The Aloof Lord's Mysterious Wife
Chapter 280: The Hypocrite Who Killed Her

Chapter 280: The Hypocrite Who Killed Her

The sect leader, seeing Yan Luo’s sensible demeanor, grew even more satisfied. "Junior Brother, it’s likely that Island Master Yan couldn’t bring himself to be strict, which is why she’s like this. He sent his daughter here hoping she can cultivate diligently in Seven Peaks Sect. This matter is entrusted to you."

Yun Yubai’s eyes grew colder. "Sect Leader, she already has her foundation from Penglai Island and is the island master’s daughter. Is it appropriate for her to join our sect?"

The sect leader reassured him. "It’s fine. You only need to teach her the Lingfeng Sword Technique. We’ve also sent disciples to Penglai Island for training. It’s a reciprocal arrangement."

Yun Yubai raised an eyebrow. "Sect Leader, you know I prefer peace and quiet."

Over the years, he had only taken in Yun Shen as a disciple, out of pity for his plight in the lower realms.

"It will only disrupt you for a while. You’re the best at the Lingfeng Sword Technique in Seven Peaks Sect," the sect leader said with a smile.

Yun Yubai’s face darkened, remembering his defeat in a sword duel. The sect leader, sensing his reluctance, quickly added, "Given the agreement with Island Master Yan, I need you to handle this well."

Just as the sect leader was about to speak further, Yun Yubai waved his hand nonchalantly and looked at Yan Luo. "If you can endure, stay. If not, you can leave without notifying me."

Yan Luo was delighted to hear this and respectfully bowed. "Disciple greets Master!"

Yun Yubai frowned initially but soon relaxed, acknowledging her with a faint hum. He then instructed Yun Shen to arrange her living quarters.

The sect leader, pleased with Yun Yubai’s cooperation, reminded him not to be careless to avoid giving Penglai Island any reason to look down on Seven Peaks Sect.

Yun Yubai was puzzled. "Penglai Island’s power isn’t that overwhelming. Why the need for such measures, Sect Leader?"

The Seven Peaks Sect had its strengths that secured its place in the upper realm. Assisting Penglai Island’s daughter seemed overly accommodating, almost demeaning.

The sect leader, hands behind his back, sighed with a worried expression. "The Celestial Sovereign was gravely injured while sealing the Demon Abyss fissure and has been in a coma ever since. The Grand Elder of Jialan Celestial Mountain predicted that Yan Luo has a noble fate. If she marries the Celestial Sovereign, it might awaken him."

Yun Yubai spat in disgust. "A noble fate? Sect Leader, can you see any sign of nobility in her appearance? Jialan Celestial Mountain is grasping at straws. It’s laughable that even the top sects stoop to such superstitions."

Though the sect leader shared his sentiments, he was also resigned. "The Celestial Sovereign has been asleep for a millennium, and without outstanding new disciples, their anxiety is understandable. We can’t let someone in a perpetual coma hold the Celestial Sovereign title forever. You might not be aware, but there’s talk of selecting a new Celestial Sovereign."

Yun Yubai felt a surge of anger, his eyes blazing. He clenched his fists. "The gods have fallen, and the Celestial Sovereign was one step away from becoming a god himself. He sacrificed himself to seal the fissure for the celestial realm and all living beings. How could they be so ungrateful?!"

The sect leader patted his shoulder, sighing again. "Junior Brother, I understand your reverence for the Celestial Sovereign. But the current situation in the celestial realm is complex and ever-changing. As the sect leader, I must plan and prepare."

He agreed to let Yan Luo cultivate at Seven Peaks Sect to keep his options open.

Yun Yubai’s face was grim. His power alone couldn’t stand against the other sects. But he had another plan and nodded slightly. "As an elder of Seven Peaks Sect, I will support your decisions, Sect Leader."

The sect leader smiled warmly. "You’ve become much more prudent since your seclusion. With your help, Seven Peaks Sect will only grow stronger."

Yun Yubai smiled along. "It’s my honor to be of use to you, Sect Leader."

The sect leader, pleased, spoke a few more words before leaving Yunxiao Peak.

Once he was gone, Yun Yubai’s face turned cold, his eyes icy. He drew his fingers together, revealing a strand of hair that fell into his palm. Yun Shen, having settled Yan Luo, returned and saw Yun Yubai’s intense aura, making him shiver. "Master, what...what’s wrong?"

"Don’t ask about adult matters," Yun Yubai said, then flew off on his sword.

Yun Shen, afraid he’d be gone for another decade, shouted, "Master, when will you return? What about Junior Sister?"

"You teach her. What use are you otherwise?" Yun Yubai disappeared, leaving Yun Shen with a headache.

Yun Yubai headed to the forbidden area of Nine Peaks Mountain, located on Tianyang Peak, the main peak connecting the other six peaks. The forbidden area’s spirit tree continuously supplied spiritual energy throughout the sect.

The spirit tree was tall and lush, surrounded by misty spiritual energy. At sunset, the scene was breathtaking. The spirit tree was the sect’s lifeline, as its spiritual energy was vital for the disciples’ cultivation.

Protected by an array, only the sect leader could enter. But Yun Yubai, having stolen a hair from the sect leader, used it to bypass the array. Though unfamiliar with the area, he soon found the path to the tree’s roots. The tree wasn’t immortal and required nourishment, hence the path for occasionally burying spirit stones to extend its life.

The underground was damp and dark. Yun Yubai conjured a fire for light as he descended the stone steps, feeling the spiritual energy intensify. His heart sank with every step.

The root’s spiritual energy surpassed that of the tree above. Finally, he reached the ground. The roots were intertwined, leading to a half-human-height stone platform glowing faintly. The roots had climbed onto the platform, drawing power from the objects there.

Yun Yubai dashed forward. The objects were two glass cups: one containing a small fragmented inner core, the other some flesh. His eyes widened, breathless. He recognized the aura of the inner core and flesh.

His face pale, body crawling with a thousand tiny, biting insects, he conjured more fire for illumination and finally saw the whole picture. Many roots were withered.

Apart from Seven Peaks Sect, the other five great sects each had a spirit tree. Once on the verge of withering, they mysteriously revived. Yun Yubai laughed bitterly, veins bulging on his forehead from restraint. "So this is it... It’s you hypocrites who killed her!"