Chapter 153: Can You Not Be So Pretentious?
This novel is translated and hosted only on BCatranslation
“Silence,” Elder Luo commanded, his stern expression barely masking the joy in his eyes. “The evaluation is complete. Welcome the Sect Master.”
“Welcome the Sect Master,” the disciples of the Green Wood Sect chanted in unison, bowing respectfully.
While the Sect Master rose to deliver a speech, Yu Zhao slightly lifted her brow in surprise at the sight.
In her past life, she had seen him once during the Great Competition of the cultivation world. Back then, he had always looked troubled, with a constant furrow in his brow. But now, he appeared vibrant and full of life, as if he had shed several years off his age.
Was it the victory of Mu Ye that had caused this unexpected change?
“The disciple Mu Ye of the Pill Hall possesses exceptional talent and innate understanding. She embodies the spirit of our ancestors. Today, after consulting with the elders, we have decided to appoint Mu Ye as the Young Sect Master of the Green Wood Sect. May she strive with vigor and bring glory to our sect.”
“Strive with vigor and bring glory to our sect!”
“Strive with vigor and bring glory to our sect!”
“Strive with vigor and bring glory to our sect!”
The voices of the Green Wood Sect disciples rose like a tidal wave, echoing across the sect’s square with immense fervor. Yu Zhao couldn’t help but feel her blood surge with excitement as the atmosphere swept her along.
Mu Ye, her eyes brimming with tears, stood frozen in place, her mind blank from the overwhelming moment.
Meanwhile, Zhao Liang, Tian Han, and the others looked as if they had seen a ghost. They had crossed the wrong person—now the Young Sect Master—and their futures suddenly appeared bleak.
Wang Qian’s eyes were bloodshot, unable to accept this harsh reality. He closed his eyes, forcing himself into unconsciousness from sheer anger.
“Young Sect Master, everyone is waiting for you,” Elder Luo gently reminded Mu Ye, who was still standing in a daze.
Startled back to her senses, Mu Ye quickly bowed to the Sect Master and the elders on the stage, then turned and bowed to her fellow disciples. Straightening her back, she declared loudly, “I, Mu Ye, will not betray your trust!”
“Young Sect Master!”
“Young Sect Master!”
“Young Sect Master!”
The disciples of the Green Wood Sect cheered again, their voices reverberating through the air.
The Sect Master of the Green Wood Sect exchanged a pleased look with Elder Lotus, their smiles deepening. Elder Wang, however, forced a stiff smile, his expression betraying his reluctance.
The decision had been made; there was nothing he could do to change it. Mu Ye now represented the face of the entire sect, far beyond his control as a mere elder. Once he returned to the Medicine Peak, he planned to send Zhao Liang to work in the remote herb fields as punishment, hoping that a generous gift would earn him Mu Ye’s forgiveness.
With the appointment of the Young Sect Master settled, the disciples’ evaluation officially concluded. As the Sect Master and Elder Lotus rose to leave, they called Mu Ye to accompany them.
Left without anywhere to go, Yu Zhao decided to wait for Mu Ye in the sect’s square. It didn’t take long for her to regret her decision, as she suddenly remembered that there were people in the Green Wood Sect she preferred not to encounter.
“Little… Junior Sister Yu Zhao,” came a voice, hoarse and low, as if plucking the strings of a zither, trembling with suppressed emotion.
Yu Zhao curled her lips into a faint smile and turned to face him calmly, “Senior Brother Fang.”
Fang Cheng Lang had already given up hope after Yu Zhao had ignored him several times, but when she finally responded, he realized he wasn’t as relieved as he thought he’d be. Instead, her reaction only deepened his sadness.
Yu Zhao was avoiding him—there was resentment in her heart. And resentment, at least, was better than the cold indifference she now showed.
“Cui Jue… Cui Jue has been poisoned…” Fang Cheng Lang blurted out, his voice trembling with fear. His mind had immediately turned to how close Yu Zhao and Cui Jue used to be. Surely, if Yu Zhao knew, she would be concerned.
But Yu Zhao only looked at him with calm eyes. “So?”
“Can… Can you go see him? He was calling your name even as he lost consciousness.”
“He brought this upon himself. What can I possibly do? Can he stop being so pretentious?”
Fang Cheng Lang’s eyes widened in disbelief as he stared at Yu Zhao, his pupils contracting. Why would Little Six say something like that? Did she… did she have the same dream?
Yu Zhao noticed his extreme reaction, and it made her wary. The words she had just spoken were the very ones Cui Jue had once said to her.
That time, their fifth senior brother, Quan Ye, had been provoked by Ye Cong Xin and used a sparring match as an excuse to break her right hand and collarbone, mocking her for having a cunning mind but weak strength. She had been so hurt and humiliated that she sought comfort from Cui Jue, only to be turned away. He had even asked Fang Cheng Lang to deliver the message to her.
Since then, Yu Zhao had never complained or sought pity. She knew that on Lone Moon Peak, no one would feel sorry for her.
Now, she had simply repeated Cui Jue’s words back to Fang Cheng Lang. So why had he reacted so strongly?
Doubt grew in Yu Zhao’s heart. She hesitated, wondering if she should ask him what was going on when suddenly, a loud, enthusiastic voice interrupted her thoughts.
“Fang Cheng Lang, I am You Fei, a disciple of the Martial Hall from the Green Wood Sect. I’ve heard that you are a true swordsman. I wonder if I might have the honor of sparring with you?”
A proud-looking man, followed by several Martial Hall disciples, blocked Fang Cheng Lang’s path. The disciples who hadn’t yet dispersed paused in their tracks, curious to see what was happening.
Fang Cheng Lang quickly composed himself, offering a polite bow. “It would be my honor to spar with you, You Fei. However, I am still recovering from my injuries and am not in a position to use my spiritual power. I ask for your understanding.”
Away from home, relying on the elders of the Green Wood Sect to heal Cui Jue, Fang Cheng Lang had no choice but to lower his posture. But to You Fei and his group, Fang Cheng Lang’s humility only came across as arrogant condescension.
You Fei sneered. “You members of the Five Elements Sect always claim to be the best in the cultivation world. Yet you don’t even have the courage to fight? Or is your reputation all just hot air?”
Yu Zhao, who had intended to watch quietly, furrowed her brow. Challenging Fang Cheng Lang was one thing, but dragging the entire Five Elements Sect into it was another.
“Friend You Fei, this matter has nothing to do with my sect. The fault is mine alone. Please choose your words carefully,” Fang Cheng Lang warned, his expression serious.
Unbeknownst to You Fei, another disciple of the Five Elements Sect was present. He only knew that it was a rare opportunity to encounter a disciple of the Five Elements Sect. If he could defeat one in front of their peers, it would greatly enhance his reputation. Whether Fang Cheng Lang was injured or whether his words were too harsh was not something You Fei cared about.
This novel is translated and hosted only on BCatranslation
“Careful with my words? Do you even hear yourself? Either stand up and defeat me honorably, or admit that your sect’s reputation is undeserved! Don’t think you can intimidate me with the name of your sect. I’m not easily scared.”
“Fight! Fight! Fight!” the Martial Hall disciples behind You Fei began to chant.
Other disciples, not fully understanding the situation, joined in as well, leaving Fang Cheng Lang in a difficult position.
Fang Cheng Lang’s face tightened as he struggled with his emotions. He hadn’t been lying about his injuries. The detoxification process had severely weakened him. His spiritual energy had not yet recovered, and his meridians were as fragile as threads of silk. He could barely perform at a fraction of his usual strength.
If he forced himself to fight, he would surely lose. But if he refused, it would damage the reputation of the entire Five Elements Sect.
No matter what he chose, the outcome would be disastrous. He found himself caught in a dilemma.