C20 Rumors Spread

The confrontation with the Net Sect had finally settled down, and no one dared to challenge us again.

Even the Net Sect's Eldest Senior Brother was no match for Bai Yu, leaving others with little hope of success.

Since their departure, Bai Yu remained in the courtyard, resolved to devote himself to mastering the techniques from the Secret Scripture.

The items bestowed upon him by the Grand Upper Elder were clearly extraordinary, as evidenced by his rapid progress.

As was his routine, Bai Yu sat on his bed, immersed in cultivation, when a noise from outside interrupted him.

"Is Chen Daoran returning?"

Bai Yu hadn't lost sight of his mission and had caught wind of Chen Daoran's imminent return.

Despite being unsure of the source, the rumor was widespread.

To verify the authenticity of the news, Bai Yu ventured once more to the mountain's rear.

The disciples guarding the mountain emerged, and upon recognizing Bai Yu, they stepped aside to let him pass.

Inside the cave, the Grand Upper Elder welcomed Bai Yu.

"You've handled the Net Sect's challenge admirably," he said.

We, as elders, must exercise restraint in our actions.

A full-scale conflict between two sects would come at a tremendous cost, something Tian Juezi had been keen to avoid by not engaging.

Without the intervention of the Great Elder, the Net Sect stood little chance against Tian Juezi.

"Is the news of Chen Daoran's return factual? I seek your guidance, Grand Upper Elder," Bai Yu inquired.

The Grand Upper Elder, unaware of the rumor's origin, replied, "Chen Daoran has been gone for some time, and I've heard nothing of his return."

His statement implied that the news of Chen Daoran's return was likely unfounded.

"Ah, it's uncertain when he will return," Bai Yu mused.

The Grand Upper Elder found Bai Yu's preoccupation with Chen Daoran peculiar, considering Chen Daoran to be just another disciple within the sect.

Emerging from the cave, Bai Yu was visibly disheartened, no longer feeling at home within the sect.

After some contemplation, he made his way down the mountain alone.

Several disciples tasked with guarding the mountain rose to their feet, uncertain of Bai Yu's destination.

They believed Bai Yu enjoyed many privileges.

He had not only bested members of the Net Sect but was also in possession of the Grand Upper Elder's secret scripture.

"I'm heading down the mountain to pick up a few items. Keep up the watch," he told them.

Hearing Bai Yu's intentions, the disciples felt no inclination to intervene.

Arriving at the tavern, Bai Yu indulged in a lavish feast.

With a hefty sum of silver from the princess at his disposal, he was finally putting it to good use.

"When can I finally leave this place?"

Feeling somewhat despondent, Bai Yu heaved a heavy sigh.

No sooner had he spoken than a nearby voice caught his attention.

"I truly have no money left. Please, there's no silver to take!"

A group of thugs was harassing a man for his bag, likely containing some silver.

Bai Yu had no initial desire to get involved, as the matter seemed unrelated to him.

However, the situation changed when the thugs approached him.

Beside Bai Yu lay a cloth bag containing the Secret Scripture given to him by the Grand Upper Elder.

Should the thugs take his Secret Scripture, all his cultivation efforts would be in vain.

"I didn't want to interfere, but now you've brought trouble to my doorstep."

Securing the bag to himself, Bai Yu swiftly sprang into action.

The thugs noticed an invisible shield around Bai Yu and quickly realized something.

Bai Yu likely possessed a unique power, evident in the force he wielded.

The thugs attempting to confront Bai Yu were instantly repelled upon contact with his body.

"I've already warned you. I just want to enjoy my drink in peace and not cause any trouble."

The bullies found Bai Yu's response peculiar.

"Get him, all of you! We must capture him," they commanded.

Bai Yu remained stationary, exerting no visible effort.

It's always wise to avoid flaunting one's sect's techniques while traveling abroad.

Every sect had its rivals, and if one were spotted outside, it could spell trouble.

Bai Yu was unsure whether the thug before him had any powerful connections; he hadn't been able to determine that yet.

With a fierce palm strike, he sent the thug flying.

The thug clutched his chest and slowly got back to his feet, clearly not expecting Bai Yu to actually strike him.

Outside, real fights were rare; most people were just after some money.

Only when they realized their mistake did they understand the extent of their folly.

Bai Yu watched as the thug was helped up, wondering about the severity of his injuries.

He had no intention of getting involved in this affair; he was well aware it had nothing to do with him.

"If you've got the guts, don't run. Let's see if I can't handle you," the thug taunted, his eyes bloodshot, as though he was about to advance.

His underlings held him back, convinced he was no match for Bai Yu.

Bai Yu watched the thug, who didn't dare approach, feeling no inclination to engage with him.

After a few drinks, he left some silver on the table.

"I didn't want to get involved with you, but you brought this on yourselves."

As Bai Yu attempted to leave the inn, the thug launched a sudden attack at his back.

Despite not exerting much force, a hit to the back would be quite painful.

With his palms positioned before his chest, Bai Yu sneered, "Do what you think is best."

The energy from the Secret Scripture had already infused his meridians, ready to be unleashed should the thug provoke a confrontation.

The thug, face flushed with anger and power radiating from his palms, followed Bai Yu.

Sensing the growing energy behind him, Bai Yu struck out with his palm.

Their palms met, and the thug, clearly outmatched, was sent flying, landing on the ground with his condition unknown.

Onlookers rushed to the fallen thug's side, anxious to avoid the complications of leaving him there.

"If you're so capable, stay right here and don't you dare leave. I'm from a prominent family."

The bully glared at Bai Yu, who stood defiantly before him, and issued a harsh ultimatum that left Bai Yu with no option to leave.

Bai Yu was intent on resolving the conflict once and for all, so he remained still, keenly aware that the bully had surely brought reinforcements to watch.

Feeling the gaze of the onlookers on him, the bully quickly ordered his entourage to whisk him away.

He needed to get back to his family posthaste to rally formidable allies.

That's the way of influential families: strike one member, and a horde descends in response, no questions asked.