NOVEL NEXT Chapter 70 - Cowards and Coincidences
The next day.
The misty clouds lingered, and the towering mountains loomed in the distance.
At Qingming Sect’s main square, the area was bustling with disciples and elders from all thirty-six peaks, filling the space to capacity.
At the Heavenly Thunder Peak.
A plain-looking youth stood arrogantly at the forefront of his group. Perched on his shoulder was a small, purple beast, lazily swaying its tail. The youth tilted his head with disdain, his lips curled into a scornful smile.
“Listen up. I’ve never held any of you in high regard,” he announced, his tone dripping with mockery. “But since you’re technically my senior brothers and sisters, I’ll be generous. For this trip to the Qi Yuan Cave Mansion, you’ll all follow my orders without question.”
He paused, letting his words sink in before adding with an air of authority:
“Whatever treasures you find, half of it is mine. Refuse, and don’t blame me for disregarding our shared peak loyalty!”
This youth was none other than Xiao Ye, the self-proclaimed rising star of Heavenly Thunder Peak.
To him, demanding half the spoils was already a magnanimous concession. After all, if he ventured alone, he would claim all the opportunities in the cave for himself.
But the other disciples of Heavenly Thunder Peak didn’t share his perspective.
“Why should we hand over half of our gains?” one whispered angrily. “Just because his face is bigger?”
Especially the senior disciples in the late Core Formation stage—Xiao Ye’s arrogance grated on them. Though he’d been designated as the team leader by their peak master, their respect for him was nonexistent.
If not for the explicit instructions from their master, they might have already taught this audacious junior a lesson.
Even so, the dissatisfaction in their eyes was evident. Their half-hearted acknowledgment came in a scattered murmur:
“Understood, Junior Brother Xiao.”
Xiao Ye’s brows furrowed, but he didn’t argue. His sharp gaze swept across the group, lingering on those whose faces betrayed their displeasure.
‘Hmph. A bunch of sheltered weaklings. Once we’re in the Qi Yuan Cave Mansion, I’ll make sure you understand why I was chosen as the leader.’
Suddenly, a deafening rumble echoed from the sky.
The crowd in the square immediately turned their attention upward, gazing at the source of the sound.
Xiao Ye squinted toward the sky, where a massive spirit boat, several dozen feet long, glided toward the sect’s gates. Its surface shimmered with spiritual light, and three bold characters were engraved on its hull:
Purple Cloud Peak.
The moment the peak’s name became clear, the faces of many elders darkened. Whispers spread among the gathered disciples:
“Purple Cloud Peak’s spirit boat? Are they planning to join the Qi Yuan Cave Mansion expedition?”
“But it’s their peak master who discovered the cave in the first place,” another noted.
“Even so, if Purple Cloud Peak participates, the rest of us might as well go home. They’ll hog all the opportunities!”
“Maybe this isn’t a bad thing,” someone suggested slyly. “Think about it: the peak has eight personal disciples, and seven of them are drop-dead gorgeous. If they join the expedition, it might be our chance to win their hearts. With their favor, who needs treasures?”
“You’re a genius, brother!”
“Hah, you’re dreaming. I’ll stake my claim on Junior Sister Ruan.”
“Well, I call dibs on Junior Sister Xue!”
Their chatter quickly devolved into absurd fantasies.
“Idiots.” Xiao Ye sneered audibly, his contempt evident. “You think trash like you is worthy of their attention? Know your place!”
One disciple bristled at his words. “You—!”
However, upon seeing Xiao Ye’s face, their anger dissipated into fear.
In recent days, Xiao Ye’s infamy had spread throughout Qingming Sect. He was dubbed the “Madman of Heavenly Thunder Peak,” having repeatedly defeated higher-level opponents in brutal fashion.
Even against late Core Formation cultivators, his attacks were swift and decisive, leaving them either severely injured or dead within days.
No one dared provoke him unnecessarily.
Still, some silently cursed him. ‘Calling us trash? Look in the mirror, Xiao Ye. You’d be lucky to be called plain!’
“If anyone feels wronged,” Xiao Ye declared, his tone icy, “you’re welcome to face me in the Qi Yuan Cave Mansion. One-on-one or all at once, Heavenly Thunder Peak accepts any challenge.”
The Heavenly Thunder disciples collectively sighed. Why drag us into your mess?
Unperturbed, Xiao Ye smirked at their silence. “Cowards.”
He turned his gaze upward again, only to find that the massive spirit boat had vanished from the sky.
“Wait… Purple Cloud Peak isn’t sending their disciples?” he muttered in disbelief.
That’s impossible. The Qi Yuan Cave Mansion belongs to the Grave Robbing Master. Even a Nascent Soul expert would salivate at the treasures inside. Why would Purple Cloud Peak sit this out?
Suddenly, his expression shifted.
“I understand now!” Xiao Ye exclaimed, addressing the elder spirit within his jade pendant.
“Understand what?” the spirit asked wearily, sensing the storm of illogical conclusions brewing.
“Think about it,” Xiao Ye said, his voice tinged with righteous indignation. “The only one capable of influencing all seven Junior Sisters is that despicable Xu Yang! He must’ve used some treasure to glimpse the heavens and learned of my destiny with Purple Cloud Peak. Fearing I would reclaim what’s rightfully mine, he’s ordered them to assassinate me!”
“They don’t want to hurt me, though,” Xiao Ye continued, his eyes glistening with emotion. “That’s why they hold back every time!”
“Xu Yang! I swear, I will kill you!”
The spirit in the jade pendant fell silent.
‘This boy… no matter where he starts, every path leads back to Xu Yang. His logic may be twisted, but it’s consistent.’
Meanwhile, the absence of Purple Cloud Peak was a relief to many elders. Without their overwhelming presence, the other peaks had a chance to claim the cave’s treasures.
Fearing any last-minute changes, they hastily instructed their disciples to board their spirit boats.
At the Heavenly Thunder Peak’s vessel, Xiao Ye prepared to board. Just as he stepped forward, a small ring rolled to a stop near his foot.
Glancing around, Xiao Ye quickly stomped on the ring to hide it from view. Pretending to adjust his robes, he deftly picked it up and slipped it into his pocket before boarding the vessel.
From the shadows, a dark figure watched Xiao Ye’s actions with keen interest.
Without hesitation, the figure turned and darted away, disappearing into the distance.