Are You Defending Him

Thinking this, he nodded.

"Reporting to the Palace Lord, this disciple indeed has reached the peak of the Mystic Martial Realm."

Upon hearing this, the three elders beside him were astonished.

Ye Yigeng, with a hearty laugh, clapped Xiao Rui on the shoulder affectionately.

"Hahaha, in our Azure Cloud Palace, apart from the Holy Son and Saintess, we actually have such an outstanding disciple."

Zhao Zhixuan also nodded with a smile.

"It seems that this time, we will surely make a name for ourselves in the Sect Grand Competition in the Questioning Immortals Realm four months from now."

Only Lu Shenxing frowned, his face full of suspicion.

"Xiao Rui, I've heard of you. Your cultivation was only at the late stage of the Human Martial Realm two months ago. How is it that your cultivation has skyrocketed to the peak of the Mystic Martial Realm in just two months?"

"Did you encounter some great opportunity, or did you take a crooked path?"

If one observed closely, they would notice that Lu Shenxing's eyes held not only suspicion but also greed.

His own cultivation had been stuck at the late stage of the Spirit Channeling Realm for a long time, while Zhao Zhixuan and Ye Yigeng had both reached the perfected stage of the Spirit Channeling Realm.

Fu Hanqiu had even reached the peak of the Spirit Channeling Realm, just a step away from breaking through to the Spirit Sovereign Realm.

Being the lowest in cultivation, his say in matters had always been the least.

Furthermore, two months ago, his granddaughter Lu Jinyan, under his instruction, had tried to cause trouble for the Saintess Xia Wantang, only to return utterly defeated. This incident had spread throughout the inner sect, causing him to lose face.

Therefore, he was extremely eager for his own cultivation to experience a major breakthrough and regain his prestige as the First Elder.

However, his strength was not cooperating, and he was unable to break through for the time being.

Xiao Rui's appearance gave him new hope.

Perhaps this kid had some secret that could rapidly increase one's cultivation?

Xiao Rui naturally sensed Lu Shenxing's malice. Just as he was about to explain, Fu Hanqiu spoke first.

"Wantang has told this seat that Xiao Rui knows how to conceal his strength and act low-key, not letting others know even when his cultivation improved."

"Now, for the inner sect competition, he is willing to reveal his strength in order to be selected for the Sect Grand Competition."

Zhao Zhixuan also disagreed.

"Elder Lu, there are so many ways to hide one's cultivation. There's no need for us to interrogate a junior so thoroughly."

Ye Yigeng chimed in to smooth things over.

"Hahaha, the most important thing is that if Azure Cloud Palace can make a name for itself in the Sect Grand Competition in the Questioning Immortals Realm, we won't have to worry about attracting outstanding new disciples in the future."

The other three pressured Lu Shenxing, leaving him no choice but to vent his anger on Xiao Rui.

Xiao Rui, is it? So what if your cultivation is high? Without good cultivation methods and practical combat experience, you might just be all show.

In the inner sect competition this afternoon, I will definitely have my personal disciple properly curb your arrogance.

Oh, and that Xia Wantang too.

Although my granddaughter was the one who initiated the trouble, it was ultimately I who lost face. So, I must regain my standing in front of these two juniors!

Seeing Lu Shenxing's expression, Xiao Rui inwardly frowned.

"Elder Sword, junior feels that this Elder Lu does not have good intentions."

Elder Sword quickly replied.

"Be careful during the competition. This Lu Shenxing doesn't seem like a gentleman."

Recalling something, Xiao Rui became even more worried.

"Lu Shenxing is also Lu Jinyan's grandfather. It's possible he not only wants to cause trouble for junior but might also make a move against Senior Sister Xia."

Elder Sword's tone was one of disappointment and frustration.

"That girl Xia Wantang, with such high cultivation and great talent, her trump cards are definitely no less than yours. You should worry about yourself first!"

Xiao Rui sighed.

"But I want to be Senior Sister's cultivation partner. Even if my abilities are insufficient, I should strive to share her burdens."

Moreover... his love rival appeared so outstanding, which made him feel very uneasy.

Elder Sword understood Xiao Rui's thoughts.

"This girl is indeed excellent in all aspects. It's normal for you to have such an outstanding love rival."

"Kid, perform well. If you can defeat Fu Lingyun, you will definitely make that girl look at you with new eyes."

On the other side, Xia Wantang and Ye Xing arrived at the viewing stands high above the arena together.

Since they had directly advanced to the top four, they did not need to participate in the initial elimination rounds.

They would only enter the arena after the inner disciples had competed to determine the two strongest.

Xia Wantang lowered her gaze and happened to see Xiao Rui walking into the venue.

It was unclear what had happened with Xiao Rui just now, but her favorability points had increased by another two.

This meant she had enough for another ten consecutive draws.

Just then, Ye Xing, who was beside her, suddenly spoke up:

"Junior Sister, I feel that this Xiao Rui is not simple. He has many secrets. Don't be deceived by him."

Xia Wantang: ...Actually, I have even more secrets.

Besides, although the original text didn't go into much detail, she had at least some understanding of the male leads.

Up to this point, only Lin Xi was an unexpected factor.

"Senior Brother, I know what I'm doing. For Junior Brother Xiao to reach such cultivation at this age, it's impossible for him not to have secrets."

"I just think he has a promising future and I'm very optimistic about him."

As Xia Wantang spoke, she turned to look at Ye Xing.

Ye Xing's expression was somber and serious. After a while, he said:

"This is just the Inner Sect Grand Competition. I will prove that I am more capable than Xiao Rui. You should be more optimistic about me."

Xia Wantang: ...

These two Sons of Destiny were clearly in a competition.

[After all, both of their favorability ratings have reached 65. Generally, once they exceed 60, they will realize they have indeed fallen for the host and will develop a competitive spirit.]

"Cough, cough, can't they be more magnanimous?"

[Pfft, as Sons of Destiny, they naturally have pride. Besides, they are strangers right now, not even friends.]

Sigh, it's all my own doing. I can only say I'll keep them both stable for now.

Xia Wantang carefully considered her response:

"Senior Brother, you are naturally the strongest among the younger generation in the Azure Cloud Palace."

Of course, his cultivation was already comparable to the Palace Lord's.

"Why bother competing with an outer disciple?"

It was embarrassing.

Ye Xing's expression worsened:

"Are you defending him and hoping I'll go easy on him?"

Xia Wantang: ...What is this even about?

Forget it, I won't bother with them anymore. Let them do as they please. Anyway, Sons of Destiny are like indestructible cockroaches; they won't die that easily.

Moreover, the power of the plot is very strong. Even if Ye Xing and Xiao Rui are at odds now, they will slowly come to recognize each other.

"Senior Brother, let's focus on watching the competition. Look, the elimination rounds have already begun!"

Saying this, Xia Wantang tugged at Ye Xing's sleeve.

This small gesture effectively soothed Ye Xing's emotions:

At least Junior Sister Xia only showed this girlish behavior in front of me.

That's right, after all, I am her true object of admiration. What is Xiao Rui compared to that!

After some self-consolation, Ye Xing finally turned his gaze to the arena, completely forgetting that he had initially intended to use Xia Wantang as a chess piece.

The elimination round format involved all participating disciples gathering together for free-for-all combat, with the last twenty remaining advancing.

Most disciples of average strength would choose to temporarily form alliances with others to deal with stronger opponents.

For example, Xiao Rui. Upon hearing that he had reached the peak of the Mystic Martial Realm, other disciples, unwilling to let an outer disciple take the spot for inner disciples, banded together to target him.

However, the counter-attacking male lead is the type who grows stronger with adversity. The more dangerous he is and the more he is targeted, the more he can overcome perils.

He swung his sword as if flowing water, and sword energy scattered in all directions—