After My Rebirth, I Ended Up Happily Ever After with the Saintess - Chapter 70.1

The massive flying boat of the Profound Cloud Sect returned to the sect in an atmosphere of suppressed gloom. Unlike the high spirits of the departure, on the way back, the eyes of almost all the disciples were vaguely focused on Ye Li, who was sitting alone in a corner adjusting her internal energy. Envy, jealousy, reverence, worry… all kinds of complex emotions were interwoven.

The Star Core! That was a legendary object, the condensation of the very origin of a star! And it was acquired by a Meridian Condensation realm disciple! This news spread like a tempest on the flying boat, and even reached the sect ahead of time via transmission talismans, causing an uproar.

Ye Li acted as if she was oblivious to the outside gazes, focusing all her energy on healing her injuries, and carefully observing her Sea of Consciousness internally. The Star Core, reduced countless times and looking like a blue diamond, was quietly suspended beside the fragment of the Wheel of Reincarnation Mirror, emitting a gentle yet refined power of origin, slowly nourishing her damaged spirit and meridians. The Wheel of Reincarnation Mirror fragment had returned to stillness, though its clear light seemed a bit brighter than before.

She knew this was merely the calm before the storm. The moment the flying boat landed on the Profound Heaven Peak plaza, a steward from the Enforcement Hall walked up with an expressionless face.

“Ye Li, the Sect Master and the Elders are waiting in the Apex Cloud Hall. Please follow me.”

What had to come, finally came. Ye Li took a deep breath, stood up with a calm expression, and followed the steward towards the majestic hall that symbolized the Profound Cloud Sect’s highest center of power. Scholar Mu Yun was already waiting outside the hall. Seeing her, he cast a reassuring look and nodded slightly, signaling her not to panic.

The master and disciple entered the Apex Cloud Hall together.

The atmosphere inside the hall was solemn and austere. Sect Master Xuan Chengzi sat in the main seat, his face clear and refined, his eyes profound, making it impossible to discern his emotions. On both sides sat a host of powerful Elders, including Elder Yan of the Enforcement Hall, Peak Master Situ Kuang of the Battle Maniac Peak, Peak Master Ling Yunzi of the Sword Peak, and True Person Miao Yin of the Danxia Peak. Gao Sheng was also standing behind Situ Kuang, glaring at Ye Li with venomous eyes.

Besides these familiar faces, there were two old men with deep auras, dressed in crimson robes, who had returned: Elder Yan Sha of the Scarlet Flame Sect and another Elder from the same sect. Their faces were grim, clearly indicating they came with ill intentions.

“Disciple Ye Li (Mu Yun), pays respects to the Sect Master and all Elders.” Ye Li and Scholar Mu Yun bowed in salute.

Xuan Chengzi slightly raised his hand, his voice calm but authoritative: “Dispense with the formalities. Ye Li, we are generally aware of the events in the Fallen Star Ruins. Elder Yan Sha of the Scarlet Flame Sect accuses you of improperly seizing the Star Core and causing their sect’s disciples to gain nothing. Furthermore, fellow disciple Gao Sheng also accuses you of harming fellow disciples. What do you have to say?”

All eyes were fixed on Ye Li.

Ye Li raised her head, her gaze clear and fearless, and said loudly: “Reporting to the Sect Master and all Elders. Everything this disciple has said is absolutely true, and Elder Brother Shi Yue of the Thick Earth Sect and others can testify.”

She recounted the events that occurred in the core area of the ruins, completely and without exaggeration. From the five parties confronting each other, to the appearance of the Star Serpent, then to Gao Sheng’s sneak attack with the Soul Devouring Blood Curse Talisman, her forced diversion of disaster which led to the demise of his fellow disciples, and finally to the arrival of the Scarlet Flame Sect reinforcements, her acquisition of the Star Core using a special method, and Qin Yixuan’s assistance and her threat of self-detonation of the Star Core to force everyone to retreat.

Her narrative was logical and focused, especially the details of Gao Sheng’s sneak attack and the Scarlet Flame Sect’s coercion, which caused several neutral Elders present to frown slightly.

Scholar Mu Yun interjected at the appropriate moment, his voice gentle yet forceful: “Sect Master, esteemed Senior Brothers and Sisters. According to Ye Li, she acquired the Star Core during a chaotic battle where everyone was relying on their own abilities. How can it be called a seizure? As for Junior Nephew Gao Sheng’s accusation of harming fellow disciples, it is baseless! Had Gao Sheng not harbored malicious intentions and launched a sneak attack first, none of the subsequent events would have occurred. This matter can be verified by the disciples of the Thick Earth Sect. On the contrary, Gao Sheng, who harmed a fellow disciple, violated the sect rules and should be punished!”

“Mu Yun! Stop protecting your disciple!” Situ Kuang abruptly slammed the armrest of his chair and stood up, his peak Soul Palace realm’s ferocious aura pressing down on Ye Li. “Even if Gao Sheng was at fault, his crime is not punishable by death! This Ye Li is vicious, her methods are strange, and she was even able to make the Star Serpent submit to her. She must have cultivated a demonic technique! The Star Core is an ominous object and must be handed over to the sect for disposal! Otherwise, my Battle Maniac Peak will never agree!”

Yan Sha also spoke up sinisterly: “Sect Master Xuan Chengzi, the facts are clear! If this girl didn’t possess a strange treasure or an evil art, how could she acquire the Star Core with a Meridian Condensation realm cultivation? The Star Core is of great significance; how can it be controlled by a junior? If the Profound Cloud Sect insists on covering for her, then don’t blame my Scarlet Flame Sect for reporting it to the Alliance and requesting arbitration from the Alliance Elder Council!”

The Alliance Elder Council! That was a force above the major sects. Once they intervened, the situation would become even more complicated.

The pressure was once again on the Profound Cloud Sect.

Sect Master Xuan Chengzi’s expression remained unchanged, his gaze sweeping towards Ye Li: “Ye Li, how do you explain the doubts raised by Peak Master Situ and Elder Yan Sha? What method did you use to acquire the Star Core? And why did the Star Serpent show signs of submission towards you?”

This was the most crucial question! Everyone was listening intently. Even Scholar Mu Yun looked at Ye Li with a hint of worry. If she couldn’t answer this question well, and the suspicion of “demonic technique” or “evil art” was confirmed, it would be difficult for the sect to protect her.

Ye Li’s mind raced. The Wheel of Reincarnation Mirror was the ultimate secret that absolutely could not be exposed. She had already prepared her explanation. Facing the Sect Master’s inquiry now, she appropriately showed a trace of confusion and lingering fear, and respectfully said: “Reporting to the Sect Master, this disciple does not know the specific reason either. The situation was critical then; this disciple was besieged by several Senior Brothers, Senior Sisters, and the Scarlet Flame Sect Elder, on the verge of death, and only wished to fight to the end. Perhaps the Profound Universe Emperor Scripture that this disciple cultivates is extremely yin and cold in attribute, and it created some kind of unknown resonance with the Star Serpent’s Star Power? Or perhaps this disciple had once acquired a trace of Star Origin (referring to the Glacial Wave Realm) in the secret realm, and the auras were similar? At that time, this disciple only felt something in her spirit (being deliberately vague) stir, and the Serpent stopped its attack… As for acquiring the Star Core, this disciple just instinctively tried, and did not expect to succeed. Throughout the entire process, this disciple was also confused and finds it difficult to explain clearly.”

She attributed everything to the special nature of her cultivation technique and a stroke of luck, presenting herself as a lucky beneficiary of a great fortune, rather than a schemer harboring a great treasure. This explanation was a mix of truth and falsehood, which both explained the phenomena and concealed the core secret.

As expected, after hearing her explanation, some Elders showed thoughtful expressions. The Profound Universe Emperor Scripture was not a secret within the sect; it was a top-tier cultivation method passed down from ancient times, so some peculiarities were plausible. The idea of destined fortune was also common in the cultivation world.

Peak Master Ling Yunzi of the Sword Peak suddenly spoke: “Destined fortune is set by Heaven, and it is useless to forcefully demand it. Ye Li’s ability to gain the Star Core’s acknowledgment is her providence. We cultivators defy the heavens. If we even forcibly seize the fortunes acquired by our disciples, how is that different from the demonic path? As for Gao Sheng’s sneak attack on a fellow disciple, the evidence is conclusive, and he should be punished according to sect rules, as a warning to others!”

Ling Yunzi was a straightforward person who prioritized rules, and his words carried significant weight.

True Person Miao Yin of the Danxia Peak also said gently: “Sect Master Brother, Ye Li is extraordinarily talented and a future pillar of the sect. If the Star Core is in her hands and she can make good use of it, she will surely achieve greatness in the future, which will also be a blessing for the sect. If we easily surrender it due to external pressure, wouldn’t it discourage all the disciples? As for the Scarlet Flame Sect… my Profound Cloud Sect is not a soft persimmon to be kneaded at will.”

With two heavy-weight Peak Masters expressing support for Ye Li, the situation instantly became delicate.

Situ Kuang and Yan Sha’s faces turned even uglier.

Sect Master Xuan Chengzi pondered for a moment, his gaze sweeping across the room, and finally spoke slowly: “Although there is controversy regarding the process of Ye Li’s acquisition of the Star Core, there is no conclusive evidence that she used evil arts. The matter of fortune is hard to criticize. However, the Star Core is of great importance, and possessing a treasure invites trouble. If it is entirely controlled by you, it may bring lethal danger to you and trouble to the sect.”

He paused, then continued: “The sect’s resolution is as follows: First, the Star Core shall remain under Ye Li’s custody. The sect will not seize it, but Ye Li must take a Heart Demon Oath, swearing never to use this object to harm the sect, and to provide all the help she can when the sect needs it. Second, as the price for receiving the sect’s protection, Ye Li must surrender fifty percent of her other gains from the ruins to the sect, and forfeit three years of sect stipend, to appease some dissent. Third, Gao Sheng’s sneak attack on a fellow disciple violated sect rules, so he is sentenced to three years of solitary confinement, forfeiture of ten years of stipend, and must apologize and compensate Ye Li. Fourth, as for the Scarlet Flame Sect…”

He looked at Yan Sha, and his tone became resolute: “Elder Yan Sha, acquiring treasure in the ruins depends on one’s own ability. This is a common understanding in the cultivation world. If your sect’s disciples were not capable enough, how can you blame others? If your sect insists on pursuing this, my Profound Cloud Sect will see it through to the end!”

This resolution was a balanced compromise. It protected Ye Li and the Star Core, maintained the sect’s dignity, and also made certain concessions (surrendering part of the gains, punishing Gao Sheng) to quell internal conflicts, while adopting a firm stance externally.

Ye Li understood in her heart that this was the best result she could strive for under the circumstances. Although surrendering a portion of her gains was painful, it was negligible compared to the Star Core. She immediately bowed and said: “This disciple abides by the sect’s resolution and is willing to take the Heart Demon Oath!”

Scholar Mu Yun also breathed a sigh of relief and cupped his hands: “The Sect Master is wise.”