C57 – My Fate Is Under My Control
“The summoning ceremony is a sham. What is Zou Wenrui’s true intention?”
Liu Yuan contemplated this question along the way, muttering to himself, “If I could simply kill him outright, I wouldn’t need to exert so much effort. Unfortunately, there are many implications at stake. If Wide Ocean Sect were to descend into chaos because of this, it would provide the perfect opportunity for the Devil Cult spy.”
Liu Yuan also considered that if he had consulted Pi Huanluo earlier, he might not have had to speculate on his own. However, during that critical moment, he couldn’t spare the mental capacity to care about such matters.
“It doesn’t matter. Since Pi Huanluo has departed, wouldn’t that deceive the Devil Cult spy? Hmph, hmph… I may fear Pi Huanluo, but the members of the Devil Cult… I have never been afraid of them. Once I eliminate him… I might as well expose Zou Wenrui in front of everyone and deliver a thrashing that reduces him to a state of dementia.”
Liu Yuan clenched his fists, envisioning himself reshaping the elder’s aged visage into a different form.
However, prior to that, he needed to eliminate the spy from the Devil Cult.
“There’s no need for us to disguise ourselves this time. After all, the Devil Cult doesn’t rely on appearances to identify individuals. As long as the spies trust each other, it’s sufficient for them to know each other’s identities by default.”
Liu Yuan had originally intended to utilize the Mirror Moon Jade as a contingency plan, but in the end, he only performed a futile action in front of Pi Huanluo. In fact, he even received an unusual evaluation from her, being deemed “very adorable.”
“Well, never mind. A true gentleman doesn’t argue with a lady. If being cute is what it takes, then so be it.” Liu Yuan smiled bashfully as he gazed at the silhouette of the Wide Ocean Sect below. “The timing is perfect. Let’s go and find Xue Zhui first… He should be in the ordinary disciple’s quarters on the other side.”
Upon their return, Liu Yuan and Ning Xiangrong traveled on their swords, while Ma Shu rented a mount and brought back Xue Zhui. However, Xue Zhui was not in as good a state as Ma Shu. Being treated as a tool user, he had been placed in the Wide Ocean Sect solely for ornamental purposes.
Although Liu Yuan never inquired about it, it was the Wide Ocean Sect who discovered the secret of Frost River Manor. They were the ones planning to deal with the Crocodile Demon Lagoon in the manor. However, spies from the Devil Cult, who were embedded within the Wide Ocean Sect, came to know of their plans. They took advantage of the situation and sought to benefit from it.
The Wide Ocean Sect as a whole wasn’t composed of virtuous individuals. The only reason they were able to raise Ning Xiangrong was due to the protection provided by Ning Tingshan, who was skilled in deception.
As for Liu Yuan, he believed that his own reputation remained untainted by any wrongdoings or impurities.
Xue Zhui, on the other hand, was just an excuse used to gain access to Frost River Manor. He was destined to be under the control of the Wide Ocean Sect, but he ended up becoming a pawn in the hands of the Devil Cult. It could be said that he was in a precarious situation.
Liu Yuan had presented him with an opportunity to break free, and Xue Zhui seized it and kept it hidden well. He had not let down his own reputation and experiences, which were similar to those of the protagonist.
But he was sorry, he had to be used by Liu Yuan again.
——
“My Sky Release technique has reached the sixth minor realm. Senior is correct. The initial stages of this cultivation method allow for greater efficiency with less effort. Moreover, the thunder energy replaces Spiritual Energy and flows through my meridians. Since the human body inherently possesses the power of thunder, it won’t raise any suspicions. This is truly remarkable!”
A surge of warmth filled Xue Zhui’s heart. Finally, he could return and see his childhood friend, Yun’er, rather than merely appearing as a so-called good disciple here.
“In order to cultivate, I have attracted the lightning pool in Frightening Slopes numerous times, and the lightning has purged my body. It has also greatly repaired and regenerated my dantian. It’s mystical and extraordinary, but… Although I can attribute it to my ill fortune, I won’t be able to endure for long. I need a greater variety of lightning energy!”
In this moment, Xue Zhui was completely convinced by Liu Yuan. This cultivation technique was truly magical and captivated him!
Initially, the pain was almost unbearable, but gradually, thoughts of the people he cared about and the unfinished matters filled his heart with strength, enabling him to disregard the pain.
Sometimes, even when struck by lightning, his entire body would convulse, yet his heart would be filled with joy!
Xue Zhui firmly believed that he had fallen in love with the sensation of his strength rapidly increasing! Having the power to control his own destiny was an incredibly gratifying experience.
“It’s still early. I can continue cultivating. Ma Shu mentioned taking me to alter my fate after experiencing the exhilaration of being cleansed by the immense lightning energy. He must be the person from the Devil Religion that Senior mentioned… Hmph, little does he know that my destiny has already been changed by Senior!”
With a determined expression, Xue Zhui clenched his fist and gazed into the distance beyond the window. He gritted his teeth and declared, “Damn you, Wide Ocean Sect! I will reclaim my freedom, without a doubt!”
“I am pleased to see you harbor such positive thoughts.”
Suddenly, the young man’s gentle voice resounded, but to Xue Zhui’s ears, it felt like a thunderclap.
“Senior!”
Xue Zhui turned his head and noticed Liu Yuan standing calmly in the center of the room, emanating a majestic and profound aura.
Liu Yuan smiled faintly and stood with his hands behind his back. “Indeed, Xue Zhui, today marks the day your destiny changes.”
Xue Zhui had now become a dedicated Immortal Cultivator. Any doubts he previously held were replaced with unwavering trust and deep respect. If he had leapt off the bed in a meditative pose, he would have prostrated himself before Liu Yuan.
“Thank you, senior, for your tremendous kindness! Xue Zhui’s face brimmed with excitement as he repeatedly kowtowed to Liu Yuan.
Student Liu was shocked.
Anyone witnessing this would be astounded… When Gu Chao became his disciple, he only performed three kowtows. Although it constituted an authentic master-disciple ceremony, Xue Zhui’s demeanor far exceeded the ordinary. It was as if he were paying homage to his ancestors.
Nevertheless, such behavior was completely understandable. After all, his previous life had been filled with despair. His dantian had been crippled, and he had been utilized as a mere pawn by others. It was no surprise that those who targeted him regarded him as worthless.
It was no exaggeration to say that Liu Yuan’s arrival had completely turned a new leaf in Xue Zhui’s life. It was akin to being reborn with a new parent.
“Ahem… You should stand up first. As a man of great stature, with gold beneath your knees, I can’t casually kneel down. I am merely a person you happened to meet by fate. What you should truly consider is how you never gave up on yourself and showed care for your parents. Do you understand?”
Liu Yuan opened his mouth and had a bowl of chicken soup poured into it. After all, it didn’t cost anything.
“Moreover, why are you cultivating? It’s to make you stand tall and upright, not to kneel like this!”
Xue Zhui was momentarily stunned, and then clarity suddenly dawned upon him. It was as if a bucket of icy water had been poured over him, dispelling his confusion. He swiftly stood up and declared, “Senior is right! I understand now, Xue Zhui swears from this day forward that I will never kneel before anyone again, whether it be physically or in my heart!”
Liu Yuan nodded approvingly. Xue Zhui had a keen comprehension ability. He asked further, “Ma Shu came to find you, didn’t he?”
Xue Zhui nodded. “Senior’s foresight is astonishing. Ma Shu did come to find me and invited me to go to the Moon Reflection Pond at Young Time today. He enticed me, claiming that it could alter my destiny.”
Liu Yuan chuckled coldly, showing disdain. “My destiny is in my hands. There’s no need for him to meddle with it!”
The corner of Liu Yuan’s mouth twitched. He thought to himself, “You were deceived like this before, and now you suddenly have such strong convictions.”
