NOVEL NEXT Chapter 18:
Chapter 18: The Abyss Stirs—What Does It Have to Do with Me?:
Everyone in Mystic Spirit Holy Sect knew that Chi Lingxiao had a terrible temper.
After the furnace explosions, anyone with even a shred of common sense understood that this was absolutely the worst time to provoke her.
Seeing that her fury was reaching its limit, Qi Ze secretly rejoiced.
Even though Chi Lingxiao was dragging him forward, his face still wore a look of innocent confusion.
At this moment, she had completely adopted the stance of a protective senior sister.
Even though it was obvious they were heading toward Yu Yanxue’s residence, Qi Ze still pretended to be clueless and asked,
“Senior Sister, where are we going?”
“To see Master, so she can stand up for us!”
“Is this really a good idea? Master right now…”
“With me here, you don’t have to worry about a thing!”
Chi Lingxiao’s confidence was unwavering, her expression full of certainty.
…
Mystic Spirit Peak.
The peak was forever shrouded in mist, fresh and tranquil.
All past sect masters of Mystic Spirit Holy Sect had resided here.
Despite the vastness of the peak, only a few people lived there. But Yu Yanxue had long grown accustomed to solitude.
The more time she spent here, the more detached and tranquil her demeanor became.
However, in recent days, her heart had been increasingly restless.
The Abyss in Jade Spirit Mountain was stirring.
Within the sect, Elder Bai Xuan had passed away.
The only disciple skilled in divination, Meng Yu, had disappeared.
The Spirit Spring had yet to produce even a trickle of water.
And today, the Alchemy Hall had suffered multiple furnace explosions…
Everything seemed to be going off course.
Troubled, Yu Yanxue’s mind conjured up a familiar face.
Lu Chen!
Right now, Mystic Spirit Holy Sect had severed all ties with Lu Chen—this was the outcome she had intended.
But then why couldn’t she find peace of mind?
Could it be that Lu Chen’s every action was tied to the sect’s fate?
She slowly withdrew her gaze, but just as she was about to sit down, she abruptly looked up again.
The two presences outside the hall…
Chi Lingxiao and Qi Ze.
Yu Yanxue sighed helplessly and turned toward the entrance.
A moment later, Chi Lingxiao and Qi Ze knelt in the main hall.
Chi Lingxiao voiced her grievances, her expression pitiful and full of indignation.
Yu Yanxue’s expression remained unchanged.
Only after Chi Lingxiao had finished venting did she ask calmly,
“You’re here… to complain?”
Chi Lingxiao pouted, her beautiful eyes wide with frustration.
“Master, I am not complaining—I simply cannot swallow this injustice!”
“In the past, I treated Lu Chen with sincerity, yet who would have thought he’d toy with me like this?!”
“In just one day, my furnace exploded four times—I have become the laughingstock of the entire Alchemy Hall!”
“If it weren’t for Lu Chen’s deliberate scheme, how could I have been humiliated like this?!”
Qi Ze remained silent, merely listening without adding his own opinion.
Yu Yanxue’s lips curved into a rare smile.
This disciple of hers—she only ever noticed when people bullied her but never when she bullied others.
“If you hadn’t relied on Lu Chen back then, none of this would have happened today.”
“Master…”
Chi Lingxiao pouted even more, her lips pursing into a defiant arc.
She had already calculated that no outsiders were in the hall, meaning Yu Yanxue wouldn’t truly scold her.
As expected, Yu Yanxue merely gave a gentle, detached piece of advice.
“Cultivate diligently, raise your strength, and one day, you will reclaim your dignity.”
“Master, I can endure the humiliation. But will you really ignore the struggles of the other disciples?”
Chi Lingxiao stole a glance at Yu Yanxue’s face, then listed all the difficulties other sect members were facing.
Mystic Spirit Holy Sect was not just dealing with these current troubles—other divisions were also in complete disarray.
After talking for over fifteen minutes, Chi Lingxiao finally gathered her courage.
“Master, Lu Chen’s departure has turned our sect into a laughingstock. The invitations from other sects are nothing but slaps to our faces!”
“If Mystic Spirit Holy Sect wants to restore its honor, there’s only one way—the Abyss!”
Yu Yanxue’s gaze sharpened slightly, a thoughtful look appearing in her eyes.
…
With Lu Chen by her side, Meng Yu felt an unprecedented sense of security.
The two of them together made for an elegant sight, catching the eyes of passersby.
The small tavern they had entered was unremarkable, and despite choosing a quiet corner, they still drew plenty of attention.
The tea was mediocre, and the food was simple.
Yet, watching Lu Chen, Meng Yu couldn’t help but smile.
At that moment, Lu Chen learned from Meng Yu that numerous sects had begun waging a silent war to recruit him.
“If you choose any sect, the others will be unwilling to accept it. In the coming days, the cultivation world is bound to be restless.”
Lu Chen set down his teacup, speaking in an indifferent tone.
“I haven’t left the mountains in a long time… but I still prefer a life of freedom.”
Joining another sect wasn’t out of the question. The only difference was carrying additional responsibilities.
He could handle it.
But at the same time, it would place certain restrictions on him—and that was not the life he wanted.
As they spoke, loud laughter erupted from a nearby table.
One voice rang out, full of amusement.
“If you ask me, Lu Chen is a lucky man! Guarding that Abyss might have been boring, but the heavens have certainly favored him!”
“The moment he left Mystic Spirit Holy Sect, every beauty in the world seemed to go crazy!”
“I heard that after the Holy Maiden of Qingyang Sect confessed to him, several princesses from the Western Empire left the palace to seek him out too!”
“We don’t know who Lu Chen will choose, but just imagine being surrounded by all those beauties—what an incredible fate!”
As soon as he finished speaking, his companions nodded repeatedly.
“Lu Chen is a true hero! If he accepts them all, it wouldn’t be surprising.”
“I bet every man in the world would kill to be in his shoes!”
Meng Yu stole a glance at Lu Chen.
These people must be dreaming.
Her Senior Brother would never have such disgraceful thoughts!
Lu Chen’s expression grew slightly awkward.
At first, he hadn’t intended to pay attention, but the next words made both him and Meng Yu tense up.
“It’s not just the beauties fighting over Lu Chen. Because of him, several powerful sects have already started fighting!”
Lu Chen’s eyes flickered in surprise.
They’re already fighting?
Several sects?
Did he really have that much influence?
Earlier, he had heard that some sects had even used gold-lined invitations—which was already absurd.
And now, they hadn’t even seen him yet and were already battling it out?
Wasn’t this a little too impatient?
“Sir, your food is ready.”
The waiter placed the dishes on the table.
Lu Chen collected his thoughts and reached for his chopsticks—only to suddenly pause.
A faint, stirring aura began to emerge.
The Abyss.
The presence was subtle, barely perceptible…
But he recognized it immediately.
Previously, when he visited the Abyss near the caves, he hadn’t sensed anything unusual.
Now… were they finally losing patience?
Lu Chen glanced in the direction of the Abyss.
Then, he calmly picked up his chopsticks and continued eating.
Whatever happened there… had nothing to do with him anymore.
…
Jade Spirit Mountain.
Above the Abyss, dark clouds loomed heavily.
Suddenly, thunder roared through the sky!
The inky black heavens split open, revealing a gaping rift!