promptly disappeared, and a cold, sinister look stood in its place.

　　Gu Ruoyun, she thought, you are not fit to be with that man! When the time comes, I will make you sweep your dignity off the floor, right in front of him, so he will see your pathetic, crushing, humiliation by the hands of others! Then, I will drag you back to the Weapon Refining Sect with me, and absorb your mental energy!

　　It was clear that the distance between your standards and his was far too wide. Hence, yours will be a doomed union and in this lifetime, only I, Shi Yun, the talented genius of the Weapon Refining Sect, would be the perfect match for that man, to stand and fight by his side! Besides, there’s nothing good about you at all!

　　Once Shi Yun had left, a sense of calm quickly arrived in Ling Yi’s heart. He then spoke in a cold, emotionless voice, “Find Gu Ruoyun.”