From the beginning of Swordsman, he created a legend in the martial arts world.

Just as Meng Fei was deep in thought, the girl seemed to notice the gaze from afar. She paused slightly, slowly stood up, and turned her head.

The setting sun perfectly outlined her profile, delicate and serene. Unlike Sha Man, her eyes did not carry an imposing arrogance, but rather a tranquil and focused quality, like a secluded orchid in a mountain stream.

Her gaze swept calmly across the bustling open space, but did not linger on any particular spot, as if it were just a casual glance. She then lowered her head and continued to focus on the medicinal herbs in her hands.

In that fleeting glimpse, that delicate face didn't leave Meng Fei with any clearer memories, but that inexplicable sense of familiarity lingered, especially her calm demeanor focused on the properties of herbs and medicines, which subtly resonated with the aura he sensed while unconscious.

"Do you know him?"

Sharo's voice pulled Meng Fei back from his reverie.

Meng Fei withdrew his gaze and shook his head with a normal expression: "I was just curious because the banner of Baicaodong was different from other places."

Hearing his calm tone, Shaluo had no suspicions and immediately turned the topic back to business, explaining in detail to Meng Fei the process, rules, and opponents to watch out for at tomorrow's "Ten Thousand Gu Conference".

Meng Fei listened silently, memorizing all the information.

The following day, on the night of the full moon.

A huge circular area has been cleared out in the center of Qianzhangping, and the bonfires burning around it illuminate the night sky as if it were daytime.

A strange, melodious, and alluring music played, and the crowd parted to reveal a woman of about twenty-three or twenty-four years old with a charming and beautiful face. Surrounded by several maids, she slowly walked up to the platform.

Her eyes shone brightly, yet held a hint of unapproachable majesty; she was none other than Lan Fenghuang, the current leader of the Five Poisons Sect.

With the appearance of Blue Phoenix, the Ten Thousand Gu Tournament officially began.

The first event was a "battle of poisons" between the candidates from each village and their supporters.

The rules are simple yet brutal: both sides use their unique poisons, which can be used for both offense and defense, until one side admits defeat, loses its fighting ability, or... dies. No one else is allowed to interfere during the competition.

The methods of poisoning used in each village are bizarre and varied, including strange worms that look like living creatures, invisible and colorless deadly poisonous smoke, and venom that causes skin to ulcerate upon contact... Screams, groans, and the hissing of poisonous creatures rise and fall in waves.

The losers often meet a tragic end. Some are covered in colorful poison spots and die in agony, while others bleed black blood from their seven orifices and die instantly. Even worse, after being poisoned, their flesh dissolves and instantly turns into bare white bones, a sight that sends chills down one's spine.

As Meng Fei watched the scene unfold before him, he was not a pedantic person, but the sheer scale and the brutal and bizarre methods employed in this "competition" still sent a chill down his spine.

If these Miao people can be so ruthless to their own kind, one can only imagine how cruel they would be to outsiders.

The ten Miao villages took turns making their moves, and the competition of poison skills gradually reached a fever pitch.

When it was Black Stone Village's turn to appear, Meng Fei discovered that it was the mysterious person who had been hiding under the wide cloak all along.

This person's methods are unpredictable and strange. Those who fight against him are often poisoned before they can even see his methods clearly. Moreover, the poison takes effect very quickly, and the death is particularly gruesome.

With the mysterious figure making successive moves, Black Stone Village won two consecutive matches, advancing directly to the final battle.

The one fighting against Black Stone Village was an old man from Hundred Grass Cave.

The old man was experienced and had exquisite detoxification techniques, resolving crises many times. However, the cloaked man representing Black Stone Village was unpredictable and had superior poison skills.

The cloaked figure flicked out a wisp of almost imperceptible grayish-white powder, and the old man's face immediately turned solemn. He waved his hands simultaneously, continuously flicking out powders of various colors.

However, the fine, grayish-white powder drifted in the wind and somehow managed to penetrate the old man's protective gear, quietly landing on his sleeve.

At first, there was nothing unusual, but after a few breaths, the old man's face quickly turned ashen, and his body began to tremble uncontrollably.

The old man's expression changed drastically. He retreated rapidly, sealing several acupoints in quick succession. He took out a pill from his pocket and put it in his mouth, then took out silver needles to puncture acupoints. His movements were so fast that it was impossible to keep up with the eye.

Upon seeing this, the cloaked figure immediately let out an unpleasant laugh and was about to step forward to deliver the fatal blow.

"We surrender!"

A clear, urgent female voice rang out; it was the familiar blue-clad girl from Baicaodong.

She stepped forward from the crowd, her face pale, and faced Lan Fenghuang on the high platform, proclaiming loudly, "Master, in all wisdom, my Hundred Herbs Cave concedes defeat in this round! Please allow us to offer our assistance!"

Lan Fenghuang's beautiful eyes swept over the old man who was almost slumped on the ground, then looked at the cloaked figure. Her lips parted slightly, and her voice, though charming, carried an undeniable authority: "In a contest of poisons, fate will decide. However, since Baicaodong has voluntarily conceded defeat... so be it." She then waved her hand.

The cloaked figure seemed unwilling, but under Lan Fenghuang's gaze, he still snorted coldly and retreated back into the Black Stone Village crowd.

The contest of poisons ended with the cloaked man emerging victorious from Black Stone Village.

Next came the armed clashes between the supporters of the various villages.

The rules are equally straightforward: in the arena, weapons, hidden weapons, and no more than three kinds of poison may be used until one side concedes defeat or loses the ability to fight.

Baicaodong seemed to have no interest in martial arts, and sent an ordinary clansman to fight early on. After a few symbolic exchanges, the clansman voluntarily conceded defeat.

When it was Black Stone Village's turn to appear, Sha Xiong walked up to Meng Fei with a solemn expression.

Then, taking advantage of the fact that no one was paying attention, she took out a small black pill from her pocket and quickly stuffed it into Meng Fei's hand.

"Take this medicine, and it will temporarily suppress the 'Tethering Mechanism' poison for two hours, allowing you to unleash your full sword skills without suffering from the backlash on your meridians."

"Remember, there are only two hours! Once the time is up, the effects of the medicine will dissipate, and the backlash from 'Tethering the Mechanism' will be more severe than usual. If you don't want to be crippled on the spot, end the battle before then."

After saying that, he stared intently at Meng Fei and patted him heavily on the shoulder.

"Young Master Meng, whether Black Stone Village can rise to prominence in the martial arts arena depends entirely on you. Don't forget our agreement."

Looking at the black pill in his hand, Meng Fei glanced at Sha Xiong, but didn't say anything. He simply put the pill into his sleeve.

A moment later, a loud shout came from the arena from the elder of the Five Poisons Sect:

Black Stone Village – Meng Fei!

Meng Fei took a deep breath and quickly swallowed the black pill.

A spicy and bitter taste instantly dissipated, followed by a strange warm current that quickly flowed to every part of the body.

Feeling the power returning to his body, Meng Fei opened his eyes, a cold glint in them.

He knew this might be his last chance.

If he cannot escape this place within two hours, once he leaves the Five Poisons Sect headquarters and returns to Black Stone Village, he may be forever controlled by Sha Xiong.