NOVEL NEXT Chapter 16:
Chapter 16:
“It was him…”
The realization dawned upon everyone like a dream turned into a surreal and absurd nightmare. The entire situation felt utterly ridiculous.
If this was true, it could only mean that the Azure Purity Sect was full of fools, and the level of their foolishness was unparalleled.
To expel the only disciple capable of setting up a Heaven-Summoning Formation, to force him to abolish his cultivation, and to foster such deep resentment—such actions were beyond comprehension, even for someone with the brain of a pig!
Even Ying Shaoxuan of the Supreme Purity Sect, who was present at the scene, couldn’t help but beat his chest in frustration. His face was filled with anger as he glared at Mo Liusu.
Had it not been for being misled by this woman, Zhou Tong would already have been part of the Supreme Purity Sect. How could he have allowed the Joyous Harmony Sect to take such an incredible advantage?
“If you can fix the formation, what are you still sitting here for? Hurry up and repair it!”
Jiang Yuyao and Ge Hongqiu were the first to react, jumping up and pointing at Zhou Tong, barking orders.
However, Zhou Tong remained unmoved, calmly chatting with the little enchantress. His indifference was like fuel to the fire, causing the two women to explode in fury.
“Did you not hear us talking to you? If something happens to Junior Brother, your worthless life won’t be enough to compensate!”
Jiang Yuyao screamed, her face twisted with rage. She flipped over the table in front of Zhou Tong, spilling the fine wine and delicacies onto the ground.
None of the onlookers stepped in to intervene; instead, they eagerly watched the unfolding drama.
Today, the Azure Purity Sect was truly humiliating itself. Even the most shameless rogue knew that when asking for help, one must adopt a humble attitude.
Mo Liusu, hailed as a paragon of elegance and grace, had disciples so vulgar and crass. It was a revelation that opened everyone’s eyes.
“Are you asking me for help?”
Zhou Tong’s calm voice cut through the commotion, his gaze steady and indifferent. His simple words infuriated the two women even more.
“Ask you? What kind of person do you think you are? Don’t flatter yourself! This is us giving you a chance to atone for your sins!”
“That’s right! You, a traitor who destroyed the sect’s treasures, are lucky we haven’t executed you. This mercy is already a gift you can never repay. Now, you must fix the formation for Junior Brother!”
Hearing such absurd reasoning, Zhou Tong’s smile widened.
“I refuse. What can you do about it?”
“You deserve to die! If you don’t fix the formation today, you won’t leave here alive!”
The two women were on the verge of madness, calling for the sect’s powerhouses to act.
“Zhou Tong, enough is enough. If you keep playing hard to get, you’ll only disgust everyone.”
At that moment, Chen Ling’er descended gracefully from the high platform, standing before the group.
Her gaze was cold as she looked at Zhou Tong. “Aren’t you just trying to return to the sect? Using your insignificant skills to make demands is pathetic. Fine, I’ll humor you. If you save Junior Brother, I’ll plead with Master on your behalf. Whether she agrees is up to her.”
Her words struck the crowd like thunder.
For the first time, they realized how shameless the Azure Purity Sect could be.
Zhou Tong’s talent alone would make him a prized recruit for any sect, even if he were crippled and could never cultivate again. His ability to craft Heaven-Summoning Formations was invaluable.
And yet, instead of cherishing what little goodwill remained, the Azure Purity Sect treated him like livestock.
Chen Ling’er’s words made it worse: even if Zhou Tong helped them out of this crisis, his return to the sect would depend on their whims.
It was as if Zhou Tong was being forced to beg on his knees.
“I don’t care about any of you.”
Zhou Tong rose to his feet, his sharp gaze piercing through the group.
“Help me! Save me! Master, I’m in so much pain! I feel like I’m dying!”
Tang Qi’s pitiful cries echoed from the high platform, making Chen Ling’er’s expression falter.
“Don’t make me hate you, Zhou Tong. If something happens to Junior Brother, the consequences will be on your head. Come with me now!”
As she spoke, she reached out to grab Zhou Tong’s shoulder.
“Do you think I’m dead?”
The little enchantress snapped, unleashing a fierce strike against Chen Ling’er.
The clash was deafening, like thunder splitting the air. Chen Ling’er was sent flying, completely overpowered.
“How is this possible?”
She looked stunned, unable to accept the outcome. Before, their strength had been evenly matched. Even if there was a slight difference, it was negligible. Why had the gap suddenly widened so drastically?
The little enchantress was equally surprised but soon realized the reason. A bright smile spread across her face.
In the past few days, Zhou Tong had sparred with her and guided her understanding of the Joyous Harmony Art, significantly enhancing her skills. Now, she could easily suppress Chen Ling’er!
“Enough!”
A cold voice rang out as a terrifying pressure descended, pinning both Zhou Tong and the little enchantress in place.
“Go save him!”
Mo Liusu looked down at Zhou Tong, her tone commanding, as if she were issuing orders to an inferior.
“And what authority are you using to speak to me?”
Zhou Tong’s expression was mocking, his defiance unyielding as he met her gaze.
“I speak with the authority of a superior!”
Mo Liusu’s face twisted as her tone turned chilling.
Everyone could see that she was ready to abandon all pretense. In the martial world, strength dictated respect. If she had the power, she could deal with Zhou Tong as she pleased—that was the unyielding law of the heavens.
But Zhou Tong only laughed brighter, sensing her growing desperation.
“Do you think you can truly reign supreme?”
“Controlling you is more than enough!”
“Not necessarily.”
Before the tension could escalate further, a voice interrupted.
“Mo Liusu, as the leader of the Azure Purity Sect, do you feel no shame in bullying a mere boy?”
The speaker was none other than Ying Shaoxuan of the Supreme Purity Sect, someone Zhou Tong had a good impression of. Zhou Tong had anticipated his intervention.
Ying Shaoxuan was a man of principle and foresight, unwilling to tolerate underhanded actions and fully aware of Zhou Tong’s value. Now was the perfect time for him to extend a helping hand.
“This is the Azure Purity Sect’s internal matter. It would be best if Senior did not interfere,” Mo Liusu said, her expression darkening.
“You’re mistaken. Zhou Tong is no longer your sect’s disciple!”
Ying Shaoxuan countered sharply, driving the point home with merciless precision.
Mo Liusu found herself at an impasse. Against Ying Shaoxuan, she had no choice but to relent.
“Fine, fine. If Senior insists, I’ll step back.”
She turned her gaze to Zhou Tong, her voice icy. “You just want benefits, don’t you? Name your terms.”
“That’s more like it.”
Zhou Tong’s eyes swept over the crowd before landing on Jiang Yuyao, Ge Hongqiu, and Chen Ling’er.
“You, you, and you—kneel and beg me. And I also want the Azure Purity Sect’s Seven-Star Blood Lotus.”