Qing Chen raised his hand lightly, a gesture that seemed both casual and commanding. Without saying a word, he dismissed the disciples from the opposing sect, his gaze calm yet piercing. They hesitated briefly but eventually turned and retreated, the tension dissolving as they disappeared into the distance.
The second senior brother looked at me and sighed. “You don’t belong here,” he muttered, his tone exasperated. But Qing Chen, as always, remained silent. The faint glow of spiritual energy around him gradually faded, leaving behind an air of tranquility that seemed almost otherworldly.
Qing Chen glanced briefly at the second senior brother, his gaze lingering for just a moment before he turned and walked away. There was no explanation, no parting words—just the quiet presence of an immortal who seemed to carry the weight of the world without complaint.
I hesitated before taking a step closer, instinctively reaching toward Qing Chen’s sleeve. My intention was to steady myself, but also to sense his aura for reassurance. However, just as my hand approached his shoulder, he turned slightly and gently pushed me back. His palm lightly brushed against my arm, signaling me to keep a respectful distance.
“Stay calm,” he said softly, the faintest smile on his lips.
His tone carried an inexplicable gentleness, and I couldn’t help but feel a sense of calm wash over me. It wasn’t just his words—it was the quiet authority they conveyed, like the reassurance of someone who had everything under control. For a brief moment, I forgot about my fears.
At that moment, the elder from the Jade Pearl Sect stepped forward, glaring fiercely at Qing Chen. His voice trembled with rage as he pointed an accusing finger. “You dare to interfere with the matters of the Jade Pearl Sect? This is outrageous! Do you think your sect has the right to judge our affairs?”
Without flinching, Qing Chen replied, “I judge based on the facts. Your fourth disciple poisoned himself with venom cultivated from the Stone Gate Sect’s forbidden techniques. That poison endangers not just his life but the lives of others. It’s my duty to prevent such harm.”
The elder’s face turned livid. “Our disciple’s death was caused by internal conflict, and it has nothing to do with your sect! This world has its laws, and you have no right to impose your judgment on us. Leave now, or face the consequences!”
Despite the elder’s threats, Qing Chen remained unmoved. His voice was steady as he responded, “Your disciple violated the natural order of cultivation. He brought danger not only to himself but to others. If you continue to shelter such practices, your sect will only invite ruin upon itself.”
The elder’s anger boiled over. “How dare you accuse us of such things? Do you think your righteousness is superior to ours?”
I felt the tension rise sharply in the air. Though I didn’t fully understand the intricacies of their conflict, I could tell the situation was volatile. Qing Chen glanced briefly at the second senior brother, who nodded silently and stepped forward. With a flick of his sleeve, he dispelled the lingering venomous energy that surrounded the elder’s group.
The Jade Pearl Sect disciples stepped back, their faces pale. The elder opened his mouth to argue further but fell silent when Qing Chen’s gaze locked onto his. That single look seemed to pierce through all pretense, leaving no room for defiance.
At last, the elder retreated, muttering under his breath. “This isn’t over…”
As the tension eased, Qing Chen turned back to me, his calm demeanor unchanged. He gestured for me to follow him, his movements deliberate and unhurried. I felt a strange mix of emotions—gratitude, awe, and a lingering sense of fear. Qing Chen’s strength wasn’t just physical; it was the quiet, unshakable confidence that came from absolute mastery.
For the first time, I understood why even his enemies dared not take him lightly.
I stared blankly at the second senior brother, but he quickly turned away, muttering, “Master’s favor is deep. Many years ago, he risked his cultivation to expel the venom from my body. It was only recently that I fully recovered…”
What? Risked his cultivation?
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