The Sect Leader Raised a Fox to His Own Detriment - Chapter 16

The edge of the sky looked like a jagged, bloody wound. The setting sun cast a crimson glow over the entirety of Vulture Ridge, staining the dark mountain peaks in shades of red.

When the flying vessel from Lingyun Mountain arrived, several other vessels were already stationed above the ridge.

“The three major sects certainly arrived quickly.” Lin Fengfei crossed his arms, a look of displeasure on his face.

Upon seeing the Lingyun Mountain vessel, the members of the other factions also showed visible signs of wariness.

While all belonged to the various immortal families and were members of the Immortal Alliance, Lingyun Mountain had not always been the leader. Before Yue Xichen became Sect Leader, the other three major sects Xuanqing Sect, Crescent Moon Island, and Heavenly Abyss Valley had been more renowned.

Naturally, they felt indignant now that Lingyun Mountain had surpassed them.

Although the immortal families could unite against demonic cultivators, they were rivals within a secret realm. It was common for cultivators to fight until they were bloody over limited resources; it was a matter of life and death being determined by one’s own skill. Even if a disciple were killed by a member of another sect, it was often considered their own fault for being inferior.

The atmosphere over Vulture Ridge was thick with tension. The people from Xuanqing, Crescent Moon, and Heavenly Abyss viewed Lingyun Mountain as a thorn in their side.

Bathed in such hostile glares, A-Yin rubbed his forehead helplessly.

Aren’t these three sects being a bit too narrow-minded?

A-Yin had previously heard from Zhan Ning that the danger level of a secret realm was proportional to the resources hidden within. In other words, the more dangerous the realm, the more resources it contained.

The Qinggu Secret Realm that opened last time had a low danger level and was closest to Lingyun Mountain. None of the other sects expected a divine weapon to emerge there, so they all felt Lingyun Mountain had simply gotten lucky—a grievance the three major sects held onto stubbornly.

Thus, for this Northern Cloud Secret Realm, the three sects had come fully prepared, determined not to let Lingyun Mountain gain another shred of advantage.

“Oh, look who’s here!”

At that moment, Luo Feiyu, the eldest disciple of the Xuanqing Sect, pointed at A-Yin. “Isn’t this the youngest disciple of the Lingyun Mountain Sect Leader and Immortal Alliance Head, Yue Xichen? They say after three days apart, one should be viewed with new eyes. Has your cultivation improved by leaps and bounds? To think you actually dare to come to the Northern Cloud Secret Realm—you really aren’t afraid of death!”

About three years ago, the three major sects had sent their elite disciples to Lingyun Mountain to study, followed by a martial competition for “mutual learning.” At that time, A-Yin’s opponent had been this very Luo Feiyu.

The result, of course, was predictable. A-Yin had suffered a crushing defeat and was mocked mercilessly by Luo Feiyu.

However, Luo Feiyu had ultimately lost to Lin Fengfei.

“Eldest Senior Brother, you’re giving him too much credit. If his cultivation had really improved, why would he still be carrying a shabby stone sword at his waist?”

“Exactly! He definitely forced his way along just because he’s the Sect Leader’s disciple.”

“When we get into the realm, try not to wet your pants from fear, ‘Youngest Disciple’!”

Several of Luo Feiyu’s lackeys joined in the mockery. A-Yin gripped the stone sword at his waist, gritting his teeth.

The other Lingyun Mountain disciples also felt they had lost face, but they wouldn’t speak up for A-Yin because they themselves believed he didn’t deserve to be there.

“I really don’t know why your Xuanqing Sect is so arrogant. Luo Feiyu, have you forgotten how you lost to me in the competition three years ago?”

Lin Fengfei stepped forward, his manner overbearing.

“You!” Luo Feiyu was so choked up he nearly bit his tongue. “Lin Fengfei, your Lingyun Mountain won’t be lucky every time. Our Xuanqing Sect is determined to obtain the divine weapon of the Northern Cloud Secret Realm!”

As if getting Cold Frost in the Qinggu Secret Realm was all about luck… A-Yin snorted to himself.

In reality, the other three sects simply hadn’t prioritized the Qinggu Secret Realm. When Cold Frost emerged, it had shaken the entire realm to the point of near-collapse. If it hadn’t been for Yue Xichen, forget getting the weapon—none of the disciples who entered would have made it out alive.

“If you can get it, then try!” Lin Fengfei said with supreme confidence, raising Cold Frost. “I’d like to see just how much skill you have to dare snatch a divine weapon from me.”

A-Yin was surprised by Lin Fengfei’s words. So… Lin Fengfei’s goal is also the divine weapon in this secret realm?

But he already has Cold Frost!

Then again, who would complain about having too many divine weapons?

A-Yin cast a sideways glance at the stone sword on his belt.

No matter who the opponent is, I am definitely replacing you this time!

“A-Yin…”

Suddenly, he heard Lin Fengfei call his name.

A-Yin looked up, surprised. In his ten years in the sect, Lin Fengfei had almost never initiated a conversation with him.

“After we enter the realm, don’t you dare drag me down.”

Leaving behind those cold words, Lin Fengfei walked away without looking back.

A-Yin watched Lin Fengfei’s aggressive, overbearing silhouette and shrugged with a cold smile.

So his cultivation is a tiny bit higher—is there any need to be so arrogant?

A-Yin couldn’t help but think of Yue Xichen. Although Yue Xichen was cold and quiet, he was never as obnoxious as Lin Fengfei. If Lin Fengfei ever took over as Sect Leader…

A-Yin shook his head. I’d rather they gave the position to me!

The sky grew darker and darker until finally, the entrance to the Northern Cloud Secret Realm opened.

The disciples of the four major sects immediately rushed inside.

Within the secret realm, it was raining. The sky was pitch black, filled with thunder and lightning, and the rain fell in a torrential downpour. No one expected to be soaked to the bone the moment they entered.

Rumble!

A bolt of lightning tore through the night sky like a giant beast roaring overhead, the sound deafening.

In a secret realm, unless the leader summoned them, disciples weren’t required to move as a group. Many who knew they weren’t strong enough to fight for a divine weapon early on set their sights on gathering other resources.

Soon, only A-Yin remained by Yue Xichen’s side; the other disciples had long since scattered.

“Master, what’s wrong?”

A-Yin noticed Yue Xichen standing motionless, allowing the rain to drench his body, and couldn’t help but wonder. He remembered that back in the cave, it had also been raining, and Yue Xichen’s expression had been strange as if the rainwater were some evil spirit stealing a part of his soul.

“Master?”

Yue Xichen snapped back to reality and turned to see A-Yin standing beside him.

“What is it?” Yue Xichen asked softly.

It’s not ‘what is it’ with me, it’s ‘what is it’ with you, Master! A-Yin was between laughter and tears.

“You don’t need to follow me. Go find the resources you need,” Yue Xichen said, but A-Yin’s expression became serious.

“Master, I’m only at the first level of Qi Refining. You’re comfortable letting me wander the realm alone? Aren’t you afraid something will happen to me?”

“Aren’t you already”

“Already what?”

Nearly slipping up, Yue Xichen pressed his lips together and changed his words. “You are right. I was careless… Then follow me.”

Yue Xichen took out the Thousand Spirit Umbrella from his spatial ring. Just as he opened it, A-Yin snatched it away.

“Let me hold the umbrella for you, Master! You still have to fly your sword and take me to find resources!”

And so, A-Yin and Yue Xichen shared a single sword.

Usually, whenever they flew, Yue Xichen used Silver Moon, but this time it was Falling Flower. A-Yin noticed the change but didn’t press for answers.

Yue Xichen was in front, A-Yin behind, holding the Thousand Spirit Umbrella. Under its protection, the lightning and torrential rain couldn’t touch them even as they flew through the storm.

Yue Xichen’s dark eyes shifted toward A-Yin, who was behind him with one arm wrapped around his waist. He didn’t understand why A-Yin insisted on following him. A-Yin’s cultivation was already at the Golden Core stage; he was perfectly capable of roaming the realm freely like Lin Fengfei.

Could it be… I’ve been exposed? Yue Xichen’s brow furrowed, his heart racing with tension.

A-Yin held the umbrella with one hand, while the other was firmly hooked around Yue Xichen’s waist.

He discovered that his Master’s waist was very slender. Though there wasn’t much flesh, it felt excellent to the touch incredible soft.

The two were very close now; if he moved forward even a fraction, he would be pressed against Yue Xichen’s back.

…It really is the same peach blossom scent!

A-Yin squinted and took a deep breath, entranced by the familiar fragrance.