Chapter 14: "Somewhere's Calm And Somewhere's Buzz."

The sun kissed the horizon as it descended, painting the sky with brilliant hues of orange, red, and violet. The Vermillion Flame Sect glowed under the setting sun, its towering pavilions and lush greenery basking in the golden light. As if in harmony with the celestial scene, the sect seemed tranquil, but beneath this calm exterior, a storm of whispers and unrest was brewing.

Inside the fourth pavilion of the Sect Master Courtyard, Ye Xiaotian stood near the window. His sharp eyes scanned the stunning view outside a panorama of cascading mountains, flowing streams, and mist-laden forests. The vibrant sky added a surreal beauty, casting long shadows over the sect's well-organized courtyards.

The serenity of the moment, however, did little to soothe his thoughts. His hands clenched into fists, and his jaw tightened.

"I came here to cultivate," he muttered, his voice low but resolute, "and to become powerful. If anyone stands in my way… they'll have to die."

The orange glow of the setting sun seemed to ignite a fire within him. He held the gaze of the horizon for a moment longer, as if drawing strength from its beauty, before turning away and walking purposefully toward the meditation chamber.

Inside the chamber, Ye Xiaotian activated the intricate spiritual formations embedded in its walls. A faint glow emanated from the runes as they sprang to life, forming a barrier that would alert him to any intrusions. The hum of energy filled the air as the room was completely sealed off from the outside world.

Satisfied, he waved his hand, summoning a faint ripple in the air. A portal began to materialize before him, swirling with iridescent hues. Without hesitation, Ye Xiaotian stepped through, leaving the sect's turbulence behind and entering the spirit world.

The moment he entered, Ye Xiaotian was greeted by the familiar stillness of the spirit world. The air was crisp and pure, carrying a faint, otherworldly energy. The chaos pool shimmered in the distance, its surface rippling with a soft glow.

Near the pool, Lanyu, the mother wolf, lay motionless, her body encased in a faint aura of energy as she continued to absorb the chaos liquid. Her breathing was steady, and her fur seemed to glisten faintly, a sign of her gradual progress toward unlocking her bloodline.

Beside her lay Yin'er, the baby kirin, curled up in a relaxed slumber. But the moment the portal opened, her ears twitched, and her eyes snapped open. Recognizing Ye Xiaotian, her face lit up with uncontained joy.

With a cheerful chirp, Yin'er leaped to her feet and bolted toward him, her small hooves kicking up faint dust as she ran.

"Yin'er!" Ye Xiaotian called, a rare smile breaking across his face.

The baby kirin didn't stop until she leaped into his arms, nuzzling against his chest affectionately. Her soft fur radiated warmth, and her delighted chirps were music to his ears. She licked his face enthusiastically, her happiness infectious.

Ye Xiaotian laughed, the tension in his heart melting away. "Haha, that tickles, Yin'er!" he said, rubbing her head playfully.

For the first time in what felt like days, he allowed himself to relax. The worries of the Vermillion Flame Sect faded into the background as he focused on the small, lively creature in his arms. Her innocent joy reminded him of a simpler time a time before betrayal, before pain.

"Alright, alright," he said gently, placing her back on the ground. "Go back to your mother."

Yin'er let out a soft chirp of protest but obeyed, trotting back to Lanyu and curling up beside her once more. She glanced back at Ye Xiaotian, her eyes filled with trust and adoration.

Ye Xiaotian's gaze shifted to the chaos pool. At its center, the mysterious egg rested, partially submerged. Its surface shimmered faintly, and every so often, a deep, steady heartbeat echoed from within. The sound was soothing yet mysterious, a reminder of the life growing inside.

After observing the egg for a moment, Ye Xiaotian stepped into the pool, its energy wrapping around him like a warm embrace. Closing his eyes, he began to cultivate, drawing the chaos energy into his body. The energy coursed through him, refining his core and strengthening his foundation.

While Ye Xiaotian cultivated in peace, the Vermillion Flame Sect was anything but calm. News of his arrival and his privileged position had spread like wildfire, leaving disciples and elders alike in a state of shock and disbelief.

In the Core Disciple Courtyard, a vibrant garden bloomed under the moonlight. Butterflies with shimmering wings danced among the flowers, and a soft breeze carried the sweet scent of blooming spirit plants.

At the center of the garden stood a beautiful wooden house, its walls carved with intricate designs of the Vermillion Bird. The house exuded a sense of peace and authority, befitting its owner Mu Qinglan, the strongest core disciple of the sect.

The tranquility of the courtyard was shattered as a young woman in a red core disciple robe hurriedly ran toward the house. Her face was flushed, her breathing uneven, but her beauty was undeniable. Her long black hair flowed behind her, and her large, expressive eyes sparkled with determination.

"Big Senior Sister!" she called out, pounding on the door. "Big Senior Sister, please open up!"

After a moment, the door creaked open, and Mu Qinglan emerged. Her beauty was ethereal, her delicate features rivaling even those of Qin Lian. Her robes of crimson and gold accentuated her slender frame, and her eyes, deep and enigmatic, seemed to hold the wisdom of someone far older than her years.

"Ran Ran," Mu Qinglan said calmly, addressing her junior sister Zi Ran. "What's the matter? Why are you so flustered?"

Zi Ran took a deep breath, her words spilling out in a rush. "Big Senior Sister, something incredible has happened! The entire sect is in shock!"

Mu Qinglan tilted her head, her interest piqued. "Tell me."

Zi Ran recounted the events of the day the Sect Master's return, the ambush in the Great Azure Forest, and the revelation in the Grand Hall that a Foundation Realm boy had saved her and killed Yuan Zhao, one of the infamous Yuan brothers.

Mu Qinglan's composed demeanor faltered slightly as she processed the story. "A Foundation Realm boy… killed Yuan Zhao?" she repeated, her tone disbelieving.

"Yes!" Zi Ran exclaimed. "And that's not all! The Sect Master has made him a core disciple and given him the fourth pavilion in the Sect Master Courtyard!"

At this, Mu Qinglan's eyes narrowed, and a flicker of something unidentifiable crossed her face.

Zi Ran's voice rose in indignation. "It's not fair! You've done so much for the sect, and yet you've never been allowed to live in the Sect Master Courtyard. How can this boy someone who just appeared out of nowhere be given such an honor?"

Mu Qinglan's gaze hardened as she listened. She understood one thing clearly: Qin Lian's decisions were absolute. The Sect Master's authority could not be challenged, but that didn't mean she would accept the situation quietly.

"I will challenge him," she said finally, her voice firm. "If he truly deserves the fourth pavilion, he will have to prove it."

Zi Ran's eyes lit up with admiration. "Yes, Big Senior Sister! Teach him a lesson!"

As the night deepened, whispers spread through the sect like wildfire. Elders and disciples alike debated the absurdity of a Foundation Realm cultivator defeating a Soul Awakening expert. Many viewed Ye Xiaotian's presence in the Sect Master Courtyard as an insult to their years of dedication.

Meanwhile, in the spirit world, Ye Xiaotian remained undisturbed. The chaos energy flowed through him like a river, refining his body and mind.

Let them come, he thought, a faint smirk forming on his lips. I didn't come here to please anyone. I came to grow stronger.

The chaos pool rippled faintly, as if echoing his resolve.

End of Chapter 14