Chapter 18: What Is Stolen Must Be Repaid
“Master!” Long Yan cried, alarm surging in his voice as his spirit flickered like candlelight, instantly appearing at Ye Zhao Zhao’s side.
Since joining the sect, Ye Zhao Zhao had never faced such humiliation.
Long Yan reached out to support her, but she angrily struck his hand away, fury blazing in her eyes. Her voice shook with barely controlled anger, “Where were you when Jiang Yi attacked? Did you merely watch as she tossed me across the arena?”
She was nearly driven mad with rage!
She was at the Nascent Soul stage, while Jiang Yi was only at the Golden Core stage! Yet, here within their own sect grounds, who would have expected Jiang Yi’s sudden strike?
That girl had been nothing but a stray, half-demon, half-human, brought back by Lin Qing Ling. Her mixed blood gave her strength far beyond ordinary disciples. Caught off guard, Ye Zhao Zhao had been utterly overpowered!
Her face twisted with bitterness, eyes flickering coldly.
Long Yan hesitated.
This wasn’t the Ye Zhao Zhao he remembered.
She had always looked at him with gentle eyes, her smile soft like spring rain. That very smile was his weakness—he would do anything for it.
When they first forged their bond, she had spoken earnestly, “A sword spirit and cultivator share destiny closer than any other. Nothing can separate us.”
She had promised to treasure him, care for him, and remain loyal until the end of days.
Trusting her sweet promises, he had willingly entered the most binding master-servant agreement.
Yet now…
How long had it truly been?
The same Ye Zhao Zhao who vowed to protect him now stared at him with scorn and accusation.
Was it because…
He, too, had been caught off guard, allowing Jiang Yi’s surprise attack?
Long Yan turned pale.
Ye Zhao Zhao quickly regained her composure.
Dragon’s Roar had been forged under Li Shuang’s care for years—an unrivaled blade. She still needed Long Yan’s strength.
Though their contract ensured his obedience, a sword spirit’s willing heart was far more useful than forced loyalty.
With effort, she softened her expression and voice, “Forgive me, Long Yan. I was blinded by anger.”
Relief washed over Long Yan’s face as he quickly supported her up. “Master, the fault is mine. I failed to protect you.”
As Ye Zhao Zhao stood, the figure beneath her—Shen Yue—suddenly coughed violently.
Startled, she quickly helped Shen Yue to sit.
Shen Yue, once proud and arrogant, now appeared utterly defeated. His sharpness was dulled, his spirit broken. His eyes remained fixed toward Li Shuang, turmoil raging within him.
Shen Yue had always believed himself unmatched, a true genius of the sword. He thought Li Shuang’s guidance was merely nitpicking.
But today…
Li Shuang had taught him an unforgettable lesson.
In front of a true master, his proud swordplay was riddled with weaknesses.
Before today, he had ignored Eldest Senior Sister’s teachings…
But now he understood.
Her guidance had come from true kindness.
Had he listened even slightly, perhaps he wouldn’t have fallen so miserably today.
Shen Yue struggled to his feet, trembling as he whispered, “Eldest Senior Sister…”
Yet, in this moment, his heart hesitated.
Across the battlefield, Luo Ming Yue stood resolutely before Li Shuang, shielding her.
Liu Jun Cheng grasped his sword tightly, his expression unreadable but fierce.
Jiang Yi had stepped forward fearlessly, standing firmly in front of Li Shuang.
Back on Spirit Void Peak…
It was always Li Shuang standing at the forefront, protecting them all.
But now, since her transfer to Emotionless Peak…
Li Shuang had become the one needing protection.
Shen Yue trembled uncontrollably.
Eldest Senior Sister stood quietly beside Luo Ming Yue, their figures blending into a serene picture of perfect harmony.
At that moment, dread seized Shen Yue’s heart like the strike of an invisible sword.
From this day forward, there would be no one ahead to guide him, no one patiently reminding him to hone his sword forms, no one tirelessly sparring by his side.
“Shen Yue, do you have anything left to say?” Luo Ming Yue’s voice was as cold as winter frost. “Li Shuang is born for the sword! Had she focused solely on her own path, her swordsmanship would be unmatched. Yet everyone knows she chose instead to pour her heart into training you Junior Brothers and Junior Sisters. She has offered herself to you all, sincerely and without reservation! But how did you repay her kindness? Ungrateful and blind! From now on, none of you will approach Li Shuang!”
“You treated Li Shuang’s devotion as dirt beneath your feet, not worth even a second glance! Even True Immortal Ling Xu himself cast her away with a single palm strike, severing their master-disciple bond!”
“Never forget—Li Shuang owes you nothing! It was you who turned your backs on her!”
Luo Ming Yue’s gaze cut through the air like the edge of a blade.
Li Shuang stared at Luo Ming Yue, who stood protectively before her. Her eyes softened, a strange warmth blooming in her chest.
For the first time, someone stood before her, boldly defending her!
[So, this is how it feels to be shielded, to be treasured…]
Within her body, the flow of the Grand Supreme Emotionless Art seemed to quicken slightly.
Something deep within Li Shuang was quietly transforming.
Ye Zhao Zhao’s expression shifted sharply!
At that exact moment, without warning, her inner strength faltered—part of her cultivation had suddenly vanished!
Panic rose fiercely in her heart.
Desperately, she called out within her mind, [System! System!]
“I am here,” replied the cold, emotionless voice.
[My cultivation—why is it dropping?] Ye Zhao Zhao’s inner voice trembled with fear.
The System’s tone was as icy as ever. “This System is bound to Li Shuang. Her pain is your gain. But now, Li Shuang is no longer in turmoil. Positive emotions strengthen her and weaken you.”
“If this continues, everything you stole from Li Shuang will flow back to her. You must find a solution quickly.”
Ye Zhao Zhao’s face turned pale as snow.
Ten years!
For ten years, her cultivation had surged by stealing Li Shuang’s strength!
Li Shuang was the favored child of Heaven. Without the System’s interference, she would have long reached the Divine Spirit Transformation Stage, unmatched among the younger generation.
Ye Zhao Zhao had used the System to steal Li Shuang’s cultivation, allowing her to soar quickly to the Nascent Soul Stage.
But the System had never warned her!
It never mentioned that her stolen power could be reclaimed!
[Am I expected to lose my cultivation after reaching the Nascent Soul Stage? I’d rather die!]
Despair took root, and she screamed silently, [Why didn’t you tell me sooner?!]
The System responded with contempt. “You dare question me? Without me, you wouldn’t even reach Foundation Establishment. Did you think yourself equal to Li Shuang, rising through your own strength? Ye Zhao Zhao, you’re nothing but a parasite who steals from others. Rather than questioning me, you should focus on reigniting Li Shuang’s pain.”
Then the System fell silent, indifferent to Ye Zhao Zhao’s suffering.
Dark hatred flashed in Ye Zhao Zhao’s eyes.
[Li Shuang! Always Li Shuang!]
To the world, Ye Zhao Zhao’s life seemed radiant, blessed. But who knew how much she’d schemed, struggled, and fought just to hold onto this illusion of genius?
[Why?!]
Why could Li Shuang effortlessly possess all that Ye Zhao Zhao had risked everything to grasp?
[No!]
Everything she had was earned through bitter struggle. Even Li Shuang could not take it back!
Quickly, Ye Zhao Zhao summoned tears to her eyes, turning to Li Shuang with an expression filled with crafted sorrow.
This novel is translated and hosted on Bcatranslation