NOVEL NEXT Chapter 19:
Chapter 19:
Of course, willing!
These four words exploded like thunder in everyone’s minds.
Yue Hongling’s eyes widened in disbelief as she looked at Lu Ye, then turned to her master. Bai Qiulan’s body trembled slightly, her fists clenched tightly, and her eyes showed a hint of shock mixed with confusion.
Lu Ye’s decision to leave her tutelage struck Bai Qiulan deeply.
For reasons she couldn’t fully comprehend, her heart was overwhelmed with panic, as if a great loss was imminent.
“Hahaha! Excellent! Wonderful! Since Lu Ye himself has no objections, I’ll immediately request the Sect Master’s decree!” Battle Sword Sovereign laughed heartily, disappearing in an instant.
The other two Dao Integration elders quickly flew toward the main peak.
The sword-wielding peak masters, gritting their teeth, also followed. After all, the Sect Master might not agree to the Dao Integration elders’ demands and could decide to place Lu Ye under their tutelage instead.
Bai Qiulan cast a deep gaze at Lu Ye.
“Master!” Yue Hongling’s voice was filled with urgency.
She couldn’t allow her senior brother to leave their peak. Though she didn’t know why, she felt an instinctive resistance—an intense aversion to Lu Ye leaving Bai Lan Peak.
“No one will take him away while I’m here!” Bai Qiulan declared resolutely, vanishing into thin air.
With the strongest cultivators gone, the crowd was left to process what had just occurred. One collective thought filled their minds:
Lu Ye was about to ascend to greatness.
No matter who eventually took him as a disciple, Lu Ye’s future would be extraordinary.
However, was it wise to so openly express his desire to leave Bai Lan Peak? In the cultivation world, though formalities weren’t always emphasized, some level of tact was expected.
Lu Ye’s casual response—so straightforward and unreserved—was shocking. Even if he wanted to leave, a more diplomatic reply like “I’ll follow the elders’ arrangements” would have been more appropriate.
His raw talent was undeniable, but his bluntness might lead others to question his loyalty and whether he could be truly nurtured.
As the competition continued, Lu Ye’s victory over Linghu Wushuang secured his place in the top two.
The other semi-final match was between Chu Ling and the senior sister of the Azure Path Sect, Xiao Huarong.
Xiao Huarong was also a top prodigy, known for her gentle demeanor and stunning beauty. The audience’s interest quickly shifted; compared to the chaos surrounding Lu Ye, they were more excited to witness a battle between two extraordinary women.
When Chu Ling and Xiao Huarong stepped onto the stage, their ethereal beauty captivated the crowd. One was as serene as still water, while the other was like a sheathed sword, calm in repose but resounding when drawn.
The battle began.
Meanwhile, a large group of people gathered noisily at the Grand Hall of the Azure Path Sect. A middle-aged, beardless man seemed to have been waiting there for some time.
Sun Ruowei had also arrived, her eyes gleaming with curiosity.
“Let me see what all the fuss is about,” she thought.
“Sect Master, there’s a disciple named Lu Ye whose unparalleled talent in swordsmanship makes him perfect for my inheritance,” Battle Sword Sovereign began, his voice laden with emotion. “I’ve devoted my life to the sect, and my legacy cannot be allowed to die with me!”
“Sword Sovereign, must you always dramatize things?” Sect Master Liu Changfeng replied with a helpless smile.
“I’m speaking the truth, Sect Master. If Bai Qiulan were a sword cultivator, I’d have no complaints. But she’s not! I didn’t witness Lu Ye’s sword strike myself, but my disciple described it—it’s unparalleled among the prodigies of the wilderness!”
Another elder interjected, “Nonsense! He’s more suited to my Hidden Sword technique. Hidden Sword Peak offers seclusion and subtlety, the perfect path for someone of his disposition.”
“Seclusion? Subtlety? He shattered his opponent’s shield in one blow. Does that sound subtle to you?”
“Enough!” Liu Changfeng shouted, his voice silencing the hall.
The Sect Master turned his gaze toward Bai Qiulan, a flicker of emotion crossing his face.
He had always admired her, though she had never reciprocated his feelings. Seeing her now, after more than a year, stirred something within him. Bai Qiulan seemed even more beautiful than before—her cold elegance now carried a hint of humanity, as if the frosty lotus had stepped into the mortal world.
Was it his imagination, or did she even seem… enchanting?
“Impossible,” he thought, shaking off the notion. Bai Qiulan couldn’t possibly exude such charm.
Softening his tone, Liu Changfeng spoke gently. “Junior Sister.”
The three Dao Integration elders and the peak masters felt their hearts sink. They could tell Liu Changfeng was partial to Bai Qiulan—this didn’t bode well for their cause.
Sun Ruowei stifled a laugh. “Coming to the Sect Master? A grave mistake. He’s Bai Qiulan’s biggest supporter. He’d nod until his neck broke if she asked.”
“Greetings, Sect Master,” Bai Qiulan said coolly.
“I’ve told you before, you can call me Senior Brother. There’s no need for formalities,” Liu Changfeng said with a smile.
“Sect rules must be followed,” Bai Qiulan replied flatly, showing no sign of affection.
“Very well,” Liu Changfeng conceded. “So, Junior Sister, what do you think of this matter?”
By now, Bai Qiulan had regained her composure, the initial shock of Lu Ye’s decision to leave her tutelage subsiding.
Though she didn’t want to admit it, her heart was resolute—she would never allow Lu Ye to leave Bai Lan Peak.
She justified her feelings with a sound reason:
In his past life, under her guidance, Lu Ye had become humanity’s strongest defender. Now, reborn with resentment, she feared he might stray from the right path. It was her duty to correct him.
Yes, that was it.
In his past life, she had been his master, and in this life, she would continue to fulfill that role. It was her responsibility.