Invincible Soul Emperor

Chapter 224: Chapter 224: The Opportunity to Advance to a 2-Star Sect

”A falling out? You members of the Heavenly Profound Sect are afraid to burn bridges now? Let me tell you, it’s too late!”

Deputy Pavilion Master Liu harbored the deepest grudge against the Heavenly Profound Sect, especially Xiong Hai. If it weren’t for Xiong Hai disrupting his focus that day, the Qingyun Sect wouldn’t have had to go through so much trouble, and Ye Qingchen wouldn’t have had to risk his life swallowing the Spiritual Fire.

Xiong Hai didn’t respond to the Deputy Pavilion Master. Instead, he stared intently at Pavilion Master Zhang, understanding that Pavilion Master Zhang was now the true decision-maker for the Qingyun Sect.

Pavilion Master Zhang didn’t rush to speak. He knew that the Qingyun Sect disciples had bottled up far too much resentment over the past few days, and now was the time for them to vent. Only when the Qingyun Sect disciples had cursed their fill and released most of their grievances did Pavilion Master Zhang slowly speak to Xiong Hai.

”Those who commit many injustices are doomed to destroy themselves. This outcome is what your sect has brought upon itself.”

Xiong Hai’s face changed dramatically. If Pavilion Master Zhang also refused to reconcile, their only option would be a desperate, bitter struggle. The Heavenly Profound Sect would certainly never kneel and kowtow to the Qingyun Sect.

Pavilion Master Zhang shook his head and spoke again. ”However, whether or not to forgive you is for Qingchen to decide.”

The reason Pavilion Master Zhang left the decision to Ye Qingchen was that he noticed something peculiar. While the other disciples were verbally tearing into the Heavenly Profound Sect, Ye Qingchen had remained silent. Logically, Ye Qingchen was the one who had suffered the most at their hands, from Cheng Zhibin’s constant suppression during the youth competition to being forced to swallow the Spiritual Fire in the mixed competition. Pavilion Master Zhang wouldn’t have been surprised if Ye Qingchen had cursed them the loudest, but his silence took him by surprise.

Ye Qingchen was only seventeen or eighteen, an age defined by passion and vigor. Such calm and composure were unheard of for a teenager.

Hearing Pavilion Master Zhang’s words, the members of the Heavenly Profound Sect all turned their gazes to Ye Qingchen.

Ye Qingchen rubbed his nose, not expecting the final decision to be pushed onto him. But since Pavilion Master Zhang had spoken, Ye Qingchen felt he couldn’t refuse. After a moment’s thought, he spoke up.

”Pavilion Master Zhang, the people of the Heavenly Profound Sect are accustomed to their despicable ways. Welching on their losses is second nature to them. I’ve grown used to it, so there’s no need for us to stoop to their level.

”Besides, my ears have practically grown calluses from all the dog barking these last few days. Even if they bark while kneeling, I have no desire to hear it anymore.”

When Cheng Zhibin heard Ye Qingchen compare the Heavenly Profound Sect to dogs, he flew into a rage and was about to lash out, but Xiong Hai held him back. Although Ye Qingchen’s words were harsh, they still offered the Heavenly Profound Sect a way out. Being scolded was far more dignified than kneeling and kowtowing.

So, Xiong Hai lowered his head, grabbed Cheng Zhibin, and led the members of the Heavenly Profound Sect away in disgrace.

Seeing Ye Qingchen’s decision, a gratified smile appeared on Pavilion Master Zhang’s face after a moment of surprise. He understood that forcing the Heavenly Profound Sect to kneel was impossible and would only lead to mutual destruction. Ye Qingchen’s words had not only defused that threat but had also thoroughly humiliated them. For someone so young, Ye Qingchen’s ability to consider the bigger picture was truly gratifying.

In truth, Ye Qingchen’s decision wasn’t just about the bigger picture. In his eyes, the people from the Heavenly Profound Sect were never his opponents to begin with. He couldn’t be bothered to engage with such insignificant clowns.

”Ye Qingchen, you let them off too easily! I had a Memory Crystal ready to record those Heavenly Profound Sect scumbags kneeling so I could spread it far and wide, and you just let them go?” Li Zongrui protested indignantly, only to receive a sharp knock on the head from Elder Wuji.

This kid just loves to stir up trouble! Always adding to the chaos! As the First Elder of the Qingyun Sect, how could I fail to see the stakes? Ye Qingchen’s approach was undoubtedly the most prudent. But this disappointing disciple of mine doesn’t understand a thing. What a letdown!

Pavilion Master Zhang walked over to Ye Qingchen, patted his shoulder, and then looked at Elder Wuji. ”Elder Wuji,” he said, ”our Qingyun Sect’s victory this time was entirely due to Ye Qingchen’s outstanding performance. Therefore, I’ve decided to give him half of our reward. What do you think?”

Elder Wuji nodded. Just as Pavilion Master Zhang had said, Ye Qingchen’s contribution to this victory was immense. Besides, Elder Wuji understood that the rewards were earned by the Alchemy Pavilion, so their distribution was entirely up to Pavilion Master Zhang. Asking for his opinion was merely a formality, and of course, Elder Wuji would not be so tactless as to object. In fact, he was already planning to tell Sect Master Li Qingfeng to reward Ye Qingchen handsomely upon their return.

But to everyone’s surprise, Ye Qingchen refused.

”Ye Qingchen, that’s two hundred thousand low-grade Spirit Stones! Half of that is enough for you to cultivate for years, and you’re turning it down?” Li Zongrui stared at Ye Qingchen in disbelief. He’s from a small place and has never seen so many Spirit Stones. How could he possibly refuse?

But Ye Qingchen resolutely shook his head. ”The credit belongs to everyone,” he said. ”Without everyone’s concerted effort, what could I have accomplished alone? I will only take the portion I’ve earned. Pavilion Master Zhang, please say no more.”

Pavilion Master Zhang nodded helplessly, feeling even more gratified. Whether it was strength, talent, or temperament, Ye Qingchen was a top-tier prospect. The more Pavilion Master Zhang looked at him, the more pleased he became.

Just as the Qingyun Sect members were preparing to leave, Princess Cai Yunji made a sudden appearance.

Pavilion Master Zhang gave her a slight bow and asked, ”Your Highness, is there a particular reason for your visit?”

Although Cai Yunji was a princess, she dared not act arrogantly before a renowned Pill King like Pavilion Master Zhang. After giving him a deep curtsy, she spoke, ”First, this princess congratulates Pavilion Master Zhang and the Qingyun Sect on successfully defending your title once again. Second, my royal father requests the presence of all the masters at the palace.”

Pavilion Master Zhang was taken aback. By custom, the Alchemy Dao Competition is already over. Why summon us to the palace now?

As if sensing his confusion, Princess Cai Yunji continued, ”Pavilion Master Zhang, your performance was exceptional. Therefore, my royal father has decided to grant you an opportunity to be promoted to a two-star sect. Whether or not you can seize it, however, is up to you.”

”What? An opportunity to be promoted to a two-star sect?”

Her words were like a stone tossed into a calm lake, sending ripples of shock through the Qingyun Sect members, who all stood frozen on the spot. Promotion to a two-star sect meant a higher status and a share of cultivation resources far beyond what a one-star sect could ever receive. If the Qingyun Sect had a single greatest goal, it was, without a doubt, to become a two-star sect. This was not only the Sect Master’s dream but also the aspiration of every single disciple.

And now, their opportunity had arrived.