Chapter 75: The Elder Calls for Her, the Madwoman’s Gifted Box

The disciples quickened their pace and headed toward Pei Yin and the others.

What Ye Qingning didn’t know was that Pei Yin, Xuan Yangzi, and Tian Jizi hadn’t come to the Yunshan Secret Realm just to check on the disciples’ safety.

Injuries and casualties in secret realms were common occurrences; even if the three of them were concerned, it wouldn’t normally warrant all of them waiting outside the realm.

The truth was, yesterday the three had gathered to discuss the end of the secret realm trial. Somehow, the topic shifted to Ye Qingning.

One word led to another, and before they knew it, a battle to snatch a disciple had erupted.

They say three women make a drama—well, three men were even more dramatic. None of them would concede; each claimed Ye Qingning was their fated disciple, and anyone trying to take her would be met with fierce resistance.

The disciples nearby had never seen such a spectacle. Cold sweat broke out on their foreheads, worried that on the day of accepting disciples, these three might actually brawl in the Sect Master’s Hall.

Then, when Pei Yin and Tian Jizi learned that Ye Qingning had been afflicted with a Gu curse, both were so shocked they leapt to their feet.

After all, neither of them had taken her pulse before. They had only noticed her heart meridian was incomplete.

Xuan Yangzi was a madman when it came to alchemy, but his medical skills were mediocre. The sect’s most skilled healer, Wu Yazhi, was in seclusion, which was why no one had treated her heart meridian. And now, not only was her heart meridian miraculously healed, but she had also been afflicted with a Gu curse—this, they truly had not known.

Their expressions instantly turned tense.

Gu curses were not something that could be removed through sheer strength. Attempting to forcibly purge the curse could backfire, causing the Gu to devour its host and endanger their life.

The two of them grew more grim-faced by the second—just who had the audacity to lay a Gu curse on their fated little disciple?!

When they heard Xuan Yangzi say that he had already found someone who could lift the curse and was going to tell Ye Qingning in person outside the secret realm, they couldn’t sit still any longer. They had to come—no, now they really had to come.

While they couldn’t lift the curse themselves, they already had a good guess as to who Xuan Yangzi meant. Only then did they feel reassured.

No matter how fearsome the Gu was, even if no one else could handle it, that person could.

But putting the Gu matter aside—if they didn’t come today, this fated little disciple might end up belonging to someone else!

Now that the three realized Ye Qingning had broken through to the Golden Core stage, they were simply overjoyed.

None of them could resist showing off just a little, wearing expressions of smug satisfaction as if saying, “See that? Impressive, right? That’s my disciple!” (Proud ƪ(˘⌣˘)ʃ Elegant.)

Elder Yan was also surprised. He had thought simply waiting outside the secret realm was enough—who would’ve guessed those three would actually come in person, and seemingly to compete over a single disciple?

Seriously, how old were they already? Competing over a disciple like this—they were really aging backwards!

This disciple—let him take her!

He, too, thought this girl with dual lightning and fire spiritual roots was quite something!

He’d heard she even shielded Wan Jin from a heavenly tribulation. A precious disciple like this was rare even with a lantern to search—no wonder the other three had rushed here.

No way—he had to throw his hat in the ring for the disciple too! If he didn’t fight for her, how would he know she wasn’t his fated little disciple?

He had saved up a fortune and had no intention of giving it to those useless brats under him. Of course, he had to take in a little disciple to inherit it.

“Disciples greet the Sect Master, Supreme Elder, Elder Tianji, and Elder Yan!” The disciples bowed in unison, and Ye Qingning wasn’t surprised at all.

From the loud voices, it was clear everyone was particularly excited.

After all, they were only inner disciples—what did they do to deserve even the Sect Master, Supreme Elder, and Elders to personally escort them back to the sect? Disciples of other sects didn’t get this kind of treatment!

“Mm, not bad. Looks like everyone’s cultivation has improved quite a bit compared to when you arrived,” Tian Jizi said.

He was always strict and held high standards for the disciples. He had never praised anyone before—this was a historic first.

But his eyes never left Ye Qingning the entire time, and the rare look of satisfaction in his gaze was clearly meant for her.

Ye Qingning felt a chill from being stared at like that. She couldn’t figure out why Tian Jizi was watching her so intently.

Could it be, like Wan Zhao, he wanted her to take someone’s place during a heavenly tribulation? That she was totally down for!

To buy a mountain as soon as possible, she had to start expanding her business!

Xuan Yangzi was fuming, especially when he saw Ye Qingning being all smiley with Tian Jizi, as if his disciple had already been stolen.

He stepped forward and shoved Tian Jizi aside.

With a stern face, he said, “I first congratulate the disciples who broke through to the Golden Core stage during this trial. The sect will grant you rewards. In addition to that, you may rest for three days. During this time, you may leave the sect, but you must not get involved in external disputes.”

“For the rest of the disciples, once we return to the sect, you must cultivate diligently and improve your strength to prepare for the upcoming Grand Sect Tournament.”

“Grand Sect Tournament?” A bold disciple asked curiously.

Though Xuan Yangzi was the Supreme Elder, he had a good temper and explained, “The Grand Sect Tournament is held every ten years. Disciples from all major sects participate.”

“Matches are divided by cultivation and strength into corresponding groups. Those who perform well in the tournament will receive generous rewards from the sect.”

“Those who rank high will have a chance to challenge the Heavenly Pride Rankings. If they make it onto the list, they can be promoted to core disciples of our sect.”

“There are three months until the Grand Sect Tournament. Our disciples must strive to stand out and bring glory to both themselves and the sect!”

Xuan Yangzi’s speech filled the disciples with fiery passion.

The ones who hadn’t broken through in the secret realm panicked instantly, wanting nothing more than to rush back to the sect and enter seclusion.

Ye Qingning felt the same excitement surge in her chest. She hadn’t come to Penglai Sect just to be an inner disciple—the Grand Sect Tournament was undoubtedly her best shot at becoming a core disciple.

“We depart for the sect. Ye girl, once aboard the flying boat, come find me. I have something to tell you,” Xuan Yangzi said, stroking his beard. The way he addressed her made all the disciples jealous.

This was the Supreme Elder! To be personally addressed like that—clearly, she was someone he held in high regard.

“Yes, disciple obeys.” Ye Qingning nodded obediently, curious about what Xuan Yangzi wanted to tell her.

The other disciples followed Pei Yin and the others onto the flying boat one after another.

Just as Ye Qingning was about to step onto the boat, someone called out to her.

She turned to see Ye Hanyue approaching with a red box in hand.

“Sister, congratulations on breaking through to the Golden Core stage.” Ye Hanyue smiled insincerely, though inwardly she was gnashing her teeth in rage.

She had thought that by releasing the news about the Thunderflame Qilin, other sects’ disciples would fight over it. Yet somehow, Ye Qingning had ended up obtaining the Thunderflame Qilin.

Useless, every one of them.

“There’s no need to congratulate me, Sister. Didn’t you also break through to the Golden Core stage?” Ye Qingning returned a similarly fake smile—anyone unaware might actually think the two were the closest of sisters.

“Sister, although you snatched my Blue Spirit Spring and deliberately spread false information to get me ambushed, I still obtained the inheritance. Not only did I break through to the Golden Core stage, but I’ll be forming my Nascent Soul soon!”

“I’m not like you—appearing sweet and obedient, but actually full of devious tricks. I’ll remember that you stole from me. One day, I’ll return it all with interest.”

“This box is for you. Open it when you’re alone after we return to the sect. The contents were entrusted to me by our parents to give you—keep it safe and don’t let anyone else see it.”

“I heard the Grand Sect Tournament is coming. You’d better train hard. Don’t let me knock you flat with a single strike. See you in three months, my dear sister.”

With that, Ye Hanyue flung the box at Ye Qingning and turned with what she thought was a graceful and dramatic flourish.

It only made Ye Qingning think she was utterly unhinged.

Still, she was curious what was inside. Since her system hadn’t detected any danger, she didn’t toss it out.

She stowed the box and boarded the flying boat. Once they were back, she’d take a look at what that crazy woman was up to this time.