Chapter 34: Dog Bites Dog
Ye Zhao Zhao’s eyelashes fluttered, but she dared not open her eyes. Her mind raced like sword strokes, searching for a way to explain herself once True Immortal Ling Xu questioned her.
A flicker of irritation sparked within her.
This True Immortal Ling Xu—how greedy he was! Over the years, she had gifted him countless treasures, each meant to chain him tighter to her side. Now that her hidden fortune had been exposed, she didn’t need to open her eyes to sense his doubt.
Her master’s appetite was endless!
Had her cultivation come easily? Every drop of power she gained had cost sweat and tears. Now Li Shuang dared to reclaim it? Ridiculous!
She had to find an escape—she had no choice.
“Business depends on willing exchange,” Hong Sheng said with a gentle smile. “We never intended to demand repayment. Still, the number of Spirit Stones involved is quite large. It seemed only right to inform everyone.”
His words seemed light as a breeze, yet carried the force of a hidden blade.
“Moreover, officials from Spirit Treasure Pavilion’s headquarters will soon arrive. Should they inquire, we must speak honestly.”
Speak honestly.
Meng Yi Fei’s expression shifted subtly.
The consequences of honesty would be clear—the world would know a disciple of Sword Sect had schemed with Manager Qiu, greedily gathering wealth!
Manager Qiu was undoubtedly a rogue. But if the scandal spread, the Sword Sect’s noble name would be dragged through the mud. As one of the Top Six Sects, how could they maintain their reputation if others knew their disciples deceived for mere Spirit Stones?
Meng Yi Fei’s grip tightened on the booklet. Calmly, he declared, “Profiting through honest means is acceptable, but your methods cross the line. These Spirit Stones, earned deceitfully, must return.”
His gaze fell sharply upon True Immortal Ling Xu. “Three thousand six hundred fifty-two High-Grade Spirit Stones. Ye Zhao Zhao must return them all.”
True Immortal Ling Xu’s expression stiffened.
Three thousand six hundred fifty-two High-Grade Spirit Stones!
Though not impossible to bear with his high cultivation, his miserly heart bled painfully at such loss. For the first time, resentment rose toward his disciple.
She had collected such wealth but gave him only scraps, always presenting them with sweet, loyal smiles.
Ye Zhao Zhao knew she couldn’t pretend any longer. With a soft groan, she slowly opened her eyes.
“Little Junior Sister, you’re awake!” Chang Le An said excitedly.
Ye Zhao Zhao weakly nodded.
Meng Yi Fei spoke firmly, “Perfect timing. Return the profits you’ve collected over the years.”
To him, nothing mattered more than the sect’s honor. His voice left no room for refusal.
Ye Zhao Zhao’s face took on a hurt expression. “Sect Master, I merely offered some advice. Manager Qiu handled everything. Over these many years, most Spirit Stones are spent. How could I return them now?”
Hong Sheng chuckled softly. “No pressure. We make no demands—only clarity.”
No demands?
If news spread, how could Sword Sect save face?
Meng Yi Fei’s voice turned cold as steel. “You have seven days. Return all Spirit Stones to Spirit Artifact Pavilion.”
His command was absolute.
Ye Zhao Zhao wanted to protest, but Sheng Yuan gently pressed her hand, signaling silence. She bit her lip, swallowing her objections.
Meng Yi Fei glanced at the disciples of Spirit Void Peak, clearly irritated. “Enough. Disperse. Hong, I’ll see you out.”
Hong Sheng nodded, and the two departed together.
Manager Qiu hurried after them but shot Ye Zhao Zhao a venomous glare as he passed.
Luo Ming Yue chuckled softly. “Truly dog biting dog. Both Manager Qiu and Ye Zhao Zhao are rogues.”
Watching villains turn on each other was truly entertaining.
Li Shuang’s lips curved slightly as she nodded agreement. She followed quietly behind the other disciples, waiting for something.
And then—
A surge of spiritual energy, thicker and richer than ever, rose within Li Shuang’s body.
She carefully guided the energy through her meridians, feeling it move as smoothly as if she’d refined it herself.
A question flickered in her heart.
Could this spiritual energy truly be her own?
Again—just like before—
Every time Ye Zhao Zhao suffered, spiritual energy mysteriously appeared within her.
Why?
Li Shuang’s eyes glistened with quiet contemplation.
When Ye Zhao Zhao’s cultivation faltered, her rival surged ahead, swift as a dragon ascending the heavens.
When she struggled in the mire, fortune smiled upon Ye Zhao Zhao instead.
Yet now, fate had turned once more. Each calamity Ye Zhao Zhao faced strangely elevated her own martial prowess.
Could a hidden thread of destiny be binding their fates?
Li Shuang shook her head in quiet disbelief.
[Could such mysterious workings truly exist under heaven?]
Perhaps this was yet another secret concealed within the Grand Supreme Emotionless Art.
…
At the sect’s gate, Meng Yi Fei and Hong Sheng spoke quietly.
Hong Sheng released a weary sigh. “Sect Master Meng, please understand, it isn’t my intent to trouble you. But Manager Qiu has gathered many proofs. To lessen his punishment, he reported everything at once. Headquarters has begun an investigation—Ye Zhao Zhao’s case cannot remain hidden.”
Meng Yi Fei nodded slowly. “Your personal presence here is already a great help. After Ye Zhao Zhao returns the Spirit Stones, help me keep this matter contained. Prevent news from spreading beyond these walls. Our Sword Sect…cannot bear such shame.”
Meng Yi Fei felt frustration rising within him. Though Ye Zhao Zhao tested his patience, as long as she remained a disciple, he was bound by honor to protect her.
“Understood.” Hong Sheng gave a brief nod and departed.
Meng Yi Fei watched him go, deep in thought.
On the Southern Mist Continent, the Six Great Righteous Sects stood proudly above all, known throughout the Martial Arts World as the Top Six Sects.
Yet they were not without rivals.
A hundred years ago, the Spirit Artifact Pavilion rose suddenly, expanding rapidly like wildfire. Its halls spread throughout the continent, their influence rumored even beyond distant shores.
They were a mighty presence.
In truth, comparing raw strength alone, even the Sword Sect might find themselves outmatched.
Thus, Meng Yi Fei, even as Sect Master, had to tread lightly when dealing with them.
He pressed his fingers against his temples, easing the strain.
Upholding the sect’s honor was an endless burden. How could it ever be easy? Yet constantly, someone within sought trouble rather than peace.
Ye Zhao Zhao’s matter had to be resolved swiftly.
The High Grade Spirit Stones—she must return them!
…
On Spirit Void Peak, Ye Zhao Zhao lay still upon her bed, her body heavy with pain.
Chang Le An’s face was etched with worry as he gently fed her a healing pill. Only then did color slowly return to her pale cheeks.
True Immortal Ling Xu regarded her gravely. “Zhao Zhao, the Sect Master has given his command. The High Grade Spirit Stones—you must repay them. You have seven days.”
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