Xuan Yi realized, albeit too late, that certain matters couldn't be addressed hastily. Perhaps allowing Hai Du to collide head-on with the Yang would have been a more prudent approach to handle the situation.
However, his jaw throbbed with pain, and his thoughts were muddled. Master Hai Du had exerted far more force than necessary with that blow.
If it hadn't been for Tian Wei, Xuan Yi would have crashed heavily onto a rock. Tian Wei instinctively extended his palm and steadied him. Even Tian Wei was caught off guard by Hai Du's unexpected reaction towards his own master's son.
"You insolent brat! You seem to attract nothing but misfortune," Hai Du exclaimed, readying himself to strike Xuan Yi. However, he was met with the poker-faced expression of Tian Wei, causing him to abruptly cease his actions.
"Young man, if saving him isn't your concern, I can assure you that his father will boil him in oil when he returns. I might be doing him a favor by sparing him that torment," Hai Du snarled.
Xuan Yi interjected firmly, "I cannot allow him to be harmed."
Hai Du contemplated the situation, realizing that he could still return Xuan Yi's lifeless body and complete his mission. However, he understood that things could become overwhelmingly complicated if he inflicted severe harm upon Xuan Yi. After all, Xuan Yi was the young master of the Xuan Clan, while Hai Du was merely a teacher within the sect. Moreover, the old man did hold a fondness for his son, as evidenced by the extensive search that had been conducted.
"You truly are a thorn in the side of the Xuan Clan," Hai Du retorted, his frustration evident as he turned away.
Suddenly, an energy fluctuation swept through the air, causing the ground to vibrate in unison.
The young miss of the Longsword Sect had completed her cultivation, breaking through the 8th cycle of Tempered Bone. Xuan Yi knew that he stood little chance of defeating her in combat.
However, his gaze remained fixated on the cave from which the disturbance had emanated, witnessing the embodiment of that newfound power.
She appeared to be significantly younger than Xuan Yi, perhaps around 14 or 16 years old. The sight of such young talent struck a blow to Xuan Yi's ego. This level of skill and ability resembled that of the experts and geniuses within the inner sect, causing his heart to sink.
With each step she took, the evidence of her breakthrough became apparent. The ground cracked beneath her feet, and a dark blue spark of lightning flickered in the air around her footsteps.
Approaching Hai Du with a smile, she received his nod of approval and admiration.
"This talent is truly remarkable. Young Miss, you have accomplished an extraordinary feat. The Longsword Sect holds immense potential," Hai Du praised.
"Of course, I am exceptional," she responded arrogantly, displaying no hint of modesty.
Hai Du simply nodded, recognizing that when someone possessed the qualifications, they could be as stubborn and arrogant as they pleased and still earn praise. This young lady held significant power and influence.
"And who are these scrawny individuals?" she asked with piqued curiosity.
"This is Tian Wei. The person beside him is misfortune. Now, let us return. Your clan will undoubtedly celebrate your breakthrough," Hai Du replied, almost disregarding the presence of Xuan Yi and Tian Wei. He anticipated receiving a reward for protecting her and aiding in her breakthrough.
"This Tian Wei feels strange. What is his cultivation?" she asked, squinting at Tian Wei with curiosity.
Xuan Yi shook his head, sensing the unusual aura emanating from Tian Wei. It was a feeling of power, one that he had never experienced even from the sect head. However, Tian Wei couldn't possibly be that formidable.
"You may possess strength, but you and your Longsword shithole, do not have the right to be disrespectful, neither to me nor to Tian Wei," Xuan Yi interjected firmly.
"Listen here, Misfortune—"
"Huh?" Tian Wei couldn't help but scoff, surprised by the derogatory term.
"I have no interest in insignificant worms like you, who can't even earn themselves a proper name. My sole concern is with Tian Wei," she retorted dismissively.
Xuan Yi found himself with little recourse. Pressing the matter further would not be wise. However, he silently vowed to remember this disrespect, along with the countless others he had endured from everyone he knew.
One day, when and if he grew stronger, he would repay every ounce of it. The girl seemed to notice Xuan Yi's retreat, which only bolstered her confidence further. A wry smile broke in her face.
"It would be boring if I didn't spar with this young master and learn a thing or two," she declared, forming a crackling rope of bluish lightning in her hand. Her aura, unmistakably at the height of the Tempered Phase, surged out.
As she took a few steps towards Xuan Yi, his flood of chi was unleashed. "Second cycle of the Tempered Phase. Ha ha," she laughed with condescension. "Considering your age and the abundant resources poured into you, you should have reached at least the Tempered Bones realm. What a shame. I can see why they call you Misfortune.
"Xuan Yi took a step forward. The mountain trembled. However, before he could continue, he paused, and everyone froze in place.
Just as Xuan Yi was becoming confused at how it is that he was that strong, he heard a whistling sound close to his ear, and just as tremendous force crashed into his abdomen, hurtling him away.
In that moment, he realized that there were countless individuals who possessed the ability to kill him swiftly and silently - and he would never see it coming.
Landing roughly on the ground, he saw Tian Wei, his fingers perfectly golden, holding a seemingly withered yellow bamboo leaf between his trembling fingers. The delayed shockwave arrived, causing a fissure to extend outward over a long distance.
It became clear to Xuan Yi that if Tian Wei had been even a moment too late, he would have died. Standing next to Tian Wei was Hai Du.