Chapter 28: Defeating Qiao Rong with a Single Punch

Ye Xiao looked at the Grand Elder with some astonishment, to which the latter responded with a knowing smile and a nod.

"Indeed, this body-refining technique was indeed something I passed on to you."

The Grand Elder turned his gaze toward the now-calm surface of the lake, hands clasped behind his back, and continued, "Initially, I sensed a disturbance within the Haoran Tower, so I went inside to investigate."

"Upon discovering that you had acquired the power of the water-element laws, I decided to offer you an opportunity. Furthermore, while I do not know exactly what your bloodline power is, I can certainly sense its immense strength."

At this, he turned his head back to look at Ye Xiao, paused, and added, "And for such a powerful bloodline to improve, it requires a remarkably strong physical vessel."

Ye Xiao bowed low, saying, "Thank you, Senior!"

The Grand Elder waved his hand dismissively. "Since you have not officially joined my Yin-Yang Academy, it means you were not destined for it. Once you visit the Haoran Tower tomorrow, you may depart with young Zhuge."

With those words, his figure vanished.

Ye Xiao stared at the spot where the Grand Elder had been standing, stunned for a moment, before letting out a sigh.

"Let’s go. Time to head back and get some rest."

Ye Xiao nodded, tucked the porcelain bottle into his robes, and followed Zhuge Lingyun back toward Bamboo Mountain.

"Sigh, you two have finally returned! I was worried sick!"

No sooner had they arrived than Mu Bai rushed up to them. Despite his words of concern, his face was filled with pure curiosity.

Zhuge Lingyun gave him an annoyed glare before turning to Ye Xiao. "Remember to head to the Haoran Tower first thing tomorrow morning."

Seeing Ye Xiao nod, Zhuge Lingyun walked away without another word.

"Hey, Ye Xiao, tell me quickly—what exactly did you guys go do?"

Mu Bai grabbed Ye Xiao’s arm and dragged him to a stool to sit down, then thoughtfully poured him a cup of tea.

Ye Xiao looked at Mu Bai in silence. This senior brother of his was fine in every way, except for one thing: his temperament was just a bit too flighty.

Seeing Ye Xiao just drinking tea without saying a word, Mu Bai was so impatient he could have scratched his ears off.

"No, seriously, tell me already!"

Ye Xiao glanced at him. "Tell you what?"

"Tell me who that old man is! Where did you go?"

Ye Xiao was silent for a moment before saying, "I don't know his specific status. I simply owed that senior a favor, so he came by today to have me help him with something."

"No way! With his cultivation level, he needs your help?"

Mu Bai was skeptical. He didn't know the old man's strength, but he had a rough idea of his own teacher's capabilities. Anyone who could make Zhuge Lingyun frown was clearly no ordinary person!

"I truly don't know. As for why he needed my help, I cannot say."

"Tch!"

Mu Bai rolled his eyes, snatched the cup from Ye Xiao’s hand, and downed the remaining tea in one gulp!

"Won't say? Well, I don't care to hear it anyway!"

With that, he picked up the entire tea set from the table and marched off toward his own bamboo hut.

"Hey, I wasn't finished drinking!"

Ye Xiao called out, but Mu Bai didn't even slow down. Without looking back, he shouted, "Go brew some yourself if you want more!"

Ye Xiao shook his head with a light laugh.

Returning to his own bamboo hut, Ye Xiao sat on his bed and pondered. He was now in the Mansion Opening Realm, yet he lacked any formidable offensive techniques or cultivation manuals. If he really were to embark on this so-called "Spirit Path Trial," was he expected to just hack his way through with a broken sword?

Thinking about it, it just didn't seem realistic!

As he mused, a wave of drowsiness washed over him, and Ye Xiao slowly closed his eyes. When he opened them again, it was already the next morning.

*Knock, knock, knock.*

A series of knocks echoed at the door, followed by Mu Bai’s booming voice.

"Ye Xiao, still not up? Do you have any idea what time it is?"

"Get up, the sun is already high!"

Ye Xiao shook his head, got up, and opened the door to see Mu Bai with his hand raised, seemingly ready to pound on the door again.

Upon seeing Ye Xiao, Mu Bai lowered his hand and said, "Hurry up, the Master is already waiting for you!"

After a quick wash, Ye Xiao stepped out of the bamboo hut and approached Zhuge Lingyun.

"Master!"

Zhuge Lingyun, who was waving a folding fan in one hand and holding a book in the other, looked up. Seeing it was Ye Xiao, he said with a smile, "You're up?"

He knew that the reason Ye Xiao had obtained that box yesterday must have cost him a great deal of effort, so he said nothing more.

"I've kept you waiting, Master," Ye Xiao said apologetically.

"It is of no consequence. Since you are up, let us be off."

Mu Bai followed behind, chirping happily, "Master, can I come along this time?"

"As you wish."

Zhuge Lingyun replied nonchalantly and led the way down Bamboo Mountain.

When the trio arrived in front of the Haoran Tower, a dozen figures were already gathered there. As they noticed the three approaching, most looked on with confusion, while a select few cast gazes filled with resentment.

"Hmph! A mere servant disciple making us wait this long—acting as if he’s something special just because he’s backed by someone. What an arrogant display!"

Ao Jian let out a cold snort. He didn't bother to lower his voice, so Ye Xiao heard him clearly.

Ye Xiao chose not to respond. After all, Ao Jian was one of the nine great masters of the Yin-Yang Academy, and since he currently needed the Academy's favor, it was not wise to talk back.

"Master, you're right. He’s already half-dead as it is, yet he still dares to put on airs!"

Qiao Rong stood to the side, also speaking in a cold tone. He had begged Ao Jian to bring him along today precisely for this moment—to humiliate Ye Xiao.

Yang Ye stood nearby, merely frowning without saying a word. It seemed he, too, harbored some resentment toward Zhuge Lingyun.

Upon hearing Qiao Rong’s words, Ye Xiao couldn't help but look at Zhuge Lingyun beside him. The latter glanced back at him and said calmly:

"What are you waiting for? If you want to fight, go ahead. Whatever happens, I will take responsibility for you!"

Hearing Zhuge Lingyun’s words, a smile tugged at the corner of Ye Xiao’s mouth. He looked at Qiao Rong and clenched his fists.

"What? You actually dare to make a move? If you’ve got the guts, come on!"

Qiao Rong sneered as well. With Ao Jian present, and Vice Palace Master Yang Ye also in attendance, he didn't believe for a second that Ye Xiao would dare to start a fight here!

"Oh? You said it yourself!"

As the words left his lips, Ye Xiao shot forward like a bolt of lightning. He didn't use his broken sword; instead, he threw a punch with everything he had!

A surge of majestic profound energy, mixed with the force of a powerful gale, slammed directly toward Qiao Rong’s face!

Qiao Rong’s expression changed instantly!

"You have some nerve!"

He stepped forward and threw a punch of his own to meet it!

They had clashed before, and Ye Xiao had been at a disadvantage, so Qiao Rong had unleashed his full power this time—he wanted to humiliate Ye Xiao in front of everyone!

However, to his shock, the moment their fists collided, his expression shifted drastically.

A force like a collapsing mountain surged through his arm. Qiao Rong was sent flying backward, slamming heavily into the ground!

He spat out a mouthful of blood, his face twisted in disbelief!

"H-how is this possible! How did you suddenly become so strong!"

Qiao Rong couldn't believe it. Ye Xiao, who had barely been able to trade blows with him earlier, had just defeated him with a single punch!

Ye Xiao ignored him, instead turning back to look at Zhuge Lingyun. "Master, may I kill him?"

The crowd went silent. They hadn't expected Ye Xiao to be so ruthless—he actually wanted to kill Qiao Rong!

"Ye Xiao! Do not think that just because Zhuge Lingyun is backing you, you can act without law or order!"

Ao Jian shouted in a rage. Seeing the disciple he had just taken under his wing defeated by Ye Xiao in one blow made him feel like he had lost all face.

If he truly allowed Ye Xiao to kill Qiao Rong, his reputation would be utterly ruined!

Zhuge Lingyun stepped forward slowly until he was beside Ye Xiao. He glanced at the grim-faced Yang Ye, then a smile appeared on his own lips as well!

"If you want to kill, then kill! I said, whatever happens, I will stand by you!"

Ye Xiao smiled faintly.

"Then I shall trouble you, Master!"

As the words fell, the broken sword suddenly appeared in his hand!