Chapter 71: Master Ye Is Attacked

Player: Wu Tian
Class: Warrior
Level: 24 (Martial Spirit Fourth Rank), Experience: 256,378/500,000
Instant Kill (Intermediate): 523/1000 (Current level: Intermediate. Can instantly kill enemies up to two levels higher than the player, cooldown: half an hour. Ranks: Basic, Intermediate, Advanced, Divine, Super-Divine, Defiant.)
Health: 10,000/10,000
True Qi: 5,000/5,000
Primary Skill: Black Dragon Saber Technique
Support Skills: Alchemy (Intermediate, Proficiency 3,863/10,000), Forging (Proficiency 0/100), Beast Taming (Proficiency 0/100), Puppetry (Beginner, Proficiency 2/100), Disguise (Intermediate, Proficiency 365/1,000)
Main Quest: Uncover the true murderer of his master and the truth behind his own crippling
Side Quests: Seek the Black Dragon Set (1/4), Destroyer of the Nie Clan (56/2,000)
Luck: 55 (Max 100)
Charm: 51 (Max 100)

After eliminating eighteen elite shadow guards of the Nie Clan, Wu Tian advanced from Martial Spirit Third Rank to Fourth Rank, though he still needed half the experience to reach the fifth rank. Yet this assault, mounted by such an elite force, was a clear sign to Wu Tian: the Nie Clan had now become his sworn enemies, their feud irreconcilable.

"The Nie Clan has sent so many skilled assassins, and now that they’ve failed, they’ll likely make an even greater move soon. I must be on my guard in the coming days," Wu Tian mused. He was no fool; by ensuring none of the assassins returned, he was certain the Nie Clan would try something else soon.

Having completed his sect mission, Wu Tian returned to the Qitian Sect to report to the Sect Master.

At that moment, Sect Master Ye was in his study, busy with affairs. Seeing Wu Tian return, he set his work aside.

"Wu Tian, the City Guard has already briefed me on the situation. You did an excellent job clearing out the mountain bandits. You’ve been working tirelessly for the Qitian Sect, and I see all your efforts. With your talent, you’re destined for greatness at headquarters," Sect Master Ye said with a warm smile.

"Sect Master, this is my duty as a disciple of the Qitian Sect," Wu Tian replied calmly.

"In just over a month, you’ll be heading to the Imperial City to report to headquarters. I won’t assign you any more tasks in the meantime. After all, you’ve experienced everything you needed to, and with your current strength, there’s little more I can teach you. At headquarters, you’ll learn much more."

A sudden wave of emotion rose in Wu Tian. Though he had not spent much time with Sect Master Ye, he could sense the man’s care for every disciple. When Wu Tian was crippled, Sect Master Ye did not expel him from the sect and continued to grant him living allowances—though, sadly, someone else had intercepted them. Of everyone in the Qitian Sect, Wu Tian could hate anyone but Sect Master Ye.

"Sect Master, whatever the future holds, I will always remember I come from Pingyang City, and I am your disciple," Wu Tian said, standing respectfully and bowing.

"Wu Tian, your words are enough to comfort me. It’s getting late—go and rest. The future belongs to the young," Sect Master Ye replied, patting Wu Tian’s shoulder.

"I take my leave," Wu Tian said, bowing again as he withdrew from the study. Though this place had once been the scene of sorrow, now he felt a tinge of reluctance to part.

As Wu Tian left, he happened to encounter Long Zhan carrying a cup of ginseng tea into the study; their eyes met, but neither spoke.

Though Wu Tian felt a moment’s suspicion as Long Zhan entered, he shook his head and left. Something felt amiss, but he could not place it.

"Long Zhan, you’re here," Sect Master Ye greeted with a smile as Long Zhan entered.

"Sect Master, I have completed the task you assigned me today and have come to report. Also, my master told me you have been struggling with excess internal heat lately, so I specially brought you Superior Earth Grade Shangqing Tea. It’s excellent for clearing heat and replenishing true qi. I hope it will be of some benefit," Long Zhan said respectfully, offering the tea.

"You’re very considerate, Long Zhan. Thank you. Just set it here; I’ll drink it in a moment," Sect Master Ye replied with a nod.

"Sect Master, this tea is best enjoyed hot—once it cools, its effect is lost," Long Zhan reminded him softly.

"Indeed, Shangqing Tea is particular in that way. I’ll drink it now, then," said Sect Master Ye, nodding as he picked up the cup.

As he prepared to drink, he brought the tea to his nose and inhaled gently, pausing briefly.

"Is something wrong, Sect Master?" Long Zhan asked hesitantly.

"It’s nothing, just… something feels off," Sect Master Ye said after a moment’s thought, then took a sip.

As he swallowed, a shadow flickered across Long Zhan’s eyes—a look of cold triumph, as if his scheme had succeeded.

Suddenly, Sect Master Ye’s expression changed. "No… my true qi has been sealed—could it be…"

He turned a look of disbelief toward Long Zhan. "Could it be…"

"Ha! That’s right, Sect Master Ye. What you just drank was the colorless, tasteless Heaven Grade poison, 'Dispersal Pill.' Even a Martial King would not detect it. Tell me, can you use your true qi now?" Long Zhan laughed darkly, eyes narrowed in malicious glee.

Sect Master Ye tried to raise his hand to strike Long Zhan with his qi but found himself utterly powerless, unable to summon even his own strength.

"You… how dare you treat your Sect Master in this way? This is treason!" Sect Master Ye gasped in fury.

"You brought this upon yourself! All along, my talent surpassed Wu Tian’s, yet you never valued me. Not even when Wu Tian was crippled. In your eyes, I was always nothing! Now that Wu Tian has regained his abilities, I am even more irrelevant. Sect Master, this is your just reward!" Long Zhan shouted in rage.

"Long Zhan, you’re mistaken, completely mistaken! I have always recognized your talent and dedication. In fact, I had already recommended you to headquarters as an elite disciple. I never expected… never expected you would…" Disbelief and bitter disappointment filled Sect Master Ye’s eyes.

"Lies! You would never have done that! But I don’t care anymore, because you, the blind Sect Master, are going to hell!" Long Zhan roared, his fury unchecked. "And even after your death, no one will suspect me, because your killer isn’t me!"

Crack! At that moment, the roof of the study was shattered, and several figures in black dropped before Sect Master Ye.

"Sect Master Ye, did you ever imagine this day would come? Ha! One year from today will be the anniversary of your death—now, die!" One of the black-clad men raised his sword and thrust it toward Sect Master Ye.