Chapter 192: She’s Just a Cold-Hearted Liar
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While other sects secretly schemed to stir up trouble, Yu Zhao stepped down from the competition platform, having completed her first match. After briefly checking the matchups for Yao Wu Ji and Si Tu Xuan, she confirmed they would likely secure victories and moved to watch the Sect Competition on the other side.
This round featured a clash between the Five Elements Dao Sect team led by Zhou Jin Yue and the first-tier team of Aspiration Pavilion, composed of Yan Shan, the Pavilion Master’s eldest disciple, and Qi Qi, the second disciple. It was the second major confrontation between top-tier teams, following the intense battle between the Heavenly Sword Sect and Tai Bai Academy. Naturally, this drew a large crowd, most of whom were disciples of Aspiration Pavilion.
“Senior Brother, go for it!” “Sister Qi, crush them!” “Aspiration Pavilion will win! Senior Brother is unbeatable!”
Not to be outdone, the disciples of Five Elements Dao Sect cheered loudly, fueling the fiery atmosphere both on and off the stage.
By the time Yu Zhao arrived, the battle was nearing its end. Though the top disciples of Aspiration Pavilion were formidable, they were ultimately outmatched by Zhou Jin Yue, Zhang Jun, and their teammates. Half an incense stick later, Aspiration Pavilion’s disciples were successively knocked off the platform, declaring victory for Five Elements Dao Sect.
The triumphant cheers of Five Elements Dao Sect disciples echoed in the air, unrelenting. Although the Aspiration Pavilion disciples were dejected, they weren’t overly disheartened—after all, this result had been anticipated.
Elsewhere, Fang Cheng Lang’s team also secured an easy win. Standing atop the competition platform, Quan Ye burst into laughter. “So this was the big challenge? They were nothing special.”
Unlike most teams, which were entirely composed of Golden Core cultivators, their squad included a late Foundation Establishment stage cultivator, leading them to expect a grueling match. However, it turned out to be easier than expected.
The confidence of Lan Zi Yu and Su Ming was evident in their smug expressions, their morale swelling after the smooth victory. Su Ming, putting an arm around Ye Cong Xin, praised her, “Junior Sister, you truly are our lucky charm.”
Blushing shyly, Ye Cong Xin replied, “Third Senior Brother, you flatter me. I’m just glad I didn’t hold everyone back.”
“You’re too modest. You did wonderfully,” Su Ming assured her.
With a scoff, Quan Ye added, “Junior Sister, you should learn from that impostor how to be shameless.”
The sudden change in Fang Cheng Lang’s eyes made the air turn icy. “Quan Ye, this is my final warning—don’t ever call Yu Zhao an impostor again. Otherwise, don’t blame me for being merciless.”
Though Lan Zi Yu and the others were used to Fang Cheng Lang’s protective attitude towards Yu Zhao, his threatening tone towards Quan Ye still baffled them. What had gotten into their Senior Brother now?
“Senior Brother! You wouldn’t let me confront Yu Zhao, fine. But now I can’t even mention her name? Do you have something to hide—did she blackmail you?”
At this point, Quan Ye couldn’t help but suspect their Senior Brother had been replaced. Otherwise, why had he become so unreasonable and impossible to talk to?
“Yu Zhao may have left Lone Moon Peak, but she’s still our Junior Sister!”
The image of Yu Zhao dying resurfaced in Fang Cheng Lang’s mind, triggering a deep, unshakable guilt toward everyone, including himself. If Yu Zhao truly perished at their Master’s hands, each of them would bear part of the blame.
He finally understood why Cui Jue had accepted the loss of his ability to become an alchemist without resentment. Cui Jue had been atoning sincerely for his actions.
And he…
Clenching his fists tightly, Fang Cheng Lang knew that after what happened with Yao Wu Ji, Yu Zhao likely harbored nothing but hatred for him. He had no right to ask for forgiveness. The only thing he could do now was to atone in his own way—starting by restoring Yu Zhao’s name.
There had been no body seizing, no impersonation.
Yu Zhao was simply Yu Zhao.
“She’s not our Junior Sister; she’s a heartless liar!” Quan Ye roared, his eyes blazing with fury.
The Eldest Senior Brother’s claim was wrong—no one knew Yu Zhao better than he did! The real Yu Zhao would never stand a chance against him in a fight! Nor would she ever think of leaving Lone Moon Peak. She had once vowed that as long as their Master and her Senior Brothers remained, Lone Moon Peak was her home. Even with misunderstandings or conflicts, she wouldn’t abandon her family!
This Yu Zhao had to be an imposter!
A sharp hum filled the air. Fang Cheng Lang’s eyes grew cold, his sword vibrating menacingly in his hand. Lan Zi Yu and Su Ming jumped in alarm. They were still on the Aspiration Pavilion stage, with countless eyes watching their every move. If a fight broke out here, the Five Elements Dao Sect would become the laughingstock of others.
Lan Zi Yu stepped forward, blocking Fang Cheng Lang’s gaze and pressing down on his arm to signal restraint. Meanwhile, Su Ming tugged on Quan Ye’s sleeve, trying to drag him away. But Quan Ye dug in his heels, refusing to budge. Frustrated, Su Ming was tempted to kick him off the stage.
In the end, it was Ye Cong Xin who intervened, coaxing and persuading until she finally managed to diffuse the situation. Some noticed their tense interactions but didn’t pry into the matter, chalking it up to internal dynamics.
However, Sect Master Ji Yuan was sweating bullets. His trust in the Lone Moon Peak disciples was hanging by a thread; he feared their impulsiveness could erupt at any moment. At least Master Qing Yan could still maintain composure for the sect’s greater good. But these hot-headed youngsters? Unpredictable.
He decided immediate action was necessary. Not long after Fang Cheng Lang and the others returned to their quarters, they were summoned back.
With a stern expression, Zhou Jin Yue addressed them. “I don’t care what grievances you have among yourselves. There’s one rule: no fighting within the Aspiration Pavilion. Once you’re back at Lone Moon Peak, fight all you want—no one will stop you. Is that clear?”
Having been scolded by Zhou Jin Yue just three days prior, Fang Cheng Lang had no ground to argue and could only nod in resignation. On the other hand, Lan Zi Yu and the others were far less cooperative. Despite their status being nearly equal to the Main Peak, Lone Moon Peak had begun overshadowing it in recent years. Why should they bow to Zhou Jin Yue’s orders? Her condescending tone was especially grating.
It felt as though obeying her would place Lone Moon Peak beneath the Main Peak.
Seeing through their dissatisfaction, Zhou Jin Yue sneered. “Away from home, you represent not just Lone Moon Peak but the entire Five Elements Dao Sect. Do you think I enjoy babysitting you? I’m doing this for the sect’s reputation.”
She then turned to Fang Cheng Lang, her gaze pointed. “You’re responsible for the Lone Moon Peak disciples. Don’t let history repeat itself.”
Her words left Fang Cheng Lang bitter and speechless as he watched her leave.
“Eldest Senior Brother, the Main Peak disciples are walking all over us, and you’re just taking it! You’re an embarrassment to Lone Moon Peak!” Quan Ye’s bluntness cut like a blade. Back before his stint at the Cliff of Reflection, Lone Moon Peak had been unmatched, and even Main Peak disciples treated them with deference. Yet, upon his return, it seemed their roles had reversed.
Now, even Eldest Senior Brother was cowed into submission. If this continued, Lone Moon Peak would soon be reduced to a mere Main Peak appendage.
“Quan Ye, apologize to the Eldest Senior Brother!” Lan Zi Yu, frowning deeply, reprimanded him. Despite Fang Cheng Lang’s faults, he was still their leader. Proper respect was non-negotiable.
“I won’t!” Quan Ye barked, his defiant gaze fierce. “Just now, Senior Sister Zhou forbade fighting. Let’s see if the Eldest Senior Brother dares to defy her orders.”