Chapter 128: An Unexpected Encounter
This novel is translated and hosted only on BCatranslation
Life is full of surprises, especially when you least expect them. Lan Zi Yu had no idea that soon after his frustrated grumbling, he would be the first to run into Yu Zhao—long before either Fang Cheng Lang or Cui Jue had the chance.
It was the tenth day of their journey when Lan Zi Yu and his companions heard the unmistakable sounds of a distant battle.
“Second Senior Brother, what should we do? Should we avoid it?” Su Ming asked, concern evident in his voice.
Lan Zi Yu thought for a moment before replying, “You and Junior Sister should stay here. I’ll go ahead and check it out.”
“Alright. Be careful, Second Senior Brother,” Su Ming responded, his eyes filled with worry.
Lan Zi Yu nodded in acknowledgment before swiftly moving toward the source of the intense spiritual energy fluctuations.
Despite not being the type to meddle in others’ affairs, Lan Zi Yu understood that while traveling, one could never predict what might happen. He wasn’t the sort to ignore someone in distress—unless they were clearly evil.
As he approached the battlefield, the sound of swords clashing became clearer. The resonant, almost musical ring of the blades was like a phoenix singing high above. His admiration for the swordsman grew, quickening his pace.
Just as he was about to reach the heart of the battle, Lan Zi Yu sensed a familiar presence that made him halt abruptly, shock coursing through him.
What is she doing here?
On the other side of the battlefield, Yu Zhao stood calmly at the edge, her eyes fixed on Ji Han Zhou as he fought.
This wasn’t the first time Yu Zhao had witnessed Ji Han Zhou wielding a sword, yet each time, she couldn’t help but marvel at how naturally it seemed to him. It was as if the sword was an extension of his body, moving with a fluidity that defied belief. His swordsmanship was nothing short of flawless, improving each time she saw him in action. Just when you thought he had reached his peak, he would surpass it with something even more extraordinary.
This time, Ji Han Zhou’s opponent was a formidable one—a mid-stage Golden Core sword cultivator. Based on Ji Han Zhou’s current cultivation level, it should have been impossible for him to fight on equal footing with this opponent. However, Yu Zhao had intervened, casting an illusion to cloud the opponent’s memories, making him believe his cultivation was still at the late Foundation Establishment stage.
According to Yu Zhao’s calculations, in about the time it takes to burn an incense stick, the battle would be decided. But just then, an uninvited guest arrived.
Yu Zhao turned her gaze toward the northeast, her brows knitting together slightly.
Lan Zi Yu, though mentally prepared, was still shaken when he finally saw Yu Zhao.
Yu Zhao has reached the Golden Core stage!
A Golden Core cultivator under twenty years old was a rare sight, even in the talent-filled Five Elements Sect. Lan Zi Yu recalled that he had achieved Golden Core at twenty-one, and at the time, many elders and fellow disciples had praised him as a genius.
But now, compared to Yu Zhao, he felt inadequate.
Wasn’t Yu Zhao supposed to be slow-witted and unambitious? How did she grow so fast?
Lan Zi Yu’s eyes filled with doubt and uncertainty as he stared at her.
Yu Zhao, well-acquainted with Lan Zi Yu, could easily guess his thoughts from his expression. A slight smile tugged at her lips.
She was no longer the person she used to be, yet Lan Zi Yu’s thoughts remained trapped in the past. Finding it rather dull, she shifted her gaze away.
An incense stick’s time later, the Golden Core cultivator’s sword pierced through Ji Han Zhou’s arm, but Ji Han Zhou’s sword simultaneously thrust through the cultivator’s forehead. The blade flashed, and a splash of murky liquid flew out.
Thud!
Ji Han Zhou, holding his bloodless sword, seemed oblivious to the pain in his arm. He turned to Yu Zhao with a brilliant smile. “I won!”
Ji Han Zhou was undeniably handsome, with sharp phoenix eyes that naturally exuded a carefree and unrestrained aura. At that moment, his smile softened his prideful demeanor, giving him the youthful charm of a sunny boy.
Yu Zhao, accustomed to his behavior, found nothing unusual. However, Lan Zi Yu felt an inexplicable discomfort.
Perhaps it was a man’s intuition, but he sensed that something was off about Ji Han Zhou. The initial goodwill he had felt vanished, replaced by a thorny gaze.
Ji Han Zhou, sensing the hostile gaze, turned his head. The smile on his lips instantly disappeared, his face hardening as if a layer of frost had settled over it.
Their gazes locked, neither willing to look away first.
“Junior Brother Han Zhou, let’s go,” Yu Zhao said calmly, using her spiritual power to pick up the Golden Core cultivator’s storage bag.
“Alright,” Ji Han Zhou replied without hesitation, walking directly towards Yu Zhao, treating Lan Zi Yu as if he were invisible.
Seeing the two about to leave without a word, Lan Zi Yu’s face darkened in anger. “Yu Zhao! How dare you ignore your Senior Brother! Did all your manners get swallowed by a dog?”
Ji Han Zhou whipped his head around, his eyes flashing with killing intent. “Watch your mouth!”
“What does this have to do with you? Get lost!” Lan Zi Yu’s gaze darkened as he took a step forward, releasing the overwhelming pressure of a Golden Core cultivator towards Ji Han Zhou.
“Lan Zi Yu, this isn’t the Five Elements Sect, and it’s not a place for you to throw your weight around,” Yu Zhao said, flicking her fingers and effortlessly dispelling Lan Zi Yu’s pressure. Her gaze locked onto his, but her eyes were as deep and calm as an abyss, showing no trace of emotion.
Ji Han Zhou’s lips curled up in a smug smile.
Senior Sister Yu Zhao chose him over this inexplicable man. Did that mean he held a special place in her heart?
While Ji Han Zhou was pleased, Lan Zi Yu was about to explode!
He couldn’t believe that Yu Zhao would challenge him for the sake of some random man.
“Yu Zhao! I am your Senior Brother!” Lan Zi Yu shouted in disbelief.
“No, you’re not,” Yu Zhao replied with a faint smile. “Do you need me to remind you again? Lan Zi Yu, I’m no longer a part of Lone Moon Peak. From now on, when you see me outside, just pretend you don’t know me. Let’s not bother each other.”
This wasn’t the first time Yu Zhao had said such things to him. But Lan Zi Yu had never taken her words seriously.
And this time was no different.
“Yu Zhao! How long are you going to keep this up? Do you know your childish antics have thrown Lone Moon Peak into chaos? Can’t you be more like Junior Sister Cong Xin and act sensibly?”
Yu Zhao shook her head. It was like talking to a brick wall.
She leaned towards Ji Han Zhou and whispered, “Let’s go.”
“You’re not going anywhere!” Lan Zi Yu’s voice was icy as he glared at her. “Yu Zhao, you’re not leaving until you explain yourself!”
Ji Han Zhou, furious, was about to say something, but Yu Zhao held him back, meeting his eyes. Understanding that Yu Zhao wanted to handle this herself, he remained silent.
The unspoken understanding between them stung Lan Zi Yu like a knife. Fury roiled within him, making him want to scream, to vent, but it felt like a lump of cotton was stuck in his throat, choking him.
This novel is translated and hosted only on BCatranslation
Yu Zhao’s cold gaze pierced through him. “Lan Zi Yu, if I beat you, will you finally leave me alone?”
Lan Zi Yu thought he had misheard her.
What did Yu Zhao just say?
She thought she could win?
Even though she had reached the Golden Core stage, she was still leagues beneath him. How could she possibly think she could defeat him?
“Fine!” Lan Zi Yu practically growled, “If you win, I’ll act as if I never knew you. But if you lose, you’ll not only have to bow and apologize, but you’ll also have to promise to behave from now on and get along with Junior Sister Cong Xin without causing her any trouble!”
“Alright, I agree,” Yu Zhao said calmly.