novelraw Chapter 311: The Countless Enemies Youve Made
Chapter 311: The Countless Enemies Youve Made
This novel is translated and hosted only on Bcatranslation.
“Senior Sister Yu Zhao.”
“Senior Sister Wei, Junior Sister Ning, Junior Brother Sha…”
Outside Tai Bai Academy, Yu Zhao greeted Wei Ying and the others courteously.
After the formalities were completed, Wei Ying introduced the rest of the disciples to Yu Zhao, followed by the usual polite compliments.
Yu Zhao raised an eyebrow.
Why did it feel like Wei Ying was stalling for time?
Just as this thought crossed her mind, a familiar presence rapidly approached them with the speed of lightning.
Yu Zhao’s eyes reflected a hint of surprise before softening into a faint smile.
“Junior Brother Ji, it’s been a while.”“Senior Sister Yu, I… I’m late,” Ji Han Zhou stammered, his heart pounding like a war drum.
He clenched his fists, struggling to maintain a composed appearance.
“You’re not late. You’re just in time,” Yu Zhao replied calmly.
Perhaps because they were visiting Tai Bai Academy, Ji Han Zhou wasn’t wearing the Heavenly Sword Sect’s robes. Instead, he donned a deep cyan outfit that softened his sharp features, making him appear steady and reserved.
Inwardly, Yu Zhao marveled at the silent passage of time. The reckless boy from back then now carried an air of confidence and composure.
After a round of pleasantries, the group headed into the academy.
Thanks to Wei Ying’s enthusiastic announcements, everyone at Tai Bai Academy, from elders to disciples, knew Yu Zhao was visiting.
As Yu Zhao stepped through the gates, she was met with countless curious glances.
Some marveled at her cultivation level, others were struck by her youthful appearance, and a few were surprised to see Ji Han Zhou among the group.
Yu Zhao paid no heed to the stares. Under Wei Ying’s guidance, she arrived at a row of bamboo lodges at the back of the academy.
Inside the lodges, Yu Zhao met Headmaster Mo Xin and several elders.
The headmaster and the elders who had witnessed the Cultivation World Tournament couldn’t help but feel a wave of emotions upon seeing Yu Zhao.
Among all the participants, Yu Zhao was the first—and only—one to achieve Nascent Soul Formation.
And she had done so at such a young age.
Her youth left the elders with mixed feelings of awe and jealousy.
They had encountered countless prodigies, yet none had ever pressured them as Yu Zhao did. She made them feel as though it wouldn’t be long before she surpassed them entirely.
Even Headmaster Mo Xin felt a twinge of envy—not towards Yu Zhao, but towards the Five Elements Dao Sect’s master. He envied the sect for producing another peerless genius, ensuring its prominence for centuries.
However, since Yu Zhao was an outsider, after a brief exchange of words and some encouragement, she tactfully withdrew.
Being at Tai Bai Academy, she could seek the headmaster’s guidance anytime. There was no need to rush.
Wei Ying and the others, unaware of Yu Zhao’s true intentions, assumed she was traveling for experience. After giving her a tour of the academy, they led her to her guest quarters.
Whether by coincidence or design, Yu Zhao and Ji Han Zhou’s rooms were adjacent, separated by just one wall.
Ji Han Zhou found himself deeply impressed by Wei Ying, reflecting on how he had unfairly resented the academy’s disciples over the incident with Li Jing Rang.
As Wei Ying and the others reluctantly left, Ji Han Zhou hesitated, debating whether to knock on Yu Zhao’s door. Before he could decide, his own door was knocked.
He quickly stepped forward and opened it.
Sure enough, standing there was the person who filled his thoughts day and night.
“Senior Sister Yu!”
“May I come in?”
“Of course.”
Ji Han Zhou stepped aside, allowing Yu Zhao to enter.
Yu Zhao made herself comfortable, taking a seat and producing a small jar of fruit wine from her storage space, which she placed on the table.
“Meeting an old friend far from home calls for a toast,” she declared.
“You’re absolutely right, Senior Sister,” Ji Han Zhou agreed, sitting across from her and pouring the wine into cups.
As they drank, their conversation flowed freely.
Yu Zhao learned about Ji Han Zhou’s dedication to honing his swordsmanship since returning to the sect. In turn, Ji Han Zhou heard about the trials Yu Zhao faced during her breakthrough.
The deeper their conversation grew, the more Ji Han Zhou’s mood sank.
He had believed his grueling efforts—so intense his mother couldn’t bear to watch and had sent him to join an exchange group—were enough.
But compared to Yu Zhao’s experiences, his efforts seemed mediocre and unremarkable.
He wondered if his approach had been wrong all along. Perhaps endless training improved swordsmanship, but it didn’t cultivate the spirit needed to defy both heaven and earth.
As he brooded, Yu Zhao suddenly inquired about the Sword Sovereign Jiu Hua.
Caught off guard, he hesitated but then replied with a smile, “Mother… I mean, Sword Sovereign Jiu Hua is doing well. Recently, she developed a new set of sword techniques and has been busy challenging the sect leader and others. She hardly has a moment to spare.”
Yu Zhao chuckled.
Ji Han Zhou couldn’t help but notice her genuine smile, though it left him feeling increasingly perplexed.
His mother, though fond of Yu Zhao, had never had the chance to meet her alone. By all logic, the two should barely know each other.
Yet Yu Zhao’s concern for her seemed unusually personal, as if they were old acquaintances.
What’s more, for a fleeting moment, Ji Han Zhou had the strange impression that Yu Zhao’s gaze was not that of a peer, but of an elder looking lovingly at a younger generation.
He shivered involuntarily.
Oh no, Mother, what have you been doing behind my back!?
…
Far away at the Heavenly Sword Sect, the Sword Sovereign Jiu Hua was laughing heartily with her hands on her hips when her nose suddenly itched, cutting her laughter short. She frowned.
Suspiciously, she glanced at the sect leader, Chong Yang, who sat across from her, visibly sulking.
“Sect Leader, losing a match isn’t a big deal. But silently cursing me? And so viciously at that—it’s disappointing.”
Already upset about losing, Chong Yang was furious at the accusation. “Jiu Hua, when have I ever cursed you? This is slander! You’re trampling on my dignity! Apologize. You must apologize!”
Jiu Hua scrutinized him. “So it wasn’t you?”
Chong Yang swore on his honor that it wasn’t him. At most, he had inwardly grumbled about how her sword techniques were as aggressive as her personality.
That wasn’t cursing. It was merely stating facts.
“Fine. My mistake. I apologize,” Jiu Hua conceded swiftly. Stroking her chin, she mused, “Then who could be badmouthing me?”
Chong Yang snorted mockingly. “Who knows? With the number of enemies you’ve made, it could be anyone, from the mountain top to its base.”
“True enough.”
Jiu Hua had been infamous in her youth for her combative nature. She challenged everyone—elite disciples of the One Sect, Two Clans, and Four Schools, as well as renowned independent cultivators. While her victories outnumbered her losses, she certainly wasn’t lacking in enemies.
In those days, her ears constantly burned, and her nose frequently itched, no doubt from the curses hurled her way.
Over time, though, such sensations had faded. But today, it seemed some old rival had decided to dust off the grudge and passionately hurl insults at her once more.
Tsk. Still holding a grudge after all these years? How petty.
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