Chapter 2213 Coercive (1)


    Oblivious to the unintended spark he''d ignited in Liu Meng''er, Yun Lintian continued to venture around the grove.


    Three days had passed. By the second day, he''d abandoned further point collection, choosing instead to settle near theke. Today marked the conclusion of thepetition''s first round, and his ce at the top was practically a foregone conclusion.


    Buzz—


    A sudden brilliance erupted in the sky, followed by Qing Zong''s booming voice. "The time hase. The first round is over. All participants, prepare for transport."


    A white light instantly enveloped Yun Lintian and all the others within the grove. As the light subsided, they found themselves back on the za.


    Gazes darted around the za the moment they reappeared. A stark realization settled in - many participants hadn''t returned, evidently sumbing to the challenges within the grove.


    "No! Where''s Jinxiao?!" A middle-aged man on the raised tform bellowed. It was none other than Cui Xiang, the current sect master of the Iron Palm Sect.


    His outburst sent a ripple of shock through the crowd. All eyes fell upon the returning participants, and the conspicuous absence of Cui Jinxiao and his men fueled the disquiet. This turn of events was undeniably peculiar.


    Among the participants, Liu Meng''er''s heart pounded nervously. She struggled to maintain a calm facade, her thoughts flitting towards Yun Lintian, who stood serenely as if untouched by the unfolding drama.


    "What troubles you, Meng''er?" A soft voice, her master An Yuchen''s, reached Liu Meng''er''s ears.


    Regaining herposure, Liu Meng''er discreetly ryed the situation to her master, omitting any mention of Yun Lintian''s involvement.


    On the high tform, An Yuchen studied her disciple with a skeptical eye. While Liu Meng''er''s talent was undeniable, An Yuchen harbored doubts about her ability to overpower Cui Jinxiao and his men. Something about this situation felt amiss.


    However, given Liu Meng''er''s spotless record of honesty, An Yuchen decided not to pry further, at least not for now.


    "Who among you did it!?" Cui Xiang, consumed by rage, unleashed his God Emperor''s aura, a crushing weight that nched the faces of the participants.


    "Such arrogance!" Su Jian countered with a frigid pronouncement as his own aura erupted, effortlessly dispelling Cui Xiang''s oppressive energy.


    Cui Xiang, jolted back to his senses, hastily cupped his fists in apology. "My apologies, Senior Su. I have overstepped."


    "As I clearly stated before thepetition''smencement," Qing Zong interjected calmly, "peril lurked within every corner of the grove. It appears your young sect leader has unfortunately met with misfortune. Perhaps directing your ire inwards, at hisck ofpetence, would be a more productive course of action. Particrly considering the unnecessary number of subordinates he brought with him."


    Cui Xiang, his jaw clenched tight with suppressed fury, found himself speechless. Humiliation gnawed at him, but he had no grounds for rebuttal.


    With a begrudging bow, he muttered, "Thank you for your wisdom, Thirteenth Prince."


    Qing Zong, unfazed by Cui Xiang''s outburst, turned his gaze towards Yun Lintian. He couldn''t help but notice the young man''s remarkableposure under the immense pressure of Cui Xiang''s aura. This unexpected disy further solidified Qing Zong''s resolve to recruit Yun Lintian.


    Buzz—


    The air on the za thrummed with tension as Qing Zong, with a sweeping gesture, unveiled a massive projection in the sky. This holographic disy showcased the rankings, a culmination of the points earned by each participant throughout the grueling first round.


    A collective gasp rippled through the participants as Yun Lintian''s name zed at the very top, his score a staggering figure that dwarfed the others. Whispers and murmurs erupted, a mix of astonishment and disbelief.


    "He won," Liu Meng''er said with a smile. She didn''t even bother to look at her rankings.


    Yun Lintian, however, remained unmoved, his expression a mask of indifference. He had anticipated this oue. n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Qing Zong''s voice boomed once more, cutting through the mor. "Congrattions to all who have sessfully navigated the first round. Your resilience and prowess have earned you a ce in the next stage."


    A pause hung in the air, pregnant with anticipation.


    "Three days hence, the tournament shallmence. Rest well, for you will need every ounce of strength and cunning to emerge victorious."


    With a final flourish, Qing Zong dismissed the participants, leaving them to their thoughts and preparations.


    Yun Lintian, apanied by his n members, made their way back to their residence. The atmosphere within the group was a mix of jubtion and apprehension. The Young Patriarch''s ster performance had filled them with pride, but the looming tournament cast a shadow of uncertainty.


    A wide smile stretched across Yun Wuhan''s face as he patted his son''s shoulder. "I''m proud of you, son."


    Yun Lintian returned the smile with a question. "Something on your mind, Dad? There''s a hint of worry in your eyes, and it doesn''t seempetition-rted."


    Yun Wuhan sighed,unching into a recount of Qing Zong''s recruitment attempt. "The decision rests with you, son. While refusing the Prince might ruffle feathers, the Yun n isn''t powerless." His expression hardened, a silent promise to fight for his son if needed.


    Yun Lintian felt a warmth spread through him at his father''s unwavering support. "Do you trust me, Dad?" he asked, a gentle smile ying on his lips.


    "Without a doubt," Yun Wuhan affirmed with a firm nod.


    "Then let me handle this conversation alone," Yun Lintian suggested. "I can assure you, he won''t be a bother again."


    Yun Wuhan''s initial surprise gave way to reluctant agreement. "Very well," he conceded..


    Yun Lintian said gently. "Let''s get some rest. I''ll pay him a visit tonight." With that, he retreated to his room.


    Yun Wuhan watched his son disappear behind the door. After a contemtive moment, he hurried towards the Ancestral Hall, intent on discussing the matter with the ancestors.


    ***


    Bang!


    A resounding crash echoed through the spacious room as Cui Xiang mmed his palm onto the table, reducing it to splinters.


    "Find them!" he roared, his voice thick with fury. He refused to ept the notion of Cui Jinxiao''s demise by ident.


    An elder beside him spoke up. "Sect Master, perhaps it''s time to inform the ancestor. With Qing Zong present, an investigation here would be fraught with difficulty. Only the ancestor''s intervention could guarantee a fair oue."


    Cui Xiang exhaled heavily. "Is there no other recourse?"


    The elder pondered for a moment. "There''s a detail I noticed. Liu Meng''er bears injuries consistent with our Iron Palm technique."


    Cui Xiang''s eyes narrowed into slits, a dangerous glint flickering within them. "The Mystic Light Sect?"