The Northwest Sect Grand Competition concluded with Ma Shaji announcing that Yu Mu had emerged as the champion, leaving many powerful figures from other sects deeply concerned as they departed.
Golden Core Realm! That Ye Tian is actually a genius of the Golden Core Realm! Moreover, he possesses such overwhelming combat strength! From this perspective, among the younger generation in the Northwest, only a prodigy like Yu Mu could suppress him.
Even though the two seemed to be at odds, they ultimately belonged to the same sect. If this continues… with the strength of Yunhe Sect, how can there be any other sects in the Northwest?
Fairy Zi Li hurriedly left with two injured disciples, seemingly anxious to return and treat their wounds, while Elder Yun accompanied Yu Mu to receive his generous rewards.
These rewards were collectively borne by the Northwest sects and were given to the top ten geniuses in the competition, with the champion receiving the most substantial rewards.
Yu Mu handed over all these resources to Elder Yun, feeling that they would be of little use to him.
Noticing that Yu Mu seemed a bit distracted on the way back to Yunhe Sect, Elder Yun spoke up: "Little Mu, since you've done it, don't think too much about it. You didn't harm their foundation, nor did you take their lives; you did nothing wrong."
"Master, you're overthinking it."
Yu Mu replied calmly: "I was thinking whether the resources gained from this championship are enough to buy back your mustard seed."
"You're quite thoughtful."
Elder Yun laughed heartily: "That was merely something I obtained in my early years; it's of little use now. Why bother worrying about it?"
"By the way, now that the competition has ended, you should focus all your thoughts on cultivation when we return. If you slack off again, I won't go easy on you!"
"Ha."
"Oh! You dare to underestimate me!!"
"Master," Yu Mu shrugged helplessly: "You've never truly punished me even once during this long time."
"Stop being arrogant just because I'm fond of you. Do you really think I can't bear to be tough on you?" Elder Yun pretended to be angry, which eased some of Yu Mu's gloom.
This old man is quite old yet still acts like a child.
"Yes, yes, yes, Master is indeed very strict and impartial."
Upon hearing this from Yu Mu, Elder Yun's previously stern expression immediately relaxed. Look at that! His master still has quite a bit of authority.
...
Yu Mu did not deceive Elder Yun; after returning, he entered seclusion.
Amidst the celebrations throughout Yunhe Sect, he only attended a ceremony for transferring allegiance to Elder Yun and then retreated into his training room without showing his face at all.
Even during the ceremony for appointing the young master of Yunhe Sect, Yu Mu himself did not make an appearance…
Elder Yun explained externally that Young Master Yu Mu was injured during the sect competition and needed to recuperate.
At that time, even the sect leader's face turned green! Injured? Yu Mu had only fought a few rounds and nearly defeated his previous senior brothers and sisters! Throughout those rounds, no one even touched his clothes!
He claimed he was injured? That he needed to recuperate?!
But forget it; now that Yunhe Sect is strong and dominant in the Northwest, there's no need for such geniuses to appear frequently.
After all, that's part of the sect's foundation. When there's nothing going on, it's best to nurture them well and let them serve as good luck charms. Moreover, this charm seems to harbor some grievances against the sect.
After this event, Elder Yun also stopped making appearances; his Xinyun Hall is not as grand as Ziyun Hall and does not have many disciples under him—he only needs to teach Yu Mu well.
However, things were not peaceful in Ziyun Hall.
"Wuwuwu! Little Junior Brother! How could he injure you like this? He's too much; he has no conscience!"
Under a tree, Liu He held Ye Tian—who had a broken leg—crying pitifully.
Such injuries are nothing serious for Golden Core cultivators, but Ye Tian clearly knew what kind of state could evoke a woman's protective instinct.
"Sister, don't cry; I'm fine. Don't blame Senior Brother; he might… have his reasons."
Ye Tian blinked his tear-filled eyes with an aggrieved expression: "I have let down Master and my sisters by not obtaining the championship."
"Stop saying such things!" Liu He wiped her tears and hugged Ye Tian tighter.
Now… Ziyun Hall no longer has a senior brother but has gained a little junior brother; she still has someone who cares for her.
"It's obviously because he disregarded our sect friendship and seriously injured you while trying to steal your championship!" Liu He gently caressed Ye Tian's puppy-like face with concern.
"You're just a little junior brother; why should he let you win? He really has no conscience!"
"Sister, don't say such things about Senior Brother; Master will be angry if he hears!" Ye Tian took advantage of the moment to flirt by holding Liu He's hand with deep affection on his face.
"Don't worry; I will definitely surpass Senior Brother and protect you all well."
"Mmhm, you're the best." Liu He blushed slightly.
At the same time, her heart grew with resentment towards Yu Mu. She… once had feelings for Yu Mu but realized he only saw her as a sister; his heart belonged only to Senior Sister! Forget about Senior Brother; being a little junior brother is better!
"Cough!"
Just then, a cold silhouette appeared at Moon Crescent Gate. Upon hearing Fairy Zi Li's light cough, both quickly released their hold on each other.
Fairy Zi Li glanced at Liu He who was nervously fidgeting with her clothes and frowned slightly: "Tian'er, how is your injury?"
"Thank you for your concern; it's already much better." Ye Tian glanced at Fairy Zi Li's stunning face and lowered his head to hide the heat in his eyes.
"That's good."
Fairy Zi Li nodded: "Don't blame Mu'er. Because of matters regarding the earth vein energy, he might have some scars in his heart. Coupled with Elder Yun's instigation, that should be why his character has changed so much."
"Does Master want Senior Brother back?" Ye Tian looked up earnestly.
"He is now Young Master of Yunhe Sect and holds great power; even the sect leader must give him some respect. How could he possibly want to return?"
Fairy Zi Li smiled bitterly and appeared even more haggard. After days of contemplation combined with nightmares and magical obstacles, she herself couldn't distinguish what she was thinking. Could it be… could it be that she has feelings for Yu Mu?
No way! A blush crossed Fairy Zi Li's face. Every time she dreams of Yu Mu's lonely figure resembling a pine tree in her dreams, she feels pain and guilt along with some other emotions. Absolutely not! The master-disciple relationship must not be disregarded!
"Master, if you want Senior Brother back, I do have a method; I wonder if it would work."
Noticing Fairy Zi Li's blush was caused by thoughts of Yu Mu, Ye Tian's eyes flashed with hidden jealousy.
However, he still spoke respectfully.
"What do you mean?"
"Master should blame Elder Yun! It's all his instigation towards Senior Brother. If we…" Ye Tian felt cold inside; now that Yu Mu was hiding in Xinyun Hall, he had no chance to act against him.
Moreover, his greatest support was Elder Yun! As long as he dealt with Elder Yun first—regardless of whether Yu Mu returns to Ziyun Hall or not—he had countless ways to force him out or make him lose support from everyone around him—even drive him to death!
After all… Liu He and Xiao Yu harbored hatred towards Yu Mu; this seed had already been planted by him personally.