Chapter 188: Do You Want to Ruin Yu Zhao’s Reputation?
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“Qing Yan Qian…”
Si Tu Xuan, unsure of what had just transpired, attempted to invoke the name of his own clan’s Transformation Realm ancestor in an effort to mediate the situation. However, before he could even complete the address, Master Qing Yan silenced him with a forceful restraint.
“Yao Wu Ji, you poisoned my two disciples. Your crime is unforgivable,” Master Qing Yan declared coldly, his gaze piercing through Yao Wu Ji. “However, I’ll give you one chance—confess who instructed you, and I’ll spare your life.”
Only then did Si Tu Xuan realize the trouble stemmed from Yao Wu Ji. But what did Master Qing Yan mean? Could it be that he suspected…
“I acted alone. No one instructed me,” Yao Wu Ji replied, her voice trembling.
Facing the number one cultivator of the cultivation world, there was no way anyone could remain calm. Yet, she was no fool. She had researched Yu Zhao’s identity and knew about the feud between Yu Zhao and Master Qing Yan. His words were clearly an attempt to coerce her into implicating Yu Zhao.
But Master Qing Yan underestimated her resolve—Yao Wu Ji wasn’t one to betray others, even under the threat of death!
Surprisingly, Master Qing Yan didn’t expect this response. A mere rogue cultivator dared to poison his disciples and then lie so blatantly to his face? She must be courting death!
Bang! Bang! Bang!
Massive bursts of blood erupted from Yao Wu Ji’s pores, leaving her drenched as if she had just been pulled from a pool of blood. Her aura immediately weakened, and she wavered, nearly collapsing.
Si Tu Xuan caught her just in time, panic flashing in his eyes.
“I’ll give you one more chance. Will you speak or not?” Master Qing Yan’s voice was chilling.
Yao Wu Ji managed a strained smile. “You want to ruin Yu Zhao’s reputation, but I won’t let you have your way.”
Hearing her expose his true intent, Master Qing Yan laughed angrily, his expression twisting. “Fine. If you’re so eager to die, I’ll grant your wish.”
An indescribable, terrifying pressure enveloped Yao Wu Ji, making her feel as though an invisible hand was squeezing her throat. The suffocating force made her eyes widen in terror, veins bulging on her forehead.
Yu Zhao and Si Tu Xuan, witnessing the scene, were frantic but found themselves unable to break free from the aura of a Transformation Realm cultivator.
“Stop!”
Just as Yao Wu Ji’s consciousness began to fade into darkness, the oppressive force around her neck abruptly disappeared. She gasped for air, her body trembling uncontrollably.
Master Qing Yan, standing stoically, wore an expression of irritation at the interruption.
Seeing his demeanor, Sect Master Ji Yuan grew even more furious. Had he arrived a moment later, and Yao Wu Ji died, how could he face her master?
“Qing Yan, you’ve gone too far!”
Master Qing Yan frowned deeply. For Sect Master Ji Yuan to address him by his Daoist title indicated he was truly angered. But why? Yao Wu Ji was merely a rogue cultivator—one who had even dared to harm his disciples.
“Do you know who her master is?” Sect Master Ji Yuan demanded, pointing at Yao Wu Ji in anger.
Master Qing Yan shook his head dismissively.
“Her master is none other than Hermit Bao Hua—the same one who once treated your old injuries!”
The revelation stunned everyone present.
Hermit Bao Hua, a legendary Transformation Realm cultivator renowned in the cultivation world for her expertise in alchemy, medicine, and poison. She was also known as Bright Spring Hermit.
Yao Wu Ji, who had never disclosed her background, looked equally bewildered. Even Yu Zhao and Si Tu Xuan were shocked to learn of her lineage. None of them had expected Yao Wu Ji to be the disciple of Hermit Bao Hua, let alone that her master had once treated Master Qing Yan’s injuries.
Yao Wu Ji herself was at a loss.
Wait—her master had never mentioned this before!
Had she known earlier, she would have identified herself right away instead of enduring such torture!
It hurt so much!
Master Qing Yan’s cold, indifferent expression softened slightly.
In the past, he suffered greatly from a persistent head ailment. It was Hermit Bao Hua, along with Sect Master Wu Sang of the Green Wood Sect and others, who worked tirelessly through sleepless nights to barely stabilize his condition. This left Master Qing Yan deeply indebted to Hermit Bao Hua.
However, as Hermit Bao Hua was a carefree wanderer with no fixed abode, Master Qing Yan had never found the opportunity to repay her. He never expected Yao Wu Ji to be her disciple.
Sect Master Ji Yuan glared at the blood-soaked Yu Zhao and Yao Wu Ji. His temple throbbed with rage. If not for the fact that he couldn’t overpower Master Qing Yan, he’d have rolled up his sleeves and beaten him senseless.
“A man of your age, acting as impulsively as a reckless youth. You infuriate me to no end!”
Just as he was about to berate Master Qing Yan to release Yu Zhao, the man suddenly clutched his forehead, his facial features twisting in pain.
Sect Master Ji Yuan’s heart skipped a beat.
Oh no!
Master Qing Yan’s old ailment had relapsed!
Recalling the catastrophic destruction that accompanied Master Qing Yan’s past episodes, Sect Master Ji Yuan gasped in alarm.
“Si Tu Xuan, follow me!”
Without waiting for Si Tu Xuan’s reply, Sect Master Ji Yuan grabbed Master Qing Yan with one hand and supported Yu Zhao with the other. He teleported with Si Tu Xuan and Yao Wu Ji to the Green Wood Sect’s residence at the Aspiration Pavilion.
“Sect Master Wu Sang! Elder Lotus! Emergency!”
The urgency in Sect Master Ji Yuan’s voice was unmistakable as he activated a cloaking formation to hide their presence and called softly for aid at the entrance.
Sect Master Wu Sang and Elder Lotus promptly opened the doors and ushered them inside.
“Whoa…” They gasped at the sight of the bloodied Yu Zhao and Yao Wu Ji.
Turning to see the pale-faced, sweat-drenched Master Qing Yan, their voices rose in unison. “Whoa!”
“Stop gawking and help!” Sect Master Ji Yuan was nearly stomping in frustration.
Both Yu Zhao and Master Qing Yan were priceless treasures of the Five Elements Dao Sect. Losing either would be an unbearable blow.
Elder Lotus hurriedly assessed the injuries of Yu Zhao and Yao Wu Ji, while Sect Master Wu Sang focused on examining Master Qing Yan.
After some time, Elder Lotus administered a pill to Yu Zhao and Yao Wu Ji before reporting to Sect Master Ji Yuan. “The injuries may look severe, but they didn’t affect their vital organs or meridians. They’ll recover in time for the competition in three days.”
Sect Master Ji Yuan’s anger subsided, replaced by relief. “Good, good. No lasting damage, then.”
It seemed Master Qing Yan still retained some sense, holding back enough to avoid serious harm.
However, the news from Sect Master Wu Sang wasn’t as optimistic.
“Master Qing Yan’s old condition shows signs of resurgence. Has he been under significant stress recently?”
Sect Master Ji Yuan instinctively shook his head. “No, who would dare provoke him? They’d have to be tired of living…”
Mid-sentence, his gaze snapped to Yu Zhao.
If anyone could frustrate the precious Master Qing Yan, it had to be this equally cherished Yu Zhao.
Oblivious, Yu Zhao absorbed the medicinal power of the pill, unaware of Sect Master Ji Yuan’s scrutinizing gaze.
Sect Master Wu Sang and Elder Lotus, having heard some rumors recently, sighed deeply.
Both had interacted with Yu Zhao before and held her in high regard. They couldn’t understand why Master Qing Yan was so determined to expel her from his tutelage.
Still, as this was an internal matter of the Five Elements Dao Sect, they refrained from voicing their opinions. Instead, Sect Master Wu Sang focused on Master Qing Yan’s condition.
“Master Qing Yan sustained irreversible injuries when he forcefully elevated his cultivation back then. We can only stabilize his condition temporarily, not cure it.
“He must avoid excessive mental strain or emotional upheaval. While he’s managed well so far, maintaining this state is crucial. If the ailment relapses fully, even we won’t be able to save him.”