The scene fell into complete silence as everyone watched Li Xiaoyao lying on the ground, barely in better condition than Kong Xiangbei had been the day before. Since the contest for the Five Elements Cave spots, Li Xiaoyao had held the position of the strongest disciple under the direct disciples. He had been widely recognized as such. Yet, no one had expected that Li Xiaoyao would be defeated by Ye Chen...

  This...

  The entire hall stood speechless. The disciples were at a loss for how to express their astonishment. Even the elders displayed expressions of surprise.

  "Why is Direct Disciple Ye's spiritual power so overwhelmingly powerful? Didn't he fail to enter the Five Elements Cave?"

  "Moreover, his output of spiritual power is exceptionally fierce, indicating that his meridians are extraordinarily robust."

  "Li Xiaoyao was considered a minor genius even within the ninth level of Qi Refining. Even among the direct disciples, few could definitively suppress him, yet he was defeated by Direct Disciple Ye, who was at a higher cultivation level."

  "Could it be that Direct Disciple Ye is also a genius, only we haven't recognized it until now?"

  "Master Gu is truly sharp-eyed!"

  The crowd buzzed with conversation, surprised by the turn of events. Some still remembered to flatter Gu Yunyun, the sect leader, as they spoke. After all, the sect leader was now 270 years old. She only had about thirty years of life left.

  Gu Yunyun was the most likely to break through to the Golden Core stage and become the next sect leader. Though Gu Yunyun herself was equally stunned by the turn of events, she only knew that Ye Chen had a third-grade spiritual root and never slept at night. Beyond that, she had little information.

  But to be praised for having sharp eyes? Well, yes! That's true.

  However, the master of the Magic Peak, standing nearby, couldn't resist a sarcastic remark.

  "How wonderful that Fellow Daoist Gu's disciple has advanced! If only my disciple could face such a challenge; then we'd have a proper exchange!"

  Once the Master of Magic Peak spoke, the atmosphere grew tense and quiet.

  Fa Zhen, the direct disciple of Magic Peak, possessed a fire-type root. His fire-based magic was unparalleled, reaching the pinnacle of mastery. He was universally acknowledged as the strongest combatant among this generation of disciples. He had claimed first place the previous year. Not only had he upgraded a low-grade Foundation Establishment Pill to a high-grade one, but this year, he intended to win again as a safeguard.

  Truthfully, everyone expected the direct disciple of Magic Peak to secure first place this year. Even Gu Yunyun thought as much. However, if the disciples didn't win, it wasn't a problem.

  Gu Yunyun gritted her teeth. She planned to find an opportunity soon to challenge Magic Peak and settle the matter. As for the sect leader sitting in the middle of the viewing platform, he was unconcerned about the discord between the elders as long as it didn't escalate.

  After watching Ye Chen's match, he turned to look at Elder Chen. Though no words were spoken, the meaning in his weathered eyes was unmistakable.

  Elder Chen: ...

  I didn't expect Ye Chen to have such immense mana, capable of defeating even Li Xiaoyao!

  Above the arena, fireballs soared through the air, spells shot in all directions, and the explosive sounds of magic filled the atmosphere. In the world of cultivators, prolonged battles were rare. It was all about finding an opening, seizing an opportunity.

  The outcome was often determined swiftly. By noon, only four figures remained on the field. Ye Chen, Yao Xi, Fa Zhen, and the direct disciple of Artifact Peak.

  The disciples marveled in awe. Who could have predicted that the seemingly unassuming direct disciple would suddenly reveal such immense power? Though his talent appeared ordinary, his combat ability was enough to place him among the top ranks of the disciples.

  After the drawing of lots, the crowd erupted in surprise. For Ye Chen and Yao Xi had been placed in the same group. Who in the sect didn't know the relationship between Ye Chen and Yao Xi?

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  Ye Chen's infamous words, "I love you, and it has nothing to do with you," had long spread far and wide. The gossip had even reached the city of Green Cloud.

  Now, the two of them were to face each other for a chance at the finals. The disciples shook their heads, feeling that there was no need to watch further. The outcome seemed already decided.

  Earlier, Ye Chen had even given up his spot in the Five Elements Cave for Yao Xi. One could easily imagine how important the Foundation Establishment Pill was for her. So, there was no need to think twice.

  Ye Chen would surely concede. The sect leader and elders were watching, it would be difficult to declare a direct surrender. However, he might subtly ensure that Yao Xi claimed the victory.

  At this thought, the disciples lost all interest. Ye Chen had risen swiftly. On his journey, any opponent he encountered was immediately subdued by his powerful spells. They hadn't even had a chance to see Direct Disciple Ye use other forms of magic. They had hoped to witness Ye Chen's limits!

  But now, it seemed they would only face Yao Xi. Though Ye Chen had shattered all expectations regarding his strength, no one doubted his identity as a simp. If they wanted to witness the full extent of Ye Chen's true power, they would likely have to wait until next year.

  The crowd buzzed with conversation.

  The sect leader, at the Golden Core level, with his exceptionally sharp spiritual sense, naturally overheard the chatter. He furrowed his brow and asked, "The Foundation Establishment Pill is the foundation for cultivating the Dao. Will Ye Chen truly surrender simply because of personal feelings?"

  He had a favorable impression of Ye Chen. But if Ye Chen were to lose voluntarily due to matters of love, then his interest in Ye Chen would quickly fade. After all, in the world of cultivation, one must fight for progress.

  Loose cultivators must fight, disciples of the Green Cloud Sect must fight. Even those high-ranking disciples from the Holy Lands must fight. Those who refuse to fight for whatever reason are destined to accomplish nothing of significance.

  The Master of Magic Peak immediately chuckled. "Sect Leader, you might not know, but Gu Fellow Daoist's direct disciple is notorious for his deep affection. That phrase, 'I love you, and it has nothing to do with you,' it touched my heart deeply."

  The sect leader's face darkened at these words. Though the phrase sounded heartfelt, upon reflection, wasn't it just unrequited love? Wasn't it simply a hopeless simp?

  Gu Yunyun had been pleased watching Ye Chen dominate his opponents, her mood quite pleasant. But now, a shadow crossed her mature face, unable to suppress her displeasure.

  Before stepping onto the stage, Ye Chen immediately heard his master's cold voice in his mind: "No mercy, no surrender. If you dare surrender, I'll have you trapped on Sword Peak for three years without stepping down the mountain!"

  Upon hearing this, Ye Chen couldn't help but twitch the corner of his mouth, feeling a bit helpless. He had overheard the disciples' whispers, and now even his master was reminding him not to concede.

  Wait a minute… Did they really think I'm a simp? Am I that kind of person? Master, rest assured, I, Ye Chen, will prove with my actions that all the rumors are false. I am not a simp.

  With a sharp crack, the match began.

  Ye Chen transmitted a mental promise to his master, and upon receiving a satisfied smile, he stepped onto the stage.

  Yao Xi was already standing there, smiling at Ye Chen. Truth be told, Ye Chen's performance in this sect competition had truly surprised Yao Xi.

  In the past, Yao Xi had always believed that her strength far exceeded Ye Chen's. But after witnessing Ye Chen effortlessly defeat Li Xiaoyao, Yao Xi finally realized just how wide the gap between them really was. She probably wasn't even Ye Chen's match.

  This realization left Yao Xi feeling a mixture of disappointment and happiness for Ye Chen. After all, what female cultivator wouldn't want the man she admires to grow stronger? And yet, despite Ye Chen's overwhelming strength, he had still given up his spot in the Five Elements Cave for her. This only confirmed how deeply Ye Chen's feelings for her ran.

  Yao Xi overheard the disciples' whispers. Truth be told, Yao Xi didn't want Ye Chen to throw the match for her sake. She too wanted Ye Chen to go further, to obtain the Foundation Establishment Pill. After all, Ye Chen's spiritual root was too weak, and his chances of breaking through were slim. The more Foundation Establishment Pills he could get, the higher his chances of success.

  Thus, Yao Xi spoke earnestly, "Junior Brother, I hope you will give your all in this fight against me. Regardless of the outcome, I will never blame you! But if you deliberately hold back, that will be what truly saddens me."

  Yao Xi made her stance clear with her words.

  Upon hearing this, Ye Chen chuckled softly and nodded. He had no intention of conceding or holding back. Letting you win wouldn't be considered a gift, would it? Besides, this wasn't even the final round—what if you lost? Only by personally handing you the Foundation Establishment Pill would it truly count. So, no, he wouldn't throw the match. He intended to end the battle as quickly as possible.

  ...

  Seeing Ye Chen's indifferent response, Yao Xi understood that he must have had his own thoughts and would likely hold back during the battle. She felt as though he hadn't taken her words seriously. This must be because Ye Chen knew that his spiritual root was too poor and that even if he obtained a Foundation Establishment Pill, it would be of no use. That's why he was willing to give it to her. The depth of his affection stirred a complex mix of emotions in Yao Xi.

  Yet, at the same time, she made a firm decision. She would never let Ye Chen's feelings for her go to waste. In the final match, she must defeat her opponents and claim the Foundation Establishment Pill. And once she broke through to the Foundation Establishment stage, the first thing she would do was formally bind herself as Ye Chen's Dao partner. Together, they would live their lives, raise children, and grow old.

  ...

  As the crowd silently grappled with their thoughts, the steward gave the order, and the match officially began!