In his previous life, Qi Xiao lived a secluded existence on the tranquil peak, later becoming trapped in a cold cave. Under the relentless pressure from his master, he felt deeply inferior about his own talents and thus lost interest in inquiring about the circumstances of other direct disciples.
When it came to the prominent figures of the Xiaoyao Sect, these inner disciples were far more informed than Qi Xiao himself. Among the younger generation, the foremost was undoubtedly the sect leader's eldest disciple, Brother Zhao Yu from Qingyuan Peak. Following him was Sister Wang Xishuang, who had come from Qingxuan Peak and later joined Qingxin Peak.
After that, there was a disciple from Qingjing Peak. This disciple hesitated for a moment, clearly recalling Qi Xiao's status as a discarded disciple of Qingjing Peak, causing his face to flush slightly. Another person beside him quickly took over the conversation, mentioning not only these but also Brother Lu Mingyuan from Qingyang Peak and Sister Yu Ruohua from the Talismans Hall.
The group chattered away, listing dozens of names in one breath. Qi Xiao probed further with a few questions, then lowered his head in contemplation and reached a conclusion.
In truth, aside from Wang Xishuang and Zhao Yu, who exhibited overwhelming advantages among their peers, the other disciples were relatively equal in strength. Even the direct disciples of Qingjing Peak were only slightly stronger than those from other peaks. As for him, being at the early stage of Gold Core with an unstable foundation, he was nearly at the bottom among all eligible participants.
If he wanted to secure a spot in the competition, it would be quite challenging. Qi Xiao had thought he was making rapid progress, but looking at the towering mountains before him filled him with pressure.
Seeing Qi Xiao sit down and close his eyes to meditate after listening to their chatter, the previously talkative disciples suddenly fell silent.
"You talked too much! What if you discourage him?" one disciple said sheepishly, scratching his head. "I was just excited that our Qingxuan Peak finally has a disciple who might participate in the Sect Competition."
Qingxuan Peak had been weak for a long time; all its disciples aspired to join other peaks or at least become apprentices under some elder in a hall. Rarely did any disciple consider staying at Qingxuan Peak and fighting for its honor.
Although there were promising talents at Qingxuan Peak, they had all been snatched away by other peaks. In recent years, not to mention the Sect Competition, even selecting a few qualified disciples for the sect's internal competition had proven extremely difficult.
The disciples of Qingxuan Peak were well aware of their ordinary talents; yet even if they were ordinary, they held onto their pride. They longed to see Qingxuan Peak's name resonate throughout the entire Xiaoyao Sect one day!
Upon hearing this, Ji Linglong, who had been meditating with her eyes closed nearby, shot them an annoyed glance. "Too much chatter! If he were that easily intimidated, why would he even participate in the Sect Competition? He might as well pack up and go home!"
If Qi Xiao truly let these difficulties scare him off, not only would the disciples of Qingxuan Peak be disappointed; Ji Linglong would be as well.
She could never allow the person who defeated her to be a coward! Without the heart to overcome difficulties and face challenges, how could one talk about cultivation or seek the Great Dao? Ji Linglong believed that if Qi Xiao were truly such a person, she wouldn’t even need to lift a finger; he would roll off his throne all by himself!
Ji Linglong had never feared any difficulties! As time gradually passed, a disciple gazed at the misty, looming mountain range and exclaimed in delight, "We’ve arrived!"
In his own room, Ye Xiuyuan was pacing anxiously. He hadn’t done anything wrong, so why had the Senior Sister suddenly become distant with him? "System, do you know what’s going on?"
The system scoffed coldly, "I don’t know; I’m not omnipotent."
Ever since the favorability of both Senior Sisters had stagnated and even begun to decline, the system often mocked him with increasing impatience. Unable to contain his anger, he whispered fiercely, "Since you chose me, can’t you trust me? Who else would be so dedicated to helping you steal the luck of Qingjing Peak?"
The system paused, its tone strange yet laced with coldness. "What? Are you trying to threaten me?"
This statement felt like a bucket of cold water poured over Ye Xiuyuan’s head. He jolted in realization and quickly put on a smile. "That’s not what I meant! It’s just that given the current situation, neither of us wants to see this outcome. Why must you mock me?"
"You might as well help me think of some solutions. If that doesn’t work, just give me a few more items. I’m sure I can quickly raise their favorability!"
Hearing this, the system was nearly driven to its breaking point. Always asking for help and demanding items—this was exactly why it had been helping Ye Xiuyuan in the first place, extending many resources to him ahead of time. But what had Ye Xiuyuan done in return? The system watched helplessly as Qingjing Peak's luck soared while it received nothing in return. Its voice turned cold. "You’ve already taken so much from me; it’s time for you to repay me."
Ye Xiuyuan’s expression stiffened, nearly cursing out loud.
Did he not want to? It was those people from Qingjing Peak who were so fickle, unpredictable.
Ye Xiuyuan softened his voice, wanting to plead for mercy, but was interrupted by the system's cold laughter.
"What I want is fortune! If you have no fortune, don’t even think about taking a single bit from me! Even if you die, I won’t care about you!"
Ye Xiuyuan's face flushed with anger. He didn't expect this strange entity to be so heartless, turning against him at a moment's notice. But his future was in the other party's hands; if he left the system, who else could help him improve his talents, heal his body, and attain the supreme path?
It was just a matter of fortune; he would go and get it!
Grinding his teeth, Ye Xiuyuan turned and left.
In the Linglang Pavilion, Yu Miaoyin was called out by a waiter. She looked around with a flushed face, feeling guilty, and couldn't help but curse.
"What do you mean by this?"
The manager stepped out with a slight smile. "Miss Yu, you are no longer a valued guest of our Linglang Pavilion. If you wish to purchase some ordinary items, we welcome you, but if you want to see those precious goods—"
The manager scanned her up and down with a smile and continued softly, "According to our regulations, we cannot provide such services for you. Please understand."
A servant lagged behind and muttered something under his breath, but Yu Miaoyin heard it clearly with her keen ears.
"Always looking but never buying; what are you pretending to be rich for?"
Yu Miaoyin was furious and wanted to rush up for an explanation. But as soon as she stepped forward, two cultivators guarding the entrance immediately moved to block her way.
Nearby on the street, many passersby were drawn in by the commotion, craning their necks to watch the spectacle.
Yu Miaoyin froze, an unprecedented sense of embarrassment washing over her. When had she ever suffered such humiliation? If it weren't for that dead little Six forcing her and taking all her spirit stones from her account, she wouldn't be in such a predicament now!
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