Chapter 61: The Aftermath of the Tournament Stirs New Waves

Golden sunlight bathed the arena, and the cheers surged like a tidal wave as Yun Yao's name echoed through the skies.

She held Xiao Bai tightly, feeling its soft fur and excited heartbeat, the joy of victory flowing through her heart like sweet honey.

Jun Mohan's tender gaze rested upon her, the love in his eyes seeming as though it would melt her away.

However, this sweetness proved to be fleeting.

A snow-white paper crane fluttered through the air, landing gently in Yun Yao's palm.

Unfolding the crane, elegant handwriting met her eyes: "Beware of those around you, danger is approaching..." A chill instantly darted from the soles of her feet straight to the top of her head, the clamor of the arena seemingly blocked out as Yun Yao's heart sank heavily.

Almost simultaneously, the surrounding atmosphere shifted subtly.

The originally warm and enthusiastic gazes gradually grew laced with suspicion and scrutiny, whispered conversations spreading through the crowd like venomous serpents.

Yun Yao acutely sensed this change, and the joy of victory deflated rapidly like a punctured balloon.

"Yun Yao, you cheated!" A sharp voice pierced the air, exploding like a thunderclap.

Senior Brother Lin stood in the crowd with a gloomy expression, his gaze piercing toward Yun Yao like the blade of a knife. "You must have used some underhanded methods to make Xiao Bai grow so powerful in such a short amount of time!"

His words acted like a spark, instantly igniting the suspicion and discontent among the crowd.

Accusations and skeptical voices surged forward like a tide, submerging Yun Yao.

Yun Yao felt a wave of anger burning within her chest; she clenched her fists so tightly that her nails almost dug into her flesh.

"I did not cheat!" Yun Yao's voice was crisp and resolute, clashing against the surrounding clamor like freezing ice. "Xiao Bai's strength was earned through its own hard work, and my training methods are completely upright and able to withstand any test!"

Jun Mohan stood by Yun Yao's side, his tall figure guarding her like a mountain. His icy gaze swept across the crowd, and those whispering voices instantly quieted down.

He held Yun Yao's hand, offering her silent support.

Senior Brother Lin sneered. "Talk is cheap! Who can prove you didn't cheat? Who can prove Xiao Bai's progress isn't the result of some forbidden art you used?" His supporters chimed in one after another, clamoring for Yun Yao to produce evidence to prove her innocence.

The atmosphere in the arena grew tense and combative, on the verge of breaking out at any moment.

"I can vouch for her," an aged and majestic voice came from outside the crowd.

Everyone looked toward the source of the sound to see an elderly woman with white hair walking slowly with the aid of a cane...

Granny Su walked up to Yun Yao, wisdom gleaming within her cloudy eyes.

"Old woman Su, having immersed myself in the field of spiritual pet training for decades, I have never witnessed a spiritual pet progress as rapidly as Xiao Bai," she struck the ground heavily with her cane, producing a dull, resonant thud. "Yet, I can affirm with certainty that Xiao Bai's growth stems from its own potential and its master's meticulous guidance, absolutely not from any crooked paths!" Granny Su's voice was resolute and powerful, every single word striking the ground with unquestionable authority.

A commotion arose in the crowd, and the previously suspicious gazes began to waver.

Granny Su held a position of high respect within the spiritual pet training community, and her words carried immense weight.

Yun Yao looked at Granny Su with gratitude, a warm current welling up in her heart.

This elderly woman had stepped forward precisely when she needed help the most, acting like a beacon of light in the darkness to illuminate her path forward.

Senior Brother Lin's face turned ashen; he had not expected an unexpected interruption to disrupt his plans entirely.

He clenched his fists so tightly that his nails sank deep into his flesh, producing a faint creaking sound.

He glared viciously at Yun Yao, the fires of jealousy burning in his eyes.

Sensing the shift in the surrounding atmosphere, Yun Yao's previously suppressed mood vanished completely, and a liberating sense of vindication welled up within her.

She straightened her back, the corners of her lips curling up slightly to reveal a confident smile.

Jun Mohan took Yun Yao's hand and led her away from the noisy arena.

The two arrived at a secret garden, filled with the songs of birds and the fragrance of flowers, the air suffused with a faint, sweet scent.

Colorful butterflies fluttered among the blossoms, and sunlight filtered through the gaps in the leaves, casting mottled light and shadows upon the ground.

"Pay no mind to those idle rumors," Jun Mohan gently pulled Yun Yao into his arms, his voice deep and magnetic, as melodic as a cello. "I believe in you, and I believe in Xiao Bai."

Yun Yao leaned against Jun Mohan's embrace, feeling his warm body temperature and listening to his steady, powerful heartbeat, while the unease in her heart gradually dissipated.

The surrounding flowers seemed to sense their sweetness, blooming even more brilliantly as a rich floral fragrance permeated the air.

A completely fiery-red bird flew past the branches, leaving behind a string of crisp chirps.

"Jun Mohan," Yun Yao raised her head, her gaze firm, "I will prove to them that the strength of Xiao Bai and myself is beyond question!"

Watching Yun Yao's resolute expression, the corners of Jun Mohan's lips curved upward into an appreciative smile.

He gently stroked Yun Yao's hair, feeling her soft strands.

Suddenly, his expression turned stern, and his gaze shifted toward the entrance of the garden...

"Someone is coming."

Despite Granny Su's staunch support and Jun Mohan's tender protection, those skeptical gazes still pricked like needles against her back, and the whispers lingered like invisible chains binding Yun Yao tightly.

She felt a heavy pressure weighing down upon her heart, akin to an invisible mountain that made breathing somewhat difficult.

She looked down at Xiao Bai in her arms; the usually lively and energetic little creature had also grown somewhat listless, its fur losing its former luster, its head lowered, and its ears drooping as if it sensed its master's unease.

Yun Yao took a deep breath. She could not be defeated by these idle rumors; she had to prove herself, for Xiao Bai's sake, and for the sake of those who trusted her.

She slowly raised her head, sweeping her gaze across the doubtful faces around her. Her cool and clear voice rang through the air, every word carrying unquestionable confidence: "Since you question the strength of Xiao Bai and myself, why don't we hold a public demonstration of our spiritual pet's strength and let the facts speak for themselves!"

As soon as these words were spoken, they struck like a bolt from the blue, causing an uproar among the crowd.

The previously chaotic discussions abruptly ceased, and everyone was shocked by Yun Yao's courage.

They widened their eyes in disbelief, staring at the seemingly fragile young girl. She actually dared to proactively challenge her detractors—such daring was truly admirable.

Even Jun Mohan, who had remained calm throughout, flashed a hint of worry in his eyes as he gently tightened his grip on Yun Yao's hand, feeling the slight perspiration on her palm.

Ignoring the surrounding discussions, Yun Yao gently placed Xiao Bai on the ground, stroking its soft fur and feeling the warmth radiating from its body.

"Xiao Bai, we are going to show them that our strength wasn't obtained through cheating!" she said softly, her voice gentle yet imbued with firm strength.

Xiao Bai seemed to perceive its master's determination. It raised its head, a brilliant gleam of excitement flashing in its eyes, wagged its tail, and regained its spirited vigor once more.

Just as Yun Yao and Xiao Bai prepared to demonstrate their strength, a chilling voice echoed from outside the crowd, sending a shiver down the spine like a venomous snake hissing.

"Hold on! I have evidence to prove that she cheated!"

Everyone's gaze was instantly drawn toward the source. A mysterious figure clad in black robes and wearing a black veil across their face walked slowly forward, holding a crystal ball that emitted an eerie, cold light.

Yun Yao's heart rose into her throat once more, an ominous premonition welling up within her. She clenched her fists tightly, her nails digging deeply into her flesh, the pain helping her maintain a sliver of sobriety.

Who on earth was this mysterious person, and what was this so-called evidence they spoke of?

"Inside this crystal ball is recorded the entire process of her cheating..." The mysterious person's voice was hoarse and deep, like a summons from the netherworld. Pausing deliberately to heighten the tension, they slowly raised the crystal ball upward.