DragonKnov
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Chapter 286
🕑 Added 2025-01-15 10:11:24 +0000 UTC
…
Numerous transparent holographic screens flickered and danced before the crimson pupils of the long white-haired young man, casting an ethereal glow upon his chiseled features.
This was, of course, none other than Ji Wuye, whose entire handsome face now radiated warmth beneath the gentle caress of the morning sun's rays as he ascended the stone stairs.
His earlier brutality—mercilessly slaughtering all the invaders—left an indelible mark of horror on the gathered onlookers. Eyes widened in fear, and hushed whispers spread among those assembled on the stone stairway.
They could not forget. Their murmurs echoed faintly, “The White Demon…”
For the moment, Ji Wuye ignored both the prying eyes and the cascading streams of data flickering across the translucent screens, his penetrating gaze fixed resolutely elsewhere as the morning breeze toyed with his long, snowy locks.
"Greetings, Venerable Elders," he spoke, his deep, resonant voice carrying across the courtyard like a thunderclap as he cupped his hands in a polite, deferential gesture upon reaching the paifang gate of Kunlun. Ji Wuye's piercing scarlet eyes slowly swept over the gathering of numerous robed Elders from various esteemed factions, along with scores of Kunlun's own disciples clad in white robes.
"Well, well, what an extraordinary talent," the Elder from the renowned Xiangxi Sect remarked, his voice laced with an approving tone towards Ji Wuye. Beside him stood several other Elders—this being the second group of Elders from righteous factions, guarding Kunlun’s entrance.
"Indeed, with talent as profound as yours, no martial artist under the heavens can hope to rival you—not even my genius little Hei can match you," another Elder's voice rang out, his eyes glittering with unabashed admiration. This venerable figure hailed from the Xiao Yao Sect, and he spoke of Wang Hei, his direct disciple and a spear-wielding martial artist who had previously crossed paths with Hao Hanying.
The subject of the Elder's praise, the young Wang Hei himself, stood beside his master, his sharp eyes carefully studying Ji Wuye, whose expression remained distant yet calm.
"Greetings, fellow Martial Brother," Wang Hei spoke, his words clear and low like the calm before a storm as he cupped his hands in return, mirroring Ji Wuye's respectful salute.
"I am Wang Hei, a disciple of the Xiao Yao Sect, and the direct disciple of Elder Gong himself," he introduced himself.
Then, after a momentary pause , Wang Hei added, "Please forgive me, fellow Martial Brother Ji, for being merely a spectator during the earlier events."
Despite the apology carried in his words, Wang Hei's piercing gaze remained utterly steady and unwavering, devoid of even a flicker of guilt or self-reproach as he met Ji Wuye's intense crimson eyes with an unbreakable lock.
But to Ji Wuye...
"This little one is called Wuye, from the Ji family. Greetings to the venerable Elder Gong Guo of the Xiao Yao Sect, and to all the august Elders representing these prestigious martial factions gathered here," Ji Wuye responded, his deep voice resonating with practiced poise as he raised his head and cupped his hands not toward Wang Hei, but rather toward the Elders.
"I extend my sincere gratitude for your help, aiding to defen the Kunlun during this pivotal time."
"What a remarkably polite and composed young man! Greetings, greetings indeed! Truly, it is no great burden we bear," one of the Elders chuckled heartily, his gruff features crinkling with an approving nod.
"Why on earth does Kunlun see fit to detain such a supremely talented and refined young man like yourself? Hmph! They must be blind!" another Elder's voice rang out, his eyes gleaming with the unrestrained greed of someone who had spotted a prize ripe for the taking.
"Come, join our sect instead. We will ensure you receive only the finest privileges and resources befitting a genius of your caliber."
And...This brazen attempt at recruitment played out in full view of the Kunlun disciples themselves.
"You honor me greatly with your kind words, Venerable Elder. However, the trial has not yet reached its conclusion, so perhaps such considerations are best...postponed, for now," Ji Wuye replied respectfully.
"No, no, you speak wisely, young man! It's wholly understandable that you might hesitate!" The shameless Elder quickly backpedaled, his words now carrying an oily unction clearly intended to soothe any ruffled feathers. "Even we, though merely outside observers to these events, can perceive how shamelessly you were mistreated upon this sect after hearing the accounts.
"For one as brilliantly talented as you, it's only natural to have vented your...justifiable frustrations at such a grievous insult."
"Well said, well said," yet another Elder figure piped up, seemingly eager to ingratiate himself by piling on. "Properly managing one's understandable frustrations in such circumstances is the wisest path. But still, the Kunlun can hardly fault you for any...momentary lapse, given the indignities you endured here."
The sickly-sweet aroma of blatant pandering and shameless favor-currying hung heavy in the air.
Their blatant platitudes and thinly-veiled attempts to justify Ji Wuye's transgressions prompted the faintest of smiles to grace on his lips. Inwardly, however, a sardonic laugh echoed through his thoughts.
'Hah, how utterly absurd. Even actions that should be universally condemned as wrong can be twisted into righteous deeds,' he thought inwardly.
Of course, Ji Wuye was pragmatic enough to recognize that such blatant pandering would cease in an instant if he had actually committed an unforgivable crime - slaying Wudang's disciples or crippling Elder Xia to the point of ending his martial path forever.
In response to the Elders' transparent overtures, Ji Wuye replied with a tone of utmost courtesy. "But unfortunately, Kunlun has raised and nurtured me since I was but a child. To turn my back on them now would only invite a burdensome karmic debt, revealing a disgraceful ingratitude for all the years they have devoted to my upbringing."
His words brooked no argument, respectful yet immutably firm, leaving the assembled Elders no rhetorical foothold to sway his decision. They looked upon him with pity and frustration, clicking their tongues in disappointment at being unable to wrest this supremely gifted young man away.
Afterward, Ji Wuye shifted his penetrating gaze toward Wang Hei once more. "There is no need to tender an apology, fellow Martial Brother Wang. What transpired was merely a divergence of perspectives on the matter," he stated evenly.
Of course, he clearly recalled that Wang Hei's face had been conspicuously absent from the mob of Inner Disciples and guests who had so vehemently besieged him earlier.
At that precise moment, a translucent screen flashed into existence before Ji Wuye's crimson eyes:
Unbeknownst, his active skill Slash Breaker had finally evolved. This revelation caused the corners of Ji Wuye's mouth to curl upwards into the faintest of satisfied smiles.
"Then, if you would permit me, I must excuse myself to attend to a private matter," Ji Wuye stated, lowering his head deferentially as he cupped his hands respectfully toward the assembly Elders once more. The Elders nodded their reluctant approval, their ravenous gazes following his departure.
"A pity! What an incalculable pity this turn of events represents!" One of the Elders lamented loudly enough for his reedy voice to carry to Ji Wuye's ears as he strode away.
"Even mountains of glittering gold would prove insufficient to purchase the cure for such short-sighted folly now! The Kunlun sect had a prodigy of such profound, generational talent flourishing right beneath their noses, yet they failed utterly to win his heart and allegiance!"
...
Meanwhile, upon arriving at the Lower Level, Ji Wuye approached the gathered crowd of Kunlun's Official Disciples. Most of them didn’t even dare to meet his gaze directly.
After witnessing firsthand his ruthless might and unmatched martial prowess, they cowered behind one another, their faces etched with naked terror. These were the very same arrogant martial artists who had mocked him mercilessly in the past as the "weakest" and "the famous flower boy" in their midst. But now, their hateful ridicule had transmuted into speechless, visceral fear.
Unlike the Official Disciples, however, one group stood out...
"Greetings and salutations, Senior Brother Ji!" They called out, their voices brimming with enthusiasm and respect. This was the same faction who, even before Ji Wuye had revealed the his strength, had voiced their sincere gratitude for the invaluable insights he had provided regarding the Trial at the Tower.
It was a motley group of Outer Disciples, their robes tattered and bearing the marks of recent fierce battle, yet their weary faces still managed to shine with smiles of wonderment despite their evident fatigue. "It has been far too long since we last crossed paths, Senior Brother! We never could have envisioned your fame and prestige eclipsing even the most fanciful of tales!"
Perhaps driven by a sense of security after every last unorthodox martial artist who had dared to storm Kunlun had met their end at Ji Wuye's hands, the Outer Disciples now brimmed with renewed energy and even appeared relaxed.
However, true to the principle he had long adopted - 'treat kindness with kindness, and malice with its rightful recompense' - Ji Wuye greeted them with a smile. "Well met, Junior Brothers," he replied.
The Outer Disciples erupted into a chorus of effusive gratitude and unrestrained awe, showering Ji Wuye with praise and expressing their utter shock at the sublime heights of his revealed martial prowess.
For his part, Ji Wuye merely nodded politely, allowing them to speak their admiration to their heart's content until, at last, he judged the opportune moment had arrived to respectfully excuse himself from their company.
At that precise moment, Ji Wuye noticed the very same ominous shadows he had observed from the rooftop earlier now slinking in the direction of his courtyard.
"Then, Junior Brothers, if you would excuse me," Ji Wuye said calmly.
"Oh, of course! Yes, yes, please forgive our inconsiderate delay, Senior Brother Ji!" the Outer Disciples replied hastily, waving their hands in a flurry as they quickly stepped aside to grant him unimpeded passage.
However, just as Ji Wuye was about to take his leave, he paused momentarily and turned back to face them.
"One more reminder, Junior Brothers," he said. "The enemies have not been fully defeated. I saw a massive reinforcement heading in this direction as we speak."
