Ye Danxia watched the shifting expressions around her, then stepped forward with a stern voice, "Yun Jin, we've just entered the sect. Are you really going to stir up conflict already? You were the one who showed disrespect to Senior Brother Ruan. It's only right that you apologize."
Her tone was righteous, full of conviction.
But before Yun Jin could reply, Si Wanning scoffed coldly. "What bullshit! The recording stone is right here. Let the elders decide whether Ruan Jun tried to kill her! I refuse to believe this sect has no laws left!" She narrowed her eyes. "A piece of shit plated in gold still stinks like shit."
"Second Junior Sister," Yue Zhao chided mildly. "No vulgarity. It lowers our standards." He turned to Ruan Jun, voice icy. "Next time, skip the words. Just fight."
Then Yue Zhao turned directly to Ruan Jun, gaze sharp. "Bullying my junior sister isn't much of a feat. If you think you're strong, come to the Martial Arena. Let's test our blades."
His words rang out before the entire crowd.
All eyes turned to Ruan Jun.
He felt a chill at the back of his neck. Truthfully, he had always been a step beneath Yue Zhao.
Fighting him? He stood no chance.
"Sign a life-and-death contract," Yue Zhao sneered. "This match will end with one of us dead."
Ruan Jun's face twitched.
Wasn't that just a fancy way of saying 'I'll kill you'?
"If you dare to accept," Yue Zhao continued coolly, "I'll let go of what you did to my junior sister. If not, then I'll ask the elders to gather and investigate this matter properly."
Two roads.
One, die by Yue Zhao's sword on the arena stage.
Two, be punished by sect law.
Either way, death awaited.
Ruan Jun's face darkened. He barked, "Yue Zhao, don't go too far!"
"Then answer. Do you dare fight?"
His face twisted, cycling through emotions, but in the end, he didn't answer. If this went to the elders, with his master present, he might be spared. But if he signed that contract, Yue Zhao would kill him.
"Coward," Yue Zhao scoffed, raising a brow in disdain.
Below the platform, the disciples murmured. There had always been debate about who was stronger, Yue Zhao or Ruan Jun. Today, that question was laid to rest.
Ruan Jun didn't even dare accept the challenge. The outcome was clear. He felt the shift in the crowd's gaze—contempt replacing admiration. He gritted his teeth but still dared not respond.
Even Ye Danxia, watching him, felt a ripple of disappointment. So much for the mighty senior brother. Cornered like this, yet too afraid to fight. She would need to consider other options.
Yue Zhao turned to Elder Yue Lin. "It seems he won't fight. Then, Hall Master Yue, please summon the elders. Let's investigate this matter thoroughly."
Yue Lin clenched his jaw. Hatred swelled in his chest.
A mere disciple, dictating terms to him?
But as the Hall Master of the Law Enforcement Hall, he was expected to act neutrally. If this wasn't handled well, it could harm the Sect Master's prestige.
"I…"
He had just opened his mouth to speak when a cold voice swept through the air.
"How lively. I've been gone a few days, and you lot want to overturn the heavens?"
That voice…
Yue Lin's expression brightened. He stepped aside respectfully.
Ruan Jun exhaled deeply in relief.
He had already sent a message to his master, Zhao Wujie, via talisman the moment things turned sour.
Now, his master had arrived.
With his master here, nothing would happen to him.
Zhao Wujie strode in, his presence dignified and oppressive. His gaze swept past Yue Zhao and the others, landing squarely on Yun Jin.
According to Ruan Jun…
This girl might possess a innate Sword Body.
He had misjudged her.
Zhao Wujie narrowed his eyes. Calmly, he said, "You're Yun Jin, yes? I'll give you one chance to choose again. I see potential in you. From now on, you may become my direct disciple."
Rather than punishing her, he was extending an olive branch. Even Yue Zhao, who had been on high alert, froze for a moment. He pressed his lips together. No matter how one looked at it, becoming a personal disciple of the Sect Master was a better path than remaining on Tianjian Peak.
They had once been courted by the Sect Master too. But they had refused to leave, and that had made them thorns in his side. Little Junior Sister was different. She hadn't received much from their master. If she chose to leave, Yue Zhao would not stop her.
But to give her his blessing… he didn't know if he had the heart.
He silently sheathed his sword.
He had no confidence Yun Jin would stay.
Anyone in her place would walk away with the Sect Master.
As he moved, Zhao Wujie's lips curled in a faint smile.
Good. This one knows his place.
His mood improved slightly. He looked back at Yun Jin. "Your Senior Brother Ruan was a bit rash, even if unintentional. Joining my tutelage can serve as compensation. In time, you, Ruan Jun, and Danxia will be disciples of the same lineage. These small grievances will pass, and your story will become a fond memory. Wouldn't that be a lovely outcome?"
He wore the expression of one in complete control. He had given her a great opportunity. He didn't believe Yun Jin would refuse. Did Lin Ya really think this little disciple could turn things around?
He would show him what it meant to lose both bird and egg.
Zhao Wujie, taking Yun Jin as his disciple?
Ruan Jun's face twisted. He felt unsettled.
But he had acted rashly today and left weaknesses others could exploit. He could only accept that Yun Jin had gained this advantage. Once she joined the lineage, he had many ways to deal with her.
Ye Danxia was the one most unwilling to accept it.
She clenched her jaw tightly.
Yun Jin?
A trash five-element spiritual root, standing beside her?!
But against Zhao Wuji's decree, she was powerless.
"Kneel," Zhao Wuji commanded.
The outcome was inevitable.
Even Yue Zhao and the others had stepped back in silence. They couldn't stop Yun Jin from walking toward a brighter future. They couldn't drag her down with their sinking ship.
But Yun Jin only looked at Zhao Wujie and smiled faintly. "Become your disciple?"
Zhao Wujie raised a brow. "Indeed."
"No need," Yun Jin said lazily. "I'm doing just fine on Tianjian Peak. Never even thought about leaving."
And if she ever did, she'd take her master and her seniors with her to found their own sect. Yue Zhao and the others stared at her in shock. Little Junior Sister… actually refused?
Zhao Wujie's expression darkened. "You're refusing me?"
Yun Jin frowned slightly. "Is there a sect rule that says I can't?"
A flicker of rage flashed through Zhao Wujie's eyes.
He chuckled coldly.
So, she won't drink the wine of honor. She wants the wine of punishment?
Fine.
Let's see if she can swallow it.
Without hesitation, Zhao Wujie released his coercion, aimed straight at Yun Jin.
The faces of Yue Zhao and the others changed instantly.
Beads of sweat formed on Yun Jin's brow in an instant.