Chapter 27 : Entrance Exam 6

At night, they camp near the waterfall. It was a silent night, accompanied by the sparks from the campfire. Mei Lan was already fast asleep in Xu Yanran's lap. Ying Feng kept the campfire burning to prevent it from going out in the cold night wind. Meanwhile, Yang Wei kept watch, ensuring no beasts approached.

Ying Feng started the conversation, "I think we've gathered enough points to pass the test. Should we head back now, or keep looking around?" He never took his eyes off the campfire as he added more firewood.

Yang Wei went silent as he stared at the waterfall. His gaze was distant, as if lost in thought. "I want to fight the giant serpent," he said.

Ying Feng stopped what he was doing and looked at Yang Wei. "Are you crazy? We almost got killed by that strange bird. Even the senior disciples in the sect need to be cautious when fighting a giant serpent. We haven't learned any techniques or martial arts yet." Though his expression remained unchanged, his words were filled with anger.

"I know. But I want to test my limits," Yang Wei replied.

Ying Feng stood up and grabbed Yang Wei's collar in anger. "Test your limits? More like gambling with our lives! I thought you were a good leader, but now you're too selfish to make any decisions!"

Mei Lan and Xu Yanran woke up when they heard Ying Feng yell. Yang Wei glanced at them. "Let's continue this conversation tomorrow. We're all too tired to argue right now. We've got a long day ahead."

Ying Feng paused for a moment, then released Yang Wei's collar. "You're right." He poured water on the campfire to extinguish the flames. "It's better if there's no light while we sleep, so we don't attract any nearby beasts."

Afterward, he sat down and leaned against a tree trunk. Yang Wei stared at him for a moment before jumping onto a tree branch to sit. He became lost in thought, gazing at the countless stars in the sky, "I have to become strong... quickly..." he murmured.

The next day, Ying Feng and Yang Wei barely spoke to each other. The atmosphere between them felt cold and heavy.

"Did you two have a fight?" Mei Lan asked as she ate her freshly grilled fish. Xu Yanran, who had grilled the fish, added, "Fighting isn't good. We're teammates. If you have problems, it's better to talk them out." Ying Feng and Yang Wei both looked away, seemingly ignoring their words.

Xu Yanran sighed. "Alright, let's handle this." She stood up. "Get up, you two, and beat each other."

"Wait, wait, wait, why are you encouraging them? Aren't you supposed to help them make up?" Mei Lan was confused and panicked at the same time.

"Do you enjoy watching us fight?" Yang Wei asked in disbelief.

"It's not that. I learned this method when I fought with my brother. We beat each other up until all our frustration was gone. The next day, we acted like nothing had happened," Xu Yanran explained.

"The heck? What kind of sibling relationship is that?" Ying Feng whispered.

"Are you sure it's not you who bullied your brother?" Yang Wei teased.

"Yeah, I think her brother lost his memory after those beatings."

"I feel sorry for your brother."

"H-hey! I'm not a barbarian!" Xu Yanran blushed.

After a few seconds, everyone laughed. The heavy atmosphere from earlier was replaced by a warm and calming one. "Don't laugh!" Xu Yanran blushed even more. "Alright, alright, the fish is ready. Let's eat and continue our journey," said Ying Feng, wiping a tear from the corner of his eye.

A few moments later, before they were about to leave, Yang Wei's expression became serious again. "Guys, listen. I know you're against my decision to fight the giant serpent. But... I have my reasons. I also understand your fears... which is why I plan to do it alone. I'll still help you gather points, and once you have enough... I'll go my own way." Yang Wei's expression was unwavering. His eyes held no doubt. His ambition to grow stronger had only intensified.

The three of them looked at him. Ying Feng sighed. "I'll go with you. Two heads are better than one, after all.", He scratched his head. "I'll also go with you. I don't think your brother will leave us alone if something happens to you," Xu Yanran said. Mei Lan raised her hand. "M-me too! The serpent is scary, but I also want to try fighting it."

"Are you sure? Your life could be at risk following me. I don't want you to suffer-" Yang Wei hesitated, feeling bad that they were willing to follow him. "On one condition," Ying Feng raised a finger to stop him. "If we're in a dangerous situation, we run. All of us."

Yang Wei smiled. "Alright."

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"I only see trees here and there. When are we going to find the lake?" Mei Lan grumbled. "We should follow this river to find the lake," Yang Wei, who was walking in front, replied. Suddenly, someone stopped them.

"My oh my... two people I hate the most in the same team," said another disciple they didn't know. His face was full of hatred, despite his sly smile. "Who?" Yang Wei frowned.

The man drew his sword, seemingly trying to intimidate Yang Wei. "You don't need to know my name. I originally hated Xu Yanran, but now I hate you even more, Yang Wei." His voice grew darker as he pointed his sword at Yang Wei.

"U-um... fighting between disciples isn't allowed," Mei Lan tried to intervene. "Says who? It's not allowed inside the sect, but we're in the training realm," the man replied. "I don't even know you. How can you hate me?" Yang Wei's expression darkened.

"Because you caught the attention of the person I admire the most. I joined the sect because of him. He's my hero. Every day, I dreamed of being able to learn beside him. He's the senior I love."

"The heck is this person talking about?" Ying Feng whispered.

"It's Senior Yang Luoya!" The man's voice was full of reverence.

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"What?" Ying Feng, Mei Lan, and Xu Yanran were surprised, while Yang Wei's face darkened.

"He's strong, responsible, dignified. His crimson eyes and fiery hair—just one glance from him, and the sea would catch fire," the man continued blabbering, while Yang Wei's gaze grew colder.

"Yang Wei, are you okay?" Mei Lan asked.

"Such bloodlust," Xu Yanran muttered.

"He's the person I admire. At first, I thought he was interested in Xu Yanran, but you hugged him so easily. Because of you, he never noticed me. His attention and love should be mine."

Yang Wei took a step forward, his face dark and menacing. Ying Feng panicked and grabbed his waist to stop him. "NO KILLING, NO KILLING BETWEEN DISCIPLES!" He looked pale as he held on tightly.

"What do you mean? I won't kill him," Yang Wei replied with a dark smile, his gaze empty. "Your face, your face is scary!" Mei Lan took a few steps back. The man stood there, confused by their behavior. "Your bloodlust is overwhelming. It's suffocating," Xu Yanran explained.

"Don't worry. I'll make him half-dead... if he's lucky," Yang Wei said with a chilling calmness.

Meanwhile...

Yang Luoya's face turned red from embarrassment for a moment, and Wu Zhen laughed out loud. "Hahaha... Crimson eyes and fiery hair, a single glance can set the sea on fire!" Wu Zhen laughed so hard he clutched his stomach.

"Stop teasing me!" Yang Luoya grumbled.