Chapter 27: The Sect Master’s Piqued Interest

After Shen Ruotong took her seat, the sect’s minor competition officially began.

However, knowing her aversion to elaborate formalities, the Peak Master of Myriad Sword Peak, who was presiding over the competition, immediately declared its commencement.

A minor competition was held every three years, and a major one every decade.

Having experienced every kind of sect competition since her days as a low-tier cultivator, Shen Ruotong, now in the position of Sect Master, found them utterly commonplace.

It was difficult for anything to pique her interest.

Moreover, in such competition venues, Shen Ruotong’s role as Sect Master was merely ceremonial.

Beyond the initial stages, everyone’s attention would inevitably converge on the arena, not on her.

Nevertheless, with great power came great responsibility.

Thus, Shen Ruotong could only endure the boredom, remaining in her seat and awaiting the competition’s conclusion.

“Are you well these days?”

Due to her boredom, and unable to cultivate in front of everyone, Shen Ruotong’s gaze fell upon Ye Cha, who stood quietly to the side.

His calm and well-behaved demeanor, neither noisy nor disruptive, evoked an involuntary sense of fondness within her.

Immediately, Shen Ruotong beckoned to Ye Cha, signaling for him to approach her side.

Having lived for nearly a millennium, Shen Ruotong had encountered countless male cultivators.

Regardless of their cultivation level, they were invariably bothersome, approaching her with fawning expressions solely due to her beauty and strength, hoping to become her cultivation partner.

Ye Cha, however, was different.

Ever since the incident two days prior, when Ye Cha was framed, the sect had been rife with gossip.

Despite Shen Ruotong’s general disinterest in such rumors, she couldn’t escape them, thanks to a particularly mischievous little disciple among her direct pupils.

This disciple’s primary amusement over the past two days had been recounting every piece of gossip she heard to Shen Ruotong.

Initially, Shen Ruotong paid little heed, but constantly hearing news about Ye Cha gradually sparked a degree of curiosity within her.

Had anyone else been entangled in such rumors with her, they would have, without a doubt, offered a public explanation.

After all, unlike her, they weren’t the Sect Master, and the disciples of Lingtian Sect wouldn’t dare to question her.

Within the sect, one would inevitably encounter inquisitive individuals.

Refusing to answer once or twice might be acceptable, but doing so repeatedly became tiresome.

Yet, Ye Cha had remained silent, directly secluding himself from visitors.

Upon seeing him again today, the calm expression on Ye Cha’s face held none of the surprise she had anticipated.

Instead, he treated her as an ordinary woman.

This unexpected reaction suddenly piqued Shen Ruotong’s interest in him.

Sometimes, people are truly peculiar.

Regardless of one’s cultivation level, those who constantly offer warm greetings are often overlooked, while those who remain aloof can somehow ignite interest.

Evidently, Shen Ruotong was currently one such person.

After her interest in Ye Cha was sparked, her gaze couldn’t help but drift towards him.

This subtle action was noticed by the members of the Enforcement Team, who were maintaining order nearby, causing them to secretly congratulate themselves on their decision.

It was precisely because of the recent rumors between Ye Cha and the Sect Master that they had assigned Ye Cha to stand here; now, it seemed like the correct choice!

Indeed, rumors were not always baseless.

“Thank you for your concern, Sect Master. Ye Cha is perfectly fine. I merely requested two days of leave from the Hall of Affairs to resolve some matters.”

Upon hearing Shen Ruotong’s inquiry, Ye Cha offered a slight, gentle, and harmless smile, devoid of any deliberate flattery.

It was a smile that warmed the hearts of those who saw it.

However, Shen Ruotong grew even more curious about Ye Cha.

What kind of matters would necessitate taking leave to resolve?

Could it be that the outer sect disciple who was punished that day harbored resentment and secretly played a trick on Ye Cha?

“Lingtian Sect is not a place for hidden malice. If you encounter something you cannot resolve, you can seek assistance from the Elder Council.”

The more Shen Ruotong considered it, the more plausible it seemed.

Looking at the seemingly unburdened Ye Cha, she hesitated for a moment before finally speaking.

Upon hearing her words, Ye Cha’s face first registered surprise, then, as if realizing something, the smile at the corners of his mouth grew even brighter.

“Please rest assured, Sect Master, Ye Cha has not encountered any difficulties. I merely broke through a cultivation bottleneck recently.

“After two days of effort, I have already reached the Foundation Establishment stage.”

As Ye Cha spoke, there was a hint of small pride, yet it was not at all off-putting.

His eyes seemed to conceal a sky full of stars, drawing others into their depths, making it impossible to extricate oneself.

Compared to Ye Cha’s handsome and distinguished appearance, Shen Ruotong was even more pleased by his self-reliance and ambition.

Such an aspiring man truly caused her favorable impression to skyrocket!