Chapter 159: Yu Zhao Returns
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“Sister Yu, are you really not staying for a few more days?” Mu Ye clung to Yu Zhao’s sleeve outside the gates of the Green Wood Sect, her large, watery eyes pleading.
Yu Zhao laughed gently, shaking her head. “I’d love to stay, but if I delay, I might miss the deadline to return to the Five Elements Dao Sect in time for the Cultivation Realm Tournament.”
“But you could just travel with us later!” Mu Ye’s voice faltered, growing softer.
The Cultivation Realm Tournament was divided into sect and individual competitions. Most disciples chose to represent their sects, unless there were extraordinary circumstances. With Yu Zhao’s remarkable abilities, she was unquestionably a key member of the Five Elements Dao Sect’s team, poised for an impressive performance.
Yet staying longer at the Green Wood Sect would only hinder her preparations. Though Mu Ye understood this perfectly, she still couldn’t bear to say goodbye. Her suggestion tumbled out on impulse, and she regretted it immediately. Sneaking a glance at Yu Zhao, she was relieved to find no trace of annoyance in her friend’s eyes. Even so, her heart felt heavy as she reluctantly let go of Yu Zhao’s sleeve.
Yu Zhao tried to console her. “You’re heading to the tournament too. We’ll see each other again soon.”
“But I’ll just be a spectator, not competing with you.”
Mu Ye’s alchemy expertise was unmatched among her peers, but her combat skills were ordinary at best. The Green Wood Sect traditionally selected its representatives for combat from the Martial Hall, overlooking the Pill Hall and Medicine Hall where Mu Ye excelled.
“That doesn’t matter.” Yu Zhao tousled Mu Ye’s hair, her expression growing serious. “Keep an eye on Wang Qian, Guo Ming En, and Tian Han. They’re not as harmless as they appear.”
“Guo Ming En and Tian Han aren’t worth worrying about. As for Wang Qian…” Mu Ye’s gaze sharpened. “Ever since he failed the selection, he’s been in seclusion. I doubt he’ll cause trouble.”
“Better to be cautious than regretful.”
“I’ll remember.”
Though Mu Ye had initially dismissed these individuals as insignificant, Yu Zhao’s repeated warnings left her more vigilant. After bidding a reluctant goodbye, Yu Zhao turned into a streak of light and soared into the sky. Mu Ye remained by the gates, staring after her friend’s fading figure.
…
At the Five Elements Dao Sect, Lone Moon Peak:
“Eldest Senior Brother, did Master really say that?” Lan Zi Yu’s voice was incredulous, his eyes wide with disbelief.
Fang Cheng Lang nodded solemnly.
“This affects our Fourth Junior Brother’s future! Master might indulge Little Junior Sister, but how could he make such a rash decision?” Lan Zi Yu’s frustration grew palpable.
He harbored a fondness for Little Junior Sister but recognized her frail constitution made her unsuited for the rigorous Cultivation Realm Tournament. Her inclusion in the team would inevitably weaken their chances.
“Master said that since Ah Jue is injured, the team requires a full roster. As a disciple of Lone Moon Peak, Little Junior Sister can’t be excluded,” Fang Cheng Lang explained calmly, echoing Master Qing Yan’s decree.
“We’re not abandoning her, but she’s clearly unsuited for this competition!” Lan Zi Yu blurted out. After a pause, he added in a hushed tone, “If she’s going, why not invite Yu Zhao instead?”
His own words startled him. Since when had he begun considering Yu Zhao as more capable than Little Junior Sister?
Hearing Yu Zhao’s name, Fang Cheng Lang’s expression flickered briefly. “Yu Zhao won’t join us.”
“And why not? What makes her so special?” Lan Zi Yu’s initial shock morphed into irritation, especially at Fang Cheng Lang’s composure.
Fang Cheng Lang sidestepped the question, redirecting the focus. “Master’s decision is final. During the tournament, ensure Little Junior Sister’s safety.”
Lan Zi Yu begrudgingly agreed, though the thought of protecting her during such a critical event left him uneasy. Silence settled between the two senior brothers, each lost in their thoughts.
…
At the Main Peak:
“Eldest Senior Sister, why isn’t Yu Zhao back yet? Did she forget the tournament dates?” Zhang Jun paced nervously, his restlessness akin to a caged monkey.
Zhou Jin Yue sipped her tea, her demeanor calm and assured. “Yu Zhao isn’t careless. If she’s delayed, it’s because of something important. She’ll be back soon.”
“But what if she’s late? The internal selection is almost here, and our team still lacks a member!” Zhang Jun’s anxiety only grew.
“She’ll make it.”
Though baffled by Zhou Jin Yue’s unwavering confidence, Zhang Jun couldn’t suppress his unease. If only he had a way to see Yu Zhao’s current whereabouts!
Just then, a disciple rushed in, their voice brimming with excitement. “Eldest Senior Sister, Second Senior Brother! Yu Zhao is back!”
“Really? Where is she?” Zhang Jun exclaimed, his energy surging.
“She’s been stopped on the main road by Quan Ye. A crowd has already gathered to watch!”
“Quan Ye? Wasn’t he confined to the Cliff of Reflection? When did he get out?” Zhou Jin Yue’s composure finally cracked.
“Today. He just left the cliff and ran into Yu Zhao. It seems they’re about to fight!”
Before the disciple could finish, Zhou Jin Yue bolted like a flash of lightning. “Wait for me, Eldest Senior Sister!” Zhang Jun yelled, dashing after her.
…
Outside the Cliff of Reflection:
A throng of disciples encircled Yu Zhao, Quan Ye, and Ye Cong Xin, their faces filled with curiosity.
“Is that Yu Zhao? She reached Golden Core in just two years?”
“Not just Golden Core—she’s at least mid-stage!”
“I heard Quan Ye was punished for damaging her spiritual foundation. But judging by her cultivation, that rumor seems false.”
It was common knowledge that a shattered spiritual foundation was almost impossible to mend, let alone swiftly. Yu Zhao’s remarkable progress left many astonished, though her presence enraged Quan Ye and Ye Cong Xin.
Ye Cong Xin, who had come to greet Quan Ye after his confinement, was seething. She had assumed Yu Zhao left to avoid embarrassment, fabricating reasons to regain favor within the sect. Yet here she stood—stronger, bolder, and more intimidating than ever.
Seeing Yu Zhao return with such power only fanned Ye Cong Xin’s resentment.
Enemies on narrow road literally (one sided)