Chapter 33

Yet in the next instant, the Medicine Sect Master's words tore his last hope to shreds.

"That is my real son. You're just like your father."

He knows?

Yao Hui scrambled forward and clutched the Medicine Sect Master's leg. "Father, where did you hear these rumors? I'm your own son! I grew up in the sect. You watched me grow up! How could I not be your son?"

The Medicine Sect Master kicked him away without mercy.

"You and that bastard Sun Xing conspired to deceive me. I know all about the disgusting things you've done in the sect. You still think you can lie to me?"

The Medicine Sect Master's gaze was icy. Thinking of what his investigation had uncovered, he wished he could kill Yao Hui then and there.

No wonder all the female disciples had left. They claimed they were going out to gather herbs, but they were really avoiding Yao Hui's harassment.

And the sect's disciples all thought he was shielding Yao Hui. It had badly damaged his reputation.

Some female disciples had even privately warned girls who came for the Disciple Selection not to join. The sect had practically become a pool of candidates for Yao Hui's harem.

No wonder!

No wonder the sect had recruited fewer and fewer female disciples over the years.

He had devoted himself to cultivation and medicine refining. He had never imagined this kind of filth was going on in his sect.

Yao Hui screamed. Several ribs had broken, and he spat out mouthful after mouthful of blood.

"I never imagined our Medicine King Sect had a blight like you!"

The Medicine Sect Master seized Yao Hui and lifted him with one hand.

"Sorry you all had to witness this spectacle. I'll take this wretched son back and deal with him."

Li Zi watched the drama with delight, blinking her eyes.

[The Thunder Sect Master crippled his Adopted Daughter on the spot. Our righteous Medicine Sect Master had better not let this scumbag off. Breaking his third leg would be best.]

The system said, [Exactly. If only he'd be as blunt and decisive as the Hall of Samsara's Sect Master.]

The Hall of Samsara's Sect Master: "..." Why bring me up again?

The Medicine Sect Master tightened his grip on Yao Hui.

"Ah!"

Yao Hui screamed again. His arm snapped.

Of course he would not be let off lightly.

This wretched son had nearly brought their sect to ruin.

Perhaps some of the female disciples who had given up on the Disciple Selection had possessed extraordinary talent. What a shame to have missed them.

Once he returned, he would have to put the Medicine King Sect in order.

Before leaving, the Medicine Sect Master tossed a porcelain bottle to the Spirit Sword Sect Master.

"A thank-you gift."

Li Zi seized the chance to move beside Meng Ning and greeted her with a smile. "Are you all right, Sister? I'm Li Zi, a personal disciple of the Spirit Sword Sect's Fifth Elder."

She pointed to the little fox perched on her shoulder. "This is Lin Ninger, my master's daughter."

The little fox had been curled around her neck asleep. Hearing her name, she swished her fluffy tail and opened her large, bewildered eyes.

Meng Ning's voice softened, though she remained sparing with words. "Meng Ning."

Li Zi nodded and lowered her voice. "Sister Meng, if this happens again, say that scumbag stole something from you, or that he tried to kill you for your treasure. Then tell your master. Your master will help you get revenge."

At that, Meng Ning lowered her eyes and gave no sign of agreeing.

She only said, "I'll grow stronger."

My master will help me?

She did not believe that.

Since becoming his disciple, she had been no more than average among her fellow disciples. Her master would not bother with her.

She could only rely on herself.

The Five Elements Sect Master hurried forward to make his position clear.

"Ninger, I may not oversee every aspect of my disciples' cultivation, but I cannot stand by and watch you be bullied. If you ever face something you cannot resolve, you must come to me. Understood?"

The Five Elements Sect Master swept his cold gaze over the other disciples.

"The same goes for all of you."

The disciples answered in solemn unison, "Yes."

A little light appeared in Meng Ning's eyes.

So this is what it feels like to have someone protect me?

It seemed rather nice.

The drama they had just witnessed had been a feast of gossip from start to finish.

The crowd still wanted more.

Now quite a few people stared at Li Zi with burning eyes.

What they wanted most was gossip about the Hall of Samsara's Sect Master.

The Spirit Sword Sect Master wanted to hear it too, but Li Zi failed to take the hint. She just held Meng Ning's hand and murmured about becoming friends.

The Sect Master cleared his throat, glanced sidelong at Li Zi, and said, "The Secret Realm opens this year. So many people have come."

When Li Zi showed no reaction, the Spirit Sword Sect Master added, "You are all Inner Sect disciples. Come with me, and I'll introduce you to these powerful figures. You'll surely have chances to meet them again."

Li Zi had no choice but to say goodbye to Meng Ning and follow the Sect Master around the other sects.

The two scandals they had heard today had opened a whole new world to these cultivators.

Their usual entertainment was pitifully scarce. They paid little attention to other people's affairs, spending each day either meditating or practicing Martial Arts Techniques. It was dull beyond belief.

But today's gossip had changed how they saw both the Thunder God Hall Sect Master and the Medicine Sect Master. It had also given them something to talk about in their spare time.

The Spirit Sword Sect Master took the disciples on a detour past the Hall of Samsara's group.

As they approached, the Hall of Samsara's disciples all stepped back together, looking as though they wanted no strangers near them.

The Hall of Samsara's Sect Master wore black and a broad-brimmed hat. His entire face was hidden behind a black veil, its features barely visible. He was mysterious indeed.

Li Zi stood obediently at the back, but she had perked up. Her hunger for gossip blazed to life.

[System, what were you saying about the Hall of Samsara's Sect Master?]

She had heard the system say that all the Hall of Samsara's disciples were afraid of socializing.