Chapter 43 Ye Wuji's Provocation

Xiao Ming had just finished refining some Medicinal Pills and Cultivating in peace for a few days when he received a voice transmission from his Revered Master, Luo Hongyi.

"Disciple, the Saint of the Soul Suppressing Abyss is visiting. Come to the Sect's Grand Council Hall immediately!"

Xiao Ming raised an eyebrow upon receiving the transmission. The Saint of the Soul Suppressing Abyss? Information that his Revered Master, Luo Li, had transmitted to him regarding this faction instantly flashed through his mind.

The Soul Suppressing Abyss was a Demonic Path Sect on par with the Heavenly Demon Sect, located in the nether regions of the extreme north. Their Cultivation Techniques were quite bizarre and sinister, specializing in bewitching and controlling people.

Their Saint, Holy Son Ye Wuji, was rumored to be exceptionally gifted, ruthless, and cunning, having already gained a notorious reputation at a young age.

"Although I don't know what the Saint of the Soul Suppressing Abyss has come here for, I have a vague feeling that everything is related to that half of the jade talisman I recently obtained."

Furthermore, having just ascended to the position of Saint, there were bound to be many who were unconvinced. Additionally, the Heavenly Demon Sect had not had a Saint for centuries, and this was the perfect time to establish his authority; the visit of this Saint from the Soul Suppressing Abyss was undoubtedly an excellent opportunity.

He tidied himself up slightly, and the effect of being a "dashing Young Master, handsome and elegant" naturally radiated from him, adding an indescribable charm to his already flawless and handsome face, with every movement exuding an eye-catching grace.

Xiao Ming slowed his pace, exited Holy Son Peak, turned into a streak of light, and headed straight for the Sect's Grand Council Hall.

The Grand Council Hall was located on the main peak, towering and solemn, surrounded by Devilish Qi. At this moment, many powerful Sect Peak Revered Masters and Elders were already standing inside the hall, evidently attaching great importance to this visit from the Soul Suppressing Abyss.

Xiao Ming's figure landed in front of the hall, immediately attracting all eyes. As the Saint, he now held a revered status, and coupled with his astonishing performance in the recent grand competition and his unfathomable strength, he had won the approving gazes of many high-ranking members of the Sect.

"The Saint is here!"

"Greetings, Holy Son Xiao!"

Amidst the chorus of greetings, Xiao Ming nodded slightly and stepped into the hall with a calm gait.

Inside the hall, Vice Sect Master Luo Hongyi was already seated in the main seat. She was wearing a flaming red dress today, her phoenix eyes filled with authority. Seeing Xiao Ming arrive, she only nodded slightly, but her inner emotions were complex and indescribable.

And to her lower left, Luo Li was dressed in an ice-blue gown, looking cold and ethereal. In the peach-blossom eyes that looked at Xiao Ming, there was nothing but resentment.

"What the hell, what's wrong with this woman? Why does she feel so resentful after only a few days of not seeing her?"

Xiao Ming suddenly felt a chill run down his body, and he hurriedly averted his gaze, muttering in his heart: "There is no such thing as a plowed field that is ruined, only an exhausted ox. The ancients did not deceive me! System, System, can you give me a Primordial Saint Body for free? Or even just a kidney!"

He had originally scoffed at this saying, but who could deny that practice is the sole criterion for testing truth? After finishing intercourse with Mo Qingzhu, he still had the strength to continue, but if the object were his Revered Master, Luo Li, he would be willing but unable.

Xiao Ming had just walked to his seat as the Saint and sat down when a group of people slowly walked in from outside the hall. The leader was wearing a purple Saint's robe with dark gold patterns flowing on it. His dark purple eyes were full of contempt, and his Aura was powerful, having clearly reached the Nascent Soul Stage. He was none other than Holy Son Ye Wuji, the Saint of the Soul Suppressing Abyss who was visiting. Beside him, an old man stood with his hands hanging down like a ghost, the pressure of the Soul Transformation Stage faintly radiating, making many Nascent Soul Elders in the hall feel their breathing stifled.

As soon as Holy Son Ye Wuji entered the hall, his gaze landed on Vice Sect Master Luo Hongyi, who was sitting in the main seat. He still wore that faint smile on his face, but deep in his eyes, which were as calm as an ancient well, a trace of surprise and... heat flickered uncontrollably!

A portrait was a dead object after all; how could it depict even one ten-thousandth of the elegance of the woman before him?

Today, Luo Hongyi seemed to have just finished a short bath or meditation, with faint water vapor still lingering on the tips of her hair. She was unusually not wearing her signature flaming phoenix-patterned long dress, but had instead changed into a more casual outfit.

The outer layer was a dark black brocade robe embroidered with phoenix patterns in dark gold thread. The robe had a crisp texture and excellent drape, spreading out naturally with her sitting posture. However, the robe was not tied tightly, perhaps because she felt this relaxed feeling was more comfortable; it was just loosely gathered. Through the gap, one could see underneath a crimson soft silk tube-top dress with a color like fresh blood. Although it was not overly revealing, the curve outlined by the upper edge was enough to make one's nose bleed, breathtakingly stunning. A patch of delicate, jade-like snow-white skin and that deep cleavage were faintly visible, and the lines of her neck and collarbone were beautifully exposed. The long dress was thin and skin-tight, vividly depicting her voluptuous and proud figure.

Her face was still stunningly beautiful, her eyebrows flying into her temples, and the cinnabar tear mole at the corner of her eye looked even more demonic and eye-catching due to the undried water vapor on the tips of her hair. Her black hair was not completely tied up, and a few strands of damp hair clung to her smooth cheeks, adding a rare touch of laziness and... unintentional allure to her usual majesty.

'More beautiful... more seductive! More flavorful than in the portrait!' Holy Son Ye Wuji praised inwardly. A familiar feeling surged into his heart again; it was the desire for conquest and control that he had developed since he was a child, wanting everything to go his way. This woman was not only of noble status and powerful strength, but there was also that destined guidance and plan! If he could completely control her, it would be of great benefit to both his plans and his indescribable desire for conquest!

He suppressed the surging emotions in his heart, his gaze returning to a haughty look, and he looked around casually. When his gaze touched the Peak Revered Master's seat on the side below the main seat, waves stirred in his heart again!

A beautiful figure was sitting there, wearing a moon-white long dress. The cuffs and hem were embroidered with elegant silver bamboo patterns, making her look even more cold and peerless. Unlike the lazy allure that Luo Hongyi revealed unintentionally, Luo Li exuded a coldness and aloofness that kept people at a distance from head to toe, but those beautiful peach-blossom eyes would flash with a trace of hard-to-capture resentment and faint shyness when looking at Xiao Ming, before returning to calm.

Holy Son Ye Wuji's gaze swept unreservedly over these two beauties, who had vastly different styles but were equally peerless in the world. The burning fire in his heart continued to burn. One had to know that there were few female cultivators in their Soul Suppressing Abyss, and even some with average looks had been played with by who knows how many people, and were already ruined! Perhaps one moment they were whispering sweet nothings in your arms, and the next moment you wouldn't know who's bed they were singing on.

Just at this moment, a lazy and majestic female voice sounded: "I wonder why Saint Ye has come from afar. Does your Sect have something to discuss with our Sect?"

Upon hearing this, Holy Son Ye Wuji quickly collected his thoughts, his face returning to that hidden arrogant smile. He nodded slightly to Luo Hongyi on the main seat, and said in a haughty voice: "Holy Son Ye Wuji, Saint of the Soul Suppressing Abyss, greets Vice Sect Master Luo. I have long heard that the Vice Sect Master is peerless in beauty; seeing you today, I realize that the rumors do not even capture one ten-thousandth of it!"

On the other side, Xiao Ming, who had been lowering his eyes and thinking since entering the door, subconsciously looked up upon hearing their conversation. His gaze first rested for a moment on that snow-white patch and the breathtaking curves of Luo Hongyi, and he praised inwardly: "Tsk, this woman... why is she dressed like this today... sigh, as expected of a Demonic Sect! But is this something that can be shown to others?" He thought to himself and secretly swore that he would have to carefully supervise Revered Master Luo Hongyi's dressing taste in the future!

Before Xiao Ming could continue thinking, he was attracted by the towering beam of light above Holy Son Ye Wuji's head.

[Name: Holy Son Ye Wuji (Reincarnation of a Great Being from the Upper Realm, memory has not yet awakened)]

[Realm: Nascent Soul Middle Stage]

[Luck Rank: Blue (Child of Fortune)]

[Life Script: After earth-shattering planning and schemes, he deliberately saved a Phoenix girl years ago and obtained her token. Years later, he returned the favor by planting a method in the jade box returning the token. This method is a technique from the Upper Realm, mainly to control and enslave her Divine Soul. Those under the spell are obedient and submissive to the caster, but still retain their independent consciousness. In this way, he took the opportunity to control the current Sect Revered Master of the Heavenly Demon Sect, enjoying the resources of the two great Demonic Path giants to squander on Cultivation, and then soared to the sky...]

"Damn, a Reincarnation of an Upper Realm expert! This kind of Child of Fortune is tricky to deal with!" Xiao Ming felt immense pressure. One must know that a Reincarnated expert surely possesses Heaven-Defying Cultivation Techniques and martial arts, including trump cards for self-preservation. They might even possess unique and bizarre secret arts. Such people have Heaven-Defying strength and are extremely difficult to kill. Furthermore, they will eventually ascend. If one becomes their enemy, one must find a way to eliminate them as early as possible, otherwise, there will be endless trouble.

Xiao Ming's brows furrowed, and his eyes narrowed as he weighed the pros and cons in his mind. If he were to find an excuse now to instigate his two Revered Masters to kill him, there was no guarantee that some opposition faction within the Sect wouldn't step in to cause trouble. If the Child of Fortune then seized the opportunity to escape, he would likely survive the disaster, leading to endless future trouble. Although allowing him to grow so that the rewards for killing him later would be greater, keeping a Child of Fortune who is a Reincarnation of an Upper Realm expert alive would ultimately be an unstable factor.

Just as Holy Son Ye Wuji was about to continue speaking, a sudden sense of crisis flashed by. He looked in a direction with vigilance and confusion, where a handsome, extraordinary man with a transcendent Aura was sitting.

The moment he saw Xiao Ming, Holy Son Ye Wuji's pupils contracted imperceptibly! This person gave him a very strange feeling! Although he was only at the Golden Core Realm, the density of his Devilish Qi and the Aura faintly radiating from his body actually made him feel a subtle threat! In particular, the opponent's casual, lingering gaze and smile made him extremely uncomfortable, and he also felt that the way the other person looked at him was like a hunter eyeing prey.

"Who is this..." Holy Son Ye Wuji looked at Xiao Ming, his tone carrying a touch of perfectly timed "curiosity." He had done plenty of homework before coming here. According to the information he had gathered, the Heavenly Demon Sect could not possibly have such a handsome and young man, and one who was only at the Golden Core Realm, participating in such an important meeting between the two Sects.

Upon hearing this, Luo Hongyi revealed a faint smile and said indifferently, "This is our Sect's newly appointed Saint, Xiao Ming."

"Saint?" Holy Son Ye Wuji raised an eyebrow, his face showing perfectly timed "surprise" and a trace of imperceptible "vigilance." "Oh? The Heavenly Demon Sect hasn't appointed a Saint for hundreds of years. It seems your Sect has a wealth of talent in this generation; truly congratulations." He then changed the subject.

"I just wonder... what extraordinary qualities does Holy Son Xiao possess to receive such an honor? I am untalented, but I would like to exchange pointers." The probing and provocative nature of his words was obvious.

As soon as Holy Son Ye Wuji's voice fell, the entire hall fell silent. Many gazes turned toward Xiao Ming with ambiguous meanings.

Tu Gang and others also jumped out at the right time to fan the flames. This was a good opportunity to use someone else's hand to eliminate Xiao Ming. One must know that the people of the Soul Suppressing Abyss were notoriously insidious and vicious. If Xiao Ming accidentally died during the sparring, they wouldn't suffer any losses.

"Holy Son Ye is absolutely right. Xiao Ming, as our Sect's new Saint, don't bring shame to the Sect!" "Yes, Holy Son Xiao, let him see your strength!"

Watching the faces of some of the surrounding Elders and Peak Revered Masters, before Xiao Ming could respond, Luo Li, who was sitting beside the main seat, suddenly unleashed her Aura. Her willow-leaf brows furrowed slightly, and her cold, clear gaze instantly became sharp. She scanned those who had spoken coldly and said indifferently to Holy Son Ye Wuji, "Holy Son Ye, what... do you mean by these words?"

Her words were icy, and the chill faintly radiating from her body caused the temperature in the hall to drop significantly. Although she was angry and helpless with Xiao Ming in private, calling him a Wicked Disciple at every turn, she would not tolerate outsiders bullying him, or even just scolding him.

Seeing this, Luo Hongyi on the main seat narrowed her phoenix eyes slightly. Although she didn't speak, it was clear she was also quite displeased with Holy Son Ye Wuji's words.

Upon hearing this, Holy Son Ye Wuji's expression remained unchanged, but a trace of wariness flashed deep within his dark purple pupils. He naturally knew that provoking someone inside their own Sect was not a wise move. He then laughed, lowered his posture slightly, and cupped his hands, saying, "Two Peak Revered Masters, Holy Son Xiao, it was I who misspoke. I was just curious since your Sect hasn't had a Saint for years. Since Holy Son Xiao doesn't want to show face, it was my rudeness."

"Wait..." Xiao Ming spoke up at the right time: "Two Revered Masters, since Holy Son Ye has put it this way, if I don't accept the challenge, wouldn't that make our Sect lose face!"

As soon as his voice fell, Luo Li instinctively wanted to stand up and object. Xiao Ming naturally knew what she was worried about. He himself also understood that with a Reincarnated expert's top-tier Cultivation Techniques and martial arts, plus a cultivation base that crushed his own, he had absolutely no chance of winning a duel against him! The reason he agreed was simply because Xiao Ming knew that he wouldn't be able to fight him at all later.

Looking at the suspicious and worried eyes of his two beautiful Revered Masters, especially Revered Master Luo Li, with that concern and worry almost overflowing, Xiao Ming simply returned a confident smile and winked at her.

After agreeing on the time for the sparring duel with Xiao Ming, Holy Son Ye Wuji immediately changed the subject. His face showed a sincere expression, and his gaze turned back to Luo Hongyi on the main seat: "Actually, I have a private matter that I would like to discuss with Vice Sect Master Luo in person during this visit."

"Vice Sect Master Luo, many years ago, when I was still young and out playing with a servant from my family..." He paused slightly, as if recalling, "At that time, there was a little girl... in the end, I ordered my old servant to save her. She left behind half a jade talisman as a token... Later, after much inquiry, I learned that the little girl back then seemed to be Vice Sect Master Luo, which is why I came to disturb you, wanting to return the jade talisman!"

As soon as these words were spoken, a suppressed gasp erupted throughout the hall!

"What? Vice Sect Master was saved by Holy Son Ye when she was young?" "Is that so! That is a huge favor!"

When Holy Son Ye Wuji mentioned the little girl, Luo Hongyi's delicate body tensed slightly and imperceptibly. Especially when she heard the keyword "half a jade talisman," a stormy sea had already been stirred up in her heart! That dusty memory concerning her savior seemed to reappear before her eyes! She remembered that in her despair as a child, there really was an old man and a young boy who appeared before her and saved her, just like the only light in the dark night... Could it be that the boy from many years ago was... Holy Son Ye Wuji?

She suppressed the excitement and joy in her heart. After all, she was not some naive, ignorant girl who would believe whatever others said. Immediately, a layer of frost covered her beautiful face, and sharp light shot from her phoenix eyes, staring fixedly at Holy Son Ye Wuji.

"You..." Luo Hongyi's red lips parted slightly, her voice carrying a trace of imperceptible trembling. "Are your words true?" In her heart, she already believed it seven or eight parts, because that past event was extremely secret, and she had never told anyone else. There were very few who knew about it, let alone the fact that the other party had even mentioned the half jade talisman. Coupled with his composure at this moment, he didn't seem to be lying!

Seeing Luo Hongyi's reaction, Holy Son Ye Wuji was secretly happy, knowing that she already believed most of it. His face revealed a perfectly timed trace of "shame" and "self-reproach," and he sighed sorrowfully: "Cough! I dare not deceive Vice Sect Master Luo. That... half jade talisman was the best token. But... unfortunately, just a few days ago, on my way to your Sect, it... mysteriously disappeared... And I have searched for a long time recently but failed to find it back. It is truly... shameful!"

"Lost?" Luo Hongyi's eyebrows furrowed slightly, and she was about to say something. But Holy Son Ye Wuji changed the subject, flipped his wrist, and an ancient jade box appeared in his palm.

"I originally placed the jade talisman in this jade box, intending to return it personally to Vice Sect Master Luo, but who would have thought..." Holy Son Ye Wuji showed a look of shame, wrapped the jade box with Qi, and slowly sent it toward Luo Hongyi. His tone carried perfectly timed self-reproach and regret, but the corner of his eyes was fixed on the jade box slowly floating toward Luo Hongyi. As long as she took it with her own hands, or even probed it, the means inside the jade box would be activated, and that bizarre power would silently invade the depths of her Soul, enslaving her!

Just as Holy Son Ye Wuji's heart was pounding and he was about to reveal a look of wild joy, and Luo Hongyi, feeling slightly annoyed, was subconsciously about to take the jade box, "Revered Master... wait!" A calm voice sounded again. Of course, it was our Great Saint Xiao who spoke again... and again!