Chapter 166: A Family’s Words
This novel is translated and hosted only on BCatranslation
Master Qing Yan suppressed the pain and returned to his usual cold and aloof demeanor. As one of the few people who knew about Master Qing Yan’s old illness, Sect Master Ji Yuan couldn’t hide the worry on his face.
Master Qing Yan noticed this and felt irritated. He shifted his gaze back to Yu Zhao. Strangely, he now found Yu Zhao somewhat pleasing to the eye, though he couldn’t understand why.
Suddenly, his expression turned cold again. “Yu Zhao, you are disrespectful to your elders and speak recklessly. You will never achieve greatness in this life.”
Yu Zhao expected to feel anger, but instead, she felt an overwhelming calmness, as if she were listening to a stranger’s nonsense. She replied softly, “That’s just one person’s opinion.”
These simple words carried more weight than any lengthy response could have.
Master Qing Yan was so furious that he let out a cold laugh. “Fine. I’ll watch and see just how far someone as rebellious as you can go.”
Yu Zhao lifted her head, meeting Master Qing Yan’s gaze squarely. She pronounced each word clearly, “Then please, Master Qing Yan, watch closely as I achieve greatness step by step.”
Arrogance!
The same thought flashed through everyone’s minds. To speak of reaching enlightenment in front of the top master of the cultivation world—was this confidence or sheer arrogance?
Most people leaned toward the latter, believing it to be arrogance. However, a few firmly believed that Yu Zhao could achieve what she claimed.
Ye Cong Xin watched Yu Zhao’s back with mixed feelings of jealousy and a hint of unexplainable admiration. She, too, wished she could be fearless and follow her heart like Yu Zhao, instead of being controlled by the system, wasting her efforts to please the so-called people of great fortune, and becoming a spineless follower.
Yu Zhao had everything Ye Cong Xin wanted, yet didn’t seem to cherish it. So, Ye Cong Xin felt no guilt about taking it from her.
Master Qing Yan was momentarily stunned, the pain in his head intensifying, and his brows furrowed even more. Sect Master Ji Yuan could no longer sit still. Master Qing Yan didn’t look well. If he continued to be provoked, and something were to happen to him, it would be a disaster.
Hurriedly, he sent a message to Elder Sun, asking him to resume hosting the qualifying matches. Elder Sun hesitated for a moment, glancing at Yu Zhao.
According to Master Qing Yan’s orders, Yu Zhao had to withdraw from the match, which meant Zhou Jin Yue’s team would be short a member. It was uncertain if Zhou Jin Yue could find a replacement in time.
“Yu Zhao…”
Yu Zhao bowed to Elder Sun. “I am willing to withdraw from the selection. I just ask for a little time to find someone to take my place.”
“That’s fine,” Elder Sun agreed.
Yu Zhao walked over to Zhou Jin Yue, feeling apologetic. “Senior Sister Jin Yue, I’m sorry. I’ve let you down.”
Zhou Jin Yue’s eyes reddened. “No need to apologize. This isn’t your fault.”
“Sigh, you’re just a victim of misfortune,” Zhang Jun sighed deeply, showing sympathy for Yu Zhao.
Lu Li didn’t blame Yu Zhao either and comforted her with a warm tone.
“Stop comforting her and start thinking about where we’re going to find a replacement!” Pu Xing He snapped, clearly frustrated. He had been reluctant about letting Yu Zhao join their team in the first place, only agreeing because of Zhou Jin Yue’s insistence. Now, just as he expected, something had gone wrong. He shouldn’t have agreed from the start.
“This is not a big deal,” Zhou Jin Yue said, glancing at Pu Xing He before turning to the disciples watching from the sidelines. She called out, “Who is willing to join us?”
“Me, me, me!”
“Senior Sister Jin Yue, pick me! Pick me! I’m tall, fast, and strong! I’m the perfect choice!”
“Senior Sister! Senior Sister Jin Yue! Let me join! This isn’t something they can handle!”
It was obvious to everyone how strong Zhou Jin Yue’s team was. They were a top contender for winning the sect tournament. No one wanted to miss the chance to join them.
Even those who were already in teams couldn’t hide their interest. If they didn’t want to cause conflict with their own teammates, some might have volunteered on the spot.
Zhou Jin Yue, who knew her fellow disciples’ strengths well, selected a replacement for Yu Zhao in less than the time it takes for half an incense stick to burn. The chosen disciple, He Luoluo, ran up joyfully, grabbing Yu Zhao’s hand and thanking her repeatedly.
Yu Zhao smiled wryly, then briefly hugged Zhou Jin Yue before stepping out of the practice field.
As she walked, the other disciples moved away, leaving a large empty space around her.
“Cowards!” Xiu Luo huffed, pushing through the crowd to stand beside Yu Zhao.
“Yu Zhao, you were right. I never should have held onto any illusions about Master Qing Yan. Once the qualifying match is over, I’ll find another elder to be my master!”
Inner disciples who reached the Golden Core stage could choose an elder or peak master to be their mentor. Elder Sun had hinted more than once that Xiu Luo could become his disciple, but she had always held out hope for Master Qing Yan, which kept her from making a decision. Now that her illusions had been shattered, it was time for her to let go and focus on her future.
Yu Zhao’s lips curved slightly. “Congratulations.”
For seeing the truth.
Just as Xiu Luo was about to say something more, she noticed a group of inner disciples approaching, led by Feng Qi Yun and Wang Chen. They surrounded Yu Zhao and Xiu Luo protectively.
Feng Qi Yun casually flipped his hair. “Senior Sister Yu Zhao is an inner disciple, one of our own. If we don’t stand up now, we’ll definitely be mocked by the personal disciples and even the outer disciples.”
“Exactly! Some people say we inner disciples aren’t united. Let’s show them what unity looks like!”
“This is just a suggestion, but maybe certain people should keep their mouths shut if they don’t know how to speak.”
The group of inner disciples bantered back and forth, quickly dispelling the tense atmosphere.
Xiu Luo sniffed and whispered to Yu Zhao, “You know, Yu Zhao, I’m starting to think that we inner disciples aren’t any worse than the personal disciples.”
“You’re all quite impressive,” Yu Zhao replied softly.
“I think so too,” Xiu Luo nodded.
After all the commotion, the qualifying match resumed. However, the earlier excitement and enthusiasm had faded, and everyone watched the match with much less interest.
The outcome was as expected. The team led by Zhou Jin Yue and Fang Cheng Lang held out until the end and won. They would represent the Five Elements Sect in the cultivation world’s grand tournament, competing with other sects for a spot on the floating island.
This novel is translated and hosted only on BCatranslation
It’s worth noting that Ye Cong Xin performed remarkably well in this match. Although she didn’t make it to the end, she held off the opposition for a long time, giving Fang Cheng Lang and the others more opportunities to eliminate their opponents.
“Ye Cong Xin is stronger than I thought,” Xiu Luo commented, stroking her chin in surprise.
When she didn’t get a response, Xiu Luo turned to Yu Zhao and noticed her serious expression.
“What are you thinking about?” Xiu Luo couldn’t help but ask, curious.
Yu Zhao snapped out of her thoughts. “It’s nothing. I was just thinking that Ye Cong Xin seems to have recovered quite a bit.”
Xiu Luo thought for a moment. “Now that you mention it, she did go through some intense fighting just now, but she didn’t seem to show any obvious signs of discomfort. Could it be that she’s fully recovered from her illness?”