Chapter Twenty-Five: Vice Leader Yi Wudi

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In the fading light of dusk.

"Alright!"

"Phew..."

The relentless cheers from the sect disciples made Suo Yangcan's face flush with fervor, while Tianming, unwilling to be outdone, fired back with equal vigor. The lively scene drew more and more disciples, eager to witness the spectacle.

At this moment, Tianming stood amid the gentle breeze, his robes billowing elegantly. A commanding, regal aura radiated from him, accentuated by his luxurious attire, making him appear ever more noble and peerless, handsome beyond description. In contrast, Suo Yangcan seemed like a mere grain of sand lost in the vast ocean.

The female disciples, catching sight of Tianming's ethereal figure, immediately forgot all about his status as a mere first rank in the Qi Guiding realm, joining the shouts or sneaking shy glances, whispering secrets to their close friends in giggling embarrassment.

Just as the two were locked in heated exchange, a group clad in purple robes quietly approached from the right along the Celestial Avenue, unnoticed by the crowd.

"You? You're merely a first rank in Qi Guiding. What qualifications do you have to boast you can handle me?" Suo Yangcan glared at Tianming, his tone full of disdain.

He rambled on in anger, stubbornly ignoring anything Tianming said and twisting his words.

"Very well, I won't bully you with words lest you accuse me of boasting. Since you're so confident, why don't we settle this with a duel?" Tianming replied calmly.

If these outer sect disciples questioned his strength, Tianming would prove to them who the real weakling was.

With that, Tianming glanced behind him to see what Brother Chu was up to.

Chu Qingchen caught Tianming's gaze, gave him a thumbs-up, and offered a meaningful smile.

Tianming...

Seeing this, Tianming frowned, feeling uneasy and perplexed—was Brother Chu doing this on purpose?

"Fine, you have courage, but don't expect me to go easy on you!" Suo Yangcan's eyes darted as he gave a sinister smile—this was exactly what he wanted.

The abrupt challenge snapped Tianming's attention back to Suo Yangcan.

"Ha, of course. But a duel should have stakes. If I defeat you, Brother Suo, you'll compensate me with ten thousand spirit stones and publicly apologize. If I lose, I'll apologize, pay the same compensation, and leave the sect. What do you say?"

Tianming nodded, holding up a finger and staring straight at Suo Yangcan.

Clap, clap, clap!

"Hahaha... Young people these days are truly remarkable!"

A voice, aged yet vibrant, suddenly echoed through the crowd. Though neither loud nor soft, it drained the color from the disciples' faces; they stepped aside respectfully, bowing their heads.

Tianming...

"Tianming, congratulations—you're now officially a member of the Celestial Evolution Sect. Surprised?"

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Just as Tianming stood bewildered, Chu Qingchen tiptoed over and patted his shoulder.

...

"Disciple Chu Qingchen greets the Vice Hall Master!" came a calm voice across the field.

Tianming, dazed, turned to find Chu Qingchen already moving ahead, smiling and exchanging pleasantries with the elder and several young men behind him.

Who were they?

And what was Tianming supposed to do?

At this moment, Tianming was riddled with questions, standing rooted to the spot in confusion.

Suo Yangcan...

Of course, Tianming wasn't the only one dumbfounded—Suo Yangcan was equally lost, his face blank. As he heard the disciples' mocking laughter, shame flushed his cheeks, and he lowered his head to hide his embarrassment.

"Tianming, let me introduce you. This is Yi Wudi, the Vice Hall Master of the Law Enforcement Hall."

As Tianming lamented the depths of these schemes, Chu Qingchen and the elder approached him.

Uh!

"Greetings, Hall Master Yi. I am Tianming," Tianming quickly replied, his mouth twitching slightly.

He had to admit, Chu Qingchen's tricks were truly surprising, rattling even Tianming's usually calm demeanor.

"Hmm!" Yi Wudi's gaze was stern; though he uttered only a single syllable, the weight of his authority pressed heavily on everyone present.

As Tianming studied the Vice Hall Master, the elder scrutinized Tianming in turn, his expression revealing appreciation, though inwardly he pondered.

Why did such an ordinary young man command so much attention? For now, it seemed his courage was commendable.

"Pardon me for asking, Hall Master Yi—are you testing me?" Tianming asked cautiously.

The atmosphere was tense, and Tianming chose his words carefully, watching Yi Wudi's expression, but the elder's face remained unreadable.

Hearing this, Chu Qingchen tried to signal Tianming with his eyes, finally stopping with a cough.

Uh...

Beside Yi Wudi, a middle-aged man glanced at Tianming. To dare say such things—what nerve! If it were any other disciple, the Vice Hall Master would have slapped them to the ground. Though Yi Wudi seemed amiable now, he was ruthless when someone crossed him or made a mistake.

"Just call me Elder Yi. Haha, young friend, don't mind what happened earlier," Yi Wudi said with a smile, shaking his head.

He seemed very concerned with Tianming's demeanor, though his stiff expression made his smile somewhat forced.

"Not at all," Tianming replied quietly, lowering his head.

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Tianming dared not meet the elder's eyes, afraid he'd burst out laughing.

The surrounding disciples and Chu Qingchen were astonished—when had this strict and upright Vice Hall Master become so approachable?

"Wu Chuan, drag this insolent fool away!"

Suddenly, Yi Wudi's sharp gaze landed on the man beside him.

Wu Chuan, head bowed, happened to be nearby and seared the elder's forced smile into his memory, biting his lip to keep from laughing, his face contorted.

Seeing this, Yi Wudi shook his head.

"Duag~!"

A crisp sound rang out, instantly sobering everyone.

"Yes," Wu Chuan replied promptly.

He quickly led several young men toward Suo Yangcan, their ingratiating expressions shifting to icy severity, as if transformed.

"Don't mind him, young friend. That disciple is simply slow-witted—he needs a lesson to learn," Yi Wudi said coolly, glancing at Wu Chuan.

Tianming...

Tianming opened his mouth, wanting to say something, but quickly shut it and nodded obediently.

"Young friend, remember to come to the Heavenly Pavilion tomorrow morning. If you ever face difficulties, seek me at the Law Enforcement Hall. If you have questions, ask him. I won't disturb you further," Yi Wudi said after a moment's reflection, smiling.

His eyes swept over Tianming, finally settling with imposing authority on Chu Qingchen, his expression reverting to icy severity.

"Yes, I will follow Hall Master Yi's instructions and answer all questions!" Chu Qingchen replied quickly, feeling the pressure of that weighty gaze.

His ingratiating expression and serious demeanor earned Tianming's respect.

"Thank you, Elder Yi, for your care. Tianming is deeply grateful."

Though Tianming disliked such formality, he joined Chu Qingchen in bowing slightly to Yi Wudi.

Yi Wudi said no more, nodded at Tianming, and departed the way he had come.

Phew...!

Watching Yi Wudi disappear into the distance, Chu Qingchen breathed a sigh of relief, and the heaviness in Tianming's heart faded away.

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