Chapter 3: The Waste Protagonist and the Overbearing Senior Brother

Although Xuanfeng Mansion was merely a second-rate power on the vast Azure Blue Continent, within the enormous Cloudsoaring Nation, it stood as one of the paramount forces. Its Mansion Lord, a powerhouse at the peak of the Heavenly Void realm, was a figure rarely seen across the continent; thus, any disciple accepted into Xuanfeng Mansion was invariably a genius lauded and fawned over by friends and family alike.

As a core disciple, Lan Wu Xi’s treatment undoubtedly surpassed that of ordinary disciples by a significant margin.

Yet, this did not imply that other disciples’ treatment was meager; quite the contrary, as the fresh blood of Xuanfeng Mansion, their benefits stirred envy and jealousy in countless hearts.

Many yearned to break through every barrier, devising myriad ways to send their own children into Xuanfeng Nation.

Indeed, success in this endeavor would be akin to a sparrow transforming into a phoenix, allowing ordinary folk to boast for a lifetime: ‘My children are disciples of a certain cultivation sect!’ Such words would undoubtedly make listeners believe that their offspring were destined for greatness.

Cultivators, it must be remembered, were outnumbered by mortals at a ratio of one to fifty.

Achieving Foundation Establishment and reaching the first stage of Qi Refining marked one as a true, qualified cultivator.

Upon reaching the tenth stage of Qi Refining, one could successfully step into the Profound Wheel realm.

Should a cultivator of the Profound Wheel realm pledge allegiance to a kingdom, they could at least secure a minor official position, for Profound Wheel cultivators were indispensable in battle.

Many smaller nations even offered superior treatment to those of the Profound Wheel rank, clearly illustrating the esteemed status of cultivators in the mortal world.

“Pay close attention, everyone. This technique is the Water Repentance Palm, comprising three forms.

Though its movements appear simple and unremarkable, it subtly integrates offense and defense, emphasizing softness overcoming hardness.

For you female cultivators, practicing this will yield twice the results with half the effort.”

A female instructor demonstrated martial arts in the Martial Arena for Xuanfeng Mansion’s disciples.

Her palm techniques flowed as gently as willow catkins yet carried an undeniable might, her posture swaying gracefully with each movement, captivating the young girls whose eyes sparkled with admiration.

On the Azure Blue Continent, martial arts were absolutely essential.

The stronger one’s martial art, the more it showcased their personal strength and the profound backing of their lineage.

The technique currently being demonstrated to these ordinary disciples was considered the most basic within Xuanfeng Mansion, yet it still held the girls’ gazes, none daring to blink lest they miss a crucial detail.

The guidance of an instructor in martial arts and cultivation methods, after all, was immeasurably more effective than fumbling through self-study.

Most of these ordinary disciples were at the Foundation Establishment and Qi Refining stages, where victory in combat often hinged on one’s mastery and proficiency with their cultivation method, dictating the power it unleashed.

However, not all students were diligently observing the instructor’s demonstration.

A girl with braided pigtails, a face full of freckles, and a sullen expression leaned in an inconspicuous corner, head bowed in silence.

Had it not been for his trust in Teacher Bai Lio, Lan Wu Xi would never have believed that this girl was the very legendary female protagonist he had been tirelessly searching for!

After demonstrating the technique, the instructor instructed everyone to practice within the Martial Arena.

Soon, the previously dense crowd swiftly dispersed, forming small groups of three to five individuals.

Of course, everyone except Xiao Xue.

“Oh, Xiao Xue, I didn’t see you when the instructor was demonstrating the technique.

Could it be that a genius like you no longer deigns to watch the instructor’s guidance?”

Several girls approached Xiao Xue, seemingly out of nowhere, and began to mock her.

Yet, Xiao Xue acted as if she hadn’t heard a word, remaining silent, not even bothering to lift her head.

Though this was a practice ground specifically for female disciples, bullying was regrettably a common occurrence everywhere.

It was particularly prevalent among most of these girls, who were still in their rebellious phase, often seeking out those weaker than themselves to vent their inner frustrations and discontent.

Thus, like an ugly duckling among many white swans, Xiao Xue naturally became the silent, designated punching bag for everyone.

Naturally, on this continent where strength reigned supreme, if Xiao Xue possessed unparalleled talent or power, no one would dare to openly provoke her.

However, our female protagonist seemed rather underwhelming; her stats, compared to Lan Wu Xi’s expectations, were significantly lacking.

At sixteen, she was still only at the first stage of Qi Refining, a talent level practically synonymous with being a waste.

Xuanfeng Mansion, it should be noted, had a rule: if a disciple failed to reach the seventh stage of Qi Refining by the age of eighteen, they would be expelled.

Someone expelled at such a low cultivation level would undoubtedly face a difficult future.

“Hey! I’m talking to you, don’t play deaf and dumb.

Do you really think I can’t do anything to you just because you stay silent?”

“Forget it, forget it, don’t bother with her.

After all, she’s just a waste at Qi Refining Stage One; she’s not fit to stand with us in the future.

Why get angry?”

“Exactly, exactly.

In another two years, that girl will surely be expelled, and by then, she’ll become everyone’s laughingstock.”

Despite the girls’ acrimonious insults piercing her ears, Xiao Xue kept her head lowered, her thoughts unfathomable.

Witnessing the scene before him, Lan Wu Xi frowned slightly.

He had never imagined such bullying among female disciples, and the victim, astonishingly, was the very ‘big leg’ he intended to cling to in the future.

At this moment, he was utterly stunned.

Based on his understanding of the story, the female protagonist should have been a beauty capable of eclipsing the moon and shaming flowers.

How had she, in his reality, turned out to be the complete opposite, a ‘waste’ protagonist?

“I know what you want to ask, but even if I intervened, it would likely backfire.

After all, strength is paramount.

She doesn’t possess your exceptional talent; in fact, her aptitude is quite dismal.

As an instructor, I can protect her for a time, but not for a lifetime.

If she still hasn’t reached Qi Refining Stage Seven in two years, the ridicule and humiliation she’ll face will be even greater.

Moreover, she’s a pitiable soul, born in a slum, her parents seemingly burdened by a massive debt, and her grandfather bedridden.

The medicinal herbs the academy provides students each month are all used for her grandfather’s treatment.

It’s no wonder her cultivation has shown no progress for so long.

If this continues, she might not even last two years; she could be forcibly expelled by our academy much sooner.”

Listening to Teacher Bai Lio’s words, Lan Wu Xi remained silent.

Indeed, this female protagonist seemed vastly different from the one he had envisioned, yet her future remained unchanged.

She would become the revered Empress, admired by countless individuals.

While Lan Wu Xi was still bewildered by her seemingly ‘wasteful’ strength, he was certain this was the female protagonist he had been searching for.

Since the female protagonist was currently in distress, as her loyal lackey… ahem! Of course, as her little follower, he definitely needed to step forward and protect her.

Perhaps he could even seize the opportunity to gain some favor.

Lan Wu Xi immediately walked over and tapped one of the girls who was mocking Xiao Xue on the shoulder.

“Who’s tapping me?”

The girl turned back, puzzled, her expression shifting to surprise.

“A boy? This is the female Martial Arena.

How did a boy get in here?”

The other girls also looked towards Lan Wu Xi, and some sharp-eyed ones instantly reacted, exclaiming in surprise.

“Senior Brother Lan Wu Xi?!”

“Hello, Junior Sisters.

What are you doing here instead of cultivating your techniques?”

Lan Wu Xi wore a harmless smile, then narrowed his eyes, glancing at the flustered girls and Xiao Xue.

This was Lan Wu Xi’s self-taught ultimate facial technique, dubbed the ‘Mother’s Smile.’

With this move, he could make everyone present feel a refreshing coolness, like a spring breeze and rain, instantly calming their agitated moods.

It evoked a sense of goodwill from a senior towards their juniors, and its effect was even more potent when used on juniors who held him in awe!

“N-nothing, we were just playing around, S-senior Brother.

We’ll go cultivate our techniques now.”

Feeling that chilling coolness, the girls forced smiles as they explained, then hastily departed.

“Wow, Senior Brother Lan Wu Xi really came!

I was just wondering if he would visit us, and now seeing him in person, he’s even more handsome than I imagined!”

“Exactly!

Senior Brother Lan Wu Xi is already a core disciple.

How wonderful would it be if a Senior Brother like him liked me!”

“Oh, please.

If Senior Brother really liked you, I’d try every means to steal him from you.”

“You’re not my best friend anymore!

You’d even go after my boyfriend? We’re done!”

With Lan Wu Xi’s appearance, a rift formed in a pair of best friends’ friendship in mere moments.

After chasing away the others, Lan Wu Xi approached Xiao Xue, flashing what he believed to be a handsome smile, and spoke.

“Are you Xiao Xue?

Hello, I’m Lan Wu Xi, you can also call me Senior Brother Lan Wu Xi.

Why aren’t you cultivating alone?

Would you like me to guide you?”

Matching his words with what he considered a gentle tone, Lan Wu Xi believed that with his personal charm, Xiao Xue would surely not refuse him.

Then, as time went on, ‘love would blossom over time’—ahem!

This ‘love,’ of course, referred to the friendship between friends, so don’t get any wrong ideas.

And to that student who keeps dwelling on ‘love blossoming over time,’ please consciously step forward, stand in the corner, and recite the twenty-four core socialist values.

Your thoughts are very dangerous!

“No way!

Did I hear that right?

Senior Brother Lan Wu Xi is actually going to guide that Xiao Xue!”

“Impossible!

That laggard?

I must have misheard!”

“Th-th-this… this can’t be real.

Shuangshuang, quickly pinch my face.

Ooh, ooh, ooh!

Ow! Why so hard? You’re killing me!”

“W-wasn’t it you who told me to pinch you?”

As for the girls who had just insulted Xiao Xue, their faces were now a picture of stunned disbelief.

The ‘waste’ they spoke of was actually being proactively invited for guidance by Senior Brother Lan Wu Xi!

How could this be possible?! A hint of fear crept onto their faces.

Could it be that Senior Brother Lan Wu Xi had a soft spot for her?

If that were true, wouldn’t they have offended Senior Brother Lan Wu Xi as well?

If Xiao Xue reported them to Senior Brother Lan Wu Xi, wouldn’t they have to endure his wrath in the future?

‘I thought this kid would have a breakthrough in emotional intelligence after becoming a core disciple, but he’s still a simpleton,’ Bai Lio thought.

‘Isn’t this just telling everyone that he’s interested in Xiao Xue?

If this kid hadn’t repeatedly said he had something to ask of Xiao Xue, I’d really suspect his taste was different from everyone else’s.’

Despite Lan Wu Xi’s proactive invitation, Xiao Xue still offered no response, causing Lan Wu Xi’s eyelids to twitch.

Could it be that his actions were too abrupt?

Or did she suspect he was a swindler?

With Xiao Xue remaining silent, Lan Wu Xi could only maintain his smile, his facial muscles eventually stiffening and involuntarily trembling.

“Please, my dear lady, at least give me a reply!

If this continues, where will I put my face?” A very awkward Lan Wu Xi forced a smile.

“Even if Junior Sister doesn’t agree to give me a reply, at least say something!

If this continues, my facial muscles might just freeze like this.”

The female protagonist, at this moment, was unaware of Lan Wu Xi’s internal complaints.

He, on the other hand, was desperately praying for an angel to save his face, which was rapidly stiffening and almost twisting into a grimace.

Just then, Teacher Bai Lio, seeing the situation was amiss, quickly stepped forward and spoke softly.

“Alright, Lan Wu Xi, since you’ve come to see your teacher today, why don’t you demonstrate the Water Repentance Palm technique while everyone is here?

I’m sure many still have points they haven’t fully grasped.”

‘Teacher Bai Lio, I love you to death!!! You truly are an angel!’

Finally relieved, Lan Wu Xi dropped his already stiff smile, then turned and nodded towards the excited and joyous young girls.

“The teacher speaks wisely.

Then, I, your Senior Brother, shall demonstrate the Water Repentance Palm technique for my Junior Sisters once more.

Junior Sisters, please observe carefully.”

Lan Wu Xi believed that by showcasing his strength before the female protagonist, she would no longer be so cold towards him.

If he could then present himself as a gentle and enthusiastic Senior Brother, the female protagonist would surely feel indebted to him and intercede on his behalf with the male protagonist, thus resolving his conflict with the protagonist.

Afterward, he could single-mindedly pursue Lin Yufei without any worries, leading to the pinnacle of his life.

It truly sounded exhilarating!

And so, Lan Wu Xi, abandoning his usual idleness, earnestly began to instruct the numerous junior brothers and sisters.

“Speaking of this move, I, your Senior Brother, also have my own insights.”

Lan Wu Xi chuckled lightly, his hand movements slowly transforming.

Upon closer inspection, they seemed slightly different from the instructor’s earlier demonstration.

“In my opinion, while the Water Repentance Palm emphasizes softness overcoming hardness, it doesn’t necessarily mean focusing excessively on defense.

After all, to me, offense is always the best defense.

As long as your offense is sharp, even if the opponent is fully defensive, they are bound to make mistakes.

And once we seize those mistakes, victory will surely be ours!”

With that, Lan Wu Xi performed an entirely new set of Water Repentance Palm movements before everyone.

Although the moves were identical to what the instructor had taught earlier, one could feel a much stronger energy fluctuation.

Lan Wu Xi’s proficiency with the Water Repentance Palm was in no way inferior to the previous instructor; in fact, the fluid execution of the technique, combined with his unique interpretation, created a novel artistic conception that even the instructor herself found slightly lacking.

Lan Wu Xi’s demonstration of the technique also opened a new world for the other female junior sisters present.

Bai Lio nodded repeatedly, her eyes shining with admiration, and Xiao Xue, upon hearing Lan Wu Xi’s explanation, subtly raised her head a fraction.

“How was that?

Did everyone watch carefully?”

After completing the set of techniques, Lan Wu Xi noticed that everyone else was dumbfounded.

He worried that he had been overconfident and performed poorly, that his attempt to show off had backfired, and he had shot himself in the foot.

Anxiously, he asked, fearing that his image in front of Xiao Xue and the others might have suffered.

“As expected of Senior Brother, truly amazing!

I feel like my understanding of this technique has deepened even further!”

“Yes, I was involuntarily mesmerized watching Senior Brother’s palm techniques just now.

They were absolutely dazzling, completely different from the instructor’s earlier demonstration, yet far more elegant and powerful.

Senior Brother, I admire you more and more!”

“Senior Brother, are you still looking for a dao companion?

If possible, could I…?”

Bai Lio, who had initially been nodding in appreciation, instantly darkened her expression upon hearing this, and she loudly reprimanded them.

“All of you, all you know is to slack off during training, and I’m sure it’s the same for your usual cultivation!

Look at your Senior Brother Lan Wu Xi; I watched him become a core disciple step by step.

Don’t let his similar age fool you; he has already reached the Profound Wheel realm!

Yet, you lot still don’t know how to cultivate diligently, always thinking about resting on your laurels!”

‘Hey, wasn’t that a bit too harsh? Why such a sudden outburst of anger? If she keeps this up, she’ll never find a partner.’

However, Lan Wu Xi hadn’t enjoyed such widespread envious gazes for a long time, especially with Teacher Bai Lio’s praise and commendation.

He now felt as if he were floating above the clouds, a state commonly known as ‘getting carried away.’

Of course, Lan Wu Xi wasn’t like Teacher Bai Lio described, diligently cultivating every day.

As the possessor of a villain’s halo, his usual work involved idleness, often teasing his childhood friend Lin Yufei until she indignantly called him an ‘idiot,’ only then apologizing contentedly.

After all, given their relationship, he wasn’t afraid of Lin Yufei getting angry with him.

He simply slept on time every day, and by the next morning, his cultivation would naturally advance to a new stage.

Even though Lan Wu Xi always presented an image of a carefree wastrel to others, as his strength rapidly soared in a cheat-like manner, those perceptions would naturally crumble.

This was the reality of the cultivation world: powerful strength could change everything.

Moreover, one point absolutely had to be noted: the quality of one’s talent truly could determine the future direction of a person’s life.

“How about it, Junior Sister Xiao Xue?

Can I guide you in your cultivation now?”

Lan Wu Xi looked at the female protagonist.

He believed that after demonstrating such extraordinary strength, she would no longer have any reason to refuse him.

After all, how could anyone refuse the help of a talented and powerful Senior Brother?

Just as Lan Wu Xi thought everything was proceeding smoothly, a remark, like a bolt from the clear blue sky, came from Xiao Xue’s mouth.

“You’re too noisy.

I refuse.

Can you please stop bothering me!”