The laughter served as a signal, pulling Ma Yang out of his dazed illusion. He looked around in confusion, glanced at the silent audience below, and then at Qi Xiao, who stood beside him with a smile and applause. A wave of embarrassment washed over him.
Ma Yang's face turned crimson as he angrily demanded, "What exactly did you do to me? I couldn't catch that kid, and now I've been trapped in his illusion!" If word of this got out, how would he ever show his face in Miaochun Valley again?
Qi Xiao was taken aback. "This illusion reflects the thoughts and desires of the one trapped inside. I thought you would be happy!"
Ma Yang's face instantly turned the color of liver, so furious that he could barely speak. Happy? Happy to be here like a fool, being watched by others?
At this point, Ma Yang could no longer contain himself! He arched his back and puffed up his arms, a faint white tiger phantom flickering behind him as he threw back his head and let out a roar that echoed through the mountains.
He raised his hand to strike at Qi Xiao, and the white tiger phantom behind him lifted its paw in unison. This was Ma Yang's unique secret technique, allowing him to burn through his own cultivation level to forcibly enhance his power. With this move, Qi Xiao would either be dead or severely injured!
But just as Ma Yang reveled in his triumph, a single finger gently pressed against his fist. He suddenly felt as if he had collided with a mountain, unable to advance even an inch.
Ma Yang blinked in shock. "Father?"
The Grand Elder slapped him across the face. "What an embarrassing display! You can't even win properly and resort to secret techniques? Is that how it works?"
The Grand Elder reiterated sternly that while this technique allowed one to fight beyond their level, it came at a heavy cost and should never be used lightly! Yet during an ordinary sparring match, Ma Yang had actually resorted to it!
Realizing his guilt, Ma Yang dared not speak.
The Grand Elder grew increasingly furious. "Have you gone mute? Why aren't you saying anything?"
Ma Yang reluctantly defended himself, "It was that kid who provoked me first! I couldn't stand it any longer, so I acted."
The Grand Elder turned to glance at Qi Xiao. The young man had clear features and showed no malice at all, making Ma Yang appear even more ferocious in comparison. Unable to hold back, he slapped Ma Yang again.
"You still have the nerve to feel wronged? Do I not know what kind of person you are?"
Ma Yang's anger flared up even more, but—
The Grand Elder's gaze hardened. "No buts!"
Ma Yang froze for a moment, silently clenching his fists and lowering his head.
From a distance atop the martial arts platform, several elders and the sect leader observed the unfolding scene with keen interest.
"This kid has some tricks up his sleeve; I can't quite figure him out," one elder remarked.
When Ma Yang spoke harshly, the boy made him embarrass himself in front of everyone. What a ruthless tactic! He refuses to take any loss! Sect Leader Fan, this kid certainly embodies the style of your Xiaoyao Sect, doesn't he?
Fan Wuyou smiled with a hint of malice. "This is called clever strategy; it's far more effective than your straightforward, brutish approach in the Qianyuan Sect."
The Qianyuan Sect Leader was momentarily taken aback, his expression souring. He had only intended to take a jab at Fan Wuyou but found himself outmatched in wit once again. Frustrated, he turned his gaze back to the martial arts platform.
With the Grand Elder intervening, this bout had no choice but to come to an abrupt halt. Ma Yang clenched his fists in frustration; it was infuriating to see others remain unscathed while he faced reprimand after reprimand.
The atmosphere grew awkward as Shu Qingyao hid below the platform, unsure of what to do. Just then, Ye Qian appeared, gently coughing into her hand and wearing a warm expression.
"Grand Elder, the children are not so young anymore; they also deserve some dignity," she said.
The Grand Elder snorted dismissively and shot a glance at Qi Xiao. "You useless brat! You can't even defeat a discarded disciple from Qingjing Peak despite all the resources you've been given!"
A sudden silence fell over the crowd. Fan Wuyou's expression darkened slightly, and even Ye Qian frowned, her demeanor shifting to one of concern.
Qi Xiao raised his eyes, staring intently at the Grand Elder, but the latter had already dragged Ma Yang off the stage by his ear.
Ma Yang turned back for one last taunt, silently mouthing words with a mocking grin. "Kicked out of the sect—how pathetic!"
Qi Xiao narrowed his eyes, fists clenched tightly. If he could, he would have liked nothing more than to rush up and give Ma Yang a good beating. Just because he wasn't upset didn't mean others could openly provoke him like that.
The onlookers exchanged glances; seeing that the other party had left, they too began to disperse quietly.
Shu Qingyao approached Qi Xiao silently, hesitating as if she wanted to say something but couldn't find the words. "You’re not upset, are you?" she finally ventured.
Qi Xiao turned slightly away from her, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Do you really think I would be sad enough for you to come and comfort me?"
Shu Qingyao fidgeted with her skirt, feeling somewhat lost. She had heard some rumors about Qi Xiao's situation—though strange, she knew it was personal and felt it was inappropriate to pry.
However, she never expected that the Grand Elder would publicly bring it up like that; it truly undermined any remaining dignity for both him and Miaochun Valley.
She opened her mouth and sighed softly, "It's my fault for causing you trouble. The Grand Elder is very protective; I shouldn't have let you provoke Ma Yang."
Qi Xiao waved his hand dismissively. "I took your things, so naturally, I will help you." After saying this, he felt a bit speechless. "Your Grand Elder is quite amusing. He only shows up to maintain order when he sees his son can't handle it."
Although the Grand Elder had blocked the attack for him, which should have made him feel indebted, the last remark that was rather aggressive still left Qi Xiao feeling dissatisfied.
Shu Qingyao hesitated for a moment before speaking softly, "Actually, the Grand Elder isn't targeting you. I've heard he has some private grievances with Master Han Ying. Perhaps because of your past connection with him, he is particularly unhappy about Ma Yang losing to you."
Qi Xiao's curiosity was piqued; he had never heard of such a situation before. He took out a fruit from his jade ring, wiped it off, and took a bite. "What grievances? Tell me more."
The grievances involving Master Han Ying sounded like entertainment to him.
Shu Qingyao hesitated for a while before slowly beginning to explain, "It is said that this happened many years ago..."
Meanwhile, Song Xiaoling and Feng Hongying had wandered through various inns and teahouses in the city but had not found any trace of Yu Miaoyin. They used their communication jade talismans but received no response.
Song Xiaoling furrowed her brows deeply, growing increasingly anxious. "Junior Sister San must be in trouble. Fifth Sister, you should return to the inn and look for Senior Sister. I will continue searching in the city."
Feng Hongying understood the seriousness of the situation and immediately turned back.
Upon seeing her return, Ye Xiuyuan, who had been anxiously pacing in the room, approached her to inquire about Yu Miaoyin's whereabouts. However, he noticed that Feng Hongying didn't even glance at him and walked straight towards Senior Sister's room.
She knocked loudly on the door. "Senior Sister! We searched everywhere but couldn't find Junior Sister San! She might be in trouble!"
Hearing this from behind, Ye Xiuyuan's legs went weak, nearly collapsing to the ground. Fortunately, he managed to grab hold of a nearby pillar to steady himself, avoiding further embarrassment.
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