Invincible Soul Emperor

Chapter 284: Chapter 284: Enemies on a Narrow Road

Everyone was astonished. Who would have thought that Xiao Xiao, the mere maid who once accompanied Ye Qingchen at the Qingyun Sect, would now possess such capabilities!

Ye Qingchen’s heart swelled with emotion. I never expected this matter to be resolved so easily. With this, my search for my father’s medicinal herbs can be greatly accelerated.

Ye Qingchen affectionately stroked Xiao Xiao’s hair. Brimming with pride, she lifted her head, her big, watery eyes full of delight as if begging for praise.

But at that moment, Ling Xiaoyu stood up and spoke. ”Junior Sister Xiao Xiao, the sect promotion competition is not a matter to be taken lightly. I disagree with granting the Qingyun Sect this direct promotion slot.”

Ling Xiaoyu’s objection took everyone by surprise. But seeing his disdainful expression, the crowd began to suspect something.

Although Ling Xiaoyu outwardly scorned Ye Qingchen and the Qingyun Sect, he actually had their best interests at heart. He earnestly explained to Xiao Xiao, ”Junior Sister Xiao Xiao, if the Qingyun Sect is not strong enough, it will attract the envy of others even if it becomes a two-star sect through your protection. This would be a curse, not a blessing, for the Qingyun Sect!”

Xiao Xiao looked at Ling Xiaoyu thoughtfully as he continued his explanation.

”Junior Sister Xiao Xiao, have you heard about the Yanyang Kingdom’s two-star sect, Dragon Tiger Mountain, which was just recently destroyed? It’s the perfect example. When a sect lacks the strength of a two-star sect yet occupies its slot and resources, it naturally becomes a target.”

Hearing Ling Xiaoyu’s words, Li Zongrui couldn’t help but stand up. Though somewhat intimidated by Ling Xiaoyu’s formidable strength at the Peak of the Martial King Realm, he still spoke out. ”You’re probably unaware that the so-called two-star sect, Dragon Tiger Mountain, was destroyed precisely because they offended Ye Qingchen. He then led a group to annihilate them!”

Ling Xiaoyu shot Li Zongrui a cold smirk and retorted, ”Ye Qingchen is merely at the Martial Spirit Realm. How could he possibly destroy a two-star sect? Besides, his own strength is lacking, so how strong could his friends be? How could a low-level Martial Spirit practitioner, leading a group of his peers, possibly destroy Dragon Tiger Mountain?”

Ling Xiaoyu’s words left Li Zongrui momentarily speechless. Pressing his advantage, Ling Xiaoyu continued relentlessly, ”I’ve already made inquiries. The ones who destroyed Dragon Tiger Mountain were from the Rising Sun Pavilion, an organization comparable to a top-tier two-star sect. They offended the Pavilion’s son-in-law, and that’s why the Rising Sun Pavilion led a group to annihilate them. In your version, it’s Ye Qingchen leading the charge. You can’t even get your story straight when you boast.

”Please, get your facts straight before you open your mouth, or you’ll make people laugh their heads off!”

Infuriated by Ling Xiaoyu’s words, Li Zongrui was just about to reveal that Ye Qingchen was the son-in-law of the Rising Sun Pavilion when Xiao Xiao stepped forward. Interrupting him, she said with a smile, ”Since Senior Brother Xiao Yu objects, then the Qingyun Sect will just participate in the competition as usual.”

Hearing Xiao Xiao relent, Ling Xiaoyu nodded in satisfaction.

However, Ling Xiaoyu had no idea what Xiao Xiao was really thinking. I believe that as long as Young Master is here, the Qingyun Sect will definitely be promoted. That will be a real slap in his face! Let’s see what he has to say then!

In fact, Xiao Xiao had completely misunderstood Ling Xiaoyu. He had only objected because he could see her feelings for Ye Qingchen.

If the Qingyun Sect received the promotion slot undeservedly, the sects that failed to advance would surely feel resentful. They wouldn’t dare trouble the Wuji Immortal Palace, but they would use every means possible to retaliate against the Qingyun Sect. If the sect truly lacked the strength to defend itself, Ye Qingchen’s life would be in danger. That was why Ling Xiaoyu had intervened so decisively.

After speaking to Ling Xiaoyu, Xiao Xiao went to Ye Qingchen’s side and said apologetically, ”Young Master, you’re not angry with Xiao Xiao, are you?”

Ye Qingchen smiled and stroked Xiao Xiao’s hair. ”Of course not. Even competing fairly, the Qingyun Sect will definitely be promoted!”

”That’s right! Xiao Xiao has faith in Young Master,” she said, nodding emphatically.

Li Qingfeng and the others were slightly disappointed by the sudden turn of events, but they didn’t say anything more. After bidding Xiao Xiao farewell, Li Qingfeng led the experts of the Qingyun Sect toward the grand hall.

Li Qingfeng handed their qualification token for the sect promotion competition to the Wuji Immortal Palace disciple in charge of registration. The disciple simply registered them and then handed a number plate back to Li Qingfeng.

Holding number plate 927, Li Qingfeng bid farewell to the disciple and led the Qingyun Sect experts into the competition arena.

The competition arena was already packed with participants from various sects. As far as the eye could see, sect leaders were leading their respective teams.

Ye Qingchen mused to himself. These sect leaders are normally high-status figures who are rarely seen, but now they’re a dime a dozen! This just shows how fierce this competition will be.

After searching for over ten minutes, they finally found their assigned spot: number 927.

Li Qingfeng led his people to their position and they stood in place, waiting for the competition to begin.

At that moment, Venerable Hei Ze let out a soft snort. ”Sect Leader,” he said to Li Qingfeng, ”I didn’t expect to see so many old acquaintances here.”

Li Qingfeng followed Hei Ze’s gaze, his brow furrowing slightly.

Not understanding, Li Zongrui asked his father, ”Father? What old acquaintances?”

Ye Qingchen also followed their gazes to the sects positioned to the left and right of the Qingyun Sect.

Li Qingfeng snorted coldly. ”To our left, number 926, is the Cangqiong Sect, and their sect leader is Feng Xingpo. To our right, number 928, is the Shenhuo Sect, whose sect leader is Lie Buqun.”

From Li Qingfeng and Hei Ze’s expressions, Ye Qingchen could tell these two sects must have some history with the Qingyun Sect.

As expected, Hei Ze continued, ”During the last sect promotion competition, if it weren’t for the dirty tricks played by these two sects, the Qingyun Sect might have already become a two-star sect by now!”

Hearing Hei Ze’s explanation, Li Zongrui began to curse. ”Pah! I hate people who play dirty tricks behind the scenes. These guys look shifty-eyed; they’re definitely up to no good.”

Li Zongrui’s cursing drew the attention of the Cangqiong Sect and the Shenhuo Sect. The experts from both sects turned to look at the Qingyun Sect.

”So, it’s the trash from the Qingyun Sect,” Feng Xingpo, the sect leader of the Cangqiong Sect, said with a cold laugh. ”I thought that after a few years, a garbage sect like yours would have fallen into ruin. I’m surprised you even have the right to participate in the promotion competition. It just shows that the overall strength of the Northern Desolate Country really isn’t much to speak of!”

Feng Xingpo’s words sent the experts of the Cangqiong Sect into roaring laughter, their faces filled with utmost mockery. Clearly, they didn’t give the Qingyun Sect a second thought.