Chapter 39: So What If I Interfere?

Chapter 39 – So What If I Interfere?

At the Qingyun Sect Grand Hall Square, two overwhelming Nascent Soul auras clashed, triggering a Spiritual Qi explosion centered around Li Qingran.

The disciples nearby felt as if their heads were suddenly submerged in water, their ears ringing violently. The force of the clash sent dust and debris flying, stone tiles ripped from the ground by the shockwave, crashing into the sect’s outer walls and leaving deep pits in their wake.

“This is bad! A powerful expert is here!”

Sect Master Wu Duantian turned pale and urgently commanded the elders beside him, “Hurry and activate the Sect Protection Formation! Ensure the safety of the disciples!”

“Yes—!”

The two elders didn’t dare to hesitate and immediately set to work.

But their precaution was unnecessary.

That overwhelming aura targeted only Chixiao Peak’s people—specifically, the arrogant Daoist Qingxuan.

For the other disciples, it was no more than a gentle breeze. Even the flying debris curved away, avoiding them entirely.

However, the disciples behind Daoist Qingxuan weren’t so lucky.

The immense pressure from two Nascent Soul cultivators bore down on Lu Changtian and the others, forcing them to the ground, their faces turning an alarming shade of purple-red. Yet, none of them dared utter a single complaint.

“Who are you, and why are you interfering in Qingyun Sect’s affairs?!”

Daoist Qingxuan’s face was grim.

He was the strongest cultivator in Qingyun Sect, second only to Ancestor Qingyun. Even Wu Duantian, the sect master, was no match for him.

But now—this mysterious expert, still unseen, was able to go toe-to-toe with him!

Previously, Lu Changtian had reported that Li Qingran had met a mysterious senior outside the sect. This must be him.

Qingxuan had expected this person to give Li Qingran some resources or minor help.

He never expected this person to openly stand against Qingyun Sect for her!

Did this person truly fear nothing—not even Qingyun Sect?!

【I have interfered. So what?】

“You—!”

Daoist Qingxuan almost choked on his own breath.

Before he could gather his words, that ethereal voice floated in once again.

【Li Qingran is no longer a disciple of Qingyun Sect. I am merely here to settle an old cause and effect. Stay calm.】

Cultivators deeply respected karma—whenever cause and effect were involved, the matter was never trivial.

Daoist Qingxuan frowned. “What cause and effect?”

【The cause was planted in Chixiao Peak. The effect belongs to Li Qingran.】

【I will not interfere further… but neither will you. Otherwise, don’t blame me for disregarding Qingyun Sect’s dignity!】

These words sent a wave of unease through Chen Huai’an.

If only he could buy the Fusion Realm cultivation upgrade!

If he had Fusion Realm power, he wouldn't even need to talk—he’d just cut them all down with a sword!

Right now, he could only buy Nascent Soul Perfection, and if all the elders ganged up on him, he’d have to burn his lifeforce and self-destruct to take them with him… assuming they didn’t flee first. ṝ𝘼Ｎö𝐁È𝘴

Seems like I still have to play the "mysterious expert" act.

Since his character model hadn’t been revealed yet, the enemy had no way of locating him.

As long as he maintained the air of an unfathomable expert, Daoist Qingxuan wouldn’t dare make a move.

And why was Chen Huai’an so sure?

Because he could see Qingxuan’s basic character profile:

〈Daoist Qingxuan – Late Nascent Soul – 651 years old – Cautious by nature, highly suspicious, arrogant and ruthless.〉

Chen Huai’an was the same type of person.

He usually acted carefree, but in truth, he was always scheming. If someone provoked him, he’d ensure they suffered true despair.

Qingxuan, too, was this kind of person.

And until he figured out Chen Huai’an’s true identity, Qingxuan would behave himself.

Just as Chen Huai’an expected, Qingxuan, Wu Duantian, and the other elders all turned pale at his words.

What did he mean by "not considering Qingyun Sect’s dignity"?

What level of strength must he have to say such a thing?!

Wu Duantian wanted to prove Qingyun Sect’s might—but he had no idea where this person even was.

When he sent his spiritual sense out to locate him, there was nothing but empty space.

Not knowing the enemy’s full strength, he had no choice but to endure the humiliation.

“You two, continue searching for that person’s whereabouts.”

Wu Duantian ordered two elders to investigate further, while he subtly gestured for Qingxuan to remain patient.

His voice was transmitted directly into Qingxuan’s mind:

"Qingxuan, they are in the shadows while we are exposed. Until we understand their power, we must not act rashly. That girl is merely at Qi Refinement—how much trouble can she truly cause? Let’s wait and observe."

Qingxuan hesitated, then gave a slight nod, withdrawing his oppressive aura—though his icy gaze remained locked on Li Qingran.

Li Qingran had brought an outsider to challenge the sect, humiliating Chixiao Peak.

From this moment on, no matter what, she would never be forgiven.

Even if Lu Changtian and the others pleaded on her behalf, it would be useless.

Thinking of rejoining Qingyun Sect?

Heh. Ridiculous.

Qingxuan still assumed Li Qingran wanted to return.

But he was stuck in the past.

With Chen Huai’an backing her, Li Qingran felt at ease.

She stepped forward, stopping before the Chixiao Peak disciples.

Ignoring Qingxuan’s dagger-like glare, she swept her gaze across them before finally settling on Zhang Hanxiao.

She clasped her hands together in a polite bow.

“Fourth Senior Brother, I trust you’ve been well.”

“Well, well, Li Qingran.”

Zhang Hanxiao crossed his arms, smirking.

“No wonder you came back so confidently—you’ve found someone to back you up?”

This was Qingyun Sect.

With the elders and sect master present, no matter how strong that outsider was, he wouldn’t dare keep defending Li Qingran.

Once that "senior" was gone, wouldn’t Li Qingran be at his mercy?

“Senior is, of course, supporting me.”

Li Qingran didn’t deny it.

She simply held her Su Xian Sword, looking Zhang Hanxiao in the eye.

“But do you still remember, Fourth Senior Brother—before I was expelled from Qingyun Sect, who was it that covered for you whenever you got into trouble? Who paid off all your gambling debts? If not for me, your reputation would have been ruined long ago.”

Zhang Hanxiao’s face flushed red, humiliated by the public exposure of his past.

“You… what nonsense are you saying?! Stop slandering me!”

“Slander?”

Li Qingran reached into her storage bag, pulled out a stack of debt records, and threw them into the air.

The papers fluttered down like falling snow, the sheer number shocking everyone.

Her cold voice cut through the silence.

“These are all the records of the debts I paid for you. I kept track of them at first, but I couldn’t write fast enough to keep up with your reckless spending!”

“Zhang Hanxiao, in public, you are Chixiao Peak’s brilliant Fourth Senior Brother.”

“But in reality? You’re nothing more than a parasite feeding off your Junior Sister!”

A storm of murmurs erupted among the disciples.

And before Zhang Hanxiao could react—

Li Qingran’s sword was already at the ready.

"Very well…"

"Draw your sword!"