Chapter 52

Our Discord Server: https://discord.gg/PazjBDkTmW

Chapter 52: Fire Beast

Su Muyu’s expression darkened. If the old Yu Youwei had said this, she might have dismissed it as childish. But the current Yu Youwei was no longer the same.

She had mastered the Xuanyuan True Method and become the heir to the sect master, holding significant influence within the Xuanyuan Sect. If she ascended to the position of sect master, it would undoubtedly spell disaster for either the Xuanyuan Sect or the royal family of the Yan Kingdom.

The royal family held no significant advantage. While they controlled Tianyuan Academy, if war broke out with the Xuanyuan Sect, many of the academy’s cultivators might choose neutrality—or worse, betrayal.

“Three years from now, it’s equally possible your Xuanyuan Sect will be destroyed!”

Yi Qianmo spoke with confidence, certain that he could easily defeat Yu Youwei—and perhaps even the entire Xuanyuan Sect—within three years.

The cultivators of the Xuanyuan Sect frowned slightly at his bold declaration but dismissed it as mere arrogance. Despite his talent, the idea of challenging their ancient sect single-handedly seemed laughable.

“Since we’ve agreed to this three-year pact, we must establish rules. I trust no one will resort to underhanded tactics during this time,” Minister Professor Yu interjected.

“We agree,” Elder Wu replied.

“One more condition,” Su Muyu added firmly. “If anything happens to my fiancé’s family during these three years, regardless of who’s responsible, the royal family of the Yan Kingdom will not rest until Xuanyuan Sect is destroyed!”

The Xuanyuan cultivators frowned in unison. Elder Wu glanced at Yu Youwei, who scoffed.

“It makes no difference whether they live or die now or in three years. Let them cling to their pitiful existence in fear for three years; it’s fine,” Yu Youwei said coldly.

With that, she turned and left, her people following behind. The two swords that had been clashing earlier retreated into the distance.

Both sides had no desire for an all-out battle now. Though the Xuanyuan Sect was the strongest among the four great sects, a war with Tianyuan Academy would only benefit the other three sects.

Once the Xuanyuan Sect left, Su Muyu avoided Yi Qianmo’s gaze. Her cheeks flushed as she recalled the bold declarations she had made earlier in front of everyone. She had acted impulsively, driven by emotion and anger.

“You did very well,” Yi Qianmo said suddenly.

“What?” Su Muyu asked, startled.

“I said you did very well,” he repeated. “I’ll remember what you did for me today.”

Su Muyu froze. She felt both happy and disappointed. While she had achieved her goal, Yi Qianmo’s words only acknowledged her actions, not the deeper emotions behind them.

Suddenly, the ground shook, and a bright red light shot into the sky from the east. It was dusk, but the intense light bathed the entire mountain in crimson, painting the landscape in an eerie glow.

“It’s an omen!” Su Muyu exclaimed, startled. “This has happened before, but never so intensely. And why is the mountain shaking? Could it be that something extraordinary is appearing?”

Ordinary people would have been terrified, kneeling in worship or fleeing. But the cultivators of Tianyuan Academy lit up with excitement. Rare treasures often appeared with such phenomena, and finding one could change a cultivator’s destiny.

“The eastern direction… that’s where the Xuanyuan Sect is heading,” Minister Professor Yu said. “Your Highness, we must hurry! We can’t let the Xuanyuan Sect take the lead!”

“You go ahead. I’ll join you shortly,” Su Muyu replied.

Without hesitation, Minister Professor Yu led the group eastward, leaving Su Muyu and Yi Qianmo behind.

“Your family’s matter is resolved. You’re injured and low on spiritual power. Let me take you home,” Su Muyu said, her tone softer.

“Hmm?” Yi Qianmo looked at her, confused. “You’ve come to Green Dragon Mountain countless times for treasures. Missing this one would be a bigger regret, wouldn’t it?”

“To me, you are the greatest treasure,” Su Muyu replied, her face turning red.

Yi Qianmo smiled faintly. “Then let’s go together. My injuries aren’t severe, and I can manage. Besides, someone is secretly protecting me.”

Hearing this, Su Muyu recalled the mysterious black-robed cultivator and felt reassured. “Who is that person?” she asked.

“I told you. I inherited my ancestor’s legacy, and that person protects it. But they only intervene in extreme circumstances,” Yi Qianmo explained.

Since Su Muyu had already shown her loyalty, he chose to share some details to reassure her.

“Is your swordsmanship also part of this legacy?” Su Muyu asked.

“Yes,” Yi Qianmo replied. “Let’s discuss it while we walk.”

Nodding, Su Muyu followed him toward the source of the phenomenon. Along the way, Yi Qianmo shared parts of his ancestral legacy, though he was careful not to mention the Sword Pill or the great emperor from the Land of Immortals.

“The inheritance is strict,” he said vaguely. “Only those with the Yi family’s bloodline can learn the sword technique. I was only able to receive it because of Yu Youwei.”

Su Muyu nodded thoughtfully. “Do you really think you can defeat Yu Youwei in three years? Her swordsmanship isn’t her only advantage. She practices the Xuanyuan True Method, combining yin and yang, which enhances her spiritual power far beyond her peers. With Xuanyuan Sect’s resources, her growth in three years will be unimaginable.”

“Are you saying Tianyuan Academy won’t fully support my training because the royal family doesn’t have complete control over it?” Yi Qianmo asked.

Su Muyu nodded. “You saw it yourself. Many within Tianyuan Academy won’t align with the royal family in a conflict, and some may even betray us.”

Yi Qianmo now understood why Su Muyu had gone to such lengths to protect him.

“From now on, that won’t be a concern,” Yi Qianmo said confidently.

He wasn’t worried about the Xuanyuan Sect. With time and his growing abilities, they wouldn’t pose a threat. However, the Blood Inhibition that had previously sapped Yu Youwei’s power concerned him—it carried a terrifyingly oppressive force.

“The Xuanyuan Sect might seem imposing now, but its destruction is inevitable,” Yi Qianmo thought.

A thunderous roar broke Yi Qianmo’s thoughts. He and Su Muyu turned toward the sound to see a massive fire blaze atop a distant mountain.

Standing within the inferno was a colossal Fire Beast, its deafening roars shaking the earth.