Chapter 78: Chapter 66: Longxi Breathing Technique, Advancement, Third Realm Trait: Qi Circulation

"..."

When Xie Yushuang said, ’Senior Brother is very strong. You should join Longxi Peak,’ the entire scene fell silent.

Neither Lin Yuxuan, nor Lian Zhixia, nor any of the people who had come with them, expected Xie Yushuang to not speak up for Cuixiang Mountain, but instead help Zhong Ming poach from her own peak.

The situation was so shocking and utterly unexpected that for several long moments, not a single sound could be heard.

After a few moments, the first to react was Lian Zhixia.

"Hahaha..."

Seeing that Cuixiang Mountain had not only failed to poach someone but had been poached from themselves, he doubled over with laughter.

The members of Molten Fire Peak who had come with him couldn’t help but snicker as well.

"That’s hilarious."

"Talk about a plan backfiring. They not only failed, but lost one of their own in the process."

"But seriously, what’s with Xie Yushuang? Has she gone mad? Why would she throw away a great future at Cuixiang Mountain to join the declining Longxi Peak?"

This was a question that puzzled many people.

Like Lian Zhixia and Lin Yuxuan, they didn’t believe Longxi Peak had the strength to contend for the top three.

Under these circumstances, Xie Yushuang’s decision to join them felt like backing a horse that had already lost the race.

However, while some were puzzled, others sensed that there might be more to it.

"I think I see a possible reason... could it be that Xie Yushuang has fallen for Zhong Ming?"

"Making such an incredibly irrational choice because of some romantic feelings... that can’t be it, can it...?"

The person who spoke glanced at Zhong Ming, and his words trailed off. "Actually... it’s quite possible."

The Reading characteristic had given Zhong Ming a naturally scholarly and refined air, while his daily sword practice, which had reached a profound level, added a sharp edge to his elegance.

Furthermore, the hydrotherapy Zhong Ming had undergone a few days ago had expelled all the filth and impurities from his body, thoroughly optimizing it.

This optimization had made his physique perfect.

A perfect physique, combined with his refined yet sharp temperament, meant that Zhong Ming could have easily made a living off his looks alone in the mortal world.

Looking at Zhong Ming now, some people felt they understood why Xie Yushuang had chosen to side with him.

...

Because this amusing incident involved a rival peak, the people from Molten Fire Peak could leisurely enjoy the show and speculate wildly. For the people of Cuixiang Mountain, however, it was a different story.

Right now, Lin Yuxuan felt as if she had been betrayed.

Her expression darkened as she grabbed Xie Yushuang’s shoulder.

"Xie Yushuang! Do you have any idea what you’re doing?"

"This is a betrayal of Cuixiang Mountain!"

Xie Yushuang wasn’t having it.

"Don’t be so dramatic. We of the Seven Profound Sect are all one family. We emphasize unity and cooperation. The Seven Peaks competition has always allowed us to join other peaks, so how can you call this a betrayal?"

"If you’re calling me a traitor, does that mean the people from other peaks you’ve recruited are traitors too?"

"Ngh..."

This time, it was Lin Yuxuan’s turn to be speechless.

But the look she gave Xie Yushuang was still filled with intense irritation.

Faced with such a look, Xie Yushuang felt a flicker of apprehension.

The Seven Profound Sect was indeed like one big family, and it did emphasize unity and mutual support.

But obviously, when a single sect was divided into seven peaks, there were bound to be conflicts of interest.

Therefore, disciples of a peak were indeed allowed to join other peaks.

In fact, a Peak Master could not openly punish a disciple for joining another peak, nor could they refuse to teach them Magic Techniques.

—Longxi Peak, Bright Stone Peak, Molten Fire Peak, Cuixiang Mountain... these peaks were not sects in and of themselves; the Seven Profound Sect was the only true sect.

Obstructing communication among disciples could get one branded with the heavy accusation of attempting to divide the sect.

However, even though they couldn’t be stopped openly, certain unwritten rules still existed.

—Those who sided with other peaks would rarely be able to hold high-ranking, core positions within their own.

And this was precisely why both Lin Yuxuan and Lian Zhixia had sought out Zhong Ming, rather than approaching people like Xue Yao or Yi Yunya.

In their view, as they were unaware of the full story, the most outstanding disciples of Longxi Peak’s current generation were Xue Yao, followed by Yi Yunya and Zhuang Yi.

These three were undoubtedly the core of Longxi Peak and would never betray it for some minor benefit.

Zhong Ming, on the other hand, while an A-Class Disciple, had only broken through on the seventh day, so he surely wouldn’t be considered that important. Under these circumstances, they saw an opportunity to win him over.

...

In short, by siding with Zhong Ming and helping him in the Seven Peaks competition, Xie Yushuang knew that while she wouldn’t be openly punished, her life at Cuixiang Mountain would become difficult. This was the source of her apprehension.

But even so, she still stood on Zhong Ming’s side.

What Yi Yunya had said to her two or three days ago had left a huge impact on her.

After that conversation, she now knew who she could rely on for the rest of her life—the person who could help her soar to new heights.

Therefore, even knowing that this would get her cast out of Cuixiang Mountain’s inner circle, Xie Yushuang still faced Lin Yuxuan without showing a hint of weakness.

This, in turn, only made Lian Zhixia, who was watching from the side, laugh all the more heartily.

But a few moments later, he was no longer laughing.

"Senior Brother Zhong Ming, I’ve come for my sword lesson!"

Such a cheerful cry could only have come from Xie Yuzhu.

Having advanced to the middle stage of Qi Cultivation in only about ten days, she was something of a rising star on Molten Fire Peak.

Her arrival, and the words she shouted, completely shattered the composure of many from Molten Fire Peak.

And this time, the one feeling conflicted was Lin Yuxuan.

Watching the skipping Xie Yuzhu and the utterly grim expression on Lian Zhixia’s face, Lin Yuxuan was no longer angry at Xie Yushuang. Instead, she began to enjoy the spectacle of Lian Zhixia and Molten Fire Peak making fools of themselves.