Chapter 5: I Am Determined to Take This Disciple

As this voice echoed, a war chariot pulled by three majestic golden lions tore through the clouds and dashed toward the mountain gate.

The chariot, gleaming with brilliant golden light, was a formidable treasure that signaled the noble status of its occupant. Standing proudly atop the chariot was a figure in green robes, his hands clasped behind his back. As his robes billowed in the wind, he wore an expression of unbridled arrogance, gazing down at the world like a king surveying his domain.

"The Jiang family? Could it be the Jiang clan, the ancient family from the Eastern Province?"

"This is a top-tier clan, no less powerful than the major sacred grounds and orthodoxies. They are known for producing generations of experts who dominate an entire province."

"Why would they come here?"

The candidates gathered for the test exclaimed in shock at the sudden appearance of the chariot. Although they were not acquainted with any specific members of the Jiang family, they could not mistake the emblem of the ancient clan—a bold, archaic character for "Jiang" inscribed upon the carriage.

Seeing that familiar character, Jiang Yuli slightly raised her head. A mocking smile curled at the corners of her lips; so, they had come after all.

"People from the ancient Jiang family?"

Li Tianyuan frowned. He had not expected someone to intervene at such a critical moment, and it was clearly directed at Jiang Yuli. He was not alone in his concern; the nine sect leaders and others present also wore grave expressions.

The Jiang clan was one of the most formidable entities in the entire Ziwei Star Domain; even the sacred grounds had to show them respect. Of course, that alone would not be enough to cause such unease; the true source of terror was the rumor that a Great Emperor ancestor of the Jiang family was still alive—a fact that commanded reverence from everyone.

The chariot came to a halt. The man in green leaped down and bowed to the Grandmaster Taixuan, his attitude neither humble nor overbearing.

"Jiang Heng of the Jiang clan pays his respects to the Holy Master of Lingxiao!"

Grandmaster Taixuan gave a slight nod, cast a indifferent glance at Jiang Heng, and asked in a flat tone, "What brings the ancient Jiang family to my Lingxiao Sacred Ground?"

His expression was impassive, and his deep, resonant voice carried an invisible pressure. Jiang Heng frowned slightly, though he quickly regained his composure. He looked at Jiang Yuli, a flash of gloom crossing his eyes.

"This girl, Jiang Yuli, is a fugitive from our clan. She cannot be initiated into your sacred ground. I am here to take her back, and I hope the Holy Master will grant this request."

Jiang Heng spoke with a loud, resolute voice. While it sounded like a request, the aggressive undertone was clear to everyone. Before Grandmaster Taixuan could respond, he turned toward Jiang Yuli and shouted in a deep voice, "Wretch! Follow me back at once!"

He reached out to seize her arm, intending to drag her away. However, Jiang Yuli stood as motionless as if she had taken root. Her beautiful eyes were icy, staring fixedly at Jiang Heng without a hint of compromise. Grandmaster Taixuan observed the scene in silence, his expression cold and detached.

"Heh, the ancient families are truly overbearing! You dare to snatch someone from within my Lingxiao Sacred Ground without a second thought?" Li Tianyuan said with a cold laugh.

"Who are you?!"

Jiang Heng narrowed his eyes at Li Tianyuan and demanded sharply.

Li Tianyuan stepped forward and stood in front of Jiang Yuli. "I am Li Tianyuan of the Lingxiao Sacred Ground. Jiang Yuli has just taken me as her master, so I am her mentor." He looked calmly at Jiang Heng.

He had finally found someone with a promising fate; he would not let Jiang Heng take her away! It mattered not which ancient family or top-tier power he represented—he had decided to take Jiang Yuli as his disciple. Opportunities like this were rare. Besides, for the other party to run wild within the sacred ground was pure audacity.

"A master?" Jiang Heng laughed with disdain. He looked Li Tianyuan up and down and asked mockingly, "Are you worthy? A mere practitioner at the Yin-Yang stage dares to be the master of a Jiang clan member? How delusional!"

"Let me tell you, no matter what, I am taking this girl away today!" He spoke every word with arrogance, completely disregarding Li Tianyuan.

"Oh, really?" Li Tianyuan remained calm. "Whether I am worthy or not is not for you to decide, but I have already accepted this disciple, and there is no way you are taking her! Furthermore, I doubt Jiang Yuli herself is willing to go with you. Right, little one?"

Li Tianyuan turned to look at the pale-faced girl beside him and said softly, "Little one, don't be afraid. Since you have taken me as your master, even if the sky collapses, your master will hold it up for you!"

Hearing this, Jiang Yuli froze for a moment. Her eyes, once stoic, suddenly filled with tears. She had not expected this man to be so bold, showing no regard for the threats and power of the Jiang family. Over the years, she had visited countless immortal sects and sacred grounds, but without exception, no one wanted to take on a "burden" like her—either because of the injury to her bloodline or because no one dared to offend the Jiang family.

Yet now, someone was not only willing to take her in but was also unafraid of the Jiang family's threats. The gesture left her stunned. She took a deep breath, looked at the man in front of her with glowing eyes, and nodded firmly. She then turned to her clansman and said coldly, "Jiang Heng, I have already taken a master; I will not go back with you."

Her expression was resolute, her beautiful face showing a hint of toughness.

"Insolent! Do you dare defy the Jiang family?" Jiang Heng’s expression turned violent.

"What do I have to fear? I have not forgotten how you treated me!" Jiang Yuli’s body trembled slightly, her teeth clenched as she spoke each word. "Although my surname is Jiang and I carry the blood of the Jiang family, I have already returned everything to you. I owe you nothing!"

"So, from today on, I sever all ties with the Jiang family!"

With Li Tianyuan standing before her, she felt a surge of courage. She was a different person now, refusing to bow to anyone. While the others present might have been confused by her words, Li Tianyuan understood the secret—that Jiang Yuli’s Supreme Heart had been gouged out, and it was likely related to the Jiang family.

Jiang Heng laughed in fury. "Hmph, thinking you can escape the control of the Jiang family is a pipe dream! Since you won't come back willingly, don't blame me!"

He swung his long sleeve, manifesting a massive hand that reached toward Jiang Yuli, intending to drag her onto the chariot. But before the hand could reach her, it was shattered by a cold snort, dissolving into stardust.

It was Grandmaster Taixuan who had acted. He stood with his hands behind his back, looking at Jiang Heng with indifference. Jiang Heng’s expression froze.

"Holy Master of Lingxiao, what is the meaning of this? Are you trying to stop me from taking back a member of the Jiang clan?" His voice was low, barely suppressing his rage.

Grandmaster Taixuan ignored him, glancing at Jiang Yuli before turning his gaze to Li Tianyuan. "Li Tianyuan, are you certain you wish to take this girl as your disciple?"

"Yes, Grandmaster!" Li Tianyuan nodded firmly. "She and I share a bond. Since she is willing to join my school, I have decided to accept her. I hope the Grandmaster will grant this."

He watched the Grandmaster intently, a flicker of anticipation in his eyes. Although Taixuan appeared indifferent, Li Tianyuan knew the Grandmaster cherished the interests of the sect and would never tolerate anyone provoking the Lingxiao Sacred Ground. Since the Jiang family was causing trouble over Jiang Yuli, the Grandmaster would not stand idly by.

After a long silence, Grandmaster Taixuan nodded. "Very well. Since both of you are willing, I shall grant your request and allow you to take this disciple."

At these words, Jiang Heng exploded. "This is unacceptable! Jiang Yuli is a criminal of our clan; she must not be allowed to join the Lingxiao Sacred Ground! Furthermore, Lord Jiang Huai'an has already issued a decree: whoever dares to harbor this girl is an enemy of the Jiang family!"

His face was frantic, and his final words carried a clear threat. Jiang Huai'an was the current head of the Jiang family, a powerful Heavenly Monarch whose influence shook the entire Ziwei Star Domain—a figure to whom everyone had to show deference.