Within seconds Jian Yi panicked, panicking so hard that his heart practically jumped out of his throat, panicking so hard that he didn’t know where to put his hands. Wen Xuan still remained resting against his embrace. Both of his hands pushed up slightly on Jian Yi’s body as he looked Jian Yi directly in the eyes.
“Jian shidi?” After quite a while, Wen Xuan finally let out a somewhat befuddled voice.
This confusion made Jian Yi’s heart relax abruptly. Lucky for him, even though Wen Xuan opened his eyes, he was still only half conscious.
“It’s me.” Jian Yi quickly nodded.
Wen Xuan held his hands and gave a relieved expression. Then, he closed his eyes in Jian Yi’s arms again. However, this time, he didn’t fall back to sleep. Instead, he recounted in a quiet voice: “I had a dream.”
…….should be a nightmare, right? Jian Yi squeezed Wen Xuan’s palms back. Thinking about the other’s furrowed brows just now, he remained silent and wordless.
“In the dream… there were many red things……” Wen Xuan continued to recount slowly: “There was something crushing down on me from above, very heavy… and there was something flowing down, warm and crimson, with a pungent smell… and also somewhat sticky……”
This kind of feeling made him think of some not so pleasant things, making his stomach churn uncomfortably. His face color became more ill looking.
“Shixiong,” Jian Yi rubbed the middle of Wen Xuan’s brows and soothed him in a soft voice: “It’s all in the past now.”
Wen Xuan suddenly remembered. Actually when he was a child, he’d often have this dream. At that time, he didn’t feel as bad as he did right now. Only a numb annoyance, as if he was seeing a certain something from his deep memories. It wasn’t until Chu Lian learned about this happening, and unprecedentedly stayed with him by his bedside for an entire night, that he stopped having this experience.
The torment of dropping through the boundaries between two cultivation levels seemed to have broken a certain seal within his body and resulted in this dream sequence resurfacing.
“Don’t think about those things anymore, shixiong.” Jian Yi lightly patted him on the back, again and again: “Get a good rest. You’re only too tired.”
Being patted lightly like this, Wen Xuan’s heart gradually calmed down. Weariness also finally emerged once again.
But before he returned to sleep, he pressed his lips together, extended the tip of his tongue and licked the slightly moist area on his lips.
Jian Yi’s palm abruptly stiffened.
Just like this, Wen Xuan sank back into dreamland, releasing the sound of steady breathing.
Jian Yi’s cheeks gradually heated up again little by little, like they were being cooked by fire, scalding to touch. Surely Wen Xuan felt his little movement from before. But because the other was confused by the scene in his dream, he didn’t know Jian Yi was the actual culprit.
Instantly, Jian Yi didn’t dare to try anything else. He hastily finished what needed to be done. Even after he finished helping Wen Xuan change into fresh clothes, his heart still beat like thunder. He didn’t dare to move his gaze back onto Wen Xuan.
By this time, the sky was quite dark outside. Jian Yi was also somewhat tired. However this room only had this one bed. He didn’t dare to continue staying close to Wen Xuan, so ended up spending the night in a corner hugging some clothes.
Some unknown moments later, in the middle of his deep sleep, Jian Yi felt himself being lifted up by someone.
He struggled to open his eyes, but failed.
Therefore, when Jian Yi finally woke up from his dream in the morning, he found himself lying comfortably in bed in the end, having slept there for who knows how many hours.
Wen Xuan sat at the bedside, wearing the clothes that Jian Yi changed for him yesterday, and was currently smiling at him: “Awake?”
Jian Yi instantly jumped up a meter high and slammed right into the ceiling. With a pained yell, he fell over and quickly covered his head with his hands. His two legs kicked as he involuntarily curled up against the wall: “Shi shi shi shi shixiong……”
Wen Xuan was stunned by Jian Yi’s reaction, his smile freezing on his face: “Did you have to do that?”
“No, it’s not that……” Jian Yi rubbed the bump on top of his head: “Shixiong, yesterday… yesterday I slept right here? You… you also slept here?”
“That’s right. What’s the matter with that?” Wen Xuan looked at him with the corner of his eyes: “Why are you reacting like a girl or something.”
Jian Yi had troubles he couldn’t speak of. He can only relentlessly evade Wen Xuan’s gaze. His whole face was completely red again.
After a long while, he finally said in a mosquito-like voice: “Let’s not talk about this, shixiong. Yesterday you almost scared me to death. Are you better now?”
Wen Xuan shook his head exasperatedly and held out both hands: “What do you think?”
Jian Yi finally moved his gaze back over and meticulously examined Wen Xuan up and down. Very clearly, Wen Xuan already woke up from his unconscious state. His facial complexion was much better than yesterday. Then, Jian Yi quietly got up, and touched the other’s forehead. As expected, even Wen Xuan’s fever has retreated.
Jian Yi let out a breath of relief: “That’s really great.”
Wen Xuan smiled but didn’t actually agree with him. The helplessness in his smile grew another level deeper.
Of course, in comparison to yesterday’s horrendous state, he was indeed much better. The spiritual energies causing chaos in his body have already dissipated. Nevertheless, towards his current state, he still had an unaccustomed feeling coming in waves.
“Am I very different from before?” He asked.
Jian Yi froze. He felt the spiritual energy that Wen Xuan emitted, then his expression gained a hint of cautiousness. He carefully said comfortingly: “This is only temporary. It won’t take long. You’ll definitely return to your original cultivation level.”
That’s right. Abruptly falling from yuan gathering back to foundation building, things were definitely different. However, what Wen Xuan wanted to ask was not this.
“Do I look much older?” He asked again more directly.
Jian Yi froze again, expression instantly changing subtly.
The longevity of foundation building was only a hundred years. Wen Xuan already spent about half of those years. Speaking logically, he really wasn’t young anymore. But to ask if he looked old, this…this… this was completely unrelated. Normally, a foundation building cultivator needed to reach at least 60 before their body began to deteriorate.
For Wen Xuan to actually worry about this issue was actually outside of Jian Yi’s expectations.
“Not at all.” Jian Yi replied seriously and incomparably earnestly: “You don’t look much older than me.”
As he just finished saying this, a gust of wind just happened to blow through the window from outside, blowing loose Wen Xuan’s head full of black hair and instantly revealing some white hair at his temple.
Wen Xuan remained smiling. But this smile accompanying the sight of those white hair made Jian’s heart twist abruptly. Instantly, he felt like the answer he gave previously sounded like a kind of satire.
“As long as it’s not outwardly apparent.” Wen Xuan swept back the hair at his temple with his fingertips, and brushed the black and white hair behind his ear. His tone still carried a slight optimism: “I have at least ten years. If I don’t manage to advance after 10 years, then things will really get tough.”
Anyone could hear, this optimism of his was actually filled with worry.
“Why ten years?” Jian Yi said hastily: “With shixiong’s natural potential, to merely go from foundation building to yuan gathering, don’t even talk about ten years, even five years, three years would be too long!”
“You can really talk big, kid.” Wen Xuan didn’t know if he should laugh or cry: “Did you forget how many years it took me to climb from foundation building to yuan gathering before?”
“That’s completely because of the defect in your cultivation method.” Jian Yi’s face was completely tight, don’t mention how earnest he looked: “If it weren’t for the fact that you never found a suitable cultivation method, shixiong, how would you have been delayed for so long?”
This was true. Wen Xuan nodded.
But the cultivation method that he couldn’t find for so many years prior, was he supposed to find it very easily now? At first, Wen Xuan decided to stake everything because he held a gleam of hope towards Chu Lian. He hoped that Chu Lian could lend him a hand. But Chu Lian didn’t actually reply to his plea. In an instant, his forward path, once again, has become unclear and clouded.
These words Wen Xuan didn’t actually say out loud, but his gaze really made it easy for people to understand.
In face of Wen Xuan’s concerns, Jian Yi smiled with his eyes narrowing in pleasure. Whenever he encountered a situation he had control over, his appearance would gain new confidence, shedding his youthful panic and helplessness. He emitted an aura from all over his body like he had a trick up his sleeves as he said calmly and convincingly: “Shixiong, yesterday when you were still unconscious, Daoist Master Chu asked you to go find him once you wake up. You should go chat with him first. You might receive a pleasant surprise.”
Wen Xuan felt rather skeptical about this. But since he had an appointment to meet his great shifu, he can only quickly tidy up and gather his courage to answer the summons.
Even as he knelt on the ground in greeting, he was still anxious and restless in his heart.
Especially since Chu Lian sat unfaltering above him, one leg thrown over the other, looking utterly high and mighty. The gaze he used to look down upon Wen Xuan even carried a hint of disdain.
We’re sorry for MTLers or people who like using reading mode, but our translations keep getting stolen by aggregators so we’re going to bring back the copy protection. If you need to MTL please retype the gibberish parts.
Using this disdainful look, he examined Wen Xuan up and down. After making certain that the other had recovered from that horrendous state before, Chu Lian finally spoke in an unhurried and composed manner: “Did you know, I’ve always disliked you.”
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Startled, Wen Xuan couldn’t stop his hands from trembling. Although he knew Chu Lian never had positive feelings towards him, he never imagined it’d be negative to this extent.
“But…….” Chu Lian dragged long on this word and added a twist to their conversation.
Wen Xuan lifted his head, patiently waiting for this change.
However, when Chu Lian saw Wen Xuan’s face, he lifted his hand and smacked heavily on the handrest of his chair. Then, he lifted his hand and smacked the other handrest of his chair. In the end, he still couldn’t say ‘but you’re still my student’ out loud.
Therefore, this twist just cut off here. Chu Lian forcibly changed the conversation: “You want to find a cultivation method that will allow you to keep advancing?”
This question really asked directly into the bottom of Wen Xuan’s heart. Instantly, his hands tightened into fists. His entire heart lifted as his breathing increased in pace.
Wen Xuan violently bowed his head to the ground and gave an attempt that was impossible to abandon no matter how many countless failures before: “Please help me, shifu.”
This time, Chu Lian did not refuse resolutely, but rather fell silent.
Chu Lian fell silent for a very long time.
So long that Wen Xuan couldn’t resist lifting his head. He saw Chu Lian looking at a jade slip in his hand that he pulled out sometime along the way and was currently caressing it extremely fondly.
The gaze that Chu Lian used to look at this jade slip was filled with yearning, like he was looking at a deceased lover.
Finally, Chu Lian said slowly: “When you were unconscious yesterday, many disciples from the Water Cloud Sect came to plead leniency for you. They knelt at the foot of this Daiyun peak, probably about half present”
Wen Xuan was slightly stunned. A warmth instantly crossed his heart.
“You brat, ” Chu Lian lifted his eyes to look at him: “Having stayed here all these years, your popularity isn’t bad.”
“It’s just exchanging sincerity with sincerity.” With a smile on the corner of his mouth, Wen Xuan answered extremely truthfully.
“Do you think you’re a good person? A very good person?” Chu Lian scoffed coldly: “Who do you think, gave you all of these human attributes?”
These words Wen Xuan couldn’t understand. His eyes couldn’t help but turn confused.
In the end, Chu Lian squeezed that jade slip in his hand tightly again, then raised his hand and tossed that jade slip before Wen Xuan.
Wen Xuan picked it up. He was just about to read it when Chu Lian spoke up again.
“Think about it carefully.” Chu Lian leaned back on his chair and pointed at himself: “Once you read this jade slip, you will no longer be my disciple.”
Wen Xuan’s movement instantly paused as he looked startled at Chu Lian: “Shifu, do you plan to expel me?”
“Figuratively speaking, it doesn’t matter. I’m talking about in reality. In any case, if you read this jade slip, I will no longer look after you ever again in the future.” Chu Lian sank into his chair, the corner of his eyes and brows revealing a hint of exhaustion: “I won’t be capable of looking after you anyways.”
Wen Xuan moved his startled gaze onto the jade slip. This was only a normal looking jade slip, its appearance extremely common. It only looked very smooth and glossy due to someone caressing it fondly over many, many years. But for Chu Lian to be able to say those words, Wen Xuan knew that the content of this jade slip definitely wasn’t ordinary.
“…….what’s inside?” Wen Xuan asked.
Chu Lian pressed his mouth into a line and didn’t tell him.
Therefore, Wen Xuan turned this jade slip back and forth in his hand. Looking at it for quite a while, he still was unable to make a decision. Chu Lian couldn’t help but feel amused. They’ve always interacted like this as teacher and disciple. Logically speaking, Wen Xuan should have been eagerly looking forward to getting rid of a shifu like him a long ago. Yet now that the time has come, Wen Xuan still chose to hesitate for this long.
“Shifu,” After hesitating, Wen Xuan suddenly said: “I once…. resented you.”
“Isn’t that normal?” Chu Lian said lazily.
Wen Xuan smiled bitterly: “If someone asked me to pick the one person I resented in this world, that would be you.”
Oh? This fact was rather unexpected. Chu Lian gained a bit more interest.
“I…was brought back to the Water Cloud Sect by you. Since I was small, I have no knowledge of who my parents were. I only knew you were my shifu.” Wen Xuan’s voice was very small, tone very slow. Since he was young, he always considered Water Cloud Sect to be his family. His shifu, Chu Lian, took the spot of his father undoubtedly in his heart.
Human emotions were really a strange thing. If anyone casually treated him with even a slight kindness, he’d feel deeply grateful. And the closer that person was in his heart, the more he considered the other should automatically treat him a little better. If they didn’t treat him well, then that’s what generated resentment in his heart.
In his heart, he resented this father who ignored and dismissed him, resented for many years. As for other people, no matter how they treated him, he’s never resented them this deeply before.
But once Wen Xuan and Chu Lian break off the relationship between the two of them, Wen Xuan won’t even have a reason to resent him any more.
“Shifu,” Wen Xuan squeezed the jade slip in his hand and said to himself: “Is the reason why you never wanted me to advance, the reason why you want me to die at the end of foundation building in this?”
He put the jade slip into his sleeve, then gave Chu Lian a kowtow, then another one, a total of three times, as farewell to this shifu of his.
Then, he got up and turned to leave.
“Wait,” Chu Lian saw his departing figure and suddenly, a strange impulse rose in his heart. He abruptly halted Wen Xuan: “Since you have yet to read it, I can still leave you with a few more words.”
When Wen Xuan actually stopped and looked back over, Chu Lian suddenly felt that clearly, he had many things to say, but he didn’t know where to begin.
Thinking for a moment, he decided to still talk about that thing. That….en….important life business.
“What kind of relationship do you have with that Jian kid at the moment?”
“Jian shidi?” Wen Xuan was slightly surprised: “Aren’t we just… a shixiong to shidi relationship?”
Chu Lian laughed coldly, thinking in his heart, ‘you’re still trying to conceal it from me. You guys even kissed on the mouth. And you were laying so happily in his arms last night. Doing those kinds of things right under my eyes, did you think I wouldn’t know?’
“Just a little closer than normal shixiong to shidi, that’s all.” Wen Xuan saw Chu Lian’s expression was strange, so he added some more: “After all, he treats me well from the bottom of his heart. It’s only right that I return his sincerity.”
Chu Lian nodded, saying to himself inside, ‘that sounded much better’: “I know you well. Since you are already certain about him, then you must plan to spend the rest of your life with him.”
Logically speaking, he disliked Jian Yi, but it just happened that he also disliked Wen Xuan. Therefore, he didn’t bother to interfere much. As long as the two can live well together in the future.
With the attitude of someone with past experiences, Chu Lian instructed earnestly: “The road before you two is not an easy path. Two men seem to co-exist better than a man and a woman, but actually friction can result easier. If you guys encounter anything in the future, don’t be too stubborn with each other. If you can give a little, then take a step back. This will help you stay together longer and go even further.”
Wen Xuan stood where he was, stunned for a moment. Then, he slowly nodded his head: “Many thanks for your warning, shifu.” His eyes still carried some hints of confusion.
Chu Lian finally waved and let Wen Xuan leave.
Once Wen Xuan’s figure disappeared, he closed both of his eyes. In an instant, he looked as if he had unloaded a heavy burden: “ShengGe, the disciple you wanted to take, I’ve already raised in your place for this long. This is where I have to stop.”
Meanwhile, on the road, Wen Xuan took out that jade slip and sent his divine sense into it as he walked.
The first thing that he read was some words left to him by Chu Lian. The words were written large and somewhat sloppily: “If you continue on this path, one day you’ll discover that someone left a certain something in your body. That’s for your protection and it affects you greatly. Make sure not to pry it open hastily.”
These words were really strange and even felt a little off, as if it was written in a hurry some time recently. Not to mention, in writing these words, Chu Lian was full of hesitation.
Wen Xuan had a bewildered look. He didn’t even get a chance to ponder for a moment before these parting words dissipated into particles of light, revealing the real content of the jade slip. Reading further, this clearly was no longer Chu Lian’s writing. As for who exactly it was, Wen Xuan wasn’t clear. It wasn’t anything he’s seen before. The writing style was extremely graceful, yet also filled with a powerful vigor.
When he quietly read the content inside, both of Wen Xuan’s eyes instantly lit up. The hand he used to hold the jade slip couldn’t help but tremble nonstop.
Originally Wen Xuan thought that what was recorded in this jade slip should be some secrets related to where he came from. But who would have thought, this was actually a cultivation method!
The cultivation method that he’s been looking all over for!
Wen Xuan’s breathing became heavier in a flash. He couldn’t resist picking up his pace, wanting to rush back to the abode.
“Jian shidi! I……” He wanted to share this good news with Jian Yi immediately: “I got it!”
When he stepped into the room, his footsteps immediately halted. Jian Yi was circulating his qi in the middle of the room. The spiritual energy circled around his body, entering his acupoints and traveling through his meridians. He just happened to be entering a crucial juncture.
Wen Xuan held his breath and stood at the doorway, watching in concern.
He still remembered when he first encountered Jian Yi not long ago. Jian Yi was still only in the late qi refining stage. Although there was only a fine distinction between late qi refining and peak qi refining stage, most people often needed years. Yet at this moment, in mere days. Jian Yi already looked like he was about to reach the peak qi refining stage.
Moments later, Wen Xuan smiled slightly. Then he quietly walked over to the head of the bed and started to continue studying the content of the jade slip over there.
Although the cultivation method on this jade slip didn’t go into specific details, but with just one glance, Wen Xuan had a faint feeling. This was a cultivation method that a top quality water root can use. This kind of feeling was hard to describe, but it was like a thread of mysterious light appearing in his heart amidst pitch darkness.
Reading even more carefully, the astonishment he felt grew deeper.
This cultivation method was not only a method that can be used by a top quality water root, it’s also similar to the cultivation method that Chu Lian had taught him many years ago before the other left the Water Cloud Sect. That was the method that helped Wen Xuan breakthrough from qi refining stage into foundation building stage. These two methods seemed to come from the same origin because they had the same basics.
The most likely possibility was that they were actually the same cultivation method, just part 1 and part 2.
The implications behind this reality were really too much. Although the number of cultivation methods top quality water root can use was rare, there must be more than just this one set. For Chu Lian to be able to give both of these two parts to Wen Xuan, it only confirmed the fact that since the first day Chu Lian led Wen Xuan down the path of Dao, he’s had this cultivation method in his hands from the start.
Meanwhile one portion of it was enough to guide a qi refining user into foundation building. The entire manual can allow a top quality water root to cultivate to– Wen Xuan flipped to the end, it’s enough to cultivate to nascent soul. The price and difficulty of obtaining this kind of method must be astronomical.
The low chance of finding this kind of complete cultivation method set was comparable to the chance of finding a top quality water root cultivator like Wen Xuan.
Yet both were found by Chu Lian. This was something that was very hard to use ‘coincidence’ to explain.
Wen Xuan’s eyebrows furrowed. After he pondered for quite a while, he inevitably shook his head and smiled. He placed his focus back onto the jade slip. He recalled the words Chu Lian left for him and thought to himself, ‘once he started cultivating this method and reached an even higher cultivation level, he’d probably find out more about the secrets behind everything’.
The origin of this cultivation method, his own identity, Chu Lian’s words, the unknown person who left some unknown thing in his body. These were all things he wanted to know. They were all very much related to him. All of these questions have become a motivational force, making him want to advance further, the faster the better.
However, to rely on this hard to come by cultivation method in order to reach the yuan gathering stage again wouldn’t be an easy task…..
After deliberating for a long time, Wen Xuan finally opened his eyes.
At the same time, Jian Yi, who was sitting in another corner of the room, abruptly gave a light shake. The spiritual energy in the surrounding also trembled in response, creating a ripple in the air.
This was the sign of reaching peak qi refining stage.
Jian Yi also opened his eyes, a look of pleasant surprise on his face.
“Congratulations, Jian shidi.” Wen Xuan said smiling: “It’s only been a few days and you’ve successfully reached peak qi refining. This also counts as having a genius talent.”
As soon as Jian Yi saw Wen Xuan, his face immediately turned red as he said humbly: “It’s only good luck, that’s all. How can I even compare with you, shixiong.”
Speaking here, Jian Yi caught sight of the jade slip in Wen Xuan’s hand. His eyes instantly lit up: “Could that be……”
“You really guessed correctly. The result of this chat with shifu was extremely rewarding.” Speaking to this point, Wen Xuan remembered that he already cut off relations with Chu Lian as teacher and disciple and couldn’t help but pause briefly. Then he acted natural and smiled, stroking the jade strip: “I’ve finally achieved my years long wish.”
Jian Yi heard this and unsurprisingly became extremely happy. He hopped over to Wen Xuan instantly, right hand unconsciously reaching out to the jade slip. However, extending half way, he caught himself, and instantly withdrew his hand in embarrassment.
However, Wen Xuan didn’t guard against him. Seeing the other’s action, Wen Xuan stuffed the jade slip in Jian Yi’s hand with a smile.
Jian Yi placed his divine sense into the jade slip for a look. His originally jubilant expression suddenly froze on his face and his expression changed subtly.
“What?” Wen Xuan asked him: “Is there something wrong?”
“Nothing is wrong. It’s just the first time I’ve seen such a profound cultivation method. I accidentally got lost in thought.” Jian Yi explained vaguely with a smile, then returned the jade slip back to Wen Xuan: “Shixiong, this cultivation method is really extremely precious. It’s fine if it’s me, but you definitely shouldn’t let others see it.”
Wen Xuan lightly swiped the tip of Jian Yi’s nose: “I’m only showing it to you.”
Jian Yi instantly turned bashful and moved his gaze away again. However, he was incomparably overjoyed in his heart, as if it was filled with blooming mountain flowers.
In this happiness, he heard Wen Xuan suddenly say: “Jian shidi, you just entered the inner school. There’s many things you must arrange. I can accompany you for a few more days, then I have to leave the Sect and go on a journey.”
Jian Yi was startled, not expecting Wen Xuan to forsake the Sect and leave already.
In the end, it was Jian Yi who misunderstood. He saw Wen Xuan furrow his brows and use the joint of his finger to tap on that jade slip: “Many of the things needed in this can’t be found within the Sect. Don’t even mention within the sect, some I might even have to go out of the North Ning Continent to find.”
So it’s like this. Jian Yi instantly understood.
For cultivators to march into a new cultivation level, other than improving their own cultivation, they often required many other items for assistance. Exactly what kind of specific items were required, it was different for every cultivation method. The method in Wen Xuan’s hands right now required items that were really hard to obtain. Who knows how many treasures were listed there. One really had to go out and search for them carefully.
There were even many materials that Wen Xuan had never even seen before. The pressure was huge…… However, when he remembered that this was for the sake of returning to the yuan gathering stage, Wen Xuan was filled with fighting spirit again.
“Shixiong.” Jian Yi said resolutely: “If you are leaving, then I must accompany you.”
“Why must you follow me and run around blindly all day?” Wen Xuan’s brows furrowed. Clearly he didn’t approve: “You have your own cultivation to worry about. You can’t keep dallying yourself for my sake.”
“It’s not a problem.” Jian Yi presented the facts and his reasoning: “Haven’t I been running around with you the last few days? Yet I still reached peak qi refining stage today.”
Wen Xuan found himself speechless.
“And plus, I’m almost going to be foundation building as well.” Jian Yi continued: “When that time comes, we’ll both be foundation building. Wouldn’t we be perfect travel companions? We can even compete and see which of us will reach yuan gathering first.”
“You brat……” Wen Xuan was exasperated: “You just reached peak qi refining, now you’re saying you’re about to be foundation building?”
“It won’t be more than a few days. Shixiong, you can sit tight and wait for my result!” Jian Yi said extremely confidently.
Wen Xuan practically didn’t know if he should laugh or cry.
The following reasons that Jian Yi continued to list made Wen Xuan couldn’t help but consider seriously.
“And plus, if you leave the sect, shixiong, doesn’t that mean you’ll be leaving me here alone?” Jian Yi expressed: “Shixiong, it’s not like you don’t know. There are many people in the Water Cloud Sect who aren’t very pleased to see me. Not to mention, yesterday I just offended that grand Sect Leader. If you leave now, shixiong, who can protect me? Wouldn’t this undoubtedly lead to others bullying me!”
Was there really that many people who weren’t happy to see Jian Yi in the Water Cloud Sect, Wen Xuan wasn’t sure. But the fact that Jian Yi offended the Sect Leader, Jizi Ang, yesterday…… Wen Xuan was pretty well aware of.
“Sect Leader shishu…… wouldn’t go as far as to……” Wen Xuan said quietly, but even he wasn’t confident.
Before, Wen Xuan was extremely respectful towards Jizi Ang, not only because Jizi Ang was the Water Cloud sect’s Sect Leader, but even more so because Jizi Ang lended him aid when he needed help the most. Therefore, he remembered that kindness all along.
But after experiencing the events in the last few days, he already overturned all of his understanding towards Jizi Ang previously. The reason why Jizi Ang gave him a cultivation method back then was because the other had ulterior motives. This was enough to make his feelings of gratitude dissipate in the air like clouds. And it was also a big blow to Wen Xuan’s respect towards him. Nevertheless, even if the previous understanding was overturned, his new evaluation of Jizi Ang hasn’t been formed yet. Currently, Wen Xuan also didn’t know what to make of this Sect Leader.
However, one thing was certain. Even if Jizi Ang wanted to cause trouble for Jian Yi, he must first find a suitable reason. After all, it didn’t matter what this person was plotting inside, he still carefully maintained a good outer appearance.
“This journey might be very dangerous. If you follow me, it might not be safer than staying in the sect.” Wen Xuan hesitated a bit while longer. In the end, he got up and said: “Since I plan to leave the sect, I have to say farewell to the Sect Leader. I’ll take this chance to go discuss with him.”
When Wen Xuan finally left Daiyun Peak, all of the disciples he met on the road ran off to spread the news.
Soon after, even more disciples came running over one by one. Maybe they came to confirm that he was safe and sound, or maybe they came to comfort him, or encourage him, or express that they still supported him. Everyone was aware of Wen Xuan’s change, but they all carefully avoided this topic and did their best to act the same as before while they interacted with Wen Xuan.
Occasionally there were some disciples who didn’t like Wen Xuan and wanted to mock him for a bit. But they were all stopped first by other disciples.
In the middle of his journey, another group of shimeis blocked Wen Xuan’s road. Then, one of them stuffed a basket of spiritual fruits in his arms and quietly said ‘shixiong, do you best,’ before running off with a reddened face.
Wen Xuan looked at the fruit basket in his arms. His smile carried a hint of exasperation, but even more, sentimental.
Even if the Sect Leader wasn’t the Sect Leader he had originally thought, the sect was still the sect that he was familiar with. His shidis and shimeis were still the same kind of adorable.
Carrying this sentimental feeling, he arrived in the big hall and sent a message to ask for entry. The situation he saw in the big hall was like a cold bucket of water being poured over his head.
Even though he already anticipated that maybe the Sect Leader might cause trouble for Jian Yi, Wen Xuan never imagined the other would act this quickly. Inside the inner hall was not only the Sect Leader himself. There were also several yuan gathering elders meeting together, having a heated discussion.
At the moment, Jizi Ang was…… sitting high above, not saying a word.
One elder, however, was currently stating vehemently below: “Clearly they’re all outer school disciples, so why is one allowed into the inner school just because he wants to enter the inner school? This is unfair! Begging the Sect Leader reflect on this decision clearly and expel that disciple back to the outer school! Wait, no, this kind of disciple who refuses to abide by the rules should directly be removed from the sect!”
Jizi Ang stroked his beard, mumbled to himself for a moment, then abruptly glanced at Wen Xuan. He instantly beamed in delight: “Xuan-er. You came just in time. Take a look. Just because of that Jian kid you drew into the inner school last time, all of the elders here have been yelling at me. Come here quickly and reason with them.”
This was how Wen Xuan was pushed onto the center stage.
Before when he was also yuan gathering, these elders were at least somewhat courteous to him. Now that he’d fallen back to foundation building, that courteousness was completely gone. The rather vehement elder from before pointed right in Wen Xuan’s face and started berating him. To summarize briefly, he was just saying how Wen Xuan must have received some unknown benefit from Jian Yi so he aided the other and broke such a big rule, and how it really sullied his title as head disciple.
The other elders all agreed in succession, adding in words here and there.
“The 2nd son of the Zhang clan is such a hardworking and diligent person. Yet at the moment, he’s still waiting peacefully in the outer school for the end of the year exam.”
“And the 3rd son of the Chen clan. His natural gift is extremely high, but because he didn’t arrive in time for last year’s end of the year examination, he has spent over half a year in the outer school so far.”
“All of these talented individuals are all still in the outer school. How come with only a casual word from you, you can stuff some insignificant brat from who knows where into the inner school?”
“That’s right! Even my family’s grandson is still in the outer school today! If a backdoor can be opened this easily, why don’t I shamelessly ask the Sect Leader to also bring my grandson in here as well?”
“Not compliant with the rules! Not compliant with the rules!”
“If this rule gets messed up, the Sect exam will become a joke! You’ve really become the sect’s lawbreaker!”
Like this, Wen Xuan was attacked from all sides, scolded where he stood in the middle of the group of elders. It was even hard to find a chance to refute.
If it was before, he might not have thought much about it. However, after the things he has experienced, then looking at the way Jizi Ang sat to the side, watching everything with the eyes of a bystander, how could Wen Xuan not know where this belligerence was coming from?
Back then, Jizi Ang gave his approval. No matter what reason the reason was, in the end, he gave his approval. Now, just because he felt Jian Yi’s presence was irksome, and felt that Wen Xuan was no longer of value, he wanted to renege on his previous decision. Therefore, he incited these elders to come and perform this show. Not only did he plan to renege, he planned to push all of the blame on Wen Xuan’s head.
However, Wen Xuan didn’t feel wronged, not even a hint of anger. He only felt scorn.
At first, he did his best to mediate in between.
“The big contest between the mystical sects is in 3 years. Irregular times call for irregular events.” “I’ve seen Jian shidi’s skills with my own eyes. He definitely has the qualifications to enter the inner school. The reason why I put forth the suggestion to the Sect Leader to allow Jian shidi to enter the inner school earlier was because I feel like Jian shidi’s potential is hard to come by and shouldn’t be dallied.” “Sect Leader once sent Elder Qi to observe his performance, isn’t that a type of exam?” “Not to mention, Jian shidi has reached peak qi refining stage already, he’s not far from foundation building.”
These elders, however, continued to jabber on, pressing hard step by step, not letting up the least.
“So what if he’s almost foundation building? Are there no foundation building disciples in the outer school? Trash in the foundation building stage is still trash!”
“Irregular times call for irregular events. If he has the qualifications, then that means he can enter? Then what about the 2nd son of the Zhang clan or the 3rd son of the Chen clan? Are they less capable than that Jian kid? Why don’t you ‘irregular event’ them as well?” “Haha, Elder Qi……”
Not only were they questioning Jian Yi’s abilities. When mentioning Qi Jibai, their tone also carried a certain contempt.
Therefore gradually, Wen Xuan stopped arguing with them. He only stood there with his hands behind his back, a slight smile on his face as he watched to see how long they planned to jabber on for.
Such a faint smile, actually looked rather intimidating.
Being watched by him like this, finally an elder couldn’t help but shut their mouth. Then a second one, a third one. A moment later, it actually completely quieted down.
“Done talking?” Wen Xuan looked at them with a smile.
“So what if we’re done talking. In the end, no matter what, the reason is on our side……”
“What reason? That 2nd son of the Zhang clan? Or that 3rd son of the Chen clan? Just because they’re still in the outer school right now, it means that Jian shidi can’t enter the inner school? Your reasoning is nothing but this.” Wen Xuan walked step by step in front of the elder who spoke: “But what rights do you guys have to say that Jian shidi is inferior to them? I’m here to tell you today! None of their skills can even compare with Jian shidi’s skills!”
He suddenly became overbearing, forcing the person in front of him to back up a step involuntarily.
However, another elder to the side said: “You say he has the capability, so he has the capability? If he wasn’t an incapable piece of trash, why does he need to go through this back door?”
Wen Xuan instantly turned around, his gaze shooting daggers towards that person.
He remembered this guy. The person who called Jian Yi trash before was also this guy. Wen Xuan remembered him deeply.
“Trash?” Wen Xuan laughed coldly: “If Jian shidi was trash, then I really don’t know what to call that precious grandson of yours.” Normally, he wouldn’t say these kinds of words, but today he was really pissed off.
“You……” The vein on that Elder’s face instantly jumped.
“Nagging on and on for this long, isn’t it just because you think your grandson is more capable than Jian shidi?” Wen Xuan continued to say leisurely, tone full of ridicule: “Why don’t you have your grandson compete with Jian shidi? I just don’t know if you have the guts or if your grandson has the guts.”
“Xuan-er.” Jizi Ang watched this drama unfold to this point, and finally stepped forward to intervene: “If you have something to say, then say it properly. Why are you this angry?”
Angry? Wen Xuan was indeed angry now. He was about to explode in fury.
However, he still carried a faint smile on his face: “Why would I be angry? All of the elders’ words aren’t completely without reason. They’ve just never seen Jian shidi before and don’t understand why Jian shidi has the qualifications to enter the inner school, that’s all. I feel like there’s a very easy method to resolving this issue.”
Then, he turned around. His gaze slid across every single one of the elders and then landed on the Sect Leader, Jizi Ang’s face.
“We just need to set up an arena, let you guys watch these people all go up and have a match, and see who’s standing in the end. That’s all.”
Finished speaking, Wen Xuan placed both hands behind his back, then strolled casually out. Not even taking two steps, he heard the sound of discussion behind his back.
“That’s right. We should just set up an arena. That way a certain incapable person won’t be praised like they were capable and occupy the inner school resources for free.”
“Oh, that’s right.” Wen Xuan abruptly turned around and said with a slight smile: “If you guys are worried that Jian shidi might be an eyesore in the future, don’t worry at all. Soon, he will accompany me on a long journey away from the sect. However, if you’re worried about the inner school’s resources, sorry. Those resources are what he deserves. He has the rights to them.”
Wen Xuan almost forgot. Jian Yi just entered the inner school. There were plenty of benefits that he could collect. Before they left on the journey, they definitely can’t forget this.
And also himself. He’s been in this sect all these years. Who knows how many benefits he hasn’t collected yet. When he went back, he’s getting them all. Nothing that should have been his will be left behind.
As for these assholes…… how dare they question his Jian shidi’s abilities?
Haha. In a second, he’ll be taking out all of the magic tools he put away in his storage safe and arming Jian shidi from top to bottom. He’ll let Jian Yi beat up that 2nd son of Zhang, 3rd son of Chen, and the stupid grandson of that Elder over there, until their teeth scattered all over the floor.
Thank You for the chapter (ღゝ◡╹)ノ♡
so protective haha
Darling, please realize you have a crush on Jian Yi… Regular Shixiongs and Shidis don’t cuddle and cry out for each other when they’re on their death beds, nor do they get that angry when people are rude to them—
Yaasss the whole time i was like, Wen Xuan aren’t you tired of being nice? Don’t you just wanna go apeshit?? And he finally did (kinda)!!!
Tho i think he just want ppl to be nicer, they just won’t so he has to be the one to go bonkers 😩
Wen Xuan woke up and chose violence, and I support him
Obrigada pela tradução ♥️🛐
Nice to see how his character developed! Finally he won’t let all these people push him around
Bros personality did a 180 holyf-
Me: Ahhh I love hi-
Xiao Jian: Hm?
Me: Hints! I love hints!
That change that statement of yours really fast sighs impeccable transition 👏👏👏
Finally! Our Mc finally showed his teeth. This anger in my heart is finally vented…
Thanks for the chapter! Being nice only gets you eaten by piranhas…
This is so refreshing, it was time MC stopped being a doormat
Wen shixiong so confident.
I like it
Loved this protectiveness! If Chu Lian knows, maybe he’ll be somewhat agree and be proud too!
😂 😂 😂 I look forward to seeing them get whopped till they cry for their mama
So chu Lian and ShenGe were something? Cute…but sad he died.