Different Paths, Choices

Li Xuan's gaze lingered on Shi Qing for a moment, a playful smile curving his lips as he said meaningfully, "Oh? This young lady seems to have a close relationship with Dongfang?"

Upon hearing this, the sect leader of the Earth Spirit Sect's cloudy eyes flashed with a barely perceptible glint of light. His gaze shifted between Dongfang Yueming and Shi Qing before he spoke, "So you are a descendant of the Shi Family. Young man, I will give you a chance. As long as you sever ties with the women of the Shi Family, the conditions I previously used to recruit you will still stand."

Upon hearing this, a hint of resentment flashed in Li Xuan's eyes, but more so, schadenfreude. In his view, faced with the personal recruitment of the Earth Spirit Sect Grandmaster's Grandmaster and the hot potato that was the Shi Family, any smart person would know what to choose.

Shi Qing's body trembled slightly, her face instantly turning pale. She subconsciously took a step back, wanting to get away from Dongfang Yueming and not wanting to drag him down because of herself.

The surrounding students had different thoughts; some were gloating, while others secretly felt sorry for him, thinking that it was unwise for Dongfang Yueming to give up his promising future for a woman.

However, just as Shi Qing stepped back, a warm and strong hand gripped her wrist tightly!

The Dongfang Yueming!

He didn't look at the sect leader, nor at anyone around him, but fixed his gaze firmly on Shi Qing, his tone calm yet carrying an undeniable power. "Earth Spirit Sect like this is better off not joining!"

A bombshell!

Everyone was stunned by Dongfang Yueming's incredibly arrogant words! He actually... refused the personal recruitment of a martial arts grandmaster?! All for a woman from the Shi family?!

A glint of admiration flashed in Qin Rushuang's beautiful eyes as she secretly praised, "Good lad, responsible! His character is quite good!"

The sect leader of the Earth Spirit Sect frowned slightly, seemingly surprised by Dongfang Yueming's resolute decision. He spoke again, advising, "Young man, don't act rashly. Is it worth ruining your Martial Dao future for a woman whose future is uncertain?"

Dongfang Yueming scoffed, making no attempt to hide his mockery. "If you can't even handle the misdeeds of your own disciples fairly, but instead cover them up and indulge them, what kind of sect is this? What kind of future can you expect? We're on different paths, so let's not work together!"

Upon hearing this, the sect leader sighed deeply and said no more.

Seeing this, Li Potian's eyes flashed with murderous intent again. "Sect Master! Since this boy is so stubborn and refuses to join my Earth Spirit Sect, then he is an enemy of my Earth Spirit Sect! You, Elder..." His meaning was self-evident: since he is not one of our own, shouldn't you, Sect Master, take action to clean house?

Everyone's hearts tightened! Who could withstand the wrath of Grandmaster?!

However, the sect leader simply shook his head and did not make a move.

Qin Rushuang glanced coldly at Li Potian, then parted her red lips and uttered two words: "Martial Sect."

These two words seemed to possess some strange magic, instantly freezing the previously aggressive Li Potian in place! Even the Earth Spirit Sect Master's usually calm and collected gaze showed a slight ripple!

"What Martial Sect? You're just putting on airs!" Li Xuan, still confused, continued to mock him.

"Shut up!" The sect leader turned around sharply, shouted sternly, and slapped Li Xuan hard across the face!

Snap!

A crisp slap echoed throughout the room! Everyone was stunned! Li Xuan covered his burning cheek, his face filled with disbelief! Li Potian was also completely taken aback!

Li Xuan felt a mixture of humiliation and anger, but dared not lash out!

The sect leader ignored them and turned to Qin Rushuang, saying, "Instructor Qin, please go ahead." His tone even carried a hint of politeness.

"Farewell." Qin Rushuang nodded, her gaze sweeping over everyone present. "I'm leaving with my people. If anyone dares to obstruct me, don't blame me for being impolite! Any questions?"

"No problem," the sect leader replied readily.

Everyone was shocked once again! The Sect Master of the Earth Spirit Sect was so wary of Qin Rushuang?! Just what was this "Martial Sect"?!

Li Xuan was so shocked he couldn't speak!

Just then, Xi Feng and Yue Tao, who had arrived late, also arrived at the scene. Seeing this bizarre scene, they were completely bewildered.

Qin Rushuang looked at them. "You two, come back to the Great Xia Dynasty with me."

Xi Feng's gaze swept quickly across the entire scene. When he saw Li Xuan's smug and provocative eyes, and the presence of the Sect Master and Li Potian, a resolute glint flashed in his eyes! With a thud, he knelt down! "Reporting to the Sect Master and Elders! This junior, Xi Feng, wishes to leave the Great Xia Dynasty and join the Earth Spirit Sect! I humbly request the Sect Master and Elders to accept me!"

Upon seeing this, Li Xuan burst into laughter. "Good! Good! You know what's good for you!"

Li Potian nodded in satisfaction. "Not bad, you can stay."

A hint of helplessness flashed in the sect leader's eyes, but he did not stop it.

Xi Feng was overjoyed and immediately kowtowed to Li Xuan and Li Potian. Then he turned to Yue Tao and urged, "Yue Tao! What are you standing there for? Kneel down now!"

After struggling for a moment, Yue Tao finally gritted his teeth and knelt down in humiliation.

Li Xuan watched this scene with a face full of smugness and pleasure.

Qin Rushuang remained expressionless, seemingly oblivious to the situation.

Wang Xijing and Xue Li exchanged a glance, their Central Capital filled with hesitation and struggle. The strength of the Earth Spirit Sect was undeniable, and if they could stay... But thinking of Qin Rushuang's domineering attitude and the sect leader's apprehension, they hesitated again.

Seemingly seeing through their thoughts, the sect leader spoke calmly, "If you wish to stay, the Earth Spirit Sect will treat you all equally."

With the sect leader's assurance, Wang Xijing and Xue Li exchanged a glance and ultimately made their choice.

Some chose to stay and pursue what they saw as their "future," while others chose to follow Qin Rushuang and leave this place of trouble.

Finally, Qin Rushuang, accompanied by Dongfang Yueming and Shi Qing, turned and left under the watchful eyes of many, embarking on her journey back to the Great Xia Dynasty.

Li Xuan watched Qin Rushuang and the others leave, a hint of resentment flashing in his eyes, but mostly disdain. Xi Feng quickly stepped forward, fawning over his new master.

"Xi Feng greets Senior Brother Li! Senior Brother Li is wise and Shenwu!" Xi Feng thought to himself with secret pride, "That Dongfang Yueming is truly a fool, offending the Earth Spirit Sect. He's doomed! But I've made connections with Senior Brother Li; my future is limitless!"

Wang Xijing and Xue Li watched Dongfang Yueming's retreating figure silently, their hearts filled with mixed emotions. They thought to themselves, "I'm sorry, Brother Dongfang, we're on different paths..."