Chapter 97

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Chapter 97: Defection

The Peak Master of Shadowless Peak, Su Hao’s daughter!

Not only were Yin Tianxing and the others shocked, but Ye Yun’s heart also skipped a beat, his eyes filled with disbelief.

He had known Su Ling’s background must be unusual, but he’d assumed she was merely the daughter of some elder. Never had he imagined she’d be the daughter of a Peak Master himself.

The Heavenly Sword Sect had four major peaks, each Peak Master being a strong contender for the future Sect Leader. The power and status of these four Peak Masters spoke for themselves.

The sect valued martial prowess and swordsmanship. To become Sect Leader, one’s cultivation level was paramount. Each Peak Master held the potential to form an alchemy pill in the future – achieving this would secure their position as the next Sect Leader.

"Su… Su…" Yin Tianxing stammered, his face ghostly pale as if about to weep.

Su Ling ignored him completely, turning instead to Luo Wencheng. "Senior Brother Luo, do you still wish to fight?"

A flicker of surprise crossed Luo Wencheng’s face. He vaguely recognized Su Ling, but never would’ve guessed she was the Shadowless Peak Master’s daughter. Kill Su Hao’s child? Did he dare?

Yet if he backed down now, what of his earlier threats? He’d nearly slain her already. Could such enmity truly be forgotten? Would they simply exchange smiles next time they met?

Luo Wencheng didn’t know Su Ling’s thoughts, but knew his own nature – he’d never abandon such a grudge. Even without killing her, he’d cripple her cultivation.

Even if he surrendered now, Su Ling could still ruin him later. Being one of Ouyang Wentian’s top ten disciples meant nothing against a Peak Master’s daughter.

Moreover, Ouyang Wentian and Su Hao were close allies. At best, Luo Wencheng would face brutal punishment; at worst…

Why not commit fully, then? Eliminate all witnesses?

As this thought crystallized, the tension in Luo Wencheng’s brow eased. Hesitation vanished, replaced by murderous intent.

"Senior Brother Luo, still planning to kill me?" Su Ling pressed mockingly, oblivious to the danger.

Luo Wencheng stepped forward, voice icy. "Su Ling, your father’s name won’t always protect you."

Su Ling blinked in confusion. Suddenly, a hand yanked her backward.

A beam of light struck where she’d stood, blasting a crater several feet deep into the yellow sand.

"Quick reflexes," Luo Wencheng sneered, a shimmering blade appearing in his grip. "Who are you, boy?"

Su Ling hadn’t noticed the attack coming. But Ye Yun had watched Luo Wencheng closely from the start.

Though stunned by Su Ling’s revelation, Ye Yun kept his focus on Luo Wencheng. If the man chose violence over submission…

The moment Luo Wencheng stepped forward, Ye Yun acted. He’d seen the killing intent flash in those eyes.

Just in time – Luo Wencheng attacked without warning, disregarding all decorum.

"Senior Brother Luo," Ye Yun spat, "A top disciple of Absolute Sword Peak resorting to sneak attacks? How pathetic."

Su Ling stared in shock. "Luo Wencheng! Uncle Ouyang will hear of this!"

"Senior Brother Luo…" Yin Tianxing whispered nervously beside him.

Luo Wencheng glared at his companions. "Think we can still make peace? If they live, we die. This ends only one way now."

Ye Yun addressed Yin Tianxing and the other disciple coldly: "This isn’t your fault. Luo Wencheng chose murder over accepting the green jade divine rune’s destruction. Testify truthfully, and you’ll be rewarded rather than punished."

Yin Tianxing and another inner disciple immediately showed hesitation on their faces. They didn’t dare to kill Su Ling, but they also knew Luo Wencheng’s strength and cruel nature – disobeying him meant instant death.

"Yin Tianxing, I’ll gladly grant your deaths if you wish." Seeing their wavering expressions, Luo Wencheng narrowed his eyes with cold laughter, his resolve already firm.

Both disciples trembled violently, panic filling their hearts.

"You think helping him murder us will save you?"

Noticing their fearful looks, Ye Yun also laughed coldly. "Given Su Ling’s status, Luo Wencheng would be utterly doomed if word got out. You two are living liabilities – with his ruthless character, he’ll eliminate you next."

"He’ll never spare you either, senior brothers." Quick-witted Su Ling added urgently, "If four of us unite, can’t we defeat him? Kill him now and I promise great rewards later – maybe even make you elders’ direct disciples!"

Yin Tianxing exchanged glances with his companion, seeing greedy sparks ignite in each other’s eyes.

"Oh really?!" Luo Wencheng sneered.

A blinding sword light suddenly shot from his hand with a sharp crack, slicing toward Yin Tianxing’s group instead of Ye Yun.

"Senior Brother Luo!"

The two disciples barely dodged the lethal strike while stumbling backward.

"See now? What choice remains?"

Ye Yun snorted coldly as black light flashed in his hand, summoning the Obsidian Sword.

"You leave us no option, Senior Brother!" Yin Tianxing glared at Luo Wencheng’s murderous expression, realizing negotiations were impossible. With gritted teeth, he produced an emerald spiritual sword.

At that moment, Ye Yun’s voice suddenly whispered in Su Ling’s ear:

"Escape when they clash!"

"Escape?" She blinked in confusion.

"Luo Wencheng’s seventh-level Qi Refinement. He’s not scared of four opponents… We’ll die fighting." Ye Yun murmured lowly, "We flee while Yin Tianxing distracts him."

Su Ling paled, shaking her head. "No! They’ll die if we abandon them!"

"Remember their earlier threats? They’re no saints – only your status stopped them attacking us first." Ye Yun retorted coldly.

Conflict flashed in Su Ling’s eyes. Though privileged, she possessed innate kindness. Her ideal solution remained subduing Luo Wencheng together.

"Still wavering? Is my life worthless compared to theirs?"

Ye Yun hissed bitterly, "Staying means dying here with me."

"Ye Yun!"

Warmth unexpectedly flooded Su Ling’s heart – he’d rather die beside her than escape alone.

"Fine. I’ll obey."

Glancing at Ye Yun’s stern profile and the treacherous disciples nearby, she bit her lip and nodded.