As time passed, Xiao noticed people growing increasingly sick from the poison, some even passing out. Then, an older man who resembled Zhu Yan (the 2nd eldest son) walked up to the altar and said loudly:
"Quiet."
Instantly, the festival grounds fell silent. Even the most talkative attendees quieted down, and those trying to help their unconscious friends stopped what they were doing.
Everyone's attention turned toward the altar, anticipating the start of the festival.
Xiao then watched as the Zhu family approached the stage, starting with the 2nd eldest son and moving to the father, who stood next to someone who resembled the eldest son.
When Xiao looked at the 2nd eldest son's face, it was as emotionless as before. The only time he'd seen any expression on that face was during their first encounter. This made Xiao even more determined to be prepared. His experience told him that something was about to happen.
Once the entire family was on stage, the family head began the speech.
"Welcome, honored guests, to Zhu Wencheng's 22nd Anniversary," the family head announced before stepping aside to let Wencheng speak.
"On this auspicious day, we gather not only to celebrate my anniversary, but to acknowledge your loyalty, perseverance, and strength. We will fight through this nightmare and defeat the murderer Lin Jing. To begin with, let's..." Wencheng's speech started to trail off, as if he were deliberately wasting time.
Sensing something was off, Xiao decided to distance himself from the altar. The further away he got, the more apparent the situation became, people were standing unsteadily, some looking like the life had drained out of them, while others struggled to stay awake.
Xiao glanced back at the family head, who gave him an unsettling feeling. He saw the man casting a look at Wencheng. A chill ran down Xiao's spine as he watched, his instincts urging him to leave the area and observe from a distance. Trying to leave, Xiao headed toward the outskirts of the village.
But when he reached the exit, Xiao saw someone guarding it. As he approached, a familiar sensation crept over him. It was Zhao, sitting calmly, with an oppressive aura radiating from his body and a sword resting at his side.
Then Xiao felt Zhao's gaze fall on him as he opened his eyes.
"Hey, Xiao. What are you doing here?" Zhao asked, smiling, though the smile didn't reach his eyes.
"I'm just taking a walk," Xiao replied with a sigh, already anticipating this confrontation.
"Then why are you leaving so fast?" Zhao asked, stepping closer.
Walking backward, Xiao said, "Well, I wanted some alone time."
"Oh? Did you really think you could hide that suspicious look when you were staring at me, Mr. Cultivator?" Zhao said arrogantly, unsheathing his sword.
Xiao sighed again. "I wonder how you figured it out. I thought I was hiding it well." Inwardly, Xiao thought, 'Is it because I'm still new to this body that I can't control my expressions properly?'
Xiao wasn't particularly surprised that Zhao had identified him as a cultivator. After all, unless one possessed a rare treasure, it was nearly impossible to fully conceal one's cultivation level. Anyone of a similar rank, or even lower, could easily detect it.
"Well, it was obvious with how suspicious you've been acting. And you didn't even stay in Infinity Hall. Something was definitely up with you. Did he send you?" Zhao questioned, but before Xiao could respond, Zhao waved the matter away. "It doesn't matter. You're only at stage one of Qi Condensation while I'm at stage six. I'll question you later."
With a smug look, Zhao quickened his pace, clearly eager to finish this.
Xiao wasn't about to stand by idly. He quickly drew the Infinity Edge, leaving Zhao momentarily surprised.
"I don't know how you managed to get that rusted sword out, but do you really think it can stop me? Hahaha!" Zhao laughed so hard he had to pause before turning serious again. "Alright, no more time to waste. Let's finish this."
Xiao, now breathing deeply with Titan's Meridian Breath to gather more strength, tightened his grip on the sword. His eyes locked onto Zhao. Meanwhile, Zhao shifted his stance, a cold glint in his eyes that made Xiao's pulse quicken.
The surroundings had gone deathly quiet, as if the world itself was holding its breath to witness the coming battle.
Suddenly, with a burst of speed, Xiao lunged forward, his sword aimed straight for Zhao's neck. The blade whistled through the air.
But Zhao sidestepped effortlessly, glancing at Xiao with a taunting smile, as if he had anticipated the attack.
Before Xiao could recover, Zhao retaliated with a vicious swing, aiming for Xiao's neck. Xiao managed to step back just in time, but not without a shallow cut appearing on his arm.
"Too slow," Zhao said with a smirk. "Is that all you've got, Xiao?"
Frustration flashed across Xiao's face. "This is just the beginning. You should be more worried about yourself," he retorted, trying to maintain a brave front.
"Let's see what you can do about this," Zhao said as he rushed at Xiao with quickened steps. Each step echoed in Xiao's ears, reminding him of his past life.
Xiao quickly shifted into his sword stance, a form honed over hundreds of years in his previous life. Despite his body's current weakness, his skill was undeniable. When Zhao's sword cut through the air toward him, Xiao blocked it, but he couldn't hold his ground for long.
Though he parried Zhao's blows, the strength difference between them was clear. Xiao's body trembled with each clash, and he was slowly being pushed back.
Zhao, growing impatient, intensified his strikes. No longer focusing Qi to strengthen his body, he channeled it into his sword, making it more powerful—but leaving gaps in his defense.
Xiao had been waiting for this moment. The instant he noticed Zhao's vulnerability, he activated Time Acceleration, doubling his speed within a 20-meter radius. He concentrated all of his remaining Qi into a single, decisive strike.
Zhao sensed the shift in energy, but it was too late. His Qi was still tied up in his sword, and he couldn't fully defend himself.
In less than a second, Xiao unleashed his attack, his Infinity Edge greedily absorbing the Qi as he swung.
As the blade came down toward Zhao's chest, Zhao tried to back away, but not fast enough. Xiao's strike sliced through the air, and Zhao's arm was severed cleanly from his body.