Chapter 253: No Matter My Fall, You’re Not the One to Teach Me a Lesson
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Lan Zi Yu had a controversial reputation in the Five Elements Dao Sect.
Supporters praised his unyielding pride and integrity, while critics labeled him as arrogant, dismissive of others, and overly flamboyant. He never cared about outside opinions and continued doing things his own way.
His strength was his greatest confidence.
Quan Ye, in contrast, was no match for him in any aspect. In every past sparring match, Quan Ye had always been on the losing side. But this time, Quan Ye trampled on Lan Zi Yu’s dignity in front of everyone.
When Lan Zi Yu lost consciousness, the last thing he saw were the expressions of his fellow disciples—some shocked, some excited, and others gloating.
Just recalling that day filled him with burning anger, his face flushed as if he’d been slapped repeatedly. Using his injury as an excuse, he hid away in Lone Moon Peak, refusing to listen to the rumors swirling outside.
Yet, he couldn’t stop himself from obsessively imagining what others were saying behind his back, driving himself sleepless with his thoughts. Two conflicting emotions tore at him: his pride and his insecurities. Each gust of wind or creak unsettled him.
He was on the brink of madness.
…
“Second Senior Brother, you’re overthinking.”
Cui Jue, ever composed, spoke calmly to the agitated Lan Zi Yu.
“The sparring match with Fifth Junior Brother is long past, and no one even mentions it now. If you don’t believe me, you can go and see for yourself.”
Since the formation of the Enforcement Squad, the sect had transformed. Gossip had faded, replaced by discussions of cultivation techniques. The atmosphere grew more focused, with fewer distractions.
For most disciples, the match between Lan Zi Yu and Quan Ye served not as a spectacle of his humiliation, but as a reminder: without effort, even those you look down upon will surpass you.
Lan Zi Yu’s loss became a warning bell for the entire sect, pushing disciples to train harder than ever.
Having stopped his pill-refining activities, Cui Jue had ample time to observe these changes. Lan Zi Yu, however, had been preoccupied with his recovery and entanglements with Ye Cong Xin, remaining unaware of the sect’s new dynamics. He still believed himself to be the center of attention.
In truth, no one cared.
Lan Zi Yu’s expression darkened.
“No, you’re lying.”
He refused to accept it. He, the most prominent figure in the Five Elements Dao Sect, whose every move stirred waves—how could no one be watching?
Cui Jue rose and looked down at him.
“Second Senior Brother, everyone is moving forward. You should look ahead too. Don’t let illusions cloud your eyes.”
Though harsh, Cui Jue’s words came from years of camaraderie.
Lan Zi Yu, however, wasn’t grateful. He snapped angrily, “Cui Jue, no matter how low I fall, it’s not your place to lecture me.”
Cui Jue let out a cold laugh and walked away.
He’d long known Lan Zi Yu to be self-centered and stubborn; speaking reason to him had always been a waste of effort.
After Cui Jue left, Lan Zi Yu’s anger ebbed. Staring blankly into the void, he suddenly felt an indescribable exhaustion, a bitter fatigue he couldn’t articulate.
Ever since Yu Zhao had left, everything seemed to spiral out of control. The warmth of Lone Moon Peak was gone, replaced by conflict among the brothers. Worse still, his cultivation progress had plummeted.
In the past, dedicating a fraction of his focus to cultivation was enough to surpass most of his peers. Lately, even days of arduous training failed to yield the results he once achieved in hours.
Covering his face with his hands, Lan Zi Yu silently endured the taste of defeat.
A thousand miles away, Quan Ye stirred awake.
His memory lingered on his sparring match with Lan Zi Yu, but now, he found himself in an unfamiliar place. Alarmed, he sat up, only to collapse again moments later.
“Ah…!”
A searing pain coursed through him. His eyes bulged as veins throbbed on his forehead, and he curled into himself, unable to withstand the agony.
The pain was indescribable, as though his bones were being shattered inch by inch. Even the torment of body refinement through lightning paled in comparison.
“Old Five! You’re awake!”
Hearing the commotion, Su Ming rushed in from the adjacent room. Seeing Quan Ye in agony, Su Ming stood frozen, unsure of what to do.
Suddenly, Quan Ye let out a primal howl. His bloodshot eyes locked onto Su Ming, glowing red like a feral beast.
A chill ran down Su Ming’s spine. Quan Ye resembled a bloodthirsty monster devoid of humanity.
Sensing danger, Su Ming shouted, “Old Five, look closely! It’s me!”
Before the words finished, Quan Ye lunged, his massive fist aiming directly for Su Ming’s face.
Thankfully, Su Ming had anticipated this and crushed a defensive artifact just in time. But he hadn’t accounted for the enhanced strength flowing through Quan Ye’s veins, amplified by his awakened demonic beast bloodline.
Quan Ye’s punch shattered the artifact, sending shockwaves rippling out. Su Ming, wide-eyed, turned and fled.
“Master! Help!”
Just as Quan Ye stepped out of the room, an oppressive force descended, pinning him to the ground. He thrashed and roared, but the weight only grew heavier.
Under the mounting pressure, Quan Ye’s eyes gradually cleared.
“What… happened to me?”
Su Ming cautiously approached, ensuring Quan Ye had regained his senses. Squatting beside him, Su Ming smacked him on the head.
“Old Five, you scared me half to death!”
Su Ming had no doubt that without their master’s intervention, Quan Ye would have killed him. Worse, Su Ming wouldn’t have been able to fight back.
Now, though, he felt a flicker of envy. Quan Ye’s unique bloodline had elevated his status, drawing their master’s attention—even if begrudgingly. Meanwhile, Su Ming remained ordinary, always overlooked.
“Third Senior Brother, what just happened? And where am I? What is this place?”
Reassured by Quan Ye’s coherent questions, Master Qing Yan lifted the suppression.
Free again, Quan Ye bombarded Su Ming with questions.
“Old Five, tell me honestly—do you know your lineage?” Su Ming asked.
“My lineage?” Quan Ye froze, puzzled. “Third Senior Brother, what lineage? I’m just like Yu Zhao—an orphan. I’ve never even seen my parents. I survived on raw strength.”
Su Ming frowned, deep in thought. If Quan Ye was telling the truth, his newfound power raised even more questions.