Behave Yourself! . . . .
The Thousand Years Anniversary Ceremony of the Sunlight Sect had been a monumental event in its day. As the most prominent figure in the Land of Han-Yang, the top cultivator had hosted it, drawing countless martial world participants. However, in the presence of the entire assembly, this self-proclaimed "No. 1 Cultivator" had been thoroughly thrashed and reduced to the semblance of a battered pig's head!
Wan of the Clouds had not even exerted herself to the fullest during that confrontation. After the fight, she had merely created hundreds of illusory clones of herself and then vanished.
And now, the legendary Wan of the Clouds had made a reappearance, and once again, she had taken down a prominent Sunlight Sect cultivator, mirroring her past feat. The sole distinction was that this burly man had suffered even worse injuries, not to mention that his tongue was far fouler than Chang Qingzi's.
The other seventeen men remained silently rooted in place. They regarded the vigorous Wan of the Clouds with a mixture of fear and vigilance.
[What is her purpose here? Is she aiming to annihilate us? If that is indeed her intent, we don't stand a chance. She can take us down single-handedly.]
"You folks from the Sunlight Sect certainly lack manners, don't you?" Wan-Er glanced at them, her voice reprimanding. "Abusing a guest during the night, behaving without an ounce of decorum. Is that how your headmaster instructs you?"
They felt both annoyance and humiliation.
[Come on, lady. We were genuinely terrified! To us, you're the harbinger of death right now. Do you honestly expect us to be polite to death? Wan of the Clouds, appearing like she's around eighteen years old, is scolding us like a cantankerous old woman!]
"Madam Wan," the elderly man breathed deeply and took the initiative to speak. "You've come to visit us late in the night. Is there any particular matter you wish to address with us?"
Upon completing his question, he cast a concerned glance at the man pinned beneath Wan's feet. He was apprehensive.
This elderly man possessed wisdom, understanding Wan of the Clouds and having witnessed her capabilities. He realized that picking a fight with her would be tantamount to courting death. Hence, he adopted a submissive posture and addressed her with the respect of a subordinate. Displaying humility was a wise strategy, as confrontation would inevitably lead to unfavorable consequences.
Furthermore, having observed Wan of the Clouds' formidable side during the auction, the sect members understood that challenging her again, given her current vigorous state, would only result in a chaotic and perilous situation.
"What is your name?" Wan of the Clouds inquired, her tone icy.
She chose to completely ignore the question posed to her.
[No matter how you present yourself, I have my way of handling things!]
The elderly man, Ji Chengfeng, suppressed his frustration and respectfully introduced himself, saying, "I've had the pleasure of encountering you on multiple occasions. I am Ji Chengfeng."
Wan-Er nodded in acknowledgment and responded, "Ji Chengfeng, does your memory resemble a sieve?"
Ji Chengfeng resignedly accepted the insult. "I am curious about your implication, my lady. I may be old, but my memory remains sharp, and I never forget important matters."
Wan-Er offered a derisive humph. "Yet it appears you have a selective memory. I clearly instructed you to maintain decorum during the auction. Look at the situation you've created now, amassing so many people in this city. What exactly are you planning? Given your supposedly excellent memory, it seems you are acting against my wishes intentionally."
Ji Chengfeng's vision dimmed as he responded, "Lady Wan-Er, the House of the Chaotic Storms wields unrivaled control. You possess great power, and nobody dares to defy your authority. However, we have gathered our own followers for our sect's benefit. Our actions pertain to our own sect's interests. Must we seek your approval for every plan we conceive?"
Wan-Er expressed another disdainful humph and continued, "We have no concern for your intentions. I will not trouble myself with your affairs. However, I intend to leave the city for a few days. What if your actions lead to a situation that harms our interests in the city? If that should occur, your sect will face dire consequences, I assure you. If your life ignites like a raging fire, I doubt you would find it to your liking, would you?"
She maintained an unwavering gaze on Ji Chengfeng as she added, "I am here to caution you. In the event you commit any errors, you will have no grounds to claim that we abused our strength to subdue you."
Every member of the Sunlight Sect felt irked by her words.
"Since when have we needed warnings?"
"Aren't we still the most formidable sect in the Land of Han-Yang?"
"We've just been scolded as though we were children and grandchildren!"
Ji Chengfeng contained his anger and spoke respectfully, "May I inquire what actions you wish us to refrain from, Lady Wan-Er? Kindly provide us with some guidance to ensure we do not inadvertently offend you."
Wan-Er rolled her eyes and remarked, "You should ponder it for yourself. Regardless, exercise greater caution in your actions. Do not recklessly engage in anything. Do not meddle with people you shouldn't. Do you comprehend?"
[Your words seem so profound.
Of course we understand that we shouldn't meddle in things and with people we shouldn't. We certainly won't meddle with individuals like you, that's for certain!
But what about the rest?]
Ji Chengfeng and his comrades felt deeply perturbed by the situation, and a stifling silence enveloped them as they grappled with the unexpected turn of events.
Wan-Er, however, increased the pressure beneath her foot, causing the man pinned beneath her to let out a painful groan. She spoke in a tone devoid of warmth, "The House of the Chaotic Storms exists beyond the scope of your world. We maintain a principle of non-interference with other forces within your realm. If you have plans, pursue them, but steer clear of entangling yourself with us. Otherwise, we shall ensure that your existence becomes far from pleasant."
Her gaze shifted to the individual underfoot who had instigated the altercation. "As for this foul-mouthed wretch, I'm feeling somewhat lenient today, so I shall spare you. Should you be foolish enough to repeat your actions, consider yourself headless. Though, in truth, you won't need to concern yourself with guarding your head because you won't possess one."
She muttered softly, "Men who spew profanities vex me the most. How dare you employ such language, especially in the presence of a lady, and more so, in my presence. Humph!"
A final, decisive kick was administered before she soared into the air, seemingly defying gravity. Her ethereal posture suggested an unseen platform supported her beneath. From this vantage point, she addressed the group below. "Demonstrate wisdom in your conduct. Do you understand?"
With a swift motion, a white silhouette obscured her form, and just as abruptly, she vanished from their view.
The seventeen superior cultivators stood together, their emotions simmering with indignation.
[What in the world just happened?
We haven't undertaken any actions, and yet we have been issued a warning.
No, it wasn't a mere warning; it felt more like a form of suppression, almost akin to bullying!
We are a formidable sect within the Land of Han-Yang. We have our pride and honor! Yet here we are, enduring humiliation time and time again.
Do they think we're mere pushovers?]