Ji Wuye''s crimson eyes narrowed into intense slits as they briefly flickered towards the transparent screen hovering before him.
A faint, self-satisfied smirk tugged at the corners of his lips, crinkling the edges of his eyes as he nodded with undisguised pleasure at the stats displayed on the floating hologram.
As expected, the act of resonating with another elemental essence had granted him a subtle yet palpable boost to both his physical prowess and his internal Qi reserves¡ªakin to the euphoric breakthrough from the 1st Martial Realm to the 2nd Martial Realm.
''250 points of Qi...'' The words reverberated loudly in his mind, the overwhelming magnitude of such a statistic almost indescribable. Never could he have fathomed the day his natural capacity would transcend the 200 point threshold in any of his stats.
And this time, it was an achievement born purely of a martial art¡ªentirely independent of the effects of any passive or active skills, or any items he had acquired or purchased from the Tower.
''It was tough back then,'' Ji Wuye murmured, shaking his head slowly as he basked in the heady rush of power surging through his meridians.
The life-giving flow of Qi coursed endlessly through the twelve pathways, circulating between the three vital Dantian¡ªLower, Middle and Upper. In addition, his body also seamlessly absorbeb the ambient Qi.
Now, not only could he manifest and sustain a searing elemental Sword Aura for longer than the fleeting burn of an incense stick, but he could maintain the Great Sword Resonance for an entire day''s duration.
''This...this is more than sufficient,'' he thought, his crimson gaze shifting towards the door that led out from the dimly lit basement chamber of mortared dark brick.
...
Unhurried, deliberate steps carried Ji Wuye''s ascending form, his tattered white martial robes swaying gently with each purposeful stride until he emerged onto the main floor¡ªthe medicinal herb shop''s spacious central room.
His heightened senses were immediately assailed by a dizzying melange of sweet, earthy aromas permeating the air, the tantalizing fragrances of a thousand delicate botanicals intermingling in an intoxicating olfactory bouquet.
Laid out before Ji Wuye''s gaze were neatly arranged low wooden tables, each surrounded by cushions resting atop simple yet elegant woven carpets.
Perched enticingly atop these surfaces was an assortment of freshly steamed buns, their pillowy white folds stretching taut around savory fillings of finely minced pork, earthy mushrooms, and aromatic chives.
Nearby, a rustic woven basket cradled a collection of translucent shrimp dumplings, their delicate skins glowing softly under the warm tendrils of sunlight streaming through the window''s pane - the backlighting revealing plump, juicy crimson shrimp nestled alluringly within each tender parcel.
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On another table, an intricately lacquered wooden platter displayed artful slices of roasted duck, the bronzed skin glistening under a rich, subtly sweet honey-glazed sheen.
Scattered across the tantalizing arrangements were small porcelain cups filled with freshly brewed jasmine tea, their emerald liquid sending up wispy tendrils of fragrant steam, while a russet clay teapot stood sentry - ready to replenish any emptied cup.
Three young women clad in their loose martial robe were busying themselves with serving the appetizing spread, engaged in cheerful chatter that filled the air with lilting peals of laughter.
These women were none other than his Senior Sisters - their smiles and effortless camaraderie wholly undiminished despite the loosened linen bandages haphazardly wrapped about various portions of their bodies.
Seeing them so vibrantly joyful and healthy, even as they intermittently adjusted the makeshift dressings to keep the cloth bindings secure, confirmed one reassuring fact for him: his Senior Sister Lian must have thoroughly explained his plans.
As for now... this view...
Where the sunlit tableau that greeted him was almost surreal in its tranquil beauty - shafts of gentle morning light filtering through the apertures to cast a warm, buttery glow across their smiling faces as they politely covered their mouths between bites, savoring each delectable morsel.
The palpable warmth of their shared happiness seemed to radiate outwards, suffusing the entire room in its inviting embrace.
A faint, earnest smile tugged at the corners of Ji Wuye''s lips as he drank in the heartwarming sight.
All the meticulous planning, ceaseless effort and single-minded self-improvement he had devoted himself to in such a fleeting span of time...
''Just to be able to enjoy this simple peace...'' he mused to himself.
It was then... they finally noticed his presence.
"Junior Ji!" The lilting voice of his Senior Sister Shen Bi called out, her face lighting up with a cheerful smile as her gaze alighted upon his tall frame.
"Where have you been hiding all this newfound strength?" Shen Bi exclaimed, playfully poking Ji Wuye''s arm with an impish grin.
Her lithe, almost delicate frame seemed almost paradoxically unsuited for a martial artist at first glance, yet this was the very same fiercely protective Senior Sister who would boldly leap to his defense - unafraid to threaten those much larger and outwardly more formidable than herself.
Rising up on her tiptoes, she insistently tugged at his sleeve until Ji Wuye had no choice but to obediently lower his body into a half-kneeling crouch before her.
Leaning in conspiratorially, Shen Bi''s expression morphed into one of mock severity as she whispered, "You''ve been holding out on us this whole time, haven''t you? You should have told me you''d grown this incredibly strong!"
Though her words sparked with undisguised excitement, as Ji Wuye subtly shifted back slightly to create a polite distance between them, his acute gaze caught the glimmer of something more profound nestled behind the joy shining in her eyes - a glint of barely concealed worry, the kind of protective concern only an elder sibling might harbor for their younger kin.
''She''s still the same as ever,'' Ji Wuye thought with an inward chuckle, gently taking her hands in his own as a warm smile spread across his features. "You''re right, as always. I promise, you''ll be the first to know if my power grows any further."
"The absolute very first?" she pressed, narrowing her eyes at him playfully.
"The very first," he affirmed solemnly, though the amused twinkle in his crimson gaze betrayed his lighthearted tone.
In truth, Senior Sister Shen Bi wasn''t particularly diminutive in stature. Her height was nearly on par with their taller Senior Sister Qiu Xia. It was only because Ji Wuye himself towered over most that she seemed petite in his eyes.
"I''ll be holding you to that promise," Qiu Xia chimed in pointedly, brandishing her chopsticks like an impromptu weapon - a piece of roasted duck meat dangling precariously from their lacquered tips as she fixed Ji Wuye with a sidelong glance. "And don''t think you can sweet-talk your way out of it like you used to."
"Would I dare?" Ji Wuye replied with an exaggerated look of wide-eyed innocence, earning him a warm chorus of knowing laughter from his Sisters.
Meanwhile, their eldest Senior Sister Lian Rougang had already begun pouring fragrant streams of steaming jasmine tea into an empty cup stationed at the unoccupied place setting.
Smiling warmly, she patted the plush cushion next to her invitingly and started arranging choice morsels onto the vacant plate before her. Her simple, understated actions conveyed a clear, silent invitation for Ji Wuye to join them.
...
This shared breakfast - this tranquil moment of cherished company - was perhaps the most genuinely contented Ji Wuye had felt in a long time.
The room''s warm ambiance was suffused with the bright peals of their laughter as he regaled them with carefully edited snippets about when and how his power had grown, his insatiably curious Senior Sisters persistently peppering him with a barrage of questions.
But the delightful scene was abruptly interrupted by the soft, tentative sound of a single knock on the door - seeming to turn all eyes instinctively toward the entrance situated just steps away from where they were gathered.
Despite its understated nature, the quiet rap carried an strange, unplaceable weight that compelled Ji Wuye to rise and answer its bidding.
He pulled open the door, only to find himself meeting the startlingly familiar gaze of a pair of crimson eyes - mirror images of his very own - staring steadily back at him.
"Big Brother Ji," a recognizable voice called out tentatively. It was Mu Lan Rou, though she was not alone this time.
Positioned behind her with carefully guarded expressions stood a small cluster of the Sect''s Inner Disciples, their calculating eyes fixed warily upon Ji Wuye as their hands rested in seemingly nonchalant readiness upon the hilts of the jians strapped at their waists.
Chapter 273
"Outer Disciple Ji Wuye, the¡ª" The Inner Disciple''s words were abruptly cut off as Mu Lan Rou whipped her head towards him, her narrowed crimson eyes blazing with a fierce glare that demanded silence.
A tense hush fell over them, the only sound being the soft rustle of Mu Lan Rou''s white martial robe as she straightened her posture.
Her gaze then shifted past Ji Wuye, piercing through the medicinal herb shop''s entrance. Inside, her crimson pupils locked onto the blurred figures of women she utterly despised, seated around low floor tables amid the pungent aroma of drying herbs.
A low, guttural growl rumbled from her parted lips as her eyes narrowed further, lips curling in a sneer of disdain.
Yet when her focus returned to Ji Wuye, her expression softened almost imperceptibly. Her eyes flickered over the tattered edges of his robe, and her lips trembled faintly, as if longing to speak tender words.
Slowly, hesitantly, she raised her hand, fingers outstretched as if to caress his face¡ªbut the movement halted abruptly, her hand falling limply to her side. "Are you¡ª"
"Please, get straight to the point, Young Lady," Ji Wuye interrupted, his flat tone as indifferent as his impassive features.
He met her gaze unflinchingly, utterly unmoved by the palpable tension and waves of indignation rolling off the Inner Disciples behind Mu Lan Rou.
The crimson in her eyes seemed to blaze darker at his words. Her head dipped, raven tresses sliding forward to veil her face as her shoulders trembled with barely restrained emotion.
"The Elder has summoned you," she murmured, her normally commanding voice subdued to a whisper. "Please come with us." Turning swiftly, she clutched at the front of her robe, slender fingers twisting in the pristine fabric as if drawing strength from its familiar texture.
Ji Wuye observed all of her reactions with his usual calm demeanor, his expression unreadable. His thoughts, however, were elsewhere, focused on what lay ahead: ¡®It¡¯s finally here.¡¯
His actions, of course, brought consequences. Yet, he showed no signs of panic or fear as he met the hard stares of the Inner Disciples. "Please wait a moment, I need to prepare," he said calmly, his deep voice steady and unhurried.
A few of the disciples bristled, lips curling in wordless protest, but they were swiftly silenced by a simple, imperious gesture from Mu Lan Rou.
With her back still turned to Ji Wuye, she raised one slender hand, pale fingers unfurling in a commanding motion that stopped the objections before they could fully form. "Please hurry up," she murmured, the words nearly inaudible except for the weight of strain behind them.
...
The moments that followed felt interminable as they awaited Ji Wuye''s return, the air thick with tension.
At last, he emerged once more into the bustling street, supporting his heavily-bandaged Senior Sister Qiu Xia with one arm looped gently around her slender frame while the rest of his Senior Sister following along.
Qiu Xia leaned against him, her face pale and drawn with bone-deep exhaustion, dark eyes shadowed from the unbearable pain they had endured.
Still, she refused to show weakness, each halting step fueled by sheer force of will as they slowly made their way toward the ascending stairs that would lead them up the sacred slopes of Kunlun.
Hushed whispers and furtive stares followed their progress from vendors and passersby along the crowded path. "Look, it''s the White Demon..." an elderly shopkeeper murmured, clutching his basket of fragrant potpourri close, as if to shield himself.
"Shh! Not so loud," a young woman chastised in a hushed, sympathetic tone, her brow furrowing as her gaze fell on the injured pair. "Can''t you see those people are hurt?"
"But still..." another voice cut in, the speaker''s words trembling with barely-concealed unease, "they say he''s dangerous¡ª"
"Yet he''s helping that injured woman so gently," a mother interrupted, pulling her wide-eyed child closer with a protective arm as they observed Ji Wuye''s careful movements. "Perhaps the stories we''ve heard are exaggerated..."
A gruff, skeptical scoff met her words. "He''ll receive his punishment soon enough, mark my words." But even the skeptic''s gray eyes flickered with fleeting uncertainty.If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.
"Such a shame," an old grandmother sighed, her weathered face creasing with concern as she watched them pass. "he''s young, yet already carrying such heavy burdens..."
The murmured voices swelled and ebbed like the tide as Ji Wuye led his injured companion onward, steadfast and unbowed in the face of public scrutiny.
Without harming any innocents, the emotions in their curious gazes leaned more toward pity and morbid fascination rather than outright hatred or condemnation.
After ascending for what felt like an eternity along the paths, the group finally crested the last rise and passed through the Lower Level sect grounds before arriving at the vast Central Courtyard - the very site where Ji Wuye''s previous earthshaking battle had unfolded.
Surprisingly, much of the catastrophic damage from that fight had already been diligently repaired.
The immense wooden sparring platform that commanded the center of the marble-floored courtyard had been utterly shattered into countless fragments during their cataclysmic clash.
Now, a flurry of activity surrounded its reconstruction, as several Official Disciples garbed in crisp white robes with dark blue stripes worked tirelessly laying new supports and planks.
Even the deep, shocking gouge slash-marked into the very marble itself was being meticulously patched with fresh stone.
The ring of chisels against rock mingled with the rhythmic pounding of hammers as the courtyard was rapidly restored.
As Ji Wuye''s solemn procession entered the courtyard, all activity around the platform came to an abrupt halt.
Tools stilled, voices hushed, and dozens of widened eyes turned in their direction as the disciples'' attention became utterly transfixed.
"That''s him...can you believe it? The same Flower Boy who was about to be expelled not long ago," a young male disciple whispered, his voice barely audible as his practice sword trembled faintly in his white-knuckled grip.
"Don''t look at him directly!" Another hissed urgently, reaching out to tug at his friend''s sleeve as if that flimsy barrier could shield them from Ji Wuye''s presence. "Who would''ve thought that handsome face could hide such terrifying power?"
"To think he defeated Elder Xia in battle..." A nearby disciple muttered, unconsciously taking a half-step backwards as Ji Wuye drew nearer, eyes wide with stunned disbelief. "The same guy we all used to tease for having just pretty looks but no real talent..."
A lone female disciple stepped forward boldly, lifting her chin as her clear voice rang out in quiet defiance. "He did what any of us should have done! Did you not see how badly those bitches from Emei hurt our Sisters? How could anyone with a shred of decency stand by after such a heinous act?"
Her impassioned words seemed to steady some of her peers, though many still could not conceal the flickers of trepidation in their expressions now that they were truly aware of the overwhelming power Ji Wuye had evidently commanded to defeat an Elder.
Even the leading Inner Disciples had taken unconscious defensive stances, their fingers tapping restlessly against the ornate hilts of their jians as if preparing to draw them at any moment.
''What an amazing feeling,'' Ji Wuye mused, a faint, satisfied smile tugging at the corners of his lips as his crimson eyes slowly scanned the bustling disciples repairing the Central Courtyard.
It was the first time he had been the subject of such rapt attention, and he found himself both amazed and intrigued by the weight of their scrutinizing stares.
One by one, those who inadvertently met his unflinching gaze quickly cast their eyes downward or averted their faces as if burned.
"Such a terrible waste of talent," a nearby disciple sighed heavily, shaking his head in dismay as he watched Ji Wuye pass. "We all dismissed him as just another pretty face with no real power. If only he hadn''t gone so drastically overboard, he might have been called our honored brother one day..."
"Overboard?" A young female disciple''s voice cut through sharply, her delicate brows drawing together in an indignant frown. "He was protecting their dignity when the rest of us could only stand by uselessly!"
"The Emei Sect really went too far with this!" Another disciple chimed in, his voice rising with genuine outrage. "This was supposed to be a friendly cultural exchange visit between our sects!"
Despite the murmured words of support and sympathy from the surrounding disciples, Ji Wuye noted that none of his injured Senior Sisters seemed appreciative or flattered by the sentiments.
Instead, behind their exhausted, pained expressions smoldered the wariness of narrowed eyes regarding him with guarded calculation.
''Then why don''t you prove your words with actions?'' Ji Wuye challenged inwardly as he flicked his piercing gaze toward those disciples claiming so vehemently to be on his sisters'' side.
Like all the others, they flinched and looked hurriedly away, unable to withstand the weight of his stare.
Indeed, back then the sight of his injured Senior Sisters lying on the ground filled Ji Wuye with simmering rage.
Not at the battle itself - a fair fight was expected during such exhibitions. But the fact that so many had simply stood by, silently watching as his sisters were brutalized and humiliated, stirred his fury.
"At least HE did something about it," a fierce whisper carried from a cluster of young female disciples watching the procession with admiring eyes. "Better to have a protective demon than to be surrounded by cowardly bystanders."
This prompted Ji Wuye to briefly glance toward the cluster of admiring female disciples. Despite the grave circumstances, the majority continued to regard him with unmistakable defense and approval in their expressions.
He even detected genuine concern flickering in their eyes as they took in the battered state of his injured Senior Sisters.
Interestingly, the wary, guarded looks on those Sisters'' own faces seemed to soften almost imperceptibly upon hearing the young women''s fierce whispers of support.
On the other hand, the male disciples...
Ji Wuye shook his head inwardly, disappointment creasing his brow. It was painfully, insultingly obvious where the priorities of those male disciples truly lay - able only to think with their basest instincts even in the face of such injustice.
Hypocrites, every last one. The exact kind of self-professed "righteous" fools that those on the unorthodox path scorned.
...
After a ascent from the Central Courtyard, their solemn procession finally arrived at the Inner Courtyard that housed the Hall of Insight.
The grand structure resembled an ornate pagoda of the Shaolin Temple style, yet consisted of only a single imposing level capped with a magnificent upturned eave roof.
The entrance was comprised of monumental wooden doors, their polished cedar panels intricately carved with auspicious cloud motifs.
Beyond the building''s entrance laid an unparalleled panoramic view of the vast Xinjiang region, framed by towering cliffs and drifting white clouds.
The roof itself was a breathtaking vision, adorned with elegantly upturned eaves and resplendent in rich shades of vermilion and gold. The pagoda''s walls were solid, polished darkwood inlaid with subtle engravings of mystical symbols and legendary figures.
Ringing the exterior were massive, ornately carved pillars, each wrapped with the sinuous, scaly forms of entwined dragons and edged in gleaming gold trim that made the entire structure seem to softly glow with an aura of sacred grandeur.
By the time Ji Wuye''s party reached the Hall''s entrance, disciples had gathered around the perimeter, their expressions shifting from curiosity to hard scrutiny as gazes fell upon Ji Wuye himself.
Wordlessly, in eerie unison, hands strayed to the hilts of jians as narrowed eyes watched his every move with wariness bordering on outright hostility.
As the group climbed the final steps to the towering wooden doors, the guards flanking the entrance stepped forward, cupping hands respectfully before Mu Lan Rou.
Then, their focus turned toward Ji Wuye and his injured companions.
"Only Outer Disciple Ji Wuye may enter," one of the eagle-eyed guards stated firmly, his tone brooking no argument as his narrowed gaze shifted disapprovingly to Lian Rougang, Shen Bi, and the still heavily-bandaged Qiu Xia, who now leaned on Lian Rougang for support.
Chapter 274
Upon entering the Hall of Insight, Ji Wuye was immediately enveloped by a profound silence that seemed to reverberate through the vast space.
The imposing sight of towering marble pillars lined the room, their polished surfaces reflecting the crimson glow of numerous lanterns hanging from the darkwood walls.
Just like everyone who had seen the Hall of Insight from the outside¡ªwhere its circular structure was unmistakable¡ªthe interior mirrored the same grand design and solemn atmosphere Ji Wuye had encountered before, particularly on Floor 3 of the Tower.
Escorted by silent guards, Ji Wuye found himself surrounded by rows of elevated wooden chairs, their high backs positioned to encircle him completely. He could feel the weight of countless judging eyes bearing down upon him from every angle.
Directly in front of him sat the renowned Kunlun Patriarch, his face obscured by deep shadows cast by the flickering lantern light. Flanking the Patriarch were familiar faces¡ªKunlun Elders and representatives from other factions¡ªall seated in elevated chairs arranged in a perfect circle around him.
The members of the Ye Clan were also present, and also among them was the injured and bandaged Murong Yu, his piercing gaze locked onto him, flanked by his two equally hostile bodyguards who seemed poised to strike at any moment.
The Wudang disciples stood silently beside their Elder, their faces heavy with guilt. Some stole brief glances at him before quickly looking away, their expressions conflicted. Their injuries, visible and numerous, only added to their subdued demeanor.
Yet, the most palpable killing intent seemed to emanate from the Emei Sect disciples, who glared daggers at Ji Wuye with open hostility.
All of this entered Ji Wuye''s crimson eyes as he surveyed the crowd. His gaze eventually returned to the Kunlun Patriarch, whose face remained cloaked in shadows, the silence stretching on until it was finally broken by a stern voice that seemed to reverberate.
"The perpetrator has entered the hall."
The voice emanated from an elderly figure seated beside the Patriarch. Ji Wuye immediately recognized him - it was the same hunched man he had often seen behind the polished oak counter in the Kunlun Thousand Pavilion.
This wizened elder, whose piercing gaze had once defended him against Elder Mu''s rude behavior, now leveled that same intense stare directly at him.
''So he is the Grand Elder,'' Ji Wuye realized with a flicker of surprise crossing his mind.
Then the realization dawned on him: was this why the Grand Elder had not reappeared in the previous timeline? Did this mean the Grand Elder would perish in the imminent attack from the Unorthodox factions?
Ji Wuye''s thoughts were abruptly severed as the Grand Elder''s steady voice rang out, shattering the tense silence. "Now, we shall begin the judgment by listing his crimes."
While Ji Wuye gazed at the Grand Elder, the Grand Elder unwavering tone began reciting the litany of transgressions.
"You stand accused of grievous offenses against our sacred sect. Not only did you brazenly force your way into the Official Disciples'' sparring grounds," his voice rose with grave emphasis, "but you also deliberately wounded disciples from both the esteemed Emei and Wudang sects - our honored allies. And the wanton destruction you wreaked upon the Central Courtyard drove innocent common folk into panic and flight."Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.
Word by damning word, accusation by accusation, the atmosphere in the grand hall became increasingly stifling, the weight of judgment pressing down from every angle.
The expressions of those gathered ranged from stern condemnation to furrowed contemplation as they mulled over the seemingly absurd notion - how could a mere Outer Disciple have managed to not only injure, but outright defeat someone as formidably gifted as Xing Shufen, a recognized genius rumored to have already reached the 7th martial realm?
Not only that... they were also pondering... How could Ji Wuye have possibly maintained such astonishing stamina after fighting against so many of them?
The Grand Elder''s next words sliced through the heavy tension like a razor-sharp blade. "And finally, the gravest offense of all - the unprovoked assault upon Elder Xia, who sought nothing but to put an end to your senseless rampage."
Those last damning words sent the entire grand hall into a stunned silence so profound, one could''ve heard a feather drop. Injuring an esteemed Elder of the 8th martial realm was no trivial transgression - it bordered on the unthinkable.
And this was no mere ambush - every disciple, guest and elder present had felt the aftermath of this supposedly lowly Outer Disciple''s incomprehensible attack ripple through the very foundations.
It defied logic. It shattered the boundaries of what should''ve been possible. The immense power Ji Wuye had exhibited - at his age - simply didn''t align with reason, unless there were only two staggering possibilities...
"The accused will now be granted an opportunity to speak and confess to these grave charges," the Grand Elder''s steady voice finally broke the heavy silence.
He alone maintained an inscrutable expression, seemingly neither impressed nor shocked by Ji Wuye''s unfathomable feats. Beside him, the Kunlun Patriarch sat shrouded in enigmatic shadows, radiating an aura of quiet yet unassailable authority.
This was the sacred Hall of Insight. No one dared to so much as breathe out of turn, let alone release the slightest fluctuation of their Qi or using their Zone or Sword Zone. Yet the weight of countless judging eyes bore down mercilessly upon Ji Wuye as he stood alone at the center of the marble floor.
Ji Wuye slowly scanned the assembled crowd, observing the myriad of reactions - disbelief, outrage, confusion.
A sense of dark amusement flickered momentarily in the depths of his crimson eyes. ''So this is Kunlun¡ Or rather, the Orthodox Faction,'' he mused inwardly with an almost mocking realization. ''No wonder we were defeated so utterly on the 50th floor.''
Taking a deep, steadying breath, Ji Wuye straightened his posture, the tattered remains of his once pristine long white martial robe with aqua stripes hanging loosely from his frame . Yet despite his haggard appearance, he remained unbound and unfettered.
He raised his head defiantly, meeting the piercing glares and scrutinizing expressions of those assembled with an unwavering crimson stare.
"The words of people can be frightening," Ji Wuye began, a faint, almost taunting smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Yet a lone hand cannot clap."
As he spoke those words, he took a slow, deliberate step forward, his gaze sweeping across the gathered crowd. His cryptic statement stirred a ripple of reactions - anger flickered openly on several faces, yet all present exercised rigid restraint, hiding their emotions behind carefully controlled masks of indifference.
"Regarding the attack on the Wudang, Murong and others..." Ji Wuye''s voice trailed off, his piercing crimson eyes fixing squarely on the bandaged form of Murong Yu, who returned his stare with unveiled hatred.
Shifting his gaze, he turned to meet the averted looks of the injured Wudang disciples, their eyes instinctively averting beneath the intensity of his stare.
The stark difference in their reactions was telling. Murong Yu still stood defiant, propped up by the reputation and prestige of his esteemed clan, confident that the weight of his family''s influence would allow him to exact due revenge. The Wudang disciples, in contrast - renowned as some of the strongest martial artists - wore the shame of their defeat like an invisible, suffocating burden.
"It was merely self-defense, and I believe all of my actions were witnessed by Elder Ma and several other honored guests," Ji Wuye continued, his voice steady and matter-of-fact as his crimson eyes calmly scanned the assembled crowd.
None among those present openly refuted his words; the grand hall remained engulfed in a heavy, judgemental silence. His sharp gaze wandered over the clusters of youth - Mei Ling, Xiao Feng, and the representatives from the Huashan School and the Xiao Yao Sect.
As for the adult and elders present...their conspicuous silence was not borne of mature restraint as one might expect, but of prudent caution.
They dared not intervene or speak out, for the Grand Elder''s indifferent, yet chillingly authoritative stare loomed over the proceedings.
This very trial was being held within the hallowed Hall of Insight - a place of sacred judgment under Kunlun''s direct purview.
To openly disrespect Kunlun or any of its revered Elders during such a solemn proceeding, even as an esteemed guest, would undoubtedly invite disgrace and contempt.
"And regarding my actions - specifically why I was forced to injure Miss Xing..." Ji Wuye trailed off, shifting his piercing crimson gaze towards the cluster of Emei representatives, who returned his stare with unfiltered, scorching hatred.
Their eyes burned with barely restrained resentment, yet they made no overtly aggressive move against him.
With a subtle flick of his wrist, the tall, imposing wooden doors behind him creaked open. All eyes instinctively turned as a small group of figures stepped through the threshold into the grand hall.
His Senior Sisters stepped into the hall.
Chapter 275
Their attention was immediately drawn to the bandaged figures of his Senior Sisters - Qiu Xia, her face contorted in a pained grimace as she leaned heavily on Lian Rougang for support, and even the petite Shen Bi, whose usually adorable frame was now swathed completely in pristine white bandages.
The haunting image of their battered states left nearly all the Kunlun Elders recoiling in shock.
"By the heavens..." Elder Tan''s gruff voice was the first to break the silence. His bushy eyebrows, set above a scar that cut across his face, furrowed deeply over wide eyes filled with disbelief as he took in the sight of the injured young female disciples.
His hands clenched at his sides. "How... how could this have happened to our cherished disciples?"
"This makes no sense," Elder Fang followed, his tone edged with confusion and suspicion.
His narrowed gaze flitted between the guests, the Emei sect''s disciples shifting uncomfortably, the veiled face of Kunlun Patriarch, and the impassive Grand Elder. "We were informed that only the Law and Enforcement disciples had sustained injuries.¡±
Beyond the Kunlun Elders, other seniors from various righteous factions began to voice their dismay through murmurs and disapproving headshakes.
"A sparring match, they called it. This looks more like a battlefield than a training exercise," remarked the wizened Elder from the Kongtong Sect, her gravelly voice dripping with disdain.
The same woman who had restrained Ji Wuye with her steel fan now glanced coldly at her own disciple, their stoic expressions betraying no reaction to her censure. "Is this the path you''ve chosen, Little Mei?"
"Have you all entirely lost your moral compass?" Another Elder, this one hailing from Wudang, questioned sternly - his disappointment palpable as he cast a hard look at his disciples, arms crossed tightly over his broad chest.
The deep lines etched into his weathered face seemed to deepen further as he continued, "Since when did our revered martial arts become synonymous with such brutality? You chose to face him¡ªthe one defending those poorly treated girls? Has your sense of judgment¡ª"
"Enough." The Grand Elder''s commanding baritone sliced through the rising discontent, immediately silencing the heated discussion.
The room''s collective focus snapped to Ji Wuye, who now stood unperturbed under their scrutiny, hands tucked calmly into his sleeves as he watched them all with an inscrutable gaze.
"As you all saw and experienced firsthand, this was neither how nor what a true sparring match should be," Ji Wuye stated firmly, his piercing gaze lingering pointedly on the Emei disciples.
They shifted uncomfortably, several averting their eyes from his accusatory stare. These were the uninvited outsiders who had dared to grievously injure his Senior Sisters, coming without an Elder''s oversight.
"Is that all you wish to say in your defense?" The Grand Elder''s resonant voice rang out, to which Ji Wuye gave a resolute nod.
"Very well." The Grand Elder continued, the heavy folds of his robe swaying slightly as he turned to address the gathered audience. "I have also heard the full account from Elder Ma Tang of the Beggar Sect, and it aligns perfectly with young disciple Ji''s description of events."
A weighty pause lingered as the Elder swept his severe gaze across the assembled crowd. "If anyone present has doubts or lingering concerns before I pass final judgment, speak now. Let your voice be heard."
The first to step forward was an Elder from Wudang, back bent in a deferential bow as he cupped his hands.This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.
"Revered Senior," he began solemnly, regret clear in the deep lines creasing his weathered face. "I find myself in complete agreement with young Ji''s truthful account. The dishonorable actions of my disciples in so recklessly meddling with Kunlun''s internal affairs weighs heavily upon me. I..." A ragged breath. "I humbly request your forgiveness."
Apart from the Emei sect''s disciples, whose sullen faces betrayed their displeasure, most guests from the various attending factions remained respectfully silent - a quiet acknowledgement of their agreement with the coming judgment. However...
"I REFUSE TO ACKNOWLEDGE THIS FARCE!" The outraged bellow shattered the tense silence like a thunderclap. All eyes snapped to the source - predictably, one of Murong Yu''s bodyguards.
The burly man strode forward, fists clenched and thick neck flushed an angry crimson as he spat his next words like venom. "Self-defense? Was it self-defense to torture our Young Master?!"
His hateful glare bored straight into Ji Wuye, while another bodyguard joined in just as heatedly. "Monk Shao himself witnessed it - that...that little demon would have continued his torture if not for the venerable''s intervention!" The man jabbed an accusing finger towards Ji Wuye. "Where is the justice in allowing such depravity?!"
With just a simple, commanding gesture - raising one wizened finger - the Grand Elder seamlessly regained control, silencing the raging bodyguards.
His ancient eyes, heavy with wisdom gathered over countless seasons, slowly scanned the assembled audience as if scrutinizing each face for any further challenges to Ji Wuye''s claim of justifiable self-defense.
"Anyone else?" The Elder''s gravelly voice was calm, almost bored, as his indifferent gaze swept over the gathered crowds. A tense silence blanketed the hall.
"Even if we were to accept this...convenient claim of self-defense," A new voice broke through the quiet, laced with skepticism. It belonged to Elder Mu, the father of Mu Lan Rou, as he stepped forward - shoulders squared and jaw set in firm opposition to Ji Wuye''s statement.
His next words dripped with disdain. "There remains the matter of basic respect and decorum. We instill these fundamental values in our disciples from the very beginning." Elder Mu''s lip curled in disgust as he recalled how much effort it had taken to convince his daughter not to meddle in this boy¡¯s affairs, and the humiliation he had faced at the Kunlun Thousand Pavilion.
These memories only deepened his unfavorable view of Ji Wuye.
"Yet this arrogant young man shows complete disregard for even the most basic courtesies toward his distinguished Elders," he continued, disdain clear. "Such inexcusable behavior cannot simply be dismissed with the wave of a hand."
Dissenting murmurs rippled through the crowd as another muscular Elder stepped forward, his booming voice raised in objection. "This is another matter, but ... we cannot accept this young disciple''s explanation at face value. A thorough examination is necessary - he must be checked for any traces of Forbidden Arts use."
"Indeed..." Another Elder chimed in, his tone thick with suspicion as he eyed Ji Wuye. "How else could a mere young disciple possibly demonstrate such devastating, unnatural strength?"
"The level of his martial arts...it defies reason," an elderly attendee stroked his wispy beard thoughtfully. "No matter how I consider it, such immense power seems impossible for one of his age and rank."
The buzzing undercurrent of agreement grew as more skeptical whispers and sidelong glances were exchanged throughout the hall. That is, until a serene voice like a cool breeze cut through the rising tide of suspicion.
"Amitabha."
All eyes turned toward the unhurried figure of Monk Shao Mu as he rose slowly to his feet, the soft clicking of his prayer beads filling the tense space. "Honored Elders, your concerns, while understandable, are gravely misplaced in this matter."
Monk Shao Mu''s calm, steady gaze swept across the restless assembly as he spoke. "This humble one has borne direct witness to the benefactor''s actions and battles from the very beginning."
Elder Ma''s brow furrowed deeply in skepticism as he listened, plainly unconvinced. "With all due respect, Little Monk Shao, even the most experienced of eyes can be deceived -"
"The noble Buddhist path teaches us to seek and uphold the truth above all else," Shao Mu interrupted, his soft voice carrying an unexpected firmness. "I stake my hard-earned reputation upon this: the benefactor''s extraordinary power comes from following a pure and righteous martial path. No forbidden arts. No unscrupulous shortcuts."
The monk''s eyes gleamed with serene certainty. "Had there been even the faintest trace of forbidden arts, though I am still young and inexperienced, this monk''s senses would have detected it immediately."
A heavy silence fell over the hall as Shao Mu''s resolute words seemed to quell the rising tide of doubts and murmurs of skepticism. Elders from the various attending factions exchanged glances with their disciples, contemplating this testimony. Even the Kunlun Elders wore expressions of quiet reflection.
"That means...it''s the potency of his genuine Martial Path alone?" Someone wondered aloud in an awed murmur.
"Less than twenty years of age, yet he can battle toe-to-toe with an esteemed Kunlun Elder..." Another voice echoed the disbelieving sentiment.
"Even if what you claim is true, we cannot so easily overlook the matter of -" Elder Mu began again, his face set in a deep frown at this unfavorable turn, but a flurry of interjecting voices from various factions drowned him out.
"Such immense talent!" The elder from Huashan exclaimed, suddenly rising to his feet, eyes bright with visible excitement and reverence.
"Young Hero Ji, our Huashan would welcome you with open arms!" He called out boldly, making an expansive welcoming gesture - hands that had so recently wielded a massive sword against Ji Wuye now offering friendship instead.
"With your clearly exceptional affinity for the great martial weapon, our school could nurture your talents far better than..."
The man''s voice trailed off, but the implied insult to Kunlun hung heavy in the air, sending shock rippling through the crowd. The Kunlun Elders and even honored guests exchanged stunned, sidelong glances as the unspoken truth struck everyone present:
The Elder from Huashan was right¡
A genius of Ji Wuye''s caliber, treated as nothing more than an Outer Disciple of low standing within his own sect? From an outsider''s impartial perspective, it seemed that Kunlun was gravely neglecting this rare, once-in-a-generation talent.
Wasn¡¯t this their chance?
Meanwhile, Ji Wuye himself remained outwardly composed, watching the unfolding scene with a deceptively calm expression. Inwardly, however, his brows threatened to rise in baffled bewilderment.
''What in the heavens is this?''
Chapter 276
The entire discussion was chaotic; topics were brought up one after another without any continuity, each spawning a new subject like a wild weeds.
Voices rose and fell in a discordant symphony, drowning out any attempt at reasoned discourse. Eventually, it devolved into a heated debate about how shameless the Huashan Elder was in his blatant attempts to recruit Ji Wuye into their sect.
This both amused and startled Ji Wuye, whose lips quirked ever so slightly at the corners. He had been silently planning to collaborate with Elder Ma Tang from the Beggar Sect, his eyes betraying the calculating mind beneath.
He had even prepared an additional argument to reinforce his stance, yet...
''But it''s useless,'' Ji Wuye thought to himself.
The recognition of his potential had progressed within the range he expected, but matters escalated when the Grand Elder finally flicked his wrist, a subtle gesture that carried the weight of a thunderclap. Instantly, the entire hall fell silent, as if the very air had been suctioned from the room.
In that tense moment, Ji Wuye''s sharp eyes noticed something subtle¡ªa minute shift in Elder Qiao''s posture.
She had been silent from the start, a statue amidst the chaos, but now her slender hands revealed one palm facing downward, while a folded fan rested beneath that palm like a secret hidden in plain sight.
Observing her discreet gesture, Ji Wuye immediately understood. There was no reason for him to take further action¡ªthis situation was now Elder Qiao''s to command.
"Like a frog in a well dreaming of the moon above," the Grand Elder''s voice reverberated through the Hall of Insight, each word sharp as autumn frost. "How dare you attempt what is beyond your measure?"
His frost-sharp eyes swept over the assembly of guests, each wilting like autumn leaves beneath his withering gaze. ¡°Before you pluck a branch, first consult the tree''s master. This disciple''s path is like jade within the mountain - it belongs to where it was nurtured.
¡°He is our flesh and blood, raised in the embrace of Kunlun''s peaks, cultivated by our teachings like a precious herb in our garden. You treat him as though he were a reed on the wall, top-heavy and easily swayed, but he has grown deep roots here."
The temperature in the room seemed to plummet with every word, compelling the guests to urgently cup their hands in gestures of respect and apology, as if warding off an encroaching chill.
Such was the way of righteous martial artists: respect for the elderly and protection of the weak were not just ideals but the foundation of their very existence, interwoven into their bones.
"Grand Elder, if I may..." Elder Qiao''s voice, melodious yet authoritative, cut through the tense atmosphere like a silk blade. She rose gracefully, cupping her hands in a gesture of respect as her sharp eyes gleamed with resolve.
Her gaze, sharp settled on Murong Yu and his bodyguard like a falcon surveying its prey. "Outer Disciple Ji Wuye is but a youth of seventeen summers," she began, her words tinged with both understanding and reproach, like a mother gently chiding a wayward child. "At such an age, the heart burns hot, and the mind often outpaces wisdom."
She paused, letting the weight of her words hang in the air. Around her, the gathered Elders and disciples seemed to lean in imperceptibly, drawn inexorably into the melodic cadence of her speech.If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.
"However," her tone hardened, carrying undeniable authority that commanded the rapt attention of all present, "Young Master Murong''s judgment in this matter was...regrettably misplaced."
"How DARE you speak to me like this!" Murong Yu exploded, his face mottled with rage as he struggled to rise despite his heavily bandaged body. His wounded pride clearly surpassed the pain of his injuries as his bodyguards rushed to steady his trembling form. "Do you have any idea¡ª"
"Was it not you who struck the first blow, Young Master?" Elder Qiao''s calm yet cutting words sliced through his outburst like a blade through silk. Murong Yu''s unfinished retort clung to the air, dissolving like morning mist under the weight of inescapable truth.
She continued, her voice unwavering even as the echoeslinger trailed off into uneasy silence. "This is no different from what transpired with the Wudang disciples or the disciples from our own Law and Enforcement Department. Outer Disciple Ji''s claim of self-defense stands as strong and immovable as Mount Tai."
Yet instead of nods of agreement, an unsettling silence fell upon the hall, thick and cloying as a dense fog. The assembled Elders exchanged guarded glances, their gazes heavy with unspoken implications as they shifted between their disciples and the Elder from the Beggar Sect.
"He''s the youngest among us, yet he has shown more maturity today than all of your disciples combined, Elders¡ªguests from the renowned and, I believe, revered factions present here," Elder Qiao declared, her tone ringing with conviction as she met each guest Elder''s gaze without flinching.
As martial artist of the righteous path, the sworn defenders of the weak and hunters of evil, how could they turn a blind eye?
"Indeed, Elder Qiao speaks the truth." The voice of Elder Ma Teng rose from his seat. His eyes swept across the audience, seeming to weigh each individual present.
"These old eyes have witnessed much in their time," Elder Ma continued, a hint of steel beneath his otherwise casual tone. "Young Ji acted purely in self-defense, both before and during the spar. Yet..." He stroked his chin thoughtfully, his words falling slowly, like autumn leaves yielding to the inexorable pull of gravity. "I couldn''t help but notice how quick everyone was to condemn him."
His subtle remark landed with the precision of an archer''s shaft, forcing the assembled Elders¡ªwho already looked chastened and guilty due to their disciples'' foolish behavior¡ªto confront their own damning silence and complicity head-on.
"We...we have indeed acted hastily," an Elder from the Kongtong Sect finally admitted, her steel fan trembling slightly in her hands as she glanced at her indifferent disciple.
"Our judgment was clouded," came the reluctant admissions, one after another, from Elders representing various factions like a litany of contrition. Even the Wudang Sect, offered their apology¡ªwhat shame would it be for others not to follow their lead?
It became clear that their failure stemmed from trusting their disciples too readily and overlooking the youthful recklessness and arrogance that precipitated this debacle. Kunlun, with their keen foresight, hadn''t mentioned this fault outright¡ªat least, not until pushed.
Just as the atmosphere began to ease, Elder Mu cleared his throat, cutting through the reconciliatory mood with measured seriousness. His expression remained stern, tinged with disapproval, especially as he recalled how these same Elders had fawned over Ji Wuye, praising him just moments before their world violently tilted on its axis.
"While we address these matters, another grave transgression cannot be overlooked," Elder Mu stated, his tone sharp as an autumn wind stripping the last leaves from the trees. His hawkish gaze swept firmly across the room, commanding attention. "It does not change the fact that this arrogant disciple''s behavior toward Elder Xia was utterly unacceptable and disrespectful."
This time, the assembled Elders from other factions remained utterly silent, an eerie calm descending over the hall like a thick fog muffling all sound.
This particular matter no longer required their input; it was a private Kunlun affair, an internal reckoning from which outsiders would be barred. It was already more than a mere courtesy that Kunlun had allowed their guests to bear witness, even participate, in the heated discussion over such grievous internal grievances.
Just as the tense silence grew nearly suffocating, the tall wooden doors creaked open once again, the harsh sound shattering the fragile quiet.
"Greetings to all the esteemed Elders! Please forgive my intrusion, but the construction of the platform is complete and ready for use!" An officious voice declared as an Official Disciple bustled in, quickly lowering his head and cupping his hands in a gesture of respect.
His announcement referred, of course, to the much-anticipated day when the Inner Disciples of Kunlun would have the honor of sparring against the guests - a chance to either restore Kunlun''s reputation or elevate the prestige of the visiting factions in the arena of skill and prowess.
"It''s a pity... the final outcome will have to wait," the Grand Elder remarked, his words trailing off into pregnant silence as he too recognized the significance of this charged moment.
As the room quieted once more, every ear straining, the Patriarch, who had remained an inscrutable bastion of silence until now, finally spoke.
"Disperse," he commanded with a single, resonant word that carried immense, inexorable weight despite its brevity. Though his tone never rose above a murmur, it conveyed overwhelming authority that brokered no argument, no objections.
His power was palpable, a tangible force that seemed to press down on the entire assembly...except perhaps to the one solitary figure who dared to meet his glacial gaze head-on - the young disciple with the piercing crimson eyes.
''He''s as useless as ever,'' Ji Wuye thought inwardly, his expression betraying nothing as he watched the assembled dispersed.
Many cast fleeting sidelong glances in his direction as they departed, their furtive looks a curious mix of wariness, consternation and, for a few, begrudging respect.
Among them, he noticed Ye Yujin and several disciples from various factions, but his attention was briefly drawn away as his sharp gaze locked with Elder Qiao''s once more.
In that fractured moment, a thousand unspoken words seemed to pass between them , but of course both of them understood.
''We need to talk.''
Chapter 277
At that moment, Ji Wuye''s crimson eyes locked onto those of his Senior Sisters. A slight crease formed between his brows as he offered his arm for support, allowing Qiu Xia to lean against him.
It was all an act, and they had succeeded, but their task wasn''t complete yet.
Finally, Ji Wuye stepped forward, exiting the Hall of Insight. Senior Sister Lian matched his stride on the opposite side to help stabilize Qiu Xia.
Shen Bi followed close behind, her delicate face etched with concern. She did her best to appear dizzy and pale, mirroring the condition of her injured Sister.
Together, they exited the door¡ªonly to find themselves face-to-face with a cluster of Inner Disciples whose hushed murmurs abruptly fell silent at their appearance.
Or rather...at the sight of the young woman standing at the forefront. Her crimson pupils, an uncanny mirror of Ji Wuye''s own, raked over his battered form, and a soft sigh of relief parted her full, rose-petal lips. Ebony tresses danced across her porcelain shoulders as she glided forward with effortless grace, closing the distance between them in a few graceful strides.
"I''m glad you''re alright, Big Brother," Mu Lan Rou breathed, her melodic voice tinged with tenderness yet laced with worry. In that moment, it seemed Ji Wuye was the sole object of her intense focus, the scene of the injured Senior Sisters supported on either side of him registering as little more than background noise.
Her brow furrowed as she drank in his disheveled appearance to the tattered white martial robe.
Yet, as always, Mu Lan Rou¡¯s very presence left Ji Wuye¡¯s expression an inscrutable mask. Even after repeatedly rebuffing her affections, she remained undeterred and persistent.
Drawing a deep, steadying breath into his broad chest, he closed his eyes momentarily. When they reopened, that all-too-familiar detached chill had returned to his crimson gaze as he gazed at her and the Inner Disciples behind her.
"Let me help¡ª" Mu Lan Rou started eagerly, taking an impulsive half-step closer as her delicate hands reached out, fingers anxiously grazing the ruined silk of his martial robe.
But her gesture faltered, caught between the desire to tend to his injuries and the flicker of apprehension that danced across her porcelain features as she searched his impassive mask.
"Move." A single, clipped syllable¡ªlaced with an edge that could slice through steel¡ªspilled from Ji Wuye''s thin lips. The command carried an air of finality that caused a sudden uproar among the gathered onlookers, equal parts shock and indignation rippling through the ranks of guarding disciples.
They gaped openly at the unfolding confrontation, disbelieving eyes pinging between the towering pillar of disdainful calm that was Ji Wuye and the Young Lady whose offered tenderness he had so brazenly spurned.
"Wh-what? That''s the Young Lady!" One particularly bold disciple sputtered, their voice tinged with outrage as they surged half a step forward, face reddening.
"H-how could he..." But the words withered on their tongue as the icy weight of Ji Wuye''s presence washed over them, quelling their objection into a tense, uneasy silence born of the jarring disconnect between the Ji Wuye they had known and the unflinching, aloof stranger standing vigil before them.
The White Demon... The ominous moniker reverberated through their minds like a tolling bell. It might have seemed a laughable epithet had Ji Wuye earned it merely by defeating a handful of fellow disciples.
But they all knew the truth¡ªhe had remained undefeated, unyielding, standing his ground against an onslaught of challengers until the very Elders themselves had been forced to arrive and subdue him with overwhelming numbers and force.
Even then, battered and bloodied, his snowy white locks matted crimson yet flowing defiantly around his shoulders, those blazing scarlet eyes had never once faltered or shown a flicker of weakness or fear.
Now, as those pale, gossamer strands fluttered and those piercing ruby orbs turned their uncompromising scrutiny upon them, the gathered disciples felt an instinctive frisson of disquiet ripple through their ranks.If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.
A hushed stillness descended, broken only by the faint whisper of cloth as they averted their faces, not daring to meet that soul-searing gaze.
Even the cluster of Inner Disciples standing staunchly behind her¡ªcould only risk fleeting, furtive glances at the figure of Ji Wuye before their eyes skittered away, shoulders hunching defensively.
On the other hand, Mu Lan Rou herself seemed to have been rendered temporarily immobile, a delicate doll frozen mid-motion. Her jaw slackened, full lips forming a slight ''o'' of surprise yet no words spilled forth.
Her throat worked silently, tendons straining beneath porcelain skin as if caught on the precipice of speech, yet ultimately all she could manage was a faint, tremulous sigh as she bit her lip and lowered her head in uncharacteristic demureness.
Long ebony tresses slipped over one slender shoulder, shielding her expression from view in a gauzy veil.
Yet the moment proved fleeting. Almost immediately, Mu Lan Rou seemed to regather her resolve, taking a tentative half-step forward... and then another, until the distance between them had dwindled to a hair''s breadth.
Her slight frame seemed to tremble with each faint inhalation, as if teetering on the verge of collapse against his chest.
When her words finally came, they emerged as a fragile, quavering whisper edged with a desperation bordering on heartbroken pleading: "P-please, Big Brother... g-give me a chance. Just once more."
Ji Wuye''s Senior Sisters¡ªQiu Xia, still leaning heavily against his side, Lian Rougang steadying them both with a grip like tempered steel, and Shen Bi hovering at the periphery with fretful concern etched into her delicate features¡ªstood in solemn, uneasy silence.
They had been close enough to hear the faint, desperate tremor lacing Mu Lan Rou''s entreaty, yet not a word was spoken. Instead, weighted gazes flitted between the trio in a silent conferring of acknowledgment at this raw, unexpected display of vulnerability.
Mu Lan Rou¡ªthe proud, untouchable star disciple of Kunlun, a celestial beauty whose grace and poise were considered beyond reproach¡ªwas now exhibiting a fragility so painfully, shockingly at odds with her usual unflappable demeanor.
It was a dissonance they could scarcely reconcile, their expressions flickering through a complex spectrum of emotions.
On the other hand... for Ji Wuye...
It was rare¡ªin fact, this marked only the second time¡ªthat Ji Wuye had born witness to Mu Lan Rou''s tears. His crimson gaze lowered, scrutinizing the crown of her bowed ebony tresses where they spilled over one slender shoulder like spilled ink.
Yet rather than offer a response, his focus shifted, pale eyes sliding sideways to study the taut, apprehensive lines of his Senior Sisters'' expressions.
The quiet empathy they felt as women was evident in the slight parting of Qiu Xia''s chapped lips and the way Lian Rougang''s brow furrowed in consternation.
But burning far brighter in their turbulent eyes was a reluctance¡ªa simmering resentment that had been stoked and tempered over years of watching Mu Lan Rou''s callous, unrepentant treatment of their Junior.
Shen Bi''s delicate features were pulled taut in a scowl, fine brows slanting inwards as her gaze bored into the top of Mu Lan Rou''s bowed head like a pair of blazing embers.
They had watched, helpless, as Ji Wuye stoically endured torment after scorning after rejection at Mu Lan Rou''s hands.
They had long since resigned themselves to the fact that their stubborn Junior would never heed their counsel to abandon his fruitless pursuit of that cold, cruel beauty.
And now here she stood, humble and penitent before them, daring to beg for forgiveness?
"Don''t you dare play the victim now!" The dam finally burst as Shen Bi erupted, years of pent frustration and protective fury spilling forth in a torrent.
She surged forward¡ªall delicate wrath and flushed cheeks as she attempted to physically insert herself between Ji Wuye and Mu Lan Rou.
The action seemed almost comically futile, a tiny sparrow spreading its wings in a vain effort to shield a mountain, yet the blazing conviction in her eyes brokered no compromise.
"How many years have we watched you torment our Junior Ji?" Her words emerged clipped, bitten off in staccato bursts as she struggled to keep her anger banked. "How many times did we have to pick up the pieces your cruelty left shattered behind?"
"Young Lady Mu."Another voice cut through the tension, calm yet resonant with an undercurrent of steel. Senior Sister Lian stepped forward, mouth curving in the faintest of reassuring smiles, yet her eyes remained shadowed with unmistakable reproach.
"It is already a miracle that our Junior Ji has shown the restraint not to strike you down where you stand, given the anguish your actions have wrought."
Her tone remained level, almost conversational, yet each precisely enunciated syllable seemed to chip away at Mu Lan Rou''s fragile composure with the weight of a judge''s gavel.
"Now...if you would be so kind as to move aside. Our Junior Sister Qiu requires rest, and you have already commandeered more than enough of our time and consideration."
...
By the time their procession reached the stairs leading up to Elder Qiao''s cliff-top abode, any veneer of pretense had well and truly shattered. Qiu Xia walked unaided, shedding her bandages with each upward step in a discarded trail of gauze.
Shen Bi and Lian Rougang followed suit, their own wrappings fluttering away to reveal unmarred skin.
Yet their expressions remained somber, devoid of triumph or levity. Shen Bi''s knuckles shown bone-white where her fists clenched at her sides, and a muscle jumped in the clenched line of Qiu Xia''s jaw as her thoughts drifted, inexorably, back to the trial.
So grossly unjust, the scales so unevenly stacked that if not for their Ji Wuye''s talent and his decision to unveil his true prowess...she shuddered to consider the injustice that might have been permitted to transpire.
''He would have been expelled,'' she realized with a spike of icy dread lancing her gut.
Meanwhile, Lian Rougang''s focus had drifted elsewhere entirely. Her gaze lingered on the solitary figure of Ji Wuye, observing how he had stare out over the mist-shrouded vista with an inscrutable expression.
From their heightened vantage point, the scenery laid out before them was partially veiled by billowing clouds, affording only fleeting glimpses of the distant lands sprawling below.
Yet Ji Wuye seemed utterly transfixed, that detached crimson stare appearing to drink in the tranquil abyss as if seeking some deeper truth hidden within its placid depths.
Unknowingly, Lian found her steps carrying her closer until she stood at his side, near enough to discern the faint crease between his brows and the tension thrumming beneath his smooth, youthful facade.
Her hand rose of its own volition, slender fingers gently resting on the back of his hand with a grounding pressure. Naturally, this caught her Junior¡¯s attention, causing him to look at her.
Yet Lian only offered him a soft, reassuring smile, marveling inwardly at the surprising roughness of his calloused palm against her own ¨C a stark contradiction to his refined, handsome exterior. "It''s all in the past now, Junior," she murmured, infusing her words with all the soothing balm and conviction she could muster.
On the other hand, Ji Wuye, a bit surprised by his Senior Sister Lian''s action, looked startled for a brief moment before he smiled faintly. ¡®I¡¯m not thinking about her, but¡¡¯ His thought trailed off as he replied to her, ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡±
''It would be hard for them to accept my explanation when we arrive.''
Chapter 278
The brilliant morning sun cast a warm glow over Ji Wuye and his Senior Sister as they ascended the final step onto the cliff''s expansive landscape.
A tranquil scene greeted them - a serene pond glistened in the golden rays, its glassy surface disturbed only by the gentle ripples trailing two graceful ducks gliding across it.
An exquisitely arched wooden bridge separated the pond into two halves, providing a picturesque vantage point to take in the natural splendor.
"It''s really beautiful..." Shen Bi murmured in an awestruck hush, her eyes wide with wonder as she drank in the idyllic vista before them. Her lips parted slightly, as if savoring the crisp morning air tinged with the fresh scents of dewy grass and wildflowers.
"They''ve been waiting," Qiu Xia''s voice sliced through the reverent silence, her words snapping the dazed Shen Bi back to alertness. Their gazes shifted to Elder Qiao, seated with serene poise upon an ornately carved stone chair beside a round stone table.
Her disciples flanked her in a disciplined arc, their expressions a studied mask of detachment despite the furtive glances they stole towards the newcomers.
They seemed to have been anticipating Ji Wuye and his Senior Sister, poorly masking their surprise at seeing Qiu Xia, Lian Rougang, and Shen Bi with their once-concealing bandages now shed, leaving their striking features brazenly exposed.
Ji Wuye, however, radiated an aura of unruffled calm as he strode past the skeptical disciples, his gait unhurried yet purposeful. With a dignified flourish, he cupped his hands in a respectful greeting, "Greetings, Big Sister."
Elder Qiao''s inscrutable gaze locked onto him briefly before flickering over to assess the condition of his Senior Sisters with a measured scrutiny. A curt nod signaled her tacit approval, allowing Ji Wuye to settle himself casually upon the vacant stone chair opposite her own.
Her graceful fingers deftly grasped a rounded dumpling with nimble chopsticks, effortlessly bursting it open before consuming the morsel.
Yet her serene smile masked a probing edge as she remarked, "Little Brother, you say you''ll walk the same path with us, yet there are things hidden beneath the surface like a mantis stalking its prey. You never mentioned Senior Brother Xia would be your stepping stone."
Her piercing words hung in the air like a taut cord, yet Ji Wuye''s expression remained inscrutably placid, betraying none of his inner thoughts as Elder Qiao''s captivating eyes locked onto him with intensity.
Meanwhile, his Senior Sisters stepped forward in a ceremonial arc, cupping their hands in deferential greeting, only to be dismissed with an impatient wave of Elder Qiao''s hand.
"Please pardon me, Big Sister," Ji Wuye replied, his tone courteous yet casual, "but even the smartest housewife cannot cook without rice."The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.
He offered no further elaboration, merely holding Elder Qiao''s penetrating stare, his placid countenance providing no insight into the depths of his words - a mere pebble tossed into the ensuing, furrowed silence of Elder Qiao''s frown.
At that moment, one of Elder Qiao''s disciples, Su Xinyi, stepped forward with practiced grace. Her movements were fluid and unhurried as she gently lifted the ceramic teapot.
With intense focus furrowing her brow, she tilted the spout and created a spiraling stream of fragrant green tea that flowed smoothly into Elder Qiao''s cup without a single errant droplet or ripple marring its path.
"Is this the reason why you sought the right to enter or gain knowledge of the Sword Aura?" Elder Qiao''s probing question sliced through the tranquil atmosphere as she brought the steaming cup to her lips.
A light gulping sound emanated from her plump, slightly pursed lips as she sipped the tea.
Her long nails glinted like lacquered talons as she adjusted her flowing white martial robe with dark yellow stripes, the fabric shifting gracefully around her lithe and youthful frame. Her skin was smooth and unblemished, her eyes narrowing into piercing slits.
Deep wrinkles etched across her temples as she narrowed her eyes into piercing slits, her gaze boring into Ji Wuye''s placid countenance. Her eyebrows furrowed like drawn bowstrings as she studied his enigmatic expression.
"''Yes and no'' are like the front and back of the hand, Big Sister," Ji Wuye replied evenly, holding her scrutinizing stare with his intense crimson eyes.
He brought his own cup to his lips, savoring the rich aroma before taking a measured sip.
The brief pause seemed to amplify the weighted tension blanketing the space before he continued, "Hurting Elder Xia was never in the book of my intentions, but as they say, when the mountain blocks your path, you must find a way around or through it. He simply stood there like an immovable boulder."
This time, Elder Qiao''s pupils flared wide for the briefest of moments, the only flicker of surprise cracking her inscrutable mask, before reverting to their previous narrowed intensity.
Yet no words passed her pursed lips in response to Ji Wuye''s solemn declaration. Only a soft sigh slipped forth, her exhalation met with a contemplative smile.
How could she not have noticed the poisoned undercurrents rippling between them all these years? Her Senior Brother''s attitude towards the unassuming Ji Wuye had long since transgressed propriety, festering into intensely personal slights.
Now, the bitter seeds sown reaped their wretched harvest, despite her countless unheeded warnings echoing like cries into the tempest.
''What can I do now? Little Brother Ji''s small grievances have accumulated into deep hatred,'' Elder Qiao''s troubled thoughts churned inwardly as vivid flashes of memory assailed her - the derisive laughter, the smirking eyes, the satisfied exhalation of breath from Ji Wuye as he held her Senior Brother''s throat in an unforgiving grip.
How could she, or how should she, tell Ji Wuye that... Her Senior Brother Xia...No.
Elder Qiao shook her head subtly, mentally stamping out that dangerous trail of rumination. ''It''s a business between men. I should not meddle further.''
But then, Lian Rougang''s voice sliced through the weighted silence like a blade, "Please pardon my intrusion, Elder." She stepped forward purposefully, cupping her hands in a respectful gesture as she fixed Elder Qiao with a determined gaze from her position beside the impassive Ji Wuye. "Is everything Junior Brother Ji said true?"
Now it was Elder Qiao''s turn to make searing eye contact with Ji Wuye. For the first time since their tense exchange began, she noticed the minute shift in his demeanor - the calm, indifferent mask of a leader in control cracking ever so slightly as he sighed and gave her the smallest of nods.
The subtle admission seemed to freeze Elder Qiao momentarily, her features slackening briefly in surprise before a slow, sly smile bloomed across her lips. Instead of responding verbally, her piercing gaze flickered over to study Lian Rougang with an intense scrutiny.
Her eyes raked over the Lian Rougang from head to toe before coming to rest squarely on Lian Rougang''s own burning stare - alight with fervid curiosity yet laced with undeniable traces of simmering anger kept tightly leashed.
"What do you think? And how much do you understand?" Elder Qiao''s words carried a lofty, almost taunting edge as she rested her chin upon her upturned palm, regarding Lian Rougang with the raised eyebrow of one possessing intimate knowledge.
Her gaze briefly flitted over the rest of Ji Wuye''s ''beloved'' Senior Sisters standing behind Lian Rougang.
She noted Shen Bi''s head tilted in open bewilderment and the conflicted furrow knitting Qiu Xia''s brow before returning her attention to Lian Rougang.
"Now I understand everything, even the parts my Junior didn''t tell me," Lian Rougang replied carefully yet with an undercurrent of steel resolve. She maintained her deferential cupped-hand posture, an action which only deepened the sly curl of Elder Qiao''s smile.
"You are smart, I like that," she purred in an almost patronizing tone. "But have you considered the offer I gave you?"
Chapter 279
"I''m sorry, Elder, I haven''t made my decision yet," Lian Rougang replied, his voice carrying a hint of apprehension as he met Elder Qiao''s piercing gaze.
"A pity then," Elder Qiao said with a dismissive wave of her hand before shifting her attention back to Ji Wuye. The sunlight filtering through the pavilion cast intricate patterns on her silk robes, accentuating the embroidered clouds that seemed to drift with her movements.
"Let me ask you something, Little Brother. Instead of harming Elder Xia, you could have simply demonstrated your power. And instead of attacking the disciples, you could have just revealed the underhanded tactics used by the Emei disciples. Why go to such lengths?"
As she spoke, her slender fingers tapped a rhythmic melody against the glazed ceramic pot cradled in her palm, the dull thumps punctuating her words.
Her full lips curved into an inviting smile, directed at Ji Wuye, and she even leaned forward slightly, the fragrance of sandalwood wafting from her robes.
Yet, despite her outward amiability, her eyebrows remained furrowed in disapproval, creasing the delicate skin of her forehead.
The wrinkles around her frown deepened as she noticed Ji Wuye silently holding her gaze without uttering a word¡ªor even attempting to answer her question.
The wind carried the melodic trill of songbirds from the surrounding gardens, filling the tense silence between them.
Amid the brief lull, Ji Wuye gave a subtle gesture, and one of Elder Qiao''s disciples, Wei Xun, stepped forward with a fluid grace. She stood by Ji Wuye''s side, deftly pouring the fragrant oolong tea into the simple ceramic pot before her.
The amber liquid steamed invitingly, its earthy aroma mingling with the floral notes wafting through the pavilion.
Elder Qiao observed this with furrowed brows and a confused tilt of her head, which quickly morphed into mild annoyance as she took in Ji Wuye''s calm, indifferent expression.
His handsome features remained inscrutable, betraying no emotion, and his crimson eyes, while striking in their vibrancy, held an unfathomable depth that seemed to mirror the vast, unknowable cosmos itself . Her irritation grew with his stoic demeanor until she noticed a peculiar action from him.
Ji Wuye began to subtly stir the teacup with deliberate movements, causing gentle ripples to disturb the freshly poured tea''s glassy surface.
The liquid sloshed precariously close to the rim, a few droplets escaping to trace glistening trails down the cup''s sides.
When he brought the teacup to his lips, as if to take a sip, nothing reached his mouth¡ªeither by deliberate design or because the tea had splashed out wastefully, leaving the cup effectively empty.
The only sound was the faint tinkling of ceramic against ceramic as the cup met the saucer once more.
Elder Qiao''s sharp eyes followed his deliberate actions, her gaze flickering between the empty cup and Ji Wuye''s inscrutable expression.
Slowly, realization seemed to dawn on her as the tension eased from her features. Her furrowed brows relaxed, and the creases on her forehead softened as understanding blossomed across her elegant countenance.
"Exactly," Ji Wuye said at last, his deep voice carrying a weight that belied the single word. He spoke as if patiently waiting for her understanding to catch up, allowing the profound implication behind his symbolic gesture to sink in.
The analogy was clear: Ji Wuye was like the empty cup, now brimming with profound power.
He was trying to blend and harmonize with his surroundings, represented by sipping the tea. Yet, the ripples that formed and spilled over symbolized the inevitable disturbances his profound actions would cause.
''Senior Brother Xia,'' Elder Qiao thought inwardly, her mind swiftly piecing together the implications behind Ji Wuye''s symbolic gesture.Stolen novel; please report.
If he had not injured Xia Zhenkang, the stubborn elder would have behaved just like Elder Mu and Elder Ma¡ªyet another immovable obstacle, insisting on punishing Ji Wuye rather than appreciating his monumental accomplishments.
So that''s why he chose the excuse of "self-defense" instead of exposing the underhanded tactics of the Emei disciples...'' Her brow furrowed as she pondered, replaying the events in her mind''s eye.
She stole a glance at Ji Wuye, whose full lips now tugged ever so slightly at the corners, forming a faint, enigmatic smile that seemed to hold secrets deeper than the east river.
Kunlun was well aware of the true nature of Emei Sect''s fabled martial arts, which often relied on charming, manipulating, and ensnaring opponents through guile.
This was the very reason the controversial Emei Sect hadn''t been formally invited to this gathering.
However, banning such martial practices outright would have been tantamount to denying the very existence and heritage of the Emei Sect itself.
It was precisely this precarious position that prevented anyone in the esteemed Hall of Insight from openly questioning Emei''s unorthodox methods.
The tense silence that followed Ji Wuye''s wordless reply seemed to reverberate through as Elder Qiao continued her contemplation.
''And that''s why Little Brother claimed self-defense. Even if he tried to openly expose their underhanded methods, it would have been futile...,'' she realized, a heavy sigh parting her lips.
The faint fragrance of orchids carried on the warm breeze only amplified the weight of her thoughts.
The Emei Sect''s charm-based techniques, so often intertwined with their formidable martial arts, had significantly contributed to their success and survival in the last great war¡ªjust as Kunlun, Wudang, and other major factions had made their own unique, pivotal contributions on that bloodied battlefield.
But then, a disquieting notion took root in her mind as she studied Ji Wuye''s inscrutable expression. Her eyes narrowed slightly, searching his countenance for any flicker of revelation as her thoughts grew heavier.
''Was his true intention to punish and provoke outright war with the Emei Sect?'' The possibility made her pulse quicken as she recalled how he had cruelly tortured Xing Shufen, the Emei Sect''s prodigious disciple at that spar.
Such vicious retaliation seemed a gross overreaction, even for Ji Wuye''s uncompromising manner.
The elusive reasoning behind his choices only deepened her frown as her nails tapped a staccato rhythm against the glazed ceramic pot cradled in her hands. Finally, Elder Qiao decided to shift her line of questioning, her sharp voice cutting through the tension.
"You already knew those stubborn Elders would reject you outright. Why didn''t you simply confide in me?" Her piercing gaze remained fixed on Ji Wuye, demanding an answer to unlock the truth behind his enigmatic choices.
Almost as if Ji Wuye had been preparing for this moment all along, he finally broke the weighted silence that Elder Qiao had left unspoken for him to fill.
His deep voice carried a calm resonance as he replied, "Even if you trust me, Big Sister, your bond as part of the Kunlun family ultimately ties you to Elder Xia. You trust his judgment, don''t you?"
Ji Wuye''s poignant words struck a chord within Elder Qiao, as if he had precisely hit the crux of the matter.
For a brief moment, her inviting smile froze, the amiable warmth draining from her delicate features. She subtly leaned her cheek to one side, her elegantly arched brows knitting together as a thoughtful expression clouded her countenance.
Before Elder Qiao could respond or even draw a proper breath to counter his astute observation, Ji Wuye extended his arm, slender fingers pointing toward the distant koi pond. His voice remained serene yet carried an undercurrent of conviction.
"Just like this pond, and how these two sides are separated by its banks, I need a bridge to unite them. I need a profound cause¡ªand this is the righteous cause I now represent."
The bridge was his claim of "self-defense," and the ultimate goal had been to decisively injure Elder Xia while solidifying his own burgeoning power and establishing his name among the sects.
This was the calculated core of Ji Wuye''s strategy, and now Elder Qiao could finally see it with striking clarity. The realization brought forth a deep, weary sigh from her as she took in the weight of his measured reasoning.
She closed her eyes momentarily, the gentle flutter of her lashes casting faint shadows on her high cheekbones as she reflected inwardly.
Deep down, she understood the entirety of Ji Wuye''s meticulous plan¡ªexcept for one perplexing outlier that she still struggled to grasp: why he felt the need to so grievously harm the Emei disciple Xing Shufen to such an extreme, merciless degree.
A terse silence hung in the air, only punctuated by the distant trilling of songbirds .
"Then why are you doing all of this alone, Junior?"
Unexpectedly, it was Senior Sister Lian Rougang who suddenly spoke up, her typically demure voice now carrying an uncharacteristic edge. This time, instead of deferentially seeking permission, her intense gaze turned directly toward Ji Wuye, locking onto him with a fervor that surprised even Elder Qiao.
Ji Wuye instinctively straightened his posture, unable to ignore the visible trembling of Lian Rougang''s shoulders and the white-knuckled clench of her jaw as undisguised anger narrowed her eyes into sharp slits¡ªall of her heated emotions now directed squarely at him.
It was a truly rare sight to behold; his Senior Sister Lian regarding him with such a seething expression twisted her usually serene features into something wholly unfamiliar¡ªuncharted territory for their relationship.
Ji Wuye found himself momentarily stunned into stillness by this unexpected turn, struggling to reconcile this fiery side of Lian Rougang that he had never glimpsed before, not even an inkling.
''She''s really, truly angry with me...'' he realized with a start, unable to mask his own surprise at her unrestrained ire.
Even now, he found himself at an uncharacteristic loss for words, momentarily confounded by this jarring development. His Senior Sister Lian had never before openly displayed anger toward him¡ªcertainly not burning with such vehement intensity as this.
"I don''t quite understand, but you have made a promise to me, to tell me first and I''m your Big Sister. What is this?"
Joining the weighty conversation was another of Ji Wuye''s Senior Sisters, Shen Bi. The delicate features of her heart-shaped face were creased with a mixture of worry and consternation as her searching gaze shifted between Ji Wuye and the still-seething Lian Rougang, who had yet to regain her composure.
But then...
"You''ve shared so many of your insights with us about that enigmatic Tower," another voice joined,. "You bravely saved me and the rest of us Sisters with your profound hints. And yet now, you''re inexplicably acting alone on this perilous path."
As if echoing her sentiment, the last of Ji Wuye''s Senior Sisters, Qiu Xia, stepped forward to rejoin the conversation. Her almond-shaped eyes narrowed, fixing Ji Wuye with the same piercing, accusatory stare that Lian Rougang had leveled at him moments before.
''Are we too unreliable to entrust with your burdens?''
If pointed gazes could give voice to unspoken words, this wounded sentiment echoed plainly across the troubled expressions of all three Senior Sisters.
On the other hand, Elder Qiao, who had been silently observing this impassioned scene unfold, finally seemed to arrive at a new understanding. Her full lips curved into a deepening smile, crinkling the corners of her eyes into amused slits as a spark of realization danced within their emerald depths.
''Ah, how interesting. So very interesting indeed!'' Her mental epiphany was almost giddy as the final pieces clicked into place. ''Now I understand... why you did that to the girl from Emei.''