Chapter 166: A Mere Opinion
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Master Qing Yan suppressed his pain, restoring his usual aloof demeanor. Sect Master Ji Yuan, one of the few who knew of Master Qing Yan’s old ailment, couldn’t hide the concern on his face.
The sight made Master Qing Yan inwardly annoyed. He shifted his gaze back to Yu Zhao, and for some inexplicable reason, his perspective of her had changed—she now seemed less objectionable to him. However, his expression soon hardened.
“Yu Zhao,” he declared coldly, “your disrespect towards your elders and your reckless words make it impossible for you to achieve the Dao in this lifetime.”
Yu Zhao thought she might feel angry at his statement, but instead, she felt a deep calm, as though listening to a stranger’s baseless rant. She replied indifferently, “A mere opinion.”
These four simple words were far more impactful than any elaborate retort.
Master Qing Yan’s face darkened further, and he let out a cold laugh. “Very well. I’ll see just how far someone as defiant as you can go.”
Yu Zhao lifted her head, meeting his gaze. Each word she spoke carried weight: “Then, Master Qing Yan, watch closely how I step by step achieve the Dao.”
Arrogance!
The thought flashed through everyone’s minds simultaneously. To utter such words of resolve before the Number One in Cultivation—was it confidence or sheer hubris?
Most believed it was the latter. Yet, a small minority held faith that Yu Zhao would follow through on her bold declaration.
Ye Cong Xin stared at Yu Zhao’s back, her heart churning with jealousy mingled with an unexplainable admiration. She, too, wished to live as fearlessly and freely as Yu Zhao—unrestrained and unyielding. But instead, she was bound to the system, tirelessly currying favor with so-called great luck bearers, reduced to a docile yes-woman. Yu Zhao possessed everything she desired yet took it for granted. It was only fitting, then, for her to take it all away.
Master Qing Yan staggered, a sharp pang in his mind intensifying. His brows furrowed deeply, and Sect Master Ji Yuan could no longer sit still.
Master Qing Yan’s worsening condition was apparent. If he endured much more agitation and something irreparable happened, it would spell disaster. Hastily, Sect Master Ji Yuan transmitted instructions to Elder Sun to resume hosting the qualification trials.
Elder Sun hesitated, glancing at Yu Zhao. Master Qing Yan had decreed her expulsion from the trials, which would leave Zhou Jin Yue’s team short a member. Replacing her on such short notice seemed uncertain.
“Yu Zhao…” Elder Sun began.
Yu Zhao bowed respectfully. “I am willing to withdraw from the selection, but I ask for some time to find a replacement.”
“Granted,” Elder Sun agreed.
Yu Zhao walked over to Zhou Jin Yue, guilt written across her face. “Senior Sister Zhou, I’m sorry for failing to live up to your kindness.”
Zhou Jin Yue’s eyes reddened. “No apologies. This isn’t your fault.”
“Sigh, you were just caught in an unjust mess.” Zhang Jun let out a heavy sigh, his expression sympathetic.
Lu Li showed no blame toward Yu Zhao either, her voice soft and comforting.
“Stop consoling her,” Pu Xing He interjected irritably. “We should focus on finding a replacement instead!”
He had been against Yu Zhao’s inclusion from the beginning, only agreeing because Zhou Jin Yue vouched for her. Now his earlier misgivings felt vindicated, and he couldn’t hide his frustration.
“What’s the difficulty in that?” Zhou Jin Yue shot Pu Xing He a sharp look before turning to the surrounding disciples. “Who is willing to join us?”
“Me! Me!”
“Senior Sister Zhou, pick me! I’m tall, fast, and strong—the perfect candidate!”
“Senior Sister! Grand Senior Sister! Let me join instead. They’re no match for such a crucial role!”
Everyone could see how strong Zhou Jin Yue’s team was, undoubtedly a top contender for the grand prize in the cultivation tournament. The chance to join such a formidable team was a rare opportunity, and no one wanted to miss it.
Even disciples who had already formed teams couldn’t help but show interest. If not for the risk of turning against their teammates, many might have volunteered on the spot.
Zhou Jin Yue, well aware of her fellow disciples’ capabilities, quickly selected a replacement for Yu Zhao in less than half the time it takes for an incense stick to burn.
The chosen candidate, He Luo Luo, cheerfully ran up and grabbed Yu Zhao’s hands, repeatedly expressing gratitude. Yu Zhao gave a helpless smile, shared a brief hug with Zhou Jin Yue, and then exited the training field.
Wherever she passed, disciples avoided her as if she were untouchable, leaving a wide gap around her.
“Hmph, cowards!”
Xiu Luo, annoyed, pushed through the crowd and decisively stood beside Yu Zhao.
“Yu Zhao, you were right. I should never have held onto false hopes about Master Qing Yan. After today’s selection is over, I’ll find another elder to take as my teacher!”
Inner disciples could choose an elder or peak master to apprentice under after advancing to the Golden Core stage. Elder Sun had hinted more than once that Xiu Luo could become his disciple, but her fixation on Master Qing Yan had kept her from accepting. Now, with her illusions shattered, it was time to move on and plan for her future.
Yu Zhao’s lips curved slightly. “Congratulations.”
For seeing the truth.
Xiu Luo was about to respond when she abruptly changed the subject. “Why are you all here?”
Feng Qi Yun, Wang Chen, and several other inner disciples approached, surrounding Yu Zhao and Xiu Luo in the middle.
Feng Qi Yun casually tossed his hair. “Senior Sister Yu Zhao is an inner disciple, one of us. If we don’t stand up now, the personal disciples and outer disciples will mock us later.”
“Exactly. They keep saying we inner disciples lack unity. Today, we’ll show them what being united really means. Together, we’re a blazing fire; apart, just little sparks.”
“Maybe some people who can’t talk properly should just stay quiet, huh?”
“…”
Their chatter quickly shifted the once somber atmosphere to a lively buzz.
Xiu Luo sniffled and whispered to Yu Zhao, “Yu Zhao, I think we’re just as good as the personal disciples now.”
“You’re all amazing,” Yu Zhao replied softly.
“I think so too.”
After this lively interlude, the selection resumed. Perhaps the earlier commotion had dampened everyone’s mood, as the spectators now watched with far less excitement and enthusiasm.
As expected, the team led by Zhou Jin Yue and Fang Cheng Lang prevailed, earning victory. They would represent the Five Elements Dao Sect in the upcoming inter-sect tournament, competing for spots on the Floating Island.
Notably, Ye Cong Xin’s performance stood out during the competition. Though she didn’t last until the end, she delayed her opponents long enough to give Fang Cheng Lang’s team critical opportunities to eliminate more contenders.
“Ye Cong Xin is stronger than I imagined,” Xiu Luo remarked, stroking her chin in surprise.
When Yu Zhao didn’t reply, Xiu Luo turned to find her wearing a serious expression. “What’s on your mind?” she asked curiously.
Yu Zhao snapped out of her thoughts. “Nothing. I was just thinking Ye Cong Xin’s health seems much improved.”
Xiu Luo pondered this. “You’re right. Even after such intense fighting, she didn’t show any obvious signs of discomfort. Could her illness be fully cured?”