Chapter 18: Resurgence of Hatred

Princess Baoluo, it has truly been a long time. Seeing him so noble and refined, it was almost impossible to believe he was the same man who had personally gouged out the immortal bone of her disciple that day.

Facing the many disciples of Baoluo, Song Junyu could still suppress the surging hatred in her heart, but when she saw this man before her, all her rancor instantly coalesced into a burning flame that coursed through her body.

She could no longer sense the flow of blood within her veins; even deep in her marrow, it felt as though the excruciating pain of having her immortal bone forcibly removed was being relived.

Unconsciously, her fingertips dug into her palm, crimson droplets of blood spreading slowly between her fingers.

If this hatred remained unavenged, it would linger endlessly.

Only by making him pay an equal price could she settle the grudge in her heart.

As these thoughts raced through her mind, the profound power of the mysterious sect within her body began to swell wildly, nearly overshadowing the golden lightning entirely; even her eyes gradually revealed a dark current beneath their surface.

Wang Xinglong had long noticed the change in Song Junyu’s expression. Seeing the murderous intent flooding her eyes, his heart skipped a beat.

Good heavens, after traveling such a long distance together, she had never shown such an expression to anyone else.

What kind of enmity, what depth of hatred, could it be?

After a moment’s hesitation, he lowered his voice to warn, “Liu Yu! There are many eyes watching!”

This voice struck Song Junyu like a hammer, sharply awakening her from the brink of madness.

She abruptly turned around, gasping for breath, cold sweat beading her forehead.

Just now… she had almost lost control to a darkness that sought to slaughter everyone on Baoluo Peak—a profound murderous will that had insidiously crept into her soul, chilling beyond measure.

In her thoughts, she recalled Ji Rong’s previous advice and tightened her resolve.

This mysterious sect’s power was truly sinister.

Wang Xinglong, standing close, had been quietly observing her state; seeing her regain composure, he finally relaxed.

“Thank you,” came a faint voice beside him, to which Wang Xinglong hummed in satisfaction.

Then, he turned his gaze toward the horizon.

Lu Ling watched this scene with some puzzlement but knew her acquaintance with them was slight—merely allies—and it would be improper to speak out of turn.

She merely noticed that the direction they looked toward was that of Princess Baoluo…

On the horizon, Princess Baoluo wore flowing silver-gray robes with wide sleeves, her long hair slightly loose, revealing a face as cold and pure as snow, her eyes distant and indifferent, seemingly unconcerned by anything.

Behind him stood a young woman, petite and delicate in figure, clad in an exquisitely elegant pale pink dress, distinctly different from the many cultivator disciples around her—obviously carefully adorned.

Princess Baoluo’s expression toward Zong Zifu was cold, but only when she noticed the little girl peeking from behind did her heart soften just a bit.

“Master… I’ve drawn so much attention by coming out with you; Old Tree will surely be angry again,” Sheng Shuer’s soft voice carried a hint of helplessness and timidity, which made Zong Zifu’s heart ache with affection.

His Shuer was always so considerate and kind—why were those from the main peak so blind, always criticizing her behavior as improper?

They were nothing but fools unable to distinguish true pearls from false ones!

As for Old Tree… he furrowed his brow slightly, having heard Shuer mention that she had suffered grievances under him.

That man belonged to the main peak and was a thorny character; when the time was right, even in front of the sect leader, he would surely be expelled from the sect.

Sheng Shuer kept smiling sweetly; seeing Zong Zifu fall silent, she deliberately tugged his sleeve, showing closeness.

What a joke—did she really care about so many others’ opinions?

Being able to stand here was exactly what she wanted. From today onward, the entire sect should know that she was the master’s most favored disciple! With such status, wouldn’t these people all be scrambling to flatter her?

While their thoughts diverged, they gradually approached the crowd, ending up atop the dragon-carved platform in the center of the square.

Though Song Junyu did not know what they were thinking, she observed their interaction carefully.

She recalled Chen Xiangshui from that day and the mention of “Shuer,” and everything fell into place: the two were master and disciple.

Not only was she a rare female disciple, but they were also so intimate?

Hatred surged anew in her heart; she forced herself to look away.

There were more people arriving—two young children smiled brightly in the center, flanked by several figures of varying stature.

Except for Zong Zifu, the other peak and hall leaders were all present; Song Junyu’s anger was barely suppressed upon seeing three familiar faces.

Wang Xinglong, equally puzzled, said, “Liu Yu, don’t you think these people resemble those from the mural we saw?”

Song Junyu took a deep breath: “Not just resemble—they must be the very same.”

Her mind was somewhat unsettled. Could it be that the final path to the heavens was meant to introduce several key figures of the sect?

Yet the mural was too vivid, and there was that strange message at the end: “Waiting for you…”

Song Junyu shivered instinctively, shifting her gaze toward the elderly man with the dignified long beard seated at the far edge, then quickly withdrew it.

Perhaps it was an illusion; she must not indulge in wild imaginings.

“Everyone!” Zhang Tian’s clear voice cut through the curious murmurs.

“You have all been chosen as outstanding disciples of the Zhentian Sect, but you must know that the path of cultivation is a defiance of heaven, fraught with hardship. If you wish to remain, you must undergo further trials.”

“Currently, there are three gates: those at the Foundation Establishment stage take the middle gate; those at the Qi Refining stage may choose the left or right gates.”

“The left gate tests one’s state of mind, while the right gate is somewhat simpler. Groups must consist of at least three people, and over two days and nights, you will compete based on the number of identity jades obtained. The winners will be awarded three Foundation Establishment Pills!”

“Remember, no intentional harm is allowed. If discovered, Zhentian Sect will never accept you.”

As Zhang Tian finished, the crowd erupted.

“Three pills!”

“This time I will claim first place!”

“Comrade, shall we form a team?”

Amid the chaos, teams began to form. Those who sought out Song Junyu were promptly rejected by Wang Xinglong.

What a joke—the more who joined, the more the rewards would be divided. How could they let others benefit?

Besides, foolish people would only meddle and cause trouble; better to stick to the three of them!

At that moment, Lu Ling approached and pointed to the gates on either side. “Left or right?”

Song Junyu’s thoughts shifted; her eyes narrowed as she observed the crowds gathered at the right gate.

“If it’s a competition, all Qi Refining disciples will converge there. The left and right gates must be connected, so there’s no real difference. But the extra mental state trial on the right is important for cultivation. Why not test ourselves?”

“Let’s go! Maybe the right side even offers half a Foundation Establishment Pill extra!”

Lu Ling agreed, and the three dashed toward the left gate. After a ripple of water-like energy, they vanished.

Yet, just the moment after Song Junyu and the others entered, the platform erupted in uproar.

“Hahaha!”

“Look at that!”

“Come on, you must accept the wager!”