Chapter Eighteen: Why Not See Yourself Reflected in the Water?

“Brother Pei Xu, please calm your anger. I didn’t mean to offend; perhaps in the heat of the moment, I said some things I shouldn’t have!” At that moment, Lian Zimin stepped forward, standing between Xie Xin and the furious Pei Xu.

“This matter indeed should not be blown out of proportion,” Han Kai nodded in agreement, looking at Pei Xu.

Pei Xu...

The words of the two brought Pei Xu back to his senses, and for a moment, he found it hard to say anything further. After all, while Xie Xin was in the wrong, the issue hadn’t yet come to light. If things escalated, it wouldn’t just be one person’s reputation at stake, but the entire sect’s honor. Then they would all suffer for it.

“Xiao Ming, I’m truly sorry for making a spectacle of things in front of you. For your elder brother’s sake, could you let this matter rest? As an apology, we’ll guarantee the acceptance of your three friends into the sect. What do you think?” After some consideration, Pei Xu sighed and turned to Tianming.

“I refuse to accept this. The other two, maybe, but why should a mere seventh-rank martial apprentice—a greenhorn—be allowed entry into the sect?” Xie Xin suddenly objected.

“What right do you have to complain? You caused all this. You’re lucky we’re not holding you accountable,” Han Kai stepped forward, fixing Xie Xin with a cold stare.

Hmph!

As soon as he finished speaking, the murderous glares from those around made Xie Xin shrink back, not daring to utter another word.

On the other side, Tianming felt a flicker of gratitude in his heart. He hadn’t expected them to rebuke their own junior for his sake, especially since his earlier words had indeed been a bit disrespectful.

“Tianming, let’s not push our luck,” You Ao said, waving his fan.

Leng Yuansheng nodded in agreement.

Though Tianming possessed many strange and marvelous treasures, he was only at the first rank of Qi Induction. How could he possibly compete with disciples who enjoyed excellent resources? Even the outer sect disciples far outclassed them; the gap was not something mere effort could bridge.

Yet, despite this, Tianming still felt somewhat dissatisfied. Was this not a case of striking with a stick only to offer a sweet afterward? This was blatant targeting. He couldn’t help but suspect Xie Xin had orchestrated it—who else would resort to using weapons right from the start, as if intent on putting their lives at risk?

“Fine. For the sake of you elders, I’ll let this go. But I have a few questions I’d like to ask.” With furrowed brows, Tianming suppressed his anger.

“Please, go ahead,” Pei Xu responded.

Seeing Pei Xu’s forthrightness, Tianming nodded emphatically, glancing at Xie Xin, whose face was still dark and bowed.

“Brother Pei Xu, forgive me if I speak bluntly, but I must ask: When did I ever offend him? He came at me like a rabid dog from the start. Are all your sect’s disciples so narrow-minded? If my friends join, will they be bullied like this as well? And if so, what do you propose to do about it?” Tianming’s anger surged as he pointed at Xie Xin and asked in a somber tone.

Everyone knew who he was referring to, and silence fell over the group.

“Tianming... thank you!” You Ao and Leng Yuansheng looked at him with gratitude, clasping their hands in respect.

In truth, this had been their concern all along. Now, the weight in their hearts seemed to lift.

Tianming winked at them and shook his head, as if to say, “This is only right; think nothing of it.”

Mm.

Understanding his meaning, Leng Yuansheng and the others said nothing more, only responding quietly.

...

As Pei Xu hesitated, wishing to consult the elders, a discordant voice shattered the silence.

“If you don’t want to join, get lost! A bunch of worthless Qi Induction martial artists dare to speak of the Heavenly Sword Sect? Even if you begged on your knees, we wouldn’t take you!” Xie Xin, unable to contain himself any longer, stepped out with a sullen face and spoke furiously.

“So not only are you a rabid dog, but a deaf one as well. I call you out, and you still won’t admit it. Let’s hope you don’t end up a disgrace among the immortals, falling from grace completely,” Tianming retorted, stepping forward with a smile and a shake of his head.

He could tolerate being insulted, but to be slandered as someone defaming the sect—this he would not allow. Besides, what was wrong with being at the Qi Induction stage? Hadn’t everyone passed through it? By his reasoning, everyone was “worthless.”

“What do you mean?” Xie Xin, momentarily stunned, asked in confusion.

Tianming’s sudden retort left everyone equally perplexed.

“Don’t misunderstand me—I’m not speaking of everyone, only you. Clearly you are narrow-minded, yet you insist on tying your actions to the sect’s honor. I just want to ask if you have any shame left. Don’t blame anyone when you reap what you sow,” Tianming replied coolly.

“You...” Xie Xin could only point at Tianming, unable to speak for rage.

“Ha! Why not look at yourself in disgrace?” Tianming sneered.

Xie Xin...

Leng Yuansheng...

Han Kai...

...

As soon as Tianming finished, everyone stood with mouths agape. His words were cutting—while they didn’t fully grasp his meaning, they could sense his sharpness. If his cultivation matched his wit, he would be invincible.

Those were expressions from his own world, which explained why everyone found them baffling yet impressive. Tianming knew well that the more heated an argument, the cooler one should remain—using refined words to leave others speechless.

“Brilliant, Brother Tianming!” Leng Yuansheng and the others looked upon Tianming’s tall figure with admiration, their smiles deepening.

Meanwhile, Pei Xu and his companions looked displeased. Perhaps Tianming had already realized Xie Xin was behind this, or perhaps “they” were. But if so, why not expose them directly? Perhaps out of consideration for their dignity. At this thought, a trace of guilt appeared on Pei Xu’s face.

“Tianming, let that be enough.”

Just as Pei Xu was about to speak, a rich and melodious voice swept through the crowd, refreshing the spirit. At the sound, all who had been tense, agitated, or angry suddenly felt a cool current flow through their hearts, and many closed their eyes, marveling at such a wondrous voice.

“Elder!” Pei Xu and the others paused briefly, then bowed toward the back.

The synchronized salute drew Tianming’s attention to the front, where the old man who had been napping turned out to be an elder. He had thought him an ordinary man.

“Tianming, that elder is Elder Le from the inner sect—one of the most eminent figures in the Heavenly Sword Sect, second only to the Grand Elder and the Sect Master,” You Ao whispered to Tianming and Leng Yuansheng.

Mm.

Tianming nodded silently. Of course, an ordinary person would not be present here. He vaguely recalled Leng Yuansheng mentioning an elder at the registration desk, though he hadn’t taken it seriously. Now, he was sure.

While Tianming seemed unconcerned, Leng Yuansheng grew anxious. Would their earlier commotion displease this elder? Even if Tianming knew Senior Wang Sheng, acquaintance alone meant little. In this elder’s eyes, it was insufficient. Even Wang Sheng would have to bow in his presence, so Leng Yuansheng couldn’t help feeling worried.