Bullying

The Azure Cloud Heavenly Palace.

A flying vessel descended upon the training grounds, its arrival stirring the sea of clouds around it and drawing the gazes of countless disciples.

As Zhong Limeng stepped off the vessel, the younger disciples bowed in unison.

"Greetings, Senior Sister Chief!"

Though their eyes were filled with reverence, there was noticeably less fervor than before.

Ever since the news of the duel between the two prodigies spread, Qing Yin Xianyun's reputation had soared to unprecedented heights, and even the defeated Lu Caiwei had garnered considerable attention.

Compared to these two, Zhong Limeng, who had yet to break through to the Heavenly Tier, seemed somewhat overshadowed. While the disciples still held her in awe, a sense of disappointment lingered in their hearts.

Male and female disciples respectfully stepped aside, watching as Zhong Limeng strode forward.

Within moments, hushed whispers filled the air.

"Where has Chief Zhong Limeng been? She even used a flying vessel."

"Look at the stern expressions on Chief Sister and the senior brothers—could something major have happened?"

"Tsk, matters of the Chief are beyond our concern."

"True, but both of them have already ascended to the Heavenly Tier. As one of the former Three Southern Peaks, if Chief Zhong Limeng continues to fall behind, she’ll be left in the dust."

"Exactly. If this goes on, the prestige of our Heavenly Palace might suffer."

"Who could argue otherwise? Alas!"

Zhong Limeng walked steadily forward, her gaze unwavering.

Yet, the disciples behind her frowned, their eyes flashing with displeasure. The youngest among them even glared at those who had spoken.

Then—

Suddenly!

A streak of black light landed before the palace gates.

As the shadow touched down, an overwhelming surge of Daoist energy swept outward. The disciples on the training grounds staggered under the pressure, and the surrounding sea of clouds churned violently!

In the blink of an eye, male and female disciples stumbled back, while those with weaker cultivation—especially outer disciples—collapsed in disarray.

Thousands paled in shock!

"Who dares?!"

"What terrifying power!"

Even Zhong Limeng and her companions were startled, steadying themselves before turning to look.

When the black light dissipated, a youthful and graceful figure emerged.

Her face was enchantingly beautiful, her eyes as captivating as ever—unchanged from memory. Yet her demeanor had transformed entirely. A floor-length black dress exuded an icy aura, and the coldness in her gaze was unmistakable.

Zhong Limeng froze for a moment before uttering in disbelief,

"Senior Sister… Lu?"

Her soft voice only deepened the disciples' astonishment.

Senior Sister Lu?

Which Senior Sister Lu?

Could it be…

As shock rippled through the crowd, the black-clad beauty spoke indifferently.

"Oh?"

"So, even as the esteemed Chief of the Heavenly Palace, you still recognize me—Lu Caiwei?"

Her frigid words echoed, and thousands of eyes widened in realization.

"It really is Senior Sister Lu Caiwei!"

"This… this is a complete transformation! I remember her as gentle and refined, but now she’s dressed so boldly and coldly…"

"More than that—judging by that earlier display, her cultivation has advanced tremendously. Just as the rumors said, she’s reached the Heavenly Tier!"

"Someone was just talking about her, and now she appears out of nowhere?"

"Could she be here for trouble…"

Whispers of alarm spread, and the Heavenly Palace disciples grew wary.

Her striking beauty was undeniable, but the chilling aura and overwhelming presence were far more concerning. It was as if an unspoken danger permeated the air—this was no ordinary visit.

Rumors spoke of Lu Caiwei’s defeat, but her Heavenly Tier cultivation was undeniable. With such a powerhouse suddenly descending, no one dared underestimate her.

A single cold glance was enough to impose an oppressive weight upon the entire crowd.

Thousands stood on guard as Zhong Limeng remained composed at the forefront.

As the current Chief of the Heavenly Palace, her every word and action represented the sect. Regardless of Lu Caiwei’s intentions, she had to maintain courtesy, lest she give others reason to criticize.

"To what do we owe the honor of Senior Sister Lu’s visit?"

Lu Caiwei’s eyes flickered over Zhong Limeng’s restrained demeanor and the wary expressions of the thousands behind her.

Her confidence swelled.

At a glance, she could tell Zhong Limeng was merely at the Saint Realm, and the others were even more insignificant.

In her eyes now, they were all worthless!

A sneer curled Lu Caiwei’s lips. Everything was going as planned. Remembering past humiliations, she took a moment to inspect Zhong Limeng’s sword with a sidelong glance.

Hah. Just a Saint-grade weapon.

Trash suited trash—no surprise there.

With that single look, Lu Caiwei was certain of her victory.

Aside from her pretty face, Zhong Limeng was nothing.

This battle would wash away all past shame!

Having sized up the situation, Lu Caiwei smirked arrogantly.

"Hmph…"

"I’ve come to challenge you—to reclaim the title of prodigy that should have been mine. If you admit defeat, kneel and beg for mercy, then disfigure your own face. Do that, and I’ll spare your life."

The moment the words left her mouth, the Heavenly Palace disciples erupted in outrage.

"Lu Caiwei is at the Heavenly Tier—how could Chief Sister possibly match her?!"

"Even surrender isn’t enough? This is too much!"

"Such a beautiful face, yet so venomous!"

"She must have lost to Qing Yin Xianyun and didn’t dare challenge her again. Knowing Chief Zhong Limeng hasn’t broken through, she came here to bully the weak!"

"This is pure tyranny! Who knew Lu Caiwei was this kind of person?"

Hearing the scorn, Lu Caiwei remained unperturbed.

With another cold glare, she silenced the crowd.

"Hmph!"

"The strong rule over the weak. I’m picking an easy target—what can you do about it?"

"If any of you disagree, feel free to fight in her stead. The Azure Cloud Heavenly Palace is a renowned sect—surely no elder would stoop so low as to intervene, right?"

"Who among you dares to face me? Hmm?"

Her icy voice carried an oppressive force, cowing the thousands into fearful silence.

In the face of absolute strength, her words were law!

Savoring the fear in their eyes, Lu Caiwei felt a surge of satisfaction. Her cold gaze brimmed with arrogance as she pressed on mercilessly.

"Well?"

"Has the Chief of the Azure Cloud Heavenly Palace lost her nerve?"

"Tsk. If the other sects of the Southern Sky Domain were to hear of this, your Heavenly Palace would never live it down. Who would have thought this generation’s Chief would be so pathetic?"

"Fine. Out of mercy—and considering your pitiful cultivation—I’ll suppress my power to match yours. Surely that’s fair now?"

Her confidence soared, her mood euphoric.

This was no mere provocation—it was outright mockery. As if Zhong Limeng were a frightened child, needing concessions just to muster the courage to fight.

Worse still, she had dragged the sect’s reputation through the mud!

Hearing such insults, the disciples seethed with fury.

Zhong Limeng clenched her teeth and stepped forward, her delicate face burning with anger.

There was no choice now—she had to fight.

"Very well. I accept your challenge!"

Her junior brothers behind her tensed, about to protest, but Zhong Limeng raised a hand to stop them.

"No more words."

"This battle cannot be avoided. Even if I am outmatched later, it reflects only on my own skill—not the sect’s legacy. To cower before a fight is not the way of the Azure Cloud Heavenly Palace!"

Her declaration stunned the thousands.

In the face of the sect’s honor, Zhong Limeng cast aside personal pride, unafraid of a Heavenly Tier opponent. Her resolve and spirit were worthy of her title as Chief!

The core disciples exchanged solemn glances and retreated.

Thousands followed suit, clearing the training grounds.

Only Zhong Limeng and Lu Caiwei remained, standing opposite each other.

Lu Caiwei smiled.

The feigned gentle praise in her voice could not mask the underlying smugness.

"That's more like it. Worthy of being one of the former Three Peerless Talents of Nanli. Junior Sister Zhong Limeng, blades and swords have no eyes—you'd best be careful..."

Mid-sentence, the soft smile in her eyes abruptly twisted into a vicious glare!

Before anyone could react, Lu Caiwei erupted with terrifying killing intent, her figure shrouded in swirling black mist as she lunged forward like a vengeful specter!

In the blink of an eye, she was upon her!