Night fell over the Vermillion Flame Sect, casting long, eerie shadows that danced across the courtyards and glinting off the surface of the serene ponds. Though the moon bathed everything in its silvery light, the air crackled with an energy that had nothing to do with tranquility. The whispers and murmurs of the day refused to settle, carried on the night breeze like whispers of a brewing storm.
While Ye Xiaotian, deep within the Spirit World, was focused on absorbing the chaotic energy, the outer and core disciple courtyards were anything but quiet. Groups of disciples gathered in hushed tones, their voices low but their excitement palpable. The name "Ye Xiaotian" was on everyone's lips.
"Senior Brother Liu Feng, the third-ranked core disciple on the Disciple Ranking Tablet, has also issued a challenge!" one disciple whispered, his eyes wide with a mixture of awe and apprehension.
"It's not just Senior Brother Liu Feng," another added, his voice trembling slightly. "Almost every senior brother and sister from the core disciples, who are currently in the sect, has issued a challenge. Only Senior Sister Mu Qinglan and Senior Sister Zi Ran haven't issued any challenges yet. I think they are waiting to see how the other disciples fare before making their move."
"I heard even the Grand Elder is keeping an eye on him," a third disciple said nervously, his voice barely a whisper.
Despite the skepticism and jealousy that simmered beneath the surface, there was also an undeniable current of admiration. A Foundation Realm cultivator defeating Zhou Liang with a single strike was a feat that demanded respect, even from the most hardened cynics.
The excitement was palpable throughout the sect. Disciples in every courtyard, from the bustling outer court to the serene core disciple enclave, were abuzz with speculation. Would Ye Xiaotian accept these challenges? Or would he cower behind the Sect Master's protection, a coward unwilling to face the consequences of his actions? The anticipation was almost unbearable. Whispers and rumors spread like wildfire, each more dramatic than the last.
Meanwhile, in the first pavilion of the Sect Master's Courtyard, a peaceful stillness filled the air. Qin Lian sat quietly in her private study, the warm glow of a spirit lamp softening her sharp features. A faint smile played on her lips as she sipped tea, her thoughts lingering on Ye Xiaotian. Everytime, She thought about him her face become blood red.
Her thoughts were interrupted by the faint hum of spiritual energy. A messenger talisman floated before her, its glow pulsing softly. She reached out, and a voice echoed in her mind.
Qin Lian's smile faded, she had just received word about the flood of challenges directed at Ye Xiaotian. Among the challengers were prominent core disciples, and even the Grand Elder seemed to approve of the tests. The news made her blood boil. "Idiots!" she growled, her voice low but angry. "He just arrived! Can't they give him time to settle?"
Her frustration simmered as she paced the room, but a calmer thought began to take shape. She paused and exhaled deeply, forcing herself to think rationally. "Maybe this is for the best," she muttered. "Let him show them his strength. Once they see what he's capable of, they'll understand why I made this choice."
She had wanted to protect Ye Xiaotian from the politics and rivalries of the sect, to give him a chance to grow quietly without drawing too much attention. But her hopes of shielding him were shattered now. The disciples and even some elders had made up their minds to test him, whether she liked it or not.
Still, she believed in his abilities. After all, he had defeated a Soul Awakening Realm expert with ease. How could these core disciples pose any real threat to him?
Qin Lian sighed, her gaze drifting to the open window. The moonlight poured in, bathing the room in a soft, silver glow. "I wonder…" she said softly, her voice tinged with both hope and curiosity. "How far can someone like him go?"
The night goes as the first light of dawn spilled over the Vermillion Flame Sect, painting the world in soft hues of orange and gold. The towering peaks, shrouded in mist, seemed to glow under the sun's touch, their rugged edges softened by the morning light. The air was crisp, carrying the faint scent of dew-covered grass and blooming spirit flowers. It was a morning like any other calm, serene, and full of life yet the atmosphere within the sect was anything but tranquil.
Disciples gathered in small groups, their voices a low hum that buzzed across the courtyards. The usual morning routines of meditation and sparring were forgotten as one question hung heavily in the air:
"Will he accept the challenges… or will he not?"
From the Outer Disciple Courtyard to the towering pavilions of the Core Disciple Courtyard, the same topic dominated every conversation. Even in the Elders' Courtyard, whispers filled the halls as senior members debated the consequences of the boy's actions or inaction.
"He defeated Zhou Liang with one strike," one disciple muttered.
"More than thirty challenges issued from core disciples… and not a single response yet," another added, their tone a mix of awe and impatience.
The young and the old, the strong and the novice all waited for one person's answer. The tension was palpable, a storm brewing beneath the surface of the sect's pristine order.
Deep within the serene confines of the Spirit World, Ye Xiaotian stirred. His eyes fluttered open, revealing a calm yet piercing gaze. He sat cross-legged on the ground, surrounded by the tranquil hum of chaotic energy that filled his private sanctuary. The environment was untouched by the unrest outside a small pocket of peace amidst a sea of turmoil.
The Blue Mountain Cattle lay nearby, their once ordinary forms now faintly glowing as they continued absorbing the chaos fluid. Their breaths were slow and steady, their transformations still in progress. Yin'er, the playful young kirin, had nestled beside her mother, her small chest rising and falling in a rhythmic motion.
Despite the calmness around him, Ye Xiaotian was far from at ease. He could sense the tension brewing in the Vermillion Flame Sect, even from within the Spirit World. His instincts, honed through years of hardship and survival, picked up the ripples of unrest emanating from the outside world. He knew the fight with Zhou Liang was only the beginning. The sect, steeped in tradition and power struggles, would not let his sudden rise go uncontested.
Ye Xiaotian closed his eyes briefly, focusing inward. The faint green glow of his Chaos Root pulsed softly within his dantian, a testament to the progress he had made. His foundation had grown more solid, and his spiritual energy resonated with an unparalleled smoothness. Every fiber of his being felt stronger, more refined, like a blade forged in the hottest of fires.
He clenched his fists, feeling the raw power coursing through his veins. "My control over spiritual energy," he thought, "is now on par with an Energy Mastery Realm Titan in the mortal world."
This level of mastery, combined with his immense reserves of spiritual energy comparable to a Elementry Soul Awakening realm expert had been the key to his victory over Yuan Zhao. But it wasn't just spiritual energy. His physical body, strengthened through relentless cultivation and the infusion of chaos energy, had also played a crucial role.
A wry smile touched his lips. "It seems," he muttered, "that it'll take me the same time to transform my spiritual root into a full Chaos Root as it will for this mysterious egg to hatch." His gaze flicked to the egg lying nearby, its surface smooth and faintly glowing with an unearthly light.
"It's time," Ye Xiaotian murmured, rising gracefully to his feet. He looked around the Spirit World one last time. His gaze lingered on the egg and the resting kirin, a sense of calm washing over him. This world, untouched by the chaos of the outside, was his sanctuary. But it wasn't where his journey would be decided.
With a determined glint in his eyes, he stepped toward the glowing portal, the boundary between the Spirit World and reality.
Moments later, he re-entered the meditation chamber of his pavilion, the cool morning air greeting him. The quiet of the Spirit World was replaced by the distant hum of activity from the sect beyond.
The time for solitude was over. The time for action had come.
The morning sunlight streamed through the intricately carved windows of the Sect Master's Courtyard, casting golden patterns across the polished floors. Ye Xiaotian, stepped out of his meditation chamber. His movements were deliberate, his demeanor calm. After a quick wash to refresh himself, he donned his robes and headed toward the first pavilion to meet Qin Lian.
The quiet morning was interrupted only by the chirping of birds and the rustle of leaves in the gentle breeze. The Sect Master's Courtyard felt tranquil, a stark contrast to the simmering tension within the sect.
As he approached the first pavilion, Ye Xiaotian straightened his posture, preparing himself for the conversation ahead. He knocked lightly on the door.
"Come in," Qin Lian's clear, melodic voice called from within.
Ye Xiaotian entered with his usual calm demeanor, his expression unreadable. Inside, Qin Lian sat at a low table, a steaming cup of tea in her hand. The soft glow of spirit lamps accentuated her elegant features.
She studied his face intently as he approached, her amber eyes searching for clues to his thoughts. "You heard?" she asked, breaking the silence.
"Heard what?" Ye Xiaotian replied, a flicker of curiosity crossing his otherwise composed face.
"About the challenges from the core disciples," Qin Lian replied, setting her teacup down with a soft clink.
Ye Xiaotian raised an eyebrow but remained otherwise impassive. "As expected," he thought to himself.
"How many?" he asked, his voice steady as he met her gaze.
Qin Lian sighed, leaning back slightly. "Thirty-four core disciples have officially challenged you," she said, her tone tinged with frustration. "The remaining few are waiting to see the results before deciding their next move."
Ye Xiaotian nodded, his expression unchanging. He had anticipated as much.
Qin Lian shook her head, exhaling deeply. "You don't have to accept them, you know. You have nothing to prove to anyone, little brother. If you want, I'll decline them on your behalf. My word as Sect Master is more than enough to quiet them."
Ye Xiaotian looked at her, his gaze steady yet thoughtful. "It's not about proving anything to them," he replied. His voice was calm but carried a weight that made Qin Lian pause. "It's about showing them that your trust in me wasn't misplaced."
Her expression softened at his words, but worry lingered in her eyes. "But didn't you say you didn't want to be in the limelight?" she asked, her voice quieter now.
Ye Xiaotian's gaze softened as well, and a faint, almost imperceptible smile touched his lips. "No, I didn't. But you said I'm your little brother. How could I let my big sister lose face in her own sect?"
Qin Lian's heart swelled at his words, and she felt a warmth she hadn't experienced in years. A faint smile tugged at her lips, and her posture relaxed. "Then you'd better win," she said, her tone light but laced with a hint of teasing. "Don't make this big sister lose face."
Ye Xiaotian nodded, a glint of determination flashing in his eyes. "I won't."
The two sat in silence for a moment, the weight of the impending challenges hanging between them.
"Do you have a plan?" Qin Lian asked, her tone turning serious.
Ye Xiaotian's lips curled into a faint smirk. "I'll handle it," he said simply.
Qin Lian chuckled softly, shaking her head. "You're always so confident. Just don't overdo it, okay?"
Ye Xiaotian stood, bowing slightly. "I'll keep that in mind, Big Sister."
As he turned to leave, Qin Lian watched him go, her expression a mixture of pride and apprehension. "He's more than just strong," she thought to herself. "He's resilient. But… I hope they don't push him too far."
Outside the pavilion, Ye Xiaotian paused for a moment, gazing at the distant mountains. The sun was climbing higher, its golden rays illuminating the Sect's sprawling courtyards. He inhaled deeply, steadying himself for what lay ahead.
The challenges had been issued. Now, it was time to face them.
End of Chapter 19