Chapter 145: A Sense of Humiliation Was Almost Palpable

The Fourth Princess spoke at great length, her expression grave. Clearly, even this fearless princess placed immense importance on the matter.

Hearing what the Fourth Princess had to say, Bai Feiyu and the others grew solemn.

If this was indeed the truth, then elite prodigies like them would truly have to head to the battlefield.

Furthermore, a protracted war was undoubtedly on the horizon, and life would not be easy for anyone when that time came.

"The strength of the Zhou Kingdom is by no means inferior to that of our Zhao Kingdom. The friction between our two nations has lasted for thousands of years."

"Throughout these millennia, both sides have constantly sought to annihilate each other, yet neither possessed the capability to do so."

"Now, the hatred that has accumulated between the two sides for countless years has finally erupted. When the time comes, all of us will have to go to the front lines."

Hearing this, Bai Feiyu nodded and said, "Rest assured, Fourth Princess. As citizens of the Zhao Kingdom, it is only natural that we defend its borders."

Yang Fan and the others quickly chimed in to express their agreement.

...

After returning from the trip, the members of the Return to Ruins Sect busied themselves with preparations. The Grand Sect Tournament had concluded, and they were finally heading back to the sect.

Everyone was in high spirits.

After all, the Return to Ruins Sect had achieved a commendable ranking, and everyone had made a profit, naturally keeping the atmosphere harmonious and cheerful.

However, Bai Feiyu and his companions seemed to be the only ones lacking joy.

At this sight, many were left baffled, especially those who knew Bai Feiyu well.

Everyone knew what kind of personality Bai Feiyu had; why on earth would this fellow suddenly be unhappy?

Keep in mind that back on the flying boat earlier, this guy had been the very picture of arrogance, sleeping the entire time. Even during those tense moments, he had never appeared so worried.

What was wrong with him now?

Yet, thinking of Bai Feiyu, many could not help but sigh.

Most likely, on the journey back, this fellow still wouldn't spend any time cultivating. He was simply someone who simultaneously evoked both fondness and frustration.

When would this guy ever realize that a moment of youth wasted leads to eternal regret in old age?

This sentiment was especially strong among the elders and the Sect Master.

Although it was a good thing that Bai Feiyu had brought glory to the sect, it also meant they had lost yet another opportunity to lecture him.

Consequently, everyone was left at a loss as to how to reason with Bai Feiyu anymore.

How to cure him of such laziness remained an ongoing dilemma.

However, to everyone's utter astonishment, on the flying boat ride back—while all the other disciples were immersed in a joyful and relaxed atmosphere—Bai Feiyu was the sole person engaged in arduous cultivation...

This left many dumbfounded.

You've got to be kidding. Honestly, you've already fought your way up to the fourth layer of the Shackled Realm; by all rights, you should be getting arrogant now.

How could things turn out like this?

Could this fellow be deliberately putting on an act?

Yet, when they noticed Bai Feiyu frowning slightly over the slow progress of his cultivation, followed by his taking out rare heavenly treasures to consume, everyone finally realized that Bai Feiyu was genuinely working hard.

What on earth was going on?

This didn't make any sense.

Could it be that Bai Feiyu was naturally slow-witted and was only now processing the sense of crisis brought by the Grand Sect Tournament?

When a nearby disciple timidly asked Bai Feiyu the reason behind his sudden diligence, Bai Feiyu's reply made everyone clench their fists, wishing they could give him a thorough beating.

"It's nothing much. It's just that this time, I truly saw the gap between myself and the fourth layer of the Shackled Realm."

"In the past, leaping across multiple realms was a breeze. But this time, leaping across just three realms actually required me to go all out."

"I suffered a severe mental blow. I have no choice but to work hard now..."

For a moment, everyone had no idea how to curse this guy. Was he actually being serious?

Are you fucking mocking everyone else?

Honestly, the elders were left somewhat speechless at the sight. Why was this fellow so infuriating, whether he was working hard or not?

Still, the fact that this guy finally knew he needed to put in effort could at least be considered a good thing.

...

Before long, the Return to Ruins Sect came into view.

As the disciples' flying boat descended, many within the sect had already learned of their senior brothers' remarkable achievements.

Especially the members of the Bai Alliance.

Upon hearing that their alliance master had actually shone brilliantly in the Grand Sect Tournament and fought opponents at the fourth layer of the Shackled Realm, the Bai Alliance was overjoyed.

This time, a larger number of mid-tier disciples applied to join the Bai Alliance, and even the high-end powerhouses of the Majestic Qi Realm began trying to find ways in.

However, it was already too late; the Bai Alliance was enforcing strict selection criteria for new recruits at this stage.

Many disciples felt a long-awaited sense of pride.

In the past, the Return to Ruins Sect had always hovered around the middle tier in the Grand Sect Tournament, leaving the disciples harboring silent resentment.

After all, in their hearts, the Return to Ruins Sect was unquestionably a top-tier sect.

Now, the sect's ranking had finally advanced significantly.

Furthermore, the members of the Bai Alliance revelred in jubilation, feeling that they no longer had anything to envy even when compared to the Eagle Alliance.

Those who had joined the Bai Alliance from the very beginning finally breathed a sigh of relief. Back then, when they jumped ship from various other alliances to join, they had endured a great deal of sarcasm and mockery.

Many had believed they were lowering their own status to enter a sect with poor prospects.

Now, those very people had begun to envy them, filling them with immense pride.

As Bai Feiyu and the others stepped off the flying boat, a large crowd of disciples had already gathered in the plaza of the Return to Ruins Sect.

A group of female disciples ran forward to drape floral wreaths over Bai Feiyu. At this moment, he was the center of all attention!

Seeing the disciples shouting his name, Bai Feiyu felt a slight pang of embarrassment. The truth was, he hadn't even tried that hard this time; it was simply that his raw combat strength was too overwhelming...

When the Sect Master witnessed this scene, a smile bloomed in his heart, along with a growing sense of approval for this disciple.

Although the Sect Master wasn't entirely clear on the details regarding Qian Shuang and Bai Feiyu, he had at least some inkling of the situation.

After all, Qian Shuang hadn't joined any alliance previously, despite receiving invitations from quite a few of them.

Yet, she had suddenly joined the newly founded sect created by Bai Feiyu, and rumors concerning the two of them had circulated within the sect for a long time. What this implied went without saying.

Furthermore, rumors had it that the reason Bai Feiyu had stayed behind to cover their retreat was to ensure Qian Shuang's safe survival.

That was precisely why he had unleashed such terrifying combat power, and why he had possessed the courage to forge ahead and break through amidst life-or-death combat.

The Sect Master was exceptionally pleased with Bai Feiyu.

After all, Bai Feiyu was now the most heaven-defying disciple in the Return to Ruins Sect; with him, Qian Shuang's future would certainly be bright.

The only catch was that they first had to survive the impending calamity.