Chapter Six: Utter Frustration

Sixth Uncle finally calmed himself, leaping out to address the beautiful Grandmaster Aunt, “Grandmaster Aunt, I believe this man must have some ulterior motive toward our Illusory Sword Sect, which is why he’s here pretending to be Third Senior Brother’s disciple.”

Upon hearing this, Li Chengzhu clenched his fists. Were it not for the respect owed to elders, he would have protested long ago. Just as he was about to argue, he suddenly saw the beautiful Grandmaster Aunt discreetly signaling him with her slender hand. Since her back was to everyone else, none noticed.

Li Chengzhu suppressed his anger, sneering as he watched his so-called Sixth Uncle slander him.

The beautiful Grandmaster Aunt arched her willow brows, smiling as she turned to Sixth Uncle, “Oh? What makes you think he harbors such intentions?”

Sixth Uncle replied respectfully, “First, three months ago Third Senior Brother sent word that this person had ventured into the Forbidden Land of Immortals. He’s likely long deceased.”

At the mention of the Forbidden Land, even the beautiful Grandmaster Aunt couldn’t help but be moved. She turned back and examined Li Chengzhu closely, as if seeking to see through him. The other disciples, upon hearing those four words, collectively inhaled sharply, like a group gulping down iced tea on a sweltering summer day.

“I’m just lucky!” Li Chengzhu could no longer hold back, leaping forward and shouting loudly.

Sixth Uncle snorted coldly and continued, “Second, this person carries no proof of identity whatsoever—not even the artifact bestowed by his master at the time of apprenticeship.”

Damn, that stingy old man never gave me anything—how is that my fault? Li Chengzhu no longer cared to speak. Were it not for the beautiful Grandmaster Aunt’s repeated hints, he would have already stormed out in anger; the enthusiasm he’d felt about meeting his fellow disciples had vanished like dust in the red storm of Red Rock Plateau.

“Third, even if he is Third Senior Brother’s disciple, the jade slip sent back said he was nothing but a mortal. How could a mere mortal advance from no foundation to the middle stage of Out-of-Body cultivation in just two years?”

At these words, the disciples’ eyes widened like oxen’s. Among them, Burning Wolf trembled with excitement. If this man truly was Third Senior Brother’s disciple, he’d be an idol! Such rapid cultivation—he’d have to ask for guidance. Burning Wolf’s heart was gradually tipping toward Li Chengzhu, secretly hoping he really was his junior.

“Fourth, your cultivation route isn’t even that of our Illusory Sword Sect,” Sixth Uncle declared smugly. “Am I wrong?”

“Mm,” Li Chengzhu nodded. He indeed cultivated not the Illusory Sword Sect’s method, but the “Spiritual Gathering Codex.” After all Sixth Uncle’s bluster, he’d finally gotten something right—Li Chengzhu felt a pang of sympathy for him.

“Therefore, Grandmaster Aunt, I believe this man must have designs on our Illusory Sword Sect, and is not the disciple of Third Senior Brother, who has long since perished!”

The beautiful Grandmaster Aunt’s smile lingered, her jade teeth revealed as she spoke lightly, “Your reasoning is sound. After centuries apart, Old Six, you’ve matured.”

Sixth Uncle grew excited; to be praised by Grandmaster Aunt was a rare honor.

He pressed his advantage, “Grandmaster Aunt, how should we deal with this man? I ask for your decision.”

Li Chengzhu leisurely tidied his new clothes, and spoke slowly, “Since you say so, I shan’t trouble you further. Farewell!” With that, he turned to leave. Even a clay figurine has temper; having been slandered by this so-called Sixth Uncle, were it not for his master’s reputation within the sect, he would have cursed him out long ago, regardless of seniority.

“Where do you think you’re going?” Sixth Uncle barked. “Does the Illusory Sword Sect let people come and go as they please? Burning Wolf, detain him for me!”

“Yes… Uncle!” Burning Wolf hesitated inwardly, but moved to block Li Chengzhu’s path, guilt written across his face.

“Wait,” the beautiful Grandmaster Aunt finally spoke.

Li Chengzhu glanced at her, thinking, If you don’t step in now, I’ll really be taken down by my fellow disciples.

The beautiful Grandmaster Aunt first gave Li Chengzhu a gentle smile, then turned to Sixth Uncle, “Old Six, what if I say he is indeed Old Three’s disciple?”

“Uh…” Sixth Uncle’s expression froze with embarrassment.

“That’s enough.” She waved her hand. “I can vouch for him—he truly is Old Three’s disciple.”

“What?” The crowd exclaimed in unison. If this man really was Third Senior Uncle’s disciple, then all those incredible things Sixth Uncle had just listed would be true?

In an instant, everyone’s gaze toward Li Chengzhu burned with intensity, as if lechers eyeing a naked beauty.

Sixth Uncle was so shocked his mouth hung open, trembling as he pointed a finger at Li Chengzhu.

Though startled, Li Chengzhu quickly regained composure, offering only a cold smile to Sixth Uncle.

Sixth Uncle finally recovered, asking respectfully, “Grandmaster Aunt, how do you know…”

She impatiently cut him off, “Because I am your Grandmaster Aunt! If I say he is, then he is! That’s that—this matter is settled!”

Li Chengzhu smiled and bowed to her, “Thank you, Grandmaster Aunt.”

She nodded, then her expression cooled, brows arching sternly as she snapped, “Old Six, what have you been doing these years? Your cultivation hasn’t advanced much, but your scheming sure has. Have you spent these years plotting and conniving?”

With her seniority, she had no regard for his dignity; her words left Sixth Uncle’s face flushing red and white.

Li Chengzhu glanced at the other disciples, who all wore looks of satisfaction, delighting him inwardly. So you’re so unpopular in the sect, he thought.

“The Illusory Sword Sect grows weaker each generation. The Founder is already a Golden Immortal; in another century, he might ascend to Great Golden Immortal. And you? Always plotting, always infighting! Now the Angel Legion threatens us, yet instead of uniting to repel outsiders, you waste energy on internal strife.” She huffed, “Damn it, you’re driving me mad!”

Her words stunned the crowd.

She seemed to realize her own slip, her delicate face reddening. She caught Li Chengzhu’s amused gaze and glared at him fiercely.

“Enough, Old Six. Focus more on cultivation. All things in the world are illusory; only the pursuit of the Heavenly Way is the true goal for those who seek immortality.” She calmed herself and spoke.

“Thank you for your guidance, Grandmaster Aunt.” Sixth Uncle wiped cold sweat from his brow, not daring to utter a word.

End.