Book 2 : The Masked Strength of the Sect's Trash Chapter 111

Zhang Conglong stared in dismay at the damaged flying ship lying on the ground. This fifth-grade vessel, provided by his sect as a travel tool, now needed repairs that would cost tens of thousands, perhaps hundreds of thousands of spirit stones. But as he watched Ji Yan’s ship disappearing into the distance, more than just frustration gnawed at him—he felt shock, resentment, and a powerful jealousy.

He had never imagined that Ji Yan could be so formidable. Newly advanced to the Nascent Soul stage, yet he dared to battle a seasoned Nascent Soul elder. Truly bold!

His elder, Cang Zhengchu, despite being mid-Nascent Soul stage and wielding formidable sword intent, could not overpower Ji Yan. Only by exploiting his higher cultivation level had he managed to suppress him, and even that had been barely sufficient. And then, under Cang Zhengchu’s pressure, Ji Yan had gone further, breaking into the third realm of sword intent: Sword Heart Enlightenment.

A talent unmatched.

Zhang Conglong’s expression darkened. He had always been unwilling to submit to Ji Yan, seeing him as his greatest rival, hoping someday to surpass him and claim the title of the most powerful of his generation in Qi Prefecture. But today’s events left him feeling a deep sense of powerlessness. Ji Yan had left him far behind. To catch up would take ten times, no, a hundred times the effort.

But Zhang Conglong’s determination rekindled. Ji Yan, he thought, enjoy your glory now, but I will catch up and utterly defeat you. I’ll ensure you can never rise again.

Just then, he noticed a shadow beside him. Turning, he saluted. “Elder!”

It was Cang Zhengchu.

Cang Zhengchu, still simmering with frustration, asked, “How are the disciples?”

Zhang Conglong replied, “They sustained some injuries, but no casualties.” Thanks to Cang Zhengchu’s timely intervention, they had avoided any deaths, though many were hurt by Shao Cheng’s fierce attacks.

Cang Zhengchu felt a bit relieved—had there been any fatalities, it would be difficult to face the sect. But today’s events left him humiliated. He had already resorted to using his higher realm to suppress Ji Yan, and even then, he had only barely succeeded. Worse, his actions had inadvertently helped Ji Yan break into the profound realm of Sword Heart Enlightenment.

Thinking about it made his chest ache. Not only had he failed to eliminate Ji Yan, but he had also suffered a sword-wielding chase from Shao Cheng, along with a verbal barrage from that impudent girl. He needed a release.

Turning to Zhang Conglong, he asked, “Who was that mouthy girl just now? Ji Yan’s junior sister?”

Zhang Conglong nodded. “Yes, she claimed to be his junior sister, and Ji Yan confirmed it.”

At this, Cang Zhengchu’s eyes narrowed with a hint of malice. “So, a mere new disciple, daring to insult our Guiyuan Sect. What’s her strength like?”

Zhang Zheng, nearby, jumped in eagerly, “I checked into it, Elder. Ji Yan’s junior, Lu Shaoqing, is reputed to be a lazy good-for-nothing with barely any cultivation progress, likely no higher than the Foundation Establishment stage. And as for that girl, she’s still at the Qi Refining stage—hardly worth a second thought.”

Cang Zhengchu’s expression soured further, both he and Zhang Conglong sharing a look of disdain. For a peerless talent like Ji Yan to be burdened with such unimpressive juniors—it was almost laughable. No wonder Ji Yan hardly ever mentioned them.

Cang Zhengchu’s tone turned cold. “The sect’s honor cannot be insulted. When you arrive at Lingxiao Sect, you know what to do.”

Zhang Zheng’s face lit up with eagerness. “Yes, Elder. I understand perfectly.”

“Good. Don’t embarrass the Guiyuan Sect,” Cang Zhengchu warned, casting a final glance at the downed ship before collecting it with a sweep of his sleeve. “We move immediately for Lingxiao City to regroup.”

As Cang Zhengchu vanished, Zhang Conglong felt a twinge of curiosity—why had the elder chosen to speak to him with his back turned?

Regardless, Zhang Zheng was practically brimming with excitement now, thrilled to have his elder’s approval to act. Zhang Conglong merely reminded him, “Be cautious.”

Confidently, Zhang Zheng replied, “Don’t worry, brother. They’re nothing but small fry. I’ll deal with them easily.”

Zhang Conglong paid little more attention, his mind already back on Ji Yan. To him, the rest of Lingxiao Sect’s disciples were insignificant; only Ji Yan was worthy of his focus.

“Ji Yan,” he muttered, eyes narrowed with resolve, “just you wait.”