Chapter 54: Famous in the Clouds, Judgement in the Dark Room
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The Xuanyun Sect's massive cloud boat pierced through the clouds and mist, soaring steadily beneath the vast expanse of the Thousand Realms Spirit Realm. The runes of the formation engraved on the boat's hull flowed, isolating the high-altitude gale and air currents from outside, maintaining a remarkably stable interior.
However, the atmosphere inside the cloud boat was far less stable than its flight.
The disciples returning from the secret realm formed distinct groups. Zhan Kuangfeng's disciples surrounded the gloomy Gao Sheng and the broken-armed Shi Feng, their eyes occasionally glancing unkindly towards a corner of the Cloud Boat. There, Ye Li sat alone, cross-legged, eyes closed, breathing in a state of mind untouched by the external turmoil. Su Wanyun, Liu Yiyi, and the others tried to approach, but Ye Li's eyes stopped them—she was at the center of the vortex and shouldn't involve others.
Disciples from other peaks gathered in groups of three or five, whispering to each other, their gazes occasionally glancing at Ye Li, filled with curiosity, inquiry, awe, and even a hint of subtle jealousy. The events of the secret realm had already been passed down through word of mouth, and multiple versions had emerged during the return journey. However, the core content remained remarkably consistent:
Ye Li, a new disciple of Yundan Peak, defeated all the heroes in the core area of Yunwu Secret Realm and obtained the core inheritance of the ancient powerful Master Xuanhuan!
This woman, with her cultivation level at the Qi Ling Realm, displayed mysterious and unpredictable spatial body movements and extremely sharp extreme cold finger techniques. Outside the inheritance cave, she faced the siege of dozens of people led by Gao Sheng, who was at the Lingfu Realm. She fought bloody battles and severely injured many people (including Shi Feng, who was at the late Condensation Vein Realm and had an arm broken off), and even survived a head-on fight with Gao Sheng!
In the end, with the slight intervention of Qin Yixuan, the true disciple of Bishui Pavilion for unknown reasons, he successfully broke through with his wisdom and trump cards, and did not appear until the secret realm was closed. With his injuries fully recovered, his cultivation was even more advanced!
Each of these pieces of news was enough to cause a sensation in the outer and even inner sects of Xuanyun Sect, and when they were all concentrated on one person, the shocking effect they brought was unprecedented.
"The Qi Ling Realm can confront the Ling Fu Realm... Is this really possible? It can't be an exaggeration, right?" A female disciple from Danxia Peak questioned in a low voice, with disbelief written all over her face.
"It's absolutely true! I was not far away at the time and saw with my own eyes that Senior Brother Gao Sheng was forced back by her finger, and his palm was frozen! His movement was like a ghost, and it was impossible to catch his trajectory!" A disciple from the Weapon Hall who was present at the time swore solemnly, with fear still in his eyes.
"I heard that she is practicing magic? Is that why she is so powerful?" someone speculated maliciously.
"Bullshit! Junior Sister Su said that it was Goldman Sachs and the others who started the fight first! I think Zhan Kuangfeng was bullying others and ended up hitting a wall!" Some disciples were dissatisfied with Zhan Kuangfeng's usual domineering behavior and secretly cheered for Ye Li.
"Anyway, Ye Li has become completely famous. Who knew Yundan Peak had such a prominent figure before? Now, even the Sect Master and the other Peak Masters have noticed her."
"And then there's her and Fairy Qin from the Bishui Pavilion... I heard they had a delicate relationship in the secret realm, like enemies yet friends, and Fairy Qin even helped her in the end? There's a lot of depth to this story..."
Ye Li's name was mentioned repeatedly in the discussion. She was no longer just the newcomer who had distinguished herself in the clan competition, nor was she just another ordinary outer disciple from Yundan Peak. She had truly burst onto the scene of all Xuanyun Sect disciples with an incredibly powerful, even legendary, style, becoming a household name within the sect. Her popularity, for a time, even surpassed that of many veteran inner disciples and even true disciples.
Another name associated with her—Qin Yixuan—was also frequently mentioned. The encounter between these two equally stunning, prodigies of heaven, from different sects, in the secret realm was interpreted in various ways, becoming a topic of conversation among the disciples and adding a touch of mystery to Ye Li's already controversial image.
Inside the Cloud Boat's core cabin, Elder Yan, the team leader, was observing the disciples' discussions and reactions outside through the Water Mirror Technique, his brow furrowed. Opposite him sat a middle-aged man in a cloud-patterned white robe, his demeanor elegant. He was none other than the Yundan Peak master, Lay Buddhist Muyun.
"Junior Brother Muyun, have you heard everything?" Elder Yan sighed. "This matter is now causing a stir, with many different opinions. Gao Sheng insists that Ye Li is practicing demonic arts and harming his fellow disciples, while Su Wanyun and other disciples prove that Gao Sheng and his group were the first to attack. Both sides have their own opinions, but the fact is that Ye Li has obtained a powerful inheritance and has demonstrated astonishing combat prowess at the Qiling Realm. What do you think should be done about this matter?"
Lay Buddhist Muyun's expression remained calm, his fingertips tapping lightly on the table as he spoke slowly, "Brother Yan, I have some understanding of the disciples of Yundan Peak. Yeli is a woman of strong character and decisive in her actions, but she is definitely not one to slaughter innocent people or practice evil techniques. Why did Gao Sheng and the others attack her? It's simply because of the saying 'to possess a treasure is to be punished.' As for her inheritance and strength... it's fate. This disciple has such good fortune, and it is a blessing for the sect. How can it be a sin?"
His words were calm, but his stance was extremely clear, and it was obvious that he wanted to protect his shortcomings.
Elder Yan smiled bitterly, "Junior Brother Muyun, I know this truth, don't I? But as for Zhan Kuangfeng... you know that old fellow Situ Kuang's temper. He's always protecting his subordinates. Shi Feng is the descendant of one of his registered disciples, and now that his arm has been cut off, he won't let it go. Furthermore, Ye Li's inheritance is of unknown origin and immensely powerful. The sect needs a clear explanation, otherwise it will be difficult to convince the people and chaos may arise."
Situ Kuang is the master of Zhan Kuang Peak. He has a violent personality, profound cultivation, and a huge influence in the sect.
Lay Buddhist Mu Yun said calmly, "If Senior Brother Situ wants to argue, I, Mu Yun, will take over. Sect rules state that killing one's fellow disciples is a taboo, but self-defense and counterattack are understandable. As for the origin of the inheritance, I will personally ask Ye Li after returning to the sect. If it is truly left by a righteous sage, the sect should not only not condemn it, but also protect it and encourage disciples to improve. If there is really a problem... I will not show favoritism."
His words were flawless, showing his attitude of protecting his disciples while also upholding the sect's bottom line.
Elder Yan nodded. "I'm relieved with what you've said, Junior Brother. This matter is of great importance and is no longer an ordinary disciple conflict. After returning to the sect, I'm afraid we'll need to convene a meeting of elders, led by the Law Enforcement Hall, to jointly review this matter. Before that, I'll have to inconvenience Ye Li and temporarily stay in the Law Enforcement Hall's 'Quiet Contemplation Pavilion' for a few days to show fairness and avoid further conflict with the disciples of Zhan Kuangfeng."
Jingsi Pavilion, although named Jingsi, is actually a place used by the Law Enforcement Hall to temporarily detain and interrogate disciples involved in incidents. Although it is intended for surveillance, the environment is much better than a prison.
Mr. Muyun pondered for a moment, knowing that this was a necessary procedure, and nodded in agreement: "Yes. But you must ensure Ye Li's safety. No torture or humiliation."
"Of course." Elder Yan agreed.
…
The cloud boat was moving at breakneck speed, and half a day later, the majestic and continuous Xuanyun Mountains came into view. The seventy-two peaks were shrouded in mist, and cranes were flying in the sky, creating a magnificent scene.
The cloud boat slowly landed on the vast plaza of Xuantian Peak, the main peak. Many disciples from various peaks, having already received the news, gathered around the plaza, eager to see for themselves who the stirring "Ye Li" was.
When Ye Li followed Elder Yan and Mr. Mu Yun down from the cloud boat, he instantly became the focus of the entire audience.
Countless eyes fell on her simultaneously. There was curiosity, scrutiny, admiration, jealousy, and even the undisguised hatred of Gao Sheng and Shi Feng.
Ye Li was still dressed in the simple uniform of a Yundan Peak disciple. Her face was beautiful yet aloof, her posture straight and her steps calm. Facing this spotlight, there was no trace of timidity or complacency on her face, only a calmness and indifference beyond her years, as if the surrounding clamor had no bearing on her.
This demeanor caused the inner disciples and deacons who were secretly observing to nod their heads. This woman was truly extraordinary.
"Ye Li." Lay Buddhist Mu Yun stopped and turned to look at her. His voice was gentle but solemn. "The sect must investigate matters concerning the secret realm according to the rules. You can stay with Elder Yan in the 'Jingsi Pavilion' of the Law Enforcement Hall for a few days and cooperate with the investigation. Don't be nervous, just tell the truth. I have my own ideas."
Ye Li met the calm but supportive gaze of Master Mu Yun, and felt a slight warmth in his heart. He bowed and said, "Disciple understands and will follow Master's instructions."
She knew this was a necessary process. Going to Jingsi Pavilion seemed like a punishment, but in reality it was a form of protection from the sect's leaders before the situation became clear, preventing her from directly facing Zhan Kuangfeng's wrath.
Elder Yan waved his hand, and two disciples from the Law Enforcement Hall stepped forward, their attitude quite polite: "Junior Sister Ye, please follow us."
Ye Li nodded, took one last look at the worried eyes of Mu Yun Jushi, Su Wanyun and the others, then turned around and, under the gazes of countless people, followed the law enforcement disciples and walked towards the solemn and dignified law enforcement hall that symbolized the sect's laws.
Her back stretched out in the afterglow of the setting sun, lonely, yet revealing an inviolable tenacity.
As Ye Li was brought into the Law Enforcement Hall, the discussions in the square reached a climax.
"He was taken directly to the Law Enforcement Hall! Looks like things have really gotten out of hand!"
"I heard that a meeting of elders will be held to review it!"
"Guess what the outcome will be? Will Zhan Kuangfeng let it go?"
"Master Muyun seems to be determined to protect her. Now we are going to have a good show!"
"No matter what the outcome, Ye Li has become completely famous. From now on, no one in the sect will dare to look down on Yundan Peak..."
Like a boulder dropped into a tranquil lake, Ye Li's name stirred a thousand waves within the Xuanyun Sect. She was no longer just a name; she became a symbol, representing opportunity, risk, controversy, and the potential to break with convention. Her fate was no longer her own, but would affect the delicate balance of power within the sect.
A silent war centered around her had just begun. Yet, at this moment, Ye Li, in the Quiet Contemplation Pavilion, was remarkably calm. She sat cross-legged on a cushion, reviewing the insights gained from her journey to the secret realm, particularly the profound meanings of the "Universe Traceless Step" and the "Ice Soul Sealing Heaven Finger." Meanwhile, she quietly awaited the impending storm.
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