Chapter 64

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Chapter 64: You Little Rascal!

The sky was clear and blue, even the mist that usually lingered over the mountains had disappeared. The Qingliu Sword Sect’s vast mountains finally revealed themselves, with ancient pines and unique rocks on the towering cliffs. Without the mist, the sect lost some of its ethereal charm but gained a more intense martial atmosphere.

The fire phoenix circled in the sky for a long time, while the boys and girls below struggled to climb up and looked up at it with a mix of fear and joy, kneeling in admiration.

Finally, with a clear cry above the calm man’s head, it resonated through the heavens and earth, turning into a golden red flame that gradually dissipated.

The dewdrops still hung on the grass, moist and soft, washing away the blood that had fallen moments ago, leaving no trace of the bloody smell, as if the intense struggle between life and death had not occurred.

However, everyone witnessed their revered Supreme Elder being struck down with a single sword, leaving behind no remains.

The battle of life and death was not as intense as everyone imagined. Elder Ouyang was defeated thoroughly and in a sorry state.

Actually, if he tried his best to fight, he might have a chance, but the ones most afraid of Ye Shubai were not demon cultivators, but his fellow disciples who grew up under his influence.

After all, the demon cultivators who truly understood the depth of Ye Shubai’s power were all dead, except for those who had been watching in fear as Ye Shubai’s strength grew over the centuries.

So when Ye Shubai’s sword intent suddenly sharpened, Supreme Elder Ouyang’s first reaction was that Ye Shubai had regained half a step towards ascending, which scared him so much that he didn’t even think of fighting back, instinctively wanting to escape.

Just like when facing demon cultivators in the past, encountering a strong enemy and turning to escape. Unfortunately, escaping for a moment couldn’t avoid a lifetime of consequences. In the past, with senior sect members blocking the way, there was a chance to escape, but now, no one was stepping forward to shield him.

A cold wind rose suddenly, the shiny white jade nascent soul in Ye Shubai’s palm turned into faint light spots, while Elder Ouyang’s, after losing the power of Ye Shubai’s jade nascent soul, gradually dimmed, the original jade texture becoming more and more rough, finally turning into a piece of spiritless green stone, almost indistinguishable from the death stone tablet.

Returning the stolen item revealed its true appearance, devoid of any golden color and looking extremely worn out. If it weren’t for the life and death rules on Ye Shubai’s jade nascent soul supporting it, Elder Ouyang’s lifespan would have long been exhausted.

The hearts of the sword cultivators trembled, seeing this scene, starting to believe seventy to eighty percent of what Wen Yun had said.

Looking towards the white-clad youth, the disciples’ gaze, apart from their initial curiosity, now carried a more obvious sense of fear.

Ye Shubai, however, paid no attention to the others, sheathed his sword as if it was a trivial matter, and walked calmly down the mountain.

The sword cultivators, who were originally crowding together, silently made way for him. As Ye Shubai approached, they quickly bowed their heads without looking at him, even Elder Ouyang’s top disciples dared not speak, they kept stepping back.

Grand Elder Hongzhuo had a grim expressionless face, his hands hidden in his wide sleeves were trembling uncontrollably. He tried his best to maintain his composure under the terrifying pressure, but he no longer had the courage to command and berate the crowd as he did before.

Leading the direct disciples of The First Peak, he stood tall and refused to bow down.

As Ye Shubai passed by him, Grand Elder Hongzhuo coldly snorted and said, "At a time of internal and external troubles, turning against each other within the sect, Ancestral Master Ye is going too far…"

His voice abruptly stopped as the man who had been calmly walking forward came to a halt in front of him.

Ye Shubai remained silent, looking over indifferently. His perfectly matched eyes raised slightly at the end, so cold that just one glance made people feel like they were being pierced by a sharp sword, too afraid to meet his gaze.

The insulting words Elder Hongzhuo was about to say got stuck in his throat, turning into a difficult swallow, as he reluctantly took a step back, making way.

The man who had just killed someone gestured towards the young girl in front of everyone, and she innocently ran to his side. The two of them walked side by side towards the mountains below.

Ye Shubai had killed many people, but it was the first time someone approached him after a killing, asking with concern, "Are you injured?"

Wen Yun was not short, but people still had to look up at him. The sunlight fell on his face, making his features look beautiful with a gentle glow.

Looking at his face made any negative feelings disappear, and his cold expression softened.

Ye Shubai shook his head and said gently, "I’m fine."

Wen Yun glanced behind him and saw no one around. He quietly lifted his hand and saw blood spots from sharp raindrops that had fallen earlier.

She pulled his hand towards her, whispered a careful spell, and then cast a healing spell on it.

Ye Shubai didn’t stop her, letting her do as she pleased.

Wen Yun sighed softly, "I knew you would get hurt by that old dog. Look at your hands, they’re so beautiful, yet injured now."

He listened to the girl’s murmurs, hearing words she had never used on him before, like honest and easy to bully. In her eyes, he was sincere.

Ye Shubai’s lips twitched slightly but then he tightened them, whispering, "I’m not as good as you think. I have killed two fellow students."

He let Wen Yun hold his hand, her voice light as if it could be blown away by the cool breeze at any moment.

"Since you have been with me as I grew up, you should know how our masters taught me. They always said with great power comes great responsibility. I have been given an opportunity that none of my fellow disciples have had, so I must protect our sect. I took a portion of the spirit Qi from the world, so I must give back to the people of this world. When my senior brothers went to the front line to fight the demon cultivators and protect the people, I went with them."

Wen Yun was shaken by this revelation. All she had heard and seen in the cultivation world before had only confirmed the law of the jungle. This was the first time she heard such a principle.

His jet-black hair brushed across his fair face, his incredibly handsome eyes slightly lowered, "I did not protect my fellow disciples as our masters taught. Instead, I killed the only two remaining junior brothers I had. Someone said I was ruthless and heartless. Do you also think I have changed?"

She had clearly healed his hand with a healing spell, but she didn’t know if it was because they were talking so seriously that she was still holding it tightly, with her other hand touching her chin, saying seriously, "Indeed, you have changed, but it’s a change for the better. If I continued to always prioritize tolerance and the bigger picture as you used to, I probably would infuriate you, then pack my bags and leave overnight, never to walk with you again."

Wen Yun was always one to repay kindness and avenge wrongdoing, never willing to let herself be wronged. She couldn’t stand the idea of sacrificing one person for the greater good.

In her eyes, everyone was a part of the world, so sacrificing one for the greater good was unfair to that individual. Why couldn’t everyone work together for the common good instead of sacrificing one?

If Ye Shubai really let Elder Ouyang off the hook today and staged a reconciliation to fight the demon cultivators together, she probably would not even bother to talk to him, let alone feel sorry for his injured hand like she does now.

He let her lead him forward, saying gently, "Honestly, I have never regretted killing him. When I saw you kill Xie Mian back then, I thought you did the right thing. So what I did today, I also believe was right."

Wen Yun felt very happy, filled with pride to see her honest sword spirit becoming clever.

She happily pulled Ye Shubai towards The Tenth Peak, "Let’s go, let’s go! I’ll check if you have any injuries on you. Once you’re healed, we can go cause trouble for others!"

Ye Shubai’s face stiffened, and he awkwardly said, "There’s a difference between men and women…"

"Oh? Ye Xiaobai, are you imagining something inappropriate? I meant to create a magic circle for you to heal completely, not to undress and apply medicine!"

…

The sword was wooden, the clothes were white. Their silhouettes were deeply imprinted in the memories of these young disciples as they watched the two walk away. No one dared to move for quite some time.

"Alright, alright, the excitement has ended. We are still receiving disciples. Peak Lords and stewards, quickly return to the main hall at the mountain gate to continue overseeing the apprentice ceremony."

Xu Wanfeng somehow had taken out a fan with a beautiful purple cloud pattern, leisurely fanning it, looking mismatched with his youthful appearance of only around ten years old.

No one dared to oppose him, as the elders with white hair and wrinkled faces were familiar with him. They knew his seniority was extraordinary, especially with the return of the ancestor of The Tenth Peak. At this moment, no one dared to complain, and all obediently followed orders.

He waved at Bai Yushan and patted the black-skinned little girl next to him who had got the top spot, saying, "Third Junior Brother, I’m leaving this girl to you. Our master and younger martial sister went back without saying goodbye. We can’t do the same. The recruits this time are good, we need to accept more disciples to our Tenth Peak."

He chuckled and pinched the little girl’s cheek, "By the way, what’s your name?"

The black little girl tilted her head back and replied naturally, "I don’t have a name, my parents usually call me ‘money-losing plaything’."

Xu Wanfeng, who was always very kind and gentle to female cultivators, changed his expression, spat, and solemnly instructed the black little girl, "You must remember, no young girl should be called such a name. Young girls are like white clouds in the sky and delicate flowers on trees, very precious. So, I will give you a name, let’s go with Apo, alright?"

The still innocent little girl furrowed her brow, "But I’ve heard others praise Fairy Wen Yun, saying she’s the strongest human weapon. I don’t want to be a flower, I want to be the most powerful weapon."

Xu Wanfeng fanned himself with a fan and said with a smile, "Alright, then don’t use Apo, let’s go with Precious Weapon, it means the most valuable human weapon. How’s that, do you like this name?"

He was just talking nonsense, but the little girl didn’t understand what Precious Weapon meant and joyfully agreed, "Okay! From now on, I’ll be called Precious Weapon!"

Elder Ziyun passing by Xu Wanfeng heard this and glared at him with a sharp gaze, "You’re playing tricks on this little girl, I didn’t expect you to be this kind of person."

Xu Wanfeng was shocked and immediately caught up, "Hey, Ziyun, let me explain, I was just joking and didn’t expect this silly girl to take it seriously! Wait for me, look at this fan, I even drew the pattern as you described that day…"

Apo didn’t understand, and a puzzled look filled little Black’s face.

Bai Yushan patted her head, and casually discussed with Yue Xingzhou, "Elder Martial Brother, Second Master Brother has gone missing, shall we go and accept disciples at the peak?"

Yue Xingzhou could only nod, and led Apo and Bai Yushan to the mountain gate to accept disciples at The Tenth Peak.

Surprisingly, this time there were many young boys and girls coming up the mountain wanting to join The Tenth Peak. Most of them were poor commoner children who had heard stories circulating among the people, and were eager to meet Wen Yun.

As for the children of cultivator families or royal nobles, they had been instructed by their elders or had acquaintances in various peaks, so none of them chose The Tenth Peak.

Yue Xingzhou and Bai Yushan were satisfied, even Apo conscientiously took on the role of big elder martial sister, leading the group of older boys and girls while eagerly describing how beautiful Celestial Being Wen Yun was and how gentle and pleasant her voice was, making Yue Xingzhou wonder if this girl had come to cultivate or to pursue Wen Yun.

The disciple recruitment ceremony of the sect was very successful, the amazing fire phoenix flying out made all disciples loyal to the Qingliu Sword Sect, even the group of children who had just joined the outer sect felt like they had entered a fairyland, getting up early to practice swordsmanship even earlier than the rooster on The Second Peak.

Ye Shubai’s return and the incident of slaying Supreme Elder Ouyang with a sword could not be kept a secret, but now all sects maintained silence, with no one coming to congratulate Ye Shubai’s return or to offer paper money for Elder Ouyang.

Inside the Qingliu Sword Sect, there was an eerie silence, as if everyone had not decided on how to face the returning ancestor. With the leader absent, all peaks quietly finished accepting disciples, practicing swordsmanship as usual, and going out for training. No one dared to approach The Tenth Peak, and no one dared to offer condolences at The First Peak.

Of course, there are always some people who can’t keep a low profile.

They were born shining bright, with loud voices, wishing to make sure everyone in the mountains can hear them clearly when they speak—

"What? What kind of person is Ancestral Master Ye? Ah, you’ve asked the right person!"

Zhu Erchong sat on the peak of the unnamed mountain where the inner-door disciples practiced swordsmanship. He took out a jar of spiritual spring water with his left hand, tilted his head back and took a sip, and then slapped the jar while laughing heartily, "Look, this jar of spiritual spring was personally filled and given to me by Ancestral Master Ye!"

The direct disciples sitting around him showed envy in their eyes.

"Ancestral Master Ye is so generous, this jar of spiritual spring is probably worth tens of thousands of top-grade spiritual jade, right?"

Zhu Erchong’s vanity was greatly satisfied, and he pretended to be indifferent, waving his hand and saying, "I have dozens more jars in my space bag, all personally given to me by Ancestral Master Ye!"

That was true, because when he just arrived at the spiritual spring, he started drinking directly, and almost all of it was poured by Wen Yun and Ye Shubai.

Someone’s eyes lit up and they leaned over, "Martial Brother Zhu, turns out you have so much spiritual spring. I got injured from a recent sword fight with the Tianjian Sect. Would it be possible to ask for a bottle?"

Zhu Erchong quickly put away the spiritual spring in the space bag and casually shifted the topic away from the spring, saying, "Oh, you’re asking about our relationship with Ancestral Master Ye? That’s not something that can be simply summarized."

Nearby, Bao Pilong finally found a chance to speak up and immediately said, "This time we made great progress in swordsmanship because Ancestral Master Ye guided us step by step! It was intensive training day and night…"

Yes, day and night, Ye Shubai knocked him down with his wooden stick, unable to get up, and finally cried out for Wen Yun to come and deal with him.

The sword cultivators immediately pictured the elegant Ye Shubai stroking his chin and guiding Bao Pilong in swordsmanship in a gentle and caring manner, sending shivers down their spines.

"After sword practice, he eats and sleeps with us, sleeps together until dawn. He is truly a rare and kind elder."

The sword cultivators shuddered while wondering, and someone couldn’t help but ask, "You say he’s kind and caring, but as soon as Ancestral Master Ye returned, he ruthlessly killed Supreme Elder Ouyang…"

"Hey!" Bao Pilong glared angrily at the disciple who spoke, raising his voice a bit, "As cultivators, we must right the wrongs. If I were to steal your Golden Core today, ruin your cultivation, would you still respectfully call me senior tomorrow? Would you not hate me so much that you would want to kill me right away to avenge yourself? This is not being ruthless, this is repaying kindness and revenge!"

"Just like before, Martial Sister Wen…"

"Senior Brother Bao, you called her wrong. According to seniority, she is also an ancestral master."

Bao Pilong pulled his mouth and couldn’t bring himself to call Wen Yun ancestral master. So, he pretended not to hear and continued, "Martial Sister Wen killed Xie Mian to take back the Golden Core. Everyone felt happy about it because they had spent some time with her before and knew she wasn’t a cruel person. Also, Xie Mian had never interacted with us and had no relationship with us, so we could accept her seeking revenge."

"Now, just because everyone is unfamiliar with Ancestral Master Ye, but more familiar with Supreme Elder Ouyang, they think this revenge should not happen. That’s too narrow-minded."

The sword cultivator who was rebutted wiped off the spit on his face and felt disgusted by Bao Pilong but also thought he made sense.

After scolding someone, Bao Pilong looked pleased and continued to reminisce with deep affection, "Ancestral Master Ye is actually very good to us juniors. He even personally roasted a chicken for us, you know the immortal chicken from The Second Peak? We used to eat it every day until we got tired of it and only ate the chicken legs at the end, we even threw away the wings."

Zhu Erchong chuckled, "When it comes to delicious food, roasted fish is even better. Anyway, Ancestral Master Ye appreciates us a lot, he is very modest and low-key. At that time, we were like brothers to him, almost making a blood oath, but we could see he was extraordinary and politely declined his proposal to become sworn brothers. Otherwise, my master would be calling me ancestor by now!"

After boasting, nobody responded, instead, dozens of people winked at Zhu Erchong.

Zhu Erchong didn’t understand, but he felt something was wrong.

A strong, almost tangible murderous intent came from behind him. He narrowly rolled forward hastily to avoid it.

At this moment, a loud and rough voice shouted, "Zhu Erchong, you little worm, come over here. I’ll let you know who your ancestor immortal is!"

Zhu Erchong’s face froze when he saw his master flying towards him with a sword in hand.

"Master, please spare my life!"