Chapter 32: The Silent Dagger

Even as a dagger was about to pierce his heart, Ye Cha remained composed. In fact, he examined the dagger with interest, noticing the high-quality spirit stones embedded in it. It was clear that whoever owned this was not short on money. ‘It seems that whether you’re rich or poor, everyone has their own troubles,’ Ye Cha mused.

As these thoughts crossed his mind, Shen Ruotong, seated beside him, didn’t move a muscle. With a mere glance, she summoned an invisible sword energy that shattered the flying dagger into fragments, spirit stones and all. Ye Cha watched with a hint of regret, but his expression remained unchanged, only a bit paler, as if he were startled by the dagger.

‘宗主, I have failed in my duty. Please punish me!’ After the dagger was effortlessly dealt with, the leader of the Enforcement Squad rushed to Shen Ruotong, kneeling on one knee, seeking forgiveness.

Shen Ruotong didn’t blame the leader, but instead looked towards the arena. After the disturbance, the match had stopped, leaving Bai Ge and Zhou Li with anxious expressions, unprepared for such a sudden turn of events. Zhou Li’s brow beaded with sweat as he watched his dagger shatter, realizing he had nearly injured Ye Cha and feeling doomed.

Over the past two days, the name on everyone’s lips within the Lingtian Sect was Ye Cha. This led many to believe he had a mysterious relationship with the Sect Master, possibly becoming her future companion…

Some envied and resented him, while others saw him as a formidable figure, capable of capturing the Sect Master’s attention. Unlike men, who often used clever tactics to achieve their goals, female cultivators were straightforward and pure in their emotions.

Many male cultivators admired Ye Cha, seeing him as a masterful strategist. Some even wanted to take him as their teacher, hoping to learn a trick or two and ensure their future success. After all, if the Sect Master showed such interest in Ye Cha, he must be extraordinarily talented.

Now, seeing the Sect Master’s precious protege nearly injured by his dagger, Zhou Li felt his clothes sticking to his skin, damp with sweat. As Zhou Li’s mind raced with worry, Shen Ruotong remained unfazed, seeing such incidents as a normal part of competitions and having no intention of punishing anyone. In truth, she simply wanted to avoid trouble.

‘No matter, continue!’ She gestured with her hand, and a gust of wind lifted the Enforcement Squad leader to her feet. The leader was almost moved to tears, relieved that the Sect Master hadn’t blamed her.

Originally, every competition within the sect used an array for protection against accidents. However, this time, the Peak Master of Wanfa Peak was absent, along with some of the peak’s talented disciples, all busy researching new arrays. This left only a few lesser disciples to handle the task.

The leader decided that after the competition, she would teach the disciple who set up the array a lesson, making sure he promised to prevent any more incidents.

‘宗主, I was too reckless and caused this trouble. I will accept any punishment. And, Ye Cha, I apologize for startling you; it was my fault.’ Even though the Sect Master hadn’t pursued the matter, Bai Ge, after quickly ending the match, approached Shen Ruotong and Ye Cha, his face filled with remorse.

Ye Cha listened without showing emotion, but thought to himself, ‘Have I found a kindred spirit?’