Chapter 89 Publicly Confessing to Master

The morning light peeked through the window lattice of Cold Moon Palace, which had been carved from ten-thousand-year mysterious ice, scattering dappled fragments of gold upon the floor.

Inside the bedchamber, the light gauze curtains swayed slightly, and the air still held a lingering sweetness and the cool, orchid-like fragrance of the aftermath.

Su Ye opened his eyes, feeling the Spiritual Qi within him surging like a river.

His Spirit Transformation Triple Heaven Realm was not only completely stabilized but even showed faint signs of breaking through to the fourth heaven.

"The Ancient Desolate Sacred Body combined with Revered Master's primordial yin power is truly the most overbearing shortcut to cultivation in the world."

The corners of his mouth lifted slightly as he turned his head to look at the woman still sleeping soundly beside him.

Leng Yueli looked like an utterly exhausted cat, curled up in the brocade quilt.

That stunningly beautiful face, which was usually as cold as frost and caused countless people to avert their eyes, now exuded a heart-stopping tenderness.

A few strands of dark hair clung messily to her cheeks, and her long eyelashes fluttered slightly, as if she were still trembling in her dream.

The thin quilt slipped slightly, revealing half of her porcelain-like shoulder and several striking crimson marks at her collarbone.

Su Ye reached out his hand and gently tucked the corner of the quilt for her.

His fingers touched her skin, which was as warm and smooth as jade, the texture astonishingly delicate.

Leng Yueli seemed to sense something amiss; her dark brows furrowed slightly, and she let out a soft hum like a kitten.

"Mmm..."

She slowly opened her eyes. Those eyes, which usually seemed to contain ten thousand years of cold ice, were now filled with a hazy mist.

Seeing Su Ye so close, she froze for a moment, and then her cheeks rapidly flushed with a rosy hue.

Memories flooded back like a tide. The madness of last night, the shameful pleas for mercy, and that absurd "heart-to-heart joint cultivation"...

"Wicked Disciple..."

Leng Yueli bit her lower lip, her voice soft and hoarse, bearing no trace of the majesty of a Tribulation Crossing Realm Great Power.

Su Ye chuckled. He did not withdraw his finger but instead let it slide down her cheek, gently pinching her exquisite chin.

"Revered Master, isn't it a bit late to think of scolding me now?"

"Last night, Revered Master held onto me and refused to let go, constantly calling out..."

"Shut up!"

Leng Yueli was dying of shame and anger. One jade hand shot out, covering Su Ye's mouth.

If others heard that the dignified Peak Revered Master of Purple Bamboo Peak was like that during such matters, her reputation of several hundred years would be completely ruined.

Su Ye blinked and lightly licked her palm with the tip of his tongue.

An electric sensation made Leng Yueli instantly retract her hand, her body trembling beneath the covers.

"You... you bastard, you're becoming increasingly lawless!"

Although she was scolding him, there was no real anger in her eyes, only a hint of helpless indulgence.

Su Ye took the opportunity to hold her hand and kissed it, his gaze burning.

"Revered Master, the Grand Competition is imminent. Disciple is just seizing the time to help Revered Master 'temper' her Dao Heart."

"Sophistry."

Leng Yueli rolled her eyes at him. Remembering the important matters, her expression became slightly more serious.

"Yeer, your internal Spiritual Qi is surging. It seems that last night... truly benefited you greatly."

When she said the words "last night," her ears turned red again, and she forced herself to remain calm.

"The Ancient Desolate Sacred Body is a forbidden Physique of heaven and earth. Now that it has been harmonized by my primordial yin, your Breakthrough to the fourth heaven is a certainty."

"But you must remember, Li Tianxing is insidious and cunning, and he practices the Hall of Punishment's secret technique, the 'Blood Fiend Asura Art.' Do not underestimate the enemy."

As she spoke, she reached under the pillow and pulled out a jade talisman emitting a faint chill, shoving it into Su Ye's hand.

"This is the Cold Moon Heart Protection Talisman. It contains the defensive power of my full-strength strike and can save your life at a critical moment."

Su Ye held the jade talisman, which still carried her body heat, and a warm current surged through his heart.

This was his Revered Master. Even though she had been exhausted to the point of collapse last night, the first thing she thought of upon waking was his safety.

"Thank you, Revered Master."

Su Ye leaned over and kissed her forehead.

"However, to deal with a mere Li Tianxing, I don't need Revered Master's life-saving talisman."

"I will stand upright and, in front of the entire Sect, trample him under my feet."

Leng Yueli looked at the spirited young man before her, a trace of daze flashing in her eyes.

Once upon a time, that little boy who still needed her protection had now grown into such a sturdy, upright man.

Even... capable of pressing her beneath him.

Thinking of this, Leng Yueli felt a flurry of panic in her heart and hurriedly pushed against Su Ye's chest.

"Alright, it's already bright out. Leave quickly."

"If Jiang Wanyin and the others see you leaving my bedchamber, how will I ever face anyone again?"

Su Ye smirked, "Let them see. At worst, Disciple will tell the Junior Sisters that Revered Master was guiding Disciple's cultivation too late last night..."

"Get out!"

Leng Yueli grabbed a pillow and threw it at him in shame and anger. "If you dare spout nonsense again, Revered Master will cripple you, you Wicked Disciple!"

An incense stick's time later. At the back door of Cold Moon Palace, a figure snuck out stealthily.

Su Ye tidied his clothes and looked back at the tightly closed palace gate, the corners of his mouth curving into a satisfied arc.

Although he was "toiling" last night, this Ancient Desolate Sacred Body was truly overbearing; not only did he feel no fatigue, but he was instead full of vigor.

The Qi and blood within his body were like a dragon, and his Spiritual Qi was so full it was about to overflow.

"System." Su Ye thought silently.

[host: Su Ye]

[Realm: Spirit Severing Realm Triple Heaven (Perfection, can Breakthrough at any time)]

[Physique: Ancient Desolate Sacred Body (Second Stage Awakening)]

[Mission: Holy Land Prestige (In Progress)]

Looking at the panel, a cold glint flashed in Su Ye's eyes. Li Tianxing, Hall of Punishment... since you want to play, this Saint will accompany you and play properly.

He hummed a little tune, walking with his hands behind his back toward the front mountain of Purple Bamboo Peak.

Just as he passed through a bamboo forest, a crisp yet somewhat teasing voice suddenly came from the side.

"Senior Brother, you're up quite early today?"

Su Ye's footsteps paused, and his back felt inexplicably cold.

Turning his head to look, he saw Jiang Wanyin sitting on a thick purple bamboo, her two long, jade-like legs swaying gently.

She was wearing a fiery red long dress today, the collar slightly open, revealing a patch of snow-white skin, and she was playing with a green bamboo flute in her hand.

Those peach-blossom eyes were sizing up Su Ye with a look that was half-smile.

"So it's Second Junior Sister."

Su Ye kept a straight face and said calmly, "The Grand Competition is imminent, so Senior Brother went to the back mountain to inhale purple Qi and comprehend the Dao of Heaven and Earth."

"Oh? Comprehending the Dao?"

Jiang Wanyin hopped down lightly, walked up to Su Ye, and sniffed with her nose.

Then, the corners of her mouth curved into a meaningful smile.

"Why does the scent of Senior Brother's 'Dao' smell exactly like the orchid fragrance in Revered Master's bedchamber?"

"And..." She extended her onion-white finger and lightly tapped Su Ye's collar.

"Senior Brother, you've even buttoned your buttons wrong by one. Could it be that you were so engrossed in comprehending the Dao that you didn't even have time to dress properly?"

Su Ye's heart skipped a beat. This Second Junior Sister is truly a vixen; her nose is more sensitive than a dog's!

But after all, he had lived two lifetimes; his face was already thicker than a city wall.

He put on a serious expression and said righteously, "Second Junior Sister, stop spouting nonsense! Revered Master was... Revered Master was testing my Protective Aura!"

"Just now, Revered Master unleashed the 'Cold Ice Palm,' and in order to resist it, my clothes became a bit messy."

"Is that so?" Jiang Wanyin's beautiful eyes swiveled, her body leaning slightly forward, her breath like orchids.

"Then is this red mark on Senior Brother's neck also from the Cold Ice Palm?"

Su Ye subconsciously covered his neck. That was from when Revered Master couldn't help but bite him when she was moved by passion last night...

"This was a mosquito bite! There are many poisonous mosquitoes in the back mountain!" Su Ye spouted nonsense with a straight face.

"Giggle..." Jiang Wanyin laughed so hard she trembled, her chest heaving.

"Alright, I'm just teasing you." She stopped laughing, a trace of worry flashing in her eyes.

"Senior Brother, I just came back from the Hall of Affairs. I heard the Hall of Punishment is making big moves."

"Li Tianxing has put out word that he wants to break your limbs and cripple your cultivation on the arena, making you kneel and beg for mercy."

"Also, that trash Wang Chong is spreading rumors everywhere, saying your position as Saint is illegitimate."

Hearing this, a cold light flashed in Su Ye's eyes, but a cold smile appeared at the corners of his mouth.

"Break my limbs? What a big mouth."

"It seems that breaking one of Wang Chong's arms last time still didn't teach them a lesson."

He patted Jiang Wanyin's shoulder, the touch smooth and soft.

"Don't worry, they are just a few clowns."

"By the way, where are Lin Qingzhu and Qin Yurou?"

Jiang Wanyin rolled her eyes at him and didn't mind his "lecherous hand."

"Third Junior Sister is in the dining hall brewing tonic soup for you, saying you have the Grand Competition coming up and need to nourish your body."

"The youngest Junior Sister is practicing swordplay in the Martial Arts Arena. That girl has been very diligent lately, saying she wants to protect Senior Brother."

Su Ye's heart warmed. Although Purple Bamboo Peak had few people, this bond was the most precious thing in the entire Primordial Origin Holy Land.

For Revered Master, for these few Junior Sisters, he must win this Grand Competition! And he must win beautifully!

"Let's go to the dining hall and taste Qing Zhu's cooking."

Su Ye waved his hand and took the lead.

Jiang Wanyin watched his back, the playfulness in her eyes gradually fading, replaced by a touch of determination.

"Senior Brother, if you lose, I will burn the Hall of Punishment to the ground. At worst, we'll just defect from the Sect together."

She whispered, then quickly followed him.

...

Primordial Origin Holy Land, dining hall.

Although it was early morning, the place was already bustling.

Outer Sect and Inner Sect Disciples gathered together, and the topic of conversation was, without exception, the upcoming Grand Competition.

"Have you heard? The reward for first place in this Grand Competition is a drop of 'Heavenly Phoenix Essence Blood'!"

"Hiss—Heavenly Phoenix Essence Blood? That is a supreme treasure that can reshape one's marrow and bones!"

"Is there any need to ask who will take first place? It must be Senior Brother Li Tianxing; he is a half-step Dongxu Realm!"

"What about Su Ye from Purple Bamboo Peak? I heard he's been very prominent lately and is even the first holy son nominated by the Sect Revered Master."

"Pfft—Su Ye? Just a gigolo who relies on women to get ahead."

Just then, a harsh voice rang out abruptly.

The speaker was a youth in a black robe, with a face full of flab, sitting on a table in the center with his legs crossed.

Around him were seven or eight Hall of Punishment Disciples, also dressed in black robes.

"Who doesn't know that Su Ye's Ancient Desolate Sacred Body is a useless Physique? It was all piled up by Peak Master Leng using Heaven And Earth Treasure."

The black-robed youth spat and mocked loudly: "If you ask me, he's only good at bed skills, having served Peak Master Leng well..."

"Bang!" A loud noise interrupted his filthy words.

The entire dining hall instantly fell silent.

Everyone looked toward the entrance in horror.

They saw two heavy red mahogany doors kicked in by someone, sending wood splinters flying.

As the dust settled, a figure in white as snow slowly walked in.

With sword-like eyebrows and star-like eyes, he was handsome and elegant. It was none other than Su Ye.

Behind him, Jiang Wanyin held a purple bamboo flute, her pretty face frosty, and the fire spiritual energy around her body was faintly agitated.

"Just now, which dog was barking?" Su Ye's gaze was indifferent as he scanned the room.

The Disciples whose gazes he swept over all felt as if they had fallen into an ice cellar and lowered their heads one after another.

The black-robed youth's face stiffened, then he stood up abruptly, pointed at Su Ye, and shouted: "Su Ye! How dare you call me a dog?"

"I am Zhao Meng, an Inner Sect Disciple of the Hall of Punishment! Senior Brother Li is my cousin!"

Su Ye didn't even glance at him and walked straight into the depths of the dining hall.

"I didn't ask who you are; I just asked, which dog was barking just now."

This kind of disregard was even more uncomfortable than being slapped in the face.

Zhao Meng was used to throwing his weight around in the Holy Land, relying on Li Tianxing's influence; when had he ever suffered such treatment?

"You're courting death!" Zhao Meng roared, his spiritual energy erupting, and the pressure of the Spirit Transformation First Heaven swept out.

A ghost-head broadsword appeared in his hand, and with a whistling wind, he slashed directly at Su Ye's back.

"Senior Brother, look out!" Lin Qingzhu, who was walking out of the back kitchen carrying a soup bowl, saw this, turned pale with fright, and exclaimed.

The surrounding Disciples also held their breath.

Although this Zhao Meng was not as good as Li Tianxing, he was still an elite of the Hall of Punishment. This blade was powerful and heavy; ordinary Spirit Severing Realm cultivators would not dare to take it head-on.

However, it was as if Su Ye had eyes in the back of his head.

He didn't stop, just casually swung his hand backward.

"Slap!" An extremely crisp sound of a slap exploded in the silent dining hall.

Immediately after, everyone saw a scene they would never forget for the rest of their lives.

The aggressive Zhao Meng, along with his sword, was sent flying sideways as if he were being swatted like a fly.

He spun in the air seven or eight times before slamming heavily into a wall more than ten meters away.

"Boom!" The wall cracked, and rubble tumbled down.

Zhao Meng slid down like a pile of mud, half his face already swollen into a pig's head, and teeth mixed with blood sprayed all over the ground.

"Pfft—" The whole scene was dead silent. You could hear a pin drop.

Everyone widened their eyes, looking in disbelief at that still calm and composed figure.

One slap? Just one slap, and he disabled the Spirit Transformation First Heaven Zhao Meng?

Is this the legendary useless Physique? Is this the Su Ye who only knows how to be a gigolo?

Su Ye seemed to have just swatted a mosquito to death, and even disdainfully took out a handkerchief to wipe his hand.

He walked up to Lin Qingzhu, and looking at the pale Third Junior Sister, a gentle smile appeared on his face.

"Qing Zhu, is the soup ready? Senior Brother is hungry."

Lin Qingzhu's hand holding the soup bowl was still trembling slightly. Looking at the familiar yet strange Senior Brother before her, her eyes turned red.

"It... it's ready, Senior Brother. This is the spiritual chicken and ginseng soup that Qing Zhu simmered all night."

Su Ye reached out and took the soup bowl, lifted the lid, and a rich aroma wafted over.

He took a deep breath and praised: "So fragrant."

Subsequently, he turned around, his gaze once again sweeping towards the group of Hall of Punishment Disciples who were already scared silly.

Those Disciples, who were usually arrogant and domineering, were now scared into retreating repeatedly by just one look from Su Ye.

"Go back and tell Li Tianxing."

Su Ye's voice was not loud, but it clearly spread to every corner.

"Tell him to wash his neck clean."

"On the Grand Competition stage, I will let him know what cruelty is."

Having said that, he carried the soup, took his two Junior Sisters, and walked away in the awe-struck gaze of the crowd.

... Back at Purple Bamboo Peak.

Su Ye comforted the frightened Lin Qingzhu and gave some pointers on sword techniques to his Little Junior Sister Qin Yurou.

Although this little girl was young, she possessed the Nine-Orifice Exquisite Heart and had extremely high Comprehension Ability.

But looking at her small figure sweating profusely, Su Ye couldn't help but feel some emotion.

In the original story, the Purple Bamboo Peak lineage had a miserable ending.

The Revered Master was imprisoned, and the Junior Sisters were either dead or injured.

And all of this was because he, as their Senior Brother, was too useless to protect them.

"Since I have come, this will absolutely never happen again."

Su Ye clenched his fists.

Night fell again.

Behind Purple Bamboo Peak, the Heaven Questioning Platform.

This was the place with the most concentrated Spiritual Qi in the entire Purple Bamboo Peak.

Su Ye sat cross-legged, with the starry sky above his head and a ten-thousand-foot cliff beneath him.

He took out a jar of "Drunken Immortal Brew" he had swiped from the Cold Moon Palace and took a large gulp.

The strong liquor went down his throat, turning into a rolling hot current, instantly fusing with the spiritual power in his body.

"Break!" Su Ye shouted in a low voice.

It felt as if some shackles inside his body had been violently shattered.

Rumble—sounds of thunder came from within his body; that was the blood of the Ancient Desolate Sacred Body surging and roaring.

Golden light burst forth from his pores, dispelling the surrounding darkness completely.

Behind him, a vague golden phantom slowly emerged, like an ancient God King, overlooking all living beings.

Heaven and Earth Spiritual Qi gathered frantically, forming a huge vortex that poured into Su Ye's crown.

Crack! That was the sound of a Bottleneck breaking.

Spirit Transformation Triple Heaven... Break! Spirit Transformation Fourth Heaven!

But this was not over! That power was still surging, unstoppable!

Spirit Transformation Fourth Heaven Middle Stage... Late Stage... Peak!

It was not until it touched the threshold of the Spirit Transformation Fifth Heaven that this power slowly calmed down.

Su Ye slowly opened his eyes.

Two golden beams shot out from his eyes, actually causing ripples in the air.

Feeling the power in his body that was several times more terrifying, a haughty arc curled at the corner of his mouth.

"Spirit Transformation Fourth Heaven Peak."

"Plus the physical strength of the Ancient Desolate Sacred Body, and the Saint-rank spirit sword 'moon gazing'..."

"Li Tianxing, the current you, in my eyes, is nothing but a joke."

Just then, the System's prompt sounded in his mind.

[Ding! Detected that the host has broken through, the difficulty of the 'Holy Land Prestige' mission has increased.]

[New side mission: Win first place in the Grand Competition, and confess to Leng Yueli in public (the 'no regrets even in death' version).]

[Reward: Imperial Rank Cultivation Technique "Chaos God and Demon Visualization Map", one Sacred Body Advancement Pill.]

Su Ye's eyelids twitched.

Confess in public? System, are you tired of me living? Or do you think the Revered Master isn't socially dead enough?

If I confess in front of the entire Sect, wouldn't those few old antique Elders be so angry they'd vomit blood on the spot?

However... In Su Ye's mind, the image of Leng Yueli, ashamed and furious yet secretly happy, appeared.

"Heh, this mission... is a bit interesting."

He stood up and looked towards the main Peak where the Hall of Punishment was located, his gaze like a sword.

"Li Tianxing, just wait."

"Three days later, in the Primordial Origin Holy Land, there will only be one voice."

"That is me, Su Ye's voice!"