Chapter 67
Ji Wuye reclined in the solitude of the abandoned courtyard, his form casually leaning against a weathered wooden pole. His contemplative gaze fixated on the ethereal glow of moonlight, casting a silvery sheen over the silent expanse as he awaited the imminent Tower Challenge.
A sardonic snort escaped him, the complexity of his situation echoing in his thoughts as he replayed the intriguing conversation with Elder Qiao. "Hah! This is so complicated," he muttered under his breath.
"I'm doing all of this to protect you," Elder Qiao's words resonated, a mysterious weight underlying the guidance offered.
"Though you may face mockery and constant challenges from your Martial Brothers, you'll be safer inside the Sect. It's better than running for your life like a dog.
"That's all I can say. The rest is on you. Even if you fail, the Lian family will protect you from any dangers."
A web of confusion enveloped Ji Wuye, intensified by the revelation that he was being pursued. "By whom?" The question lingered in the air, shrouded in uncertainty.
The magnitude of these revelations overwhelmed him, prompting deeper introspection into why such efforts were made to shield an ostensibly untalented disciple like himself. What deeds had "she" undertaken to garner such unwavering dedication?
Ji Wuye mused aloud, "Besides the mention of 'her,' I don't even know her name or what she did." His memories, particularly those predating his arrival at Kunlun at the tender age of nine, were elusive.
He recalled faint warnings from his parents, urging him against reckless leaps.
"All this while playing in a majestic courtyard," he added wistfully, his eyes absorbing the grandeur of his surroundings. Enclosed by towering white stone walls, the courtyard stood three stories high, an expansive sanctuary covering several acres.
Beneath his fingers, the ground boasted a pristine surface of polished white marble, its texture akin to the softness of silk. Two crystal-clear streams meandered through the yard, adorned with intricate bridges adorned with delicately carved dragons.
Above, pine and bamboo trees stretched towards the heavens, their verdant branches providing a tranquil haven.
They swayed gently in response to the mountain breeze, their calming rhythm accompanied by the vibrant hues of plum blossoms and orchids that adorned the streamsides.
The air was a rich tapestry of scents—cherry, osmanthus, and chrysanthemums—imbuing the atmosphere with an intoxicating sweetness.
Embedded in Ji Wuye's childhood memories were the indelible images of flags and symbols adorning the apex and each towering wall.
The emblem of a tiger's head, jaws agape, lingered hauntingly in the recesses of his recollections, fragments from the years preceding his seventh birthday.
In the tapestry of his early years, at the tender age of seven, Ji Wuye could vividly recall a simpler life.
His world revolved around the rhythmic cadence of bamboo sandals against the earth, the mesmerizing hues of morning sunrises, and the crisp air resonating with the cheerful melodies of chirping birds.
Images of bending down, hands tending to the soil, planting seeds, and reaping the bountiful harvest lingered in his mind.
With his parents by his side, they would traverse various villages, a cart laden with the fruits of their labor in tow, sharing their abundance with neighboring communities.
In stark contrast to these pastoral memories, he discovered he was the son of a farmer.
However, life took an unforeseen turn when, at the age of seven, his parents abruptly uprooted him from this rustic existence and brought him to Kunlun. Faces blurred in his recollection, yet their desperate plea resonated with clarity.
"Honorable Madam, please accept this child! We can no longer afford to feed him!"
As an innocent child, he failed to comprehend the gravity behind his parents' words—the realization that he was, in essence, being sold.
His gaze was fixated on the majestic expanse of Kunlun Mountain, captivated and oblivious. Before he knew it, he found himself ensconced within another enchanting courtyard.
Thus began his journey as a Kunlun disciple, oblivious to the events that transpired, unable to recall the identity of the one who had accepted him into the sect.
"Tch," Ji Wuye clicked his tongue, dismissing the unpleasant memories. Were it not for Elder Qiao's revelations, these moments would have faded into the recesses of forgetfulness.
However, the somber emotions swiftly dissipated as he chuckled, reminiscing about Elder Qiao expressing fondness for him. "Well, she is known for her intelligence."
…
Revisiting his introspective musings, Ji Wuye's first order of business was to redirect his attention to the previously neglected transparent screens, overshadowed by the intensity of the competition and his pursuit of mastery in the Cloudsoaring Steps.
[>>[PRESSURE FORM PERFECTION STYLE(D)]<<]
The proficiency of your passive skill has been increased by 0.01%!
[>>[PRESSURE FORM PERFECTION STYLE(D)]<<]
The proficiency of your passive skill has been increased by 0.01%!
[>>[PRESSURE FORM PERFECTION STYLE(D)]<<]
The proficiency of your passive skill has been increased by 0.01%!
…
"Ah, these must be the outcomes post-treatment for Senior Sister," Ji Wuye affirmed with a nod, swiftly dismissing the initial set of screens.
However, the subsequent transparent display that materialized prompted an involuntary hardening of his countenance.
[!] Your passive skill, Quick Adaptation(E), has failed to be triggered!
[!] Your passive skill, Feline Reflexes(E), has failed to be triggered!
As notifications unfolded, the lines on his face etched deeper, his expression now veering towards a darker intensity. A vivid memory surged to the forefront, the recollection of Elder Xia's forceful grip around his throat.
"So, skill activation can be disrupted," he mused, observing this phenomenon unfold before him for the first time.
The revelation dawned on him – a passive skill, no matter how proficient, could be disturbed by external factors. The impact of Elder Xia's intervention became starkly evident.
Contemplating further, he acknowledged the implications. Unable to sense Elder Xia's arrival, coupled with the elder's formidable martial prowess at the time, Ji Wuye concluded, "That means an E-rank grade is insufficient to counter an 8th martial artist."
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