Chương 91: Chapter 92: Battle of the Sects, Reversing Heaven and Earth Alone (10)

"Ming Diao Zhanchen, what foul slander is this? Junior Brother Reyn and I share no such entanglement!" Ji Yueli's eyes flickered with a sharp tremor of alarm. Her voice rose in a frantic pitch as she turned toward Reyn, her face paling under the weight of the audience's gaze.

"Junior Brother, do not let his provocations goad you! His cultivation is profound and his malice deep. You must not agree to this—the consequences would be unthinkable!" However, her desperate plea served only to stoke the fires of suspicion. To the surrounding cultivators, her frantic defense was nothing more than a clumsy attempt to hide the truth—a classic case of 'nothing to hide, yet everything to fear.' The more she tried to shield Reyn, the more certain they became of their illicit bond.

A wave of disdain rippled through the crowd. Many cast looks of pure contempt toward Reyn, their eyes narrowing as they whispered among themselves. In their minds, Ji Yueli was a woman willing to sacrifice her reputation for him, while Reyn remained a 'shrinking turtle,' hiding behind her skirts and lacking the spine to face a challenge. Ji Yueli realized her mistake almost immediately. Seeing the shifting expressions of the crowd, she felt a bitter pang in her chest.

She opened her mouth to clarify, but the words died in her throat, leaving her standing there in a state of helpless frustration. Faced with these gazes of loathing, Reyn's expression remained as tranquil as a mountain lake. He ignored the murmurs, slowly turning his attention toward the Ascension Terrace. His voice was flat, devoid of any agitation as he spoke.

"When did I ever say I would not accept? Does Fellow Daoist Ming Diao possess such transcendent divinity that he can now predict the unknown future?"

"You… Hmph! While I may not possess such divine foresight, I—" Ming Diao Zhanchen's face darkened, his retort cut short by Reyn's cold, abrasive interruption.

"If you admit you lack such power, then you would do well to keep your mouth shut. It would save us all from your incessant, noisy prattle." Reyn's eyes swept over the man with a flick of disdain before lingering briefly on Ji Yueli. Without another word, he turned and bowed respectfully toward Qingxiaozi.

"Reporting to the Sect Master: this disciple is willing to take the stage and fight this man. I shall do my utmost to serve the Xuanxiao Sect." Reyn's decision was not born of mere impulse; it was a calculated move. Ji Yueli had protected him multiple times in the past, and today, her genuine affection was laid bare for all to see. Reyn was no heartless ascetic; he felt a deep sense of gratitude for her devotion.

He could not simply stand by and watch her fall into the hands of a man like Ming Diao Zhanchen, which would surely result in a life of misery. Furthermore, the resonance he had felt between her blood talisman and his Golden Seal was a mystery he was determined to solve. To do that, he needed to be in the center of the fray.

"Reporting to the Sect Master: this disciple is willing to take the stage." Though his tone was calm, the words struck the assembled cultivators like a sudden clap of thunder across a clear sky.

"Is this boy mad? With his meager cultivation, he actually dares to accept?"

"He's likely been driven to madness by the shame of their exposed affair. He's only stepping up to save face."

"Alas, the young are always too impulsive. What is a little mockery compared to losing one's life or dignity on the platform? Reyn has already offended Ming Diao Zhanchen with his words; once they are on that stage, the humiliation he suffers will be ten times worse." This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

"I suspect the Qingyan Sect will use this chance to cripple him. Reyn's talent in alchemy is terrifying—he has the potential to become a Grade 4 Alchemist. To the Qingyan Sect, he is a threat that must be snuffed out in the cradle."

"Qingxiaozi was likely momentarily confused, but now that the disciple has agreed, there is no turning back. Let us see how he intends to survive this." On the side of the Qingyan Sect, Tiandaozi's eyes erupted with a sharp, predatory light. He exchanged a glance with Ancestor Ming Diao, a silent, ruthless understanding passing between them. This boy's alchemical potential is too great. If he cannot be ours, he must be destroyed.

"Hahaha! Truly, a hero emerges from the youth!" Ancestor Ming Diao stood up, his laughter booming across the terrace.

"I did not expect Little Friend Reyn to possess such courage alongside his alchemical skill. However, my grandson's cultivation is far superior to yours; a direct confrontation would be quite unfair. Zhanchen, listen well: when you face Little Friend Reyn, you are only permitted to use half of your cultivation. You must show restraint and ensure you do not cause him lasting harm." Though his words sounded magnanimous, the Ancestor's eyes were like shards of ice, filled with mockery.

"Grandson obeys! When I strike, I shall certainly exercise… proper discretion," Ming Diao Zhanchen replied, a savage, predatory grin spreading across his face.

"Reyn, think carefully before you commit to this. Do not let a moment of pique cloud your judgment. This is far more dangerous than you realize!" Dan Chenzi's face was etched with anxiety. The Xuanxiao Sect had already lost one genius disciple today; if Reyn were to be destroyed as well, the blow would be catastrophic. Reyn felt a flicker of warmth at his master's genuine concern.

"Master, there is no need for worry. I know exactly what I am doing. Once I have dealt this man the humiliation he deserves and washed away the stains on our sect's honor, I shall explain everything to you." With that, Reyn turned and projected his voice across the arena.

"Since Senior Ming Diao is so remarkably 'fair,' this junior expresses his humble thanks." In a flash of spiritual light, Reyn took to the air, descending gracefully onto the Ascension Terrace.

"You… you shouldn't have agreed…" Ji Yueli's face was a mask of worry. She reached into her storage bag and pulled out a delicate, silken treasure that resembled a woman's scarf, thrusting it into Reyn's hand.

"It's too late for regrets now. This is my personal protective treasure—it has reached the rank of a High-grade Spirit Tool. Take it. If things go wrong, concede immediately. It might just save your life."

"Senior Sister Ji, please put your heart at ease. I have more than a little confidence in handling this opponent." Reyn looked deeply into her eyes, accepting the silk scarf without further protest and stowing it away.

"Go back and recover your spiritual energy. Once I have finished 'processing' this fellow, I will return shortly." Caught in Reyn's steady gaze, Ji Yueli felt a sudden, uncharacteristic wave of bashfulness. A crimson flush crept up her neck as she nodded hurriedly, turning into a streak of light to retreat from the platform.

"Boy, I will make sure you beg for death before I am through with you!" Ming Diao Zhanchen's face was livid. The sight of the two whispering so intimately in public had ignited a wildfire of jealousy in his heart. He wanted nothing more than to tear Reyn limb from limb. Reyn's eyes turned cold.

"Why waste breath on empty arrogance? The result will be clear enough once we begin."

"Fine! Then die!" Ming Diao Zhanchen roared, the veins on his forehead bulging. A violent, crushing wave of spiritual pressure erupted from his body, sweeping across the terrace like a storm.

"Hold on!" Reyn shouted, raising a hand with casual nonchalance. Ming Diao Zhanchen's aura faltered for a second. He sneered, his voice dripping with malice.

"What? Feeling the cold hand of fear now? It's too late. I don't care how much you beg; I will not let you off the hook!" Reyn looked at him with a strange, mocking pity.

"I only wanted to remind you: Senior Ming Diao just stated that you are only allowed to use half of your cultivation. Or are you planning to go back on your elder's word so soon?"