Cultivation Online

Chapter 2246  An Outrageous Rumor

”I see… so Lulu is in the Ninth Heaven…” Yuan murmured after hearing about her situation from Senior Bai. Though it pained him to know she was struggling, it wasnʼt unexpected, as she had been sent to a place far beyond her current abilities. Yet, if she could overcome those challenges and push past her limits, he knew she would emerge far stronger than before.

”Falling behind the others isnʼt her only hardship,” Senior Bai continued. ”She also has to endure the mockery and disdain of her fellow disciples. Even though I warned her beforehand, she still chose to face the challenge. I canʼt constantly shield her since thereʼs only so much favoritism I can show a single disciple, but I make sure nothing goes too far.”

”Thatʼs a given,” Yuan nodded in agreement. ”As much as I care for Lulu, I can understand the other disciplesʼ frustration. They worked hard to earn their place in the sect, while she entered through connections despite lacking the same abilities. For that, I owe you my gratitude, Senior Bai—thank you for looking after her.”

Senior Bai laughed out loud, ”Considering our relationship, this is the least I can do. And as I already told her, connection is as important as talent in the cultivation world, so donʼt overthink it too much.”

”Anyway, letʼs continue to the others. About Li Jinxi, I havenʼt received much news from her, but according to what Iʼve heard from others, sheʼs been making waves in Heavenʼs Sect.”

”Heavenʼs Sect?” Yuan found the name familiar but couldnʼt recall where he had heard it from.

”Itʼs one of the top three sects in the Ninth Heaven, overseen by the Tian Family—the Heavenly Sonʼs family,” said Senior Bai. ”Not only does it gather the most talented cultivators, but its environment is also among the harshest and most demanding. Even so, Li Jinxi has been making a name for herself there, astonishing everyone with her overwhelming talent.”

”In fact, I heard that she even caught the attention of the Tian Family in the short time that sheʼs been there. I knew she was talented before, but she still managed to surpass my expectations. Sheʼs quite similar to you in that way, Yuan.” Senior Bai chuckled.

”Iʼm more surprised that she agreed to join a sect,” Yuan said with a smile. ”Sheʼs the type to wander.”

”You know her very well. Indeed, she initially planned to wander the Nine Heavens alone, but I managed to convince her to join a sect. After all, I didnʼt want her to waste her potential.”

Senior Bai continued to discuss the other members and how each of them was adjusting to their new environments. ”As for Wang Xiuying, I heard that she—” Senior Bai suddenly stopped speaking and reached into his pocket to retrieve a communication jade slip.

”Give me a moment,” he said as he listened to the message heʼd just received.

As he did, Senior Baiʼs expression darkened, and he let out a heavy sigh. A few moments later, he put the communication jade slip away and sighed once more.

”Whatʼs wrong?” Yuan asked.

”I just received word that someone clashed with the Second Squad of Heavenʼs Mandate, and not only did that person kill thousands of their soldiers, but even forced them to retreat,” Senior Bai explained, his tone filled with disbelief and concern.

Yuanʼs body stiffened at this news.

”If this news is true, it would explain our sudden drop in karma,” Senior Bai continued. ”Someone from the Celestial Overlords must have clashed with Heavenʼs Mandate, and that conflict triggered the decline.”

”With that said, it still doesnʼt make any sense!” Senior Bai slammed the table in frustration. ”How can a single person force the entire Second Squad to retreat? Even if all of the Celestial Overlords worked together, they still wouldnʼt be able to achieve such a feat, let alone the rest of the members! This is something that would only be feasible by a Cultivation God, but we donʼt have such a powerhouse in the faction!”

”...”

Yuan remained silent as Senior Bai expressed his frustration, cold sweat soaking his back.

”So, what happens now?” Yuan eventually asked.

”Thereʼs nothing we can do until we confirm the information,” Senior Bai replied. ”However, if it turns out to be true, Heavenʼs Mandate will likely make the first move.”

”Sorry, but I have to leave now.”

Yuan nodded, ”No worries. Letʼs continue once everything has calmed down.”

After saying their goodbyes, Senior Bai left, and Yuan returned to the Myriad of Techniques.

”Did you speak with Master Bai?” Zhu Yuying asked him.

”Yes, I did.”

”Then did you ask about the situation? I hope itʼs nothing too serious.”

Yuan wore a bitter smile on his face as he responded, ”Itʼll sort itself out. If not, Iʼll do something about it.”

”You will?” Zhu Yuying stared at him with wide eyes. He nodded, ”Anyway, Iʼll be leaving now.”

”Alright. Donʼt forget to visit me at Gates of Heaven when you have the chance.”

”Of course.”

With that, Yuan left the Myriad of Techniques. Zhu Yuying also decided to end her work there and left shortly after.

Meanwhile, after returning to the Celestial Overlordsʼ headquarters, Senior Bai went straight into a meeting with the other Celestial Overlords and Overlords present.

”So, has everyone heard the news about Heavenʼs Mandate?” Qiang Qing Yun was the first to speak once everyone had gathered.

”Of course, but itʼs an outrageous rumor and pure nonsense,” said one of the other Celestial Overlords, a handsome man with long, dark green hair. ”Besides a Cultivation God, who is capable of forcing the Second Squad to retreat? Theyʼre the Celestial Emperorʼs third most powerful force with over ten thousand God Ascension experts in their formation!” ”Right? Nobody is stupid enough to believe such nonsense,” someone else remarked.

”Ignoring whether itʼs even possible, if we consider our current situation, doesnʼt it make sense?” someone suddenly spoke up. ”I canʼt imagine any other scenario that would cause our karma to plummet so drastically.”

The room fell silent at these words.