NOVEL NEXT Chapter 32 - Turning Against His Master, Kneeling Once Again
Inside the luxurious flying vessel’s cabin.
“Disciple, you…”
Before Elder Li’s voice could finish, Xiao Ye interrupted, “Master, I know you may resent me for taking on another master, but this was unavoidable.
Under such circumstances, one has no choice but to submit. Besides, with Master Wanjun’s ability to save me from Fairy Xue’s hands, he surely possesses the strength to contend with that old demon Xu Yang. By taking him as my master, I gain his protection, which would make it easier to seize the opportunities within Purple Cloud Peak!”
Elder Li was silent for a moment, then sighed softly, “I am not some stubborn, antiquated fool. If a powerful individual wishes to take you as a disciple, I am not only unbothered but also relieved, as it proves my discerning eye in recognizing gold amid rubble.
But I still believe that Purple Cloud Peak may not hold the opportunity meant for you. Perhaps it would be wise to leave quickly; this vast world is filled with opportunities. I know of an ancient Venerable’s cave that remains undiscovered…”
“Wait, Master,” Xiao Ye retorted with a rising anger, “You were the one who said Purple Cloud Peak was my destined opportunity. I orchestrated an ‘accidental’ meeting near the wilderness and nearly died when a female sword cultivator nearly cleaved me in half.
Then you claimed that Heavenly Origin City held my fate, so I went to participate in the Ascension Gathering, only to barely escape with my life. And now, you tell me the Qingming Sect isn’t the place? Elder Li, are you playing with me?” Xiao Ye’s anger flared.
“Disciple, calm yourself,” Elder Li replied patiently. “While you were unconscious, I managed to divine another reading. Purple Cloud Peak may indeed be an opportunity, but it’s also deeply concerning. You are the Son of Destiny; opportunities and women should fall into your hands effortlessly. But ever since you became entangled with the Qingming Sect, you’ve narrowly escaped death time and again. I fear that something that can obscure destiny itself is orchestrating against you!”
While Xiao Ye was unconscious, Elder Li had pieced together the pattern behind Xiao Ye’s repeated setbacks.
He suspected that a force capable of clouding destiny was pulling the strings—a power greater than his own, possibly even a cultivator in the Mahayana Realm. Such a figure could be considered a saint in this world.
If such a figure was indeed plotting against Xiao Ye, Elder Li felt a bone-chilling dread, wanting nothing more than to flee as far from the Qingming Sect as possible.
“Hmph, Elder Li, you’re just scared!” Xiao Ye sneered. “Afraid I’ll call on you for help, disrupting your careful plans. So now you’ve concocted this lie to scare me away. Sorry, but I’m no fool!”
“If there truly is some grand power plotting against me, why wouldn’t they simply kill me outright? With my Foundation Establishment-level cultivation, they could easily squash me without hiding in the shadows. So next time, come up with a more convincing story if you want to deceive me!” Xiao Ye scoffed, a crazed glint in his eyes.
The truth was, Xiao Ye harbored resentment toward Elder Li for failing to aid him when he needed it most. In his mind, Elder Li owed him, as he only managed to awaken by absorbing a vast amount of soul energy from Xiao Ye. Thus, Elder Li should have exhausted his remaining strength to protect him, no matter the cost.
Now, after enduring hardship upon hardship to finally reach the Qingming Sect, Elder Li’s urging to leave and abandon his ambitions in Purple Cloud Peak was beyond infuriating.
Elder Li was taken aback. After the Heart Inquiry, it seemed that Xiao Ye had shed his timidity and adopted a wild, reckless nature.
But as a mere remnant soul bound to Xiao Ye’s life and death, he couldn’t allow him to plunge into ruin. In a low tone, he advised, “Disciple, I understand your anger, but I would never intentionally harm you.”
“Of course you wouldn’t,” Xiao Ye replied coldly. “You still need my soul energy to rebuild your body, so you’re trying to avoid risk while feasting off me. Well, life doesn’t work that way, Elder Li. If you’ve chosen me, then you’ll share my dangers and fortunes. Don’t think I’ll let you exploit me without consequence.”
Xiao Ye’s voice became more forceful, his face twisted in a crazed expression as he continued, “Remember this: stay out of my way. I am Heaven’s Chosen, and any opportunity I desire must be mine! The seven beauties of Purple Cloud Peak, including Fairy Xue, will be mine. And as for that old demon Xu Yang—he must die, even if the saints themselves intervene!”
With every word, Xiao Ye’s eyes burned with a feverish intensity, wild and unhinged.
From within the jade pendant, Elder Li could only sigh, helpless against Xiao Ye’s determination.
The youth had faced death twice and now fancied himself invincible, believing his destiny as Heaven’s Chosen would protect him against any foe. There was no reasoning with him in this state.
Several hours later:
“Senior Brother Xiao, we’ve arrived at the Qingming Sect,” Li Cangxuan’s voice called from outside the cabin.
Although Xiao Ye had become a personal disciple of Heavenly Thunder Peak, none of the others, many of whom he had offended, wanted to interact with him. Thus, the task of notifying him fell to Li Cangxuan.
“I understand,” Xiao Ye responded, gathering his strength. After several hours of cultivation, he was fully recovered and strode out of the cabin with a restrained aura.
“This place is magnificent—ancient trees, silver waterfalls, towering mountains, and ethereal pavilions. It truly feels like an immortal realm!” one of the youths exclaimed, looking around in awe.
“The Qingming Sect is indeed the top sect of the Northern Province. The spiritual energy here is incredibly dense!”
“Even my cultivation feels like it’s loosening. I want to cultivate here on the spot!” another shouted, barely containing their excitement.
As they marveled, a mocking voice interrupted, “You lot think you’re worthy of cultivating here? Dream on. With your talents, you’re lucky to even be disciples, let alone hold positions of authority.”
Xiao Ye had descended from the vessel, looking around with a sneer.
Faces turned red with suppressed anger, but none dared to speak out against Xiao Ye, fearful of his strength.
“This place is remarkable. If I’d trained here from the start, I’d be in the Core Formation realm by now,” Xiao Ye remarked, gazing at the scenery and feeling a surge of resentment toward Elder Li.
‘This is clearly my rightful cultivation ground; why would I ever abandon it?’
Suddenly, his gaze shifted as he noticed a figure approaching from the distance.
A woman floated toward them, her features delicate and beautiful, with straight, slender legs, her demeanor ethereal, as if a celestial maiden had descended from the heavens.
Gazing at her, Xiao Ye could only think of one word: stunning.
“Who is this sister from the peak? She’s even more beautiful than Fairy Xue!” one of the youths exclaimed, captivated by her presence.
“It looks like she’s headed our way. Could she be from Heavenly Thunder Peak?”
“I hope so. A senior sister like her would be amazing!” another added, his face filled with anticipation.
Ignoring the envious whispers, Xiao Ye arrogantly strode to the front of the group, his eyes fixed on the woman. He mentally prepared his approach, confident he could win her favor.
But before he could take a step forward—
A deafening cry of a phoenix echoed as a shadowy, dark-purple phoenix spread its wings above. An overwhelming pressure descended upon the group, rendering them breathless.
Xiao Ye, standing at the forefront, felt an ice-cold shiver run down his spine. His bones turned to jelly under the intense pressure, his body succumbing completely.
Thud!
Once again, Xiao Ye found himself kneeling.