"Forget it, I'm just being forced into this," Pei Yan once again declined Mei Simiao's invitation with a shake of his head, as usual, saying, "I've told Wang Wenze that I prefer the simple life of completing tasks and earning a salary. If all these troubles are resolved and Blood刹 is no longer a threat, I hope to return to my previous, simpler life."

Mei Simiao patted Pei Yan's shoulder upon hearing this, not insisting but smiling as he said, "Pei Yan, like you told Little Vlad, once a bottom line is breached, it's hard to uphold, and once you gain status and power, it's difficult to return to who you once were. Even if you wish to, you'll be driven forward by others."

"Let's see what fate brings." Pei Yan responded casually, not wanting to stress over this issue, so he shifted the topic and asked, "Does Little Vlad's provided information hold any value?"

"It has some value, but isn't very significant. You heard her; her family is very cautious in defense. Its location is actually a separate small space, without a fixed spot, rotating within a certain range. It even has several false targets set up as bait. If we attack rashly and can't strike decisively, they'll surely be alerted and scatter. These families have survived in the shadows for so many years for a reason," Mei Simiao sighed after speaking. "Still, today we've gleaned significant info, at least understanding some of Blood刹's activity patterns. Following these leads to key investigations will definitely yield clues, and we're no longer completely ignorant of the Blood Race; with knowledge of their weaknesses and intelligence, we'll find ways to counter them."

"That's great, it wasn't in vain to capture him." Pei Yan stretched lazily, yawned, and said, "In the coming days, we can finally rest well. Gu Chu, Director Mei, I assume the measures on him don't involve me anymore?"

"Hmm!" Gu Shenghui said, turning to look meaningfully at the basement entrance, "You all go rest, I'll handle the rest. I hope to catch a big fish, though I think the odds aren't high."

"Guess we'll see how important she is in the eyes of those two factions." Pei Yan similarly glanced at the basement, then lost interest and yawned, returning to his room.

After the interrogation of Little Vlad, the days leading up to the tournament passed quietly. During this downtime, Pei Yan restored himself to peak condition, while continually honing the newly acquired abilities from Lei Youting. Once preparations were complete, the next Sword Discussion Conference individual competition arrived as scheduled.

Having the experience from last time, Pei Yan and company were quite familiar this time, quickly finding their place under the guidance of the Immortal Palace Steward. Unlike the previous visit's tension and curiosity, this time, they were spectators, thus everyone came with a relaxed, almost theatrical mindset.

However, there were slight changes compared to last time; notably, fewer participants from the Magic Realm and Spirit Monster Plane attended. Key figures like Flamel and Sarafel from the Magic Realm did not show up, nor did Long Jin and that little girl from the Spirit Monster Plane.

The surprising presence was Saraf himself, whom Pei Yan didn't expect. Seeing him in a wheelchair, looking worn and aged, Pei Yan could imagine the impact and damage he suffered. Yet, Saraf insisted on attending, showing his hatred for Nero. Whether Pei Yan or Lin Daozi, Saraf wouldn't miss the chance to witness them possibly defeat Nero.

Additionally, the individual competition platform was different this time: its original size was more than double, and the array on the platform's edges had been upgraded, though its effects were unknown. Pei Yan speculated it was to enhance defense and self-repair for more intense matches.

The upcoming procedures mirrored previous ones: the Immortal Palace host praised the conference's splendor, followed by introductions for both teams. As hosts, the Immortal Palace praised their own team, glossing over Blood刹.

Sitting below, Pei Yan was barely attentive until Gu Shenghui nudged him, alerting him that both teams had been introduced and were starting to ascend the stage.

Compared to the tense confrontations before the previous matches, the encounter between these nationally opposing teams appeared calm, both formally standing in their respective circles, courteously awaiting each other's competitor.

"Ha, look at the Daoist Realm; they really are different from us. Unlike us, acting like thugs fiercely competing to the death; they truly uphold 'friendship first, competition second,'" Pei Yan scoffed at the tranquil scene. Though hating their opponents, they put on a polite facade. He hoped Lin Daozi could maintain composure as he did now.

"Hey, speak for yourself; don't drag us in! We're all following the rules!" Jiang Feiyang retorted, embracing his usual movie-watching mindset, holding snacks in the audience.

"Where do you get so many snacks from? I see you eating non-stop, never running out. Did you fill your spatial ring with snacks instead of your troops?" Pei Yan frowned at Jiang Feiyang and snagged his crab roe beans, sitting back to eat them himself.

"It's starting," Ye Ruozai's calm words refocused everyone's gaze on the stage. Blood刹, unable to maintain composure against the Daoist Realm, saw Di Xin, the only non-foreign-looking member among the Three Tyrants, step forward.

"I'm representing my side as the first challenger. If the other side doesn't have a special choice for a deathmatch, you can send someone to face me, or choose any of my competitors for battle."

Facing Di Xin's challenge, the Daoist Realm's Ning Quanchen, famed as 'Drunken White Hair,' stepped forward serenely, saying, "I'll accept the challenge."

This match began with their simple exchange, much to Pei Yan's dismay. Compared to the previous tournament's consecutive deathmatches, this rival opted for regular competition. Clearly, both sides aimed to determine victory, not life and death, unwilling for true casualties benefiting the Investigation Hall as a profiteering bystander.