Lin Ya gave Yue Zhao a look of distaste. "Shoo. Grown-ups are busy. What are you messing around for?"
Yue Zhao looked aggrieved. "I just thought it was fun, that's all."
"What's so fun about it?" Lin Ya waved him off without hesitation.
Shen Yanye suddenly chuckled. "No, I think it's pretty fun too. Come on, open the bets. I'm putting my wager on the Beastmaster Sect."
Cang Li scoffed. "My master came in person. I don't see how the Kunlun Sword Sect could possibly lose. I'm betting on Kunlun."
The two of them placed their bets without a moment's pause. Seeing that, the others exchanged glances and joined in one after another.
"I'll bet on Kunlun Sword Sect too," said a disciple.
Cang Li gave him an approving look, the kind that made the disciple feel like he was about to ascend on the spot.
To be acknowledged by a powerhouse like that—it was worth the bet, win or lose.
"I think the Beastmaster Sect will win," another disciple piped up, sneaking a flattery-laced glance at Shen Yanye.
He was already doing the math in his head. He had always been interested in spirit beasts. Even if he couldn't join the Beastmaster Sect, maybe some guidance would be enough to change his path.
"I believe Xuandan Gate is the best choice," a voice suddenly declared.
Qing Yun, who had been trading verbal jabs, immediately turned to look, eyes lighting up.
The speaker was a disciple from Lingdan Peak. Noticing Qing Yun's attention, the disciple looked like he was about to faint from excitement.
This was a Grade Nine alchemist standing before him. Not even the elders could stay calm—Huo Lie himself looked like he wanted to curry some favor.
He glanced at Zhao Wuji's grim face and felt a twinge of complicated emotion.
Yun Jin had suddenly attracted the attention of so many major figures. Zhao Wuji had been preparing for this Grand Assembly for months, planning to use it to wipe out Tianjian Peak in one blow.
But now?
That plan was clearly dead.
Worse than dead.
Zhao Wuji's own life now hinged entirely on Yun Jin's whim.
If Yun Jin said, "Whoever kills Zhao Wuji, I'll take them as my master,"
Huo Lie had no doubt these powerful figures would act without a second thought.
Zhao Wuji's father might sound formidable…
But in front of the Kunlun Sword Sect's leader,
In front of a Grade Nine alchemist,
In front of a Mahayana beastmaster…
What did that count for?
This time, the Sect Master was finished.
Huo Lie realized he needed to start looking for a way out.
He made a snap decision, flashing a flattering smile at Lin Ya. "Peak Master Lin, you really did take in a fine disciple."
Lin Ya looked surprised. "Huo Lie, are you being sarcastic right now?"
Huo Lie waved his hands quickly. "No, no, I'm completely sincere. As an alchemist, I'd be thrilled if Yun Jin joined our ranks. So, I'll wager one thousand high-grade spirit stones on Xuandan Gate!"
One thousand high-grade spirit stones!
That was no small bet.
Just like that, Xuandan Gate topped the wager list.
Qing Yun laughed in delight. "Seems there are still some with sharp eyes."
Huo Lie only smiled back with even more flattery.
Zhao Wuji clenched his teeth until they almost cracked.
Huo Lie!
That two-faced snake!
Had he already calculated that Zhao Wuji had no chance of turning things around?
Just wait.
Once this is over, he'd remember every single person's face today, and settle the score one by one. Even though he told himself that, a hint of despair still flickered in Zhao Wuji's eyes. It was easy to talk tough, but could he really survive this?
With Huo Lie leading the way, other peak masters joined in, followed by the Grand Elders. Yue Zhao's little betting pool became the hottest event of the day.
Even Ji Wusi and the others stopped arguing, waiting eagerly for the final result. It felt like whichever side had the most bets would be guaranteed to win. Watching the bets pile higher and higher, Yun Jin could only sigh in silence.
Really now…
Did they have to send all this money to her senior brother like this?
She hadn't planned on joining any of them in the first place.
Just as the situation was getting out of control, Yun Jin finally spoke.
"Thank you, seniors, for your generous regard. But I have no intention of leaving Tianxing Sect for the time being."
Everyone: "?????"
The once-raucous square fell into stunned silence.
Every pair of eyes locked onto Yun Jin, full of disbelief.
What was she saying?
Three Holy Lands. Three top-tier powerhouses, fighting to claim her as a disciple. Everyone had been wondering which sect she would go with. And now she said she wanted to stay in Tianxing Sect?
Since when was Tianxing Sect so… desirable?
Even Yue Zhao was frozen in place.
In his world, this was like getting offers from both Tsinghua and Peking University, only to reject them both and say, "No thanks. I'm going to Lanxiang to learn how to operate an excavator."
This was not normal behavior.
"Xiao Jin? What… what did you just say?" Lin Ya's beard trembled. He was starting to think he had misheard.
Yun Jin answered sincerely, "Master, I feel like I'm learning a lot here. And besides, I can't bear to leave you. I still have wine to brew for you."
She spoke with complete honesty. That was truly how she felt.
Leave Tianxing Sect? Not a chance.
The male lead was about to appear. Ye Danxia definitely hadn't run out of schemes yet.
If she left now, how could she watch the drama unfold?
And where else would she find NPCs this easy to fleece?
Lin Ya: "…"
He could feel the murderous glares falling on him like arrows.
Yun Jin was refusing to leave Tianxing Sect… because of him?
He was going to get assassinated at this rate!
"Xiao Jin," Lin Ya said with forced calm, "I know you're a filial child, but your talent is too great. I have nothing more to teach you. On the path of cultivation, hesitation only breeds regret. These three seniors are all top-tier experts. No matter whom you choose, the road ahead will be far brighter than it would be here."
He couldn't bear to let her go either.
But Yun Jin's talent was simply too great. A small sect like Tianxing could no longer hold her.
Yun Jin only smiled. Her expression was serene, showing no sign of changing her mind.
Ji Wusi and the others exchanged looks for a while.
Cang Li finally spoke. "Perhaps this came too suddenly for her. Maybe Xiao Jin just hasn't had time to consider it properly. Why don't we find a quieter place and discuss it further?"
Indeed, the crowd was too noisy and chaotic here.
The others all agreed.
Lin Ya quickly offered, "Please, come have a seat at Tianjian Peak."
He then led the group away.
Yue Zhao rushed over to pull a junior disciple aside. "Here, take over for now. I'm heading back."
He also hurried after them.
He had to know what Yun Jin's final choice would be. His curiosity couldn't stand it.
Others were curious too.
But they didn't dare follow, and could only sigh in frustration.
Back in the square, the betting continued.
Zhao Wuji could no longer stand to watch. He quickly slipped away.
Li Heng was dead.
Now, with several high-ranking cultivators present, the situation had spiraled completely out of his control.
He had originally been reluctant to disturb his father's secluded cultivation.
Now, it seemed he had no choice.
If his father didn't come out soon, he might not live to see another day.
His father, Zhao Ling, resided in Qingxiao Pavilion, a notch above Li Heng in both status and strength. He was considered an elite disciple.
With his help, perhaps the tide could still be turned.
Zhao Wuji used a private method to send an urgent message to Zhao Ling.