Published at 26th of July 2024 10:50 am

Chapter 2213 Coercive (1)

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Oblivious to the unintended spark he'd ignited in Liu Meng'er, Yun Lintian continued to venture around the grove.

Three days had passed. By the second day, he'd abandoned further point collection, choosing instead to settle near the lake. Today marked the conclusion of the competition's first round, and his place at the top was practically a foregone conclusion.

Buzz—

A sudden brilliance erupted in the sky, followed by Qing Zong's booming voice. "The time has come. The first round is over. All participants, prepare for transport."

A white light instantly enveloped Yun Lintian and all the others within the grove. As the light subsided, they found themselves back on the plaza.

Gazes darted around the plaza the moment they reappeared. A stark realization settled in - many participants hadn't returned, evidently succumbing to the challenges within the grove.

"No! Where's Jinxiao?!" A middle-aged man on the raised platform bellowed. It was none other than Cui Xiang, the current sect master of the Iron Palm Sect.

His outburst sent a ripple of shock through the crowd. All eyes fell upon the returning participants, and the conspicuous absence of Cui Jinxiao and his men fueled the disquiet. This turn of events was undeniably peculiar.

Among the participants, Liu Meng'er's heart pounded nervously. She struggled to maintain a calm facade, her thoughts flitting towards Yun Lintian, who stood serenely as if untouched by the unfolding drama.

"What troubles you, Meng'er?" A soft voice, her master An Yuchen's, reached Liu Meng'er's ears.

Regaining her composure, Liu Meng'er discreetly relayed the situation to her master, omitting any mention of Yun Lintian's involvement.

On the high platform, An Yuchen studied her disciple with a skeptical eye. While Liu Meng'er's talent was undeniable, An Yuchen harbored doubts about her ability to overpower Cui Jinxiao and his men. Something about this situation felt amiss.

However, given Liu Meng'er's spotless record of honesty, An Yuchen decided not to pry further, at least not for now.

"Who among you did it!?" Cui Xiang, consumed by rage, unleashed his God Emperor's aura, a crushing weight that blanched the faces of the participants.

"Such arrogance!" Su Jian countered with a frigid pronouncement as his own aura erupted, effortlessly dispelling Cui Xiang's oppressive energy.

Cui Xiang, jolted back to his senses, hastily cupped his fists in apology. "My apologies, Senior Su. I have overstepped."

"As I clearly stated before the competition's commencement," Qing Zong interjected calmly, "peril lurked within every corner of the grove. It appears your young sect leader has unfortunately met with misfortune. Perhaps directing your ire inwards, at his lack of competence, would be a more productive course of action. Particularly considering the unnecessary number of subordinates he brought with him."

Cui Xiang, his jaw clenched tight with suppressed fury, found himself speechless. Humiliation gnawed at him, but he had no grounds for rebuttal.

With a begrudging bow, he muttered, "Thank you for your wisdom, Thirteenth Prince."

Qing Zong, unfazed by Cui Xiang's outburst, turned his gaze towards Yun Lintian. He couldn't help but notice the young man's remarkable composure under the immense pressure of Cui Xiang's aura. This unexpected display further solidified Qing Zong's resolve to recruit Yun Lintian.

Buzz—

The air on the plaza thrummed with tension as Qing Zong, with a sweeping gesture, unveiled a massive projection in the sky. This holographic display showcased the rankings, a culmination of the points earned by each participant throughout the grueling first round.

A collective gasp rippled through the participants as Yun Lintian's name blazed at the very top, his score a staggering figure that dwarfed the others. Whispers and murmurs erupted, a mix of astonishment and disbelief.

"He won," Liu Meng'er said with a smile. She didn't even bother to look at her rankings.

Yun Lintian, however, remained unmoved, his expression a mask of indifference. He had anticipated this outcome.

Qing Zong's voice boomed once more, cutting through the clamor. "Congratulations to all who have successfully navigated the first round. Your resilience and prowess have earned you a place in the next stage."

A pause hung in the air, pregnant with anticipation.

"Three days hence, the tournament shall commence. Rest well, for you will need every ounce of strength and cunning to emerge victorious."

With a final flourish, Qing Zong dismissed the participants, leaving them to their thoughts and preparations.

Yun Lintian, accompanied by his clan members, made their way back to their residence. The atmosphere within the group was a mix of jubilation and apprehension. The Young Patriarch's stellar performance had filled them with pride, but the looming tournament cast a shadow of uncertainty.

A wide smile stretched across Yun Wuhan's face as he patted his son's shoulder. "I'm proud of you, son."

Yun Lintian returned the smile with a question. "Something on your mind, Dad? There's a hint of worry in your eyes, and it doesn't seem competition-related."

Yun Wuhan sighed, launching into a recount of Qing Zong's recruitment attempt. "The decision rests with you, son. While refusing the Prince might ruffle feathers, the Yun Clan isn't powerless." His expression hardened, a silent promise to fight for his son if needed.

Yun Lintian felt a warmth spread through him at his father's unwavering support. "Do you trust me, Dad?" he asked, a gentle smile playing on his lips.

"Without a doubt," Yun Wuhan affirmed with a firm nod.

"Then let me handle this conversation alone," Yun Lintian suggested. "I can assure you, he won't be a bother again."

Yun Wuhan's initial surprise gave way to reluctant agreement. "Very well," he conceded..

Yun Lintian said gently. "Let's get some rest. I'll pay him a visit tonight." With that, he retreated to his room.

Yun Wuhan watched his son disappear behind the door. After a contemplative moment, he hurried towards the Ancestral Hall, intent on discussing the matter with the ancestors.

***

Bang!

A resounding crash echoed through the spacious room as Cui Xiang slammed his palm onto the table, reducing it to splinters.

"Find them!" he roared, his voice thick with fury. He refused to accept the notion of Cui Jinxiao's demise by accident.

An elder beside him spoke up. "Sect Master, perhaps it's time to inform the ancestor. With Qing Zong present, an investigation here would be fraught with difficulty. Only the ancestor's intervention could guarantee a fair outcome."

Cui Xiang exhaled heavily. "Is there no other recourse?"

The elder pondered for a moment. "There's a detail I noticed. Liu Meng'er bears injuries consistent with our Iron Palm technique."

Cui Xiang's eyes narrowed into slits, a dangerous glint flickering within them. "The Mystic Light Sect?"

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