Chapter Twenty-Six: Resolving Old Grudges?

"My God, is that really the Sect Master of the Moon-Gazing Sect? My eyes aren't deceiving me, are they?"

"Tsk, tsk. Even such a prominent figure has arrived. I fear Su Yang is doomed this time."

"Sigh, in the end, an ant cannot defeat an elephant. If only Su Yang had spent a few more years cultivating, perhaps he wouldn't have met such an end."

"Hmph, this brat should have died long ago! Even if the Moon-Gazing Sect Master hadn't appeared, in my opinion, he would have been no match for Wang Yiyi after her rebirth."

"..."

Those watching from afar could not help but exclaim at the appearance of the Moon-Gazing Sect Master. The Moon-Gazing Sect was a major power; seeing their Sect Master was as difficult as seeing the Emperor of Xia. For some, this was a moment they could boast about for the rest of their lives.

"Sect Master, please forgive me! This old one did not wish to disturb you, but an accident occurred with Wang Yiyi, leaving me with no other choice," Elder Bi said with a look of embarrassment.

"Oh? An accident? What kind of accident could it be?" The Sect Master frowned, scanning the surroundings. When her gaze landed on Wang Yiyi standing not far away, a rare look of delight crossed the face of this peerless fairy.

"Such powerful bloodline energy, and so pure." She paused, then added with a flicker of surprise, "Wait, why is there another strand of bloodline energy present?"

"Disciple Wang Yiyi pays her respects to the Sect Master." Although Wang Yiyi was always known for her haughty, goddess-like demeanor, she seemed completely eclipsed in the presence of the Sect Master. If Wang Yiyi was a flower in the grass, the Sect Master was the Queen of all flowers.

"Hmm, you are Wang Yiyi? You have not disappointed me. But why is your aura so weak right now?" the Sect Master asked, puzzled.

"Reporting to the Sect Master, it is all that damned brat's fault! If not for him, I would not have had to trouble you to come in person. Wang Yiyi was nearly killed by him; had she not been gifted enough to awaken her bloodline power, our Moon-Gazing Sect would have lost a monstrously talented disciple," Elder Bi said, pointing at Su Yang with immense rage.

"Oh? Is that so?" The Sect Master was even more intrigued. She knew that Wang Yiyi had stepped into the Divine Martial Realm shortly after turning fifteen, a feat comparable to the top geniuses of her own sect. What she valued even more, however, was the Fire Phoenix bloodline within Wang Yiyi. Bloodline bodies were extremely rare and coveted by every major power. It was said that in some even more formidable sects, every single disciple possessed a bloodline constitution—a terrifying thought.

The prestige of the Moon-Gazing Sect was gradually being suppressed by the Profound Heaven Sect, so she naturally wanted to bring Wang Yiyi into her fold. Yet, the talent she valued so highly had nearly been killed? This piqued her interest in the youth Elder Bi was pointing at.

She looked toward the boy. He was radiating golden light, clutching a long staff, and staring at Wang Yiyi with eyes burning with endless fury and resentment. Su Yang felt the weight of her gaze—an invisible pressure so immense it left him breathless, as if he were standing completely exposed before her.

"A formidable character has arrived. This woman's cultivation must be at the Origin Realm," the Great Sage’s voice echoed in Su Yang's mind.

"Origin Realm? What kind of realm is that?" Su Yang wondered inwardly. He was familiar with the known cultivation hierarchy: Spirit Transformation, True Martial, Triple Profound, and Divine Martial, each divided into nine grades with perfection above the ninth. He had never heard of an "Origin Realm." Even in the entire Yebei City, the knowledge of cultivation likely stopped at the perfection of the Divine Martial Realm.

"Brat, you are still too weak. You do not know how vast this world is, nor how high the heavens reach. Do you think the Origin Realm is impressive? Hmph, they are nothing but ants. However, in this continent of yours, she can be considered a figure of some standing. Just focus on your cultivation. One day, I will show you what it truly means to be a frog at the bottom of a well," the Great Sage said with a hint of mockery.

Su Yang’s inner fire was ignited once more. Yes, his path was long. He had to survive, cultivate hard, and become someone no one would dare to bully.

As Su Yang steeled himself, the Sect Master, who had been observing him, was shocked. She could sense bloodline energy flowing within him as well. Even more surprising was that the boy dared to glare back at her without the slightest hint of fear. Accustomed to being treated with reverence, the Sect Master felt a spark of irritation. "What a bold youth, to be so unaffected by my presence. But why does the bloodline energy within him resemble Wang Yiyi's?"

"Brat! How dare you not kneel before our Sect Master? Are you looking for death?" Elder Bi, emboldened by having a backer, shouted with renewed confidence.

"Hmph, save your breath, old hag! If you have the guts, come and fight!" Su Yang refused to yield. Were it not for his caution regarding the Sect Master, he would have already charged forward with his staff.

"You!! You're courting death!" Elder Bi, incensed by his arrogance, flushed with rage and prepared to strike him down.

Just as she moved, the Sect Master intervened. "Wait. I have a few questions for this young man."

Elder Bi had to grit her teeth and pull back, looking deeply dissatisfied.

"What is your name?"

"I do not change my name or surname: Su Yang of the Su family!"

"Oh? Su Yang. A fine name." The Sect Master smiled faintly. "Tell me, why did you attack Wang Yiyi? I see your constitution is extraordinary—are you perhaps mortal enemies?"

"Ha! You should ask that vicious woman beside you what she has done to me!" Su Yang roared at the sky, pointing his staff at Wang Yiyi.

The Sect Master did not bother to question Wang Yiyi. Instead, she said calmly, "Whatever grievances you once had, Wang Yiyi is now a disciple of my Moon-Gazing Sect, and she shall be my personal disciple. I see you have a fine constitution and seem to possess a special bloodline as well. I have always been merciful; if you consider joining my sect, I can mediate the grudge between you two. How about it?"

Wang Yiyi’s expression flickered, as if she wanted to say something, but she remained silent, standing there like an ice sculpture.

Upon hearing the Sect Master’s offer, Su Yang threw his head back and laughed. His laughter was louder and more defiant than before, carrying a depth of hatred that ordinary people could never comprehend.