Chapter 8 : Conspiracy

Wanqing’s narrow victory over an early Foundation Establishment cultivator with her mid-Qi Refining cultivation was already a shocking upset.
But the Misty Moon Fairy, Shuyue, personally stepping into the arena to support the exhausted Wanqing sent the match’s attention soaring to a climax!

The crowd’s focus and murmurs instantly shifted from the “upset” to “the Misty Moon Fairy values this nominal disciple so highly.”

On the high platform, Liu Qingxu watched Shuyue’s hand steadying Wanqing, the sight painfully glaring.
Her smile nearly faltered.

“Why?”

A mere lowly girl who fluked a win—how could she earn such favor from the Misty Moon Fairy?

Personally stepping in to help her?

Liu Qingxu, the exalted young mistress of the Yaochi Immortal Sect, had tried multiple times to win Shuyue’s favor, yet couldn’t even touch the hem of her robe!

The stark contrast and sense of being ignored stung her heart.

Her dislike and hostility toward Wanqing reached a peak, and even toward the ever-distant Misty Moon Fairy, a twisted obsession began to form.

The more unattainable and cold Shuyue was, the more Liu Qingxu found her unique, craving to either conquer her or… destroy everything bothersome around her.

“Hmph, such deep master-servant affection,” Liu Qingxu sneered softly, loud enough for nearby elders to hear, her tone barely masking its acidity.

Elder Yuheng paused his fanning, casting her a thoughtful glance.
Elder Xuanshi frowned, thinking this Yaochi Sect girl had too many schemes.

Elder Qingxu felt her temperament seemed somewhat extreme.

On the arena, Shuyue regretted her action the moment she caught Wanqing.

‘Shuyue, why are your hands so quick? What happened to keeping your distance? Now the whole sect knows you’re backing this girl! Your survival plan’s gone bankrupt again!’

Yet that brief contact, and the “Master” personally stepping in, filled Wanqing’s heart with courage and warmth.

Her pale face flushed slightly as she nodded vigorously: “Yes! Thank you, Elder!”

Under countless surprised, envious, or jealous gazes, Wanqing, despite her weakened state, walked off the arena step by step, her back unusually straight.

Shuyue flashed back to her seat on the platform, her aura colder, her unapproachable air fully activated, shutting down any attempts at conversation.

Liu Qingxu, seeing Shuyue’s icy demeanor contrasted with her aid to Wanqing, felt her jealousy flare hotter but forced it down, her smile growing frostier.

The competition continued.

Wanqing, drained from her first match and nursing minor internal injuries, faced a formidable mid-Foundation Establishment sword cultivator in the second round and, unsurprisingly, lost.

But no one mocked her this time.
Reaching the second round with mid-Qi Refining cultivation and genuinely defeating an early Foundation Establishment opponent had earned her respect.

Though defeated, she left the arena with honor, her expression disappointed but not discouraged, her eyes even more resolute.

Watching from the platform, Shuyue quietly sighed in relief.

‘Losing’s good—it keeps her from being the center of attention.’
She noticed Wanqing, after descending, was approached by several outer and even inner sect female disciples offering healing pills and concern.

“Hm? The heroine’s halo is starting to take effect, opening her social connections?

Good… maybe?”

The competition grew more thrilling as it progressed.

Genius disciples from each peak showcased their formidable strength and remarkable talents.

Chu Yi, naturally, participated.

With his dual metal-fire spiritual roots and mid-Foundation Establishment cultivation, his fierce, domineering swordsmanship swept through opponents, earning crushing victories and drawing immense attention, his momentum unmatched.

Many elders praised his exceptional talent.

After each victory, Chu Yi instinctively glanced at Shuyue on the platform, his eyes seeking her approval.

Shuyue: “…”

‘Help, stop looking at me!’

She could only shift her gaze expressionlessly, pretending not to notice.

Liu Qingxu also noticed Chu Yi.
Sizing up this equally talented, handsome genius who seemed to hold special attention for the Misty Moon Fairy, a calculating glint flickered in her eyes.

‘Perhaps… he could be useful?’

During a break in the competition, Liu Qingxu “happened” to encounter Chu Yi, who was meditating after a match.

“You must be Fellow Daoist Chu Yi? Truly a young prodigy with striking swordsmanship,” Liu Qingxu said with a charming smile, her posture elegant.
“Watching you fight, I couldn’t help but notice a trace of Sister Misty Moon’s grace. Could it be you and the Fairy…”

She trailed off ambiguously, inviting speculation.

Hearing her mention his master and noting her refined demeanor, Chu Yi softened slightly but remained aloof: “I indeed aspire to join Elder Misty Moon’s tutelage and am currently under her evaluation.”

“I see,” Liu Qingxu said, her smile deepening with a strange glint.
“Sister Misty Moon’s standards are naturally high, but with your talent, you’ll surely succeed eventually.
Though…”

She sighed with feigned regret: “It seems Sister favors that nominal disciple of hers quite a bit.
She even stepped into the arena today…
I worry she’s distracted by irrelevant people, neglecting her own cultivation and the nurturing of true talents.”

Her words, cloaked in concern for Shuyue, were laced with provocation.

Chu Yi’s brows furrowed instantly.

Already uneasy about his master’s special treatment of Wanqing, Liu Qingxu’s words amplified his dissatisfaction and sense of crisis.

He looked at her, his tone colder: “Thank you for the reminder, Fairy. Master has her own judgment.
As for certain people…”

A chill flashed in his eyes. “If they lack ability, they’ll never rise.”

Satisfied with his reaction, Liu Qingxu offered a few more “concerned” words before gracefully departing.

Chu Yi stood, gazing toward Wanqing’s direction, his expression complex and sharp.

He felt it might be time to show his master who was truly worthy of her guidance.

On the platform, Shuyue caught the brief exchange between Liu Qingxu and Chu Yi.
Though she couldn’t hear their words, their expressions and Chu Yi’s cold glance toward Wanqing told her nothing good was afoot!

‘It’s over! The female antagonist and male lead are colluding, even if temporarily! And their target is Wanqing! This is hell-mode difficulty! My survival script’s dancing on a cliff’s edge!’

Shuyue’s head pounded, her gaze falling on Wanqing below, who, after taking a pill, was earnestly observing other disciples’ matches to learn, oblivious to the brewing storm.

Her focused profile stirred a sigh in Shuyue’s heart.

The sect competition roared on.

Chu Yi lived up to expectations, his dual metal-fire spiritual roots and fierce swordsmanship carving a path through opponents, propelling him into the final rounds as one of the competition’s brightest dark horses, his prominence unrivaled.