Victory and Defeat

Zhong Limeng and his fellow disciples were completely at a loss.

Out of caution, Zhong Limeng carefully stowed away the Storage Ring first.

Wei Zhenfang's words were exceedingly strange, and no one was quick to believe him. Coupled with Fu Haotian's usual hypocrisy, everyone treated it as a conspiracy to be wary of, and thus they all went their separate ways.

In the inner sanctum of the immortal palace,

Wei Zhenfang strode into the courtyard with radiant energy, hands clasped behind his back, his demeanor glowing with pride.

His haughty demeanor drew envious glares from a group of elders.

Yet, Wei Zhenfang had once battled eight Heavenly-tier demons single-handedly. No matter how resentful they felt, none dared show it openly.

The strong ruled supreme—this was an eternal truth.

The experts could only plaster smiles on their faces while cursing inwardly.

Wei Zhenfang walked with increasing arrogance, passing through several courtyard gates with unwavering confidence, his aura overwhelming, as if no insignificant figures even existed in his sight.

Just as he was about to enter the secluded chamber, an elder approached and bowed.

"Brother Wei."

"We have returned successfully, and you have already consumed the Heavenly-tier elixir to regenerate your hand. If there are no pressing matters, perhaps you could hand over the storage bracelet so we may tally the demon corpses—this is the urgent task at hand."

Wei Zhenfang cast a sidelong glance, cold and indifferent, without uttering a word.

That single look alone seemed to press down on the elder's spirit like an invisible force, his eyes flickering with unease.

Wei Zhenfang's expression remained aloof, his demeanor as a supreme expert growing ever more natural.

He had already seen through everything and countered with a domineering tone.

"What? Are you telling me what to do?"

The elder's lips twitched, his face cycling through shades of green and red.

What a Wei Zhenfang this was!

Who knew what stroke of luck had boosted his cultivation, allowing him to battle eight demons? And now, after just a few days, he was putting on airs like this!

Truly, a small man drunk on newfound power!

Furious as he was, he could only force a smile and bow again.

"Elder Wei, you jest… How would I dare overstep?"

"However, the demon corpses must be tallied in three days. This matter concerns Young Master Fu's grand plan. Since you have recovered, we humbly request you hand over the storage bracelet."

The moment he finished speaking, Wei Zhenfang's expression turned even colder.

"Hmph."

"I fought eight demons—do you have any idea how perilous that was? I still need a few more days to recuperate. We’ll discuss other matters later!"

His icy words choked off the elder’s retort.

"...Understood."

Faced with Wei Zhenfang’s overwhelming dominance, he could only grit his teeth and leave.

As he walked back through the courtyard gates, his expression darkened with each step.

Finally returning to the main hall,

Fu Haotian sat in the seat of honor, his gaze expectant, a confident smile on his face.

"Elder Feng, how did it go?"

The elder bowed slowly, his expression strained.

"Young Master, Wei Zhenfang claims he needs to continue seclusion and insists on delaying the matter for three more days! Most of the demon corpses are in his storage bracelet—this could ruin everything!"

Silence fell over the hall.

The gathered experts exchanged uneasy glances, seething at Wei Zhenfang’s arrogance but not daring to voice it.

Fu Haotian, however, remained magnanimous, nodding with a faint smile.

"No matter."

"Elder Wei did indeed battle eight demons—it’s only natural he needs rest. We can afford to wait three days. Elder Feng, please go once more and ask Elder Wei how many demon corpses he has. I’d like to have a rough estimate."

"There’s no need to rush the tally. The demon corpses are safe with Elder Wei—there’s no urgency."

Fu Haotian’s words were measured, displaying both tact and generosity, winning hearts while preserving dignity.

Elder Feng’s eyes flashed with gratitude before he swiftly departed.

Returning to the rear courtyard,

His anger had subsided somewhat. Steadying his mind, he bowed toward the chamber.

"Elder Wei, forgive my intrusion. Young Master sent me to ask—how many demon corpses are in the storage bracelet?"

Inside the chamber, Wei Zhenfang had just begun meditating.

The sudden interruption irritated him, and he answered dismissively from memory.

"A thousand!"

A voice of thanks came from outside before hurried footsteps retreated.

Just as Wei Zhenfang was about to resume his meditation, a thought struck him.

Wait.

He still had nearly a thousand demon corpses on hand.

If he gave them to Fu Haotian, it wouldn’t change the bigger picture—after all, the demon corpses gifted by that senior far surpassed these in both quality and quantity. At most, he’d squeeze out one or two more Heavenly-tier elixirs from Fu Haotian.

But if he gave the bracelet to Miss Zhong Limeng instead…

The difference would be immense.

Not only would Fu Haotian be utterly defeated, but he could also earn Zhong Limeng’s favor. What were a few Heavenly-tier elixirs compared to her gratitude?

Perhaps this would even please that senior further.

If that senior was satisfied, this thousand demon corpses could yield returns a hundredfold.

The choice was obvious.

The more he thought about it, the more convinced he became. Wei Zhenfang slapped his thigh.

"Right! In three days, I’ll hand all the demon corpses to Miss Zhong Limeng!"

Just envisioning the implications and consequences had Wei Zhenfang grinning to himself, his self-satisfaction making even his recuperation feel smoother.

The chamber resonated with the power of the Great Dao, as if he truly embodied the aura of a master.

Meanwhile,

Elder Feng rushed back to the main hall and announced the result.

"Young Master, Elder Wei still has a full thousand demon corpses!"

The moment these words were spoken, the gathered experts brightened with excitement.

A thousand more demon corpses!

The competition for the direct disciple position was as good as won!

Exchanging smug glances, the elders wore triumphant expressions.

Their eyes turned to the seat of honor, brimming with unspoken expectation—their faces practically glowing with the desire for recognition.

Fu Haotian’s eyes gleamed, his lips curling slightly.

"Excellent!"

"With a thousand demon corpses, the outcome of this disciple selection is decided. You have all worked hard hunting demons on the Frostwater Star. Three days from now, when I become the chief disciple, I shall reward you all handsomely!"

At the promise of generous compensation, the elders straightened and clasped their fists.

"Our thanks, Young Master!"

Praise and flattery filled the air.

"Young Master’s virtue and magnanimity are truly heaven-sent!"

"We congratulate Young Master Fu—when you inherit the Azure Heaven Palace, your name shall echo through eternity!"

"To serve under you is the honor of three lifetimes!"

"All hail Young Master!"

Amid the chorus of admiration and laughter, the courtyard brimmed with joy.

Fu Haotian sat calmly on his jade seat, the confidence in his eyes shining like the stars.