After My Rebirth, I Ended Up Happily Ever After with the Saintess - Chapter 54

The Xuan Yun Sect’s gigantic cloud vessel smoothly pierced through the clouds and mist, flying steadily under the canopy of the Myriad Domains Spiritual Realm. The runes and array formations engraved on the hull circulated, isolating the high-altitude gales and airflow, keeping the interior quite stable.

However, the atmosphere inside the cloud vessel was far from as calm as its flight.

The returning disciples were clearly divided into small groups. The disciples of the Battle Maniac Peak clustered around the gloomy-faced Gao Sheng and the one-armed Shi Feng, their unfriendly eyes occasionally sweeping toward a corner of the cloud vessel. There, Ye Li sat alone, cross-legged, adjusting her breath with closed eyes, as if all the outside disturbances had nothing to do with her. Su Wanyun, Liu Yiyi, and others wanted to approach but were stopped by a glance from Ye Li—her side was the eye of the storm at the moment, and it was unwise to involve others.

Disciples from the other peaks gathered in small groups, whispering and occasionally glancing at Ye Li, full of curiosity, scrutiny, reverence, and even a trace of unnoticed jealousy. The events in the secret realm, having been passed on by word of mouth, had already fermented into multiple versions during the journey back, but the core content was surprisingly consistent:

Cloud Pill Peak’s new disciple, Ye Li, had overwhelmingly defeated the crowd in the core area of the Cloud Mist Secret Realm and obtained the core inheritance of the ancient mighty figure, Venerable Xuan Huan!

Using her Qi Opening Realm cultivation, this woman had unleashed mysterious and unpredictable spatial movement techniques and sharp, peerless extreme-cold finger techniques. Outside the inheritance cave, facing the siege of dozens of people led by the Spiritual Mansion Realm cultivator Gao Sheng, she fought fiercely, severely injuring many (including the late Meridian Condensation stage Shi Feng, who had an arm severed), and even managed to withstand a direct blow from Gao Sheng without dying!

Finally, with the slight, unexplained intervention of Qin Yixuan, the true disciple of the Azure Water Pavilion, she successfully broke through the encirclement using her wits and hidden cards, only reappearing when the secret realm closed. Moreover, her injuries were fully recovered, and her cultivation had even improved!

Any single one of these pieces of news would be enough to cause a sensation in the Xuan Yun Sect’s Outer and even Inner Sect, but when all of them were concentrated on one person, the resulting shock was unprecedented.

“Qi Opening Realm withstanding a Spiritual Mansion Realm blow… is that really possible? Could it be an exaggeration?” a female disciple from Danxia Peak questioned in a low voice, her face full of disbelief.

“Absolutely true! I was nearby at the time and personally saw Senior Brother Gao Sheng forced back by her one finger, his hand frozen! That movement technique was simply like a ghost; its trajectory was completely untraceable!” a Tool Hall disciple who was present swore, a lingering sense of shock in his eyes.

“I heard she cultivates a demonic technique? Is that why she has such power?” someone speculated with malice.

“Nonsense! Junior Sister Su already said it was Gao Sheng and the others who attacked first to seize her treasure! I think the Battle Maniac Peak was just bullying others and hit a steel plate!” Some disciples, unhappy with the Battle Maniac Peak’s usual arrogance, secretly rooted for Ye Li.

“Regardless, this Ye Li is now completely famous. Who used to know there was such a person in Cloud Pill Peak? Now, even the Sect Master and the Peak Masters have probably taken notice of her.”

“And her connection with that Fairy Qin from the Azure Water Pavilion… I heard their relationship in the secret realm was subtle, a mix of friend and foe, and Fairy Qin even helped her in the end? The story behind this is deep…”

Amidst the discussions, Ye Li’s name was repeatedly mentioned. She was no longer just the newcomer who had shined in the clan martial competition, nor was she just an ordinary Outer Sect disciple of Cloud Pill Peak. She had forcefully, even legendarily, burst into the view of all Xuan Yun Sect disciples, becoming a universally known and talked-about figure within the sect. Her prominence, for a time, even overshadowed many veteran Inner Sect disciples and even True Disciples.

Another name associated with her—Qin Yixuan—was also frequently mentioned. The interactions between these two stunningly exceptional Heaven’s Chosen from different sects in the secret realm were interpreted in various versions, becoming a topic of eager discussion among the disciples, and adding a layer of mystery to Ye Li’s already controversial image.

In the core cabin of the cloud vessel, Elder Yan, the leader of the expedition, was observing the disciples’ discussions and reactions outside through a water mirror technique, his brows deeply furrowed. Opposite him sat a middle-aged man in a cloud-patterned white robe with a scholarly temperament, who was none other than the Peak Master of Cloud Pill Peak, Recluse Muyun.

“Junior Brother Muyun, did you hear all that?” Elder Yan sighed, “The matter is now creating a huge commotion, with all sorts of opinions. Gao Sheng insists that Ye Li cultivates a demonic technique and harmed fellow disciples, while Junior Sister Su Wanyun and other disciples testify that Gao Sheng and his group initiated the siege. Both sides have their own stories, but the fact that Ye Li obtained a powerful inheritance and displayed astonishing combat power at the Qi Opening Realm is undeniable. How do you think this matter should be handled?”

Recluse Muyun’s expression was calm, and his fingertip lightly tapped the table as he slowly said, “Senior Brother Yan, I know my Cloud Pill Peak disciple to some extent. This girl, Ye Li, is resolute and decisive in killing, but she is definitely not one to indiscriminately slaughter the innocent or practice evil techniques. Why did Gao Sheng and the others besiege her? Nothing more than the four words, ‘A precious item invites trouble.’ As for her inheritance and strength… the opportunity is decreed by heaven. For a disciple to have such good fortune is a blessing to the sect. Where is the fault?”

His words were gentle, but his stance was exceptionally clear, indicating his intent to protect his own.

Elder Yan gave a wry smile, “Junior Brother Muyun, how can I not understand this principle? But the Battle Maniac Peak… you know the temper of that old fellow Situ Kuang. He is extremely protective of his own. Shi Feng is a descendant of one of his registered disciples, and now that an arm has been severed, he will absolutely not let this go. Moreover, the origin of Ye Li’s inheritance is unclear, and its power is immense. The sect also needs a clear explanation; otherwise, it will be difficult to satisfy the public and might lead to trouble.”

Situ Kuang was the Peak Master of the Battle Maniac Peak, known for his violent temper and deep cultivation, holding significant power within the sect.

Recluse Muyun said indifferently, “If Senior Brother Situ wishes to argue, I, Muyun, will meet him. The sect’s rules forbid internal strife, but self-defense is justifiable. As for the origin of the inheritance, I will personally question Ye Li once we return to the sect. If it is truly left by an orthodox ancient sage, the sect should not only refrain from blaming her but also protect her and encourage her to improve. If there truly is a problem… I will not show favoritism either.”

His words were impeccable, both demonstrating his attitude of supporting his disciple and upholding the sect’s bottom line.

Elder Yan nodded, “With your word, Junior Brother, I am relieved. This matter is very important, no longer just an ordinary disciple conflict. After returning to the sect, I’m afraid a Council of Elders meeting will need to be convened, led by the Law Enforcement Hall, to jointly deliberate on this issue. Before that, we will need to inconvenience Ye Li slightly. She will temporarily reside in the Law Enforcement Hall’s ‘Meditation Pavilion’ for a few days to show impartiality and to avoid further conflict with Battle Maniac Peak disciples.”

The Meditation Pavilion, despite its name, was essentially a place the Law Enforcement Hall used to temporarily detain and investigate involved disciples. While it implied surveillance, the environment was much better than a prison.

Recluse Muyun pondered for a moment, knowing this was a necessary procedure, and nodded in agreement, “Acceptable. But her safety must be guaranteed. No torture or humiliation is allowed.”

“Naturally,” Elder Yan promised.

…

The cloud vessel was extremely fast. Half a day later, the majestic and continuous Xuan Yun mountain range came into view. The seventy-two peaks were shrouded in mist, with immortal cranes circling, presenting a magnificent spectacle.

The cloud vessel slowly descended onto the enormous plaza of the main peak, “Xuantian Peak.” Many disciples from the various peaks, having already received the news, had gathered around the plaza, all wanting to see for themselves the “Ye Li” who had stirred up the storm.

When Ye Li followed Elder Yan and Recluse Muyun off the cloud vessel, she instantly became the focal point of the entire scene.

Countless eyes fell upon her. There was curiosity, scrutiny, admiration, jealousy, and also undisguised hatred like that from Gao Sheng and Shi Feng.

Ye Li was still dressed in the simple uniform of a Cloud Pill Peak disciple. Her face was beautiful but carried a cold aloofness. Her posture was straight, and her steps were composed. Facing this moment of widespread attention, there was no sign of timidity or smugness on her face, only a calmness and indifference beyond her years, as if all the surrounding clamor had nothing to do with her.

This demeanor made some Inner Sect disciples and stewards who were secretly observing nod in approval. This woman was indeed no ordinary person.

“Ye Li.” Recluse Muyun stopped, turned, and looked at her, his voice gentle but carrying a hint of solemnity, “The matter of the secret realm requires the sect to investigate according to the rules. You should accompany Elder Yan to the Law Enforcement Hall’s ‘Meditation Pavilion’ to stay for a few days and cooperate with the investigation. There is no need to be nervous; just state the facts truthfully. I have my own plan.”

Ye Li met Recluse Muyun’s calm but subtly supportive gaze, feeling a slight warmth in her heart. She bowed and saluted, “Disciple understands and will obey Master’s command.”

She knew this was a necessary process. Going to the Meditation Pavilion, while seemingly a punishment, was actually a form of protection by the sect’s high-level members before the situation became clear, preventing her from directly facing the wrath of the Battle Maniac Peak.

Elder Yan waved his hand, and two Law Enforcement Hall disciples stepped forward, their attitude relatively polite, “Junior Sister Ye, please come with us.”

Ye Li nodded, took one last look at Recluse Muyun and the worried faces of Su Wanyun and others, and then turned to follow the Law Enforcement disciples toward the solemn Law Enforcement Hall, which symbolized the sect’s laws, under the scrutiny of countless eyes.

Her silhouette, stretched long by the setting sun’s afterglow, was solitary yet exuded an unassailable resilience.

As Ye Li was led into the Law Enforcement Hall, the discussion on the plaza reached a fever pitch.

“She was taken directly to the Law Enforcement Hall! It seems the matter has really escalated!”

“I heard they’re going to convene a Council of Elders meeting to deliberate!”

“What do you think the result will be? Will the Battle Maniac Peak let it go?”

“It looks like Martial Uncle Muyun intends to protect her. This is going to be interesting!”

“No matter the outcome, this Ye Li is completely famous. In the future, no one in the sect will dare to look down on Cloud Pill Peak…”

Ye Li’s name, like a huge stone dropped into a calm lake, stirred up a thousand waves within the Xuan Yun Sect. She was no longer just a name but a symbol, representing opportunity, risk, controversy, and the possibility of breaking the norm. Her fate would no longer be just her own; it now involved the delicate balance of power within the sect.

A war without smoke, centered around her, had just begun. Yet, at this moment, Ye Li, inside the Meditation Pavilion, was exceptionally calm. She sat cross-legged on a prayer mat, beginning to organize the gains from her trip to the secret realm, especially the profound meaning of the $Heaven and Earth Traceless Steps$ and the Ice Soul Sealing Heaven Finger , while quietly waiting for the coming storm.