Chapter 23: An Unseemly Phenomenon

When Bai Feiyu saw his disciple put on an expression of genuine anger, the disciple hesitated, stammering, “Brother Yu, I came to the Inner Sect on some business and heard about your exploits.”

“Just now, I heard people say that a newly promoted Inner Sect disciple named Bai Feiyu wagered a whole year’s worth of spirit stones...”

As he spoke, the disciple seemed to be seeking confirmation, looking at Bai Feiyu and asking, “Brother Yu, is it true? Did you really bet an entire year’s worth of spirit stones to slay a powerful cultivator at the ninth level of the Vast Qi Realm?”

His nervousness was evident; he seemed genuinely afraid that Bai Feiyu had done such a thing.

After all, if this news reached the Outer Sect, all the disciples there would know that their pillar of support was about to collapse!

In recent days, the brothers in their dormitory had been strutting around arrogantly, acting invincible wherever they went. If this rumor proved true, their end was near.

By then, Bai Feiyu might not even be able to keep his place in the Inner Sect. For though he had been promoted, his cultivation still lagged behind those of the true Inner Sect disciples.

Suddenly, Bai Feiyu understood. Having lived two lives, he instantly saw through the situation.

He had to admit, all the brothers in the dormitory were counting on him, and their recent arrogance had likely offended many people. These grievances were like tinder; if news of his wager reached the Outer Sect, the fire would ignite instantly. All those who’d been slighted would come seeking trouble—turning their dormitory into the target of everyone’s ire.

It would be like a grand building on the verge of collapse.

“It’s not true,” Bai Feiyu replied calmly. “That rumor was deliberately spread by us.”

“To be honest, I have a plan behind this, but it’s not something I can fully explain right now. You just need to trust me—no one would wager so many spirit stones without absolute confidence, understand?”

In any case, since these dormitory brothers had no way to reach the Mission Hall, Bai Feiyu made up a story. There was no way he could explain the existence of his system to them.

Moreover, he still needed these brothers to lay a foundation for his future. Once he rose to power, the Outer Sect would become a source of great benefit, and Bai Feiyu was not about to give up that slice of the pie.

“Really? That’s wonderful, Brother Yu!” the disciple exclaimed, his face lighting up with joy before he left, thoroughly relieved.

Bai Feiyu chuckled as he watched the disciple depart. The man had no idea what benefits would come from following him now.

It was inevitable that he would soar to great heights, and when that day came, his old brothers would all rise with him.

Collecting himself, Bai Feiyu turned toward the teleportation array of the Gui Xu Sect.

...

The Traitor’s Mountain Range.

It was said that long ago, this mountain range had a different name. Back then, a small sect had stood here, growing under the protection of the Gui Xu Sect. But when the Gui Xu Sect went to war with another great sect, the small sect betrayed them at the last moment, stabbing them in the back.

Of course, the small sect was eventually annihilated by the Gui Xu Sect, and thus the mountains became known as the Traitor’s Mountain Range.

Now, in a remote corner of the mountains, a surge of runes flickered, and a figure stepped out.

It was Bai Feiyu. This was a wartime teleportation array, and because he was on a special mission, Bai Feiyu had been sent here.

After stepping from the array, Bai Feiyu surveyed the surroundings, then checked the mission medallion for details.

According to the medallion, Li Zikun was active in one of the nearby villages, but the location of his true lair was unknown.

Li Zikun was surely aware that the Gui Xu Sect would eventually send someone to take his life. So, despite many investigations, no one had ever found the hideout of Li Zikun or his followers.

Because of the traitorous sect’s history, it was said that when the sect was destroyed, its founder used the last of his strength to send a few young disciples to safety. These disciples grew up, gathered followers, and selected promising candidates in an attempt to revive their sect.

Thus, every seven or eight years, the Gui Xu Sect dispatched disciples to exterminate them.

Now, while hunting Li Zikun, Bai Feiyu also had to remain wary of any sudden attacks from those remnants. No one knew if Li Zikun was in contact with them.

Bai Feiyu first made his way to a nearby village.

It was a small place, with only a few hundred households. Walking down the main street, Bai Feiyu watched the villagers bustling about and felt a headache coming on. How was he supposed to find Li Zikun?

Truthfully, it was impossible for one man to scour the entire Traitor’s Mountain Range. In the past, disciples on such missions would do as he was doing now—visiting villages, searching for clues.

A stranger walking down the main street, dressed unmistakably as a cultivator, quickly drew attention. Because Li Zikun’s activities had been a hot topic in the surrounding villages, the locals were desperate for the Gui Xu Sect to come and put an end to him, but their hopes had been continually dashed.

“Young man, are you from the Gui Xu Sect?”

An old man tottered over, peering at Bai Feiyu with curiosity.

Bai Feiyu offered a gentle smile, nodding. “Elder, I was sent by the Gui Xu Sect to slay Li Zikun. They say he’s active around here. Do you know anything of his whereabouts?”

He deliberately raised his voice, hoping to glean information from the villagers, or at the very least, ensure word of his arrival reached Li Zikun’s ears.

But then something strange happened.

At the mention of Li Zikun, chaos erupted. The villagers scattered as if fleeing a plague, quickening their pace to get away from Bai Feiyu.

Bai Feiyu was baffled. He had made himself perfectly clear—he was here to eliminate Li Zikun. Shouldn’t the villagers be sending their prettiest maidens to welcome him with flowers? Why were they avoiding him as if he were Li Zikun himself?

It didn’t make sense.

Hurriedly, Bai Feiyu caught up with the old man and pleaded, “Elder, I truly am a disciple of the Gui Xu Sect, here to deal with Li Zikun. If you have any clues, please tell me. Don’t go—wait!”