Ye Zhiqiu Takes the Stage

The next day, Qingyun Peak

Although many had already left Qingyun Sect on the first day, a considerable number of people remained.

After all, even if they couldn’t participate, watching the spectacle was still worthwhile.

Following the martial competition was the grand wedding of the young sect master—an event that would bring prestige to those who attended, as not everyone had the privilege of witnessing such a grand occasion at Qingyun Sect.

"Do you think Qingyun Sect’s disciples will make their move today?"

"Hard to say, but since it’s already the second day, it should be their turn soon."

"Aside from Qingyun Peak, Qingyun Sect also has Dayun Peak, Xiaoyun Peak, Red Luan Peak, and Qinggang Peak. Each peak master has numerous personal disciples, but those who meet the age requirement likely won’t exceed five per peak."

"These are the most elite disciples handpicked from within Qingyun Sect. Combined, there should be around thirty of them."

"That many?"

"This is Qingyun Sect we’re talking about. Is thirty really a lot?"

"Use your head—these are the top thirty after rigorous selection, not just any young disciples."

For ordinary factions, having three to five outstanding talents among the younger generation was already an impressive feat.

For Qingyun Sect to boast around thirty genius disciples under the age of thirty was a staggering number, enough to leave many in awe.

"I really want to see just how big the gap is between us and Qingyun Sect’s prodigies."

"How big? Don’t even think about it. Watching them will only crush your spirit. These disciples are one in a thousand—no, one in ten thousand."

"Ah, in the end, it all comes down to Qingyun Sect’s internal competition. Do you think a dark horse might emerge?"

"A dark horse? Look around—does anyone here have that potential?"

"Well… seems like no."

On the arena, several rounds of battles had already taken place. By the second day, the matches had escalated to the Divine Ability Realm level.

But the current competitors’ strength was hardly captivating. Everyone’s anticipation lay solely in Qingyun Sect’s disciples stepping onto the stage.

"Young Sect Master, has the person you mentioned arrived today?"

"He’s here."

Lu Yun nodded, then glanced toward Ye Zhiqiu’s position.

At that very moment, Ye Zhiqiu also turned his gaze toward Lu Yun. Their eyes met briefly before Ye Zhiqiu smiled faintly and shifted his attention back to the arena.

Seeing this reaction, Lu Yun’s heart stirred—was this kid planning to step onto the arena?

"Is that the one?"

"Exactly. If he dares to enter the arena, go up and teach him a proper lesson."

"Remember, don’t break the rules. Just defeat him and knock him off the stage," Lu Yun reminded.

"Don’t worry, I know my limits."

"Good. I appreciate it."

"Young Sect Master, you flatter me. After all, you’re my senior brother. Helping you is my duty as your junior."

The person Lu Yun had enlisted was one of his father’s—the Qingyun Sect Master’s—personal disciples. At twenty-six, this disciple had already reached the eighth level of the Divine Ability Realm, boasting exceptional talent and formidable strength.

In Lu Yun’s eyes, sending an eighth-level Divine Ability Realm expert against Ye Zhiqiu was already giving the latter too much credit.

It never crossed his mind that Ye Zhiqiu could defeat his junior brother. After all, even if Ye Zhiqiu was a genius, so was everyone else here.

"If you want to go up, don’t wait any longer."

Noticing Ye Zhiqiu’s unwavering focus on the arena, Chen Chang’an spoke up.

"Master, I’ll go now."

"Go. Do as you wish. The sky won’t fall."

"Yes!"

Ye Zhiqiu nodded. As soon as the current match concluded, he leaped gracefully onto the arena.

"Oh? This kid’s speed is impressive! His movement technique is excellent!"

"He’s not from Qingyun Sect. Is he a disciple from another family?"

"Looks like he came from the Fang family’s area."

"Wait, didn’t the Fang family already compete yesterday?"

"Does anyone recognize him?"

"No."

"Me neither."

"Damn, I think I know who he is!"

"Who?"

"Ye Zhiqiu!"

Ye Zhiqiu?

The crowd this time was massive. Though the Ye family wasn’t a major clan, they still held some renown—especially after the Cao family’s broken engagement, which had spread far and wide, albeit as an infamous affair.

Once someone in the crowd identified Ye Zhiqiu, an uproar ensued.

After all, the story of Ye Zhiqiu and Cao Jinxiu was common knowledge. That he dared to come to Qingyun Sect—just this audacity alone set him apart from ordinary men.

"Hell yeah, now we’re in for a real show! How come Qingyun Sect didn’t stop him?"

"What nonsense are you spouting? Qingyun Sect isn’t that petty. They said anyone could come, so anyone can come."

"Besides, even if he comes, so what? What kind of trouble could this kid possibly stir up?"

"Still, I’d actually like to see how the Qingyun Sect will handle Ye Zhiqiu."

"Holy crap, a disciple from the Qingyun Sect is really stepping onto the stage!"

Amid the crowd’s murmurs, Sun Henian of the Qingyun Sect leaped into the air, landing gracefully on the dueling platform.

Sun Henian’s sudden appearance stunned not only the spectators but even the Qingyun Sect’s own members.

Why had he stepped forward so soon?

Lu Mengran had already overheard the discussions and was aware of Ye Zhiqiu’s identity. The moment Sun Henian took the stage, his gaze shifted toward Lu Yun.

"Father, it was indeed my decision to have Junior Brother Sun intervene."

"But rest assured, I only instructed him to teach Ye Zhiqiu a lesson—to defeat him, not to take his life."

"Who knows what fortuitous encounters Ye Zhiqiu has had? His cultivation has already broken through to the fifth level of the Divine Ability Realm, which could pose a problem for Jinxiu."

Lu Yun made no attempt to hide the truth, knowing it would be futile. It was better to lay everything out plainly.

Lu Mengran nodded, casting a glance at Ye Zhiqiu. Sure enough, his cultivation had reached the fifth level of the Divine Ability Realm.

"Ye Zhiqiu’s talent is impressive. Avoid unnecessary conflict. If we can recruit him into the Qingyun Sect, it would be a boon for us."

Recruit him?

Hearing this, Lu Yun frowned slightly. Given the awkward history between them, having Ye Zhiqiu join the sect would only be an eyesore.

"Lu Yun, remember—you are a member of the Qingyun Sect. Broaden your perspective. The sect’s interests come first. Do not let personal grievances cloud your judgment."

"Do not assume that just because you are my son, the position of next sect leader is guaranteed."

"The Qingyun Sect has never operated on such principles."

"If you truly aspire to lead, then fulfill your duties impeccably."

"Make sure everyone is convinced. Understood?" Lu Mengran’s voice was stern.

"Yes, Father’s words are wise. This son will remember them," Lu Yun replied humbly.

"See that you do." Lu Mengran gave him a penetrating look before turning his attention back to the platform.

On the dueling stage, Ye Zhiqiu had long prepared himself. He knew Lu Yun wouldn’t step forward personally but would send someone else in his stead.

"Ye Family, Ye Zhiqiu."

"Qingyun Sect, Sun Henian."

"After you."

"After you."