Chapter 154: Another Extraordinary Talent
This novel is translated and hosted only on BCatranslation
“Fang Cheng Lang, are all disciples of the Five Elements Dao Sect as timid and cautious as you? If so, what right does your sect have to claim the top rank? From now on, you should stay beneath our Green Wood Sect, hahaha!”
“Hahaha!”
The mocking laughter echoed in Fang Cheng Lang’s ears, making his hesitant gaze suddenly firm. The honor of the Five Elements Dao Sect was not something anyone could trample upon. Even if it meant risking his life, he would uphold the sect’s dignity.
Just as he was about to grit his teeth and accept the challenge, Yu Zhao clicked her tongue, drawing everyone’s attention.
“You Fei, if you want to make a name for yourself by stepping on Fang Cheng Lang, I have no objection. But dragging the reputation of the Five Elements Dao Sect into this? Do you really think we have no one to stand up for us?”
In truth, Yu Zhao felt little attachment to the Five Elements Dao Sect. However, it was a place Senior Sister Zhou Jin Yue had been willing to lay down her life to protect. Moreover, before Yu Zhao embarked on her journey, Sect Master Ji Yuan had generously provided her with a large number of spirit stones, saving her a lot of trouble. Even if just for these two people, she couldn’t allow the sect to be maliciously slandered.
“Oh? Are you also from the Five Elements Dao Sect?”
You Fei and his companions froze in surprise. Wasn’t it said that only two disciples from the Five Elements Dao Sect were recovering in the sect? Where had this third person suddenly appeared? And a woman, no less.
You Fei scrutinized Yu Zhao from head to toe, his eyes gleaming. “Could it be that you’re Zhou Jin Yue of the Five Elements Dao Sect?”
As the Sect Master’s first disciple, Zhou Jin Yue’s reputation in the cultivation world rivaled that of Fang Cheng Lang.
Yu Zhao chuckled lightly. “I’m not Senior Sister Zhou. My name is Yu Zhao, an inner disciple of the Five Elements Dao Sect.”
A look of disdain flashed in You Fei’s eyes. He dragged out his words, “Oh, so you’re just an inner disciple.”
Just as the Green Wood Sect had divisions between their Pill Hall, Medicine Hall, and Martial Hall, the disciples of the Five Elements Dao Sect also had hierarchical distinctions. Naturally, the title of an inner disciple couldn’t compare to that of a personal disciple. You Fei’s challenge was aimed at Fang Cheng Lang, who bore the title of a personal disciple.
“What? I don’t mind you being from the Martial Hall, yet you, a Martial Hall disciple, look down on us inner disciples?” Yu Zhao feigned astonishment.
“Arrogant!”
Yu Zhao’s words struck a nerve with You Fei and his fellow Martial Hall disciples. They were already frustrated by the lower prestige of Martial Hall disciples compared to those of the Five Elements Dao Sect. Now, for a mere Golden Core beginner inner disciple to provoke them was akin to a slap in the face.
“Yu Zhao, if you don’t apologize, don’t blame me for being rude,” You Fei snarled.
Yu Zhao raised a hand and beckoned with her finger. “Bring it on.”
“Little Six!”
Fang Cheng Lang was shocked. Setting aside the others, You Fei’s cultivation at the late stage of the Golden Core realm alone made him an overwhelming opponent for Yu Zhao. Her provocative words had now ignited the fury of the entire group, ensuring she’d face severe consequences.
“Fellow cultivators, my junior sister spoke rashly just now. I hope you can…” Fang Cheng Lang tried to mediate, hoping to quell the anger of the Green Wood Sect disciples. However, his words met a pair of disappointed eyes.
“Fang Cheng Lang!”
He froze mid-sentence.
“Not again.”
What?
“Not again.”
Yu Zhao stared at him, her expression unreadable yet complex.
“Fang Cheng Lang, in your eyes, my words have always been insignificant. Even after I proved myself in the Marsh Forest, you still refuse to acknowledge my abilities. Wake up! I’m no longer the same Yu Zhao I used to be. Now, I don’t need to depend on anyone, and my words are never without reason.”
Fang Cheng Lang stood as if struck by lightning.
Had he made another mistake?
Yu Zhao took slow, deliberate steps past him and stopped directly in front of You Fei, standing face-to-face. Though her figure wasn’t towering, she radiated an intangible strength that compelled respect.
“You Fei, if you lose, remember to apologize to the Five Elements Dao Sect.”
You Fei responded with a sneer. “I won’t lose.”
Their gazes clashed like sparks, and in the next instant, both figures vanished from sight.
“They’re fighting! Quick, move aside!”
“Back up, back up!”
“Go on, don’t block the way!”
Fang Cheng Lang, dazed and confused, felt someone drag him to the side. Yu Zhao’s words kept echoing in his mind.
Despite his mocking words about the Five Elements Dao Sect, You Fei was deeply cautious. He stepped back, holding a defensive artifact in one hand while forming a defensive incantation with the other. His divine sense scanned the surroundings over and over.
Once… twice…
Huh? Where was she?
The disciples of the Green Wood Sect widened their eyes in disbelief. In the blink of an eye, Yu Zhao had disappeared from the vast plaza.
The elders, who had dispersed earlier, hurried back upon hearing the commotion. They weren’t there to intervene but rather to observe and learn. The Five Elements Dao Sect had dominated the sect competitions for several years, and word had it their current disciples were even more exceptional than before. The elders were eager for this rare glimpse of their prowess and saw no reason to interfere.
However, when they arrived at the plaza, they were greeted by an eerily quiet scene. There were no sounds of fierce battle.
Gathering together, they swept the area with their divine senses, and their initial excitement turned into disappointment.
This match had no suspense.
Why?
Because You Fei’s opponent was nearly on top of him, yet he remained oblivious, still scanning the field for any sign of her.
“When did the Five Elements Dao Sect gain a disciple skilled in illusion techniques? How can anyone fight against that?” an elder sighed.
“Strange. Her cultivation is only at the early Golden Core stage, yet her illusions seem flawless, enough to deceive even You Fei, who is at the late Golden Core stage,” another observed.
“Illusions don’t rely solely on spiritual energy but on the strength of the soul. Clearly, her soul strength far surpasses that of others at her level.”
“Another prodigy,” one muttered in awe.
Even the weakest of the Green Wood Sect elders were in the early Nascent Soul stage. What the Golden Core disciples failed to perceive was crystal clear to them. Still, this didn’t dampen their amazement.
“What’s her name?”
Elder Luo, the only one with prior contact with Yu Zhao, replied, “Her name is Yu Zhao. She claims to be an inner disciple of the Five Elements Dao Sect, without any master.”
“What?” The elders were stunned.
An inner disciple without a master, yet capable of overwhelming the top disciple of the martial division? What kind of monstrous strength did the sect’s core disciples possess?
The elders exchanged bitter glances. It seemed the Green Wood Sect could only aim for second place in the upcoming team competition, battling for it against the Heavenly Sword Sect.
While the elders had resigned themselves to this outcome, You Fei was still clueless about his dire situation. Frustration grew as his search yielded nothing.
“Yu Zhao! Stop hiding! I see you!”
The response was silence.
“Yu Zhao! Come out! What’s the point of hiding?”
“I’m just afraid you’ll be scared,” her soft voice echoed, as if from all directions.
“Afraid? I’ve never said the word ‘fear’ in my life!”
Hidden in the shadows, Yu Zhao smiled faintly.
If that’s true, she’d test his claim.
“Formless Phantom!”
Her style is brilliant, no flashy moves. Just a situation where the opponents get all riled up as she stand there.