Chapter 3: Sect Elder Shocked!

Chapter 3: Sect Elder Shocked!

Elder Mo's sharp gaze swept across the courtyard, his presence alone making the surrounding disciples tense up. He was a Spirit King Realm cultivator—far above anything these outer disciples could comprehend.

His eyes landed on Bai Chen, who was still on the ground, trembling from the impact of Leon's counterattack.

"What is the meaning of this?" Elder Mo's voice was cold and authoritative. "Why is an elite disciple lying unconscious while an outer disciple stands victorious?"

The watching disciples hesitated before one of them hurriedly spoke up.

"Elder Mo! It was Leon Xian! He suddenly gained immense strength and defeated Senior Brother Bai Chen in a single exchange!"

Elder Mo frowned. "Leon Xian?" He turned his gaze toward Leon, his expression unreadable. "You? The sect's cripple?"

Leon didn't react to the insult. Instead, he clasped his hands in a respectful yet relaxed manner. "Elder Mo, I was simply defending myself. Senior Brother Bai Chen came to humiliate me first."

Liu Qingyue stepped forward, trying to twist the situation in her favor. "Elder Mo, that's not the full story! Leon Xian somehow gained power out of nowhere! It's unnatural!"

The elder's eyes narrowed. "Is that true? Did you use some forbidden method?"

Leon smirked internally. They can't comprehend my power, so they assume I cheated? Typical.

He deliberately suppressed his aura, making it seem like he had simply hidden his strength all along. Then, with a calm expression, he spoke:

"Elder Mo, what forbidden method could a so-called cripple like me possibly use?" He chuckled lightly. "Perhaps… I was simply never a cripple to begin with?"

The surrounding disciples gasped.

"You mean… he was hiding his strength all along?!"

"That would explain why he suddenly became so strong!"

"But why would he pretend to be weak for so long?"

Leon let their imaginations run wild. It was always better to let people assume things rather than explain the truth.

Elder Mo studied Leon for a moment before nodding. "If you did not use any demonic or forbidden techniques, then this matter is closed." He glanced at Bai Chen, who was still groaning on the ground. "Since Bai Chen was the one who initiated the fight, he will take full responsibility for his loss."

Bai Chen's face turned red with humiliation, but he didn't dare argue with an elder.

Leon smiled faintly. Checkmate.

Just as the tension began to fade, Elder Mo suddenly spoke again.

"Leon Xian, since you claim to have hidden your strength… then you should have no issue proving yourself in the upcoming Sect Ranking Tournament."

Leon's eyes flickered with interest.

Sect Ranking Tournament?

Liu Qingyue smirked, thinking this was her chance to ruin Leon. "Yes, Elder Mo! If Leon is truly strong, he should prove it there!"

The surrounding disciples whispered among themselves.

"The Sect Ranking Tournament… that's where only the strongest disciples compete!"

"If Leon participates, he'll be forced to fight top geniuses!"

"Even if he's strong now, he can't compare to true prodigies!"

Elder Mo's gaze was firm. "Leon Xian, do you accept this challenge?"

Leon's lips curled into a confident smirk.

"A challenge?" He chuckled. "No… this is just an opportunity for me to take first place."

The crowd erupted in shock.

"Take first place?! Is he crazy?!"

"That means he'll have to defeat the top ten ranked disciples!"

"This guy… he's really planning to dominate the sect?!"

Elder Mo raised an eyebrow but nodded. "Very well. We shall see if your arrogance is backed by ability." He then turned, his robes fluttering. "The tournament begins in three days. Be prepared."

With that, he vanished into the sky, leaving behind a courtyard filled with disbelief and tension.

Leon glanced at Liu Qingyue, who was staring at him with a complicated expression.

"Regretting your decision already?" he asked casually.

She clenched her fists but didn't respond.

Leon chuckled. Too late for regrets.

His journey to the top had only just begun.