Volume One, Chapter 24: Coasting to Victory

Zhang Xianfeng let out an angry roar, and the aura belonging to a master of the Feather Transformation Realm swept across the field instantly, causing everyone’s hearts to tremble under the terrifying pressure.

"If you still respect me as your Sect Master, all of you, sit down."

Zhang Xianfeng glared at Wu Qingshan and Lin Yang, who had no choice but to sit back down. Once they were seated, Zhang Xianfeng sighed and finally spoke:

"Hongye did nothing wrong. Whether in the arena or in a real battle, one should always give their all when facing an opponent. This is not something worth criticizing, and the fact that she warned her opponent at the very beginning is even more commendable. Therefore, this matter is closed. No one is to bring it up again."

Wu Qingshan’s expression was ugly, but in the end, he could only drop the matter.

Lin Yang glanced at the old man. Although he did not know what kind of madness had possessed him, he was certain that the old man had now offended both him and Red Sun Peak.

Seeing this, Lin Hongye bowed to her opponent and the Sect Master before flying back to her seat.

Seeing Lin Hongye return, Lu Chen whispered in praise, "Senior Sister, well done. You should always give your all. If you don't take your opponent seriously, how can you call yourself a master of the sword? Don't let it weigh on your mind."

Hearing this, she nodded. "Don't worry, I know what I'm doing."

Having lived two lives, Lin Hongye would naturally not be affected by such a trivial matter.

As for the Pill Peak disciple, he returned to his seat in a dejected mood. In truth, he also felt that Lin Hongye had done nothing wrong. At the same time, he could not understand why his master, who had always been indifferent toward him, had suddenly become so filled with righteous indignation on his behalf.

Seeing that the storm had passed, the referee elder let out a sigh of relief and announced loudly, "The competition continues."

...

The competition raged from the high noon sun until it sank behind the mountains. The preliminary rounds concluded, and the tournament reached the finals.

Lin Hongye’s opponent in the finals was, naturally, Zhao Feng, who had fought his way through the ranks.

During this period, Lin Hongye had entered the arena many times, often facing opponents at the Golden Core or even Nascent Soul stages. Yet, without exception, all of her opponents chose to forfeit. After all, the sheer power of the sword aura Lin Hongye had unleashed earlier was far too deeply ingrained in everyone's minds; even a Nascent Soul stage elder had been unable to block it. In the end, it had taken the Sect Master himself to crush the sword aura. While they likely wouldn't be killed, the psychological pressure of fighting an opponent like Lin Hongye was simply too immense.

Unable to win, they chose to concede, at least allowing them to maintain some dignity. In this way, Lin Hongye’s opponents kept forfeiting, and she cruised effortlessly into the finals.

Compared to Lin Hongye, the other participants much preferred fighting Zhao Feng. After all, the senior brother had a gentle personality; although his strength was equally formidable, he knew how to temper his strikes and would never inflict life-threatening injuries. Even if they knew they couldn't win, fighting the senior brother was a good way to hone their combat skills.

But Lin Hongye was different. If you fought her, she really was out for your life.

Once Zhao Feng finished his final semi-final match and successfully advanced, the referee elder announced loudly, "Today’s sect tournament concludes here. The finals will commence tomorrow."

Upon hearing this, the crowd dispersed from the stands, and they began to speculate about the outcome of tomorrow's finals.

"Who do you think will win tomorrow? I think Senior Brother will definitely win; after all, he is at the Nascent Soul stage and has the Apocalypse Sword to assist him."

"I don't think so. You saw that sword aura of Lin Hongye’s earlier, didn't you? Even the referee elder couldn't stop it. Can the senior brother really block it?"

"That’s hard to say. Lin Hongye only used that sword aura once the entire time, and she basically coasted through the rest of the matches."

"Maybe the senior brother can defend against it. I’m still betting on the senior brother."

As everyone speculated on the outcome, the majority still believed that Zhao Feng would emerge victorious.

Walking back to the sect, Lu Chen heard the conversation of those ahead and felt a sense of injustice for Lin Hongye. "Senior Sister, these guys really have no vision. Anyone can see that you are clearly stronger than that Zhao Feng."

Lin Hongye neither denied nor agreed, but gave a helpless smile. "Xiao Lu, you should say less of these things in the sect. It ruins your reputation."

Lu Chen scoffed dismissively, "I don't care to be on good terms with these people. They aren't worthy."

Just then, Lin Yang flew to their side and asked Lin Hongye with a smile, "How was it? It must feel good to coast all the way to the finals, right?"

"Master, please don't tease me." Lin Hongye smiled helplessly, then, thinking of something, she asked with concern, "By the way, Master, will there be any trouble for offending the Master of Pill Peak?"

Lin Yang waved his hand dismissively, not caring at all. "It's fine, it's fine. I don't know what kind of madness possessed that old fool today to dare provoke our Red Sun Peak. If he’s offended, so be it. He’s just a mere Nascent Soul stage cultivator; if he dares to trouble us again, I don't mind giving him a taste of misery."

A passing disciple heard Lin Yang’s boastful words and couldn't help but look at him with disdain. Good heavens, you’re only at the third level of Qi Refining; who gave you the courage to think you could give a Nascent Soul cultivator a taste of misery?

Just then, a voice called out to the three of them.

"Junior Sister Hongye."

The three turned in unison to find that it was Zhao Feng who had called them.

Seeing Zhao Feng approach, Lu Chen frowned. "Hey, do you need something?"

"Xiao Lu, show some respect." Lin Hongye scolded him lightly before asking Zhao Feng calmly, "Senior Brother Zhao, what is it?"

Lu Chen felt speechless; Lin Hongye’s cold attitude was no better than his own.

Zhao Feng hesitated, then finally shook his head and smiled warmly. "Nothing. I am looking forward to our battle tomorrow, Junior Sister Hongye."

"I am as well."

"Very well, then we shall see each other tomorrow." Zhao Feng offered a strained smile, bid farewell to Lin Yang and Lu Chen, and flew off.

"At least that guy has some manners," Lu Chen muttered, and Lin Yang flicked him on the forehead.

"Don't be so hostile toward others. I think he’s not a bad person."

With that, the group continued their journey back to Red Sun Peak.

...

In the back mountains of the sect, Zhao Feng arrived at the spot where he had stood earlier, where the black-robed elder had been waiting for a long time.

"You are late," the black-robed elder said, his tone unreadable.

Zhao Feng bowed in apology. "I was delayed on the way, my apologies, Elder."

The black-robed elder turned around; it was none other than the Pill Peak Elder, Wu Qingshan.

"It is of no consequence. Since you are facing Lin Hongye tomorrow, there is something I must give you."