Chapter Thirteen: Worthless, What Use Are You?

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Ye Xinghe hurried back to Tongtian Peak with Ximen Feixue, racing like a gale. Upon stepping into the peak’s realm, before he could even feel the familiar dense spiritual energy, he sensed an unusual atmosphere around him.

A crowd had gathered in a dense cluster, all talking noisily, their voices overlapping. At the center stood Zhao Changsheng.

Those around him wore forced smiles, grabbing Zhao Changsheng’s arms, each vying to speak, their words coming like rapid-fire: “Changsheng, your talent is extraordinary. Staying here at Tongtian Peak is a waste! My Shenyao Peak has countless medicinal herbs—any one of them could greatly boost your cultivation. Plus, we have rare pills in abundance. Come with me!”

“Exactly! Lingjian Peak’s sword techniques are peerless. With your aptitude, learning our sect’s sword methods will surely make you famous within a few years. Why waste your time with that Ye Xinghe? He’s a useless peak master with no achievements. What could he possibly teach you? Stop being so stubborn!” another voice chimed in, full of disdain and mockery.

Zhao Changsheng’s sword-like brows shot up sharply as he forcefully shook off their grip, his tone righteous: “Enough! What do you know? My master has treated me with immense kindness, teaching me everything. Without his careful guidance, I wouldn’t be who I am today! I, Zhao Changsheng, am not an ungrateful traitor. Cease slandering my master, or don’t blame me for being rude!”

The crowd exchanged uneasy glances but remained undeterred.

Such a promising talent, yet so stubborn.

Zhao Mingyue, peak master of Mingyue Peak, stepped gracefully from the back of the crowd. Dressed in a moon-white robe, her poise was elegant, but her words cut like ice: “Zhao Changsheng, why can’t you see clearly? What merit does Ye Xinghe have to be your master? He’s hoarded Tongtian Peak’s resources for years but has made no progress himself. Besides you, who else among his disciples is worth noticing?”

“He’s clearly leading you astray. Following him will only drag you down to mediocrity.”

Ye Xinghe, concealed nearby, watched it all unfold, anger flaring like wildfire within.

He had always known others underestimated him, but he never expected that while he was away recruiting disciples, someone would openly try to poach his disciple and slander him so shamelessly.

He snorted coldly, revealing himself as he strode toward the crowd: “Oh? What play are you all acting out here? Trying to steal my disciple while I’m away, and even slandering me?”

Zhao Mingyue paused briefly at Ye Xinghe’s appearance, then lifted her chin arrogantly: “Ye Xinghe, perfect timing. The grand competition is in ten days. Everyone knows your true strength. Zhao Changsheng is gifted and shouldn’t be wasted on you.”

“If you’re sensible, release Changsheng to join us now and save yourself the embarrassment.”

A cold smile curled on Ye Xinghe’s lips: “Zhao Mingyue, you sure know how to scheme. But who says Tongtian Peak will lose? The competition hasn’t even begun, and you’re already so confident—don’t you think that’s a bit premature?”

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Zhao Mingyue crossed her arms and sneered: “You? Every year Tongtian Peak is at the bottom. What tricks can you pull? Stop dreaming. If you lose, pack up and leave Tongtian Peak. Zhao Changsheng will naturally come with us!”

A resolute gleam flashed in Ye Xinghe’s eyes. He stepped forward, meeting Zhao Mingyue’s gaze steadily, speaking deliberately: “Fine. Since you’re so confident, let’s make a bet. If Tongtian Peak loses in ten days, I, Ye Xinghe, will leave without complaint, and you can take my disciples as you please.”

“But if I win, you’re forbidden from poaching my disciples ever again. You must show me respect when you see me.”

“And no more slander about Tongtian Peak, understood?”

Zhao Mingyue inwardly rejoiced, certain she had locked in a guaranteed victory. She readily agreed.

“Agreed! Let this be witnessed by all present. In ten days, we shall see how you, Ye Xinghe, fare!”

With that, she flicked her sleeve and led her group away, not forgetting to cast a parting sneer: “Ye Xinghe, you’d better prepare for your downfall!”

After the crowd dispersed, Ye Xinghe turned to Zhao Changsheng and Ximen Feixue, their expressions grave.

“Changsheng, Feixue, don’t let this ruckus disturb your focus. When the enemy comes, we shall meet it head-on. I wouldn’t have made such a bet without full confidence. Moreover, Tongtian Peak isn’t a soft target for anyone.”

Turning to Ximen Feixue, he smiled: “Changsheng, this is my new disciple, Ximen Feixue. His family suffered a great tragedy—oppressed and bullied by vile men. That malicious woman Lu Qianqiu even broke off his engagement and tried to annihilate his entire family. I rescued them all and, seeing his excellent foundation and aptitude, took him under my wing.”

Of course, he never mentioned it was a system recommendation.

Hearing this, Zhao Changsheng cupped his hands in greeting to Ximen Feixue: “So you’re Junior Brother Ximen. Your ordeal is truly infuriating! Thanks to our master’s rescue, you are now our brother in Tongtian Peak. Rest assured, with me here, no one will dare bully you again!”

Ximen Feixue was deeply moved and quickly returned the gesture: “Thank you for your concern, Senior Brother! Since joining, our master has praised me many times. I hope to receive your guidance as well. I will train diligently to live up to the expectations of master and brother.”

Ye Xinghe’s face showed satisfaction as he nodded: “No need for formalities between us. As fellow disciples, we must support and advance together. Right now, this competition is crucial—it concerns Tongtian Peak’s honor.”

“Get back to training.”

With that, Zhao Changsheng turned and left.

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His master was right—he must focus on cultivation immediately.

As for Ximen Feixue, Ye Xinghe let him study the secret manual on his own.

And as for himself, he leisurely went to enjoy some tea.

As for the competition? He’d win effortlessly.

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At the Sima family estate.

Patriarch Sima Hongyuan sat rigidly at the head of the hall, his face dark and terrifying. In his clenched hand was a sealed letter, the paper crunching beneath his grip.

Below him, the family elders and officials stood gathered, all silent and tense, their eyes furtively glancing at the patriarch, sensing grave trouble.

“Bang!”

Sima Hongyuan slammed the letter onto the table, roaring in anger: “That Ye Xinghe is bold indeed! He dares openly interfere in Sima family affairs, crippled Heiwu, and took Ximen Feixue as his disciple. Does he think the Sima family is a pushover?”

His voice was so fierce it hurt everyone’s ears, causing the crystal chandelier to tremble.

Heiwu lay collapsed in a corner, hunched and ashen-faced, his meridians utterly destroyed. He no longer bore the arrogant and domineering air he once did.

Trembling, he sobbed: “Patriarch, Ye Xinghe’s methods are cruel and mysterious. I had no chance to resist. He struck me twice from a distance, leaving me dizzy, then destroyed my cultivation and warned that anyone who provokes Tongtian Peak will surely die.”

“Useless!” Sima Hongyuan’s eyes blazed as he glared fiercely at Heiwu. “You can’t even handle this small matter and have brought shame to the Sima family. What use are you?”