novelraw Chapter 404: No More Than This
Chapter 404: No More Than This
Yu Zhao hadn’t expected to encounter Ye Cong Xin so soon. The lingering fury and shock from the ambush were still etched on Ye Cong Xin’s face.
Sweeping her divine sense over Ye Cong Xin, Yu Zhao wasn’t surprised to discover that Ye Cong Xin had also reached the Nascent Soul stage, even progressing to the mid-stage like herself.
Since her identity had been exposed, Ye Cong Xin no longer held back and advanced in cultivation at a pace far surpassing before. Her attire closely resembled the garb Yu Zhao had once glimpsed in the Wordless Heavenly Book—seductive eyes, lips painted as crimson as blood, exuding an eerie charm.
“Surprised by my cultivation level, are you?” Ye Cong Xin sneered, the ridicule evident in her gaze. After a brief pause to steady herself, she added, “Yu Zhao, I’ve always said I’m no less than you.”
Yu Zhao’s expression remained indifferent. “Ye Cong Xin, is this cultivation truly your own? How dare you speak so boldly?”
Behind Ye Cong Xin’s rise lay countless stolen fates and spilled blood. To flaunt accomplishments built on others’ sacrifices was despicable.
“Yu Zhao! You think you’re some kind of righteous savior? What gives you the right to judge me?”
Before this encounter, Ye Cong Xin had heard far harsher accusations than Yu Zhao’s. Normally, she brushed them off as nothing more than impotent jealousy. Yet, Yu Zhao’s words always struck a nerve, igniting her fury.
Yu Zhao was born with everything. She would never understand Ye Cong Xin’s struggles, nor was she qualified to stand on her moral high ground.
Yu Zhao frowned slightly, sensing something off about Ye Cong Xin’s state. Having crossed paths with her twice before, Yu Zhao knew her well enough to recognize her calculating and composed nature. Ye Cong Xin was like a venomous snake, lurking in the shadows and striking decisively when least expected.Why, then, was she now so frenzied and erratic?
Yu Zhao’s gaze swept over her subtly. Could it be trouble stemming from her dealings with Evil Spirits?
“Yu Zhao!” Ye Cong Xin declared, her tone laced with malice. “I’ve come for the ancient inheritance at this Ancient Dao Field! No one will take it from me. Victory is mine!”
“A raging mind, stilled, becomes enlightenment.”
The solemn chant of a Buddhist verse rang out.
Monk Silence entered, prayer beads in hand, his demeanor serene.
“You again, you bald donkey!” Ye Cong Xin spat venomously.
In the Cultivation World, Ye Cong Xin had made countless enemies, with Yu Zhao and Monk Silence standing out as the ones she loathed most. Now, surrounded by both, her anger flared even hotter.
Monk Silence shook his head. From their first meeting, he had detected a dark and malevolent aura within Ye Cong Xin. Back then, her soul hadn’t been wholly corrupted, and his senior brother, Unworried, had sought to guide her onto a better path through virtuous acts. But now, her soul had fully merged with the darkness, beyond redemption.
“One day, Monk Silence, I’ll repay your insults a hundredfold!” Ye Cong Xin snarled.
“Don’t forget me,” interjected Zhou Jin Yue, her voice sharp.
All eyes turned as Zhou Jin Yue emerged, her expression icy as she stepped onto the fourth meditation mat.
“Of course,” Ye Cong Xin hissed, her hatred palpable.
Zhou Jin Yue exchanged a glance with Yu Zhao, who shook her head slightly. Understanding that Ye Cong Xin couldn’t yet be dealt with, Zhou Jin Yue suppressed her killing intent and quietly observed.
While Yu Zhao and Zhou Jin Yue kept their emotions in check, others weren’t as composed. Fang Cheng Lang, Cui Jue, and Su Ming arrived in turn, their fury erupting at the sight of Ye Cong Xin. However, the protective mats thwarted their attempts at vengeance.
With her current strength, Ye Cong Xin no longer needed the mats to shield her from the trio. She mocked them openly. “You three are useless. Do you think you can defeat me? Pathetic. Even if I pitied you, you’re not worth a second glance.”
“You vile woman! How dare you show yourself!” Su Ming pounded on the barrier separating them, his face a mask of rage.
Unbothered, Ye Cong Xin smoothed a strand of hair, her tone languid. “Why wouldn’t I? Since joining Lone Moon Peak, I’ve never harmed anyone. Meanwhile, others, under the guise of righteousness, have committed unspeakable acts behind my back.”
Ye Cong Xin had always mastered the art of manipulation, inciting chaos without dirtying her hands. She refused to let others use her cruelty to absolve themselves of their sins. They would not use her as a scapegoat.
“It’s because of you!” Su Ming shouted, his fists bleeding as he continued striking the barrier. “If not for you, we… we wouldn’t have…”
His words faltered into incoherence. Fang Cheng Lang and Cui Jue glared at Ye Cong Xin but avoided Yu Zhao’s gaze, their shame palpable. Those familiar with Yu Zhao offered her sympathetic glances, while some joined Su Ming in cursing Ye Cong Xin.
One voice rose above the commotion. “So, you’re Ye Cong Xin? I’d heard how you bewitched them, but you’re not much, are you?”
Long Fei Fei crossed her arms, scrutinizing Ye Cong Xin with an unimpressed look.
Ye Cong Xin’s cold gaze swept to her. “And you are? Yu Zhao’s lapdog?”
“Call me Grandma!” Long Fei Fei retorted arrogantly. “Go on, say it, dear granddaughter!”
“Mad dog,” Ye Cong Xin spat, her lips curling disdainfully.
“Mad dog? That’s rich coming from a beast like you!” Long Fei Fei’s sharp tongue had Ye Cong Xin seething. “They treated you like a treasure, but to me, you’re trash I’d toss down a mountain without hesitation.”
Long Fei Fei’s words cut deep, and Ye Cong Xin’s eyes flickered with anger. Taking a deep breath, she replied, “Keep barking while you can. Once we leave here, your life is mine!”
“Oh, I’m trembling! Come and get me if you dare!” Long Fei Fei taunted but cast pleading looks at Yu Zhao and Monk Silence. Reassured by their silent support, she regained her boldness.
Meanwhile, Fang Cheng Lang clenched his fists, his gaze dark and determined. Ye Cong Xin’s words had reopened old wounds, but he silently vowed: if she ever dared harm Long Fei Fei, she’d have to face him first.